Innovation Insider

• Important Dates
• Hexter Highlights
• Celebrating Students
• Online Registration
• Cell Phone Support
• Spotlight on School Safety
• A Note from Our Principal

• May 27: No School - Memorial Day
• May 29: Graduation Practice
• May 30: Grad Walk
• May 31: Graduation
• May 31: Hex 6 Exhibition
• June 6: Last Day of School

Grad Walk - 5/30, 9:00AM: 2024 grads - wear your cap and gown to visit your former middle and elementary schools and be celebrated for all of your hard work! Click here to get registered - the deadline for registration is May 20.

Graduation - 5/31, 6:00PM: Mark your calendars for the very first Innovation Academy graduation ceremony! Read on for more details…

We need your help!

Our students work diligently during the day to complete their work and engage in their learning. Cell phones can be an issue as a distraction from that focus and that is where we need your help as our Innovation Academy families.

Encouraging high school students to limit their cell phone usage during school hours can be challenging, but here are some strategies families can use to support at home:

1. Create a technology-free zone: Designate specific areas of the house, such as the dining room or study area, as technology-free zones during homework or study time.

2. Lead by example: Model appropriate cell phone behavior yourself. If your student sees you prioritizing face-to-face interactions and limiting screen time, they are more likely to follow suit.

3. Establish a schedule: Set specific times for when it's appropriate to use cell phones, such as during breaks or after school. Stick to this schedule consistently.

4. Provide alternatives: Offer alternative activities or rewards for when your student successfully avoids using their cell phone during school hours, such as spending time outdoors or earning privileges.

5. Educate about the importance of focus: Help your student understand the importance of minimizing distractions during school hours in order to focus on learning and academic success.

Wednesday, May 29, 2:00-4:00PM

Graduation Practice is mandatory to graduate. Students must be at Spiegelberg Stadium (700-898 Kenyon Street) by 1:45PM.

Thursday, May 30, 9:00AM

Please sign up to join your peers for Grad Walk. This is an opportunity to thank your former teachers and staff.

Students will check in at 9:00AM at Innovation Academy (1321 Center Drive) and return to Innovation Academy around 11:10AM.

Click here to register! Deadline to register is May 20!

Friday, May 31, 6:00PM

Graduation will be held at Spiegelberg Stadium at 6:00PM. Students must be at Spiegelberg by 5:00PM.

Cap and Gown: You can order your cap and gown here: https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1436362/Innovation-Academy/ . Cap and gown must be ordered by May 15. If you plan on borrowing a gown, you must pay a deposit of $25 which will be returned to you when you return your gown after graduation. Tassels and caps will be provided and you may keep them.

Dress code: In order for a student to participate in the graduation ceremony, the student must adhere to the school dress code as well as the more formal graduation dress: Men will wear dress shirts, long trousers, and appropriate shoes. Ties are encouraged. Women will wear dresses, blouses with skirts, or slacks and appropriate shoes.

Diploma: Please fill out the Intent to Graduate Form with how you would like your name written on the diploma. ALL FEES must be paid before you receive your diploma after graduation.

Fines and Fees: A printout is available upon request.

Want to cheer on our seniors at Grad Walk as they’re on school buses traveling back to their elementary and middle schools? Join us for COMMUNITY CONGRATS AT GRAD WALK! During Grad Walk, seniors will visit their former elementary and middle schools wearing their caps and gowns! Join us for the fun to cheer on the Class of 2024. Park at Jackson Street or Hawthorne Park and watch for a stream of yellow buses filled with graduating Seniors. Bring your signs of support! MAY 30TH | 10:10 - 10:25 A.M.

You can now enroll your students and verify your currently enrolled students for the 2024-2025 school year. Returning students must verify their information every year.

You can do it all online; just visit this link.

Parents of Currently Enrolled MSD Students
Every school year, this system is used to verify your child’s existing enrollment information. Sign into ParentVUE and follow these directions to update and verify your student’s information.

Parents of New Students
Online Registration is available for students who are brand new to the Medford School District (MSD). Create a ParentVUE account (if you don’t already have one for another student) and follow these directions to enroll your student into their neighborhood school.

For more information and frequently asked questions about online registration, please visit this link.

If you see or hear anything about school threats, weapons, violence, bullying, drugs, self-harm, or have other school safety suspicions, report it!

CALL OR TEXT 844-4-SAFE-OR (844-472-3367)

EMAIL tip@safeoregon.com

ONLINE safeoregon.com

Greetings to our amazing IA families!

Hope you're all doing awesome as we roll into May – the month of sunny days and big vibes!

First and foremost, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your unwavering support throughout this school year. Together, we've navigated challenges and celebrated successes, sharing in the learning of your students.

As we approach the final stretch of the school year, I want to take a moment to highlight some important updates and events happening in May:

• Senior Celebrations: Our graduating seniors are on the edge of a new chapter in their lives, and we are thrilled to celebrate their achievements. Please mark your calendars for our first Innovation Academy graduation. Details regarding these events will be shared with seniors and their families soon.
• Staff Appreciation Week: May 6th through May 10th marks Staff Appreciation Week, a time to express our gratitude to the incredible educators who inspire, motivate, and guide our students every day. I encourage you to join me in recognizing the hard work and dedication of our amazing adults throughout the week.
• Upcoming Events: Be sure to stay updated on all upcoming events and announcements by regularly checking our school website and social media channels.

Thank you once again for your ongoing support and partnership. Together, we will finish the school year strong and set the stage for an even brighter future ahead.

Have a wonderful month!

Cass Thonstad

Principal Innovation Academy

#InnovationToGraduation

Email: innovationacademy@medford.k12.or.us
Location: 1321 Center Drive, Medford, OR, USA
Phone: 541-842-3669