Read the entire newsletter and information below or get a printable copy HERE
Message from the principal
Hello Raven Families!
The ticking away of August days signals that the first day of school is nearly here, and I am thrilled to welcome our students back to school! Summer is a glorious time of slowing down, letting go of busy schedules for a brief time to enjoy family, friends, and fun. It is a time for making memories that will last a lifetime, and as it slowly comes to an end, our excitement builds to get back to the school house. Although I have experienced countless back-to-schools as an educator, parent, and student, the excitement of opening our doors on day one still bursts inside of me. The new year is full of promise and opportunity! This is your students’ first and only first day of 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade, and no matter what grade, it’s a big deal. I am looking forward to meeting all our Raven students in a few short weeks and feeling the positive energy a building full of students brings! The first day of school is Wednesday, September 6th for all grade levels.
I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve our amazing Raven students, staff, and families. It is my true honor and privilege to get to become a member of this dynamic, passionate, creative and inclusive community. Innovation Lab High School is a very special place where each individual student matters, their voice is celebrated, and their contributions to the community make a difference. My personal mission as an educator is to see the strengths in each individual and help them find and cultivate their passion and purpose. I firmly believe that each person has a story that deserves to be heard, and that every individual deserves to be seen, valued, and cared for. I am passionate about living out my personal mission each day, and I look forward to the opportunity to hear your story and support you in your goals and aspirations.
I appreciate the trust that you put into our school and myself each day when you send your student off to school. This is a responsibility that I take to heart on a daily basis. Know that our team is committed to your students’ academic success and social-emotional wellbeing. Our partnerships with home are an essential component of our students’ success at school. We are a team, and we share the goal of seeing your student thrive as they transition to adulthood. We look forward to opportunities to collaborate with you for your student’s success.
Thank you in advance for your partnership in making ILHS the outstanding community that it is! Enjoy the last few weeks of summer! I look forward to serving you and your student at ILHS. Please feel free to contact me at anytime.
Sincerely,
Tiffany Rodríguez
Important Dates
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Monday, August 28th: Raven Day Back-to-School Fair (2:00 - 6:00pm)
This is a drop-in event. Come between 2:00 - 4:30 for school pictures. No need to stay the entire time. We look forward to seeing you there!
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Get your school picture and student ID (2 - 4:30pm only with Dorian Photography). Photos will not be taken after 4:30.
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Buy a yearbook
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See what clubs are offered at ILHS
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Meet your ASB
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Buy Spirit Gear
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Buy a parking Pass ($50 for year) - Required for students who choose to drive to ILHS - Proof of insurance is required!
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Turn in school forms
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Pay school fees
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Meet the ILHS teachers, staff, and our new principal
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Food Trucks: Jessica's Bites (3-6pm) and Chillz Ice Cream (4-6pm)
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Wednesday, September 6th: First day of school for all grade levels and students
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Monday & Tuesday, September 11th & 12th: Cedar Springs Field Trip for all freshman students. $106. Cash or checks only (payable to Innovation Lab HS) Free & Reduced Lunch students are not charged; financial assistance available for those who qualify. Contact Kelly Duhamel (office manager/bookkeeper) at 425.408.6201 with questions
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Thursday, September 28th: Curriculum Night - Time TBD
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Wednesday, October 4th: School Portrait make-up day with Dorian Photography
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Wednesday, October, 18: PSAT testing for Sophomores and Juniors
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Thursday, October 26: Optional SAT testing for Juniors/Seniors @ ILHS
School Fees
Current Course Fees for 2023/24
Yearbooks - $35
Parking Pass - $50
PSAT - $18
School Payments
Credit card payments can be made online. Visit https://wa-northshore.intouchreceipting.com for all school payments except cafeteria/meal accounts. Contact kduhamel@nsd.org to request your family’s official TouchBase username and password. Cash or checks (payable to Innovation Lab HS) are accepted at school.
Financial assistance is available! Your club and athletic fees, along with class material and testing fees can be reduced or eliminated by completing the NSD Fee Waiver Consent form EVERY YEAR, even if you automatically qualify for Free/Reduced-priced Meals. Your 2023-24 fee waiver opt-in expires on August 31, so log in now to complete BOTH the Free/Reduced-priced Meals application through the district website AND the Fee Waiver Consent form through the Student Information Update packet in ParentVUE.
Class Fees
Students taking classes that have materials costs–including Visual Arts supply fees and World Language workbook fees–will see fees posted to their TouchBase accounts in mid-September. Watch for teacher communications regarding class fees during the first two weeks of school.
First Day Schedule
We look forward to welcoming back all students (grades 9-12) on the first day of school, September 6. Below is our bell schedule for the first day of school. Students doing running start are expected to come for CREW, but can leave during the class rotation time and return. There will be a supervised area available for running start students who wish to stay on campus.
New Bell Schedule
*Please note that our bell schedule for the first two weeks of school will be periods 1-7 with the exception of Sept. 11 and 12, which will be Camp Cedar Spring for grade 9 and Campus Camp for grades 10 - 12. The schedule above will begin on September 18, 2023.
Drop off Procedures
Student Expectations Agreement
Student Expectations Agreement - required for all students. To ensure a positive, productive learning environment for all learners, ILHS students are expected to be responsible, respectful, and safe. It is important that students understand the behavior expectations that they will be held accountable to, summarized in our Student Expectations Agreement.
Trails permission form
ILHS classes often venture out to the wetlands behind the school. They utilize the walking trails as a resource for math and science, PE and various projects.
Trails Permission Form - required for all students
Health form
Student Health Form - required for all incoming freshmen and students new to the Northshore School District
9th Grade Cedar Springs Camp! (9th grade only)
All 3 Forms Required
Camp Message from the Principal
ILHS Cedar Springs Permission Form
District Calendar
NSD 2023-24 School Year Calendar
Attendance Procedures
Research shows a strong correlation between regular attendance and student achievement. On-time graduation rates are correlated with attendance beginning as early as kindergarten. Because of this, ILHS partners with families to support strong, consistent attendance for our student body. Students are expected to attend all assigned classes each day in person.
When your student is absent, please notify the school within 72 hours (three school days) in one of the following ways:
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Call 425-408-6221 and leave a voicemail
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Send in a note with your student including student name, date, time and reason for the absence
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Email ILHSattendance@nsd.org
If students need to leave school early for an appointment, please notify the attendance office in advance with at least 2 hours notice. Any student needing to leave school early due to illness must check out through the school nurse, NOT the Attendance office. Parents are unable to excuse “on campus” absences OR mid-day, single period absences. Example: Student misses class because they are testing with another teacher. This type of absence can only be cleared by that teacher.
Important Attendance Reminders:
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It is the student’s responsibility to have parents excuse absences on time.
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When arriving late or leaving early, students must check in/out at the attendance desk.
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Disciplinary consequences will be assigned for unexcused absences, truancy/skipping class, and unexcused tardies.
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For unexcused absences see the Becca Law (RCW 28A.225.020 and RCW 28A.225.030). Students are not entitled to assignments/quizzes/tests for absences that are unexcused.
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For excessive excused absences that are 10 or more per period/semester, an Attendance Contract may be necessary to help students manage their time and help them succeed in school. When absent, a student’s grade may be affected because of the student’s inability to make up the activities conducted during a class period. NOTE: Should a student miss an excessive number of days because of a serious illness, injury, or family crisis, and these absences are verified by the building administration, the above procedure may be waived.
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The principal/designee has the authority to determine if an absence meets the criteria for an excused absence (NSD Board Policy No. 3122).
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Early dismissals must be arranged BEFORE leaving campus. The Attendance Office will not accept notes or phone calls after an early dismissal has already occurred. Students must sign out at the Attendance Desk at all times before leaving school for early dismissals. Leaving campus without signing out at the Attendance Desk is considered an unexcused absence.
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ONLY Juniors and Seniors in good standing are allowed off campus for lunch once permission is granted. This privilege may be revoked.
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Students are not permitted to selectively attend certain classes/periods and have their parents excuse them.
PTSA Membership
Partnering with parents is important for ensuring both individual student achievements as well as the overall success of the school as a whole. Innovation Lab High School is fortunate to have a very supportive PTSA that has an enormous positive impact on our Raven community. Our generous PTSA enhances our school in numerous ways, such as providing classroom grants for teachers, maintaining our emergency supplies, and recognizing our excellent staff (to name just a few). There are many ways to get involved. More information on becoming a member and getting involved can be found on the web: www.ilhsptsa.org/Membership.html
School Supplies
At ILHS the classes and supplies needed vary depending on grade level and focus. Students should be prepared with notebooks, pens, pencils, paper, calculators etc. Teachers will explain any special requests for specific classes in September.
Communication from school
General information
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Check the school Schoology, ParentVUE, and the school website for information.
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Automated calls/texts/emails will go home for important school/district information.
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Weekly Raven Newsletters containing upcoming dates, important information, and school news will be emailed via parentsquare.
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Important communications from the school will be emailed. Please ensure we have your correct email.
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Please be sure to update the school with changes in phone numbers, email, address and custody information by contacting our registrar.
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Parents can track student progress online using Schoology and Parentvue. Consider signing up for weekly updates from Schoology, which are sent directly to your email. If you need help accessing ParentVUE, please contact jhartway@nsd.org
Who To Contact (Email or Call)
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Main office - General information, ASB, clubs, payments, etc.
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Attendance office - Absences, registration, contact information updates, etc.
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Teacher - Specific questions about student progress or course expectations.
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Start by encouraging and empowering your child to talk to their teacher about questions they have first.
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Our teachers value partnering with families for student success. They will respond within two school days. Please remember they have over 150 students.
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Counselor - academic questions, College/Career planning, graduation requirements, social-emotional support, course selection, concerns about a student, etc.
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Nurse - medical information about your student, medications, health forms.
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Administration - All other questions or concerns.
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Preguntas en español, favor de llamar (425) 408-6205.
High School PSAT Testing
Northshore School District Sophomores and Juniors will have the opportunity to take the PSAT at the high schools in October. The PSAT serves as a practice for the SAT. The $18 exam fee (increased by the College Board in 2021) will be automatically charged to all Sophomores and Juniors through TouchBase.
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Process for requesting PSAT accommodations: Please review the Requesting Accommodations Through the School link for more information. Parents can begin the formal request process by obtaining an accommodations application packet by visiting www.collegeboard.org. In addition, parents must submit a copy of their student’s most recent special education evaluation or testing results within the last three years, along with information about how testing accommodations were accessed in classroom testing situations over the last four months.
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Information regarding accommodations for students on an IEP or 504 Plan: Parents of students on an IEP or 504 Plan with specific testing accommodations have three options for the PSAT. It is important to note that testing accommodations for the PSAT are limited to providing additional time for completing the test, and taking the PSAT in a smaller group setting. Students on an IEP or 504 Plan can take the PSAT without accommodations, since it is a low stakes test. This gives students an opportunity to assess whether or not they will need accommodations when taking the SAT for college admissions.
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It is important to note: College Board, the governing body of the PSAT and SAT, approves testing accommodations for students on an IEP or 504 Plan, and not the Northshore School District. Also please note that this process can take up to 7 weeks.
Student Technology Device Information
NSD utilizes a 1:1 student technology model where each student is individually assigned a technology device to be used for the entirety of the school year. Students should bring their charged device to school daily. If you already have a device assigned to your student from Middle School, you will continue to use the district device that you were assigned previously. If you are new to NSD, you will be assigned a device the first week of school. All students are expected to adhere to the Northshore School District Responsible Use Policy. Students and families are financially responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen devices.
Transportation Information
The 2023-2024 bus information including bus number, stop times, and bus stop will be available using E-Link on August 30, 2023. E-Link can be found on the District Website under the Transportation Department Tab. ILHS students will take the bus from their feeder middle school.
The arrival time is an automated estimate; actual arrival times are determined by school departure time, travel distance, traffic, route design and student needs. The information displayed in E-Link is subject to confirmation by calling Transportation at 425-408-7900.
Food Services for 2023-2024
Students need to qualify each school year for free or reduced-priced meals in order to continue receiving benefits. Applications for 2023-24 school year benefits are available on the district Food & Nutrition website. Paper forms are also available.
If you qualify for free or reduced-priced meals, you may be eligible for other fees to be reduced or waived completely. Completing a fee waiver opt-in will allow your child's free and reduced status to be shared with those administering classroom fees and extra-curricular activity costs. Simply fill out the annual Fee Waiver Consent form on the ParentVUE site beginning August 23.
You can manage your student's meal account safely and securely online with LINQConnect. You can also pay by cash or check at your school. Checks should be made out to Northshore School District and indicate "school meals" in the memo line.
ParentVUE
ParentVue allows parents access to their personal information, phone numbers, and email addresses plus your student’s contact information and emergency contact information. You can also complete the Fee Waiver Consent form, see class schedules, report cards, course history, graduation status, and attendance. Email jhartway@nsd.org to receive your ParentVUE Activation Key; this is not the same as your TouchBase login. Please review your student and parent/guardian contact information listed in ParentVUE for accuracy. To make address changes please email jhartway@nsd.org. Much of our school communication is sent via email; therefore, it is important your contact information remains up to date.
Visitors
To ensure we maintain a secure campus, our school building, field, and parking area are for school-related activities only during the school day. Only students, staff, and visitors who have checked into the office are allowed on campus during the school day. Our doors will remain locked during the school day. Please buzz in at the main entrance to enter the building. All visitors must wear a visitor badge while on campus (with the exception of attendance at school events after school).
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Visitors are defined as anyone other than students or staff.
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Visitors are only permitted in classrooms when it is previously arranged with the teacher.
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Please schedule meetings with staff in advance. We welcome collaboration with parents/guardians, and see it as essential to student success. In order for us to provide our undivided attention and sufficient time, we ask that you email or call to set up a meeting at a mutually agreed-upon time.
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Always wear a visitor badge. This is required of any adult entering the building during school hours.
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Our doors will remain locked during the school day. Please buzz in at the main office to enter the building.
The health and safety of our students is of critical importance to the Northshore School District. Even so, accidents may and do happen and the resulting medical bills can be expensive. However, many families are unaware that the district does not carry insurance for student personal injury costs and cannot assume responsibility for them.
Parent/Guardian Responsibility: What this basically means is that if your child gets hurt during school day or during a school activity, you as the parent or guardian, are financially responsible for any medical bills incurred.
This includes students participating in athletics, PE, recess and after school activities. If your student participates in a sport, please make certain your family insurance plan covers athletic participation.
Optional Student Health Insurance
As a service, the district provides information on an optional student accident/health insurance plan. Although not the only provider of this coverage type, Meyers-Stevens & Toohey has been recommended by our Washington Schools Risk Management Pool. This coverage plan is made available by many school districts across the state.
If you have questions regarding the available plans, please call Myers-Stevens & Toohey at (800) 827-4695 or visit their website at www.myers-stevens.com. If you would like a hard copy enrollment form, please contact your school’s office.