Universal Human Rights Month

National Blood Donor Month / National Mentoring Month

              This newsletter will contain Braves news, updates, sports, and information about activities and events.

Greetings Braves Family,

      As the calendar turns towards the end of 2025, I want to take a moment to reflect on our School's incredible commitment to community and academic excellence.

The holiday season truly brings out the best in our students.  I am incredibly proud of the efforts of our Benevolent Braves Committee, NHS, and Alpha Club.  Their collaborative work ensured that numerous families received warm Thanksgiving meals.  We look forward to continuing this tradition of giving by blessing additional families before the winter break through our annual Angel Tree program and other outreach initiatives.

We recently completed the 2nd Quarter, and the academic achievements of our students are outstanding!  I am incredibly proud to report that 833 students earned a place on the Honor Roll.  Of those, 307 made Principal's List, and 204 made Superintendent's List.  We eagerly anticipate celebrating continued success as the 3rd Quarter draws to a close on Thursday, December 11th.  Way to Go, Braves!

On a different note, student attendance remains critical for success.  Please be reminded of the following policies:

      - The official truancy process begins once a student accumulates 5 unexcused absences.

      - A student may be at risk of losing credit for a course after 9 total absences, which includes all types: excused,         

        unexcused, and out-of-school suspensions.

We urge all students to make every effort to attend school daily and for parents to submit absence documentation promptly.

On behalf of the dedicated faculty and staff of Indian River High School, I would like to wish all our Braves families a Happy Holidays and a safe, restful winter break.

Take care,

Naomi Dunbar

We would like to welcome the students back from their much needed break. November at Indian River High School (IRHS) was a time of academic celebration, holiday preparation, and performing arts success, all while recognizing Native American Heritage Month and Family Engagement Month. Principal Naomi Dunbar expressed pride and gratitude, announcing that an impressive 700 students achieved Honor Roll status and reflecting on the recent, successful Homecoming Week. The arts flourished with the Indian River Rep's successful three-night run of the play "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," and the IRHS Band competed in two Saturday competitions. The school community also focused on philanthropy, launching the Benevolent Braves Angel Tree Gift Drive to assist needy families during the upcoming holidays.

The Miss Indian River pageant's auditions are Wednesday, December 3rd at 4:00 pm in the auditorium. The Competition is open to all 10th through 12th grade ladies.  A talent must be prepared for the audition.  Please see Ms. Estes for more information.

On Monday, December 8th at 6:00 pm in the Auditorium, there will be a banquet honoring all fall athletes from football, field hockey, volleyball, and cross country.

On Tuesday, December 9th at 4:00 pm, there will be tryouts to become Alpha's Sweetheart!  Applications are due by December 8th.  Please email Ms. Estes if you have any questions about Alpha Sweethearts.

On Tuesday, December 9th at 6:30 pm in the Auditorium, come out to hear the Indian River Wind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, and Marching Band perform select holiday tunes for a fun and festive evening!

On Tuesday, December 16th at 6:30 pm in the Auditorium, the IRH Choir will be performing a collection of holiday music for a fun and festive evening!

On Thursday, December 18th at 6:30 pm in the Auditorium, the IRH Orchestra will be performing a collection  holiday music for a fun and festive evening!

The 2026 Citywide Teacher of the Year Ceremony, "Celebrating our Marvels," will be held at Indian River High School on December 11, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.  Come help us celebrate our IRHS Teacher of the Year and resident superhero, Tracy Spurlin-Saravanan, who has been named a finalist for citywide Teacher of the Year! Ms. Spurlin-Saravanan teaches English 11, AP English Language, and African American History. Congratulations and good luck, Ms. Spurlin-Saravanan!

Join in on DECA's Toy and Craft Supplies Drive for CHKD (Children's Hospital).  We are accepting new items until December 4th.  There is a drop-off box in the main office or you can swing by E12 to drop off your items.  Please leave all items unwrapped and in their original box.  Thank you for your support and your generosity for the children at CHKD!

Use the link below to take you to the Jostens' Graduation Package. This package includes just what is required for graduation (cap, gown, tassel and diploma cover). Prices do go up, currently it is $66.30. They will be delivered to school and distributed at all lunches by Jostens' Reps later in the school year.

https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/productDetail/1120132/INDIAN-RIVER-HIGH-SCHOOL/Cap-and-Gown/2960456429/CATALOG_REPOSITORY/Cap-and-Gown-Unit/2960456438

Please see the proposed non-writing schedule. Three partial asynchronous days have already been approved for December 16, January 8, and January 13.

National Professional Customer Service & Sales:

December 5th:

Block 1 - Marketing/Strategic Marketing (Media Center)

Block 2 - Sports & Ent. Marketing I (Media Center)                              - Sports & Ent. Management II (Media Center) 

Block 3 - Marketing (Media Center)

December 9th:

NRF Makeups (Room E10)

W!SE Financial Literacy:

December 10th:

Block 1 - Econ/Personal Finance (Media Center)

Block 2 - Econ/Personal Finance (Media Center)

Block 3 - Econ/Personal Finance (Media Center)

Block 4 -Econ/Personal Finance (Media Center)

December 12th:

Block 1 - W!SE SPED - Econ/Per Fin (Rm. E10)

Block 3 - W!SE SPED - Econ/Per Fin (Rm. N11)

December 18th:

Block 2 - W!SE Makeups (Rm. N11)

Block 4 - W!SE Makeups (Rm. A12)

January 21st:

Block 2 - W!SE Retakes (Rm. N11)

Block 4 - W!SE Retakes (Rm. A12)

Get ready to cozy up and snuggle in style with our exclusive Spirit Blanket! Perfect for chilly game nights, curling up on the couch, or showing off your school spirit wherever you go. Not only will you stay warm, but your purchase also helps support our program.

Soft. Comfy. Full of spirit.

This would also make a great gift for our seniors or any special supporter!

Two Sizes Available:

• Large (50x60) - $25

• X-Large (60x70) - $35

We do need to reach a minimum of 75 orders to make it into production — so the sooner we hit our goal, the sooner everyone can snuggle up with their new favorite blanket!

Please use the link below to place your order.

The sooner we reach our goal, the sooner everyone can snuggle up with their new favorite blanket!

https://my.cheddarup.com/c/indian-river-blanket

Attention Braves Family:

The Benevolent Braves Committee is excited to announce our annual IRHS Angel Tree Gift Drive to assist needy families at our school during this holiday season. This year, we have over 20 students in need of assistance from our IRHS family. We will again be using our digital Angel Tree this year to simplify the process.

If you are in a position to brighten the holidays for a student, please click HERE to review the list of students in need and sign up. To sign up, simply type your name, or the name of your club/department/etc., in the box to the right of the student's information. Staff members wishing to participate anonymously may type "Anonymous" in the box beside the student's information; anonymous Angels should then email Mrs. Jones in guidance at christen.jones@cpschools.com to let us know the tag number of the student you are sponsoring. If you prefer not to shop, you are welcome to make a monetary donation instead.

New, unwrapped items (or monetary donations) should be returned to Crystal Goodman or Christen Jones in the school counseling office no later than Monday, December 8th. Please be sure to clearly label your donations with your student's "tag" number.

Happy Holidays!
IRH Benevolent Braves Committee

Show Your School Spirit!

PTSA Apparel Sale (Pre-Order/Pre-Purchase)

T-shirts Pre-orders

Long Sleeve T Pre-order

Hoodie Pre-orders

Apparel will also be available during lunches soon. Students, look for the PTSA table and announcements for specific dates and times!

Join the PTSA Today!

The PTSA plays a crucial role in enhancing the educational experience for all students. Your membership directly supports our programs and initiatives. We encourage all parents, students, staff, and community members to join!

The PTSA is also working hard to reach a goal of 100% Teacher Membership. Let's support our educators and give the IRH PTSA the backing they need to succeed!

Supporting the PTSA is a great way to stay connected and invest in the future of our Braves!

JOIN THE IRHS PTSA TODAY!

Visit the PTSA Page for more information!

Click HERE to access the 25-26 IRHS Athletic Events Calendar.

Dec. 8-14: Computer Science Education Week

January (TBD): Virginia School Principals  Appreciation Week