2026-03-26 Noticias de ISLA
Emily Smith
New Student Orientation
Who: New students to ISLA and their families*
What: Together, families will travel through 6 key areas of our program, experiencing a short immersion class, exploring specialist classes, eating a snack in the cafeteria, and more!
When: Tuesday, April 21 from 5:30-7:00pm
Why: We would love to share more information about our program and help families and students feel excited about our Spanish immersion and IB approach.
Arrival Instructions: We will meet in our gym to begin for a short presentation, followed by a rotation in various areas of the school. Please park in any spaces in our lot and plan to enter at the gymnasium entrance (under the covered parking) by 5:30. We will have greeters to welcome you!*Those who are already at ISLA in any capacity are welcome to reach out but do not need to attend! You are already experts!
This Friday, your student will bring home a flyer with everything you need to view and order their custom Square1Art keepsakes.
With Mother’s Day and Father’s Day right around the corner, it’s the perfect chance to gift something truly personal. These also make wonderful end-of-year gifts for teachers and LAs!Even better—this program is also a school fundraiser. When you order, you’re not just getting a one-of-a-kind keepsake, you’re supporting ISLA!
How to order:Visit the Square1Art website - https://www.square1art.comClick on either the red “Shop Now” and follow that by clicking the “Art Search” box or along the top of the website there is a red “Shop” tab and on the pull down menu is the “Art Search” Link.Search for ISLA International Academy (EDINA)If you have ordered previously you can log into your account and simply add this year’s art by searching for your student’s latest creation and add it to your account. (Same directions as above once logged in)Enter your student’s first or last name
(Note: If you can’t find your student’s artwork due to an absence, you can upload your own!)Click the blue “Add To My Art” buttonHit the red “Shop Now” button to browse keepsakesWant to add more artwork? Click “Shop” followed by “Upload Art”🗓 Deadline to order: Friday April 24thQuestions? Reach out anytime at fundraising@isla.school✨ We can’t wait for you to see the incredible artwork your students have created! 🎨
Here Comes the Bus Update
We received the following information regarding an update to the Here Comes the Bus app. I am hopeful that the update will solve some of the issues we are having, such as not being able to view substitutions
What’s changing
By the end of March, the updated version of the Here Comes the Bus app will be released to all users on Android and iOS. Android users may already be familiar with this version, as it has been available in the Google Play Store as a Beta release for the past few months.
Once the update is released, parents and caregivers will automatically see the new experience when they update the app.
Why this update is happening
As part of our Software Modernization Initiative, the HCTB app is being refreshed with a more modern design and improved functionality to make it easier and more intuitive for parents and caregivers to use.
What parents will notice
The updated app includes:
- A refreshed interface with bottom navigation
- Faster account creation – using a secure 4-digit code
- Optional student photo upload
- New Single Sign‑On (SSO) options, including Clever, ClassLink, Microsoft, and others
- An optional setting to limit bus visibility to a defined stop radius
What parents need to do
For most users, no action is required beyond updating the app when prompted through the App Store or Google Play. Parents will then follow the on‑screen steps to sign in and continue using HCTB.
Support and resources
The Here Comes the Bus Knowledge Base is the best place for parents to find answers to common questions about the new app experience. It includes step‑by‑step guidance and FAQs you can share with families in advance to reduce confusion and support requests.
Order April Breakfast and Lunch
Please click on the above form to order lunch! Orders are due by March 27.
Lunch and breakfast are free for all students, and because the school pays for the food, we ask that families only order what their student plans to eat.
We are proud to partner with Cafe Racer, a Colombian small business, to offer whole, healthy food each day.
The 2nd Grade Squad is excited to invite your child (and perhaps YOU) to perform in this year's show. What to know:
- The show will be held in the ISLA Gymnasium, April 30, from 6–8PM.
- Final rehearsals are held 4-5:30PM the same day.
- Performances: 3–5 minutes in length and student-led (parents/adults may assist in a supporting role).
- Performers provide their own instruments (if applicable). A piano or keyboard will be available.
- Participation is not guaranteed for all applicants. Non-selected students will be notified in advance to maintain the 2-hour show limit.
- Each student may participate in one main performance (1-3 performers) and one large group performance (4+ performers).
- Potential performers will submit an application and a short video to be considered for the show.
- Deadline for application/audition video: April 4.
- Accepted performers will be notified by April 16.
- Reach out to Danielle Klick (danihargreaves@gmail.com) or Alex Jonson (ajonson@isla.school) with any questions.
Whether you perform solo or with friends, we can’t wait to see your amazing talents.Sign up soon and get ready to show your stuff on April 30th at the ISLA School Gym!👉 Talent Show Application and Video Submission
Volunteers Needed
The show must go on. Please consider signing up to volunteer for one task, two tasks, or the entire event!
A Big Week for IB at ISLA!
We concluded our 3-day virtual visit for IB Re-evaluation with lots of success -- from chickens on the preschool "farm" to lots of hands-on learning! This visit included lots of data review, classroom observations, and meetings with teachers, students, Board members, families, and administrators. We have no "matters to be addressed" and lots to celebrate! As a reflective program, there is ALWAYS more we want to do together to grow holistically and support an excellent, equitable program. You can see the big findings in our IB Evaluation Visit Recap slides:
Call for 5th Grade Exhibition Mentors
What is Exhibition and What do Mentors Do?
The ISLA 5th grade team is looking for mentors to support students during Exhibition, the culminating project of their IB elementary journey.
During Exhibition, students investigate real-world issues connected to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as gender equity in sports, ocean pollution, clean energy alternatives, and mental health in schools. Students research their topic, interview experts, and develop an action plan to create positive change.
Mentors act as thinking partners for a small group of students, helping them ask deeper questions, stay organized with research, and connect their ideas to the real world. No expertise is required-just curiosity and interest!
Time Commitment:
• 1 hour per week for about 6 weeks beginning April 13
• Meetings take place during the school day at ISLA (ideally in person)
Mentors are also invited (but not required) to attend the final Exhibition presentations:
• May 20 – School Exhibition Day
• May 21 – Community & Family Exhibition Evening
We welcome parents, staff, and community members. Mentors may speak English or Spanish.
Interested in mentoring? Please sign up here:
https://forms.gle/yv2SnsoxnobY5M81A
Thank you for helping our students grow as curious, compassionate changemakers!