Mustang Messenger
Good Afternoon Irwin Family and Friends,
Spring is in the air, and it's hard to believe we are already in the last quarter of the school year! Time truly flies when you're having fun, and it feels like just yesterday we were welcoming our students back for the start of the year. As we approach the final stretch, we are filled with excitement about all the end-of-year events, activities, and celebrations we have planned. As we head into April, we want to remind all students to stay focused on their learning. The final quarter is crucial, and there’s still much to accomplish. We encourage everyone to give their best effort in these last few weeks, ensuring they finish the school year strong.
This month is also special because we are recognizing the Month of the Military Child. April is a time when we honor the resilience, sacrifices, and strength of our military-connected students and their families. We understand that the challenges military families face are unique, and we are grateful for all they do. Let's show our support and appreciation for these remarkable students and their families throughout the month.
And speaking of celebrations, tomorrow morning, we are inviting all parents to join us for a special event—Student Clap-In! This is a wonderful opportunity to show our students how proud we are of them and to celebrate their hard work. We hope to see you there.
A Quick Reminder: Engagement Review Team Visit
As part of our ongoing focus on continuous improvement, our district, DoDEA Americas Mid-Atlantic, will be hosting an Engagement Review Team from Cognia, an international accreditation agency, this month. Cognia conducts these on-site reviews every five years, and their purpose is to rate our district on each of their Performance Standards and provide valuable feedback on our continuous improvement efforts.
Your perceptions of our schools and district are a critical part of this review process, and we would truly value your input. Our school visit is scheduled for Wednesday, April 30, 2025. We encourage you to participate in this review and share your thoughts with us to help make our district even better.
We look forward to finishing the school year with excitement and pride. Thank you for your continued support and for being such an important part of the Irwin community. Here's to a wonderful month ahead!
With Warm Regards,
Angelique Johnson
Principal
April is the Month of the Military Child
Mark Your Calendars! It's a busy month around here. Be sure to look at the Upcoming Events section included below and on our School Calendar. A few of the events to be aware of:
- Parents Morning "Student Clap In" on Tuesday, April 1st. Parents line the morning walkways to cheer on our military children during arrival to kick off the Month of the Military Child! The timeline is flexible; stay as you can while students enter the building.
- Parents Afternoon "Chalk the Walk" on Wednesday, April 30th.
- Irwin military parents as Mystery Guest readers. This event is by reservation only. Each Wednesday of April, from 1:35-1:50, we hope to have a military parent reading in each of our classes. Use the provided link to choose your child's teacher and day; if there are none available that means they've all been booked! Shhh, keep it a mystery for your child! We will have military child books available, or you are welcome to bring a family favorite.
- Class Pictures on April 7th AND Spring Pictures on April 7th. Spring Pictures will be available for purchase and will be taken as makeup yearbook photos for students and staff who missed Fall Picture Days.
- Wear PURPLE every Wednesday, especially April 9th: DoDEA Worldwide PurpleUp! Day.
Parents Morning "Student Clap In" - April 1
Start the month by cheering on our Mustangs! Parents line the morning walkways to cheer on your military child during arrival times to kick off the Month of the Military Child! The timeline is flexible; stay as you can while students enter the building.
Wear Purple Every Wednesday!
Join us in wearing PURPLE every Wednesday in April!
Wednesday, April 9th is DoDEA Worldwide PurpleUp! Day.
Military Mystery Guest Reader Events
We are inviting Irwin military parents to surprise their child by being a Mystery Guest reader. Use the provided link to choose your child's teacher and day; if there are none available that means they've all been booked!
April 7th-11th is #DoDEAMilKids Week!
April 7th-11th is #DoDEAMilKids Week! Join in the spirit week dress up events; share your photos with this hashtag on your social media accounts to celebrate the resiliency and service of DoDEA children worldwide!
Picture Day - April 7
Class Picture: All students, unless marked Decline by the parent in our DSIS, are included in Class Pictures.
Spring Picture: All students, unless marked Decline, are welcome to take a Spring Picture which will be available for purchase. All staff and students, unless marked Decline, who missed Fall Picture Days will take a photo today for their yearbook photo.
3rd Grade Concert - April 10
More details to follow... preliminary information:
Students will have two performances. The first is during the school day for the staff and students. The second is after school for families. Students should arrive at 4:00 to get into place and for families to find a seat. The show will begin at 4:30.
POC Ms. McComas, Music Director, kristina.mccomas@dodea.edu
Lunch on the Lawn
Lunch on the Lawn - Details to follow, but make plans to join your Mustang for lunch on Wednesday, April 23rd during lunch hours.
Parents "Chalk the Walk" Dismissal - April 30
Parents “chalk the walk” on April 30th to celebrate students before dismissal and the end of the Month of the Military Child (please bring chalk and decorate the dismissal sidewalks with positive affirmations).
Good News is worth sharing! Follow, Subscribe, Like, Share our positive social media!
Gentle Reminders:
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100% ID CHECK: Please remember to show ID. We have a 100% check when picking up students.
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Please do not drop students off prior to 8:00 a.m. There is no adult supervision prior to this time other than for breakfast.
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Student transportation changes must be done in writing prior to 2:00 p.m. (M, T, Th, F) and by 1:00 p.m. on Wednesdays.
We encourage you to join the Irwin PTO.
Learn more about the organization and the events they manage in support of our students!
Visit their Facebook page
Email them at irwinintermediatepto@gmail.com
Stay Cool and Hydrated This Spring!
As the weather warms up and the days grow longer, staying hydrated becomes more important than ever—for both kids and adults. Warmer temperatures mean our bodies work harder to stay cool, especially when we’re active outside. Drinking enough water helps keep us energized, healthy, and ready for all the fun spring activities!
Why is hydration so important?
Water is like fuel for our bodies—it helps our brains think clearly, keeps our energy up, and even makes our skin feel good. When we don’t drink enough water, we might feel tired, cranky, or even get a headache. Staying hydrated helps us feel our best!
Tips for Parents and Kids to Stay Hydrated:
- Carry water everywhere! Make it a habit to bring a water bottle to school, sports practice, or even the park.
- Choose water over sugary drinks. Water is the healthiest way to quench your thirst.
- Eat water-rich snacks. Fruits like watermelon, oranges, and strawberries are delicious and full of water!
- Keep an eye on the weather. On hot and sunny days, drink even more water than usual.
- Fun Hydration Challenge: Here’s a fun activity for the family: Keep track of how many cups of water you drink each day for a week. Can you reach eight cups? Cheer each other on to hit your goal!
Remember, staying hydrated helps everyone enjoy the sunny days ahead. So, grab your water bottles and let’s make springtime happy and healthy!
Here are some additional tips to encourage healthy hydration for both parents and children:
1. Flavor the Water: Add natural flavors to water, like slices of lemon, lime, cucumber, or berries, to make it more appealing. Try making "fruit-infused water" together as a fun activity.
2. Create Hydration Routines: Drink a glass of water first thing in the morning to start the day right. Encourage kids to drink a cup of water before and after outdoor play or physical activities.
3. Use Fun Containers: Give children their own colorful, reusable water bottle with fun designs or stickers. For parents, a stylish or insulated water bottle can help with staying hydrated on the go.
4. Set Reminders: Use an alarm or timer to remind everyone to take water breaks, especially on hot days. Parents can encourage hydration by setting an example—make water breaks a family routine.
5. Monitor Hydration Levels: For kids, teach them to check their pee color as a hydration guide: light yellow = hydrated and dark yellow = drink more water!
6. Limit Dehydrating Drinks : Explain that drinks like soda or juice are okay occasionally, but they can’t replace water. Parents can offer milk or 100% fruit juice as alternatives but emphasize water as the main drink.
7. Cool Down with Frozen Treats: Make homemade popsicles using water and fruit for a hydrating, tasty snack. Parents can enjoy these treats too—it’s a refreshing way to stay hydrated in warmer weather.
National Stress Awareness Month is a special time in April when we learn about stress and how to handle it. Stress is when you feel worried, nervous, or overwhelmed. It's like having a big knot in your tummy. But don't worry, there are lots of ways to feel better!
Parents play a crucial role in helping children manage stress, especially during National Stress Awareness Month. Here are some practical tips for parents to support their kids:
- Create a Calm Environment: Ensure your home is a peaceful place where your child feels safe and relaxed. This can include having a quiet space for them to unwind and engage in calming activities.
- Encourage Open Communication: Let your child know it's okay to talk about their feelings. Listen actively and validate their emotions without judgment. Sometimes, just knowing someone is there to listen can make a big difference.
- Teach Relaxation Techniques: Show your child simple ways to relax, such as deep breathing exercises, stretching, or mindfulness activities. Practicing these techniques together can be a fun and bonding experience.
- Promote Healthy Habits: Ensure your child gets enough sleep, eats nutritious meals, and stays physically active. These habits can significantly reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
- Limit Screen Time: Encourage breaks from screens and promote activities that involve physical movement or creativity, like playing outside, drawing, or reading.
- Model Stress Management: Children often learn by observing adults. Demonstrate healthy ways to cope with stress, such as taking breaks, exercising, or talking about your feelings.
- Plan Fun Activities: Organize family activities that your child enjoys. Whether it's a game night, a walk in the park, or a movie marathon, spending quality time together can help alleviate stress.
- Stay Involved: Be aware of your child's school activities and social interactions. Offer support and guidance when needed, and encourage positive relationships with peers and teachers.
By incorporating these strategies, parents can help their children develop resilience and healthy coping mechanisms to manage stress effectively. 🌟 What are some activities your family enjoys doing together?
April in the Library: A Month Full of Celebrations!
Spring is in full swing, and April is a busy and exciting month in the Irwin Library! We’re celebrating:
📖 National Poetry Month – Explore the beauty of words and rhythm!
💜 Love Your Library Month – Show your appreciation for our amazing library!
🎗️ Month of the Military Child – Honoring our resilient military-connected students.
🌍 Earth Day – Discover books about caring for our planet.
…and more!
Students can find eBook collections in MackinVIA on these topics, and of course, there are plenty of books available in the library—just ask your child what they’re reading!
Are you a guest reader for Month of the Military Child?
If you’ve signed up to read in your child’s classroom and need a book, stop by the library! We’ve set aside special read-alouds perfect for Military Kids, and we’d love to help you find the perfect story.
📅 Celebrate Beverly Cleary & D.E.A.R. Day – April 12th!
April 12th marks the birthday of beloved author Beverly Cleary, creator of Ramona Quimby and the inventor of D.E.A.R. Time (Drop Everything and Read)!
In her book Ramona Quimby, Age 8, Ramona experiences the joy of D.E.A.R., a national celebration that encourages families to make reading a daily priority. Join in the fun by setting aside some dedicated reading time with your family on April 12th!
For ideas and resources, check out:
📚 Drop Everything and Read (D.E.A.R.) Resources
Let’s make April a month full of reading, learning, and celebration!
Educational Technology is an integral part of education. Programs can help tailor lessons to individual student needs. Interactive tools and multimedia make learning engaging and fun. Familiarity with a wide range of platforms prepares students for future academic and career opportunities. Students can access resources that accommodate different learning styles and needs. How we use technology matters, though. The SAMR model helps us see how technology can intentionally be used in different ways to enhance education and learning experiences. SAMR stands for Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition.
Substitution
- What it is: Technology replaces traditional tools without changing the task.
- Example: Students type their assignments instead of handwriting them.
- Benefit: This makes tasks more efficient and can help students who struggle with handwriting.
Augmentation
- What it is: Technology provides functional improvements to the task.
- Example: Apps that gamify learning content, making it engaging and allowing students to track their progress.
- Benefit: Interactive and gamified content keeps students interested and motivated.
Modification
- What it is: Technology allows for significant task redesign.
- Example: Students collaborate on a shared document online, providing real-time feedback to each other.
- Benefit: Promotes collaboration, communication skills, and immediate feedback.
Redefinition
- What it is: Technology allows for tasks that were previously inconceivable.
- Example: Students create multimedia presentations or interactive projects that can be shared globally.
- Benefit: Encourages creativity, critical thinking, and global awareness.
Learn more about DoDEA Technology and Innovation Division, including Educational Technology here: https://www.dodea.edu/education/technology-and-innovation
We hope you'll tune in and consider subscribing or giving a thumbs up to our team of student broadcasters! They have set a goal to reach 1,000 subscribers this school year. https://www.youtube.com/@MustangsBroadcastingNetwork Parents can share good news content to have their student introduced for Meet A Mustang or for a congratulatory shout-out for Time To Shine.
Each day a different guest student participates and a group of students' Pledge of Allegiance video is featured. The only way to know which, is to watch. All students, with approved Media Release, are invited to participate in Pledge of Allegiance recordings and to sign-up to be a featured special guest each day. Parents who may have marked Decline or Yearbook Only can update Media Release permissions by visiting the front office.
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| School Hours | Regular Hours | Wednesday Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Office Hours | 7:30 am - 4:00 pm | 7:30 am - 4:00 pm |
| Teachers | 7:30 am - 3:30 pm | 7:30 am - 3:30 pm |
| Students | 8:20 am - 2:55 pm | 8:20 am - 2:10 pm |
Wednesdays are Early Release days
| Cafeteria Hours | Start | End |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | 7:45 am | 8:15 am |
| Lunch | 10:30 am | 12:35 pm |
