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In This Issue
Message from the Princial
Dignitaries Officially Launch ACAD
Harvest Dinner
Evolving Images Women's Group
Man the Block
Geometry Class Outside
Sports Update
Teacher Feature: Ms. Iorizzo
Senior Retreat
Freshman Awards
IDEA IN THE NEWS

IDEA's Academy of Construction and Design was recently featured in East of the River Magazine.
Click here to read the article!
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Coming up at IDEA:

November 24 Progress report 2

November 25 Professional development (no school for students)

November 26-27 Thanksgiving holiday (school closed)

December 2   ASVAB 1

December 7-11         Interim Exams (Q2)

December 10 Progress Report 3

December 18 Student Incentive Day

December 21-31       Winter Break (School Closed)

PARENT WANTED!

IDEA's board of trustees has an additional opening for a parent representative. This is a great opportunity to give your input and guide our school's future. Meetings are on the fourth Thursday of the month at 6pm. If you are interested or have questions, contact Calvin Snowden at
calvinsnowden@comcast.net
or contact the school at 202-399.4750 or info@ideapcs.org.

IDEA FIVE GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Each student is an important and valued member of the IDEA community. In order to be a community member in good standing, one must embody in word and action the following principles that guide who we are and how we behave as members of the IDEA community:

~We are prepared to learn and do our best

 

~We respect ourselves, each other, and our community

 

~We take responsibility for our actions and learning

 

~We work together to resolve challenges in thoughtful and meaningful ways

 

~We celebrate our individual and collective successes

 

A Message from the Principal
 Last year our students took the PARCC exam, a new more rigorous standardized test that replaced the traditional DC-CAS test. PARCC is aligned with Common Core, the new academic standards that DC has adopted, and the exam reflects college and career readiness. We recently released our schoolwide scores, but individual scores will go home to families next month.

Based on the PARCC scores IDEA remains the top-scoring high school in ward 7 and among the top 10 open enrollment high schools citywide in reading and math. PARCC results are measured on a 1 to 5 scale, with scores of 4 and 5 indicating that students are "college and career ready." Students who earn a 3 demonstrate they are "approaching expectations." The PARCC test is administered one time in high school to students enrolled in geometry and English II. Overall, 54% of IDEA students achieved of score of 3+ in ELA and 20% demonstrated "college and career readiness." In math, 27% of students achieved a score of 3+ with 3% of students reaching the 4+ mark. 

These results indicate that more IDEA students are closer to being prepared for college and career readiness than students at any other ward 7 high school, but still we know we have a long way to go until all of our students demonstrate the skills and knowledge they need to succeed beyond high school.

In addition to our strong core classes, we provide afterschool tutoring, Saturday School, and Principle Prep focus groups to ensure that every student receives the individualized support that he or she needs to thrive. IDEA's entire staff is dedicated to going the extra mile to help our scholars grow.

We've just wrapped up the first quarter and report cards have been sent home. Please let us know if you have any concerns or questions about your child's grades. Our administrators and teachers are always willing to sit down with families and students to discuss their challenges and achievements and map a plan for the future.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of our IDEA scholars and families!

~Lanette Bacchus, principal

Flanked by members of the IDEA JROTC, the official opening of the Academy of Construction and Design was celebrated by Pastor Ronald K. Miner, Sr. of First Baptist Church of Deanwood; DCSCTF Board Member Tom Nida, EVP, United Bank; DCSCTF Board President John McMahon, Chairman, Miller & Long Co., Inc.; IDEA Board Chair David Owens; IDEA Board Member Joanne Fort, IDEA Head of School Justin Rydstrom; DCSCTF board counsel Rod Woodson, Partner, Holland & Knight; and DCSCTF CTE Director Shelly Karriem.

Ward 7 Councilmember Yvette Alexander and Miller and Long Executives Celebrate Official Opening of Academy of Construction and Design

After the last wall had been painted, the models of electrical circuitry and plumbing configurations installed in the classrooms, the final permits granted, IDEA and the DC Students Construction Trades Foundation proudly held the grand opening of the Academy of Construction and Design at IDEA on November 4. "This Academy is just one more step in IDEA's march to being one of the best schools in DC." said DC PCSB Executive Director Scott Pearson.
 
Ward 7 Councilmember the Honorable Yvette Alexander said she looked forward to IDEA students learning skills that would help them improve their city.
"I'd love to see people who were born and raised here help build their city! These are skills that will last for a lifetime." said Ward 7 DC Councilmember Yvette Alexander.
We were also honored to hear from
  • DCSCTF Chief Operating Officer Carol Randolph
  • DOES Associate Director Drew Hubbard
  • DCSCTF Program Director Beth Moore
  • DCSCTF ACAD Director Shelly Karriem
  • DCSCTF Advisor and Partner at Holland and Knight Rod Woodson
  • DOES Director Deborah A. Carroll
Carroll read a proclamation from DC Mayor Muriel Bowser dedicating the week of November 2 as National Apprenticeship Week in 
DC. "We're creating an opportunity for students to gain skills that will build wealth for the city and for their families." Carroll added. 

IDEA Families Invited to Harvest Dinner November 23
IDEA invites scholars and their families to join us for IDEA's annual Harvest Dinner on Tuesday, November 24. 

Our own wonderful kitchen team, led by Ms. Wynn, will prepare a traditional Thanksgiving feast for all to enjoy. The Harvest Dinner is also a great opportunity to talk with other IDEA families and IDEA staff. 

Please RSVP to Ms. Reeves in the front office. Doors will open at 5:30pm and dinner will be served at 6pm. Happy Thanksgiving!

Evolving Images Women's Group Focuses on Manners and Attends Production of the Little Mermaid at Gallaudet Secondary School for the Deaf

Evolving Images, IDEA's new support and mentoring group for young women, recently attended a production of The Little Mermaid by students at Gallaudet University's Secondary School for the Deaf, who signed, sang, and spoke the musical. IDEA scholars were the only audience members who were hearing, and seeing the show prompted them to research American Sign Language signs on their phones so they could greet each other and cast members after the show. 

During their monthly Saturday meetings and weekly Friday meetings during advisory period, Evolving Images members have been discussing etiquette and healthy relationships. In December the young women will hear from a panel of people of different ages and relationship statuses to continue their discussion of what makes a strong and healthy relationship. 

Participants also plan to engage in community service around the holidays.  

~Ms. Reeves

Man the Block Effort Unites Community Members to Show Solidarity with Students and Prevent Violence
On November 9 IDEA invited family and community members to line the blocks surrounding the school at dismissal time as a show of community unity and solidarity with students, sending a strong message that the community stands with our students and that violence is unacceptable.

The Man the Block initiative was launched in DC by Richard Wright Public Charter School for Journalism and Media Arts. IDEA, Washington Mathematics, Science, and Technology Public Charter School, Cesar Chavez Public Charter School-Capitol Hill, and Paul Public Charter School joined the effort to create a safer afterschool environment for students.

"I would like to thank all of the IDEA men and women and community members who showed their support for the Man the Block Safe Passage program," said IDEA Vice Principal for Culture Mark Sturdivant, who led IDEA's participation in Man the Block. He indicated that another Man the Block event will be held in January and that IDEA is hoping to recruit at least 100 individuals to participate. Stay tuned for details.


Geometry Students Go Outside the Classroom to Find Math Applications in the Real World

Geometry doesn't exist only on paper and in the classroom, it turns out. Both the study and the evidence of geometry thrive in IDEA's neighborhood. Every Wednesday geometry teacher Teika Thompson takes her classes outside to work.

"We go out and use geometry in the real world to see how what we learn in the classroom is reflected outside," Thompson explained.
 
Thompson and co-teacher Reginald Boyce create a geometry course-like an obstacle course-and have a competition to see who can go through first. Students have to show different types of angles by drawing them with chalk on the sidewalk. They use chalk and string to create a protractor. For an exam, students created their own towns, indicating which geometric principles were demonstrated.
 
"They use the buildings outside to show examples of parallel and perpendicular planes," Thompson said. "The streets create transversals. We give them problems and they have to use only what's outside to find the answers. The more they see geometry in the world, and the more they can relate it to what they're learning. To know geometry you have to know the language. They look around and identify geometry in the buildings when they're walking home."
 
So far scholars love taking their math class on the road. "Kids enjoy it and it stimulates them when they're back inside," Thompson said.

Winter Sports Starting up While Fall Season Ends

IDEA/Chavez Football Team Wins Championship Vs. KIPP 6-0

Concluding a great season, the Cesar Chavez/IDEA football team defeated KIPP in the PCSAA championship game. The team's overall record for the season was 7-3. 
Girls Volleyball

Girls volleyball finished as the number two seed in the charter league going into the semifinals, ultimately losing to Maya Angelou. The team's overall record for the season was 9-3.

Flag Football

The Timberwolves lost in the semifinals to Richard Wright 23-16. The team's overall record for the season was 5-2.

Cross County
Antwane Wrenn, far right, came in seventh overall in the PCSAA Cross Country Championships. Three IDEA runners--Darren Powell, JaQuann Glosson & Stephanie Parker--participated in the DCSAA State Cross Country Championships on November 7.

~Coach Melody Washington
Teacher Feature: Vanessa Iorizzo, Social Studies

Vanessa Iorizzo comes to her 10th grade English classes with a slightly different approach than many teachers. In addition to her teaching credentials, Iorizzo earned a master's degree in training and performance improvement, so she infuses her classroom with innovative and efficient practices used in the business world.
 
Iorizzo comes to IDEA from Greenville, North Carolina, where she taught English for 14 years in public, private, and charter middle and high schools. Because of her business background she was attracted to IDEA's focus on career readiness, and she hopes to use literature as a bridge to scholars' understanding of the world around them and the possibilities for their futures.
 
"I want students to be independent thinkers," she explained. She began the year with a unit on exploring identity in different cultures by reading The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros, Kaffir Boy by Mark Mathabane, and "Everyday Use" by Alice Walker. Scholars then had to demonstrate their understanding of identity by persuading classmates to vote for them based on their stance on identity. "I'm interested in students being able to tell me how they came to their conclusion and support their stances and their ideas." Iorizzo said.
 
Code switching is an element that Iorizzo weaves into all her lessons, encouraging scholars to use academic English when they are speaking in class or presenting themselves to adults, while they can still use slang or informal speech patterns when talking with friends and family. "It's important to know your audience," she explained. "Being able to persuade people is an important skill, and it's all about the way you speak and present yourself. You have to make the world take you seriously."

Seniors Make Life and Fitness Goals at Retreat

At the senior retreat, the theme was "Fit for Life." Scholars participated in sessions that addressed physical fitness, mental fitness, development of goals, and just good plain fun. 

Scholars attended sessions on team building, did a physical fitness session, dance session, leadership, and class spirit sessions. 

Scholars were able to enjoy a bonfire session in which they were able to reflect upon their future changes (and make s'mores). They also created 2016 crafts and bags to include with their senior regalia.

~Sra. Diagne and Mr. Brooks

Freshmen Earn Honor Roll, Guiding Principle, Most Improved, and Principal's Awards for First Quarter

Congratulations to our freshmen who earned awards last week at our first quarter awards ceremony. Honor roll scholars were recognized for receiving all As and Bs, scholars were commended for their demonstration of each of IDEA's five guiding principles, and select scholars earned star student, most improved, and principal's awards. We look forward to recognizing more freshmen for their dedication next quarter!