All Members Isabella Bird Community School 
IBCS Communications
Notes from the Dragon Cave
FROM THE DESK OF SCHUBA...
Last week, we circulated a IBCS 2019-2020 School Budget document (https://app.schooldeets.com/sdpost/ibcs-council-board-2019-2020-school-budget-update/) created by Leadership and Council Board in response to questions regarding our programming priorities and staffing reductions first presented at Council on Feb. 21. Questions/concerns/discussion from the Community were also welcomed in the form of online submissions and during two public forums held last week.
All questions, feedback and participation is truly appreciated as we’re faced with budget headwinds for which there are no good solutions. Parents, teachers and the larger community have offered valuable perspectives and input influencing assessments and the decision-making process.
If you were unable to attend the budget information sessions, here are the highlights:
- We discussed the rationale behind prioritization of Clustering, Co-Teaching and Academic Achievement models, and how each will help differentiate and advance IBCS.
- We reviewed specific budget figures associated with DPS and Izzi B. allocations, including year-over-year comparisons.
- We outlined current paraprofessional support compared to proposed 2019-2020 school year.
- We discussed a new GT and Literacy Intervention staffing support model.
- We reviewed the proposed elimination of Spanish.
Our next Council Meeting is this Thursday, March 14, 5:30-7 p.m. During this time, our Community will need to reach "concordance" as stated in our innovation plan. Child care is provided. Please remember, this is separate from our IBCS Council Budget process, which we will introduce during the meeting.
Fondly,
Schuba
Harkins Movie Tickets
Harkins’ 10-week summer movie series program kicks off June 3 and runs through Aug. 9. To participate, pick the day of the week you’d prefer to see a movie and purchase a packet of 10 movie tickets for just $5 each. A different movie plays at 9:45 a.m. each week day through the program. Ticket purchases must be completed by Friday, March 15. To complete your order, use the form sent home with students or visit https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E343143&id=11. 30 percent of your purchase goes back to IBCS. For more information, visit https://www.harkins.com/movies/summer-movie-fun.
IBCS on Instagram
If you’re not already following IBCS on Instagram, do so today! We’ve got two handles - izzib_readers and izzib_artists.
WHAT'S GOING ON WITH...
Battle of the Books Club
A Message from Angie, IBCS Literacy Interventionist: I am starting a Battle of the Books club with the assistance of dear, wonderful Fifth Grade Teacher, Val. Battle of the Books is what it sounds like - teams of students who read certain books and battle against each other by answering questions about the books. This year I’m starting small with six books and only fifth graders to battle within the school. Next year, I plan to start in the fall with more grades and an invitation to neighborhood schools to participate in battles, get t-shirts, etc. Here are the books for this year:
- Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, Grace Lin
- Fortunately, the Milk, Neil Gaiman
- Hello, Universe, Erin Entrada Kelly
- Ghost, Jason Reynolds
- When You Reach Me, Rebecca Stead
- Bud, Not Buddy, Christopher Paul Curtis
We need your help!! We can't do battles without questions, and I can't write all of the questions on my own. Please reach out to me by Wednesday, March 20, if you’re willing to read and create questions on one or more of these books. Even if you’ve read these before, rereading is necessary to craft good questions. Contact me directly, if you'd like more information or to help: angela_costello@dpsk12.
Scholastic Book Earnings
We did it again! Another record-breaking Scholastic Book Fair in the books. The event earned the school library $4,000 to spend on new books. Many thanks to all who purchased books and gifts for their home and teacher collections, and to those who volunteered - all contributed to the successful event.
SAVE THE DATE...
2019 CMAS Schedule
The 2019 CMAS testing schedule is now finalized. Grades 3-5 are scheduled to complete CMAS testing (Colorado Measures of Academic Success in English - language arts, math, science and social studies) on the following dates:
- April 3-5: Grades 3-5 English Language Arts
- April 9-11: Grades 3-5 Mathematics
- April 16-18: Grade 4 Social Studies; Grade 5 Science
Please look for more specifics in the coming weeks. Contact Caleb with any questions.
- Wednesday, March 13, 8:15-9:15 a.m.: Liaison Meeting
- Thursday, March 14, 5:30-7 p.m.: Council Meeting (child care is provided)
- Friday, March 15, 6-10 p.m.: Izzi B. Annual Auction
- Monday, March 18, 3:15-4:15 p.m.: Culture and Equity Team Meeting
- Monday, March 18, 5:30-7 p.m.: Council Board Meeting
- Friday, March 22, 8:15-9:15 a.m.: Coffee and Conversation
- Friday, March 22, 3:30-4:30 p.m.: Family Hidden at Hidden Brook
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