IACS’ Mental Health Showcase-for Students by Students
Written by My My Tran Class of 2020
This school year, IACS’ Student Government organized a fundraiser, called IACS CARES. Students chose to raise money for a charity called Project Semicolon. Project Semicolon is a charity that focuses on providing help, hope and love for people struggling with depression, suicide, and self-injury.
Dalena Soun, a sophomore, was in charge of the fundraiser. There were efforts to raise money such as collecting plastic water bottles and soda cans in designated blue bins. Blue wrist bands and mental health stickers were sold during lunch to further collect proceeds.
An event was planned called the Mental Health Showcase, and it took place here on campus, in the auditorium, on Friday, May 3rd, during lunch.
The showcase was run by students, for students, and was meant to shine a light on mental health. Performances included singing, playing of instruments, and sharing personal stories of struggles with mental health. We also received original pieces of artwork.
Dalena shares her planning process:
“I was thinking of what gives me peace when everything’s going wrong; I listen to music when I’m sad or stressed. I wanted to spread awareness on how mental health has deeply affected our generation, by expanding it into artwork and other forms of expression through this showcase.”
We received input from audience member Yuliana Lugo on the showcase:
“In my past school, we didn’t have people exactly tell their stories. It was more like a motivational speaker, not an actual student our age going through the same stuff as us. At my old school I didn’t really pay attention, but hearing it from my own peers and community members today helped connect in a different way. I just took away that there are people who do care and understand about mental health. It was good to see how people are willing to put themselves out there and say what they need to say.”
Our school was able to come together as a community, to spread awareness and advocate for what we feel strongly about!
Busing Information: An email regarding the 2019-2020 transportation program was sent out on May 15. As a reminder, this year, both Christianson and Tyngsboro bus applications will be online forms. You will be able to pay for Christianson busing using a credit card, if you choose, and pricing has been decreased. A 50% deposit will be needed to secure a seat on the bus and seats fill on a first come first serve basis. The email contained all the links and details you need to sign up.
Contact Marybeth Bush at mbush@innovationcharter.org if you have any questions.
Join us for Performing Arts Camps this summer, for students finishing grades 4 through 12! Camp has a free, public performance on Friday night. Don’t miss your chance to shine on stage! Sign up here.
The first 12 students finishing grades 8 and up who sign up for Glee Camp to have the option of traveling into New York City to see the musical “DEAR EVAN HANSEN”!
The first 12 students finishing grades 8 and up who sign up for Improv Camp to have the option of traveling into New York City to work with Broadway stars!
Any students who sign up for Drama Camp to have the option of traveling into New York City to perform on Thursday, July 25!
Find information here.
Scholarships are available and are based on need. Please email rhawthorne@innovationcharter.org with any questions!
Performing Arts Camps for students grades 4-12 click here for more information
WE WANT YOU TO JOIN US FOR OUR MAY PRODUCTION!
We are especially excited for Thursday and Friday night’s productions where we will see some of our favorite staff members perform in a comedy called "The Good Doctor"! Don’t miss Dr. Arnold, Mrs. Henry, Mr. Willoughby, Mr. Pisco and Profe Ashley!
IACS Green Chemistry team members Sona, Anita and Hannah visited preschoolers in Chelmsford last week to teach the students about plastics, trash and recycling.
IACS Envirohawks had fun and did a great job competing in the Envirothon Competition last weekend.
Sorry seniors…no offers yet.
End of Year BBQ Your assistance is needed for our annual BBQ.
To volunteer or donate – please visit the most current list of needs here:
or contact Cindi Hevner at: 978-866-8380
Innovation Academy Charter School