9/27/2023

Dear IVA High Students and Families: 

We are only six weeks into the school year and have already accomplished so much!

We started the year with our faculty retreat to connect as an education team. Teachers thoughtfully planned their units for the year, connecting to CA Standards through an engaging project-based lens. When we returned to campus, we met with a panel of students who shared their hopes and dreams for the year. Students also met one-on-one with their teachers and provided supportive and critical feedback about this Fall's project proposals.As a learner-centered school, our students' voices are an important part of the learning process. 

We have continued to leverage our community partnerships. We also received a $200,000 grant and are now officially considered one of California's Community Schools. If you work for a company or small business that could deepen student learning or support our school community, contact summer.sanders@ivahigh.org. 

Our dual enrollment partnership with LBCC is in full swing. This semester we are offering two courses on campus. We are thankful for our partnership and are fortunate to be working with two amazing college professors. 

We launched several clubs this past week including Debate Club, a partnership we have with CSULB, Boxing Club, a partnership we have with DG Boxing, and many other student-initiated clubs. Students celebrated our consensus on Community Social Agreements by hosting an Advisory Block Party. Check out the reel on Instagram!

It was wonderful to see all of you at Back To School Night on Sept. 14th. If you missed my intro presentation, I linked it below.

You are probably wondering why your child did not have school last Friday. Hopefully they were able to rest and catch up on any missing assignments, since our 1st late work deadline was October 2nd. Teachers took the day to engage in professional development. We discussed Needs, Worries, Suggestions, Excitements, as well as Trauma-Based Instructional Practices, Case Studies and Curriculum Planning. We are always reflecting and readjusting to meet the needs of our students. 

We are looking forward to seeing you at your student's conference. They have been working diligently on their reflection letters. It is such a wonderful reminder of your child's learning process. 

Mrs. Sanders

Head of School

If you missed the presentation, click HERE to view. 

Save the Dates!

Student Led Conferences - October 9th - 12th

IVA High is excited to host our annual student-led conferences for all students from October 9th-12th. This is an opportunity for your child to take the lead and reflect on their learning experience. We believe our students deserve every opportunity to feel heard, seen, and understood. Join us either virtually or in person to celebrate their academic successes and collaboratively discuss solutions to concerns.

Please view the sign up list in your child's Advisory class in ParentSquare and reserve a convenient time to meet with your student's advisor/teachers! If you did not receive an invite to the schedule, please contact Ms. Franklin at patricia.franklin@ivahigh.org. If you would like to attend the conference through Zoom, please add it in the notes section when you sign up.  

What is a student-led conference? Students write reflection letters to identify what struggles they have faced, and where they have grown. Students thoughtfully connect their experiences to the virtues, deepening their understanding of their own thinking and learning. We believe in partnering with our IVA High families, collaboratively, and holistically guiding our students towards success. We align the conference process with our mission: to foster meaningful growth in the intellectual virtues in a thoughtful, challenging, and supportive academic environment.

We will also be asking each parent/guardian to complete a survey. Your feedback helps us to build a stronger community. If you have any questions on this, please don't hesitate to contact us! info@academylongbeach.org, or call/text 562.283.4456.  

Late Work Deadline - October 2nd

This is a friendly reminder that the deadline for late/missing assignments is next Monday, October 2nd. Late work from August 29-September 29 will not be accepted after the given deadline as the grade reporting period will close. We highly encourage your students to reach out to their teachers if they need extra support, or if they have any questions on an assignment/project.
Progress reports will be sent home on October 6th. Late work deadlines are posted on our website calendar which can be found at this link.

On Campus Highlight

Advisory Block Party

On Friday, Advisory classes worked together to put on an exciting and engaging Block Party! The Block Party is an annual tradition where students plan an activity for their peers to participate in. Students participated in a cookie decorating booth, a photo booth station, a fake tattoo both, and more! Our staff noticed that students took great care and ownership of their activity while working well together! 

What is Advisory?

Advisory is designed to be a place where students can establish relationships with peers, their advisory teacher, and school. Advisory invites students to be a part of  a caring inclusive community to feel connected, grow and infuse academic and social learning with fun. 

Campus Updates

IVA High Clubs

IVA High clubs have officially begun! Here at IVA High, we highly encourage student participation in clubs. Each club is a reflection of student interest. The clubs you see here are all a result of student voices! Take a look at the club schedule to see what clubs are being offered this fall semester. 

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. If a friend or family member you recommend completes enrollment, you will receive a small gift card! 

There is still time to enroll for the fall! Families can access our application on our website.

Private tours are available! Please email info@ivahigh.org if interested in enrollment or a tour.