Redhawk Tales

Black History Month is an annual observance from February 1st to March 1st.

The event is to celebrated to recognize the contribution and achievements of those with African or Caribbean heritage. It's also an opportunity for people to learn more about the effects of racism and how to challenge negative stereotypes. Join us in celebrating as we highlight some of the most prominent African Americans in the United States this month.

Amanda Gorman

Amanda Gorman is the youngest poet to present at a presidential inauguration, being honored as the first National Youth Poet Laureate in 2017, and graduating cum laude from Harvard in 2020.

Amanda Gorman has had to overcome many obstacles within her personal life to reach where she is today. When she was in Kindergarten, she was diagnosed with an auditory processing disorder and speech articulation issues, making pronouncing specific sounds like the “R” sound very difficult.

Despite her struggles with speech, Amanda refused to be defined by her speech impediments and gravitated towards a strong love of reading and writing. She was particularly inspired by African American poet and author of “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” Maya Angelou.

On Feb. 7, 2021, Amanda Gorman made history yet again as the first person to recite poetry during the Superbowl.

Source: https://unfspinnaker.com/89835/features/black-history-month-spotlight-amanda-gorman/

Middle School families, please support us at the school with cell phone use by not texting your student during school hours as this goes against district cell phone use policy. If you need to speak with your student, please call the school and speak to them.

The Spring PIT (Parents in Touch) Day is Wednesday, March 2nd between 10am and 6pm. All meetings will be held virtually as we follow COVID suggested guidelines. Please look for communication to be shared in the coming week on how you can meet with your child's teacher.

Mr. Crighton will not be available for PIT Day as he will be doing his civic duty and attending to jury duty. If you need to meet with him, please email him at crightons@myips.org.

MIDDLE SCHOOL FAMILIES

The March PIT day for middle school will have an emphasis on those students who currently have a D or an F in their core academic subjects. With almost 170 MS students, this day can be tricky, impossible, to see all parents. As we approach ILEARN and transitions to high school, we want to ensure that we speak to families of students who are struggling in core classes. Please know this is not to leave anyone out, but an attempt to prioritize students with high needs. Any family, at any time, can reach out to a team member to ask how their student is doing in class.

CLASS SIGN UP LINKS

These are added as they are sent to me. If you do not see a teacher, the link has not been sent yet.

Mullins

Mundell

Murphy

Johnnson

McNealy

Opal

Feshold 6th Grade

Feshold 7th Grade

Feshold 8th Grade

3rd Grade Families,

Your students will be taking the IREAD-3 assessment the week of March 7, 2022. Please make sure that your students are well rested and prepared for their first standardized state assessment. If you would like more information about the IREAD-3 assessment as well as resources to help prepare your student, please visit the Indiana Department of Education’s (IDOE) Assessment website found here. You may also reference the IDOE’s IREAD-3 Parent Guidance letter found here. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to the school test coordinator, Mrs. Carter, at ervinrd@myips.org.

To encourage positivity in our hallways, the week of February 28th will be filled with fun theme days for students. As always, your student must wear items that are school appropriate. If they do not wish to participate, please have them in regular school uniform.

Monday: Zoom Meeting-Business on top, party on the bottom.

Tuesday: Celeb Look Alike Day

Wednesday: Nerd Day

Thursday: Band Day-wear your favorite band or concert tee with school appropriate bottoms.

Friday: Duo Day- Pick a friend and dress as an infamous pair (Peanut Butter and Jelly, Bert & Ernie, Lilo & Stitch etc).

On Monday, February 18th, students in grades 3rd, 5th, and 8th will be given a vision screening. Please contact Mrs. Drummer with any questions.

Our next Book Fair is scheduled for February 10 - 18. Just in time for Valentine's Day. Due to COVID concerns, parents will not be able to volunteer or enter the school. If that changes, I will let you know immediately.

Please consider utilizing eWallet again for this fair to minimize the handling of money. If your child had money remaining in their eWallet account from the last fair, please sign up again and transfer the money. On January 20, 2022, you will be able to create your eWallet account at https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bookfairs/parent-how-it-works.html?fairID=4999360. Please contact Mrs. Bunch at bunchdebra@myips.org, if you have any questions.

Please join Mrs. Federer and Mrs. Varno during PIT Day, on March 2nd at 1:00 pm, to review the Title I Parent Involvement Policy and Compact. Click here for the link.

IPS has released the 2022-2023 school year calendar. Please use this for planning vacations and appointments.

Middle School Robotics

Remember that Friday practices have been CANCELLED for 2/4 & 2/11. Students WILL have practice on Friday, 2/18 from immediately after school until 5:30pm. Please plan to pick your robot student up at the front door at 5:30pm.

The next competition is on Saturday, 2/19 at Cold Spring. Please check your email for further details.

Elementary School Robotics

The next competition is on Friday, 2/25 at Sycamore School. No additional practices are scheduled. Please check your email for further details.

Please be sure to reference our district health screener and use daily before sending your child(ren) to school.

7th and 8th Grade Families,

The time has come to complete applications for the 21st Century Scholars Scholarship! This scholarship offers income-eligible students up to four years of paid tuition at an eligible Indiana college or university after they graduate from high school, dependent upon financial need. Information regarding income eligibility can be found here. All families are encouraged to apply as financial situations are subject to change due to the effects of COVID-19. Families can apply for the 21st Century Scholars Scholarship the beginning of their student’s 7th grade year until June 30 of their student’s 8th grade year. Families may complete the application by:

1. Visiting the following website: https://www.indyachieves.org/21cs
2. Texting the word “college” or “Universidad” to 404-58.
3. Complete the form and send it in with your student or email it to Mrs. Carter (ervinrd@myips.org) so that she may apply on your behalf. The English version of this form may be found here. The Spanish version may be found here.
4. Completing the application by phone with Mrs. Carter. Please feel free to email Mrs. Carter at ervinrd@myips.org in order to schedule a time to complete the application.

For more about this program, please visit https://learnmoreindiana.org/scholars/. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mrs. Carter at ervinrd@myips.org or 317-226-4259.

Do you want to hear from a speaker on a specific topic? Let us know! We are seeking input from our families to help shape our 2022 agendas. Future topics include student mental health and environmental health/ earth day.

February Events

Scholastic Book Fair

February 10-18th

During school hours at Sidener.

Panera Dine-to-Donate

February 17th from 4:00-8:00 PM

Order online using promo code PRFUND or dine-in and mention Sidener.

20% of proceeds go to the PTA

www.panerabread.com

Crew Car Wash e-Wash Certificate Fundraiser

February 1st - February 28th

Purchase e-Wash certificates online using promo code 60988 at checkout.

https://websiteconnect.drb.com/crewcarwash/E-WashGifts.aspx

Join the PTA and/or a Committee

We are looking for committee volunteers to help with events, fundraising, advocacy, and teacher appreciation.

https://www.sideneracademypta.org/join-the-pta

Pay your 2021-2022 membership dues.

Please reach out if you need a scholarship.

https://my.cheddarup.com/c/2021-2022-pta-dues-collection

Virtual PTA Meetings:

Wednesday, March 2, 2022 6:00:00 PM (TBD) Click here to join the meeting

Wednesday, May 4, 2022 6:00:00 PM Click here to join the meeting

PTA Website: https://www.sideneracademypta.org/home

If you would like something to be added to the newsletter, please send your submission in full, ready to copy and paste, by 9:00 am Friday morning. Submissions are to be sent to Mrs. Federer at federerm@myips.org.

KARATE (year long)

The January-May Spring flyer is attached below.

Wednesdays starting January 11th - May 18th.

One payment of $170 or two payments of $90 ($289 for two siblings) Make checks payable to Phoenix Rising Karate. Paypal also accepted.

For questions please contact: Robert Bilek, Senior Instructor

317-228-1872
phoenixrisingkarate@gmail.com
www.phoenixrisingkarate.com

CHESS CLASS Q3

http://www.learningthroughgames.com/sidener-chess-signups/

Open to ALL

January 20th - March10th (cancellations may not be refunded or made up)

Fee: $82(no refunds after January 20th)

Meeting time: Thursdays before school starting at 8:15 am in the cafeteria

Methods of payment accented:

• Checks payable to Learning Through Games 11504 Senie Lane Carmel, IN
• Drop off with Mrs. Drummer
• Paypal at adean@learningthroughgames.com
• Zelle at 3172246771

Please contact Aaron Dean at 317-224-6771 or adean@learningthroughgames.com with any questions.

Improv Club

Students who want to learn to think on their feet, play to their strengths, gain confidence and go for the big laughs are invited to join Sidener Academy's Improv club. The after-school program will help students learn team building and creativity, while exploring new worlds they make up on the spot.

· Meets on Mondays from January 10 - March 21, 2022 for a total of 9 classes

· No class on Feb. 21

· 4:10 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

· Meets in cafeteria, pickup in back of school

· Open to 5-8th graders

· Maximum number of students: 18

· Cost: $10 per class, $90 session (Scholarships and discounts available for those in financial need)

· Email Shannon Samson at shannonsamson22@gmail.com to reserve a spot

Hip Hop Club

The Sidener dance team will work on fun, energetic routines that will develop and grow students in their hip hop/jazz/modern dance skills. We will work with the team in both large and small groups based on skill level, so various levels of dance backgrounds from beginner to advanced are welcomed.

• Meets Tuesdays in the gym starting January 25th and runs until May
• 4:15-530 pm
• All welcome
• $125 fee

February 21st: No School Presidents Day

February 22nd: No School IPS Professional Development

March 2nd: PIT Day NO STUDENTS

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Monday: Improv Club 4:15-5:30 pm

Tuesday: Hip Hop 4:15-5:30 pm

Wednesday: Karate 4:15-5:00 pm

Girl Scouts: 4:15 pm-5:30 pm

Thursday: Chess Club 8:10 am-9:00 am

Robotics: 4:15 pm-5:30 pm (club full)

Sidener Academy’s mission is to serve the unique academic, social, and emotional needs of high ability students from diverse social cultural, and economic backgrounds. Within our learning community, we are empowered to become lifelong learners and responsible citizens in a positive and supportive atmosphere. .

Email: federerm@myips.org
Website: https://myips.org/sidener/
Location: 2424 Kessler Boulevard East Drive, Indianapolis, IN, USA
Phone: (317)-226-4259