From the Desk of Schuba...
Last week, when I popped into one of our fifth grade classrooms, Jackson eagerly ran up to me to share an awesome book he highly recommended I read. Calvin agreed and gave me the overview of the story they are currently reading in Battle of the Books.
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon
A fantasy-adventure children's novel inspired by Chinese folklore. The novel received a 2010 Newbery Honor and the 2010 Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for Children's Literature. It is translated into Chinese, French, Hebrew, Romanian, Korean and Slovene.
Did you know 24 fifth graders are participating in our school's inaugural Battle of the Books? Since mid-March, students meet weekly in School Interventionist Angie's room to prepare their teams to compete against each other by answering questions about six books. The semi-final competition is Thursday, May 16, during fifth grade lunch and recess; the final battle is Thursday, May 25, in the Library. The purpose of the competition is to encourage reading and analyzing of high-quality literature, cooperation, and good sportsmanship.
The book buzz is contagious! Special thanks to the many parents who volunteered their time reading books and writing questions. We greatly appreciate your assistance to make this competition possible. Next year, we hope to host a final battle with neighboring schools.
Here is an article about the Rewards of Reading for parents. Don’t forget, even when students are independent readers, it is important to still read aloud with your children.
Fondly,
Principal Schuba
For questions or conversation, reach out to Schuba via email (lisa_schuba@dpsk12.org) or phone at 720-423-9900.
Take Action....
Izzi B Art Show Help Needed
The Izzi B Art Show is just one week away. Tuesday, May 7, 5:30-7 p.m., art is on display and we need your help. If you would like to volunteer to help set-up or run one of the reception events, please sign up for a volunteer slot using this link! Thank you and we look forward to seeing you next week.
IBCS Community Book Club with The Brave Coalition
Join IBCS community members, including parents and staff, in a joint book club with The Brave Coalition. We'll meet to discuss So You Want to Talk About Race, a New York Times bestseller written by Ijeoma Oluo. The Brave Coalition is waiving the participation fee for all participants and ask only for commitment from participants to attend all sessions. At this time, participants must independently purchase the book wherever it is sold. Book Club dates are Wednesday, May 8; Monday, May 13 and Wednesday, May 22, 3:30-5 p.m., in the IBCS Library. See the event flyer for additional information.
19/20 Council Spend Suggestions, May Voting Process
There's still time to submit your suggestions for Council budget spending. If you have additional ideas you would like added to the list below, please send them to ibcscommunications@gmail.com. Ideas are presented at the Thursday, May 9 Council Meeting. Those in attendance at the meeting receive 4-stickers to vote for their top priorities. After votes are tallied, top items are funded at the predetermined budget or the total of dollars raised. For questions, contact the IBCS Council Treasurers. Ideas previously generated include:
Family Community Resource Center funding
Diversity and inclusion programming
Parent/guardian education
Community events
IBCS “Book Room”
Spanish and STEAMS after-school programming
Student scholarships
Paraprofessionals
Outdoor tables
Transportation and translation funding
Student-specific activities and celebrations
Classroom literacy fund
IBCS Staff professional development and team-building activities
IBCS building upkeep and maintenance
Professional grant-writing
Exercise opportunities for students
Paid teacher parent-training sessions
What's Going on With...
Dinner & Diversity
This Thursday, May 2, 5:30-7 p.m., the IBCS Culture and Diversity Team is pleased to host a Dinner & Diversity event to unite our community over a topic near and dear to our hearts. The event is in the Library and includes a guest speaker and dinner for all in attendance. For more information, contact ELS Teacher and Equity and Diversity Co-Chair, Eva Hathaway.
Izzi B Variety Show
ARTS Week is almost here. If your students have a talent they want to share, encourage them to them to audition for the Izzi B. Variety Show. To audition, students need to complete the provided form and return it to Music Teacher, Isaac, no later than Wednesday, May 1 at 3 p.m. Participants are notified of their try-out date and time on Friday, May 3. Auditions are held 2:10-2:50 p.m. on Wednesday, May 8 and Friday, May 10.
Save the Date
Author Visits
Jacqueline Woodson
Jacqueline Woodson will be at Hallett Academy, Thursday, May 2, 5:30-7 p.m., for an event sponsored by The Bookies. Tickets are free. No doubt she is a favorite author of many of our students. Learn more at via the event website.
Ben Clanton
Ben Clanton, author of the Narwhal and Jelly books, will be at Central Library on Saturday, May 4, 2-3 p.m. No tickets required. Get more information via the event website.
Izzi B Art Show
The Izzi B Art Show is just one week away. The Tuesday, May 7, reception is from 5:30-7 p.m. and all families are invited to celebrate the artists of IBCS during the event! Each student will have personal creations on display they self-selected and titled for the show. The event includes a photo backdrop with props, collaborative art project and an optional DIY pin workshop for $5 (cash or check please.) Student artwork is on display in Room 201 until Arts Week.
Isabella Bird Fun Run
IBCS’ First Annual Community Fun Run kicks off Thursday, May 9 with an all-school pep rally, and continues through the following week with character-building sessions and community spirit. The actual run is Friday, May 17, 8:15-10:30 a.m. on the Izzi B. Soccer Field. All IBCS community members are encouraged to attend. More details to follow, but save it to your calendar and watch for more updates coming soon.
May Dine & Donate
Join us for our last Dine & Donate of the year! Dog Haus in Northfield will donate 20 percent of all sales on Tuesday, May 21 to Izzi B. Just mention the school as you check out. This is an all day event (hours are 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.), so swing by for lunch, dinner, or to enjoy a beverage on the patio! Dog Haus is located near the movie theater in Northfield across from Bar Louie (8316 Northfield Blvd.) Visit the restaurant website for the menu.
Mark Your Calendars...
Wednesday, May 1, 5:30-6:30 p.m.: Fundraising Committee Meeting
Thursday, May 2, 5:30-7 p.m.: Dinner & Diversity
Monday, May 6, All Day: No school for Students (PD for staff)
Tuesday, May 7, 5:30-7 p.m.: IBCS Art Show
Wednesday, May 8, 8:15-9:15 a.m.: Classroom Liaison Committee Meeting
Friday, May 17, 8:15-10:30 a.m.: IBCS’ First Annual Community Fun Run
Tuesday, May 21, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.: May Dine & Donate at Dog Haus
Monday, May 27, All Day: No School (Memorial Day)
Thursday, May 30, times vary: Field Day
Friday, May 31, 8-11:30 a.m.: Last Day of School