ICS Peek at the Week

Across ICS, we are taking action to close literacy gaps, and we have progress to celebrate!

The reading graphs in this Peek highlight one grade-level cohort from each of our three schools. These samples reflect the broader literacy work happening across our corporation: helping more students become confident, capable readers.

Last year, we made reading intervention a shared priority. We established a corporate reading team, invested grant funds in intervention curriculum for grades K–12, and protected time for targeted instruction, with student groups formed around identified needs. Our staff and building leaders turned those investments into meaningful learning opportunities through their expertise, collaboration, and incredible daily work.

The results are encouraging. Across all three samples, fewer students are scoring in the lower achievement bands, and more are reaching the higher bands. Behind those percentages are students gaining skills that open doors in every subject and dedicated educators helping them get there.

Literacy challenges extend far beyond Irvington, but here at ICS, we are doing something about them. We are identifying gaps, responding with purposeful instruction, and building stronger readers. While enrollment changes can influence these comparisons, these results give us meaningful reasons to celebrate and keep moving forward.

This year, we will build on that momentum by strengthening the core instruction every student receives while continuing targeted intervention for those who need additional support. We are also looking closely at our math data to identify next steps for core instruction and intervention. Our literacy work gives us valuable experience in using data, aligning resources, and working together to respond to students’ needs; practices we can bring to our next steps in mathematics.

To our teachers, interventionists, corporate reading team, and building leaders: thank you. Your work matters, your commitment is visible, and you are helping change what is possible for our students.

We are excited to highlight IPA Title 1 Instructional Assistant, Mrs. Maya Taylor this month! Mrs. Taylor works to support students and teachers in both Mathematics and Reading. In addition to pushing into classes for support, Mrs. Taylor leads our reading remediation small groups and class. Not only does she do an outstanding job during the school day, but she continues to support students outside of school as our Prom Committee sponsor and Cheerleading coach! Most recently her Prom team planned and hosted the Homecoming Dance and did an outstanding job! Thanks for all you do, Mrs. Taylor! We appreciate you!

10/19/26 Girls' Basketball Tryouts Begin

10/20/26 PSAT 9th and 10th grade Asynchronous E-Learning

10/21/26 ICS Board of Governors' Meeting6:00PM

10/23/26 Ball State Admissions Visit

10/26/26 College Go Week

Please Assist us with Choosing our ICMS Staff Member of the Month

Who shows responsibility in all aspects of life at Irvington? Nominate a staff member who takes ownership, follows through, solves problems, and can be counted on. Click Here to Nominate a Raven Staff Member.

ILearn Checkpoint Info for Families

This Tuesday-Friday all ICMS students will be completing the first round of ILearn Checkpoints assessments in both their ELA and Math classes. The checkpoints measure student progress on key learning goals in English/Language Arts and Math and are designed to provide feedback to teachers and families, rather than for accountability purposes. The results help teachers adjust instruction and allow families to understand how their child is progressing throughout the school year. Here are some tips for a smooth testing experience:

- Get a good night’s sleep

- Eat a nutritious breakfast (breakfast is available at school until 8:00 AM)

- Hydrate (students can carry water throughout the school day)

- Talk to your student about the test and its purpose in the road to meeting their academic needs and success.

Boo Bags 10/19-10/29

Starting next week, STUCO will begin selling Boo Bags (Candy Grams) at $2 each during lunches everyday. Students will deliver the Boo Bags bought during Advisory each day.

Halloween Dance 10/30 6-8PM

The Friday before Halloween, we will have a dance! Students are encouraged to dress up for the Costume contest that will be held, tickets are $5 if you pre-purchase or $7 at the door.

PSAT & Asynchronous E-Learning

IPA will be administering the PSAT 9 & PSAT NMSQT to freshmen and sophomores on Tuesday, 10/20. Freshmen & Sophomores should plan to arrive on-time on Tuesday so they don’t miss the opportunity to take this important exam at the designated time. Following the exam, students will have lunch and then be dismissed to complete their school day via e-learning. Student dismissal will be at 1:00 PM.

Juniors & Seniors will have an asynchronous e-learning day on Tuesday, 10/20, as all staff are needed for the PSAT administration. Chromebooks will be sent home with students on Monday afternoon. Students will need to login to each of their Google Classrooms to complete the attendance question and any work that is provided. Please see our Asynchronous E-Learning Expectations for more information. Please note: IPA will not provide transportation to and from Walker Career Center on Tuesday.

Please check your email for more detailed information regarding PSAT & Asynchronous E-learning.

October is also known as Cyber Security Month, here are some free resources you and your student can use from our cyber security trainers at KnowBe4 https://www.knowbe4.com/free-cybersecurity-tools/capy There is content for all age groups, young explores all the way to senior adults. Along with guided material for parents of children.

Every classroom, every campus, every student is part of one Irvington family. Whether your child is just beginning in kindergarten or preparing for graduation, we are committed to supporting them every step of the journey.