Highlights

FEBRUARY 2011
Teacher Highlight:
Stephanie Robinson
(6th Grade Math & Science)
I  grew  up  in  Plano,  Texas,  a  large  suburb  just  
north  of  Dallas.  Growing  up,  I  was  lucky  to  have  
amazingly  supporAve  parents  that  truly  believed  
Children learn joyfully at IA. in  my  abiliAes.  Some  of  my  earliest  memories  of  
school  involve  learning  to  read  in  kindergarten  
and  to  tell  Ame  in  first  grade.
             However,  looking  back  to  middle  school,
my  memories  become  less  fond.  I  do  not  have  a  single  
memory  of  school  that  involves  learning.  The  memories  
that  dominate  that  Ame  for  me  are  of  situaAons  involving  social  struggles.  This  for  
Calendar me  is  the  main  reason  I  am  so  passionate  about  teaching  middle  schoolers.  I  truly  
want  to  help  students  navigate  this  Ame  in  their  life,  create  posiAve  social  
President’s Day Weekend experiences,  and  free  the  way  for  them  to  focus  on  learning  and  growing  their  mind  
(no school Friday and at  school.  
Monday): February 11-14          Before  becoming  a  middle  school  teacher,  I  worked  for  several  years  in  hospital  
administraAon.  AHer  not  finding  the  fulfilment  I  was  craving,  I  started  teaching  part  
Ame  at  night  for  the  local  community  college.  I  fell  in  love.  I  taught  math,  
FREE Parenting Class: accounAng,    and  business  courses,  eventually  leaving  the  hospital  to  teach  full  
February 17 Ame.  I  was  shocked,  however,  that  students  who  just  came  out  of  high  school  could  
not  perform  basic  mathemaAcal  funcAons.  I  took  a  good  look  at  my  teaching  career  
path  and  knew  I  could  make  more  of  a  difference  for  students  earlier  on  in  their  
Box Tops for Education Due:
educaAon,  so  I  moved  to  teaching  middle  school.
February 25          Growing  up  I  had  several  hobbies  including  Tae  Kwon  Doe.  I  have  my  black  belt  
and  was  compeAAve  in  this  sport  for  several  years.  My  dad  is  a  third  degree  black  
Sixth Grade Camp at beIt  and  was  at  each  and  every  karate  lesson  and  compeAAon  cheering  me  on.  It  is  
amazing  now  to  see  my  son  take  up  this  same  sport.    I  guess  it  is  really  in  our  blood.
Beautiful Camp Cuyamaca: Currently,  as  many  of  you  know,  I  have  three  children  and  an  amazing  
March 7-10 husband.  When  I  am  not  at  school,  I  can  usually  be  found  with  at  least  one  of  my  
kids  at  a  birthday  party  or  sporAng  event.  Although  it  is  someAmes  crazy,  I  wouldn't  
trade  two  hours  at  a  seven-­‐year-­‐old’s  birthday  party  for  anything  else  in  this  world!
       Whenever  anyone  asks  me  the  one  person  I  would  like  to  meet  if  given  the  
chance  my  answer  is  always  the  same....my  future  grandchildren.

6154 Mission Gorge Road Phone: 619-501-6327

Suite 100 Fax: 619-795-2850
San Diego, CA 92120 InnovationsAcademy.org
Self Expression, Compassionate Connection, Purposeful Learning

Current Explorations Classes

Please  ask  your  child  about  what  she  or  he  is  
exploring  in  our  unique  enrichment  program.  

Our  current  offerings:

Music  &  More  by  Paula  Best  (all  grades)

Glee  Club  by  Virginia  Norwood  (grades  3-­‐8)
Woodworking  by  Skip  Glass  (all  grades)
Cooking  by  Ariana  Glass  (grades  3-­‐8)
Our 7th & 8th graders re-enact the American
Revolution at Riley’s Farm. Na7ve  Games  by  Alex  Antohin  (grades  3-­‐8)
Hip  Hop  by  Josh  Burks  (all  grades)
Physical  Educa7on  by  Monica  Salzburg  (all  
grades)
Public  Speaking  by  Wayne  Holley  (grades  5-­‐8)  

February is BOX TOPS month.

 
Please  check  your  pantry  and  your  shopping  
list  for  Box  Tops  for  EducaAon  items!  Clip  Box  
Tops  from  hundreds  of  your  favorite  
products.  Each  Box  Tops  coupon  is  worth  10¢  
Free Parenting Class for  IA  -­‐-­‐  and  that  adds  up  fast!
Focused on Brain Research Please  submit  them  to  the  office  by  Feb.  25th.  
We  currently  have  earned  $231  -­‐-­‐  let’s  more  
On  Thursday,  February  17th,  from  9-­‐12,  a  FREE   than  double  that  amount!
parenAng  class  will  be  offered  in  the  downstairs  
common  room.  Come  learn  how  recent  brain  
research  provides  new  insights  into  parenAng.  
The  class  will  be  taught  by  Connie  Pearson,  a  
Licensed  Marriage  and  Family  Therapist,  and  
registered  nurse  in  pracAce  for  25  years  
(www.cjpearson.com).  

Please  register  ASAP:  Email  

connie.pearson.MFT@cjpearson.com  with  your  
name,  phone  number,  email  address  and  whether  
you  plan  to  bring  your  younger  child(ren)  or  call  
Connie  Pearson  at  408-­‐314-­‐1039.  
Self Expression, Compassionate Connection, Purposeful Learning
Roads to Reading:
Is an undiagnosed reading problem affecting your child’s success in school?

By  Therese  FitzRandolph

Many  Ames  children  struggle  with  school  subjects  such  as  literature,  social  studies,  or  science,  not  because  
they  do  not  understand  the  concepts,  but  because  their  reading  skills  are  below  grade  level.  Reading  issues  
are  almost  always  due  to  an  auditory  or  visual  processing  problem.

There  are  three  skill  components  required  to  be  a  good  reader:  comprehension,  decoding,  and  sight  words.  
A  child  may  experience  trouble  in  one  or  all  three  areas.    How  will  you  know  if  your  child  may  have  a  reading  
problem?  Here  are  some  symptoms  you  may  noAce:

ü Reads  well  but  cannot  remember  the  informaAon  or  answer  quesAons  about  the  material
ü Cannot  idenAfy  the  main  idea,  make  inferences  or  predicAons,  or  extend  the  story  in  discussion
ü Disorganized  wriAng
ü Trouble  sounding  out  words.    May  mix  up  the  order  of  lelers  in  the  word,  leave  sounds  out,  add  
sounds  in….or  just  looks  at  first  leler  and  guesses  the  rest
ü Cannot  remember  small  words  such  as  “was”  or  “they”  from  sentence  to  sentence
ü Poor  spelling
ü Avoids  reading.    May  enjoy  being  read  to,  but  hates  reading  on  their  own

Recent  research  with  funcAonal  MRIs  has  revealed  that  struggling  readers  use  different,  non-­‐effecAve  areas  
of  their  brain  than  tradiAonal  readers.  These  studies  show  that  the  reading  “region”  of  the  brain  is  
underdeveloped  and  the  other  non-­‐reading  areas  are  overdeveloped.  There  are  unique  mulAsensory  
programs  that  “retrain”  the  brain  to  process  reading  informaAon.  “CogniAve  retraining”  develops  new  
neural  pathways,  allowing  children  the  opportunity  to  develop  the  areas  of  the  brain  that  make  reading  
easier,  without  the  effort  and  frustraAon.

Therese  FitzRandolph  has  been  teaching  children  with  reading  issues  since  1986.  She  is  currently  comple@ng  a  Master's  
degree  in  Literacy.  For  more  informa@on  on  this  topic,  please  contact  Therese  at  The  Learning  Convergence  
(619-­‐640-­‐6835,  SDTherese@gmail.com).

Connecting With Your Teachers!

Jennifer Kirkby-Tatro - Kindergarten ! Michael Grimes - 6th Grade (Humanities)

jenniferkt@innovationsacademy.org ! !
Dee Dee Remington - 1st Grade
deedee@innovationsacademy.org !
Jenn Garfinkel - 2nd Grade !
jenn@innovationsacademy.org ! !
rd
Patrick Garland - 3 Grade
patrick@innovationsacademy.org
Kim Brunetto - 3rd/4th Grade Combo
kim@innovationsacademy.org
Bill Thomas - 5th Grade! ! !
bill@innovationsacademy.org
! michael@innovationsacademy.org
! !
! !
! !
Stephanie Robinson - 6th Grade (Math/Science)
! stephanie@innovationsacademy.org
Tony Spitzberg - 7th & 8th Grades (Humanities)
tony@innovationsacademy.org
Lisa Moncrief - 7th & 8th Grades (Math/Science)
lisa@innovationsacademy.org
Jill Keltner - HLC (K-2)
jill@innovationsacademy.org
Jennifer McMakin - HLC (2-7)/Special Ed. Admin
jennifer@innovationsacademy.org
 Self Expression, Compassionate Connection, Purposeful Learning
Did you know that your teacher’s biggest challenge in
elementary school was...

Jennifer  (K):  My  years  in  school  and  the  teachers  I  met  help  me  
evolve  into  the  teacher  I  am  today.
DeeDee  (1):  I  moved  from  abroad  to  the  US  in  2nd  grade  and  my  
teacher  Mrs.  Swanson  was  my  biggest  help!
Jenn  (2):  In  4th  grade  we  had  to  do  a  speech  each  month  in  front  of  
the  class.  It  was  really  hard  for  me  because  I  was  SO  shy.  But  my  
teacher  worked  with  me  aHer  school  and  let  me  pracAce  with  
her.  Also,  my  parents  helped  me  a  lot.  My  first  few  speeches  I  was  
very  quiet  and  didn't  get  the  best  grade,  but  by  year’s  end  I  was  a  
great  public  speaker  and  had  a  lot  more  confidence  in  myself.
Patrick  (3):  I  had  to  pracAce  math  over  the  summer  because  it  was   Working together, helping each other.
so  hard  for  me.  Math  never  came  easy  for  me.  My  mother  had  to  spend  a  lot  
of  extra  Ame  with  me.
Kim  (4):  One  of  the  biggest  challenges  for  me  was  that  I  was  painfully  shy  and  felt  scared  in  the  classroom.  My  1st  
and  3rd  grade  teachers    (Mrs.  Brecklan  and  Mrs.  Anderson)  were  so  gentle,  loving,  and  encouraging  I  believe  I  
naturally  felt  safe  and  without  a  lot  of  thought  or  effort  began  to  feel  confident  in  the  school  environment.    
Bill  (5):  I  guess  someAmes  not  geqng  along  with  my  friends  would  be  the  only  thing  that  I  can  recall.  Time  apart  
usually  healed  any  misgivings.
Stephanie  (6):  When  I  was  in  kindergarten  I  struggled  to  remember  leH  and  right.  Then  my  teacher  taught  me  
the  trick  of  holding  up  your  thumb  and  index  finger  (both  hands)  in  the  shape  of  an  L.  Only  your  leH  hand  
actually  makes  the  leler  L.  I  have  always  remembered  that  trick!
Michael  (6):  I  would  wait  unAl  the  night  before  an  assignment  was  due  for  me  to  begin  working  on  it.  I'd  then  be  
up  late  trying  to  get  it  done.  I  think  I  did  it  as  an  excuse  to  stay  up  late.  
Lisa  (7  &  8):  One  of  my  biggest  challenges  in  elementary  school  was  I  was  EXTREMELY  shy!  I  was  scared  to  death  
to  stand  in  the  front  of  the  class.  In  6th  grade  I  faced  my  fear  and  took  drama  because  a  bunch  of  my  friends  
wanted  to  do  it.  I  don't  think  I  would  have  joined  without  my  friends.  They  encouraged  me  to  be  brave  and  have  
fun  with  it.
Tony  (7  &  8):  One  of  the  biggest  challenges  in  elementary  school  that  I  can  remember  was  transferring  from  my  
“normal”  school  to  a  school  intended  for  children  with  learning  differences.  I  had  been  diagnosed  with  ADHD  
and  was  not  excited  about  leaving  my  school  for  the  unknown  to  retake  the  1st  grade.  Fortunately,  my  1st  grade  
teacher  and  the  students  made  me  feel  right  at  home  by  welcoming  me  with  open  arms  as  a  part  of  their  
community.  The  teachers  and  students  at  my  new  school  recognized  that  transferring  schools  can  be  an  
uncomfortable  experience.  Everyone  took  the  Ame  to  learn  my  name  and  the  things  that  made  me  happy  in  life.  
I  didn’t  feel  like  the  “new  kid”  for  long  and  I  try  to  ensure  that  all  incoming  students  to  IA  have  as  similar  an  
experience  to  mine  as  possible.
Jill  (HLC):  I  used  to  be  SO  SLOW  at  finishing  my  work.  I  wanted  everything  to  be  just  right.  Mr.  Macaluso  told  me  I  
didn't  have  to  be  perfect,  I  just  had  to  do  my  best.  It  helped  (though  I  sAll  have  to  keep  reminding  myself  that  
everything  doesn't  have  to  be  perfect).
Jennifer  (HLC):  One  of  my  biggest  challenges  in  school  was  compleAng  math  tasks  quickly  -­‐  whether  it  was  
memorizaAon  of  mulAplicaAon  facts  or  being  able  to  do  quick  mental  math.  I  wish  I  had  learned  some  of  the  
great  math  tricks  that  I  know  and  use  with  my  students  today!    
 Self Expression, Compassionate Connection, Purposeful Learning

Our Exciting Friday Clubs

Every  Friday  aHernoon  for  one  hour,  each  IA  teacher  shares  a  passion  
or  discipline  with  our  students.  As  you  can  see,  the  IA  community  is  
vibrant  with  diverse  talents.  Friday  Clubs  are  free  and  take  place  during  
school  hours.  Like  our  unique  ExploraAons  Program,  IA  students  gain  
knowledge  and  enriching  experiences  rarely  found  in  tradiAonal  public  
or  private  schools.

Leadership  &  Team  Building  (K-­‐3)  with  Gaby.  Students  learn  to  work  as  
a  team  and  pracAce  problem  solving  with  team  building  exercises.  

Open  Studio  (K-­‐8)  with  Jennifer  

KT.  Students  learn  sewing,  crochet,  watercolor,  mosaic  and  collage.  AHer  
exploring,  students  have  Ame  to  start  their  own  project  with  lots  of  Aps  and  
help  along  the  way.  

World  Dance  Music  (K-­‐2)  with  DeeDee.  Students  explore  the  world  through  
music  and  video.  Genres  covered:  50's  American  Rock,  Jazz,  LaAn,  Reggae,  
Reggaeton,  African  Beats,  Bollywood.

Yearbook  (4-­‐8)  with  Jenn.  Students  will  be  puqng  the  yearbook  together:  
photographing  acAviAes,  doing  page  layouts  and  markeAng  the  books.

Reading  &  Storytelling  (K-­‐3)  with  Patrick.  Students  read  and  discuss  stories  and  do  puppetry.

Games  (3-­‐6)  with  Kim.  Students  learn  and  play  card  and  strategy  board  games.    

Music  Theory  (5-­‐8)  with  Bill.  Students  will  gain  a  basic  introducAon  to  music  theory  on  the  guitar  or  bass,  and  learn  
to  play  songs  of  their  choosing.    

Scrap  Booking  (5-­‐8)  with  Stephanie.  Students  will  embark  on  an  adventure  of  turning  ordinary  pictures  into  works  
of  art.  Everyone  will  create  their  own  scrapbook.

School  Social  Government  (3-­‐8)  with  Michael.  Students  will  plan  and  create  acAviAes  and  events  for  the  school  such  
as  Spirit  Days,  a  Dance,  Field  Day,  and  possibly  the  8th  grade  graduaAon  event  

Improv  Club  (5-­‐8)  with  Tony.  An  introducAon  to  the  art  of  improvisaAon.  Students  will  do  improvisaAonal  games  
and  some  character  development  and  scene  work.    

Beach  Bums  (4-­‐8)  with  Lisa.  Students  will  study  marine  life  and  environmental  issues  surrounding  our  beaches.  
Possible  whale  watching  and  beach  clean-­‐up  field  trips.    

Image  &  Graphic  Design  (4-­‐8)  with  LuAnn  (aunt  of  a  student).  Students  will  make  posters,  flyers,  cards,  and  design  
their  own  logo.  Includes  layout  basics,  color  and  line  theory,  typography,  picture  and  photo  quality  and  ediAng.  
 Martin, Elena and Sara.
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Self Expression, Compassionate Connection,
.)3"%)%6$'*1+8=*+$'%)'7%,=CC$1*%2$=%)'7%2$=1%<).+#2/%C#"),"%1")64% Purposeful Learning
$=*9%
Start, Dismissal, & Lunch Info
F+'6"1"#2/
Guitar Classes at IA!
I41+,*+'"%O=;#"' Starting & Grades Grades
Dismissal K-2 3-8
An  amazing  opportunity  for  ages  10  and  up!  This  8-­‐
Start Time 8:30 AM 9:00 AM
week  course  will  teach  the  basics  of  guitar  playing.  
Welcome to Chickpeas, Our New Lunch Provider!
Includes  string  names  and  numbers,  guitar  anatomy,   Dismissal 3:00 PM 3:30 PM
tuning,   note  and  tablature  reading,  chords,  and  more.  
We have contracted with Chickpeas, a healthy food service, to provide Wed - Early 12:00 PM 12:30 PM
Students  must  provide  an  acousAc  guitar.  Taught  by  
elicious, nutritious and organic lunches to our students. All poultry and Dismissal
professional   guitarist  (Neville  Brothers,  Chuck  Berry)  
airy are free of antibiotics and hormones. Food is fresh, made the same
Jeff  Moore  (Norwood  Music  Studios).  Students  will  
ay and never frozen.The menus are kid friendly (pizza, pasta, mac and
play   a  simple  melody  and  learn  three  songs.  TuiAon:  
heese, burgers) and the food tastes so good, you will want to purchase
$90.  Please  see  Donna  for  registraAon  info.   Lunch K, HLC 1, 2, 3,4,
mily meals, which Chickpeas will deliver to school on Mondays and & Play 7, 8 5,6
Wednesdays.
Time 11:30 12:15- 1:00-
AM- 1:00 PM 1:45 PM
ny parent who volunteers serving lunch will get a free lunch for his or 12:15 PM
er child. Lunches are available four days a week at a price of $5 per
ay. Lunches will need to be preordered and paid through Chickpeas.

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Credits

Editor/Publisher: Anne Isaaks

Ad Coordinator: Virginia Norwood
Other Contributors: Parents, students,
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month.

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