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Phoenix Flyer Vol. 3 (9.7.25)

Posted Date: 9/07/25 (5:00 PM)

The Innovation Middle School Phoenix logo features a stylized blue phoenix.

Phoenix Flyer

The exterior of Innovation Middle School, with the American flag waving.
A woman with dark hair smiles at the camera, wearing a blue shirt.

Phoenixes!

This week marks an important time for our students as they dive into F.A.S.T. Testing Progress Monitoring #1 for ELA and Math. These assessments are not just tests but key tools that provide our faculty with insights to tailor instruction and enhance student learning throughout the year. We're excited to see how this will help our students thrive.

Additionally, as a reminder our first School Advisory Council (SAC) meeting on Tuesday, September 9th, at 5:30 p.m. in the Media Center. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to engage in meaningful discussions that influence our school’s success. Your input is invaluable!

Thank you for your ongoing support as we collaborate to create the best possible learning environment for all our students.

Kind regards,
Principal Berson
 
 
A September calendar with school events, including sports and picture day.
 

Yearbook

Yearbook order form for Innovation Middle School with pricing and deadlines.
 

Attendance

Image promoting school attendance with an apple and the words 'Attendance Matters'.
As we begin the year, we want to emphasize the importance of student attendance. Being present and on time each and every day is critical to your child’s learning. When students arrive late or leave early, they miss valuable instructional time that can impact their overall academic progress.

We understand that there will be times when absences are unavoidable. In those cases, we kindly ask that you notify the school of the reason for your child’s absence within 24–48 hours. Absence notes should be dropped off in the front office to ensure proper documentation.

For detailed information regarding our attendance policy, we encourage you to visit the IMS Rise Up Canvas page. If you have any questions or concerns about attendance, please do not hesitate to reach out to Ms. Malenda Nordoft at malenda.nordoft@ocps.net.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Let’s make this a great year!
 

Student Services

School counselors contact information: Fawn Goldstein and Melissa Walters.

Meet Your Counselors

We are your Innovation MIddle School counselors. Our role is to handle the academic side of student services, including scheduling, progress monitoring and academic support.


Schedule Update:
Schedules are still being updated as we work to balance classes to meet class size requirement.
 

Mental Health & SAFE Support

Erin Reilly
S.A.F.E. Coordinator
MVP & Foster Care Liaison
Erin.Reilly@ocps.net

Natalia Isaza
School Based Social Worker
Natalia.Isaza@ocps.net

On Tuesday, September 16th students will be participating in OCPS Resiliency Day during their 6th period class! Help us celebrate Resiliency with our FIRST SPIRIT WEEK OF THE YEAR!
Resiliency is the ability to overcome or recover quickly from difficulties.

*This is part of the Florida statute for education.
Find additional resources: OCPS Mental Health
Ms. Reilly: SAFE Coordinator Ms. Isaza: School Based Social Worker
 Resiliency Spirit Week
 

Deans

🛡️ Student Safety & Self-Defense Awareness

Dear Students and Families,
As part of our commitment to a safe and respectful school environment, we want to highlight the importance of understanding self-defense as outlined in the OCPS Code of Student Conduct.
While fighting is strictly prohibited, OCPS recognizes that students may act in self-defense to prevent a pending attack. According to the Code, self-defense includes:
  • Pushing away to escape an aggressor
  • Walking away from a threatening situation
  • Seeking help from an adult or authority figure
It’s important to note that retaliating or continuing the conflict turns the situation into a mutual fight, which may result in disciplinary action for all involved.
🔹 What to Do Instead of Fighting:
  • Use calm words or walk away
  • Find a trusted adult immediately
  • Protect yourself only to escape danger—not to retaliate
We encourage all students to use peaceful conflict resolution strategies and to report unsafe situations. Let’s work together to keep our schools safe and supportive for everyone.
For more information, please visit the OCPS Code of Student Conduct.
A stylized blue bird of prey head with yellow outline.

Testing

A school testing schedule for September 2025, with dates and test names.

Testing Information

  • Students should be to school on time. Testing begins promptly after student arrival.
  • Students have received an email with instructions on where to report on test days.
  • Notifications have been sent to students of the adjusted bell schedule.
  • A fully charged computer and charger must be brought by students on test days.
  • Smart glasses, smart watches, and cell phones are strictly prohibited on students' persons during testing.

Early Release Students ONLY:
  • Sept 8: students will stay until the end of the day and be dismissed at 4:00pm
  • Sept 9: students will be dismissed at 3:20 unless they need until the end of the day to complete the test.
Parent Notification Letter
 

Media Center

Battle of the Books Book Club

Are you a story sleuth, a fantasy fanatic, or a mystery reader? Want to talk, laugh, and snack with friends while sharing what you're reading? Then come join our book club!

  • We'll read the Sunshine State books
  • We meet every Tuesday @ 8:30
  • No homework - just good books and good vibes
  • Everyone is welcome!

Bring your curiosity, and join us for our first meeting on Tuesday, September 9th in the Media Center. Readers are Leaders!

Book Club Flyer
 

Athletics

Larry.Chambers@ocps.net

A soccer schedule graphic with a soccer ball and net on a blue background.

PTSA

Join Today!

imsptsa.givebacks.com

IMS FAQ's

Process & Procedures

The Canvas logo features a red circular design above the word 'canvas'.

Information Platform

IMS's space for instructors to share course materials with students and for the school staff to share information with families.
Parent/Guardian website for student information, including grades.

Student Information Platform

Parent/Guardian website for student information, including grades. 
 
Supply List
Bell Schedule
 

Arrival/ Dismissal

A diagram illustrates a car loop with pick-up and drop-off zones near a cafeteria and front office.
Infographic detailing severe weather dismissal procedures, including parking and ID requirements.
Before/After Care: All-Stars
Transportation
Bus Routes Login
Bike/Scooter Registration Form
 
Three women stand on a basketball court, posing for a photo.

Contact info

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Principal: Rosemary Berson
Asst Principal: Barbara Rumph
Asst Principal: Vanessa Schaefer
School Phone: 407.730.4670
Email: Innovation_MS@ocps.net
Website: https://innovationms.ocps.net