Parent's Newsletter

I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for the continued partnership and commitment that make our schools such special places for students to learn and grow. This month brought many opportunities to reflect, connect, and celebrate all that we have accomplished together.

Traditionally speaking, November is a season of gratitude. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our dedicated teachers, support staff, and administrators for their hard work and care for our students that I get to witness each day.

I also want to thank our families for your ongoing support. Your involvement in your child's education is always on full display; however, it was especially noticeable during our first Family conference day on November 19th.

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, I encourage everyone to take time to rest, recharge, and enjoy time with loved ones. We are truly thankful for the strength and spirit of our school community.

Thank you to all our schools for hosting creative and safe fall celebrations! From Thanksgiving potlucks to harvest festivals and classroom activities, it was wonderful to see our students/staff engaged in community-building events that brought so much joy. Take a look at some of our Fall festivities photographs below.

Our classrooms continue to be filled with curiosity and discovery. Teachers were engaging students through innovative lessons, hands-on learning, and opportunities to collaborate. I encourage families to stay connected by reviewing weekly school updates and speaking with your child about what they are learning each day and also to visit our school's website at www.icahncharterschools.org.

All Icahn schools and offices will be closed for Thanksgiving Recess from Thursday, November 27th - Friday, November 28th. Classes will resume on Monday, December 1st, 2025.

Again, thank you for your continued partnership and support. Together, we are creating strong, safe, and inspiring schools where every student can thrive. I wish you and your family a warm, safe, and happy Thanksgiving.

Sincerely, Superintendent Cunningham

"The Icahn Charter Schools organized a Thanksgiving Contest titled, 'What Does Thanksgiving Mean to Me?' All students across the Icahn schools participated in the event, which encouraged creative expression around the holiday theme. A winner was selected from each class in each grade, and given a Turkey for their Holiday dinner.

Happy Thanksgiving From the Icahn Charter Schools!!!

It gives me great pleasure to share some exciting news - Icahn Charter School 1 and Icahn Charter School 5 have been nominated for the 2026 National Blue Ribbon School Award!

This nomination is one of the highest honors a school can receive form the United States Department of Education. It recognizes schools that exemplify excellence in teaching, learning, and student achievement.

To our students, congratulations for your consistency, curiosity, and commitment to learning.

To our teachers and staff, thank you for your dedication, passion, and belief in every student.

And lastly, to our families, thank you for your support and partnership. We couldn't do this without you.

Please join me in congratulating the Icahn 1 & 5 school communities on this outstanding achievement.

Congratulations Icahn 1 and Icahn 5!!!

Lawford Cunningham, Superintendent

In this session, teachers revisited the why and how of self-care, exploring realistic ways to nurture and heal within your life and community. Messages about self-care are everywhere, especially amid the challenges educators face, but true wellness goes beyond quick fixes—it requires intentional, ongoing practice. Together, we’ll slow down, connect, and reflect on practices that help us restore and sustain holistic well-being.

In this session, educators explored how their stress responses influence classroom dynamics and student behavior. Participants will learn strategies to model calm, communicate effectively, and de-escalate tense situations. Emphasizing positive support such as validation, grounding, and consistent language, the session equips educators to build trust, foster safety, and strengthen resilience—for themselves and their students.

In this session, participants learned how to analyze and apply spiral review data to guide instructional decisions, enhance spiral review planning, and provide targeted small group support for student success.

In this session, teachers focused on planning and executing Day 3 Close Reading lessons with intentionality, using student work and data to guide instructional decisions, and support deeper learning.

In this session, middle school math teachers worked together to explore key Algebra I concepts, develop strategies to support student learning, and align plans for upcoming assessments.

In this session, educators focused on AI tools and digital platforms that are designed to improve classroom efficiency and student engagement for K-8 educators.

This session focused on implementing practical, research-backed strategies and learning tools to enhance instruction for English Language Learners (ELL) and students with special education needs. Participants learned how to apply the Lavina Group approach through Tier 2 targeted support and Tier 3 intensive support. The session emphasized small-group instruction, data-driven interventions, and strategies to address specific skill gaps in math and ELA.

This session introduced the what and how of Wit & Wisdom so that educators are equipped to implement it successfully. Participants built knowledge of the learning design, approach to knowledge building and complex text, and key module and lesson components. The session also provided practical planning tools and strategies to support effective lesson and module preparation.

This workshop provided teachers with an opportunity to develop on-site, arts-integrated science projects at the AMNH using observation tools and art materials. The focus was on incorporating core science concepts into hands-on learning experiences.

Content will connect art activities and projects that can be developed to:

● Explore the structure and function of fossils and preserved specimens

● Analyze geological formations and the rock cycle through museum exhibits

● Observe patterns of evolution and adaptation in various species

● Investigate ecosystems and biodiversity using dioramas and interactive displays.

• Wednesday, November 26, 2025 | Remote Day for Students
• Thursday, November 27, 2025 - Friday, November 28, 2025 | Thanksgiving Recess (Schools Closed)
• Monday, December 1, 2025 | All Staff & Students Return from Thanksgiving Recess
• Wednesday, December 17, 2025 | 12:00 PM Dismissal for Students (school based professional learning)
• Friday, December 19, 2025 | Afterschool Cycle 1 Programming Ends
• Monday, December 22, 2025 | No Afterschool Programming - Regular Dismissal
• Tuesday, December 23, 2025 | Remote Day for Students
• Wednesday, December 24, 2025 - Friday, January 2, 2026 | WINTER RECESS (Schools Closed)
• Monday, January 5, 2026 | Students & All Staff Return to Buildings