April Parent Newsletter 2026!
Parent Newsletter
Important Dates:
All sporting events are included on the schedules under athletics and on IAF's website @ www.iafphoenix.org
Monday, April 6:
M-Step Gr. 3-8 & 11 Opens
- SAT w/ Essay Opens
- PSAT Gr. 8, 9,10 Opens
- Ferris State College Info Session- 2-12p-3:15p- L-Lab
Flint Center After-School Program
Tuesday, April 7:
- Gr. 8 PSAT Test
- Flint Center Afterschool program
- Peer Mediation- 3:30p-4:30p- Library
Wednesday, April 8:
- Flint Center After-School Program
- Small Group w/Dr. Richardson 3:30 pm-5:30 pm
- Gr. 11 MSTEP Test
Thursday, April 9:
- $2.00 Dress Down
- Flint Center After-School Program
- Peer Mediation- 3:30p-4:30p- Library
- Winter Sports Banquet- 6:00 pm- High School Gym
Friday, April 10:
- Monthly Perfect Attendance Recognition 2:15 pm-2:45 pm
PBIS Middle School Assembly- 11:21am - 12:25 pm
Monday, April 13:
Flint Center After-School Program
Tuesday, April 14:
Flint Center After-School Program
- Peer Mediation- 3:30p-4:30p- Library
- Gr. 11 SAT Test
- Gr. 4 & 5 MSTEP- ELA
Wednesday, April 15:
Flint Center After-School Program
- Small Group w/Dr. Richardson 3:30 pm-5:30 pm
Attendance Mediations, 9:00 am-2:00 pm, Board Room
- Gr. 9-10 PSAT Test
- Gr. 6 & 7 MSTEP-ELA
- Gr. 5 & 8 MSTEP-Social St.
$2.00 Dress Down
Flint Center After-School Program
- Peer Mediation- 3:30p-4:30p- Library
- 11th Grade WIN Assessments
- Financial Lunch & Learn: Credit History, Report & Repair 12PM-1:15 PM
Saturday, April 18:
- K-5 Father/Daughter Dance- 2:00 pm-5:00 pm- $30- (More info below)
Monday, April 20:
- Flint Center Afterschool Program
- MI Student Voice Perception Survey
Tuesday, April 21:
- Flint Center After-School Program
- MI Student Voice Perception Survey
- Peer Mediation- 3:30p-4:30p- Library
- Gr. 7 Mott Visit 9:30-12pm
- Gr. 4 & 5 MSTEP-Math
- Late Start: 10:00 am
Flint Center After-School Program
- Small Group w/Dr. Richardson 3:30 pm-5:30 pm
- MI Student Voice Perception Survey
$2.00 Dress Down
- Flint Center After-School Program
- Parent/Caregiver Meeting 9 AM-10:30 AM
- MI Student Voice Perception Survey
- Peer Mediation- 3:30p-4:30p- Library
- Gr. 6 & 7 MSTEP-Math
- Gr. 5 & 8 MSTEP-Science
- MI Student Voice Perception Survey
- SAT w/ Essay Closes
- PSAT Gr. 8, 9, 10 Closes
- Experience CMU Field Trip - Gr. 11
- 7th-8th PBIS Quarterly Event: 11:21-12:26p
- 3rd-4th-PBIS Assembly- 2p-2:45p
Monday, April 27:
- Flint Center After-School Program
- MI Student Voice Perception Survey
Tuesday, April 28:
- Flint Center After-School Program
Parent/Caregiver Meeting 5:30 PM-6:30 PM
- Peer Mediation- 3:30p-4:30p- Library
- MI Student Voice Perception Survey
- Senior Exit Presentations -Flint Golf Club
Wednesday, April 29:
- Small Group w/Dr. Richardson 3:30 pm-5:30 pm
- Flint Center After-School Program
- MI Student Voice Perception Survey
- Senior Exit Presentations -Flint Golf Club
Thursday, April 30:
- $2.00 Dress Down
- Flint Center after-school program-
- Peer Mediation- 3:30p-4:30p- Library
- MI Student Voice Perception Survey
- Senior Exit Presentations -Flint Golf Club
April Parent Calendar
🚨 Important Testing Information 🚨
11th Grade Testing
9th & 10th Grade Testing
8th Grade Testing
Spring Testing Affirmations
3rd Grade & 4th Grade Testing
5th Grade- Middle School Testing
✨ Enrollment Is Open at IAF! ✨
Open Enrollment is Now Happening at the International Academy of Flint!
Looking for a school community where students are supported, challenged, and inspired to grow? Join the IAF Phoenix Family!
At IAF, we focus on:
- Strong academics
- Leadership development
- Positive school culture
- Opportunities in athletics, arts, and student leadership
Now enrolling K–12 students!
International Academy of Flint
810-600-5000
Come see why families choose to Rise with the Phoenix!
✨ KDG Enrollment Is Open at IAF! ✨
We are now enrolling Kindergarten (KDG) scholars for the upcoming school year!
ours are coming soon, and we can’t wait to welcome families in to experience the IAF culture firsthand. From strong academics to a supportive, family-centered environment, we’re proud of what our youngest Phoenix experience every day.
Interested in enrolling or scheduling a tour?
Call 810-600-5000 and stay tuned for tour dates!
Stay Safe. Speak Up!
Stay Safe. Speak Up!
- Allows students and parents to report safety concerns directly to school officials via their smartphones.
Report issues easily.
- Whether it’s bullying, discrimination, suicidal thoughts or dangerous peer behavior, students face a variety of threats. Stay Safe. Speak Up! is an easy, effective way to report any concern, at any time.
Take immediate action.
- School officials are immediately emailed when a report is submitted. An immediate threat to safety activates our urgent phone tree, and officials are contacted until someone is reached.
Improve school safety.
- Students are on the frontlines at school and can help prevent small issues from becoming large problems. Equip students with the tools they need to report safety concerns.
IAF has replaced PowerSchool with Synergy. Parents/guardians and students can sign up for ParentVue and StudentVue view with the following link:
Student Contact Updates
Are you receiving the alerts, text messages, calls, and/or e-mails we send out?
If not, please make sure we have your most up-to-date contact information, and for your student's Emergency Contacts. Fill out the Google Form to provide your updated information:
https://forms.gle/kXxLhSbrrKqWTeFZ9
Make sure you are subscribed to receive our text messages by texting START to 98900
Be sure to download our school apps.
-Monitor your student's academics and attendance via ParentVue.
-Keep up with what's happening at the school on the International Academy of Flint app.
Dimes for Diapers, a fundraiser for the Flint Diaper Bank
Dear Educators,
We're thrilled to announce the launch of our Dimes for Diapers April campaign—let the excitement begin! This year's theme is: BIG THINGS start small. Over the years, we've hosted 12 incredible Diaper Drives on ABC12, and together, we've raised a staggering $1.2 million! That’s real impact!
We've attached an electronic poster for you to share with your families—feel free to share it throughout the month.
Don't forget to send us photos and inspiring stories—ABC12 loves shining a spotlight on students making a difference for the Diaper Drive!
If you have any questions or ideas, feel free to reach out anytime. We'll be staying connected all month long!
We couldn’t help change the lives of babies in our community without your support. Let’s make this our biggest and best year yet!
With respect,
Angie Hendershot – ABC12
Cheryl Sclater – ELGA Credit Union Foundation
WHAT IS DIMES FOR DIAPERS?
It’s called Dimes for Diapers – and every dime collected helps put a diaper on a baby. That’s right, you can help diaper a baby for as little as 10 cents and every dime collected goes to purchase diapers for families who would otherwise struggle to provide something so basic for their children. This year, over 40 schools throughout Genesee County organized fundraisers, found change in couch cushions, sold plastic bracelets and even had the chance to put a pie in the face of their favorite teacher to benefit the Flint Diaper Bank. We are overwhelmed and deeply touched by the number of schools helping to collect change for the Flint Diaper Bank. This collection is part of the annual ABC12 Diaper Drive at ELGA Credit Union, which is set for May 29, 2026. The top three schools will be featured on ABC12 that day. But the biggest prize is knowing no matter how small they are, students across our community can help change babies and lives together.
Here's a look at our participating schools and some of the incredible ways they came together to raise money.
MI Student Voice Survey
Our district will be administering the MI Student Voice Perception Survey to gather meaningful feedback from students about their school experiences, learning environment, and overall engagement. This information helps us improve instruction, strengthen school culture, and ensure that every student’s voice is heard.
Survey Administration Windows:
February 16 – March 6, 2026
April 20 – May 8, 2026
During these windows, students will be invited to complete the survey during designated class periods or through a scheduled building-wide process. Participation is encouraged, and all responses will remain confidential.
Additional details—including instructions, access links, and building-level schedules—will be shared as we get closer to the survey dates. Thank you for supporting this important effort to elevate student voice in our district.
🚨 Attendance Incentives for Testing Season 🚨
The FACE Team is encouraging all students to come to school every day, especially during testing season. Make-up tests can be challenging, so being present and on time each day is very important.
Let’s set ourselves up for success!
✅ Get to bed early — rest your mind and body
✅ Be on time for school
✅ Arrive to class on time to earn your raffle entry and/or snack
🎯 Show up every day — on time and ready to do your best!
Hosted by the Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Team
Monthly Parent/Caregiver Meetings:
This is a reminder of the upcoming parent/caregiver meeting! All adults planning to attend should register to attend using the link. Sign up for transportation using the link as well. Food and materials are planned according to registered participants. Questions? Contact Ms. Donald at (810) 600-5214 or Mr. Powell at (810) 600-5211.
March Student of the Month
Greetings Parents/ Guardians,
I am excited to announce our March Students of the Month! These students were selected for demonstrating outstanding character, effort, and a positive attitude in our school community.
Please join me in congratulating the following students for their hard work and commitment to doing their best each day. We are proud of them and grateful to our staff for continuing to support and encourage students' success.
Thank you for all you do to help our students shine. If you see our Students of the Month, please take a moment to congratulate them!
Congratulation 4th-6th Grade Girls Basketball Team!
Shoutout to our Girls 4–6 Basketball Team for bringing home the championship! Your hard work, teamwork, and dedication paid off, well deserved!
We officially concluded our girls 4th-6th-grade basketball season. Thank you, Coach Paige, for going above and beyond to recognize our champions. Special appreciation is also extended to the Richmond family for generously providing hoodies for all our athletes.
GO LADY PHOENIX!
Congratulations PBIS Students!
Our students earned it! 🎉🔥
Today, we celebrated positive behavior the Phoenix way with an awesome PBIS reward—bringing in the Mobile Game Truck! Students had a blast enjoying games, laughter, and time together as a reward for demonstrating respect, responsibility, and leadership throughout the school.
We’re proud of our students for making great choices and showing what it means to rise as leaders every day. Keep it up, Phoenix!
#PhoenixPride #PBISRewards #PositiveBehavior #IAFPhoenix #WeOverMe
IAF PHOENIX ROBOTICS
Peer Mediation Session
Our newest class of Peer Mediators!
The City of Flint kicked off a new class of peer mediators Tuesday at the International Academy of Flint. As part of the Community Violence Interruption and Prevention Initiative (CVIPI), the Peer Mediator Program teaches students conflict resolution skills so they are better equipped to de-escalate situations before they turn violent.
This program not only provides valuable experience, but each participating student will also receive a $500 stipend for completing the entire eight-week course. We’re proud of our newest peer mediators and wish them the best of luck as they work to keep their school and their friends #FlintStrong
ABC 12 News Segment
MLive Article
At IAF We Celebrate Our Women!
Thank You Brotherhood Scholars!
Our Brotherhood took a moment to honor the incredible women of the International Academy of Flint.
Some of our 4th grade Leader’s presented a single rose as a small token of appreciation, but with a big message:
We see you. We respect you. We appreciate you.
To the women who lead, teach, support, and inspire our students every day, thank you for the impact you make in our building and in our lives.
This was more than just giving a rose… it was about teaching our young men the importance of gratitude, respect, and recognizing strong women in their community.
#IAFPhoenix #Brotherhood #WomensHistoryMonth #Respect #FutureLeaders
8th Grade College Visit
Our 8th graders had an amazing time visiting Central Michigan University! 🔥🎓
From exploring campus to getting a glimpse of college life, our students truly had a blast and represented the Phoenix with pride!
Experiences like this continue to inspire our scholars to dream big and think about their future beyond high school.
Black History Program
Just a few highlights from our K–12 Black History Program during the school day. 🖤💚💖💛
Thank you again to Ms. Jones, Ms. Smith, and everyone who helped make this program possible. Your time, effort, and dedication helped create a meaningful experience for our students as we celebrated culture, history, and community together.
We appreciate everyone who played a part in making this event special for our Phoenix family!
Howard University Volunteers 2026
Thank you again to the Flint Center and the Howard University students for returning to our school to spend time with our students and share the rich HU culture with the IAF community. We truly appreciate you pouring into our scholars and creating such a meaningful experience!
Wild West Daddy Daughter & Mother Son Dance
🐎🌵 Saddle Up, Phoenix Families!
The date is set for Saturday, April 18th for our Wild West Daddy Daughter & Mother Son Dance hosted by the IAF High School Student Council!
This fun-filled event is open to K–5 students and their families and will take place in the High School Gym from 2:00–5:00 PM. Get ready for an afternoon of music, dancing, and great memories with your little cowboys and cowgirls!
Location:
- International Academy of Flint,
Tickets:
- $30 per couple
- $10 per additional sibling
Dust off your boots and hats and come enjoy a Wild West themed celebration with the Phoenix family!
Arabian Nights Prom Celebration 2026
Secure the Bag: FAFSA Night 2026
Senior Class Fundraiser - IAF Family Swag Online Store
CLASS OF 2026 — IAF FAMILY SWAG IS LIVE! 🔥
Phoenix Family, it’s time to gear up!
Our IAF Spirit Wear Online Store is officially open! From senior apparel to Phoenix parent gear, hats, hoodies, mugs, and more — we’ve got something for everyone to show that #PhoenixPride.
Shop here:
https://masterpiecemonogramming.com/iaf_phoenix/
If you are interested in placing an order that does not include tax, please see Mrs. Read.
Let’s represent the Class of 2026 and the entire IAF Family in style!
Lunch Menu Cycle
April Flint Mobile Food Pantries/Genesee County
TeenQuest
TeenQuest is coming to For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum!
14 - 19 year olds can register to participate in this career readiness program that can lead to employment in our community.
Register here today: https://educateflintandgenesee.org/teenquest/
2025-26 Uniform Policy
Grades 5-12 Cell Phone & Electronic Device Policy
Dear Parents & Guardian
Cell phones and electronic devices (smartwatches, earbuds, meta glasses, headphones, ipads,
personal computers, etc.) are not allowed during the school day.To reduce distractions, IAF
uses Yondr Pouches. Devices should be powered off and put into pouches upon entering the
building.
Daily Process:
● On the first day, students receive their Yondr Pouch.
● Starting with the first hour, teachers will ensure the devices are locked in the Pouch.
● Tardy students handle their device at the tardy table or office.
● Pouches must be kept locked in lockers or on the student. Random checks occur weekly.
● Pouches are collected at year-end and reissued the following year.
If a student forgets their Pouch:
● The Dean of Students/Academics will call home if the student self-reports and turns in
their phone upon arrival.
● The phone will be held until the end of the day and returned to the student.
Violations & Consequences:
If a student is found with a device (not in a Yondr pouch) during restricted times:
● First Offense: Device confiscated. The parent/caregiver must pick it up from the Dean.
No exceptions. Phones not retrieved by 4:00 p.m. will be available the next school day.
● Second Offense: Same as first offense, plus an in-person parent/student meeting required
before returning to class.
● Third Offense: Device confiscated. Student suspended up to 5 days. Further offenses
may result in suspension up to 10 days. Parent/caregiver meeting required before
returning to class.
● Refusal to surrender device: 3-day suspension, automatic Saturday detention, and loss
of extracurricular privileges until suspension and detention are served.
2820 S. Saginaw St. Flint, MI 48503 / Tel: 810-600-5000 / Fax: 810-600-5300
Email: info@iafphoenix.org / Website: www.iafphoenix.org / www.facebook.com/IAFPhoenix
Lost or Damaged Pouch
● Pouches are school property. Students must bring them daily in good condition.
● Replacement fee: $10.
Stay connected with all the latest updates for this school year by downloading our International Academy phone app today! #StayInformed #IAFCommunity
Winter Sports Banquet
Let’s celebrate our amazing student-athletes! Don’t forget to RSVP so we can honor all their hard work and achievements. Go Phoenix! #iafathletics #iafphoenix
Phoenix Track Schedule 2026
K- 1st Bitty Basketball Cheerleading
K- 1st Grade Co-Ed Bitty Basketball
CoEd- T-Ball Skills Training Camp
We are bringing a CoEd T-Ball skills training camp to IAF. This opportunity is for girls and boys in grades Kindergarten to 2nd grade.
- 5 week camp.
- 2 practices a week.
- 2 Saturday games.
Register your child now with the link below. You don’t want to miss this opportunity
https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLScRH8rVzGIPx4.../viewform
Please Note: Success Begans with Showing Up!
- Breakfast is Served at 7:35 am
- School Day Begins at 8:00 am
- School Day Ends at 3:15 pm
- Early Release Dismissal at 12:15 pm
- Late Start begins at 10:00 am & Breakfast starts at 9:30 am
- No Early Dismissal Calls after 2:30pm
If you are coming into the office to request early dismissal, students will not be released after 2:30 pm. It is too challenging and too disruptive to request the number of students being asked for early dismissal. We understand that transportation reductions are challenging, and we have been consistently working with MTA on this. However, it is a county wide problem unfortunately. Thank you for understanding and your patience in advance.
Change of Address or Phone Numbers?
Parents/Guardians- do you have a phone number/address that needs to be updated with us? We have a form in the office that you can fill out for a quick change. Or you can email either Ms. Watson in our records department at rwatson@iafphoenix.org. It is extremely important to have the most current contact information for our families on file at all times. Please, be sure to let us know if this changes.
Are you taking advantage of our text messaging service?
Parents/Guardians- Our school utilizes the SchoolMessenger system to deliver auto dialers to our families in case of a school closure, reminders of events, or simply a dress down day, etc.
We would like to start to utilize the texting option as well on SchoolMessenger but we do not currently have that many families signed up for the text alerts.
You can participate in the free service by just sending a text message of "Y" or "YES" to our school's short code number 67587.
You can also opt out of these messages at any time by simply replying to one of our messages with the word "STOP". SchoolMessenger is compliant with the Student Privacy Pledge, so you can rest assured that your information is safe and will never be given or sold to anyone.
Locks and Bus Passes for Sale
Rules for Vehicles While on School Grounds:
Because the safety of our children is of paramount concern to us, we require all parents to adhere to the following rules of the road while on campus:
- There is a 5 miles per hour speed limit at all times while on school property.
- Park in designated parking spaces only.
- While on school grounds, pedestrians always have the right of way.
- Vehicle ignitions MUST be turned off, and the keys removed, while parked on school grounds.
- Children may NOT be left unattended in a vehicle at any time or for any reason.
- Violations of these rules may result in a warning. If a violation is serious, or if violations continue, school personnel are authorized to take a tag number for a report to the local police.
- Do not park in areas around the school that have signs that specifically say NO PARKING. This is an order from the city.
School Executive Director
Ms. Cormier: School Executive Director
- 810-600-5210 or email tcormier@iafphoenix.org
Student Services & Operations- Contact Information
Mrs. Giles: Director of Student Services & Operations
- 810-600-5269 or email kgiles@iafphoenix.org
Mr. Crosby: Assistant Director of Student Services 5th to 12th
- 810-600-5247 or email kcrosby@iafphoenix.org
Mr. Shakir: Assistant Director of Student Services K to 4th
- 810-600-5253 or email dshakir@iafphoenix.org
Dean of Academics- Contact Information
Mrs. Southworth- Grades K-4th
- 810-600-5240 or email nsouthworth@iafphoenix.org
Dr. Smeltzer- Grades 5th-8th
- 810-600-5239 or email tsmeltzer@iafphoenix.org
Mr. Crosby: Assistant Director of Student Services 5th -12th
- 810-600-5247 or email kcrosby@iafphoenix.org
Ms. Alexander- Special Education Director
- 810-600-5233 or email salexander@iafphoenix.org
Dean of Students- Contact Information
- 810-600-5212 or email: dbush@iafphoenix.org
- 810-600-5211 or email: mwarren@iafphoenix.org
Ms. Givens- Gr. 6 to 8
- 810-600-5246 or email: sgivens@iafphoenix.org
Mr. Kendall- Gr. 9 to 12
- 810-600-5281 or email: jkendall@iafphoenix.org
RAHS Health Center Update
RAHS Regional Alliance for Healthy School- Clinic-International Academy of Flint
Dear IAF Families,
Flu and cold season is upon us in Michigan! The RAHS Health Center is happy to help you with all of your child’s healthcare needs. We offer all primary care services, flu vaccines, sick visits, and management of asthma. It’s important to have your child’s asthma reviewed with a medical professional to make sure his/her medications are doing their job to prevent asthma attacks. It’s also important that every asthma patient get a flu shot each year. If you’d like your child to be seen, please feel free to contact the IAF RAHS Health Center at (810) 600-5290. We accept all insurances, Medicaid, and even those patients who are uninsured. We look forward to partnering with your family to keep your children healthy!
In Good Health,
Nicole Galehouse, MSN, FNP-BC (nurse practitioner)
Angela Clark (Medical Assistant)
Room 170
2820 S. Saginaw Street
Flint, MI 48503
(810) 600-5290
(810) 591-0577
Hours
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday - 7:30am-3:45pm
- Wednesday - 7:30-11:30am
- Friday - 7:30am-2:30pm
About Us
Main Office Hours:
Mon-Fri, 7:00 am to 4:30 pm
Fax Number:
810-600-5300
The International Academy of Flint, College Preparatory Classes & Tuition Free Public Charter School, is a highly regarded K to 12th grade public charter school and institution that provides tuition free, high-quality education to a diverse population in the Flint, MI area.
Email: info@iafphoenix.org
Website: http://iafphoenix.org/
Location: 2820 Saginaw Street, Flint, MI, USA
Phone: 810-600-5000
Facebook: http://facebook.com/IAFphoenix



