ICAHN CHARTER SCHOOLS

Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out. ~ Robert Collier ~

Reading just 20 minutes a day exposes children to a large number of words over the course of a school year and helps build vocabulary, comprehension, and reading stamina.

Pumpkins are technically a fruit because they develop from a flower and contain seeds. They are also about 90% water!

Dear Icahn Families:

As we come to the end of October, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on what was a busy and meaningful month across our schools. Our students and staff continued working hard, and I appreciate the continued partnership and support of our families.

We also enjoyed the excitement that came with the Halloween season. Many of our students participated in school celebrations and festivities. As always, we encouraged our students to celebrate safely, responsibly, and respectfully.

October was also an important month academically. Our students completed their first ELA Interim Assessment (IA) practice exam of the school year. These assessments provide our teachers and school leaders with valuable information about what students have mastered and where additional support may be needed. The results help us identify the appropriate interventions for individual students, provide targeted instruction, and make adjustments to ensure that every student has the opportunity to grow and succeed. As we often remind our students, assessments are not simply about a score; they are an opportunity to show what they know and help us determine what they need next.

Lastly, don’t forget to “fall back” one hour this weekend as Daylight Saving Time comes to an end. Enjoy that extra hour!

Thank you for being an important part of the Icahn Charter Schools community, and I look forward to the continued progress and accomplishments ahead.

Thank you for your wonderful children,

Lawford Cunningham, Superintendent

Every Day Counts, Every Minute Matters

Thank you for a strong start to the school year. Our year has 4 marking periods, and every one counts. Marking period 1 ends on November 6, and what our students build now becomes the foundation for everything ahead. As the days get colder and darker, it can be harder to get out the door, and that is exactly when every day, and every minute, matters most.

Every Minute Counts

Our expectation at Icahn Charter Schools is that every student keeps at least 90% attendance, and that includes arriving on time. Being late counts, and repeated lateness adds up to absences. Even a few minutes each morning adds up to real learning time lost, because the first minutes of the day are when teachers’ welcome students and launch the learning.

If your child is late every day, here is what it adds up to over one school year:

Late 15 minutes every day = 45 hours of learning lost, more than a week of school

Late 30 minutes every day = 90 hours of learning lost, almost 3 weeks of school

• Lay out coats and backpacks the night before and leave a few extra minutes on cold mornings.

• Check attendance anytime in the SyncGrades portal and contact your child's school if you need support.

November Family Conferences

Report cards will be given out on Wednesday, November 18, the same day as our virtual family conferences. Please plan to join and come ready to talk with your child's teacher: What is my child doing well? Where can they grow next? How can I help at home? We encourage every family to attend. When families and teachers work together, students thrive.

Saturday Academy

Saturday Academy begins in December and is by invitation only for students who need additional support. If your child is invited, you will be notified soon, and attendance is required. It is an important part of your child's progress, with extra support in a small-group setting to strengthen the skills they need. We ask every invited family to make sure their child attends every session and arrives on time. Your partnership makes the difference.

As Halloween approaches, I know many of our students are excited to dress up, spend time with friends and family, and go trick-or-treating. I encourage everyone to have fun while keeping safety a priority.

Families, please remember to:

• Have younger children trick-or-treat with a responsible adult.
• Encourage older children to travel in groups and stay in familiar, well-lit areas.
• Use sidewalks and cross streets at designated crosswalks whenever possible.
• Consider reflective tape, glow sticks, or flashlights to make costumes more visible after dark.
• Make sure costumes and masks allow children to see and walk safely.
• Remind children never to enter a stranger’s home or vehicle.
• Check all candy and treats before children eat them, especially if there are food allergies or dietary restrictions.
• Remind children to be respectful of their neighbors, property, and one another.

Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the evening together! On behalf of Icahn Charter Schools, I wish all of our families who celebrate a safe and Happy Halloween! 🎃 Be safe, be respectful, and have fun!

On October 17, we hosted our annual High School Fair at Pelham Parkway, and once again, it was a tremendous success! This event continues to be a highlight for our 8th-grade students and families, providing a valuable opportunity to explore high school options, gather important information, and begin making informed decisions about the next chapter of their educational journey.

I want to extend a sincere thank you to all the parents and families who attended and took an active role in supporting their children's future. Your involvement and commitment to your child's education are truly appreciated. Our High School Fair is always a hit, and this year was no exception!

We look forward to continuing to support our 8th graders and their families as they navigate this exciting transition to high school.

Please see photographs below of this amazing event!

During October, we recognized Breast Cancer Awareness Month and honored the strength of survivors, those undergoing treatment, and the families and loved ones who continue to support them.

This month, I am especially proud of our students for completing their first ELA Interim Assessment of the school year. Our students approached this important assessment with determination and gave us valuable information that will help our teachers provide targeted instruction, interventions, and enrichment in the months ahead.

Read together as a family for at least three nights per week.

This month, students across Icahn Charter Schools completed their first ELA Interim Assessment (IA) of the school year. These assessments provide us with an important snapshot of student progress and help our teachers and school leaders identify both strengths and areas that require additional support.

Our teams will use the results to make informed instructional decisions, including targeted assistance, small group instruction, Saturday Academy, and enrichment opportunities. Most importantly, the data allows us to better meet students where they are and provide the support they need to continue growing. Please reach out to your child's schools for more information.

At Icahn, assessment is not simply about a score; it is about using what we learn to strengthen instruction and improve outcomes for ALL students.

• Sunday, November 1, 2026 - Superintendent's Monthly Challenge
• Tuesday, November 3, 2026 - No School for Students - Staff Reports for Staff Development
• Friday, November 6, 2026 - Marking Period 1 Ends
• Monday, November 9, 2026 - Marking Period 2 Begins
• Wednesday, November 11, 2026 - Veteran's Day | No School
• Wednesday, November 18, 2026 - Early Dismissal, Reports Cards #1 Distribution & Virtual Family Conferences
• Wednesday, November 25, 2026 - 12:00PM Early Dismissal
• Thursday and Friday, November 26-27, 2026 - Thanksgiving Recess |No School