8/17/2019 Newsletter 5-2-16 R1

1/13

 

Inside this issue: 

PTSO Volunteer Form 2New York Expedition Trip 3PULSERA 4-58th Grade Social 6Summer School Info 6D5 Dance Marathon 7Teen Advisory Board 8Standardize Testing 9SC Pass Essentials 10-11SC Youth Diabetes 12

EQUIP 13

Irmo Middle School6051 Wescott RoadColumbia, SC 29212(803) 476-3600

www.lexrich5.org/imsSchool Hours:

8:20 a.m.—

3:35 p.m.

If you have news for theBuzz, email Allison Redickat aredick@lexrich5.org. 

May 2, 20

Dates to Remember:

Pulsera Project WeekMay 2-6 

Tues 5/3 G40 Mtg. 7:45-8:10

Media CenterFri 5/6 FCA Mtg. 7:40-8:10

AM Room 904

Wed 5/11 SC PASS ScienceThurs 5/12 SC PASS Social Studies

The Buzz at Irmo Middle School

“Creating successful students for the challenges of tomorrow” Robert S. Jackson, Ed.S., Principal

rsjackso@lexrich5.org https://twitter.com/IMS_Principal

Irmo Middle School Volunteer Opportunities:

Book Fair - Help setup and volunteer during the school day

to assist with Book air in the Library. This year the Book Fair

will be the Week of February 29th - March 4th, 2016.

School Store - This is how school Spirit Wear is sold. Duties

include ordering supplies and staffing the school store periodically during the school d

and at school sponsored on campus events.

Hospitality- Assist with obtaining food donations (purchased or homemade) and help

setup/serve at events designed to show appreciation to teachers, staff and administrato

Special Events - Coordinate and staff school-wide events for students and communitymembers, such as Walk your Child to School Day in October, Pastries for Patriots Day

 November, school dances, etc.

PBIS - Positive Behavior Incentive Program is a school behavior incentive system. Du

ties include coordinating with the Assistant Principal to help plan and staff events de-signed to recognize students for good behavior. Also may require soliciting items from

local businesses such as coupons, popcorn or gift cards for use as student rewards.

Business Partners - This is a fundraising component of the PTSO. Duties include con

tacting local businesses (such as Zaxbys, Grouchos, Moes, etc.) to set up Spirit Nightswhich IMS PTSO gets a percentage of the proceeds from Irmo Middle school families

who patronize those restaurants. Responsible for setting up a calendar of events and pu

licizing those dates through the school newsletter, social media sites and other forms o

 parent communication.

Ways and Means - This is the main fund raising committee of the PTSO. Duties inclu

assisting Committee Chairs (Julie Gordon and Ruth Iglesias) with fundraising projects

such as selling Google Chrome Books, Chick -fil-la Calendars, and other revenue gene

ing events/projects.

Membership/Volunteer Coordinator - Someone who will help sell memberships an

recruit volunteers for the school. This person will organize contact information for pot

tial volunteers They will be the point of contact for school events where volunteers areneeded.

*********************************************************************************************************

Nurse’s Note:Parents, if your child has "as needed" medicine(s) in the Health

Room, you may begin picking it up between the hours of 8:00 a.m.

and 4:00 p.m. Please be reminded that we can not send medica-

ons home with your student: a parent or guardian MUST pick it

up. Any medicaons NOT picked up by the last day of school will be

discarded. If you have any quesons please call Nurse Jackson at

476-3609 or 476

-3730.

 

8/17/2019 Newsletter 5-2-16 R1

2/13

 Page 2 The Buzz at Irmo Middle

Irmo Middle School

PTSO Volunteer Form 

2016—2017 School Year Welcome to Irmo Middle School! We would love for you to be a part of the IMS Parent Teacher Student Organi-

zaon! PTSO Volunteers are vital to the success of Irmo Middle School. Research shows that grades and test

scores rise for Middle School children when parents are involved. So, your involvement is more important now,

than ever. There are volunteer opportunies for to meet everyone’s schedule. Please join us!

Volunteer Opportunies:

Please check which areas you would be interested in serving (please see below for descripon of commiees):

PTSO Execuve Board Commiees:

 ____ Book Fair ______School Store ________ Hospitality ______ Special Events

 ______ PBIS ______Business Partners ____Ways & Means ______Volunteer Coordinator

Contact Informaon:

Student(s) 1) _________________________________________ Grade________

2)___________________________________________ Grade________

Parent(s)/ Guardian Name ______________________________________________

Email Address ________________________________________________________

Mailing Address ______________________________________________________

Home Phone Number ________________ Cell Phone Number ____________________

Please label and return this form ASAP to the front oce of the school for the PTSO Box. Someone from the

PTSO Execuve Board or Mr. Jackson’s secretary will be in touch with you soon.

Page 2 The Buzz at Irmo Middle

8/17/2019 Newsletter 5-2-16 R1

3/13

 Page 3 The Buzz at Irmo Middle

New York Expedition 2017

Open to all current 7th graders

The introduction meeting for the expedition will be Tuesday, May 10th at 6:00pm in the IMS cafe. Please come

and get information about the trip including an itinerary, web page information, fund raisers, and a possible  free

expedition!  The meeting should last about 30 minutes and will be informative. Sign up for the trip soon to

spread out the payments over 9 months!

Itinerary

Page 3 The Buzz at Irmo Middle

8/17/2019 Newsletter 5-2-16 R1

4/13

 Page 4 The Buzz at Irmo MiddlePage 4 The Buzz at Irmo Middle

8/17/2019 Newsletter 5-2-16 R1

5/13

 Page 5 The Buzz at Irmo Middle

The World Language students and teachers at Irmo Middle School are plan-

ning a spectacular school-wide project to align with our Internaonal Aca-

demic Magnet and Expedionary Learning design principle of Service and

Compassion. It is called the Pulsera Project and many of you may be familiar

with the project from last year. If not, we are sure you are asking, what ex-

actly is the Pulsera Project? 

The Pulsera Project began in 2009 when 13 college friends were searching for adventure during

their winter break. They had been to Costa Rica (just north of Nicaragua) in previous years, but

suspected that Nicaragua, the second poorest naon in the Western Hemisphere could be a win

dow to another world; one of profound natural beauty, famously friendly people, and deep eco-

nomic poverty. Everyone in the crew wanted to surf, hike and explore the country, but also

wanted to help in any way they could while experiencing the rich human culture normally hidde

from tourists. 

The Nicaraguan adventure soon became more than the friends had ever imagined when they

discovered a shelter for former street kids on a farm in the foothills of Managua, the capital city.

They visited the farm many mes and were always welcomed like long-lost friends. When the

me came to return to the states, the young Nicaraguan people gave them pulseras (beauful,

colorful woven bracelets) as going away presents, and this inspired the founding of the Pulsera

Project. 

When the group returned home, they brought with them lots of pulseras and the inspiring story

of the shelter youths and their art. It wasn't long before the friends began selling the pulseras atheir school and began this amazing adventure! We want to do something big at Irmo Middle

that not only shapes our school, but helps to make the world a beer place to live. So...check

this out! 

What is it?  The Pulsera Project - have a look at their website - www.pulseraproject.org. It is ver

easy to navigate. Watch the eye-opening video "color the World". 

What is the meline? May 2-6– All students parcipate in the school-wide CREW lesson to learn

about Nicaragua, fair-trade, and out commitment to the Pulsera Project.

 

May 2-6 - Pulsera bracelets from Nicaragua are sold during all lunches in the cafeteria by our

World Language students. They will be assisted by parent volunteers 

and IMS faculty and sta. 

We have 600 bracelets and 30 bolsitas (lile purses) to sell. ALL money goes directly back to thi

non-prot organizaon. Please help us change the world, one pulsera at a me!! 

Page 5 The Buzz at Irmo Middle

8/17/2019 Newsletter 5-2-16 R1

6/13

 Page 6 The Buzz at Irmo Middle

8TH

 GRADE SOCIAL Friday, May 13 

7 - 10:00pm, IMS Cafeteria IMS students ONLY. $10.00 per person (No Refunds). 

Theme is Masquerade Under the Stars 

Hors devours, dessert and drinks will be served along with a jamming D.J. 

The are is dress your best, NO BLUE JEANS! Dresses can be strapless or spaghe strap, but MUST BE FIN-

GERTIP LENGTH.

Tickets will be sold during 8th

 Grade Lunches, starng May 2 – May13th 

Permission forms must be turned in and any outstanding Id debts must be paid before a student can pur-

chase a cket. 

Students will not be able to enter the 8th

 Grade Social without a cket and school ID. 

Don’t forget to purchase your ckets!! 

Contact Windy Jones @ 803-476-3658 - any quesons or interested in being a chaperone. 

SEE YOU AT THE SOCIAL!!********************************************************************************************************************2015-16 Summer School Information The following dates have been approved for students who will be aending Summer

School 2016 at Irmo Middle School. We are sharing this informaon early with stu-

dents, parents, and families so everyone can plan for their summer vacaons. We are

very condent that our interacons and intervenons throughout the year will mini-

mize and/or eliminate the need for summer school for most (if not all of our students).

If you need any informaon about summer school, please contact Mr. Glenn Huo,

Assistant Principal for Instrucon at (803)476-3663. 

The Middle School Summer School Program is designed for current 6th, 7th and 8th grade students who aendor are zoned for Irmo Middle School and have not mastered the course standards in English, Social Studies,

Math, or Science. This program is streamlined to concentrate on academic mastery. 

 A. Who aends summer school?  

1.  Rising 7th and 8th grade students who have failed either one or two academic subjects. 

2.  Those students who have failed three or more classes are ineligible to aend summer school and may be re-

tained in their current grade. 

3.  Out of district students cannot enroll in this program. 

B. Where will summer school be held? At Irmo Middle School for rising 7th, 8th and 9th graders. 

C. What are the dates for summer school? Current 6th, 7th and 8th graders will take courses oered only onthe following dates: 

D. What mes will students aend?  

Students will aend from 8:30am – 1:30pm. There will be no aernoon sessions. 

E. How will my student get to summer school? Parents are responsible for transportaon arrangements (to and

from summer school). 

F. How do I register my child for summer school? Registraon packets will be available in the spring on ourwebsite and in the main oce at the school.

Page 6 The Buzz at Irmo Middle

Week 1:  June 13, 14, 15, 16  Monday-Thursday 

Week 2:  June 20, 21, 22, 23  Monday-Thursday 

Week 3:  June 27, 28  Monday-Tuesday 

8/17/2019 Newsletter 5-2-16 R1

7/13

 Page 7 The Buzz at Irmo MiddlePage 7 The Buzz at Irmo Middle

8/17/2019 Newsletter 5-2-16 R1

8/13

 Page 8 The Buzz at Irmo MiddlePage 8 The Buzz at Irmo Middle

8/17/2019 Newsletter 5-2-16 R1

9/13

 Page 9 The Buzz at Irmo Middle

Spring standardized tesng season is upon us. Irmo Middle School will administerSCPASS and EOCEP assessments to all 6th, 7th, and 8th graders on the following dates: 

Wednesday, May 11th- Science 

Thursday, May 12th - Social Studies 

Monday, May 16th- EOC, English 1 Honors Only

 

Tuesday, May 17th - EOC English 1 Honors Only 

Wednesday, May 18th - EOC Algebra 1 Honors Only 

Thursday, May 19th - EOC Algebra 1 Honors Only 

Parents and/or guardians, there are several steps you can take to help maximize your child’s performance on

these exams: 

1.  Make sure your student is present for each day of tesng. Schedule all appointments outside the tesng win

dow. If it is absolutely necessary, schedule aernoon appointments as we will test each morning.

2.  Take away their mobile devices, gaming systems and/or TV to eliminate distracons.  Students need 8 -

9 hours of 

 uninterrupted

 sleep each night

 to perform at opmum level.

3.  Each morning, make sure your student eats a healthy breakfast.

4.  Ensure your student reports to school early (8:00am).

5.  Make sure that all 6th graders bring their Chromebooks to school fully charged on tesng dates, as their as-

sessments will be administered online.

6.  Talk with your child about all three exams (SCREADY, SCPASS, and EOC) to help reduce test anxiety, encour-

age your child to focus and put forth their best eort when encountering dicult quesons on the

test and remember to praise your child when he or she performs well on assessments such as the EOC, whic

provides instant feedback. 

Students, here are a few steps you can take to enhance your performance during tesng:

1.  Arrive early on test day. 

2.  Be comfortable but alert. 

3.  Stay relaxed and condent. When nerves take over, remember to take several slow, deep breaths and relax.

4.  Try to answer quesons in a strategic order; that is, answer the easy quesons rst to build condence and

tackle the dicult quesons last. 

5.  Leave mobile devices at home or shut them o  completely once you enter the campus. 

6. 

A nal step for students is to review their tests aer compleon, making sure they did not forget to answerany quesons, miss-mark any answers, or made any other type of careless mistake. 

These few simple steps could help Irmo Middle School students earn exemplary results. For more informaon

about tesng you may contact Sheila Inabinet (Guidance Director, 476-3670) or Glenn Huo (Assistant Principa

for Instrucon, 476-3612). Addionally, you can visit the South Carolina Department of Educaon website for

addional informaon. 

Page 9 The Buzz at Irmo Middle

8/17/2019 Newsletter 5-2-16 R1

10/13

 Page 10 The Buzz at Irmo MiddlePage 10 The Buzz at Irmo Middle

8/17/2019 Newsletter 5-2-16 R1

11/13

 Page 11 The Buzz at Irmo MiddlePage 11 The Buzz at Irmo Middle

8/17/2019 Newsletter 5-2-16 R1

12/13

 Page 12 The Buzz at Irmo Middle

South Carolina Youth Diabetes Association (SCYDA) is pleased to announce thatcamp applications are now available online at: www.campsweetescape.com. We offer two

summer camping opportunities in 2016:

1) CSE-Midlands in Batesburg from June 4 - 8

2) CSE-Upstate in Marietta, SC from July 16 - 20.

Camp Sweet Escape promotes healthy diabetic habits, independence, and a support network, all of which canmake all of our jobs more rewarding. What’s better than watching a child grow and mature in a healthy, self -

sufficient way? We encourage everyone who is interested to apply early while space is still available!

At SCYDA, we feel that children with diabetes need ongoing support for the best outcomes and don’t think thisshould stop after Camp is over. Therefore, we are also busy with several other advocacy projects, includingour goal of providing a Diabetes Emergency Supply Kit (D.E.S.K) to all South Carolina public schools, maintainingthe current opportunity for free continuing education credits for schools nurses (co-sponsored by SC AHEC),

and supporting diabetes education for foster parents and SC Department of Social Services caseworkers.

As a previous public school nurse in the Lancaster County School District, I know first-hand how “crazy busy”your job is. Although I apologize for requesting you add something else to it, I feel you understand how vital it

to help students with diabetes learn to better care for themselves.

I think we have a mutual goal: we want all children to grow into healthy, responsible adults that can help makethe world a better place. To accomplish our goals we really need your help. Specifically, we need your help pro-moting Camp Sweet Escape to students & families and your help developing new sources of funding to support

these projects. Let’s work together to make this happen.

Take the lead. Please consider “Dress Down for Diabetes Day” in April 2016. Funds raised at your school can

be earmarked to ensure children with diabetes from your school are able to attend Camp Sweet Escape. It’s

simple:

Ask your school administrator to consider a faculty (or student) “Dress Down for Diabetes Day”. This could b

a jean day or t-shirt day, etc.

Pick a day in April 2016 for your “Dress Down for Diabetes Day”. 

Charge $5.00 for each faculty participant (or $1.00 per student participant). (We had an awesome bookkeeperat the school I worked in; she would always volunteer to collect the money for this. I didn’t really have to do a

thing except “talk it up”.) 

Send the money to SCYDA with the name of any children in your school with diabetes that you would like to

financially support.

If you don’t have any children with diabetes at your school, please know there are many other financially chal-lenged children with diabetes in the state that could benefit from your efforts. Again, I know you are very busy,but I ask that you please take the time to help these students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to

attend camp.

Thank you for all that you do for these children and families. You DO make a difference!

Warmest regards,

Traci P. Scott, RN, CDE

(803) 804-4978

Page 12 The Buzz at Irmo Middle

8/17/2019 Newsletter 5-2-16 R1

13/13

 Page 13 The Buzz at Irmo MiddlePage 13 The Buzz at Irmo Middle