Irmo Middle School 6051 Wescott Road Columbia, SC 29212 (803) 476-3600 www.lexrich5.org/ims School Hours: 8:20 a.m.

-3:25 p.m.

The Buzz
Robert S. Jackson, Ed.S., Principal [email protected]
Week of June 3, 2013
Dear Students/Parents/Guardians,

at Irmo Middle School

Creating successful students for the challenges of tomorrow

https://twitter.com/IMS_Principal
Issue 30

Inside this issue: Get Connected: Jacket Jamboree Certificate of Ribbon Award Presented to IMS Proof Of Residence A Note from the Nurses Desk Yellow Jackets Cheerleading Camp Engineering for Kids Camp 2

Dates to Remember:
Tues, June 4Thurs, June 6 Early Dismissal @ 11:30 a.m. Thursday, June 6 Last Day for Students Friday, June 7 Last Day for Teachers Summer Hours : Beginning June 10th, we will be open Mon. to Thurs. 7 a.m.-5 p.m. We will be closed on Fridays.

It is hard to believe that the school year is almost over. It seems like only yesterday that we welcomed students back for another year at Irmo Middle. Now that the summer months are upon us, I want to take a moment to thank everyone that played a part in our success this year. We have enjoyed a lot of accolades that we directly attribute to the support of our parents, guardians, School Improvement Council, Parent/Teacher/Student Organization, Community Organizations, and Business Partners. Without each of you, we would not have been able to accomplish all that we did. As you plan activities for the summer months ahead, it is absolutely critical that you involve academics in those plans. We strongly encourage each of you to make certain that your student participates in the summer reading program (D5 Reads 365). Here are the specific lists: 7th Grade CP and Honors 8th Grade CP and Honors 8th Grade English 1 Honors

4 5 6 7

Literacy is the foundation of all success. We need to counter summer learning loss with an active reading program and engaging learning experiences that support development in language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and the arts. Providing enriching and purposeful activities for student's stimulates academic growth and positions students for future success as we seek to prepare them for high school, college and beyond. Here are some choices to consider: Summer Fun Guide When deciding on school clothes for next year, make certain that you review the dress code requirements that are included in the 2013-14 edition of the student handbook. It is important that students are dressed appropriately each day for academic success. We will have two themed days each week. Tuesday will be our dress for success day where students will be asked to wear professional dress attire (males - Shirts, Ties, Jackets, Slacks, etc...; Females - Skirts, Blouses, Dress Shirts, etc...). Thursday's will be our spirit days were we will be asking students to wear their favorite Irmo Middle/International Academic Magnet Shirt. We will have these for order/sale during our Jacket Jamboree. Finally, as we prepare for student's return in August, we want to inform all students and parents that we are launching the International Academic Magnet next fall. In this magnet school experience, we will provide students with authentic, relevant, and project-based learning experiences. In order to do that, we will be changing schedules from a ninetyminute (four period day), to a fifty-eight minute (six period day). Students will not be placed on teams, therefore increasing the opportunities for them to take the desired classes at the times offered. Also, we will operate on a black/ gold week format. The black weeks will feature a 1-2-3-4-5-6 rotation. The gold weeks will flip-flop the first and last periods of the day (6-2-3-4-5-1) so students will have the opportunity to see some variety in their schedules. In addition, we will be substantially increasing intervention opportunities for targeted students designed to improve competencies and prepare students to be globally competitive and achieve their academic goals.

If you have any school or athletic news that you would like to see published in the IMS Buzz weekly newsletter, please contact Julie Taradash at [email protected].

Important Dates to Consider June 10 - August 9 - Mandatory Proof of Residency Acceptance June 10 - August 19 - Window to complete summer reading requirement June 17 - July 2 - Summer School (for identified students) August 12 - Jacket Jamboree (Schedule Pick-Up, Fee Payment, etc...) August 19 - Make-Up Schedule Pick-Up/Fee Payment (1pm4pm) August 20 - Students Report for Classes If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school at 803-476-3600. Have a great summer break! Robert S. Jackson, Ed.S., Principal

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The Buzz at Irmo Middle School

Get Connected and Stay Connected

Our goal is to have every student, parent, and staff member follow our blog, our Facebook page, twitter feed, and register to receive regular updates from our website and free text messaging program (Remind 101). Please sign up to follow the blog and receive updates. You haveto use the links to the right of the blogpost. To sign up for the free Remind 101 program, send a free text message to the following number: (702) 675-8432 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting FREE (702) 6758432 end_of_the_skype_highlighting. In the body of the text, write @parentsa and press send. You will be automatically added to the distribution list. Get connected here:

Join us on Facebook: See what going on through our Blog: Follow us on Twitter: Principal Asst. Principal 7th Asst. Principal 8th Asst. Principal

www.facebook.com/irmomiddle www.irmomiddleblogspot.com https://twitter.com/irmomiddle https://twitter.com/IMS_Principal https://twitter.com/glennhutto1 https://twitter.com/jemccray https://twitter.com/jasonbaileyims

When: Monday, August 12 Session I 9:00am-1:00pm Session II 3:00pm - 7:00pm Where: IMS cafeteria Who: All 7th and 8th graders may attend either session Prerequisite: Proof of residency and Tdap must be on file prior to Aug. 12th. Please stop by the front office anytime MonThurs 7:304:30. Students will: Pay fees and pick up class schedule/locker number Take yearbook picture Health screenings for 7th graders and new to District students Pick up textbooks Pick up prepaid school supplies Pick up agendas Decorate locker Tour school

Week of June 3, 2013

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Certificate of Ribbon Award Presented to Irmo Middle

Recently, State Superintendent of Education (Dr. Mick Zais) and the South Carolina Department of Education recognized Irmo Middle School with the Certificate of Ribbon Award for school wide implementation of the Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS).

Achieving Ribbon status has only been extended to a select number of schools (elementary, middle, and high) from across the state of South Carolina. According to Dr. Zais, "the quality of implementation and work with PBIS is a key factor in your students' success. With your work on this initiative, you are supporting a climate that is more conducive to academic achievement. These behavior skills your students learn will benefit them in all areas of their lives. " We are extremely proud of all of our students, teachers, staff, and parents. Every stakeholder group affiliated with Irmo Middle had a large part to play in our receiving this award. In particular, we would like to acknowledge our PBIS committee (Jason Bailey, Billie Williams, Vickie Williams, Allison Redick, Joe Cioffi, Marcelle Boland, Bob McCloy, Dr. Gail Elmore, Judith McCray, and Scott Thur). This award is being shared with everyone as a testament that when we work together, anything is possible. With your continued help and support, we will remain #IrmoSTRONG! By: Robert S. Jackson, Ed.S., Principal

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The Buzz at Irmo Middle School

We are now accepting Proof of Residency in the front office for the upcoming school year. Please bring them by, so you may participate in the Jacket Jamboree on August 12th!
Acceptable Documentation for Address Verification Parent or Legal Guardian: THREE (3) Proofs of Residency are required in order for your child to attend Lexington/Richland School District Five (LRSD5). Proof of residency will be done yearly for all students. All documentation presented must show THE CURRENT MONTHS DATE and The PROPERTY OWNERS NAME OR the PARENT/GUARDIANS NAME. Acceptable documentation include: (One Required) Property Tax Bill for the permanent residence Rental Lease (complete copy, listing all occupants) Real Estate Closing Documents (where applicable) Additional documents include: (Two Required) Vehicle Tax Registration Voter Registration Card Electric Bill Water Bill Telephone Bill Cable/Satellite Bill A drivers license will be required from the property owner and parent or legal guardian for identification purposes only. IDs cannot be accepted as documentation for address verification. FAMILIES THAT HAVE RECENTLY MOVED: 1. If you have recently moved and are unable to provide the two additional required documents listed above, you must, to a minimum provide a Rental Lease or Real Estate Closing Document. 2. You will then be given 45 days from enrollment to provide the remaining documents as required. If the family has resided in the home for more than 45 days, proof should be provided immediately. AFFIDAVITS ARE FOR FAMILIES LIVING WITH ANOTHER FAMILY: 1. The person that owns or rents the property in which you are residing must complete a Residency Affidavit Form (which LRSD5 will provide) notarized, attesting to the fact that you and your family are currently residing with the legal resident. The person that owns or rents the property must provide THREE acceptable pieces of documentation from the above list, which verifies their connection to THE PROPERTY. 2. You, as the parent or legal guardian, must also get a Residency Affidavit Form (which LRSD5 will provide) notarized, attesting to the fact that all current documentation for address verification presented is true and accurate. Within 45 days of enrollment, you, as the parent or legal guardian, will be required to provide two documents of mail in your name that show the address of the person with whom your family resides. Junk mail is not acceptable. Acceptable documents are: 1) paycheck stub 2) W-2 statement 3) car insurance 4) bank statement 5) state supported services 6) voters registration card 7) vehicle tax registration. This must be done annually.

Week of June 3, 2013

A message from your school nurse: Important Changes in Health Room Procedures 2013-2014

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All medications (prescription and Over the Counter) require a written prescription. The new form Permission for School Administration of Medication when signed by an authorized prescriber, may serve as the written prescription. This form is available on the D5 website. Over the Counter medications should only be sent to school for a specific condition your child is known to experience. Due to limited space to properly store medications please do not send in medications just in case your child may have an ache or pain while at school. Current state law no longer allows the school to purchase Epinephrine or Benadryl to have on hand in the event of an emergency. There is a bill before the Senate to change the law to allow schools to purchase Epinephrine but at this time we will not be allowed to purchase Epinephrine for our schools. If your child has a known severe allergy please make sure the nurse has the emergency medications along with the permission form on the first day of school. The nurses are not allowed to keep food in the health room to give students if they are hungry. Please make sure if your child does not eat breakfast at school that they eat prior to arriving at school.

Beginning with the 2013-2014 school year, all students entering or repeating seventh grade must receive or have already received a dose of Tdap vaccine on or after their seventh birthday to protect them from pertussis (whooping cough). Your childs school will need a South Carolina Certificate of Immunization showing that he or she has received this newly required Tdap vaccine. Please dont waitavoid the rush by making an appointment with your childs healthcare provider today to get the required Tdap vaccine and other vaccines recommended for your childs protection. Please call me or your childs health care provider if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you, Kathy Jackson, RN IMS School Nurse 803-476-3609 Dear Parent, if your child has medication in the health room, either prescription and/or over- the-counter medication, you will need to pick up your childs medication no later than Monday, June 3rd. * Daily medications that are only administered at lunch time should also be picked up by June 3rd. (June 4, 5, and 6 school will be dismissed at 11:35) *Emergency medications may be left until the last day of school, June 6th. * Daily medications administered at school in morning hours, prior to 11:35, may also remain at school until June 6th. All medications NOT picked up by parents by the end of the school day on June 3rd, will be discarded. No medications will be sent home with students. Please make arrangements to come to the school to pick up your childs medication. If you have any questions or concerns, please call Kathy Jackson, School nurse at 476-3609. Substitute Nurses Needed We are looking for licensed nurses to work as nurse substitutes. We are frequently in need of substitutes to work the health rooms when the school nurse is out for the day. We also are in need of nurse substitutes to assist us with the health screenings for students. The screenings are conducted in the fall and depending on the age of the child may include; vision, hearing, BP and scoliosis screening. Training will be provided on how to use the screening equipment and how to record the results. If you are hired as a substitute nurse you may choose to be available to substitute in all schools or you may select the schools where you are willing to substitute. It is also possible to sign up to be a substitute nurse for only student health screenings. If you are interested the first step is to complete and online application. Go to the District 5 website and go to: Departments Human Resources Career Opportunities Sub Application Procedure Click on link at #3 and complete the Applitrac application. If you have any questions about completing the application please contact Stacy Bruno at 476-8199. Once you complete an application, please let your school nurse, Kathy Jackson, know so that we can follow up and make sure your application is processed.

Week of June 3, 2013

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Irmo Yellow Jackets Cheerleading Camp

Sponsored by Irmo High School Cheer Program FOR: All Children age 4 and up. (Must be four by September 1, 2012) WHEN: Monday, June 24- Thursday June 27 WHERE: Irmo High School Large Gym COST: (If pre-registered by May 30) $50.00 (1 child) $90.00 (2 siblings) $135.00 (3 siblings) (register after May 30) $60.00 (1 child) $110.00 (2 siblings) $145.00 (3 siblings)

** Each camper that is pre-registered by May 30 will also receive IHS cheer Shorts! *Onsite Registration Available for first Day of camp $65.00 Per camper *All campers receive a cheer camp t-shirt. Additional cheer items *Irmo Spirit Shop will be open daily! Facepainting $1

available for pre-order (see registration form)

See Irmo High School Website for registration form http://www.lexrich5.org/IrmoHS.cfm?subpage=65502

CHEER SHOWCASE PERFORMANCE! Thursday, June 27 at 11:00 am Campers will perform for friends and family. Bring your cameras!

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The Buzz at Irmo Middle School