Irwin News
Irwin News September 20, 2024
Upcoming Activities
- Monday 9/23
- 3:15 - 5:30 PM Hiking - meet in Commons
- 3:30 - 5:00 PM Goalball Practice in Gym
- 5:30 - 6:30 PM Volunteer O&M Training in Library
- 6:30 - 8:00 PM NFB Ice Cream Social in Commons
- Tuesday 9/24
- 3:15 - 5:30 PM Rowing meet in Commons
- 3:30 - 5:00 PM Goalball Practice in Gym
- 6:30 - 8:00 PM Woodcrafters Workshop in Woodshop
- Thursday 9/26
- 2:30 - 4:00 PM Board of Trustees Meeting in Board Room
- 3:15 - 5: 30 PM Tandem Cycling meet at warehouse
- 3:30 - 5:00 PM Goalball Practice in Gym
- Monday 9/30
- 3:15 - 6:30 PM Fall Festival & BBQ in Cafeteria and Courtyard
- 3:30 - 5:00 PM Goalball Practice in Gym
- Tuesday 10/1
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- 3:15 - 5:30 PM Hiking - meet in Commons
- 3:30 - 5:00 PM Goalball Practice in Gym
- 6:30 - 8:00 PM Woodcrafters Workshop in Woodshop
- Thursday 10/3
- 3:15 - 5: 30 PM Tandem Cycling meet at warehouse
- 3:30 - 5:00 PM Goalball Practice in Gym
Another Smashing Week!
On Thursday, two empower up rewards were accessed. First, Mr. McCormick had an egg smashed on his head. Yes, this is one of the rewards students can get. Second, a whole school popcorn party happened. It's always good to celebrate students being kind, empowered, engaged, and prepared learners. GO LIONS!
School Photos Have Arrived
Students were given photos to take home. If you would like to order school photos, information has been sent home that includes a link to sample photos, and a flyer will also be sent home with the students.
Curriculum Night Feedback
Thank you to the families that joined us for curriculum night. If you attended, we'd love to hear your feedback so we can make events like these valuable for you in the future.
Curriculum Night Family Feedback
Enhancing Safety Preparedness Through Standard Response Protocol
WSSB is committed to improving safety preparedness and response by implementing the Standard Response Protocol (SRP) in alignment with all schools in our region. This collaborative effort ensures that every school utilizes the same language and procedures during emergencies, fostering a unified approach to safety. By standardizing our response strategies, we not only enhance our internal preparedness but also facilitate effective communication with emergency services, ultimately creating a safer environment for our students and staff.
Writing Contest Seeking Submissions
Literature Across Horizons will be hosting an inaugural creative writing contest. Open to all blind or low vision students ages 14-18.
Creative Writing Contest:
One word prompt: Perspective
The contest is seeking stories not solely about living with blindness and low vision, but multifaceted experiences that are unique to every blind or low individual.
Submission window for creative writing contest closes September 30
Research Writing Contest
Prompt: Write a research essay examining how the medicine and science industries can leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation to expand accessibility and inclusion for individuals who are blind or have low vision.
Submission window for research writing closes October 12
More info and link to submit your work: Literature Across Horizons
Got questions? Ask Ms. Gullickson for more info.
Want to Go to Portugal?!
We are headed to Portugal, Summer 2025. If you are interested, check out our tour page to enroll of to find even more information like our detailed literary, everything that's included, FAQs and more: eftours.com/2736044DJ
Phone Free WSSB
WSSB is phone-free all day. This means that cell phones, smartwatches, and earbuds are not to be used during the academic school day, except for staff approved activities (O&M, work based learning, etc.). Personal devices need to be stored off (or in airplane mode) and away. Research supports that schools without cell phones demonstrate improvements in focus, academic performance, social interaction, and mental health.
Later this fall, each student will be issued a secure pouch to support this practice so they can keep their devices off and on them without the distraction.
Calling in Attendance
Please notify the office if your student is going to be absent. You may contact the office at:
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Email office@wssb.wa.gov or
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Call 360-947-3292
Other Resources and Opportunities
Irwin Site and Family Resources
Be sure to check out the resources section of the Irwin School website. Some notable links are:
- Student Handbook
- Family Resources Padlet (a resource bulletin board with lots of great links and info)
- Info on Standards Based Grading
- And More!
Visit www.irwin.wssb.wa.gov to learn more and check for updates
EMPOWER VI Student Advisory Board Seeking Participants
EMPOWER VI is seeking students who are blind or low vision to join our Student Advisory Board. Members of the advisory board will meet monthly to provide input and feedback on the direction of our work, and the resources we develop, and share about their lived experiences as they prepare for adulthood.
To participate, students must be enrolled in a high school or transition program during the 2024-2025 school year and have a visual impairment. Board members will be asked to attend a one-hour virtual meeting each month. Students will be compensated for their time and can earn $15 per meeting or up to $180 per year
DSB College Readiness Classes 3T Academy
3T Academy is an eight-month program designed to promote college preparation and success, self-advocacy development and workplace readiness. The program will provide a comprehensive, strengths-based curriculum to increase self-efficacy and confidence as student’s transition into post-secondary programs.
More details and registration info