IAMacomb Update
September 30, 2026
September at the IAM
We are moving right along through our school year, as we approach the end of week eight already! Our students have quickly settled into the hard work of a new school year.
The next day, the students created presentation posters and presented to the entire senior class. This experience is a wonderful example how student-centered, collaborative learning creates memorable learning opportunities for students.
Collaborative Learning & Building Relationships
There are many exciting and interesting things happening in our classrooms on a daily basis.
In Ms. Kennebrew's Geometry class, I observed how students creating displays that explain mathematical concepts in their own words through examples, real-world connections, and challenge questions. It is a great example of active learning—and a reminder that meaningful learning happens when students do the thinking, create connections, and help one another understand. (Here is an example of one of the posters). At the end of class, most days, Ms. Kennebrew makes time to connect. She creates a circle with her students and does a check in before students leave.
One of the many wonderful things about our school is that IAM teachers place value on learning content, and equal value on building relationships.
Science National Honor Society
We have great opportunities for extracurricular involvement at the IAM. One of those groups is the Science National Honor Society, led by staff sponsor Mr. Samonie. This week they had over 100 students at the meeting. The second part of the meeting they participated in a STEM activity where groups strategized and built structures with dry spaghetti noodles and marshmallows. Here is a picture of the winning group with their tower.
Link Crew - 9th grade check in
Our wonderful Link Crew mentors checked in with 9th grade students last week. The focus of the discussion and activity was organization and time management. Mr. Lambdin and Ms. Robinson provided a great opportunity for discussion and to talk with their Link Crew groups.
PSAT/NMSQT - Juniors
On October 7th, juniors will take the PSAT/NMSQT during the school day. All students will attend school all day. Here is a link to College Board's PSAT/NMSQT preparation information: https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt/preparing/practice-tests.
Fall Conferences – Thursday, October 15th, 2026
We look forward to seeing you to Fall Conferences on Thursday, October 15th. Conferences will be scheduled in 5-minute increments, and you can choose between in-person or Zoom meetings. To schedule a conference, please use the International Academy of Macomb Conference Manager platform. This tool allows you to view teacher availability and book your preferred time slots.
Access Conference Manager:
- Log in to PowerSchool at https://ps.iam.misd.net/public. Please use a computer or web browser rather than the PowerSchool mobile app.
- Click the Application Launch icon (a box with an arrow pointing diagonally upward).
- Select SchoolSoft Conference Manager to begin scheduling.
Booking Window:
The Conference Manager will open for bookings on Monday, October 5th, 2026, at 9:00 AM.
Reservations will close on Thursday, October 15th, 2026, at 11:00 AM.
Schedule:
- 11:30 pm - 2:30 pm Online Conferences (Zoom)
- 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm In-Person Conferences (Gymnasium)
College Rep Visits
Mr. Garcia is busy scheduling the college and university representative visits this fall. Encourage your student to check the bulletin board outside the main office. All students are encouraged to visit with the representatives when they visits, they are typically set up on the stage in the cafeteria during both lunches. Listed below are the dates scheduled so far, additional visits are scheduled throughout the fall:
September
9/8 - Western Michigan University
9/21 - Michigan State University
9/21 - Michigan Tech University
9/21 - Rochester Christian University
9/21 - Kettering University
9/22 - American University of Paris
9/25 - Washington University in St. Louis
9/28 - Oakland University
9/29 - Central Michigan University
9/30 - University of Michigan
October
10/2 - Lawrence Tech University
10/9 - Wayne State University
10/21 - University of Detroit Mercy
10/23 - University of Alabama
November
11/3 - Western Michigan University
Seniors - IB Invoices
IB Exams: Seniors: Invoices for the IB Exams have been distributed and are due on October 15th. Reach out to Mr. Hrisoulis, IB Coordinator, if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you!
Michigan State University Visit
University of Michigan Visit
Today, Ms. Sarah Boswell, our school's representative from the University of Michigan Ann Arbor, visited our school. She met with juniors and those seniors who were interested to learn more about U of M. Each year, many students apply and end up attending the University of Michigan.
Key Club Car Wash Fundraiser
La Copa Soccer Tournament
Parent Community Club - Meet up!
The IAM Parent Community Club is hosting a family-friendly meet-up on Friday, October 9th from 5-8:00 PM. Fill out the form to RSVP and let us know you will be there. Payment of $13 at the gate. Card or Exact Change, please. The PCC is providing cider and doughnuts to those on the RSVP list!
Corn Fun: Corn Maze Adventure & Pumpkin Patch - 9391 Lindsey - Casco MI 48064
www.cornfun.com - RSVP here: https://forms.gle/Qrk2km2ibcmoCpvA8
Important Dates
October
10/2 - Renaissance Festival Field Trip
10/5-10/6 - Vision Screening (9th Grade)
10/7 - Count Day
10/7 - PSAT/NMSQT for 11th grade students - during the school day
10/9 - School Pictures - Re-take Day & Senior Pictures Re-take Day
10/15 - Conferences Afternoon and Evening // Students Half Day
10/16 - Teachers Records in Afternoon // Students Half Day
10/29 - Induction for Honor Societies
November
11/3 - No School Students // PD for Teachers
11/25 - No School
11/26 - No School
11/27 - No School
December
12/21 - 12/31 - No School
(School Resumes 1/4/27)
Class of 2027 - Senior Info!
Please click the link for senior information: https://app.smore.com/n/7890u
Translation Needed?
In an effort to enhance our communication with families in native languages, attached are copies of this newsletter translated into a couple of the languages represented in our beautiful community. If other languages are needed, please contact the main office and we will do the best we can to provide additional options.