IRVINGTON HIGH SCHOOL
VIKING EXPLORER
Community/Parent Newsletter
October 2014
Irvington Community,
We learned today that the report of the suspicious person on campus, which led to the lock down on Wednesday,
was not true. We understand that the situation was very upsetting to students, parents, and teachers. The police
department, district office personnel, and the Irvington High School administration are each taking this situation
very seriously and are determining the most appropriate response.
Despite this new information, we realize that this week was a tough week for the teachers, students, and staff here at
Irvington. I know many of you also experienced some worry and frustration on Wednesday. I would like to thank
you all for your patience as the Fremont police ensured the safety of staff and students.
After the incident on Wednesday, and the Great Shake out yesterday, we have spent a lot of time talking about
communication, peepholes, and additional training for both staff and students regarding best practices during these
types of events. I can assure that these conversations will continue. There are always things we can learn from events
that occur on campus and we will do our best to make changes based on the observations made you, our teachers,
and staff members.
In the next week, we will hold a meeting during advisory to give students an opportunity to give their feedback.
If you would like to gain a better understanding on the events which occurred on Wednesday, and give your feedback
to me, I will hold a meeting on Wednesday at 6:00 in room 104.
What: MEETING TO DISCUSS THE LOCKDOWN
When: Wednesday, October 29
Time: 6:00 PM
This meeting will focus on the school’s response. I will do my best to address issues regarding police action, but may
not be able to answer those types of questions.
I would like to encourage all of you to sign-up to receive Nixle updates from the Fremont Police Department by
going to:
https://local.nixle.com/fremont-police-department-ca/
When added to communication from the school, you will receive the most update information regarding any
incident at school involving police action.
Again, I want to thank you for your patience on Wednesday and let you know that I sincerely appreciate all of
your feedback and positive comments,
Sarah Smoot
Principal
HOMECOMING FOOTBALL GAME
TONIGHT!
Please come support the football team and watch the
crowning of the Homecoming Queen and King!
The Varsity Game starts at 7:00PM
The Homecoming Dance will be tomorrow from 7:00-10:00. The
dance is semi-formal. Appropriate attire should be worn.
Students who wear casual clothing, including jeans, will not be
admitted. Students MUST have their school ID to enter the
dance.
News From Irvington High School
Message from the Athletic Director:
The athletic boosters will be having a big changing of the guards this year. We will be losing
our President, Vice President and Secretary. We are looking for good people who would like to
give back to the athletic programs. It would consist of one meeting a month to vote about how
we spend the money for the school and teams. We have two fundraisers a year, one in the fall
and one in the spring. If you feel you might like to help with the Athletic Booster Club and have
questions Please feel free to contact. Michelle Stone at mstone@fremont.k12.ca.us. Thank
you!
A Message from the EdJOYcation Taskforce:
Irvington will host a Community Night Off on Monday, November 3rd. Students will go through a typical school day;
however, in the evening, we are strongly encouraging three things for the entire Irvington community of students,
parents, and staff: 1) No homework, 2) No extracurricular activities, and 3) No electronics. The hope is that members of
the Irvington community will use the time to spend quality time with family and friends. .
GO VIKINGS!
Please email me the achievements of teachers or students and I will include them in my
monthly newsletter! I look forward to hearing about all of the great things going on in the
Irvington Community!
NEWS FROM FREMONT UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT!
From the District Nurse
Information on general topics to help keep our students and community healthy.
What is Ebola? A severe, often fatal disease found in humans and nonhuman primates (such as monkeys, gorillas and
chimpanzees). It is caused by one of five species of Ebola virus that are found in several African countries. Experts
believe that bats are the most likely natural host for the virus and may spread it to other animals, which in turn can
spread it to humans.
In the United States, the risk of exposure to Ebola is considered to be very low. Casual travelers to Africa are not at
risk for Ebola virus disease just from traveling in affected areas.
Symptoms of Ebola usually start 8 to 10 days after exposure to an Ebola patient’s body fluids. However, symptoms can
begin anytime from 2 to 21 days after exposure.
Symptoms include:
 fever (higher that 101.5 F)
 severe headache
 muscle pain
 weakness
 diarrhea
 vomiting
 abdominal (stomach) pain
 lack of appetite
 difficulty breathing or swallowing
 unexplained bleeding inside or outside the body
There is no vaccine to protect against Ebola.
An infected person can spread the disease through:


Direct contact with the blood or body fluids (saliva, stool, vomit, urine) by an infected person
Contaminated objects with infected body fluids
Ebola is not a respiratory disease, so it is not spread through the air. People with Ebola virus infection cannot spread the
infection until they begin to get sick with the symptoms.
You can help protect yourself by washing your hands often with soap and water especially after using the restroom.
Treatment for Ebola includes intravenous fluids, oxygen and medications to maintain blood pressure.
Persons who are concerned about their symptoms should contact their health care provider.
http://www.acphd.org/ebola
If you have any questions please contact your school nurse.
Cheryl Knight RN, PNP—Health Services Coordinator, Student Support Services
UPCOMING EVENTS!
October 17 – Homecoming Rally and Football Game against American
October 18 – Homecoming Dance from 7-10 PM
October 18- PSAT Exam
October 27-31- Red Ribbon Week
November 4- Club Rush in the Courtyard
November 8 – Sat Exam
November 10-11 – No School for students or teachers (I’m headed to Arizona to visit my daughter!)
November 19- 20- Parent Conference from 1-7. These will be minimum days for students.
November 24-28- Thanksgiving Break
WHERE WILL I BE THIS MONTH?
October 21- Girls Volleyball vs. Washington @ IHS and Waterpolo vs. American @ American
October 22- Gymnastics vs. Mission @ WHS
October 27- Girls Tennis vs. Mission @ IHS
November 13- MVAL Cross Country Finals
If there is anything you would like to see included in the month Viking Explorer please email me!
Sarah Smoot
Principal
Irvington High School
ssmoot@fremont.k12.ca.us
510-687-6486