At IAS we are intentional about exposing our scholars to various cultures around the world.  Each month we focus on a different continent.  For the month of September, scholars selected a country in South America  to research and share what they learned about their foods and traditions.  In the month of November, we explored Europe.  Scholars selected a country and conducted research to compare their European country to America on certain aspects that relate to the standards they are learning.  For example, in Kindergarten, scholars researched the holidays celebrated, while our third graders researched their habitats and culture, and fifth grade researched important places and economy.  In December, scholars explored Antarctica.  Scholars chose to write either a narrative, informational or opinion piece on Antarctica.  In January, scholars will research Africa and explore various aspects from weather, topography, and plants and animals to ecosystems and organisms.  In February, we will explore North America, April will we focus on Australia and May we will explore Asia.

At IAS we strive to teach our scholars to give back to the community.  It is our goal to have scholars participate in a service-learning project every nine weeks.  Service learning is important because it connects scholars learning in the classroom with real-world experiences in the community. So far this year, we’ve collected water for Jackson, Mississippi and donated it to the Red Cross for distribution.  We also hosted a Pink Out Day to raise funds for Breast Cancer Awareness.  The funds were donated to Better Day Givings a non-profit organization that gives back to the community by providing spiritual support and custom made wigs to cancer patients.