IHS Family Newsletter
September 13 2024 - From Principal Zipp-McLaughlin
NEWSLETTER SECTIONS
- Principal's Message
- Homecoming
- Counselor Updates
- Open House
- Yearbook Sales
- Attendance Matters!
- Cell Phones
- Dual Credit and AP Information
- Lockers
- School Nurse Updates
- IHS Parent Portal Directions for Infinite Campus
- Drills
- Safe School Helpline
- Code of Conduct
- Athletics
- Events
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Students have done a tremendous job transitioning to the new school year. A shared sense of purpose is evident as students are actively participating in classes, asking questions and seeking information regarding clubs and extra curriculars. As grades begin to appear in Infinite Campus, please feel free to reach out to your child's teachers with questions. We are here to support and glad to partner with you!
COUNSELING UPDATES
PSAT Information:
Juniors interested in taking the PSAT (Practice SAT) on October 26th can click the link below to sign up!
Once you register using this link, your School Bucks account will be charged $30 for the cost of the exam. If you have any questions, please reach out to Michelle Laraby (Michelle_Laraby@westiron.monroe.edu).
Attention Seniors and Families:
Please be sure to attend College Application Night for Senior students and families - this annual presentation takes place during the first hour of Open House from 5:00-6:00pm in the IHS Auditorium. School Counselors will be presenting information regarding the application process and will be available to answer any questions!
OPEN HOUSE @ IHS
The IHS Open House is scheduled on Sept. 26, 5-7pm
- School Counselors will present College Application Information from 5-6 PM in the auditorium
- Teachers will be grouped by departments and available to answer questions related to curriculum
- The IHS Bookstore will be open for sales and PSAT tickets but is currently only able to receive cash or checks
- The IHS PTSA fundraiser will include food trucks in our front loop between 4pm-8pm. Please consider stopping by to grab a treat and support our PTSA (Trucks: Kona Ice, Tom's Coffee Truck and Rob's Al Dente Pasta)
You are free to travel between department locations at your discretion, as there is no set schedule that you must follow. Please pull up your child's schedule on IC to help you find the teacher for each subject.
YEARBOOK SALES
Yearbooks are $60 through the end of September, then the price goes up to $65.
ATTENDANCE MATTERS
Daily attendance and attendance to every class is important for students to remain connected and to learn. High school students are gaining more independence but they still need guidance from their guardians. Please talk about the importance of showing up to school and attending classes every day and the connection that timely attendance has when they have a job or career. We understand that students may be sick and will need to stay home to rest. With any absence, please be sure to contact our Attendance Office to indicate the reason for the absence. This helps us partner with you to support your child when they return. Below is a link that shares what you can do to help your child prioritize attendance to school.
CELL PHONE EXPECTATIONS
Cell phone use and habits can adversely affect student focus, engagement, and mental health. Our goals are to improve academic engagement and minimize distraction while supporting healthier habits that impact social-emotional health. We have implemented cell phone use zones at IHS.
Our Student Handbook prohibits device usage for disruptive behavior, illegal acts, cheating, or any form of harassment or bullying. Students will be expected to put their phones away during instructional time. High school students will be able to freely use their phones in the halls, the commons, cafeterias, library, and study halls. If a parent/guardian needs to reach a student during a class period, please contact the school and we will ensure that you are able to speak to your child.
IHS Student Handbook language Cell Phone/ Communication Devices:
Personal communication devices and music players, such as cell phones, smartphones, smartwatches, or any devices that can be used to play music and/or communicate with another individual through texting, messaging, or speaking will be permitted at IHS according to the following guidelines:
During any instructional period, personal communication devices should not be seen, heard, or used.
- Students may use such devices during their lunch period.
- Students may use such devices when passing between classes.
- Students may use these devices in other settings as permitted and directed by school personnel.
Unauthorized use of electronic devices during the instructional day disrupts the instructional program, distracts from the learning environment, and may result in consequences. The district shall not be liable for the loss, damage, or misuse of any electronic devices brought to school by a student. Therefore, it is important that all electronic devices be always kept secure.
The Code of Conduct Language can be accessed through THIS LINK.
DUAL CREDIT and AP INFORMATION
If your child is enrolled in a Dual Credit class you will want to save these dates as reminders. Teachers will help students complete the registration process and send a reminder email as the payment deadline approaches.
LOCKERS
If your student would like a locker, please use the QR code to request one. Within approximately 24 hours, a locker number and combination will appear in Infinite Campus.
Students will be able to request a locker throughout the year with QR codes posted in the cafeterias and main hall.
SCHOOL NURSE UPDATES
All 9th & 11th graders are required to have a NYS physical form on file at school. If you have a recent physical and have not yet shared it with our nurse, please use the fax number provided to send a copy.
The fax number to the IHS Nurse's Office is 585-336-8294.
SCHOOL SUPPLY LISTS
STAY INFORMED AND CONNECTED
Remain informed and access information through the use of our Parent Tab on our IHS Homepage (click on this link to access). You will find information regarding newsletters, calendars, time schedule, health information, IHS Clubs, Yearbook information and more.
INFINITE CAMPUS PARENT PORTAL
You can view your student's attendance, in progress grades, assignments and more using the Parent Portal through Infinite Campus. Click here.
NEW: SED has made changes to how drills are conducted in schools. These changes are in affect for the 24/25 school year.
Drills must be conducted on different dates as well as days of the week, and times of day. (No more multiple drills on the same day).
IHS has 3 more fire drills planned for the upcoming weeks. This drill schedule is subject to change due to weather or specific building needs.
We want to ensure that students and adults are practiced and recognize that some drills may cause a heightened level of stress. Please share your concerns with your child's school counselor so that we can create a plan for support.
SAFE SCHOOL HELPLINE
If you see something, say something!
Please encourage students to report any concerns to an adult at school in addition to sharing with you. If your child wishes to remain anonymous but would like to report a concern, encourage them to complete the Safe School Helpline form using the link below or through the app. Reporting with as many factual details as possible will help our administrators follow up with individuals in a timely manner. Thank you for continuing to support a positive school climate.
UPCOMING EVENTS
September 16-20 Homecoming Week
September 26- IHS Open House 5-7pm (5-6pm Post High School Planning)
THANK YOU
Be well,
Alecia
SCHOOL CONTACT INFORMATION
Address: 260 Cooper Road
Website: https://ihs.westirondequoit.org/
Principal: Alecia Zipp-McLaughlin | alecia_mclaughlin@westiron.monroe.edu
Assistant Principal: Mark Foster | mark_foster@westiron.monroe.edu
585- 336- 2913
Assistant Principal: Sonja Griffin | sonja_griffin@westiron.monroe.edu
585- 336-0759
Assistant Principal: Casey Nelan | casey_nelan@westiron.monroe.edu
585- 336- 2917
Main office: 585- 266-7351
Secretary: Kim Schrank | kim_schrank@westiron.monroe.edu
Health Office: 585-336-2938
- Nurse: Priya Bassi
Counseling Center: 336-2921
Attendance Office: 336-2919
Technology Support: https://wicsd.tech/
Transportation: 585-336-2992
District Office: 585-342-5500 | District website: westirondequoit.org
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE IHS EVENTS CALENDAR