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  Inspire  School of Arts and Sciences

Inspire is a college preparatory charter high school located in beautiful Chico, California. In the fall of 2010 Inspire opened its doors to more than 270 students, grades 9-11. Currently, Inspire serves approximately 375 students, grades 9-12, offering a rigorous academic program, a comprehensive, diverse, and professionally-driven performing and visual arts program, and a science/technology/engineering program that emphasizes our relationship with our local and global environment. 

Inspire students enjoy a small, safe community that promotes academic excellence and active participation in the learning process.

Please explore our site and learn more about our school, our staff and our vision.

 

"The most beautiful experience we can have
is the mysterious - the fundamental emotion
which stands at the cradle of true art and
true science." - Albert Einstein


 

Inspire's 2012-2013 Application Period Opened December 1st!

 

Our application period for the 2012-2013 school year (our first year at our new school site!) begins December 1st, 2011, and ends January 31st, 2012. If necessary, a public drawing (i.e.lottery) will take place February 1st and families will be notified shortly thereafter to accept placement at Inspire.

Families interested in Inspire for 2012-2013 please attend an informational meeting on January 12th, 2012 at 6:30pm in the Roger Williams Theater on the Chico High School Campus (901 The Esplanade, Chico, CA).

 

   Click on the "apply now" button below and follow the instructions. Please be sure to pick the school year for which you are applying. After filling in the online application, please be sure to get a confimation email after hitting the "submit" button. Currently enrolled students need not re-apply.

 

Remember...

You don't have to live in Chico to apply. 

Inspire is open to students from Chico and the surrounding areas.  Many of our students are from Paradise, Magalia, Oroville, Durham and other nearby communities.

Meet the newest member of the Inspire family...
 
our wonderful, new art teacher,
 
 
Linnea Smith
 
Linnea is our new Inspire Art teacher. She has been teaching High School Art for the past 5 years in California, Guam and Tanzania. Linnea’s education has included Industrial Design and Art from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and Boston’s elite School of the Museum of Fine Arts. During her undergraduate education, Linnea decided that her heart was in teaching, and proceeded to finish her studies with a B.S. in Art Education from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Linnea has chosen to use her education and Art career to travel the world, which allowed her unique opportunities to grow as a teacher, as an artist and as a person. Linnea constantly draws from her experiences on her adventures to inspire and educate herself and her students. She believes that Art can be taught and learned, not just by the naturally talented, but also by anyone with the tenacity and desire to learn and improve. Linnea is devoted to teaching Art and believes that every student can use art to improve his or her life. In her free time Linnea loves to travel, read fantasy books and play with her nephew, West.
 
Welcome to Inspire!
 
Wonderland: An Evening of Holiday Music
 
 
Our winter concert was a huge success.  The concert choir, freshman choir, orchestra, guitar ensemble, small vocal ensembles and our own teacher, Debbie Travers performed to a full house at the Center for the Arts.  Everyone did a wonderful job.  You made Inspire very proud.
 
 

 

 

 

College Connections Applications 2012-2013 are here.

If you are interested in applying, click on the link below.

Download Application

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
The pictures are finally here!
 
 
Over 125 students were involved in the production, either on stage or back stage or helping to build sets, design and make costumes, compose and play the music – the list goes on and on.  We are so proud of them all as the production was professional through and through, the students, for the most part, ran most of the show themselves from start to finish, and it was a magical run.

 

Here it is!  Our school design is finished...and it is beautiful.

It is hard to believe, but we hope to begin moving to the new site as soon as school is out in May, 2012.

  Click on the picture below to see presentation slides and a video of the school that has been designed by our architectural firm, NTD Architechure.  When you get to photobucket, click on "View as Slide Show."  Then click on the video clip to enjoy a flyover of the campus. 


  

A heartfelt thank you goes out to the Chico Unified School District and NTD Architecture for helping Inspire students, families and staff move closer to realizing our dreams.

 

Apply-now

Principal_small
A Message from the Principal

 

Greeting Parents and Students and a very Happy New Year to you all!!!
 
Students returned to school with renewed energy and a positive spirit as did staff.   This semester is  filled with many more  events to include our production of the musical, “Brigadoon”, our second semester of our  Engineering program, spring concerts in dance and music, our first Twirps and Prom, and of course our very first graduation!  At the same time, we’ll be packing up supplies for the move over to the  20th Street/Chapman location.  Talk about an adventure!  And what a Segway into the rest of the newsletter.
 
Update on Facilities
  • On Wednesday of this past week, the CUSD Board approved the funding for our move.  The collaboration between CUSD and Inspire has been positive and strong and will result in an exciting and unique new campus for our students.  
  • Completion is  planned for the beginning of school.  Please note that we attempt to make our calendar consistent with CUSD, and right now the district is gathering input for the next three years.  If you’d like to join the conversation, go to the  following address, http://www.chicousd.org/Departments/Superintendents-Office/HOT-TOPICS/index.html, on the CUSD web site.  By February, we’ll should know the exact start date of school as well as information on the rest of the 2012/2013 calendar school year.
  • BCM Construction is the contractor for our site.  They have an execellent reputation and have never been late on a job.
  • Students will have learning opportunities throughout the entire process and be involved next year in the development of the quad areas. 
  • Chico Area Recreation District(CARD), CUSD and Inspire entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to allow sharing of facilities.  This allows Inspire to utilize the CARD Field House and 20th Street Park to include student parking along Marthin Luther King Parkway.
  • The entrance to the school will be off Martin Luther King, not from the Chapman Elementary side. 
  • Features of the new campus include:
    • An outdoor amphitheater than will seat up to 600 people.  This will have a concrete stage 60’ wide and 30’ deep and terraced lawn and wall seating.
    • Three Science labs.
    • Specialized spaces for Engineering, Robotics, Media Technology, Fine Arts, Theater, Music, and Dance.
    • A Media Center/Library.
    • Four outdoor quads to have the following themes:  Science/Engineering, Fine Arts, Academics, and  Performing  Arts.
    • 100% on-site water filtration.
    • Cool roofs on all buildings.
 
We will keep you informed all along the way, and we’ll be watching the weather closely!
 
1st Semester Report Cards Mailed Home Friday
 
Look for the report cards to arrive Monday or Tuesday if they haven’t already.
 
Senior Morning Meeting and Important Info from Counseling
 
This past Wednesday morning, I met with many of the seniors – donuts and pastries were the big draw.  What a wonderful group they are.  I had two points to make with them:
1.   That we are all so proud of them.  They did something outside the ordinary when they chose to come to Inspire.  They took a risk.  They have brought so much to this campus, not the least of which is an adventurous spirit and the willingness to forge and create a positive and nurturing culture of learning, innovation and creativity to follow.  Let’s celebrate them.
2.  That they must remain focused through the semester!!!  We want 100% of them to walk across the stage.  Parents of seniors – please check in with them regularly.  This is one of those times when crossing the proverbial t’s and dotting the proverbial i’s is critical.
Our next event will be January 18th  when the staff will be cooking lunch for them on campus…well – cooking at home and bringing the delectable food to campus.
 
Reg-to-Go
Seniors: If you are interested in participating in Butte College RTG, there will be a meeting with Butte College Counselors during Advisory in PC14 on Monday, January 9th.  Be there to get all the information you need to take advantage of this great opportunity to be registered into classes at Butte College by the time you graduate from high school. 
 
Cash for College/Financial Aid Night
High school seniors and their parents are invited to attend this FREE workshop to receive help in filling out the FAFSA, the application necessary to apply for federal and state financial aid, including Cal Grants. You will get on-the-spot assistance in completing the FAFSA, plus valuable financial aid information from counseling and financial aid professionals.  It will be hosted at the Chico High Library on Wednesday, February 1st at 6:30 p.m.  See Mrs. Johnson in counseling for details.
 
Announcements re Sojourn to the Past
 
Sojourn Club Fundraiser at La Comida
Please come and support our Sojourn Club on Tuesday, January 17th.  Dine in or take out at La Comida Restaurant (954 Mangrove Avenue) from 4 - 9 p.m. and a percentage of your bill will be donated to our Sojourn students to help make their historical journey to the deep South a reality.  The flyer will be emailed/distributed shortly. 

Final Parent/Student Sojourn to the Past Meeting
If your son/daughter is attending the Sojourn to the Past trip in February, you must attend the final meeting on Wednesday, January 25th at 6:30 p.m. in classroom PC13.  The flight schedule and full itinerary for the trip will be discussed.

 
News from Health Department
 
Please find attached a flyer from the Health department re gastrointestinal illness in Butte County.  It advises additional precaution.
 
Math Tutoring
 
Tutoring is available to Math students on Tuesdays from 3-4 and on Thursday from 2:25-4.  It will  either take place in PC8 or PC12.
 
CSU, Chico ISPE
 
If your student is participating in this wonderfulE programPE at Chico State, it will begin Monday, January 30th. 
 
WASC Accreditation and UC a to g Course Approval – We are accredited and the vast majority of our courses are approved by UC a to g.
 
Occasionally, I still hear, through the good ol’ grapevine, that Inspire isn’t accredited and doesn’t have UC a to g approval, so you might be hearing the same.  If you do, the accurate information is the following:
 
1.   Not only are we accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges but we received the maximum term of accreditation.
2.   Staff has done an amazing job of submitting courses for approval to UC a to g.  All but five of our courses have been approved (which means colleges and four-year universities recognize them as rigorous and that they ready our students for post-secondary education).  We are awaiting approval on the five courses and expect to receive it. 
 
Current Juniors Interested in College Connection Next Year – Important Meeting this Week, Tuesday, January 10th. 
 
Juniors:  College Connection applications are in the counseling office.  Pick one up and plan to attend the College Connection Information night next Tuesday 1/10 from 6:30 to 8pm in the PVHS library; please bring a parent/guardian with you to the informational meeting.
 
Spring Musical is “Brigadoon.”  March 9-11.  Center for the Performing Arts at PVHS. 
 
Save the dates!!!  Auditions were this week.  We’re gearing up in a hurry as March will come quickly.  We’ll have lots more info in the coming weeks.
 
Website for a Smoke-free Life – Great resource for teens
 
Thanks to parent Kathy Gray who works in Public Health, we can refer you to the following website for education about the dangers of smoking as well as information for teens helping them to quit.  It is  http://teen.smokefree.gov/. 
 
Opportunity for Juniors
 
Benzos Family Foundation Invites Applications for its Scholars Program.  The Benzos Family foundation is accepting applications for its Benzos Scholars Program @ the Aspen Ideas Festival.  The program is designed to help cultivate the next generation of leaders who are independent thinkers, demonstrated leaders, and engaged community members.  Applicants must be student and educator teams from a public high school (including charter and magnet schools) at which at least 25 percent of students are eligible for the free/reduced lunch program.  The school must offer Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or the opportunity to take college/community college courses.  Student applicants must be public high school juniors during the 2010-11 academic year who: demonstrate leadership in school and community, have a GPA of 3.5 or higher and have scored exceptionally well on PSAT/SAT/or ACT, are enrolled in Advanced Placement/International Baccalaureate/college classes, and are legal U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S.  Awardees will receive seven-day, all-expenses-paid scholarships to attend the Aspen Ideas Festival, June 26 to July 2, 2012, in Aspen, Colorado.  To obtain additional information and an application, visit:
 
Technology and Education
 
This past week, the CUSD hosted a workshop on current technology in education.  Among the presenters was Inspire’s Rachel Iufer who talked about the use of web based screen casts that enable students to view from home and create more time in the classroom for deeper thinking.  Here is the link to the article in the Enterprise Record this week. http://www.chicoer.com/news/ci_19678954   Students Iris Fenn and Sara Kraatz also participated  in the workshop offering their perspective about the use of  technology and how it enhances learning.  From this older, balding educator’s point of view, the discussion was enlightening in the sense that technology can have a powerful and positive effect on learning when used strategically and with purpose.  It also reminded me how quickly things are changing and how important it is that we teach students how to be effective learners, about the process of learning, how to be a strategic learner which is in stark contrast to the old model of teacher as provider of information.  As Rachel put it, with the amount of information available to our students, the teacher’s role is to be more the “guide on the side.” 
 
Coincidentally,  this week I received another interesting link to an article in the New York Times from a colleague about MIT’s expansion of free courses.  The link to the article is  http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/19/education/mit-expands-free-online-courses-offering-certificates.html?_r=2&hpw and the link to all the courses is http://ocw.mit.edu/index.htm.  My goodness.  I would encourage students and parents alike to explore this resource.   Once you get to a list of the courses, all  you need is a good dose of curiosity.  
 
I would also like to remind you that both Danielle Pierce and Katie Urrutia are referring Math students to the Kahn Academy web site where they can find additional help with Math concepts. 
 
Much is happening with all of our staff related to the tools of technology.  These are exciting times indeed, and I would add that for a person of my generation, I have much to learn from the young people who have grown up with this level of technology. 
 
If any of you have useful resources, please let me know, and I’ll pass them along to the community.
 
Think that’s it for now.  Keep your comments/questions/feedback coming our way. 
 
Eric Nilsson
Principal

 

 

Past messages from the Principal...

Latest Inspire Updates
posted by rpope@mail.chicousd.org on 11/03/11 at 08:41PM

Inspire Exhibits Its Sidewalk Art Skills

Inspire arts students participated in this year's Pastels on the Plaza and produced a beautiful piece of artwork.

 

Congratulations Mrs. Bradlyn and the Inspire Art Club!

posted by rpope@mail.chicousd.org on 09/30/11 at 08:22AM

The Wizard of Oz

Many of our students, families and friends have asked us to post pictures from Inspire's first musical theater production, The Wizard of Oz.  We've put together a collection of images for your enjoyment.  View the pictures as a slide show.  You'll get the feeling of what it was like to be part of this wonderful journey.

Just click here to see the collection of photos.

We have a lot of pictures to pull from, so we may be adding to this collection over the next couple of weeks. 

posted by rpope@mail.chicousd.org on 09/16/11 at 04:00PM

Registration for PSAT is now in process…

The test is scheduled for Saturday, October 15th.  It is offered to Juniors and Sophomores and only given once per year.  The PSAT is useful for providing practice for the SAT, and allowing Juniors to enter the National Merit Scholarship Corporation competitions.  The score reports provide helpful information on assessing your skills in critical reading, writing and mathematical reasoning, improving those skills, comparing your academic skills with other college-bound students, and getting information from colleges about majors and careers. Deadline for registration is October 7th and the fee is $20.00.  Info in the office.

posted by rpope@mail.chicousd.org on 08/22/11 at 12:52PM

Interested in Computer Programming?

Check This Out!

 

 
The following Computer Programming Course is being offered to Juniors and Seniors through CSU, Chico.  This is a wonderful opportunity!  Please read the information on the course and Computer Science Department below.  Should you decide to sign up for the course, please email me by end of day August 5th, and we’ll get the details for and August 11th registration back to you as soon as we have them.  This course falls under High School Scholars and will cost $28.00 for registration. 
 
On May 27th, 2011, The CSUC team competed in the World Final for Computer Programming, and they were ranked 1st on West Coast (north & south), 5th in the nation and 59th in the world.  That put Chico among the best 1% in the world.
 
Introduction to Computer Programming with Python – CINS110. 
 
Please find below a course description as well as information about the overwhelming success of the CSU Computer Science Department.  This is a unique opportunity available for juniors and seniors through the Chico State Scholars program and provides an excellent connection to the Computer Science Program at Chico State. 
 
This course is designed to provide a fun and gentle introduction to programming and to the popular Python programming language.  It is an excellent course for the beginner, or the novice wishing to enhance their entry level skills.
 
The course will consist of 2 hrs lecture + 2 hrs lab each week.  The lab philosophy for this class emphasizes teamwork and interactive learning.  The primary objective is to build a solid foundation for problem solving, using well established programming methodologies.
 
Students will be provided with an integrated development environment, which will expose them to basics in design, implementation, debugging, and testing.  A diversity of application domains wills be selected: from business, science, engineering, graphics, and robotics.
 
There is no pre-requisite knowledge expected, although competency in basic math and computing experience is a plus. There are two noteworthy expectations: unfaltering commitment and a positive attitude! :-)
 
Here is the Schedule:
Tuesday and Thursday afternoons                                  3:30-4:20                       Lecture             O’Connell 237
                                                                                    4:30-5:20                       Lab                   O’Connell 244
 
More on the Computer Science Department at CSU, Chico.
 
The Computer Science Department at CSU, Chico is one of the best Computer Science Departments in the nation.  The Department houses 3 degree programs.  The BS in Computer Science, the BS is Computer Systems, and the Masters of Science in Computer Science.  The Computer Science program is one of the first accredited programs and in 2009, the Computer Information Systems program became the first accredited program in the CSU and West Coast.  In 2010, Chico ranked first in the ACM Pacific Northwest Regional Programming Contest ahead of some big name universities including Stanford, UC Berkeley, Simon Fraser, and British Colombia.  Out of 8305 teams that competed, Chico was in the top 100.


 
On May 27th, 2011, The CSUC team competed in the World Final and they were ranked 1st on West Coast (north & south), 5th in the nation and 59th in the world.  That put Chico among the best 1% in the world. 
 
 
The CSUC Computer Science students have excellent job and internship opportunities.
 
This is a wonderful opportunity not only because of the strength of the CSU Computer Science Department’s program but also because students will have exposure to the University as well as to the department – great experience information when considering higher education options.
posted by rpope@mail.chicousd.org on 08/04/11 at 07:18PM

 

Teacher Recommended Supplies for School

 

All Classes: Binder paper, pencils, pens

 

Alexich

All: Students need a notebook (not spiral bound) with pockets or a section of a larger binder with pockets for my class. 

 

Anker

All: a section of the student binder for English, a writer's notebook (this could be anything, a journal, spiral notebook, composition book, etc.)

 

Bradlyn

Art 1, Art 2, Digital Photo, Ceramics: sketchbooks

 

De la Torre

All Classes: Binder

 

Gimbal

Guitar: Beginning Guitars should have their own instruments (we do have some loaners)

Pop Band Guitarists: should have their own instruments too.

Orchestra: members all should have their own instruments, excepting Tuba - Baritone

Clarinet and Sax players - have plenty of reeds

Brass instruments have valve oil please.

 

Gunderson

Chemistry: half inch or up to 1 inch 3-ring binder dedicated to Chemistry. 

Physics: Scientific or Graphing (preferred) Calculator, Graph Composition Book (9 3/4 in x 7 1/2 in) for lab notebook, Means to Organize Classwork, Notes, and Homework (your choice)

Math Analysis: Graphing Calculator (TI-83 Plus or any TI-84), Means to Organize Classwork, Notes, and Homework (your choice)

Engineering: Graph Composition Book (9 3/4 in x 7 1/2 in) for engineering notebook, Means to Organize Classwork, Notes, and Homework (your choice)

 

Henderson

English 9 / Honors, English 10 / Honors:  one inch or larger three ring binder, 7 tabs, highlighter, red pen, blue or black pen, #2 pencil

Theatre 1a, 1b: all the same as above except they need 8 tabs

 

Isern

Spanish 2 and 3 & 4: A 1" binder with the following tabs

1. Vocabulario *(vocab)

2. Apuntes *notes/grammar

3. Papeles corregidos * corrected papers

 

Iufer

Biology: 2 inch binder to keep all Science work (this is a Science Only binder)

Chemistry: half inch or up to 1 inch 3-ring binder dedicated to Chemistry. 

Anatomy/physiology: 1 inch 3-ring binder dedicated to Chemistry. 

 

Olson

IS9: 2 inch binder to keep all Science work (this is a Science Only binder)

Biology: 2 inch binder to keep all Science work (this is a Science Only binder)

 

Petit

French: notebook for taking notes (3-hole is best as it fits in a 3-ring binder), a 3-ring binder (it doesn't have to be exclusively a French binder, but they MUST save all their work!  Tests, quizzes, classwork, homework, etc)

 

Pierce

Algebra 1: 3 ring binder:  A good amount of space in for an Algebra section is fine as long as you have adequate dividers for that section.  Dividers will be for Notes/Tool-kits, Investigations, Homework, quizzes/review. Graphing paper.Scientific Calculator (recommended) **

**If you choose to get a graphing calculator now, I suggest you get a TI-83 plus or TI-84 due to requirements in higher level classes.  We have limited access to a class set of TI-83 Plus calculators that we will use in class occasionally, but they cannot be taken home.  If an assignment needs a graphing calculator, it will be done in class.

Algebra 2: 3 ring binder:  A good amount of space in for an Algebra 2 section is fine as long as you have adequate dividers for that section.  Dividers will be for Notes/Tool-kits, Investigations, Homework, quizzes/review, Graph Paper, Graphing Calculator:  We will discuss on the first day of class if you want to wait until then.  For those anxious to purchase one now I suggest you get a TI-83 plus or TI-84.
Algebra Readiness: 3 ring binder:  A good amount of space in for an Algebra 2 section is fine as long as you have adequate dividers for that section. Your math section will consist of a weekly booklet I provide you with that you will work in.  You will also need a section for Quizzes, Toolkits, Notes/Resources. Graph Paper, Scientific Calculator (Not Required)
Algebra Support: In addition to your Algebra Section in your binder you will need an Algebra Support section.  Please have dividers/tabs for this section, however it is not necessary for the first day of school.  We will be organizing binders in the second week of class.  All recommended materials for Algebra will be fine for Algebra Support.

 

Reid

Spanish 1 and 2: need 4 dividers in a binder (which can be shared with other classes)

 

Travers

World History and Government – but part of a binder works fine too. 

 

Urrutia

Algebra 1: Graph paper, 3- Ring Binder (If you are sharing it with other classes, please have tabs) Scientific Calculator (recommended)**

**If you choose to get a graphing calculator now, I suggest you get a TI-83 plus or TI-84 due to requirements in higher level classes.  We have limited access to a class set of TI-83 Plus calculators that we will use in class occasionally, but they cannot be taken home.  If an assignment needs a graphing calculator, it will be done in class.

Geometry: Graph paper, 3- Ring Binder (If you are sharing it with other classes, please have tabs), Ruler, Protractor, Compass

AP Statistics: Graph paper, 3- Ring Binder (If you are sharing it with other classes, please have tabs), Graphing Calculator: TI-83 Plus or TI-84  (recommended)

 

 

 

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