Greetings Illahee Community,

It is with great honor that I welcome you to the 2017-2018 school year! As the new proud Principal of Illahee Middle School, I am eager to get this year underway and to meet each of you in the coming weeks.  Here at Illahee, we are committed to your scholar’s success and strive to create a welcoming and safe environment that feels like home.  This year will bring a continued laser-like focus on two of the goals within the district’s Strategic Plan: Goal 2 and Goal 4.  Staff will soon return to campus to engage in powerful ongoing professional development directly related to these goals.  We will examine data aligned with our goals and carry out a professional development plan that is rooted in research-based best practice. 

Recognizing that you are critical partners in this work, we need your help in order to make gains toward our goals. In support of “Goal 2: The Whole Child”, Illahee will carry out a yearlong attendance campaign, reminding scholars and families how important it is to attend school every day. Please engage in conversations with your child about attending school every day and contact our office if your child is struggling with attendance.  In addition, we look forward to collaborating with you to learn as much as possible about your scholar at Open House, Scholar-Led Conferences, and other community events.  Please check out website frequently for more information about these events.  Another way to work in partnership with us is to volunteer. 

If you are interested in helping out in a classroom, the office, or the cafeteria, please contact our main office to learn about the volunteer process.  “Goal 4: Content-Area Competence” is another goal that you can help to support. Support your scholar by using our online grading portal to keep track of grades, attendance, and other important information. If you have yet to set up your ParentVue account, we will have computers and sign-in assistance during our schedule pick-up day on August 31^st.  Another critical support you can offer is to ask your scholar if she is reading 30 minutes each night and engage in conversations about the books she is reading in her English Language Arts (ELA) class.  Our district is working hard to implement a new ELA curriculum that includes 30 minutes of independent reading time per day during class. 

Research tells us that scholars need to read one hour per day in order to grow their reading level, so this means that your child should also read an additional 30 minutes each night at home. Our ELA teachers can provide information on what books your child should be reading at home when we meet at Open House on September 19^th. If you have any questions, please contact our main office. I look forward to a great school year!

In partnership,

Brianna Ward