Welcome!

Welcome to the family! We hope that iCademy Global feels like a

home away from home.





Vision
Our vision is simple: Create leaders and innovators through world-class education to the
families of Michigan-and eventually to developing countries around the world.

iCademy Global is changing the way the world learns by empowering parents and students to
create a learning environment that best fits their learning style and needs. By harnessing the
momentum of empowering families, we aim to work alongside them to address the needs of the
whole child-emotional, social, physical and academic.

We think by learning in an innovative, personalized and flexible environment-where needs are
met-iCademy Global students will become leaders and thinkers who make a global impact.















Staff Pledge
I pledge to do all I can to honor and grow each child as a uniquely intellectual, spiritual,
emotional, and social being. I will support the families we partner with in this important
endeavor.

Student Pledge
I pledge to be the leader of myself, utilizing the 7 Habits to grow independently and as a
member of our community. I will be responsible for what I do and say. I will respect, listen, and
care about the feelings of others. I promise to do my best every day.

Parent Pledge
I pledge to support the best practices that iCademy Global strives to achieve noted in this
resource guide. I will be invested in this school...volunteering in the many ways that work for
me. I will attend parent meetings, help my child succeed by ensuring their attendance and
engage in his/her growth as a learner at home and school.



Table of Contents
Buzz Words.....
Role of the Parent....
Space and Time...
Standardized Testing.....
Response to Intervention...
Special Education....
504 Plans...
Individualized Learning Plan...
Blended Schedule...
Pick up and Drop off Procedures...
Badges....
What does my child need to bring to Blended Learning....
Lunch.....
Dress Code....
Online Learners....
Conference Calls...
Video Conference Etiquette....
Field Experiences....
Curriculum.....
7 Habits.....
Technology Department....
Websites and Support...
Contact Information....
School Calendar......














iCademy Global Buzz Words
You're going to be hearing a lot of new terms and acronyms over the next few weeks. Here's a
helpful guide to what they all mean!

Blended Learning: The activities you will be doing at the Homestead Campus. This can be
physically present or joining in online.

Break Week: We believe in a year round calendar. As a guide, we think of it as 6 weeks on, 1
week off, with winter and summer breaks being longer. Breaks occur roughly every 4-6 weeks
throughout the school year. During break weeks students may continue to work on their online
curriculum with limited staff availability. Staff uses this time to refresh as well as fulfill
professional development requirements. Make sure to check the calendar for when break
weeks are scheduled.

Device/Learning Device: Dell Inspiron 14

Edify: The tool that we use to host iCademy Global Curriculum and communication.

Field Experience: Field experiences can be accomplished in a variety of ways. For example,
our Younger Friends may accomplish this through a visit to a local farm or for our Middle
Friends it might be a weeklong stay in our country's capitol to learn about our government.
Older Friends may have extended stays abroad.
Homestead Campus: One of the physical locations of iCademy Global, located in Zeeland,
Michigan.

Just Right Learning: This means that you can learn at your own level at your own pace. Your
Just Right spot!

K-5 Workshop: The learning space/classroom for the K-5 students at the Homestead Campus

Learning Cafe: The workspace available to students at the Homestead Campus in grades 6-12

Learning Coach: Your Learning Coach will be your go-to person for questions about
graduation requirements, scheduling classes, dual-enrollment, course progress and
personal/social issues. At the K-5 level, your child's teacher is also his/her learning coach.

Learning Team: Your teachers and learning coach will work together to be your learning team.

Lync: The video conferencing tool that is on your device.

Middle Friends: Students in grades 6-8

Older Friends: Students in grades 9-12

Password: The unique password used for your Single Sign-on. You will have the same
password for all of your student accounts.

Project-Based Learning (PBL):In Project Based Learning (PBL), students go through an
extended process of inquiry in response to a complex question, problem, or challenge. While
allowing for some degree of student "voice and choice," rigorous projects are carefully planned,
managed, and assessed to help students learn key academic content, practice 21st Century
Skills (such as collaboration, communication & critical thinking), and create high-quality,
authentic products & presentations.

Sign-up Genius: A website used by iCademy to ask for parent volunteers

Single Sign-on: The one login that students will use to sign into the learning management
software (Edify) and Curriculum Providers.

Stewardship/Leadership: It is our philosophy that stewardship is an integral part of developing
the whole child. We provide opportunities throughout the year for students and families alike to
give back to our community both locally and globally. We believe in learning to lead through
serving others.

Studios: The learning spaces within the K-4 Workshop. There will be an Art Studio, Library,
Science Lab, and Construction Studio.

Teacher: Your iCademy Teacher is a content specialist. That means that they will be building
the Blended Learning lessons on location at the Homestead Campus, as well as offering
resources to help with any course work you are stumped on or need extra guidance with.

User name: The unique ID you will use for your Single Sign-on

Virtual: The online coursework that students will be completing through either Mango,
Journeys, Go-Math, Science Fusion, History Alive!, or course work on Edify.

Year-round Calendar/Balanced Calendar: iCademy offers frequent breaks throughout the
year instead of one large break during the summer months. Breaks occur roughly every 6
weeks during the school year and school breaks for the entire month of July, resuming in early
August.

Younger Friends: Students in grades K-5











Role of the Parent
The parent is the off-campus teacher that teaches the lessons, coaches the child, and walks
alongside the child through the online curriculum. The iCademy Global teachers provide
support to the parents in whatever way is necessary for the childs success. The iCademy
Teachers also ensure that each child is receiving instruction at his/her just right learning level
through placement testing, nationally normed tests, evaluation of student work, and
conversations with parents and students.

Parent Responsibilities:
Act as teacher/facilitator in completing online curriculum with child
Record instructional time on spreadsheet
Participate in bi-weekly conferences with iCademy Global teachers (15-20
minutes via phone call, in person, video chat)
Stay organized. Keep your childs work in safe place for future reference and
conferencing. It is important to keep materials that you receive in a safe place as
well. If you loose anything, it will not be replaced.
Volunteer Opportunities
Field Trip Drivers
Stewardship connections and ideas
Outdoor learning environment
Connecting students to community events, sports, resources
Staff Assistance when requested
Reading to our Younger Friends
Assistance in the K-5 Workshop during Blended Learning
Recess and Lunch Help
Joining the Parent Committees
Fundraising
*All Parents who will be spending time in the building or driving students must have a
background check on file prior to involvement.

Space and Time
You should plan to set up a space at home that is most conducive to your needs in
teaching/learning the curriculum with your child. Consider the following suggestions (do as
much of this with your child as possible, as it will allow him/her to take ownership of the process
and experience):
Quiet space that is free from distractions.
o Working in the "hub" of your home (the kitchen table) may be fine for some work,
but consider a special place for quiet reading and a place for seat work where
you and your child can work on projects, writing, and other table top activities.
Have your materials nearby.
Make sure you stay organized and do not lose any of the materials from your kit.
o The materials will not be replaced by iCademy if lost or damaged in your home.
Plan a daily routine for your course work.
o You will need to wait until you are registered for classes to make specific plans,
but you can start with a generalized routine. Of course things will always come
up, and your routine will change as you get moving along in the curriculum, but a
general schedule is good to keep everyone on track. Structure helps you and
your kids to plan your time better and make sure you are moving through the
curriculum at an appropriate pace. Make sure you plan for breaks and time to
move around!
Attendance
We will not be tracking instructional time offline. If assignments are complete then that is
evidence of your time spent learning. We are working with Kickstand/Edify to add an
attendance dashboard for count days.

Snow Days, Sick Days and Break Weeks
The beauty of iCademy Global and online learning is that you can learn anytime and anyplace!
Our school travels wherever you go. Therefore, on a Snow Day or a Sick Day it is required that
you do complete the designated work for that day if your family participates in blended learning.
The purpose of this is that we can learn synchronously. On a Sick Day or Snow Day it is your
responsibility to have your child caught up, if possible, before he/she returns to blended learning
on campus. With that being said, if your child is sick he/she is more than welcome to lync into
campus so they dont miss the learning that is taking place at school.

We understand the balance of school and play! Throughout the school year, we have a total of
6 Break Weeks. We want you to be engaged in learning during these weeks, however the
coursework will be light for the purpose of Sharpening the Saw to come back into school feeling
refreshed and energized. The content covered in the blended learning schedule is planned
around break weeks, therefore, no coursework that is taught in the blended program is expected
to be completed during those weeks. As break weeks approach, we will communicate to you
any coursework that can be completed during that time if you choose to work on it.

Count Days
Count Days are October 1 and February 11. It is very important that your child joins for blended
or makes progress in their school work. This is a state requirement and how we receive the
state funding for your child.


Standardized Testing
At iCademy Global we require each child to complete the MAPs Testing and the MEAP/Smarter
Balance for grades K-10, as signed in your enrollment paperwork. MAPs testing will occur 3
times a year (Fall, Winter, and Spring). MAP Testing is an important part of helping us make
iCademy Global the best education experience for your child as it helps us identify the just-right
learning place for every student. The students will be taking the MAP Test for both Reading and
Math. These tests are taken on their device, and take roughly one hour each to complete. The
MAP test is an adaptive test where your child is only meant to answer 50% of the questions
correct. This is how the test finds your child's just right learning spot. It is important to let your
child know that they will not know every question.

Reading Results
Parents and teachers generally want to know two things when looking at test scores:
Is my student performing at, above or below the expectations for their grade level
(academic performance)?
Is my student making progress during the school year (academic growth)?
MAP test scores answer both of these questions, but can be hard to understand at first. They
are different than other standardized testing scores in that MAP uses "RIT" scores to place a
student's achievement into academic RIT bands that roughly correspond to grade levels.

Performance
By comparing your student's RIT score to the National Average RIT scores for the
corresponding grade level, you can determine where your child is performing (at, above, below)
in regards to the national level.
For example, if your 2nd grader has a Math RIT score of 202 on his or her Spring MAP test,
then he or she has the match achievement level of the average (mean) 3rd grader.
A percentile score is also given, which shows how your student compares to other students the
same age. If your student scores greater than 90% on the math portion of MAP, they may be
eligible for out of level math instruction
Growth
It is important, although sometimes difficult, to understand academic growth because it is
important for students to continue to learn, even if their performance is above grade level. For
students that are below grade level, they may be making significant progress, even if they
haven't "caught up" yet.
MAP scores can be used to measure academic growth, whether growth is faster or slower than
the "mean" growth for that grade level. It is important to compare year-to-year growth numbers
(i.e. Spring-to-Spring is the best comparison). If your child is above or below grade level
performance, it is important to look at the growth numbers for that grade level.

TO LOCATE AND READ YOUR CHILD'S SCORES
1. Locate the phrase "Seasonal Year" under a subject heading such as "Mathematics,"
"Reading" or "Science." The letter indicates the time of year: fall (F), winter (W), spring (S) or
summer (U). The two-digit number indicates the year. They are listed beginning with the most
recent scores.

2. Locate "Grade." This indicates the grade level your child was in at the time of the test.

3. Locate "Student Score Range," a string of three numbers separated by dashes. The number
in the middle indicates your child's RIT score on that seasonal year's test. The two numbers on
either side show the expected high or low the child would achieve if given the same test
immediately.

4. Locate "Dist. Avg. RIT," or district average RIT. This indicates the average score achieved by
other students at your child's grade level in his school district. By comparing your child's RIT
score from the previous test to the district average RIT, you can compare his performance to his
peers.

5. Locate "Norm Group Avg." This RIT score indicates the average score obtained by a norm
study group of children at your child's grade level. Compare your child's RIT score to the norm
group to see how your child compares to the average American student.

6. Locate "Student Growth." Typically, this column is populated once the child has completed a
school year of testing, allowing teachers and parents to see the total growth of the student. This
number is calculated by subtracting the child's RIT score on the most recent test from the RIT
score on the test given at the beginning of the school year. In most cases, this number is
positive.

7. Locate "Typical Growth." This number indicates the growth of students in the norm study
group. Compare your child's growth to the typical growth to determine if the child is progressing
at or above the national average.


Response to Intervention
"Response to Intervention (RtI) is a process that schools can use to help children who are
struggling academically or behaviorally. One of its underlying premises is the possibility that a
child's struggles may be due to inadequacies in instruction or in the curriculum either in use at
the moment or in the child's past" (nichy.org). A child may enter or exit the RtI process several
times throughout the school year. Various interventions are used in the classroom, in small
groups, and individually if necessary. The classroom teacher, Interventionist, and parents work
closely to ensure the child is making adequate progress in the targeted subject area. After
multiple interventions have been tried, and the child continues to struggle to show growth in the
targeted subject area, the team may request that an evaluation be conducted to determine if the
child qualifies for special education services.

Special Education
Students that have been diagnosed with a disability receive support services from the Special
Education Teacher or Ancillary service providers (School Social Worker, Occupational
Therapist, Speech and Language Pathologist, etc.) as stated directly in their Individualized
Education Plan (IEP). Services occur typically once or twice a week, and take place at the
Homestead Campus or virtually. A child's IEP is updated annually to ensure that all
accommodations, goals, and services remain appropriate to the child's needs.

504 Plans
The "504" in "504 plan" refers to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with
Disabilities Act, which specifies that no one with a disability can be excluded from participating
in federally funded programs or activities, including elementary, secondary or postsecondary
schooling. "Disability" in this context refers to a "physical or mental impairment which
substantially limits one or more major life activities." This can include physical impairments;
illnesses or injuries; communicable diseases; chronic conditions like asthma, allergies and
diabetes; and learning problems. A 504 plan spells out the modifications and accommodations
that will be needed for these students to have an opportunity perform at the same level as their
peers, and might include such things as wheelchair ramps, blood sugar monitoring, and a
peanut free environment.


Individualized Learning Plan
An Individualized Learning Plan (ILP) helps determine student's strengths, challenges, and
interests. The results are then matched to resources and tools that can maximize their learning
potential at iCademy Global. They are set up by the student, family, and learning coach to set
goals (academic and personal) for the student. This Plan also includes data that leads to the
accomplishment of their goals. The purpose is to help students value and actively engage in
their learning process. Every student will develop an ILP. Learning Coaches will be working
with the kids and families to establish an Individualized Learning Plan by the end of October.



Blended Schedule
This schedule reflects the schedule during blended learning at iCademy Global. Online learners
are able to lync into these lessons during the designated time listed below:

8:45 Recess
9:00 School starts/morning meeting
9:15 ELA
10:30 Snack and Brain Break
10:45 ELA
11:30 - Math
12:30 Lunch
1:15 Language
1:30 Art/Science
2:15 PE
2:45 Art/Science
3:30 Wrap Up
3:45 School Ends

Pick up and Drop off Procedures
Pick up and Drop off occurs on the East side of the building, iCademy Global Entrance. You are
more than welcome to drop off your child as early as 8:40 am, however our doors open at 9:00
am. If you choose to drop your child off early, we do ask that you send him/her to the
playground. They can put their backpacks near the door and play until 9:00 am when we open
our doors. There is staff supervision outside during this time. In the case of poor weather, we
ask that you drop your child off at 9:00 am.
Our school day ends at 3:45 pm. If you arrive early we do ask that you wait at our door. We
want to minimize the hustle and bustle at the end of the day as much as we can. Our parking
lot gets busy at the end of the day as iCademy and Innocademy release from school. For the
safety of your child, we ask that you come to the door to pick up your child. Please remind your
child to give a teacher a high five before they leave for the day. This is a great way to confirm
that your child is going home with the right people.


Badges
Badges are available to parents for a cost of $5.00. Badges allow you access to the building
between the hours of 8:45 am and 4:00 pm Monday through Friday.

What does my child need to bring to Blended Learning?
If your child is attending Blended Learning at the Homestead Campus please have them bring:
Backpack
Sack Lunch-or they can order lunch at school
Water Bottle
Snack
Device
Course work materials upon request
Lunch
Lunch will be served at 12:30pm. Students may bring a sack lunch from home or participate in
our Hot Lunch program. We contract with Holland Christian Food Service. Lunches cost $2.50.
Menus come out monthly. If you would like to see if you qualify for free and reduced lunch,
please go to lunchapp.com and fill out the form. Please indicate Holland Christian Schools on
the form as we contract with them. Your child's teacher will take a lunch count at the beginning
of the school day. All lunch orders need to be placed by 9:30 am., so plan accordingly if your
child will not be to school until a later time. You may choose to bring money to school in an
envelope with your child's name on it, or you may set up an online account. Please contact your
child's teacher if you plan to set up an online account as you will need your child's student ID
number.
Dress Code
We ask that your child comes to school dressed appropriately for the day. We will be doing
many fun activities throughout the day. From group work on the floor to skipping and jumping,
your child will need to wear appropriate clothing for success. During the winter we ask that your
child brings snow pants, extra pair of gloves/mittens, and socks. We will be going outside for
recess and we want your child to join us!

Online Learners
Throughout the school year, the online learners will have numerous opportunities to form
community! We will be conducting video meetings among the online learners throughout the
week. By using Lync, we will be able to create a virtual classroom where we will discuss
stewardship, the 7 habits, reading and math strategies, sharing, etc. It is very important that
you make these meetings a priority as they will help build your childs communication and
technology skills.

Grades K-2 will meet Monday and Friday from 9:30-10:15.
Grades 3-5 will meet Monday and Friday from 10:30-11:15.

These times and days are tentative based on availability.


Synchronous online learners will also have the opportunity to Lync into the Homestead Campus
during the Blended Time Schedules. During this time the online learners can learn from the
teachers at the Homestead Campus for Math and ELA instruction.

Video Conference Etiquette
Here are some ways that will help with the success of our video conference time together.
Please reinforce these etiquette tips with your child as they prepare to join Video Conference
Discussions.
1. Find your Body Space: You don't want to be so close that your face dominates the
whole screen or so far away that we can't see you. Your head, shoulders and torso
should fit into the screen.
2. Quiet Space: Make sure you are in a room that is free from distraction and noise. This
will make it easy for you to listen, and also causes less of a distraction for others.
3. Take Turns: When having a discussion we do not want to talk over each other. Listen
and raise your hand if you have something to say.
4. Check your Connection: Video conferencing is bandwidth intensive. Make sure you
have a strong connection. This will help with the feedback and function of Lync.

Conference Calls
Bi-weekly Conference Correspondence with your learning coach is required. This is a great
way to connect with your Learning Coach while providing an opportunity to build community.
These calls are a great time to get questions that you may have answered, as well as giving an
update on your childs strengths or areas of growth. The Conference Calls will be scheduled
with your Learning Coach.


Field Experiences
Field Experiences are an avenue by which we achieve the value of globally minded students.
The interdisciplinary trips scale up in time and distance as our students progress through
school. With the intent of building lasting partnerships, the focus always starts with community
first, then the scope develops to state, nation, and global experiences. Fundraising opportunities
are offered throughout the year to help students and teachers pay for these experiences.
Depending on the trip teachers should be expected to pay a portion of the cost.
K-2 = Local (0-100miles)
3-5 = Michigan
6-8 = U.S.
9-12 = International (Three $1000 trips; One $4000 trip)
At the K-5 level our hopes is that we will attend two field experiences throughout the year



Curriculum
The K5 curriculum options below best fit with the iCademy Global vision while providing
the digital components needed to deliver instruction and enhance learning. They are
also aligned with state standards and promote 21st Century skills by nurturing curiosity, wonder
and creativity, encouraging self-directed learning, making real-world connections, developing
higher-order thinking and using communication skills.

Go Math
Go Math offers an engaging and interactive approach to uncovering concepts within the
Common Core State Standards. Go-Math emphasizes critical thinking and depth of
understanding, while using interactive lessons that include both online and offline resources.
The students will have online access to a variety of resources including an e-textbook,
workbook pages, and interactive digital manipulatives. Students will also be provided with
physical workbooks and hands-on manipulatives.

Journeys
Journeys is a complete language arts curriculum. It provides instruction and resources in
reading, language and writing. All elements of Journeys are connected and cross over into other
content areas, such as science and history. All components are available digitally, but physical
resources will also be provided (workbooks, physical books, etc.). The materials will vary by
grade level. Well continue to use RAZ Kids for on-level daily reading and progress monitoring.
Other supplemental sites may also be used to support daily practice in language, reading and
writing.

Keyboarding/Handwriting without Tears
This curriculum includes effective, game-based lessons aligned with the developmental
progression of writing. It teaches pre-keyboarding and keyboarding, and addresses general
computer readiness, digital citizenship, and digital literacy. Handwriting without tears is a
handwriting program that is used in many schools around the world. Children learn proper letter
formation and spacing through engaging, easy-to-teach and easy-to-learn activities and
workbook practice.

Mango Languages
Mango offers 45 different world languages that the students can choose from! Languages
ranging from Arabic to Yiddish. Mango builds real-world conversational skills by teaching
practical, relevant content focused on four key areas of language learning: vocabulary,
grammar, pronunciation and culture. Each lesson or chapter lists the goals for each lesson,
while also providing audio and recordings throughout the lesson.

ScienceFusion
Science fusion is a STEM-based science resource (Science, Technology, Engineering,
Mathematics). It includes digital lessons, texts, and videos to teach science concepts and
scientific inquiry. Students will receive a full color science workbook with rich texts and lab
ideas. The lab experiences often include commonly found materials that most people would
have at home. Where this is not the case, digital labs are also available. Some commonly
used science tools will be provided.

History Alive!
History Alive is a popular history resource commonly used in classic school settings, now
upgraded to a digital resource. We are excited to offer this resource to you, as it has great
potential for learning history independently and in community. A physical and digital workbook
will be included in your students account.

Art, Health and Wellness, and Music
The K-5 team will be working during the summer to create the coursework for these specials. If
your student participates in blended learning on campus much if his/her hands-on art
experiences will take place there, while the arts appreciation work will take place at home. We
are still working on determining the schedule and requirements for specials. We believe that the
problem-solving, collaboration, hands-on work and creativity that specials requires of children is
necessary for whole child and brain development.



Spelling Practice Ideas
Spelling can be a monotonous and boring task for kiddos. Here are some ideas for you to mix it
up while they are practicing their spelling words at home. These activities are fun and
educational!
Writing and Fine Motor Skill Practice
Type it
Use Shaving Cream
Trace
Sidewalk Chalk
Trace it in the air
Alphabet Blocks
Oral Practice
Sing or Rap
Partner Spell
Record or make a video
Games and Online Fun
Play Memory
Create a Wordsearch by using Puzzlemaker online
Unscramble the word
SpellingCity.com

Reading Strategies
Awesome Readers read a lot and when they come to a word they dont know they
Chunk it
Sound it out
Get their mouths ready
See if it makes sense
Go back and read it again
Look at the pictures
Skip it and read on
Ask for help

These methods will help your child become independent in their reading.


Math Strategies
Sometimes we come across math ideas that are easy for us but difficult to explain. Here are
some strategies that can help explain terms and ideas to your child!

Here are some simple steps to probe your childs thinking when it comes to any type of problem.
Word problem, number problem, etc. Follow these steps to help guide your child:
1. Read the problem
Ask, What do I need to find?
Ask, What information do I need to use?
2. Solve the Problem
Ask, Show how to solve this problem.
Ask, Show how you know.
Word Problems
Word problems can be tricky in deciding what operation to use. There are key words in the
word problems that help determine the best operation to use. Please dont let this list become a
crutch for the students to use but rather a learning tool.
Addition Words: more than, together, combined, total, sum, in all, more than, altogether,
increased by.
Subtraction Words: more than, decreased by, minus, less, fewer than, take away, how many
more, take away, difference.
Multiplication Words: product, of, increased by, factor of, times, in all, total, doubled/tripled.
Division Words: quotient, each, per, separate, divided equality, a.




The 7 Habits
Communities and employers need strong leaders. iCademy Global is deliberate in teaching,
modeling, and monitoring strategies for growing leadership. Stephen Coveys popular 7 Habits
for Highly Effective People have been made kid-friendly in Sean Coveys 7 Habits of Happy Kids
and 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens. Students practice habits that are independent and
interdependent in nature. These habits provide the scaffolding for them to be successful in their
academics, relationships, and personal growth. We hope you hear some 7 Habits language at
home as we reinforce them at school. Please see the attached link for some information and
research behind why we feel so strongly about helping to develop these qualities for all of our
students. For information regarding the 7 Habits themselves, please check out this
website: www.leaderinme.org.

1. Be Proactive
I am a responsible person. I take initiative. I choose my actions, attitudes and moods. I
do not blame others for my wrong doing actions. I do the right thing without being
asked, even when no one is looking.

2. Begin with the End in Mind
I plan ahead to set goals. I do things that have meaning and make a difference. I am an
important part of my community and contribute to my communities mission and vision. I
look for ways to be a good citizen and friend.

3. First Things First
I spend time on things that are the most important. This means I say no to things I know
I should not do. I set priorities, make a schedule and follow my plan. I am disciplined
and organized.

4. Think Win-Win
I balance courage for getting what I want and consideration for what others want. When
conflicts arise, I look for a winning solution.

5. Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood
I listen to other peoples ideas and feelings. I try to see things from their viewpoint
(paradigm). I listen to others without interrupting. I listen with my ears, my ears and my
heart.

6. Synthesize
I value other peoples strengths and learn from them. I get along well with others, even
people who are different than me. I work well in groups. I seek other peoples ideas
because I know that by teaming with others, we can create better solutions than any one
of us can alone. I look for third alternatives.

7. Sharpen the Saw
I take care of my body by eating right, exercising, and getting sleep (body). I learn in lots
of places, not just at school (brain). I spend time with my family and friends (heart). I
take time to find meaningful ways to help people (soul). I balance all four parts of my
body.

The 7 Habits of Happy Kids by Sean Covey is a childrens book that engages the kids into
learning the 7 habits. The 7 Oaks friends have lots of adventures to find out how each and
every kid can be a leader! They show how practicing these habits leads to a stronger
community. We encourage you to download this book or purchase this book to help reinforce
the 7 habits not only at school but also at home.
Parents Role
During the school year, we will be teaching one habit each month. Information about each habit
will be sent out in the blog. Activities, discussion questions, book lists, etc. will be included in
the blog. Please take the time to do these items with your child. We strongly believe that these
habits will lead to leaders and independency, as this is key to your childs success at iCademy
Global.

Book Suggestions for Lower Elementary
Habit 1 - Be Proactive:
Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman
The Little Engine that Could by Watty Piper
King Bidgoods in the Bathtub by Audrey Wood
The Very Lonely Firefly by Eric Carle
The Carrot Seed by Ruth Krauss

Habit 2 - Begin with the End in Mind:
The Very Busy Spider by Eric Carle
Whistle for Willie by Ezra Jack Keats
Click, Clack, Cows that Moo by Doreen Cronin
Pancakes, Pancakes by Eric Carle
Galimoto by Karen Lynn Williams

Habit 3 - First Things First:
Froggy Gets Dressed by Jonathan London
The Little Red Hen by Paul Galdone
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
Alejandros Gift by Richard E. Albert
Jamaicas Find by Juanita Havill

Habit 4 Think Win-Win:
Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse by Leo Lionni
The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister
The Doorbell Rang by Pat Hutchins
The Very Clumsy Click Beetle by Eric Carle
Lets Be Enemies by Janice May Udry

Habit 5 - Seek First to Understand then to Be Understood:
Stellaluna by Janell Cannon
The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka
The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown
Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman
Is Your Mama a Llama? by Deborah Guarino

Habit 6 - Synergy:
Ox-Cart Man by Donald Hall
Swimmy by Leo Lionni
A Chair for My Mother by Vera B. Williams
Cliffords Spring Clean-Up by Norman Bridwell
How the 2nd Grade Got $8205.50 to Visit the Statue of Liberty by Nathan Zimelman

Habit 7 Sharpen the Saw:
Owl Moon by Jane Yolen
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
Dont Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late! by Mo Willems
Henry Hikes to Fitchburg by D. B. Johnson
Me I Am! by Jack Prelutsky

Book Suggestions for Upper Elementary

Habit 1 - Be Proactive:
Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher by Bruce Coville
On My Honor by Marion Bauer
Someday a Tree by Eve Bunting
Salt in His Shoes, Michael Jordan: In Pursuit of a Dream by Deloris Jordan
The Real McCoy: The Life of an African-American Inventor by Wendy Towle

Habit 2 - Begin with the End in Mind:
Where Do You Think Youre Going, Christopher Columbus? by Jean Fritz
Lucy Mastermind by Alan Feldman
Eddie, the Incorporated by Phyllis Naylor
Bobby Baseball by Robert Kimmel Smith
The School Story by Andrew Clements

Habit 3 - Put First Things First:
The Week Mom Unplugged the TVs by Terry Wolfe Phelan
Irving Blacks Strange Snack by Roz Rosenbluth
Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan
The TV Kid by Betsy Byars
Justin & the Best Biscuits in the World by Mildred Pitts Walter

Habit 4 - Think Win-Win:
The Butter Battle Book by Dr. Seuss
Dragon Stew by Tom McGowen
Law of the Great Peace by John Bierhart
The Checker Players by Alan Venable
Hiawatha, Messenger of Peace by Dennis Brindell Fradin

Habit 5 - Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood:
Marrying Malcolm Murgatroyd by Mame Farrell
Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare
Rules by Cynthia Lord
Veronica Knows Best by Nancy Robinson
The Bully of Barkham Street by Leonard Shortall

Habit 6-Synergy:
The View from Saturday by E.L. Konigsburg
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline LEngle
Ruby Holler by Sharon Creech
The Chalk box Kid by Clyde Robert Bulla
Chicken Sunday by Patricia Polacco

Habit 7-Sharpen the Saw
The Mysteries of Harris Burdick by Chris Van Allsburg
Uncle Willie and the Soup Kitchen by DyAnne DiSalvo Ryan
The New Kid on the Block by Jack Prelutsky
The Light on the Attic by Shel Silverstein
Wind in the Long Grass: A Collection of Haiku edited by William Higginson



Technology Department
As with any effective device you may experience technical issues from time to time. If a
problem occurs and you need help, please contact iCademy Global Tech Team through the
iCademy Global Support Portal located on your childs laptop desktop.
If you have any questions that are not able to be answered through the support portal, please
contact the iCademy Global Tech Team: 1-888-338-2351.
To ensure that you receive the appropriate level of support, it is imperative that you
communicate clearly the issue you are experiencing with the device. Make sure you tell them
you are an iCademy Global student or parent. Again, this will ensure prompt attention and that
the Tech Team has the necessary information to solve your tablet issue.

Insert iCademy Global how to send a request document from website.



Websites and Support

iCademy Global Blog:


Edify:


Mango:


Go-Math, Journey's, ScienceFusion:

http://icademyglobal.org/blog/


http://edify.kentisd.org/


http://www.mangolanguages.com/


http://www-k6.thinkcentral.com/



HistoryAlive!


Raz-Kids:


MobyMax:


iCademy Tech Support:
http://student.teachtci.com/student/sign_in

http://www.raz-kids.com/main/Login


http://www.mobymax.com/signin


technology@icademyglobal.org




Contact Information
Please allow staff members 24 hours to reply via email or phone during the week.

Ruth Hester
ruth.hester@icademyglobal.org
616.953.9874

DeeDee DeFrell (K-2 and Special Education)
Deedee.defrell@icademyglobal.org
616.566.1311

Brett Heppler (3-5)
brett.heppler@icademyglobal.org
NUMBER

Katelyn VanDyke (3-5 and Special Education)
katelyn.vandyke@icademyglobal.org
616.490.3017

Trisha Ohlendorf (K-2)
trisha.ohlendorf@icademyglobal.org
NUMBER

Sammy Nicholson (online learners)
sammy.nicholson@icademyglobal.org
616.953.9880