October 28, 2013 Issue 10 Irmo Middle School 6051 Wescott Road Columbia, SC 29212 (803) 476-3600 www.lexrich5.

org/ims School Hours: 8:20 a.m.-3:35 p.m.

The Buzz
rsjackso@lexrich5.org

at Irmo Middle School

Creating successful students for the challenges of tomorrow

Robert S. Jackson, Ed.S., Principal
https://twitter.com/IMS_Principal

Inside this issue:

Congratulations Band! SC Gov. Sch Arts/Hum 8th Grade NYC Trip Guidance/Job Shadow Health Room Band News Student Clubs IMS Junior Leadership 2 2 3-5 6-8 10 11 12 13

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IMS Book Fair is now open!!

Dates to Remember: Red Ribbon Week
Mon Oct 28 Book Fair Begins Tues Oct 29 Stud Govt 7:45-8:15 Room 713 CATE Center Trip Mix It Up Lunch NYC Parent Mtg @ 5:30-6:30 IMS Cafe Wed Oct 30 Wear Red NYC Parent Mtg @7-8 PM IMS Cafe Fri Oct 31 FCA 7:35-8:05

Monday evening, October 28th the book fair will be open from 5pm - 8pm during the Lexington Richland 5 School District Board Meeting being held at Irmo Middle School. In addition, we will be open for "Pastries for Parents" Thursday morning, October 31st from 7:45am - 9am. Come join us for various student's literary works, pastries, and orange juice as you browse the book fair!! We are open Monday, October 28th thru 31st during school hours and Friday,
November 1st from 8:15 AM to 1 PM.

********************************************************* Cash for IMS... Subs for You

Box Tops can be turned into your 4th block teacher or the front office to be put in Coach Cooke's box. Please have your 4th block teacher's name marked on the envelope so your class will get credit. The 4th period class that turns in the most Box Tops will win a sub sandwich platter from Publix for lunch. Box Top money will go to help buy new PE equipment.

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Congratulations to Mychal Cumbo for winning the design for the new "Buzz Note"! Buzz notes are used by teachers and staff to give to If you have any news you students for being noticed for positive behavior, as part of the PBIS Program. Mychal was selected for his creativity in incorporating Irmo Middle would like to see in the Buzz, email Allison Redick School's new logo, iAM #Irmostrong! We are so proud of Mychal at aredick@lexrich5.org. and thank him for his contributions to our schools continuous progress.

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Band Wins 2nd Place at Lower State Championships

Congratulations are extended to the following Irmo Middle School students who are members of the high school marching band. This past weekend, they competed in the Lower State Championships at West Ashley High School in Charleston. They performed an amazing routine and earned a second place finish, which qualifies them for the state finals this weekend (October 26th) at Spring Valley High School. Our middle school students are represented in just about every section of the band. We are extremely proud of our students for this accomplishment and congratulate them on a job well done. They have represented School District Five and Irmo Middle in a distinctive fashion. Candace Evans Ebony Williams Mika Adachi Nicholas Dussault CeCe Kershaw Calvin Guyette Evelyn Edgar Katie Shealy Cameron Andrews Rick Howell Ben Boisture Lawson Lacomba Malia Langston Anthony Ruocco Kailey Chapman Paige Gersdorff Balin Gambrell Chris Faber Samuel Boone Kara Gallman

_________________________________________________________________________ Enrichment Presentation by the South Carolina Governor's School for Arts and Humanities
On Thursday October 17, 2013, Irmo Middle students had the opportunity during Enrichment to attend a presentation by Erin Huiett from the SC Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities (SCGASH). The SC Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities is a public residential high school located in downtown Greenville, South Carolina. The school also provides summer opportunities in creative writing, dance, drama, music, and visual arts for artistically talented students from all across the great state of South Carolina. Through the years, Irmo Middle School has had many students take advantage of the summer programs offered at the SCGSAH.
The Discovery Program is a two week program for rising ninth grade students interested in any of the above listed fine arts areas. The application deadline is January 8th, 2014. For more information and online applications, visit www.scgsah.org. Also, you may contact Allison Redick, IMS Career Specialist, aredick@lexrich5.org or 476-3668.

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NEW YORK, N.Y.

When: April 12 - April 15, 2014 How: charter bus How much: $336 includes everything but lunch daily, meals while traveling to and from NY, and spending money. Staying: Holiday Inn Express Rooms: 4 students per room Chaperone/student ratio: 1/10 Payment Schedule: November 12, 2013 ~$100 January 12, 2014 ~ $100 February 12, 2014 ~ $136 Parent meeting nights: Tuesday, October 29 @ 5:30 Irmo Middle Cafe OR Wednesday, October 30 @ 7:00 Irmo Middle Caf We are excited to take a group of 90 students to the BIG APPLE in April. We have many great things planned for the first Irmo Middle School International Academic Magnet Expedition! Many sights from around the world will be seen and experienced on this trip showing students the world around them and how they are part of that world. There will be more information to come! Teacher contact: Joe Cioffi e-mail: jcioffi@lexrich5.org Phone: 476-3711

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Itinerary
Day 1: Saturday April 12, 2014 08:30pm Depart for NYC Day 2: Sunday April 13, 2014 07:30am Stop for breakfast (cost not included) 09:00am Arrive to the United Nations & meet EduTrips escort 09:30am Guided tour of the United Nations begins 11:00am Tour ends, depart for the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) 11:30am Admission, time to explore & have lunch in the cafeteria (cost of lunch not included) 01:30pm Our next stop will be the Tenement Museum, where we will get a behind the scenes look into New York's Past 02:00pm Tour of museum begins 03:45pm Tour ends, begin a walking tour of the Lower East Side, Chinatown & Little Italy 06:00pm Enjoy an authentic Italian dinner & entertainment at Puglias 08:00pm Return to the bus & depart for the hotel 08:30pm Check into hotel & the rest of the evening is free Day 3: Monday April 14, 2014 08:00am Breakfast at the hotel 09:00am Depart for the 911 Memorial 09:30am Admission to the 911 Memorial 10:30am Visit St. Paul's Chapel 11:00am Begin a walking tour of Wall Street en-route to Battery Park, we will stop to see the New York Stock Exchange & famous Charging Bull statue 12:30pm Board ferry for the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island 01:00pm Arrive to the Ellis Island, enjoy free time to explore & have lunch (cost of lunch not included) 02:30pm Return to Manhattan, meet the bus & depart for Harlem 03:00pm Begin guided bus tour of Harlem viewing sites such as Apollo, El Barrio, and much more. 04:30pm Depart for Times Square. Enjoy free time to explore and an authentic Cuban dinner at Havana Central 07:00pm Make our way to Afro Brazil Art Center 07:30pm Traditional Brazilian Capoeira performance begins (on request TBD) 09:30pm Return to the hotel for rest and relaxation Day 4: Tuesday April 15, 2014 08:00am Breakfast at hotel, check out & load luggage onto the bus 09:00am Depart for Rockefeller Center where we will begin a walking tour of 5th avenue en route to Central Park. Sites include - St Patrick's Cathedral, FAO Schwartz, Trump Tower & much more 11:00am Enjoy a typical NY hot dog for lunch (cost not included) 12:00pm Meet bus & depart for home (dinner stop en route- cost not included) 11:00pm Approximate arrival home

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Field trip permission forms will be sent home Thursday, 10/31. Deposit and permission forms will be accepted starting Friday at 7:20 AM in the main office through November 12th.

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Allison Redick, Career Specialist

IMS Career Corner

JOB SHADOWING

A SCHOOL-TO-WORK OPPORTUNITY

October 25, 2013 April 25, 2014

Each year, Irmo Middle School students have the opportunity to participate in Job Shadowing. Job Shadowing gives students an opportunity to see that the skills they learn in school are related to the skills they will need in the workplace. Job Shadowing is considered a short-term experience to introduce a student to a particular job by a one-on-one pairing of a student with an employee in a work environment. The student shadows the worker up to one day to better understand the requirements of a particular career. All students are encouraged to participate in this activity. Procedures for Job Shadowing:

1. Complete the attached Job Shadowing application and Insurance & Emergency information form. 2. Return both completed forms to the Career Specialist at least one week prior to the shadow visit
date. Students will only receive an excused absence for pre-approved shadow visits.

3. Upon completion of the shadowing experience, students must complete a Job Shadowing Report and
send a Thank You Letter to the business. These must be given to the Career Specialist within 2 days upon returning to school. Failure to complete either one will result in an unexcused absence no exceptions. Other Important Information: a. Students and their parents/guardians will make arrangements for the student to shadow a parent/ guardian, friend, relative or another person in a career of interest at the work site to include Transportation. b. This Job Shadowing opportunity is offered in lieu of Take-Your-Daughter/Son To-Work Day and Groundhog Shadowing Day. c. Students are only eligible to have ONE day per school year for this activity. d. Job Shadowing can be completed in a couple of hours, an entire day, weekends and/or holidays. e. Students provide their own lunch during shadowing, if applicable. f. Students should demonstrate punctuality, honesty, good grooming habits, appropriate dress and willingness to learn. g. Students serve as an observer, not a worker. h. Students are not permitted to shadow teachers at Irmo Middle school. i. Any school work missed as a result of being absent for shadowing is the responsibility of the student. Completion of the Job Shadowing experience will be recorded in the students Career and Education Portfolio. Middle school students should begin setting a career goal. The portfolio will be used during high school years to assist students in making educational plans and career decisions. This opportunity is being made available through the efforts of the Education and Economic Development Acct (EEDA) of 2005. If you have any questions and/or concerns please contact Allison Redick, Career Specialist at 476-3668 or email: aredick@lexrich5.org.

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Irmo Middle School Job Shadowing Application and Permission Form

By signing this form, you are allowing your child to participate in a job shadowing experience and agree to provide his/her transportation. This form must be returned to the Career Specialist no later than one week prior to the shadowing visit date in order to participate and receive an excused absence. In addition, your student is required to complete a job shadowing report (to be provided upon approval of visit) and a thank you letter to his/her shadow host. Both of these must be given to the Career Specialist within 2 days upon returning to school. Thank you for assisting in this valuable learning opportunity.

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Irmo Middle School Job Shadowing

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Health Room: Lice Guidelines

1. Information pertaining to lice will be provided to parents periodically during the school year, via school newsletters and/or school websites. 2. If a student is suspected to have head lice, the student will be screened in an area that assures privacy. A one time use applicator stick may be used to assist in inspecting the hair and scalp. Observe for presence of crawling lice or nits, especially at the nape of the neck and behind ears. Use of a high intensity light or direct sunlight and a magnifying lens will aid in the detection of live lice or nits. A positive finding for head lice is defined as the presence of live, crawling lice visualized on direct inspection of the scalp, and/or the presence of nits (eggs) that appear to be inch or 6 mm from the scalp. 3. It may be appropriate to screen other symptomatic (i.e. itching) children who have had close head-tohead contact with a student with an active infestation. Classroom-wide or school-wide screening has not been shown to reduce the incidence of head lice, and is not recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics or the National Association of School Nurses. The determination of whether or not additional students are to be screened will be the school nurses decision based on his/her nursing judgment. 4. Whenever positive cases are reported, the parents of affected children are given district approved literature pertaining to treatment and prevention of head lice. Documentation will be maintained in SNAP that the head lice information letter has been provided to parents. 5. A student with positive findings for lice is excluded from school in accordance with the DHEC School and Childcare Exclusion lists. Students may return to school with a parent note, after one initial treatment with an over-the-counter or prescription chemical product (shampoo, lotion, oral medication) identified in literature as having pediculicidal activity or a mechanical treatment (heat, combing). Upon the students return, he or she will be admitted to class when a follow-up screening by the school nurse identifies no live, crawling lice on the students scalp. 6. Emphasize to parents the importance of following the directions exactly as outlined on the lice treatment label. Crme rinse or a combination shampoo/conditioner should not be used before applying lice medication. Hair should not be rewashed for 1-2 days after treatment. Parents should be instructed to check their students hair and scalp daily and to continue to comb for any undetected units for two weeks following each treatment. Subsequent positive findings should be reported to the school nurse and the student retreated (during the appropriate time frame) 7. The student should be retreated in 7-10 days unless directed otherwise by physician. 8. Students will be re-checked 7 days after initial discovery of head lice. A student identified with live crawling lice will be excluded until treated (as directed in #5 above). The student can be readmitted to school when a screening by the school nurse identified no live, crawling lice on the students scalp. Encourage parents to report subsequent positive findings to the school nurse and to retreat the student (during the appropriate time frame). 9. For environmental control, at the school if several cases are detected, vacuum carpeting and upholstered furniture daily where affected students lie, sit, or play. The use of insecticide sprays or fumigants is not recommended. 10. During an outbreak of pediculosis, the school nurse, with guidance from DHEC, may determine other practical measures that can be implemented to help deter transmission in the school setting. 11. Additional information on head lice will be made available to parents by the school nurse upon request.

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Head Lice Information for Parents

Head lice will be a problem from time to time in schools and it is important to work together as a school community to minimize the frustration caused by the problem. You should routinely examine your child's head at least weekly. Head Lice are little bugs; a full grown louse is about the size of a sesame seed. They crawl quickly when touched. They lay lots of eggs (also known as nits). Nits are usually at nape of the neck/behind the ears and close to the scalp. Nits are oval; white or grey in color and about the size of a knot of thread. They are firmly attached to the hair shaft. To determine whether or not you are seeing a nit try sliding it down the hair shaft using your fingers. Nits will be difficult to move, whereas dandruff and other items slide easily. If crawling lice or nits are found, all household members should be examined for crawling lice and nits every 2-3 days. Persons with live (crawling) lice or nits within inch or less of the scalp should be treated. To eliminate head lice successfully, it is very important that all treatment instructions and steps be carefully followed and completed. Both over-the-counter and prescription products are available. You may wish to contact your health care provider or pharmacist for additional information about which product they recommend. Head lice can be a nuisance but they have not been shown to spread disease. Personal hygiene or cleanliness in the home or school has nothing to do with getting head lice. For more information visit the CDC website at http:// www.cdc.gov/parasites/lice/head/index.html or contact your school nurse.

News on Head Lice

If your child goes to the dentist and doesnt have cavities do you stop brushing their teeth? Likewise, just because your child does not have head lice, doesnt mean you should stop checking their hair. Head lice are a common problem among children so weekly hair checks should become a routine part of hair hygiene. It is much easier to get rid of a head lice infestation if it is caught early. In addition to routine checks it is a good idea to check your childs head before and after attending a sleepover. Head lice are small bugs, no bigger than a sesame seed and will most often be found behind the ears or at the nape of the neck. Head lice eggs are called nits; grey-white in color; about the size of a knot of thread and they will be firmly attached to the hair. To check for head lice you will need a well lit area. Part the hair section by section and look closely, especially at the scalp for lice. They will move very quickly but can most easily be seen moving along the part you just made. Look for nits. Nits from a current infestation will be found within inch from the scalp. If you suspect your child has head lice, notify your school nurse. In addition, the entire family should be inspected for head lice. Head lice are not fussy about the heads they live on. There is no connection between head lice and the length of someones hair or the cleanliness of their hair, body, home or school environment. People of all races can get head lice. Head lice dont fly or jump they crawl from head to head. This often happens when people play or work closely together. Therefore, head lice are most often found among children ages 3-10, and their families.

Tips for preventing your child from getting head lice:

Discourage head-to-head contact and sharing of hats, scarves, hairbrushes and combs. Tie long hair back. Always send your childs own sleeping bag, towel and pillow to sleepovers. You cannot prevent head lice by using head lice shampoos or products use them only if you have head lice. Check young school age children weekly for head lice; more often if there has been a known exposure to someone with head lice.

What to do if your child has head lice:

Notify your childs school nurse. The nurse can give you specific instructions for the treatment of head lice. Check the heads of all family members. All family members with head lice should be treated at the same time. Tell all close contacts of the person with head lice to check their head.

Important points to remember:

1. Be sensitive to your childs feelings! 2. Lack of cleanliness does not cause head lice. 3. Both children and adults can get head lice. 4. Short hair does not prevent the spread of lice. 5. Head lice do not live on dogs, cats or other animals.

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Irmo Middle School 2013-14

Student Clubs & Organizations

Students are provided many opportunities to participate in various clubs and organizations outside of team sports. A variety of academic teams serve as an extension of students skills and interests. The extracurricular program is an integral part of the total educational process at iAM and provides attention to individual students needs and interests. The following are a list of those opportunities:

Name
iAm Leadership Band Parent Booster Club G40 (IMS Student Government) Science Club Team iAm Peaceful (Martial Arts Club) Unity Task Force Peer to Peer AntiBullying Club Entrepreneur Club Fellowship of Christian Athletes Friends of the Orchestra Honors Chorus Literary Magazine MathCounts Team National Jr. Arts Honor Society Recycling Club Step Team Yearbook, The Stinger R.E.A.C.H. (Rhythm, Expression, Adventure & Culture Hear it All! ) Organic Living Book Club

Sponsor
Mrs. Marcelle Boland mboland@lexrich5.org, Mr. Joe Cioffi jcoffi@lexrich5.org Mr. Trey Simmons tsimmons@lexrich5.org Mrs. Tina Stevens tstevens@lexrich5.org Mrs. Regan Moore rmoore@lexrich5.org Mr. Bryan Winfree bwinfree@lexrich5.org, Mr. Robert (Bob) McCloy rmccloy@lexrich5.org Mrs. Sheila R. Inabinet sinabine@lexrich5.org Mrs. Mary Choplin mchoplin@lexrich5.org, Mrs. Margaret Plexico mplexico@lexrich5.org Mr. James Fanning jfanning@lexrich5.org Mr. Scott Thur sthur@lexrich5.org Mrs. Reina Floyd lfloyd@lexrich5.org Mrs. Haley Calore hcalore@lexrich5.org Mr. Ryan Crothers rcrothers@lexrich5.org Mr. Bob McCloy rmccloy@lexrich5.org Ms. Melissa Texin mtexin@lexrich5.org Ms. Cynthia OReilly coreilly@lexrich5.org Mrs. Jennifer Cook jcook@lexrich5.org, Mrs. Regan Moore rmoore@lexrich5.org Mrs. Odessa Hilton ohilton@lexrich5.org Mrs. Erin Fuseler efuseler@lexrich5.org Mrs. Judy Deans jdeans@lexrich5.org, Ms. LaToya Geiger legeiger@lexrich5.org

Ms. Cynthia OReilly coreilly@lexrich5.org Ms. Iris Johnson ijohnson@lexrich5.org

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IMS Junior Leadership Program

Building Citizens of Character Dedicated To Serving their Community What is it?
The Junior Leadership Program (JLP) is a program created by Irmo High School AFJROTC cadets and Irmo Middle School administration which will be held during your students enrichment time. Meetings will take place once a week and will consist of a multitude of activities promoting leadership, responsibility and respect.

Eligibility
Any student in the seventh or eighth grade is eligible to participate in the Junior Leadership Program.

Benefits Students will be taught and mentored by AFJROTC cadets who have been in the high school program for at least
one entire school year. The cadets chosen will be the best the program has to offer.

Students will learn respect, responsibility, self control, and leadership to help them be successful in school and in
the community and their future. Students will be taught personal hygiene and be expected to maintain personal hygiene and minimal grooming standards. If a student chooses to stay in JLP and advance in the program, he/she may be able to join AFJROTC at a higher rank than other first year cadets.

Opportunities These are just a few of the activities that students can do. Model Rocketry: Students will learn how rockets work and how to build them. They will then build and launch
their own rockets. Drill: Drill team cadets will teach basic drill (military marching) to the students. Students who show interest and progress in this activity will have the opportunity to learn rifle drill. Introduction to Aviation: For students interested in aviation there will be an opportunity to learn about the history of flying and basic aviation, including the use of flight simulators. Students may also be able to fly in an aircraft. Volunteering: AFJROTC cadets participate in many volunteering activities that JLP students could also join. Okra Strut Parade: Along with AFJROTC cadets, the students can march in the front of the parade beginning in 2014. Military Ball: A formal dance for the cadets with some basic military ceremony and a lot of dancing and music is an option for JLP students. Awards Banquet: A ceremony at the end of the year awarding cadets for a job well done is common in the high school. JLP participants will be invited to the ceremony and presented awards along with the high school cadets. Field Trips: Students may be able to take trips to the high school to visit and observe cadets in action as well as take trips with cadets to drill meets and, potentially, military establishments and historic sites. This is not a military or recruiting program. We use military skills to emphasize skills for success in life. There is no obligation for a member of the JLP. Students in the program are not required to join AFJROTC in high school. This is not a program to deal with disciplinary issues. This is not a graded activity.

Irmo Middle School Sponsor Information Mrs. Vickie Davis 803-476-3714 vdavis@lexrich5.org