5/1/24

Dear IVA High Community,

The Spring semester has brought so many exciting opportunities for our school community. It was such a pleasure seeing all of you for our Spring Exhibition of Learning. With each EOL, we notice students continuing to elevate their academic goals and produce more quality products of learning. 

We know that when we teach values alongside educating for content, the child, and the community that surrounds them, thrive. This learning environment is not only to merely develop academic intellect, but to develop personal character. As they move through the learning process, we continue to see our students' character shine.

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This month we welcomed Presley to IVA's Board, our first Student Board Representative, and Megan our new Assistant Office Manager. Read more details below.

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Our Seniors enjoyed camping this week in Idyllwild with Mr. Schmidt and Mrs. Makenna. We are excited to welcome them home today! More senior events are planned for this month and graduation is just around the corner! Ahhh!!

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We start mandatory State Testing May 13th and will be testing through May 23rd. It is extremely important that your student comes  to school on time, everyday! 

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Exhibition of Learning

Exhibition of Learning Recap

We had an amazing and groundbreaking Exhibition of Learning last week! Students participated in a rehearsal on Wednesday prior where the received feedback from their peers in preparation for Thursday's event. On Thursday night, students engaged in meaningful conversations with their family members, community members, and each other to share the process of learning and final products of their projects. 

Our student exhibitors shared their historically rich journal entries, visual representations of the human body, 3D digital sketches/models of houses they designed, bilingual English and Spanish children's books, and art/photography pieces. Our night ended with an interactive presentation of the Allegory of the Cave and thirty poetry readings from our creative writing students!

We extend our thanks to our community partners LBCC Early College Initiatives, The Boys and Girls Club, Jazz Angels, and our student entrepreneur Aubree of FloweredByBree for attending our event! 

IVA High Garden Ribbon Cutting

Our Engineering class in partnership with Coach Kerry built and planted our first IVA High Garden! Students used principles of the Engineering Design process to design and build a the garden. The garden is home to tomato plants, herbs (parsley, cilantro, mint), edible flowers, and squash. The herbs and flowers are used in RSP cooking classes. In addition, to teaching students about the plant growing process this semester, we hope for it to be a part of the Dual Enrollment LBCC Horticulture class that will be taught on campus next semester!

To celebrate the creation of the garden, we held a ribbon cutting ceremony during Exhibition of Learning with our community. In addition, Ms. Ollie and several student volunteers made and served tacos for a community meal. Community members mingled and enjoyed a poetry reading of original poetry by our 9th grade student Jayshawn. To wrap up the celebration, our IVA High Band along with Jazz Angels performed some classic hits like Seven Nation Army, Oye cómo va, and Don't Mean a Think if it Ain't Got that Swing.

Campus Updates

Community Infrastructure Grants Program

We are excited to announce that The Port of Long Beach staff has recommended our IVA High Park project for funding under the Community Infrastructure Grants Program (Parks and Open Space).

The grant award, in the amount of $44,678 is contingent upon approval by the Board of Harbor Commissioners, however this put us one step closer to improving our outdoor space. We cannot wait to incorporate more to our outdoor space to make it a welcoming, relaxing, and educational space for our students!

Student Board Member Appointment - Presley

SPEAKERS NEEDED!

Career Day - Friday, May 17th

Our upcoming Career Day is on Friday, May 17th. We need more participants! If you are interested in volunteering or know someone who would like to share about their career journey, please have them complete the form below. 

The event will be held on our campus (1637 Long Beach Blvd.) on Friday, May 17th from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. We will be splitting the day into two groups: Group A (10:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.) and Group B (11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.). Participants will select their time slot.

Each presenter will give a 20 minute presentation to a group size of about 15 or so students. The content of their presentation is determined by them! Our students are interactive learners so we encourage presenters to creatively engage with the class. Some talking points may include discussing your job description, career journey, work/life balance, pros/cons, or any other career advice. 

If you have any questions, contact Makenna Briceno at makenna.briceno@ivahigh.org. 

Please click here to complete the career day interest form

Welcome to IVA High - Megan, Assistant Office Manager

Megan is passionate about amplifying student voices and spent multiple years in Los Angeles, writing curriculum at a project-based ELA company that helped students write and publish their own stories. With over a decade spent in Education, she comes to IVA from a K-8 charter school in South LA, where she worked on both the SPED and Counseling teams. Social-Emotional Learning has been a central part of her journey as an educator and she feels that all students must be seen and supported before they can truly learn.

Upcoming Field Trips & Events

Dodger Game and College Fair

We are excited to announce that IVA High students will be going to Dodger Stadium to attend a college fair AND the afternoon game!

On Wednesday, May 8th students will have the opportunity to spend a couple hours meeting college representatives from all over the nation. After learning about college life, students are invited to attend the Dodger baseball game against the Marlins. 

IVA High Prom

IT'S TIME TO BOOGIE. IVA High's Prom 2024: "A Tropical Disco" is on Thursday, May 30, 2023 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. This event is for all 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th grade students from IVA High, however students will have the option of bringing a guest from another school with administrative approval (a separate permission slip is required)! This dance will give the students a chance to meet each other outside an academic setting, and to have a lot of fun in a SAFE environment. 

Prom Planning Committee

We are requesting volunteers & donations for decorations, food, dessert items, and soft drinks. Contact makenna.briceno@ivahigh.org to ask how you can help, or donate directly to PayPal.me/academylbhs. Mrs. Briceno will also be hosting a virtual planning meeting (TBD) and will send out a 'sign up genius' for those who would like to contribute time or items.

Day of the Teacher / Dia del Maestro, May 8

IVA High recognizes Wednesday, May 8, 2024, as El Día del Maestro, or Day of the Teacher, in Los Angeles County, honoring the invaluable contributions of public education teachers. 

Through various programs and activities, we advocate for the acknowledgment and appreciation of teachers, aligning with statewide and national initiatives such as Teacher Appreciation Week (May 6-10) and National Teacher Appreciation Day (May 7). 

IVA High Teacher Appreciation Week (hosted by our Family Alliance)

This day recognizes the vital role teachers play in shaping the future, promoting education and fostering a positive impact on our students and communities. If you would like to volunteer or contribute, please reach out to Myriam.Loeschen@ivahigh.org.

Community Partnership Resources

LBCC Summer Camps

Calling all IVA middle and high school students! We have an amazing opportunity for you. Don't sit around all summer. Get job training and college experience. 

We are excited to announce FREE summer courses for all IVA students as part of our LBCC partnership. These non-credit college courses provide Career and Technical Education (CTE) for students ages 12-18. Courses include robotics, construction, welding, design, and more!

Students can complete the interest form to receive steps on the dual enrollment process. Ample support is provided to walk you through the multi-step process from our LBCC Early College counselor. As noted in the flyer, students must apply to LBCC to enroll. (Yes, they will be actually enrolled in college!) The interest form was created to help with follow-up support and provide permission numbers for students who have completed all dual enrollment steps. Permission numbers will be required to enroll since the courses are specifically from 6-12th graders. Be sure to put Intellectual Virtues Academy as your district. All steps are mentioned in the interest form. 

Please take advantage of this incredible opportunity through our LBCC partnership for FREE career training and networking!! Reach out to Mrs. Sanders at summer.sanders@ivahigh.org if you have any questions.

LBCC Dual Enrollment Workshops & Info Nights

Calling all IVA middle and high school students! We have an amazing opportunity for you.

We are excited to announce FREE summer courses for all IVA students as part of our LBCC partnership. These non-credit college courses provide Career and Technical Education (CTE) for students ages 12-18. Courses include robotics, construction, welding, design, and more!
Students can complete the interest form to receive steps on the dual enrollment process. Ample support is provided to walk you through the multi-step process from our LBCC Early College counselor. As noted in the flyer, students must apply to LBCC to enroll. (Yes, they will be actually enrolled in college!) The interest form was created to help with follow-up support and provide permission numbers for students who have completed all dual enrollment steps. Permission numbers will be required to enroll since the courses are specifically from 6-12th graders. Be sure to put Intellectual Virtues Academy as your district. All steps are mentioned in the interest form. 

Please take advantage of this incredible opportunity through our LBCC partnership for FREE career training and networking!! Reach out to Mrs. Sanders at summer.sanders@ivahigh.org if you have any questions.

Enrollment Update

IVA High is currently enrolling students going into 9th through 12th grade for next school year! Spread the word, invite your friends and family to learn more. 

There is still time to enroll for the spring, and the application for the 2024-2025 school year is now open! Families can access our application on our website.Private tours are available! Please email info@ivahigh.org if interested in enrollment or a tour.