The Gold Standard
Volume 4, Issue 1 | Week of August 4
Welcome to the 2025-2026 School Year
Principal's Message
Dear Yellow Jackets,
It is my absolute pleasure to welcome you to the 2025–2026 school year at Irmo High School – International School for the Arts. Whether you are a long-standing member of our Irmo family or you are joining us for the first time, I want you to know how excited we are to have you with us on this journey.
Each new school year brings with it a sense of hope, opportunity, and renewal. This year, we remain steadfast in our commitment of loving and growing our students but also to Building Legacy — not just as a theme, but as a promise. We are focused on equipping every student with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to graduate with pride and to step confidently into their future. Our goal of 100% of our students will graduate with a diploma or credential and a post - secondary plan is bold, but it is achievable through the collaboration of students, staff, families, and our greater Irmo community.
At Irmo High School, we believe in the power of relationships. We know that when students feel seen, supported, and challenged, they rise to their greatest potential. This year, you will see our staff continuing to invest in building strong connections with students, fostering a safe and positive learning environment, and ensuring that every student knows they matter.
We are proud of the diverse talents and aspirations of our students, and we are committed to celebrating their successes both in and out of the classroom. From academics to athletics, from the arts to career pathways, Irmo High School is a place where students can explore their passions and prepare for their next steps.
Thank you for your continued trust and partnership. Together, we will make this a year of growth, achievement, and legacy-building for every Yellow Jacket.
Let’s make it a phenomenal year, #onpurpose!
With Yellow Jacket Pride,
Kaaren W. Hampton, Ed.D.
Principal, Irmo High School – International School for the Arts
In ourselves, our future lies.
Opening Days Information
First Day Information
- Students may begin arriving at 7:45 am - go to the cafeteria, courtyard or entrance to the Center for the Arts.
- First bell rings at 8:10 am. Class begins at 8:20 am.
- For August 7th only - AM Cate Center students should report to the library. PM Cate students will go at 11:30
- Thursday, August 7th is an A Day and Friday, August 8th is a B Day
Cell Phones
School District 5 Cell Phone Policy
During the school day, students are prohibited from accessing their personal electronic devices. Students may not utilize the function of electronic communication on device accessories during the school day. Students must store away and silence their devices and/or device accessories in lockers, backpacks, or otherwise as directed by the school district during the school day. Exceptions granted for other authorized reasons (i.e. emergency situations) will be determined by the school district.
This policy includes cell phones, personal computers, tablets, gaming devices, headphones, and other accessories.
Student Drop Off/Pick Up
Important Dates
School Improvement Council - Nominations
At Irmo High School, we value the voices and perspectives of our families. Your feedback is essential to our continuous growth and success. We are now accepting nominations for parents and community members to serve on our School Improvement Council (SIC). The SIC plays a vital role in supporting school initiatives, providing input on important decisions, and helping us build a stronger school community. If you are interested or would like to nominate someone, use the information below or reach out to Liszette Reyes, Principal's Secretary at lreyes@lexrich5.org to get involved. Together, we can continue Building Legacy for all Yellow Jackets.
Proof of Residency & Registration
All new and returning students must complete registration prior to the 25-26 School Year. See the flyer below for information and visit Final Forms to complete the registration process. Students will not recieve their class schedules until registration is complete.
No Late Start Dates 25-26
PowerSchool Access
The best way to stay up to date with your student's academic progress is through PowerSchool's Parent Portal. Parent Portal will open at the beginning of the school year. Parents and families who have never accessed PowerSchool will need to create an account and associate that account with their students. Families with existing access will be able to log in once the portal opens for the year.
Need help logging in or creating an account? Click below for assistance.
Class of 2026 Senior Portraits
See below for scheduling info regarding Senior Portraits for the Class of 2026! The only way seniors can appear in the yearbook is by taking a senior portrait.
School Counseling
School Counselor Assignments
School Counselor Assignments (by Last Name of Student)
Ms. Dorothya Nero, Director - last names A-B | ext. 3034 dnero@lexrich5.org
Ms. Cherise Jacobs - last names C-Gr | Ext. 3042 cjacobs@lexrich5.org
Mrs. Ravonne Vant - last names Gu-L | Ext. 3036 rvant@lexrich5.org
Mrs. Porsha Mumford - last names M- Sa | Ext. 3033 pmumford@lexrich5.org
Mrs. Ruschell Pearson - last names Sc-Z | Ext. 3035 rpearson@lexrich5.org
New School Counselor
Welcome to our new school counselor, Mrs. Ravonne Vant! We are thrilled to have you in the Yellow Jacket family.
Get Involved
School Volunteers
In order to become a volunteer or chaperone, please complete the Volunteer Application and Confidentiality Agreement for School Volunteers and return it to the IHS volunteer liaison, Cindy Zakhar, in the main office. Please reach out to Ms. Zakhar at (803) 476-3001 or czakhar@lexrich5.org with any questions.
Business Partners
Do you want to know more ways you can support Irmo High School? We are always looking for business partners and would love to hear from you. Please contact Liszette Reyes, Principal's Secretary at (803) 476-3011 or lreyes@lexrich5.org.
Athletics
Join our Athletic Boosters - Irmo Yellow Jacket Club
Support Irmo Athletics by joining the Irmo Yellow Jacket Club! Members can receive parking passes, tickets to regular season home games, and reserved seating, depending on membership tier. Join online today using the IYJC Membership Form or by downloading and returning this registration form to IHS or the Athletic Office.