Dance Clinic Flier

Dear ISA Families,

Monday, October 9, is a school holiday. We look forward to seeing students back in the ISA hallways on Tuesday, October 10, 2023.

On Tuesday, October 10, 2023, the payment window for AP Exams opens. AP Exams can be paid for by credit card through Skyward: Student Access--not Family Access. HERE are instructions about how to submit payment. The deadline for credit card payments is November 10, 2023. Cash payments for AP Exams are also acceptable. Students can submit cash payments in the LEE Counseling Office through November 10, 2023! Last week, this update shared some important details related to the AP Exam opportunity in NEISD. To learn more about the shift to online AP Exams and the subsidized fee offered to NEISD students click HERE for English and HERE for Spanish 

On Wednesday, October 11th, we are excited to host a group of school leaders from the International Studies Schools Network (ISSN)! Formerly a member of the ISSN, we are excited to reconnect and share our work pursuing Globally Competent Graduates. Our guests will get a chance to visit ISA classes, talk to ISA students and teachers, and experience the characteristics that make ISA a special place to learn. Welcome to ISA, ISSN Leaders! 

The ISA Amigos will host their monthly meeting on Thursday, October 12, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. in the ISA Flex Space (S-103). Join us to celebrate the huge success of the freshman garage sale!  We will also discuss upcoming events for ISA students. Please park in the visitor parking lot in front of the main LEE Main Building. All parents of ISA students are welcome to join us!

Looking ahead, on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, ISA 9th, 10th, and 11th graders will take the PSAT. This year, the PSAT is entirely online! Students can explore PSAT Digital Tools provided in the College Board “Bluebook” App. The Bluebook contains digital tools including an embedded calculator for the mathematics sections. Additionally, on October 17th all 11th graders will have access to a calculator during the administration. We ask that 9th and 10th graders bring their own calculator to the PSAT administration. For juniors, this administration of the PSAT qualifies as their entry into the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT). We recommend that juniors get a good night’s rest on Monday, October 16, to do their best on the day of the PSAT. 

Also on Tuesday, October 17, ISA 12th graders will have a late arrival day at 12:oo p.m. Seniors will have access to lunch on campus immediately upon arrival. Following lunch, seniors will report to S-102 and S-103 in the ISA/LEE Science Building to learn more about the class travel experience to Washington, D.C.!

A year ago at this time, this update shared information about the Texas Education Agency releasing district and campus accountability ratings. After a September announcement of a delay in releasing ratings, we wait patiently for updates. NEISD Superintendent, Dr. Sean Maika, has posted the first two videos in a six part series discussing the delay and the changes in the school rating system. If interested you can view VIDEO #1 and VIDEO #2 to get answers to questions pertaining to school accountability. You can also review ISA’s school rating from 2022-2023 HERE. 

NEISD is interested in feedback from our community about the school calendar for the 2024-2025 academic year. Click HERE or paste this URL:neisd.net/calendar-survey in the browser of your choice. Submissions will be accepted through Friday, October 20, 2023.

Last week, the ISA Lottery Application for the Class of 2028 opened! As usual, we are hosting in-person shadowing opportunities for families interested in visiting our campus to learn more. Shadowing information is available HERE. We know that our students are our best ambassadors! We are looking for current ISA students who are interested in sharing their ISA experience by participating in student panels and magnet events with prospective families! Students interested in being an ISA Ambassador can submit THIS form. ISA will host our first shadowing group on campus on Friday, October 20!

Mark your calendar for the evening of Thursday, October 19th, when grade level teams will host their next travel information meetings. This event will also be the next opportunity to purchase ISA Spirit items. Next week’s update will contain meeting locations for Thursday!

Also on October 19th, MUNSA will host their annual Pancake Dinner in the LEE HS cafeteria! This year’s event will feature a silent auction and is possible with support from Oak Hills Rotary Club and the ISA Amigos. Pancake Dinner tickets cost $5 and can be purchased from any MUNSA co-chair. Students can stop by room S-102 for more information and to find a co-chair!

On Saturday, October 21st, LEE Dance will host their Fall Dance Clinic. Students who participate in the clinic will have an opportunity to perform at the half-time presentation during the LEE vs. Madison Football game. Click HERE for the Clinic registration form and see the attached flier for more information!

Finally, Friday, October 13, 2023, marks the end of the first quarter of the school year, and the first report card of the year will be available in Skyward by the end of the following week! As students and teachers begin the second quarter together, we want to encourage families to pause and reflect on the momentum we feel in the hallways at ISA during the first quarter of the year! Working with students each day reminds us how important relationships are to the ISA Experience. When you reflect with your student(s) about grades and organization, also ask them what excites them about school, what they look forward to, and what challenges them? If you hear anything that concerns you or that you are unsure about, please reachout to your student’s teachers to get more information or support. As we continue to build strong bonds with our students, we know our partnership with families is a foundational component of the ISA Community!

Have a fantastic week!

Sincerely,

Steve Magadance and the ISA Faculty