Innovation Insider

• A Note from Our Principal

• Important Dates

• Conferences

• Attendance Matters!

• Athletics and Activities

• Spotlight on School Safety

• Counselor Corner

• Student Shoutouts

• School Policy Reminders

• Save the Dates

Hello Innovation Academy Families!

As we move into November, I want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible learning, creativity, and growth happening at Innovation Academy! Our students wrapped up their first Hex of the year, and it was wonderful to see them share their hard work with families and community members at our first Hexibition. These opportunities to celebrate authentic learning are what make IA such a special place!

With Hex 2 underway, students are diving into new projects, building skills, and making connections between what they learn in the classroom and the world around them. As always, we encourage students to embrace challenges, take risks, and remember that failing forward is part of learning and growing!

Our Student-Led Conferences will take place November 23–24! Conferences at IA are a little different. Hosted by our Tiger Time teachers, these team conferences put students at the center of the conversation. Students will share their learning, reflect on their progress, celebrate successes, and identify goals for continued growth. We look forward to partnering with families in these meaningful conversations and encourage all families to participate!

November is also a time for gratitude. I am incredibly thankful for our dedicated staff, supportive families, community partners, and, most importantly, our students. Together, we are building a school where students feel connected, empowered, and excited about their futures.

Thank you for being part of our IA community and for your continued partnership. Wishing all of our Tiger families a wonderful Thanksgiving break!

Go Tigers!

Ms. Cass

Cass Thonstad

Principal Innovation Academy

#InnovationToGraduation

#ChooseIA

11/2 BUS CHANGE- North and South Medford High Schools will be closed. The buses from home to North and South will not be running. Only the transfer bus from North and South to Innovation Academy will be available. After school, buses will take students back to North and South.

11/11 No School- Veterans Day

11/20 No School- Grading Day

11/23-24 Conferences

11/23-27 No school

In light of the terrible tragedy in Bend a couple weeks ago, this month’s Spotlight seems more significant than ever. An event such as that one so close to home reminds us that it can happen anywhere, even when we think it won’t. For that reason, rather than emphasize that we continue to drill for situations, instead, I thought I would share the safety precautions that are standard at every school in the Medford School District.

• All staff are required to go through general safety training every single year. All staff are also trained in active shooter safety protocols.

• We conduct monthly safety drills for fires, and twice-a-year drills for lockdown (imminent threat), secure (threat outside the building), and earthquakes. During lockdown and secure drills, we also work with Medford Police Department for the best and most appropriate feedback so that we may improve our practices.

• All doors inside and outside Innovation Academy are locked. Extensive research shows that locking doors is the single most effective preventative measure against an active threat. No visitors are allowed inside the main building unaccompanied by an adult.

• Every school in Medford School District has a Medford Police Department School Resource Officer assigned to it. We have excellent working relationships with our MPD friends and thank them for their dedication and service.

• Should a student exhibit any signs of being a threat to students or the building, we have specific and serious protocols in place to intervene and assess the situation.

Our thoughts go out to anyone affected by the tragic event in Bend. Everyone be safe out there. I hope November is a positive month for all of us.

🍂 November Challenge: The Daily 3 + 3

Use your journal to reflect each day. Stop by my office if you need a journal.

• 3 Things I'm Grateful For: Write down three things you appreciated today.

• 3 Things I Accomplished: Write down three things you did well or made progress on.

Remember, small accomplishments count! At the end of the week, look back and recognize how far you've come.

🐯 Spread Appreciation at IA!

Stop by my office this month to write a positive message on a Post-it note! Share an encouraging word, a kind thought, or something you're grateful for. We'll display the notes to spread positivity and remind everyone at IA that a few kind words can make a big difference.

🎓 What's Happening in Counseling This Month?

Junior Meetings Are Happening!

Juniors, it's your turn! Throughout November, I'll be meeting with you individually to review your transcripts, check graduation progress, explore college and career options, and start planning for senior year. Come prepared with questions about your credits, future goals, and what comes next!

Social & Emotional Wellness

This month, we're focusing on stress management, healthy coping strategies, positive relationships, and self-advocacy.

💛 My Door Is Always Open

You don't have to wait until something is wrong to visit your school counselor. Whether you need help with classes, friendships, stress, graduation plans, or just need someone to listen, I'm here.

Remember, Tigers: Growth isn't about being perfect. It's about recognizing where you are, appreciating how far you've come, and taking the next step forward. 🐯💛

Attendance: Consistent attendance is essential to academic success. We understand that challenges can arise, and we’re here to support you. If your student is experiencing any barriers to attending school regularly, please don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance. Together, we can help every student stay on track and thrive.

Tardies: Our bell system helps students arrive to class on time with a warning bell one minute before class begins, followed by one minute of music. When the music ends, students should be in their classrooms and ready to learn. To encourage punctuality and consistent attendance, tardies accumulate throughout each hex. After 3 tardies, students will receive a lunch detention. After 6 tardies, they will receive a second lunch detention. After 9 tardies, students will receive a half-day of in-school suspension. Tardy totals reset at the beginning of each new hex.

Bell-to-Bell Cell Phone Policy: Students are required to keep personal electronic devices turned off and out of sight throughout the school day from the first bell to the last bell. This includes during breaks and lunches. Should students violate these consequences, they will be subject to consequences. The first strike, students will turn in their phones to a visible, locked cabinet in the classroom. The second strike, students will be escorted to the office to turn their phones in for the remainder of the school day to the locked phone cabinet in the office, which is constantly monitored. The third strike, students will be required to turn their phones in to the office at the beginning of each day and may collect it at the end. Administration may contact home to set up a meeting to build a support plan for the student. Cell phone strikes will reset at the beginning of each new hex.