October Parent Newsletter

All sporting events are included on the schedules under athletics and on IAF's website @ www.iafphoenix.org

Wednesday, Oct. 1:

• Count Day
• Free Dress Down Day

Thursday, Oct. 2:

• Picture Day!

Friday, Oct 3:

• Midnight Madness 8pm-12a HS Students Only

Monday, Oct 6:

• $2.00 Dress Down

Thursday, Oct 9:

• FAFSA Workshop 9A & 5:30P

• Flint Center 6th-8th Field Trip- 4p-7p

Friday, Oct 10:

• Fall MAP Testing Closes
• CMU on-site Applications with Seniors - Learning Lab 12:00 pm-3:00 pm
• MS Student Council applications due

Schoolwide Spirit Week: Monday, Oct. 13-Friday, Oct. 17:

$2.00 per Day or $5.00 for the Week ( Please flyer below for more information)

Monday, Oct. 13:

• Homecoming Spirit Day: (See flyer below)

Tuesday, Oct. 14:

• Homecoming Spirit Day: (See flyer below)
• 6th-8th MS Boys Basketball Try-Outs- 3:30 pm -5:00 pm

Wednesday, Oct. 15:

• Late Start: 10:00 am

• Homecoming Spirit Day: (See flyer below)

• 6-8 Pep Rally

• 3-5 Pep Rally

Thursday, Oct 16:

• Homecoming Spirit Day: (See flyer below)

• Flint Center K-5th Field Trip- 4:30 pm-7:00 pm

• 6th-8th MS Boys Basketball Try-Outs- 3:30 pm -5:00 pm

Friday, Oct 17:

• Homecoming Spirit Day: (See flyer below)

• HS Q! PBIS Celebration

  MS Fall Dance

Saturday, Oct.18

Homecoming- 7:00 pm-10:00 pm ( More Info below)

Fall SAT Suite Testing Week

Monday, Oct. 20:

• Board Meeting- 5:30 pm
• Monday Morning Greeting Involved Dads & Local Community Partners- 7:30 am

• MS Boys Basketball Parent Meeting- 3:30 pm -3:45 pm

Tuesday, Oct. 21:

• Gr. 11 NMSQT Testing
• MS Student Council Elections

Wednesday, Oct. 22:

• Gr. 11 NMSQT Testing

Thursday, Oct 23:

• K-2 Q1 PBIS Celebration
• Flint Center: Lights On Glow Fair Family Event- 3:30 pm- 6:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 24:

End of Quarter 1

3-4 Q1 PBIS Celebration

Saturday, Oct 25:

• Parent/ Caregiver Retreat- 11a-4p

Monday, Oct. 27:

Tuesday, Oct. 28:

Wednesday, Oct. 29:

Thursday, Oct. 30:

• No School
• Parent Teacher Conferences

Friday, Oct. 31:

• No School
• Staff Professional Development

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CALENDAR ABOVE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. Please be sure to add our IAF school app, and more information about this is below.

August 28, 2025

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

This letter is to communicate that early dismissals must be arranged before 2:30 PM. Please know this time has been adjusted from last year. After this time, our staff and students are preparing for regular dismissal, and early pickups can disrupt the process and classroom instruction.

If you need to pick up your child early, please call the main office prior to 2:30 PM. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe and smooth dismissal for all students.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

Respectfully,

Dear parents,

School pictures are ready!

To order, log in to your account on mylifetouch.com or create an account using your student's student ID number.

https://my.lifetouch.com/mylifetouch/?utm_medium=email...

All families can also log on and order a FREE Digital SmileSafe card.

More about the Smilesafe program here.

https://lifetouch.com/smilesafe/?utm_medium=email...

Thank you!

IAF has replaced PowerSchool with Synergy. Parents/guardians and students can sign up for ParentVue and StudentVue view with the following link:

Are you receiving the alerts, text messages, calls, and/or e-mails we send out?

If not, please make sure we have your most up-to-date contact information, and for your student's Emergency Contacts. Fill out the Google Form to provide your updated information:

https://forms.gle/kXxLhSbrrKqWTeFZ9

Make sure you are subscribed to receive our text messages by texting START to 98900

Be sure to download our school apps.

-Monitor your student's academics and attendance via ParentVue.

-Keep up with what's happening at the school on the International Academy of Flint app.

$5 for the week (best deal!)

• Students will receive a bracelet for the week
  

• If the bracelet is lost, a new one must be purchased.
  

• $2 per day (daily rate)

• Students will receive a daily stamp.

Tip: We strongly encourage students to purchase the $5 weekly bracelet to save money and avoid the hassle of daily payments.

Shout-out to Angel Crawford-Knox and NyKier Majeed-Walton for their continued efforts for brainstorming and planning events for high school students to have enjoyable experiences! - Mrs. Thomas

Special thanks to Angel Coleman-Valentine and Sha'reay Taylor for their help with the upcoming homecoming court ideas and implementation. - Mrs. Thomas

Shout out Sarah Love for cleaning the room unprompted. -Mr. Chisholm

Marcus Triplett for staying on task and going above and beyond to help the room stay neat. -Mr. Chisholm

Alexis Holmes-Phifer for following expectations and going out of her way to clean up. -Mr. Chisholm

Martez Grayer for successfully solving challenging linear equations on his own. -Mr. Chisholm

Shout out to all of the IAF students and parents for a wonderful first week of school. - T. Smith

Shout out to the Lady Phoenix Volleyball team. Playing our first match of our district season, we fell to the Hamady Hawks on Thursday. After losing the first two sets the Lady Phoenix battled back and won the third set. In the fourth set, the lead changed 6 times as both teams fought for the win. The Hamady Hawks ended up coming out on top 22-25. -Coach Moran

Props out to Kamari Williams, with 6 kills and 6 aces on the day. Allanah Gray recorded 15 assists and Alyssa McGee recorded 16 assists and 5 kills. Next match is our first home match on Tuesday, September 9th. -Coach Moran

Shout Out to Robbie Simmons! She was instrumental in supporting middle school students with locks and helping with supplies! ~Dr. Smeltzer

Shout Out to Antwan Millender! He is SOARing everyday when he supports keeping our Breakfast room clean! ~Dr. Smeltzer

Shout Out to Aubrey Blassingame-Hooker for being a thoughtful friend! ~Dr. Smeltzer

Shout Out to Jayce Skelton! He is SOARing everyday helping in the morning keeping our Breakfast room clean! ~Dr. Smeltzer

Shout Out to Alyssa McGee! Appreciate your help with the clock during our Student v. Staff event! Your attention to details kept the game moving and allowed almost 40 students to participate in the event. ~Dr. Smeltzer

Offensive Phoenix of the week! QB Rodney Williams, with 2 touchdowns and ~125 rushing yards.

Defensive Phoenix of the week! Tristan Walker, our LB/RB, with 7 tackles and a pick-6, including a rushing TD.

Final: Phoenix 34, Chandler Park 12.

Our Middle School Girls Basketball Team also remains UNDEFEATED!!

Have you heard the GOOD news? Showing Up Matters to IAF scholars and families!!!!!! Keep up the good work! WE>ME!!

#ShowingUpMatters

#CountDay

#PhoenixPride

#AttendanceMatters

Count Day officially launched our school-wide attendance rewards for IAF scholars!!! Showing Up Matters, EVERYDAY! We had an awesome day! A special thank you to the FACE Team and The Flint Center for Educational Excellence for co-hosting all the Count Day fun! Congratulations to all our scholars and staff raffle winners.

Districts are required to send information home to parents and caregivers on the safe storage of firearms. This is in accordance with the “Safe Storage Laws,” MCL 28.429, MCL 380.1313a, and MCL 380.1313b. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services provided this information to the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) for distribution.

Specific resources required to be sent home to parents and caregivers include:

• What is the Secure Storage Law in Michigan.
• Safe Storage Notice.

Additional resources and information can be found on MDE’s Safe Storage Law webpage. Questions may be directed to MDE’s Office of Health and Safety at MDE-OHS@Michigan.gov.

We launched our Parent/Caregiver meetings for the year in September. New this year: we are hosting two meeting day and time options in efforts to have more parents/caregivers to attend. Collectively, we had 20 parents/caregivers that attended the meeting for September! Congratulations to our parent/caregiver raffle winners: Mrs. Wiley, Ms. McKenzie, Mrs. Hawkins and Ms. Clark.

KEEP SOARING PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS!

This is a reminder of the upcoming parent/caregiver meeting on Thursday, October 16, 2025, 9AM-10:30 AM and Tuesday, October 21, 2025. New this year! Please select one meeting to attend, the content will be the same at each meeting. All adults planning to attend should register to attend using the link. Sign up for transportation using the link as well. Food and materials are planned according to registered participants. Questions? Contact Ms. Donald at (810) 600-5214 or Mr. Powell at (810) 600-5211.

Register here to attend

https://forms.gle/q5htcXnUnA5HtnJL8

IAF has so many opportunities and activities for scholars. It is imperative that your child is at school everyday unless he/she is truly sick. Daily routines such as, an identified bedtime schedule and preparing uniforms at night, not only can help save time in the morning, but also helps reduce stress and anxiety. If your child misses school due to illness or an unfortunate situation, please call the Attendance Hotline to report the absence.

PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE HOMEWORK OR MAKE-UP REQUESTS ON THE ATTENDANCE HOTLINE.

Attendance Hotline (810) 600-5249

Congratulations to the following IAF parents/caregivers with approved applications to volunteer for the 2025-2026 school year! Volunteer applications are available in the main office.

• Ms. L. Flowers
• Mr. J. Whitaker
• Ms. D. Collins
• Ms. S. Elbert
• Ms. C. Hodo
• Ms. L. Lee
• Mr. E. McGee
• Ms. M. McKinzie
• Ms. J. Mingo
• Ms. C. Pano
• Mrs. M. Wiley
• Ms. L. Brown

Congratulations to Ms. D. Collins for volunteering at Midnight Madness on Friday, October 3rd! We appreciate you!

Dear International Academy of Flint Parent(s)/Legal Guardian(s):

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. FERPA gives parents and students over the age of 18 (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to their children's education records.

Parents or eligible students have the right to inspect and review the student's education records maintained by the school. Schools are not required to provide copies of records unless, for reasons such as great distance, it is impossible for parents or eligible students to review the records. A fee for copies may be charged.

Parents or eligible students have the right to request that a school correct records which they believe to be inaccurate or misleading. If the school decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student then has the right to a formal hearing. After the hearing, if the school still decides not to amend the record, the parent or eligible student has the right to place a statement with the record setting forth his or her view about the contested information.

Generally, schools must have written permission from the parent or eligible student in order to release any information from a student's education record. However, FERPA allows schools to disclose those records, without consent, to the following parties or under the following conditions (34 CFR § 99.31): School officials with legitimate educational interest; other schools to which a student is transferring; specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes; appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student; organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the school; accrediting organizations; to comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena; appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies; and State and local authorities, within a juvenile justice system, pursuant to specific State law.

Under FERPA, schools may disclose, without consent, "directory" information such as a student's name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, honors and awards, and dates of attendance.

If you would like to learn more about FERPA, the name and address of the office that administers FERPA is: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington D.C. 20202.

International Academy of Flint has been participating in Michigan’s Promoting Positive School Climate (PPSC) project to enhance positive behavior supports in our school. The School Climate Survey: Elementary is a student perception survey required by PPSC. It is an anonymous survey used to identify school climate issues within our school. The survey for elementary school students (grades 3 and up) includes 11 questions and should take no more than 10–15 minutes to complete. Additionally, there are demographic questions, including grade, gender, race, and ethnicity.

The data collected from the survey will be used to identify student perceptions of school climate issues within our school. School staff use the results to inform our efforts at improving our school climate. Demographic data is needed in order to disaggregate the results by different groups to look at perceptions of school climate from different students’ perspectives. There are also parent and staff versions of the survey that will be examined along with the student results.

Responses are housed securely and in an anonymous format with the University of Oregon Technical Assistance Center projects for evaluation research purposes. All evaluation research projects are in compliance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act, (343 CFR 99.31 (6)) and human subjects regulations (Protection of Human Subjects 45 CFR 46).

Our IAF seniors and staff came together for Senior Sunrise 2026 at McKinley Park! It was a beautiful morning filled with donuts & juice, team building, picture opportunities, and special moments to kick off the year.

Thank you to everyone who came out and supported our Class of 2026. We’re excited for an amazing year ahead!

#PhoenixPride #ClassOf2026

Thank you to everyone who showed up and showed out for Phoenix Fest!! Your energy, love, and support made it unforgettable. We truly appreciate every vendor, volunteer, family, and staff member who helped bring the vision to life.

Greetings Parents/ Caregivers

As the Dean of Academics, it is my privilege to serve our 5th-8th-grade scholars, their families, and our IAF community. Our 5-8 Team is dedicated to creating a safe and engaging learning environment for your child to grow academically, emotionally, socially, and physically.

We are looking forward to partnering with you this year. We encourage you to stay connected to the school – whether by attending events, joining our parent organization, or simply checking in with your child’s teachers. You are your child’s strongest advocate, and your presence in their school life makes a difference.

Thank you for entrusting us with your child’s growth. We are looking forward to working with you and celebrating the many successes that lie ahead for your child.

Respectfully,

Dr. Tamara D. Smeltzer

Dean of Academics, grades 5-8

We are off to a great start this year as we are all getting to know each other and learning about expectations. We are going to spend the first couple of weeks completing our beginning of the year assessments. We will also start work in Topic 1 of our Math Curriculum. This includes operations of rational numbers and solving linear equations and inequalities. We are looking forward to a great, productive year.

In algebra, we are excited to take the NWEA math fall assessment. We are continuing with linear equations with emphasis on inequalities and using formulas correctly. We will be taking our first Topic test at the end of the month.

Mr. Chisholm

Dear IAF Families,

We are already entering Week 7 of the Fall semester, and it has been such a joy getting to know our students. Each day, I enjoy the interactions, discussions, and energy they bring into the building. Students are beginning to settle into the expectations of IAF, and I’m proud of the progress we’ve seen so far.

This year, our school community has adopted the focus of WE > ME. We are truly better together, and that includes you our parents and families. As the saying goes, “It takes a village.” We know we cannot do this work alone, and your partnership makes all the difference in helping our students succeed.

To make sure every student has the best opportunity to learn, I want to remind you of some key expectations for our high school scholars:

• Attendance & Punctuality: Students are expected to be at school each day and in class on time.

• Uniforms: Students must arrive in the appropriate IAF uniform, ready to represent our school with pride.

• Cell Phones & Devices: All electronic and cellular devices must be placed inside Yondr pouches when students enter the building and remain closed until dismissal.

Parents, we need your support to make sure students are arriving to school on time, in uniform, and with their Yondr pouches secured. These expectations are in place to build a focused, safe, and productive learning environment.

In addition, please take time to have a conversation with your student about their grades and check their progress regularly in Vue. Staying on top of academics together helps students stay accountable and ensures they know you are involved and supportive.

Let’s continue to build a strong parent-school relationship together. Thank you for entrusting your most precious gift—your children—to us. We are honored to serve them, and to serve alongside you.

If you have any questions, or if there is any way I can support you and your scholar, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I truly value your partnership as we continue building a strong community for our students.

Together, we are stronger. WE > ME

Kimdric M. Waller M.Ed.

Dear Parents & Guardian

Cell phones and electronic devices (smartwatches, earbuds, meta glasses, headphones, ipads,

personal computers, etc.) are not allowed during the school day.To reduce distractions, IAF

uses Yondr Pouches. Devices should be powered off and put into pouches upon entering the

building.

Daily Process:

● On the first day, students receive their Yondr Pouch.

● Starting with the first hour, teachers will ensure the devices are locked in the Pouch.

● Tardy students handle their device at the tardy table or office.

● Pouches must be kept locked in lockers or on the student. Random checks occur weekly.

● Pouches are collected at year-end and reissued the following year.

If a student forgets their Pouch:

● The Dean of Students/Academics will call home if the student self-reports and turns in

their phone upon arrival.

● The phone will be held until the end of the day and returned to the student.

Violations & Consequences:

If a student is found with a device (not in a Yondr pouch) during restricted times:

● First Offense: Device confiscated. The parent/caregiver must pick it up from the Dean.

No exceptions. Phones not retrieved by 4:00 p.m. will be available the next school day.

● Second Offense: Same as first offense, plus an in-person parent/student meeting required

before returning to class.

● Third Offense: Device confiscated. Student suspended up to 5 days. Further offenses

may result in suspension up to 10 days. Parent/caregiver meeting required before

returning to class.

● Refusal to surrender device: 3-day suspension, automatic Saturday detention, and loss

of extracurricular privileges until suspension and detention are served.

2820 S. Saginaw St. Flint, MI 48503 / Tel: 810-600-5000 / Fax: 810-600-5300

Email: info@iafphoenix.org / Website: www.iafphoenix.org / www.facebook.com/IAFPhoenix

Lost or Damaged Pouch

● Pouches are school property. Students must bring them daily in good condition.

● Replacement fee: $10.

Stay connected with all the latest updates for this school year by downloading our International Academy phone app today! #StayInformed #IAFCommunity

www.iafphoenix.org

Greetings Parents & Guardian!

We are excited to announce a new school-wide celebration: the PBIS Phoenix Pop Up Party!

This special event is a whole-class reward designed to recognize students for consistently demonstrating our PBIS expectations:

• Being Safe

• Staying On-task

• Showing Accountability

• Being Respectful

The PBIS Team will be making surprise classroom visits to celebrate students who are doing the right thing. When we pop in, we’ll bring:

• 🎶 Music

• 🍬 Treats

• 🎉 Positive Energy

• 👏 Whole-Class Recognition

The schedule for Classroom Visits will be random

No nominations are required — if a class is showing PBIS expectations, we’ll stop by to celebrate as a group.

We believe in building a positive, fun school culture that supports both learning and community. Thank you for helping us make this possible!

With gratitude,
The PBIS Team

We will no longer be accepting cash for tickets or concessions at IAF Athletic HOME events.

Payment Options:
✅ GoFan – Use debit/credit cards or your digital card on your phone.
✅ Ca$hApp – Available for both tickets and concessions.

For questions, please contact:
Curran Jacobs, Athletic Director
📧 cjacobs@iafphoenix.org

🐦‍🔥 Thank you for supporting IAF Athletics!

Dates, Locations, and Times Subject to Change

• Breakfast is Served at 7:35 am
• School Day Begins at 8:00 am
• School Day Ends at 3:15 pm
• Early Release Dismissal at 12:15 pm
• Late Start begins at 10:00 am & Breakfast starts at 9:30 am
• No Early Dismissal Calls after 2:30pm

If you are coming into the office to request early dismissal, students will not be released after 2:30 pm. It is too challenging and too disruptive to request the number of students being asked for early dismissal. We understand that transportation reductions are challenging, and we have been consistently working with MTA on this. However, it is a county wide problem unfortunately. Thank you for understanding and your patience in advance.

Parents/Guardians- do you have a phone number/address that needs to be updated with us? We have a form in the office that you can fill out for a quick change. Or you can email either Ms. Watson in our records department at rwatson@iafphoenix.org. It is extremely important to have the most current contact information for our families on file at all times. Please, be sure to let us know if this changes.

Parents/Guardians- Our school utilizes the SchoolMessenger system to deliver auto dialers to our families in case of a school closure, reminders of events, or simply a dress down day, etc.

We would like to start to utilize the texting option as well on SchoolMessenger but we do not currently have that many families signed up for the text alerts.

You can participate in the free service by just sending a text message of "Y" or "YES" to our school's short code number 67587.

You can also opt out of these messages at any time by simply replying to one of our messages with the word "STOP". SchoolMessenger is compliant with the Student Privacy Pledge, so you can rest assured that your information is safe and will never be given or sold to anyone.

Locks and bus passes will be available for sale in the main office. Students who wish to purchase can do so from 7:35 am - 8:00 am and 3:30 pm- 4:00 pm. Parents can visit the office at any time to purchase for their student(s).

Because the safety of our children is of paramount concern to us, we require all parents to adhere to the following rules of the road while on campus:

1. There is a 5 miles per hour speed limit at all times while on school property.
2. Park in designated parking spaces only.
3. While on school grounds, pedestrians always have the right of way.
4. Vehicle ignitions MUST be turned off, and the keys removed, while parked on school grounds.
5. Children may NOT be left unattended in a vehicle at any time or for any reason.
6. Violations of these rules may result in a warning. If a violation is serious, or if violations continue, school personnel are authorized to take a tag number for a report to the local police.
7. Do not park in areas around the school that have signs that specifically say NO PARKING. This is an order from the city.

Ms. Cormier

• 810-600-5210 or email tcormier@iafphoenix.org
  

Mrs. Giles: Director of Student Services & Operations

• 810-600-5269 or email kgiles@iafphoenix.org
  

Mr. Crosby: Assistant Director of Student Services 6 to 12

• 810-600-5247 or email kcrosby@iafphoenix.org
  

Mr. Shakir: Assistant Director of Student Services K to 5

• 810-600-5253 or email dshakir@iafphoenix.org
  

Mrs. Southworth- Grades K-5

• 810-600-5240 or email nsouthworth@iafphoenix.org

Dr. Smeltzer- Grades 6-8

• 810-600-5239 or email tsmeltzer@iafphoenix.org

Ms. Waller- Grades 9-12

• 810-600-5265 or email kwaller@iafphoenix.org

Ms. Alexander- Special Education Director

• 810-600-5233 or email salexander@iafphoenix.org
  

Mr. Brooks- Gr. K to 2

• 810-600-5212 kbrooks@iafphoenix.org

Mr. Warren-Gr. 3 to 5

• 810-600-5211 mwarren@iafphoenix.org
  

Ms. Givens- Gr. 6 to 8

• 810-600-5246 sgivens@iafphoenix.org

Mr. Kendall- Gr. 9 to 12

• 810-600-5281 jkendall@iafphoenix.org

Does your child need a wellness visit, sports physical, or vaccine including COVID-19? Just make sure your child has a consent form on file with us and we can schedule an appointment for you. These can even be done during the school day without a parent/guardian having to miss work. Consent forms are also available in the Main Office or in our Health Clinic. This is a great opportunity for you to take advantage of, but you cannot do so without a consent form on file.

RAHS-International Academy of Flint gives IAF children and youth the tools they need to live a healthy and happy lifestyle. The school-based health center helps provide immunizations, health and fitness programs, and counseling services. Come over and talk to us!

What's on site at RAHS-International Academy of Flint:

• General physical exams
• Sports physicals
• Sick care
• Dental care
• Immunizations
• Lab tests
• Risk assessments

• Counseling (individual, group and family)
• Nutrition program
• Physical activity program
• Referrals to community resources
• Insurance enrollment
• Interpreter services available

Room 170
2820 S. Saginaw Street
Flint, MI 48503
(810) 600-5290
(810) 591-0577

Hours

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday - 7:30am-3:45pm
• Wednesday - 7:30-11:30am
• Friday - 7:30am-2:30pm

Main Office Hours:

Mon-Fri, 7:00 am to 4:30 pm

Fax Number:

810-600-5300

The International Academy of Flint, College Preparatory Classes & Tuition Free Public Charter School, is a highly regarded K to 12th grade public charter school and institution that provides tuition free, high-quality education to a diverse population in the Flint, MI area.

Email: info@iafphoenix.org
Website: http://iafphoenix.org/
Location: 2820 Saginaw Street, Flint, MI, USA
Phone: 810-600-5000
Facebook: http://facebook.com/IAFphoenix