Secondary Principal’s Blog
January 22 2021, Update
Christina Powers, Secondary School Principal
Dear Parents, 

Our transition days continue to be a huge success. Next weeks transition days will be the following:

                  

We look forward to another great week of transition days next week. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the secondary office at secondaryoffice@isyedu.org

Mark Your Calander

  • January 27, 2021, at 5:30 PM – 10 Grade IB Parent Night via Zoom
  • January 28, 2021, at 5:30 PM – Child Protection, Covid Protection safeguards, and MAP information session

School Photos

  • January 25, 2021 – Grade 11/12 Students will be taking their school photo
  • January 26, 2021 – Grade 9/10 Students will be taking their school photo 

During high school students transitional day , ISY official photo will be taken.  The photo will be without a mask but everyone involved in taking the photo will be wearing a mask and socially distanced.  We have moved the photography equipment to the library to allow for more space during the process and the photo will be taken by the ISY inhouse photographer.  If your child is not present on the day there will be other opportunities during the next month.

Assessment Week for Grades 11 and 12:

During the week of January 28-February 3, 2021, grade 11 students will be completing assessments to prepare for the IB exams in May 2022. Our grade 12 students will be using this time to complete tasks needed for the IA’s. We will deviate from the traditional Day 1-Day 2 schedules and have two-hour blocks dedicated to a particular subject.

During this time, students will need to attend only the sessions in which they have a course. Each teacher will provide students with guidance on what and how they will assess learning during this time. Teachers are very aware that those who work at home have different “collaborative” opportunities than those who attend classes. It is for this reason teachers may assess differently this time.  Each teacher will provide a  zoom link to their class time for those who can not be present. 

It is highly recommended that students come to school to work with their teacher during your scheduled times. Students are permitted to be on campus if they have a course on a given day.


Students without Borders February 1-5, 2021

“Walk a mile in another person’s shoes; see the world through someone else’s eyes.” 

As global citizens, it is important to understand different cultures in order to form connections and make positive and meaningful impacts in our world. In order to do this, we must learn how our biases and behaviors impact others. Throughout the week of February 1-5, students will collaboratively explore a chosen culture through a particular lens as well as examine what culture is and how it impacts our environment. Through this exploration, students will not only learn about other cultures, but they will also learn about themselves. Through reflection and understanding, we can begin to break down barriers, form connections, and build compassionate communities. 

In addition, students will also have several optional options to choose from that involve outdoor, service, and physical activities throughout the week. This week is designed to move away from our homeroom structures and step out of our comfort zones. Although the daily schedule will vary, students can expect to be in sessions from 8:30-12:00 daily. 

10 Grade IB Parent Night January 27, 2021, at 5:30 PM

During this upcoming week, students in grade 10 will be provided with necessary information regarding the IB program and course selection for the next school year. To culminate the course selection process, we will be hosting a parent-student information evening on Wednesday,  January 27, 2021, through zoom. Grade 10 students and a guardian are requested to attend, as course decisions will impact students for the next two school years. 

Information sessions for Grade 10 Students: 

  • Jan 26, (Tuesday)  8:30-9:30 General student information
  • Jan 26 & 27 (Tuesday and Wednesday) Teachers will spend time in each class to discuss the options within their discipline.
  • Jan 27, (Wednesday) 1:00-2:00 Student Panel and Questions
  • Jan 27, (Wednesday)  6:00 PM Parent Information Evening
  • Jan 29 (Friday) Course selection form due 


Child Protection, Covid Protection safeguards and MAP information session: January 28, 2021, at 5:30 PM;

This information session will be hosted by our ISY counselors and Director of Learning. During this session, we will share the good teaching practices and safeguarding measures that have been implemented during virtual learning.  Our nurse will review COVID safety procedures and practices that are important.  Our Director of Learning will explain how students will take MAP testing virtually in February.  

MAP Testing

At the beginning of February, we will be MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) testing in the Secondary School (Grades 6-9). MAP assessments in Reading, Language, and Mathematics are online adaptive assessments that provide useful data in developing a fair and accurate assessment of students’ academic achievement and growth.

To ensure a fair and accurate assessment of a student’s academic growth and achievement, teachers combine MAP assessment data with all other student data that they have collected in the classroom. This combination of data informs teacher instruction in meeting the needs of each child. 

MAP will be taken virtually for all students. More details will follow soon about why and how the students will be taking the tests in such a unique year. Please join us on January 28, 2021, at 5:30 for more information.