February 7, 2018
FROM THE DIRECTORS: REPORT CARDS
Available electronically on Friday, February 8
Grades offer an important perspective on academic growth. Still, this is one perspective among many. Learning is a collaborative process at the Academy. We see our students as holistic learners, therefore in order to provide a more complete view of learning, in line with the mission and vision of our school, teachers take time to comment on students' growth in a way that grades are often unable to.

The faculty has written personalized comments for each student. Comments are intended to provide character-­‐based feedback and support continued growth. While letter grades are not a direct evaluation of students’ intellectual character, they do reflect this character, in as much as the assignments, exams, and other materials on which grades are based regularly require students to demonstrate intellectual virtues. 

Comments and grades are not meant to be final in any sense but provide constructive and timely feedback. Each teacher, as is appropriate, writes narrative comments pertaining to intellectual virtues. There is no expectation that students will "master" any virtue. Rather, the comments are primarily intended to help students develop a deeper understanding of their intellectual character strengths and to identify areas for potential growth.

Want to read a sample comment?

Dear ______, " You show your peers respect and attentiveness both in listening to them in order to understand and by modeling the autonomous work ethic and humility it takes to be a critical thinker. You are appreciated, no doubt. Build on this support to be courageous and confident. Your thinking is powerful and interesting, but stays in your head most of the time during class. It will develop and we will all benefit from you putting your ideas out there. It’s scary, I know, but you have my full support."
SELF-AWARE AND GLOBALLY-AWARE

The Academy provides students with opportunities to become not only self-aware but globally-aware. Here are some examples of how we offer opportunities for students to problem-solve real-life problems with a practical application:

In Environmental Science, students explore case studies on how the community affects the environment, both positively and negatively. Students are currently brainstorming possible solutions to save an endangered species. Once they have focused in on a specific solution, students will be putting together a proposal complete with a detailed action plan, as well as the economic and cultural impact.

Through real-world scenarios, students gain perspective and learn how to become passionate advocates for change. In Ethics, students dive into in-depth philosophical discussions on contemporary moral problems. With the central question: “What is the right thing to do?” students explore themes from social justice to medical ethics. 

During Advisory, students identified needs within our school, within the Long Beach community, and in Los Angeles County. Each group then generated ideas on specific projects to give back to our communities. During this semester, each Advisory will be identifying a community need they are passionate about, and designing a way to contribute through a service learning project. 
EXP Student Internship Program Orientation

Representatives from EXP: The opportunity engine will be on campus this Friday during Advisory to discuss the launch of our Student Internship Program.

The EXP Internship Program is designed to connect students to hands-on work experience, work readiness workshops, and the potential for juniors to be hired for a paid summer internship. 

To qualify for a summer internship, juniors must attend all workshops.

See a list of the workshops below:
  • Student Only Orientation on Feb. 8 during Advisory
  • Parent and Student Orientation on Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m.
  • Workshop 1: Unlocking Your Potential on Feb. 20 at 3:45 p.m.
  • Workshop 2: Building Your Brand
  • Workshop 3: Becoming a Young Professional
  • Workshop 4: Dress for Success
  • Workshop 5: Networking the Room
  • Workshop 6: Getting the Interview

For more information, contact Mrs. Sanders.
HIGH SCHOOL ENROLLMENT: Become a Triton!

Congratulations! Students who have submitted an application by the priority deadline have been accepted to enroll at the Academy for the 2019-2020 school year! Enrollment instructions will be emailed in the next few days, and enrollment materials are due back by March 4. If you need help along the way, feel free to schedule an enrollment meeting with Crystal Day .

Enrollment is limited to 56 ninth-graders with limited availability in the transfer grades (10th through 12th). We are in a unique situation to be able to continue to enroll as space permits. Students entering 9th through 12th grade are encouraged to contact Crystal Day at 562-283-4456 for more information.

We look forward to continuing to get to know you in the coming months!
VIRTUE PLEDGES IN THE NEW SEMESTER

A new semester gives students an opportunity to reflect on their goals. Here is a glimpse into their Virtues Pledges for the next semester.

COLLEGE COMPASS PROGRAM
Financial Aid Workshop
Parents and students are invited to a Financial Aid Workshop on  Thursday, February 21, 6:30 p.m. at the Academy. The workshop is hosted by College Seekers. To reserve your spot, please contact  Summer Sanders .
DO YOU KNOW A STUDENT IN FIFTH GRADE?
IVA Middle School is Now Accepting Applications

Conoce a un estudiante en el quinto grado? La escuela Intellectual Virtues Academy Long Beach (IVA) esta aceptando solicitaciones. IVA es una escuela gratis y publica localizada en el distrito de Long Beach. Sirviendo a estudiantes de sexto y octavo grado, nuestro modelo educativo único fomenta y promueve una cultura del pensamiento profundo y del aprendizaje. Animamos a los estudiantes a aplicar antes del 15 de marzo.   Aprenda mas y solicite aquí! 

Do you know a student in the fifth grade?   Intellectual Virtues Academy Long Beach is now accepting applications! Intellectual Virtues Academy is a free public middle school serving students in 6th-8th grade. Similar to the Academy, our unique educational model fosters and promotes a culture of deep thinking and learning. Prospective 6th grade students are encouraged to apply by March 15.   Learn more and apply here!
UPCOMING EVENTS 

Fri., Feb., 8
EXP: Internship Program Orientation 12:00 p.m.-1:09 p.m. Room 2

Tues., Feb. 12 at 7 p.m.
Campus Tour- evening

Wed., Feb. 13, 6:30-7:30 p.m. @ the Academy
EXP: Student Internship: Parent and Student Orientation

Thrs., Feb. 14 at 9:30 a.m.
Campus Tour

Wed., Feb. 20 at 8:30 a.m.

Wed., Feb. 20, 3:45-5 p.m.
EXP: Student Internship
Workshop 1 ( mandatory for students interested in a paid internship)

Thurs., Feb 21 at 7 p.m.

Sat., Feb. 23 at 9:30 a.m.
Restorative Academics

Thrs., Feb 28 at 6:30 p.m.

Mon., March 4
Enrollment Forms Due
for Incoming Students

Fri., March 8
No School-Faculty Academy

Fri., April 5
SAT Registration Deadline

Thurs., May 2 at 7 p.m.
College Compass: How to Become College Ready

Sat., May 4
SAT Day
REPORT CARD DISTRIBUTION

Please note, that moving forward, our report cards will be shared digitally (via email) and a physical copy will be handed to students in person. If you would like a copy mailed to your address, please send an email to  armine.movsisyan@academylongbeach.org  to update your preferences. If you do not email your preference report cards will not be mailed home by default. 
WINTER EXTRACURRICULAR SCHEDULE

Monday
  • Anime
  • Hip Hop Dance
  • Molecular Bio
  • Math Credit Recovery

Tuesday
  • Weightlifting
  • Chess
  • SAT English Prep
  • Math C.R.
  • Theater
  • GSA (Gender Sexuality Alliance)

Wednesday
  • Futsal
  • Skate Club
  • SAT English Prep
  • Spanish Club

Thursday
  • Chess
  • Leadership
  • Math C.R.
  • Theater

Friday
  • Weightlifting
  • Chess
  • eSports
  • Yearbook
MASTER VIRTUES
CREATIVE VIRTUES
Curiosity
Ask questions!
Open-mindedness
Think outside the box! 
Intellectual Courage
Take risks! 

CRITICAL THINKING VIRTUES
Intellectual Attentiveness
Look and listen!
Intellectual Carefulness
Avoid errors!
Intellectual Thoroughness
Go deep! 

VIRTUES OF SELF-GROWTH
Intellectual Autonomy
Think for yourself!
Intellectual Humility
Admit what you don't
know! 
Intellectual Tenacity
Embrace struggle!
THIS WEEK AT THE ACADEMY

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Intellectual Virtues Academy, A Long Beach Public High School 
1637 Long Beach Blvd., Long Beach, California 90813
562.283.4456 | www.academylongbeach.org
The Intellectual Virtues Academy is a public Long Beach high school, open to all students, authorized by Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE).