2014 Finalist SC-SIC Dick And Tunky Riley Award for School Improvement Council Excellence

1. 2014 Finalist SC-SIC Dick And Tunky Riley Award for School Improvement Council Excellence

2. Irmo High School Mr. David Riegel, Principal Dr. Barbara Waldman, School Improvement Council Chair In Ourselves, Our Future Lies

3. Who We Are • Irmo High School is located in School District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties, northwest of Columbia, SC. • Founded in 1928; 50 years at current location • Variety of programs which cover a wide spectrum: • special needs programming • college preparatory courses • career and technical education courses • honors level courses • the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme • Advanced Placement courses • Dual Credit courses

4. Who We Are • Student attendance zone includes Seven Oaks, St. Andrews and Harbison communities, as well as a portion of the town of Irmo • International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and new (2014-2015) International Arts magnet • ~ 1550 students • 55% receiving free or reduced lunch • 45% African American, 42% White, and 13% other • The Irmo High School population is very diverse and we embrace that diversity as it reflects the real world.

5. 2011-2012 • Misconceptions, Misinformation and Miscommunications • Adopted long-term goal to improve the dissemination of information to the Irmo and District Five communities • Formed Positive Promotions committee • P.P. committee recommended actions

6. 2011-2012 • Recommendations: • Promote accomplishments at School Board meetings • Write letters to the Editor, etc. • Seek out data to dispel rumors/correct misconceptions • Encourage administration to submit announcements of student and staff achievements to local media and District Office • Produce a brochure highlighting Irmo High School's history, programs, recent accomplishments and future directions

7. 2012-2013 • Implement actions to progress towards our long-term goal: • Irmo HS SIC presence at all School Board meetings; speak in support of initiatives that affect Irmo HS; present highlights of student and staff achievements; project a positive attitude • Submitted letters to the editor of three local newspapers in support of Irmo HS • Actively confront rumors with data and truth to correct misconceptions • School administration submits articles to local media announcing every award and achievement of Irmo HS students and staff; update school website information • Produced a tri-fold color brochure spotlighting Irmo High School’s history, accomplishments, and current and future programs

8. 2012-2013 • Additional goals: • Collect and provide input on selection of new Principal mid-year • Revise 12-year–old ByLaws to reflect current mandates and practices • Increase student involvement in SIC • Mediate and resolve a facilities naming dispute, resulting in adoption of specific policy by School Board

9. 2013-2014 • Continue to promote the positive and keep our community aware of the great things happening at Irmo High School • Working with Principal to develop an effective communications plan • Continuing to assist with mediation of issues that arise

10. 2013-2014 • Results: • Increased student participation in SIC • 2015 IB Diploma Programme candidate numbers have increased 18% from that of class of 2014 • 14% of IB Diploma Programme students drawn from outside our attendance zone • 47 students have elected to enter the “2BIB” pre-IB track

11. Irmo High School A Proud Past, A Bright Future