IPSF IMPACT - December 2016 Edition

KEEP MUSIC ALIVE IN IRVINE SCHOOLS

At IPSF, we believe that music is a fundamental part of every child's educational experience. There are countless studies detailing the benefits of music on the development of critical thinking, speech, mathematics, and the psyche. Music helps children to gain confidence and offers students the opportunity to work together to create something that is both satisfying for themselves and valued by others.

Although cuts in state educational funding have had a dramatic impact on the music and art programs across the state, IPSF has helped preserve music in Irvine for students in kindergarten through third grade by fully funding the Primary Music Program. This program provides a solid foundation in musical concepts in a fun, supportive environment for all students beginning in transitional kindergarten. In addition, IPSF also provides funding for instructional assistants for the 4th -6th grade Instrumental Music program, enabling a richer learning experience for students.

It is only with the support of parents and the community in Irvine that IPSF can continue to give life to music in our schools.

GRANT APPLICATIONS NOW AVAILABLE

IPSF is seeking applications for its annual Innovative Grants Program. Since 1996, IPSF has awarded over $1 million in grants to support educators to implement innovative ideas in their classrooms benefitting thousands of students.

IUSD educators may apply for funding from three different categories. The Innovative Teaching Award Program (ITAP) is to support innovation in the classroom, while the Innovative Counseling Award Program (ICAP) is directed towards innovative school-wide counseling initiatives. The Mega Innovative Teaching Award Program (M-ITAP) offers educators grants of $20,000 to implement larger projects.

IPSF'S IMPACT AT
YOUR SCHOOL

"Thanks to the support of IPSF, Sierra Vista students have smaller class sizes in their core classes; receive instruction for how to use Naviance which allows each student to begin their college and career exploration and self-discovery; and have the opportunity to participate in the ACE afterschool program..." Lynn Matassarin, Principal Sierra Vista Middle School.

To read more about how IPSF impacts Sierra Vista, and to check out what your principals have shared with us about how IPSF funds are at work in your school, click below.

ACE IN

NEVERLAND

Congratulations to our ACE students at Greentree Elementary on their wonderful performance of Peter Pan! We are so proud to be able to provide extracurricular programs that allow our students to enhance their skills in the arts.

This year's musical featured 65 students who performed to sold-out crowds. Thank you our fantastic ACE coordinators, principals, and parent volunteers who help make this musical such a success! To learn more about the Afterschool Classroom Enrichment program at your school, click below.

As we celebrate our 20 years of IMPACT, we would like to show our appreciation to our

supporters who have joined us in support of educational excellence during this year's Annual Campaign. If you have given a gift of $50 or more, you will receive a commemorative IPSF beverage tumbler as a token of our gratitude.

In addition to the cup, our restaurant partners throughout the city will be offering FREE beverages in the coming year. The tumblers will be distributed in January, and a calendar of the beverage promotions will be sent out and posted on our website.

There is still time to make a gift! All donations $50 and above made by December 31 will be eligible to receive the IPSF tumbler. Give today and cheers to 20 years!

SNOW DAY IN IRVINE!

On December 10, our partners at Irvine Spectrum Center will host its annual Snow Day. From noon to 4:00 p.m., kids can play in real snow and learn to snowboard!

Located in Edwards Court and hosted by Active Ride Shop, children are invited to join in on some snowy fun and learn to snowboard on a mini hill, while older kids can participate on a larger snow hill. Come enjoy an afternoon of fun and meet Wild Wing and the Power Players from the Anaheim Ducks too!

WINTER BOWL FLAG FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT

Pre-registration for Winter Bowl 2017 opens Saturday, December 3. Teams will be formed by each school with a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 12 players. There will be a boys team for each grade level 3-8, and girls teams will be combined teams from grades 3-4, 5-6, and 7-8.

No experience is necessary to participate! Each team must have a volunteer coach (parent, teacher, PE teacher). Volunteer coaches should note their interest in coaching through the pre-registration website or contact [email protected].

Pre-registration is free for all students who are interested in being on a team. No payment will be collected until after final teams are chosen. The fee is $25 per player, and scholarships are available for students who need financial assistance. Pre-registration will be open through January 6, with tryouts the week of January 9 (if needed). This year's tournament is scheduled to be held on January 28, 2017.