Dear ISA Families,

Hoping that you had a fun-filled fiesta weekend.  ISA has recently been recognized by U.S. News and World Report as one of the 2024 Best High Schools in the nation. For more information about how the rankings were created click HERE. Recognitions like this along with community supported recognitions compiled by organizations like Niche which rated ISA teachers in the top 10 best faculties in the San Antonio Metro Area communicates the confidence our community has in the way ISA challenges and supports our students to demonstrate global competency by Investigating the world, Weighing multiple perspectives, Communicating ideas, and Taking Action. Thank you for your continued support and confidence in ISA!

Along with Fiesta fun, this weekend was also the State Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE) and we are thrilled to share that 14 ISA Visual Arts students submitted 17 individual works. Yesterday we learned that 12 Globies earned 15 State medals! Additionally, two Globies earned Gold Seal designations for their work and one of our artists earned a scholarship for Outstanding Digital Media! Congratulations to all of this year’s State VASE competitors and to ISA Visual Arts teacher, Andrea Puentes!

On Monday, April 29th, ISA’s PALS will induct their newest members in the PERC at 6:00 p.m. Our PALS attend training in mediation and mentoring skills to pursue this work and serve as a model of leadership and service in the ISA Community. Congratulations to our newest PALS! 

On Thursday, May 2nd, ISA 9th graders will present the results of their work to Make A Difference in their community! Presentations begin at 4:30 p.m. in classrooms in the ISA science and main buildings.

Are you interested in becoming more involved with the ISA community? The ISA Amigos Nominating Committee is looking for parents and guardians to serve on the ISA  Amigos Board for the 2024-2025 school year! You may use THIS form to nominate yourself or another person you think would be a good fit to serve on the board. If you have questions, please contact Sarah Larsen at isaamigos94@gmail.com. 

The month of May begins this week! With our transition to the final month of the 2023-2024 school year, we have several exciting end-of-year events to share with families! 

ISA Seniors and their families are invited to RSVP for Senior Honors on Monday, May 6, 2024! Join us on campus in the PAC to celebrate our memories of our graduating class’ four years at ISA and to celebrate their accomplishments beginning at 6:00 p.m.

AP Exam administrations also begin on May 6, 2024! On Thursday, April 18th, our campus CCMR Coordinator, Carin Schramm, sent a message to the community with information about what to expect for students who are registered for an exam this year. Here are some highlights from the email:

• The U.S. History, World History, English Language, and English Literature exams will be administered online and students need to be able to access their College Board account from memory. Please help your student(s) taking these tests to remember and practice their login information.

• Registered students can login to their College Board accounts to confirm test registration and check administration dates.

• Students must arrive 30 minutes prior to their exam administration! Students who do not arrive on time, or at all, will have their test marked as unused with no refunds issued and students will be charged a $40 cancelation fee per exam.

The Second Semester Exam Exemptions will open on Monday, May 13th, at 7:00 a.m. through Wednesday, May 15th, at 4:30 p.m. Students will be able to access the Exam Exemption Application through Skyward: Student Access. Students are invited to review THIS handout to assist in completing the exemption application process.

The NEISD Exam Exemption Policy contains key eligibility information. A few highlights include:

• Extenuating Circumstances “X” attendance codes will not count toward determining eligibility for an exemption, and

• There will not be an appeal process for this year’s exemption submissions.

HERE is the Spring Semester Exam Schedule. If you have questions about exemptions for the semester exam schedule, please contact Steve Magadance at smagad@neisd.net or Delia Gauna at dgauna@neisd.net if you have any questions.

Next week, on Tuesday, May 14th, students and families interested in athletics next year are invited to “Meet the Coaches” at 6:00 p.m. in the LEE Main Gymnasium! Football and Volleyball players are also invited to attend a parent meeting following the event! 

Also on Tuesday, May 14th, ISA seniors will present their final portfolio presentation of their ISA career! Our seniors, their families, and our entire community is invited for this evening of reflection!

Looking ahead, Tuesday, May 21st, ISA 9th, 10th, and 11th graders will host their annual student-led conferences. Families are invited to sit with their students to learn about how their students grew as global citizens this year!

On May 28, 2024, the Class of 2024 will celebrate their commencement ceremonies at Laurie Auditorium!

On May 30, 2024, the Class of 2025 will acknowledge their official transition into their senior year during the Junior Rite of Passage!

Finally, this Friday, May 3rd, marks the end of the six weeks progress report period. Grades for this progress reporting period will be available in Skyward by the end of next week!

Have a great week!

Sincerely,

Steve Magadance and the ISA Faculty