Monday Message for May 13, 2019
Upcoming Events
May 18: Saturday Academy, 8 a.m. to noon
Monday, May 27: No School – Memorial Day
Looking ahead!
Friday, June 7th: Drama Club POL “Lighthouse Rock” in the Village
Saturday, June 8th: Backyard Bash (Kona Ice will be there too!)
Friday, June 14th: Last Day of School!
Congratulations to our Vision in Education Honorees!
Congratulations to our Vision in Education Honorees!
Margaret Wassner, Nykole Kent, and Raj Malhi
The Terrell Family
It was truly a pleasure to honor these individuals for their passion and dedication to iLEAD Lancaster.
The 2019 Backyard Bash is Coming!
Calling all entrepreneurs, artists, and performers! Join us for the 2019 Backyard Bash, Saturday, June 8th, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This event includes iLEAD Lancaster, iLEAD Antelope Valley, iLEAD Exploration at Lancaster, Empower Generations, iLEAD Innovation Studios, and Little iLEADers. Hosted by iLEAD Antelope Valley, located at 2110 West Avenue K in Lancaster.
Sign up HERE to participate.
Questions? Contact one of our Event Coordinators:
iLEAD AV:Holly
iLEAD Lancaster: Ashleigh
Outreach Coordinator for all other schools or vendors: Kristan.
DreamUp Projects Headed to International Space Station
We are thrilled to announce the teams selected for flight in the 2019 DreamUp to Space challenge, representing learners from iLEAD Agua Dulce, iLEAD Lancaster, and SCVi. These are the experiments that will head to the International Space Station (ISS) this fall. Proposals and videos from the top 9 finalists were reviewed by an independent panel of science and space experts.
The three teams selected for flight aboard the ISS are:
“What is the Effect of Microgravity on Mycelium?” (SCVi, 11th grade)
- Team Members: Brayden Hall, Connor Raskin, Mario Robles, Adam Simpson (Click here to see the team’s video pitch)
“What is the Effect of Microgravity on Ulva Lactuca?” (SCVi, 4th/5th grade)
- Charlie Halvorsen, Gabriel Olmos, Maliah Sanmarti, Skye Van Verseveld (Click here to see the team’s video pitch.)
“What is the Effect of Microgravity on Aloe Vera?” (Agua Dulce 5th/6th grade, Lancaster 6th grade)
- iLEAD Agua Dulce learners Cody Anderson, Leo Cuellar, Samantha Diem, and Kaylee Pippin
- iLEAD Lancaster learners Brianna Angel, Ana Lopez Barahona, Mariana Lopez, Estrella Perez, Uriah Mack, and Lizette Monze Trujillo
- Click to see the video pitches from Agua Dulce and Lancaster.
The assessor team concluded that, given the similarities, both Aloe Vera teams have been selected and should merge and work together to optimize their experiment. This is common practice within the science community, collaborating to produce best results.
“We are so impressed with the innovation and creativity across all of the applicants, so this final decision was extremely difficult,” said Carie Lemack, CEO of DreamUp (click for bio). “The assessor team is excited that the three selected teams have the opportunity to see their research take place in microgravity!”
Consideration for the selection included the teams’ written proposals, their video submissions, and their responses to questions regarding how they will use this opportunity to share with the community.
“All the proposed experiments tackle questions that can be applied to long term human space exploration and colonization,” said Dr. Jacob Cohen, Chief Scientist, NASA Ames (click for bio). “As is common with all flight experiments, prior to launch, ground optimization of the experimental protocol is critical for execution and interpretation of the data derived from the flight experiment.”
The specific launch vehicle is still to be determined, but anticipated arrival on the ISS is this fall.
Kathleen Fredette, iLEAD’s Director of STEAM Initiatives said: “I couldn’t be prouder of the hard work and dedication that all of our semi-finalists and finalists displayed, and the leadership demonstrated by our amazing facilitators! Throughout history, only a select few have the opportunity to be included in science happening on the International Space Station, and our learners are actually part of this inspiring work! This is exactly why STEAM education is so vital and why iLEAD Schools is committed to projects of this nature. We honor all of you today and encourage you to continue to follow your dreams and goals, knowing this was a stepping stone to the next awesome thing you will do!”
Dawn Evenson, Co-Founder and CEO stated: “iLEAD is incredibly proud to contribute to research on the International Space Station! These three projects represent the best examples of how learner passion and authentic purpose drive achievement through project-based learning!”
Saturday Academy
The next Saturday Academy is on May 18th from 8 a.m. to noon. Learners are welcome to attend for enrichment lessons and activities! Please sign up through your learner’s facilitator, contacting the office staff, or by checking in at the desk on Saturday morning. We are excited to provide an extra day of learning for our learners!
Art Within Design Tech
As you know, iLEAD Schools takes pride in exploring the world of art. In fact, Art is what the “A” in iLEAD stands for and is a staple in our daily curriculum. Ms. Katrina teaches Art as one of our Design Tech classes that each of our learners participate in, learning various art techniques. Presently, some of our fifth-grade learners are learning about weaving. They are in the beginning stages of understanding the patterns and intricacies that come with weaving.
In the next few weeks they will be taking this knowledge and applying it to the creation of their own circle weaving project. They will be working with different fibers and yarn to create something beautiful and exciting!
News from the Makery
The Makery has taken tinkering to the NEXT level! Our dedicated learners are now taking orders for furniture they will make in the Makery just for you!
That is right, our learners will be building projects right in the iLEAD Makery. Mr. Robert and his students are taking orders now for clocks, bookshelves, small desks, coffee tables, spice racks and so much more!
(Did you see the other recent news from the Makery? Click here!)
The hard work put forth by our middle-school learners is undeniable. So iLEAD Lancaster is celebrating their hard work by allowing you to place orders for household furniture. This is not only a great opportunity for our learners to take the skills they have learned over the years and put them to practice, it is also a great opportunity to add some special furniture to your home.
Come in today to place your order with Mr. Robert and his skilled builders. Do not forget, every contribution goes right back to the Makery for projects around our school. The order you place could very well give an opportunity for our learners to better their campus with fun games made just for outside play!
Drama Club Needs Your Help
Drama Club will be holding a special rehearsal for “Lighthouse Rock,” Saturday, June 1st, from 9-11:30 a.m. in the Lancaster Village.
Thank you, parents, for bringing them! We’re really excited to show you what we’ve been working on!
The club has become so successful that we are asking for a few parent volunteers! You will enjoy seeing and hearing the talents of our learners laughing and learning. It will be an enjoyable experience for all. They really are making great progress!
Meetings are on Thursdays after school, from 3:30- 4:30 p.m. We ask all participants to meet on the amphitheater at 3:30 p.m. and we’ll go to the rehearsal space together.
Drama Club is open to iLEAD Lancaster learners in 3rd-8th grades. We would love parent volunteers to help with rehearsals, costumes, props, fundraising, and potential field trips! There are no club fees for learners to participate, but there may be times when supplies such as costumes or stage makeup will need to be provided by each learner’s parents. Please see Miss Tiffany or Miss Daniela on campus to sign up, or send an email to info@ileadlancaster.org and we will forward it!
Thank you to our club facilitators, Miss Tiffany, Miss Daniela, and Miss Jenna!
Kaua’i Summer Camp Opportunity
This summer, Cultural Bridges and iLEAD Schools are partnering to offer your learners the chance to attend an international summer camp on the beautiful island of Kaua’i.
Click here to download a PDF presentation detailing this one-, two-, or three-week experience. The link to registration is included in the presentation (or click here). You will want to sign up now, as spots are limited! Note: Airfare is included as an early bird special if paid in full by May 31.
If you have any questions, please contact Tim Alves at tim.alves@culturalbridges.
Nurse’s Update
It’s time to Be Proactive and plan ahead for enrollment requirements for the 2019/20 school year. Nurse Noemi has provided the following information for incoming 1st and 7th graders. Please read thoroughly and direct any questions to Noemi via phone at (661) 722-4287 or by email at noemi.blanco@ileadlancaster.org.
Brandy Leopard: Mealtime Memos
Hi families, I wanted to introduce myself. I’m Brandy, the Lunch Coordinator!
I wanted to let you know a little more about the lunch program we offer. Recently, we started using our steam oven! The food is brought in every morning and we steam it directly on site so the food is freshly cooked. There has been a noticeable increase in the enjoyment of the meals! I work alongside the learners to order food that they like taking into account their opinions and visual food waste. I adjust the menu with as much learner influence as possible, with the goal of keeping them happily nourished and reducing waste!
Breakfast is offered every morning from 7:45-8:30 a.m. Whole grain cereal and muffins are offered as well as a variety of cereals and other healthy foods along with fruit and milk. Fruit is out and available all day for the learners to grab at their recess, lunch, and snack times as well.
You may have noticed that breakfast/lunch bills are being sent via email every Wednesday. If you have any questions please feel free to let me know, I am more than happy to help! Also, if you have not filled out an NSLP application please do so at the front desk as soon as possible. Outstanding bills will be adjusted for the previous 30 days if a family qualifies for free or reduced lunch.
Our recess and lunch teams invite parents to volunteer anytime between 9:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. The help is always needed!
Feel free to contact me through the front office or email me directly at brandy.leopard@ileadlancaster.org with any questions.
Exploration – Home School: Save the Date
The deadline to submit VCI (Class/Service) order request is: Monday, May 20th by 11:59 p.m.
Exploration – Home School: FREE Home Study Webinars: Sign Up!
Home School families are invited to attend FREE in-person workshops and online webinars to help guide you in your homeschooling journey. Click here to view the flyer with details:
Sign up here to reserve your spot.
You will receive the login information by email once you RSVP. Make sure to Save the Date!
Exploration – Home School: Coffee Connections
Whether you are a “homeschool veteran” or “brand new” to homeschooling, collaboration is the key to success!
Date: Wednesday, May 22rd
Time: 10-11 a.m.
Location: In the Village at iLEAD: 254 E. Ave.K-4, Lancaster, CA 93535
Come for an informal gathering over coffee and make connections with other homeschooling parents! This is a time for parents to get some homeschooling ideas and build a support system. Networking is a powerful resource tool, so bring your notepad and get ready to learn & connect!
Please RSVP to your Educational Facilitator with the total number of adults and children (if childcare is needed). Hope to see you there!
Exploration – Home School: New Studio Classes & Tutoring
Studio classes are offered to home study learners exclusively to explore a variety of academic topics! We will start each 6-week session with a thematic topic and guide the learners to explore multiple aspects of it. This will include a fun activity, a group discussion, and individual guidance from the Educational Facilitator (EF). During each session, EFs will provide materials, mini-lessons, activities, guidance, and expertise on an as-needed basis to support each learner with their thematic project. Parents will be updated on how they can support at home, if needed. By the end of each session, the learners who engage with the available resources will provide evidence of their growth that is related to an authentic experience!
Cost: Studio Class prices have been discounted to only $75 each per 6-week session.
Need Tutoring Help?
Sign up for any 5th-8th grade tutoring session and work one-on-one or in a small group with a qualified, credentialed teacher. This is a great way to complete work samples to turn into your EF at your monthly Learning Period (LP) meetings. Use your school stipend to cover the individual tutor sessions at only $13 for 1 ½ hours each or sign up for all five sessions for $65. Space is limited, so sign up now to reserve your spot. Be sure to bring all needed supplies and homework with you!
Studio classes are offered every Wednesday from 10-11:30 a.m. on the following 6-week session schedule:
Session #5: May 1 – June 5
TUTORING: June 12
All sessions include an optional Lunch Alive! period from 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
To sign up, submit your VCI order request form to your EF and indicate the Session # and/ or Tutoring dates.
Exploration – Home School: Lancaster Park Day
Join us for iLEAD Exploration Lancaster Park Day, Tuesday, May 14, from 11 a.m. to noon at George Lane Park,
5520 W Ave L8 in Quartz Hill.
This is an opportunity for parents to connect with other homeschool parents in a informal, relaxing setting while learners build friendships through play and interaction!
Feel free to bring your favorite outdoor sports equipment (soccer ball, football, etc…) for some fun “learner-led” games!
RSVP with your EF.
2019 Park Day Schedule- (Tuesdays 11 a.m. to noon, and same location): June 11.
Exploration – Home School: Blended Classes
Mix and Match! Sign up for both the Studio Experience and/or blended classes. Blended classes are individual, 30-minute sessions that are not designed as a “drop-off” day. Classes are held in on-campus classrooms by grade level and are integrated with both on-campus and home-study learners. This gives learners the opportunity to gradually build stronger social skills as they interact with their peers during short collaborative sessions.
Classes are only $45 each per 9-week rotation schedule:
Ends JUNE 14th
Ask your EF for specific dates/times offered by grade level class, then submit your request for any of the following blended class options:
- Musical Theater
- American Sign Language (ASL)
- Art
- P.E.
- Exploratorium (Computers)
- Makery (Woodshop)
Exploration – Home School: Rockin’ Jump
Attention all homeschoolers! Rockin’ Jump has a special discounted Jump Time just for YOU! Every Thursday afternoon from 12-3 p.m. we invite our homeschool families to jump for only $10 per child for up to 3 hours! You may purchase tickets at the door or online by clicking here. Rockin’ Jump is located at 1301 W Rancho Vista Blvd Unit B, Palmdale.
