In spite of rain, the 2013 Indianola Carnival was a fabulous, fun event. All the kids, and even a few adults, seemed to have a terrific time. Click here to see Rick Bennett’s beautiful pictures of the Carnival. (Photo at left by Rick Bennett.)

Many thanks to the more than 200 volunteers who made everything run smoothly. And there are so many others to thank: our generous sponsors; everyone who donated books, materials, baked goods, and silent-auction items; the custodians, who had their hands full in the aftermath; Ms. Moser and the rest of the staff who worked hard to make the Carnival work–especially those who took a turn in the dunk tank; and everyone who came, played, bounced, ate, sang, watched, and brought the Carnival to life.

The Carnival was also successful as a fundraiser. The beans are still being counted, but numbers so far indicate that this year’s event brought in about as much for the PTO as last year’s–in the vicinity of $9,000. This money will go to the PTO’s general fund, and will help pay for a host of things to enhance our children’s education.

Congratulations to volunteers Indira Arnold and Paul Dragin, who each won a drawing for a set of four zoo tickets.

Want to see more images from the Carnival? Click here to see a slide show of amateur photos. (Photo at left by Rick Bennett, who is by no estimation an amateur.)

Thanks again to everyone who made Carnival 2013 successful. We’ll see you again next year!

Don’t forget about the Skate Party May 22, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, at Skatezone 71. Admission is $3, and skate rental an additional $3. These parties are always a lot of fun, and they raise money for Indinanola.

Join us for the next IEP Support Group meeting Thursday, May 23, at 1:00 pm in the parent room (at the back of the auditorium). Kerry Metzker, the Columbus City Schools Special Education Coordinator assigned to Indianola, will join us to answer questions. If you have questions or would like to be added to the e-mail group, contact Catherine Bird ([email protected]).

The Carnival wrap-up meeting will take place in the library on Thursday, May 23, at 7:00 pm. Organizers will report on what went right and what went wrong at the Carnival, and offer suggestions for next year’s event. (See the Carnival post for some great pictures.)

Join us for the drum out on May 30 at 3:10! The drum-out is an Indianola tradition. Students exit the building as a class to the sound of drums played by middle school students and staff. This is their “completion ceremony” whereby they move on to the next grade. Eighth graders exit last and this is a special (and bittersweet) tradition each year.

The CCS parent survey you receive each year has been redesigned. Based on parent feedback from previous surveys, the district has been looking for a survey tool that was more research -based, one that would provide more meaningful data on parent engagement for decision making. The new survey is one that has been used by over 200 other school districts and it has provided quality responses. Please take the time to fill it out. The school will distribute the survey to families. You may also fill out the survey online until June 15. Click here to see the online survey.

A message from Mrs. West:  Dear Indianola Family, My name is Leah West and I have been the speech/language therapist at Indianola Alternative K-8 for three years.  As with every profession, change is inevitable.  Technology has become very important in educating our students.  In the field of Speech and Language Pathology, IPADS are being used to support the learning of students with speech and or language disorders. To this end, I am trying to purchase an IPAD through the website DonorsChoice.org.  This website can be used to obtain necessary materials that will benefit teachers, students, etc.  through monetary donations from supporters.  Please take a few minutes to view my page.  It is my desire to begin the 2013-2014 school year with one more tool that will help me to engage, motivate and ultimately teach our students who have communication disabilities.  Thank You. Sincerely,

Mrs. West, M. Ed.  C. C. C.

Speaking of technology, do you have an old computer lying around? We have several students that could benefit from having a computer in their home. If you have one you’d like to donate, please contact our school counselor, Mary Whitehead, at [email protected]

Because it has been so popular, Frederick’s Bookstore needs more books!  If you didn’t already donate your unwanted books for the Carnival, please bring them in now. Frederick’s Bookstore opened last week, and will continue selling and trading books on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:30 – 1:30 for the remainder of the school year. Kids can buy books for 50¢ apiece, or trade for used books from home.

Save Box Tops This Summer! The Indianola PTO has earned over $700 this year from Box Tops for Education! Summer is a perfect time for your kids to start collecting Box Tops for the school. Go online to www.btfe.com for a complete list of eligible products. to learn about bonus Box Tops, and more.  Then have your child decorate a Kleenex box (don’t forget the Box Top on it!) or an envelope and collect Box Tops all summer long! At the beginning of the school year, we will tally our summer Box Top collection and see how much we have earned!

Dates to Remember:

May 22 – Skate party at Skatezone 71, 6:30 – 7:30 pm

May 23 – IEP Support Group meeting, 1:00 pm

May 23 – Carnival wrap-up meeting, 7:00 pm

May 30 – Last Day of school, Drum out ceremony starts at 3:10

We are making the switch to the new Common Core curriculum this year….Why are we doing it and how can you help your child?

Why switch to Common Core?

The common core is designed to help your child be fully prepared for college and for a career in the 21st century. With quick accessibility of knowledge available on the internet, regurgitation of knowledge is no longer a necessary skill. Students must not only be able to locate information but must analyze the information and use it creatively to solve new problems. The advent of 21st century technology has changed the requirements sought out by employers. In fact, we are preparing our children for jobs that do not even exist yet.  Therefore; teaching and learning in the common core focus on the 21st century skills of collaboration, communication, critical thinking and creativity so that your children will be prepared for a successful future.

How can you help your child?

Students must be able to construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.

• Ask them to explain their reasoning in everyday situations. When they hear other peoples’ thoughts and ideas, ask them to evaluate and explain their reasoning for their critiques.
• When solving math problems, ask them to show and explain their strategy and to find another way to solve the problem.
• Students should read like a detective and write like an investigative reporter. Reading should be 50% non-fiction. Students should be able to return to the text to find answers and evidence to support their ideas. Students should be able to draw inferences and support their opinions based on evidence from the text.

Contact us:
Feel free to contact us for questions or help related to the common core.

Marci Gorenstein
Math CCIT
Mgorenstein1504@
columbus.k12.oh.us

Pam Ellis
Reading CCIT
[email protected]

To continue earning rewards for Indianola through the Kroger Community Rewards program, you will have to re-enroll after April 1, 2013. Kroger requires that you re-enroll every year to continue earning rewards for the school. Even if you have already enrolled in 2013, you must go through the process again after April 1 to continue earning for the period 5/1/2013 to 4/30/2014.

Click here to find instructions on how to enroll or re-enroll.

The Kroger Community Rewards program has been a terrific fundraiser for Indianola. Our recent quarterly check totaled over $800. Let’s keep this great program alive and well. Don’t forget to re-enroll!

The Indianola Community Garden is looking for a coordinator and volunteers! Community members will meet every Friday after school to work on the garden- join them when you can.

Our Purpose: Create a living learning lab for the students of Indianola K-8. This will allow students to grow food, create habitat, and learn about the natural world surrounding us. Visit our website. or visit our blog. Continue reading »