Braves RISE Together Newsletter

Braves are who we are; Rise is what we do!

The Second Semester is Off to a Strong Start!

Our "Built to RISE" spirit is alive and well as we kick off the new semester. From the courts and the stage to our JROTC drills and academic competitions, we continue to celebrate the diverse talents that make our school community so special. There is truly always a reason to celebrate being a Brave!

We are incredibly proud of our academic achievements this past quarter. Out of 578 Honor Roll students, an impressive 131 earned a spot on the Superintendent’s List, and 193 made the Principal’s List. Your hard work is paying off—congratulations!

In February, we join together to honor Black History Month. This year’s theme, "Building a Hundred Moments: Taking an Alternative Look at the Change Makers of the Last Century," offers a powerful opportunity for reflection. A huge thank you to our Black History Committee for organizing these meaningful events.

Attention Class of 2026: Graduation is drawing near! We can’t wait to celebrate you at the Senior Banquet on Thursday, February 19th (5:30–7:00 PM) here at IRHS.

Student ID Badge Update: To enhance campus security, all students must wear the ID badges issued on January 28 at all times starting Monday, February 2. Parents, please help us by reminding your students to keep their badges on them daily. Thank you for partnering with us to keep our school safe!

Braves are who we are, and RISE is what we do! If you have any questions, please reach out to the main office at (757) 578-7000.

Mrs. Naomi Dunbar

Beginning the second semester, Chesapeake Public Schools is expanding our student ID Badge program to include high school students. The program allows students to use their ID badges to log bus ridership, securely purchase meals, check out library books, and when arriving late to school or leaving early. More information will be shared directly with high school students and parents from each school about expectations and implementation. 

Wednesday, February 11th, Noon - 2 pm:  Discover Your Future at Our HBCU College Fair! High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors: Don't miss this chance to explore vibrant academic and cultural experiences at Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs)! Connect with reps from top institutions, learn about admissions, scholarships, and financial aid, and find your path to success. From on-the-spot acceptances to exploring STEM fields, this is your gateway to opportunity. Join us to experience the legacy and find your perfect fit!

Holiday Reminder: There will be no school for all students and staff on Monday, February 16, 2026, in observance of the Presidents' Day federal holiday. Regular school operations will resume on Tuesday, February 17. 

Join us for our Virtual Open House on Monday, February 23rd, 2026 at 6:30 pm.  The link will be emailed out prior to the event so check your inbox and spam folders for more information!

Attention Seniors!
The Class of 2026 Senior Banquet is officially scheduled for Thursday, February 19th. The event begins at 5:30 PM. Don't miss this special night of dinner and celebration with your classmates. Please check your class canvas page for full details on ticket sales.

Indian River Reps next two productions are ready to audition.  The first, "Night on Broadway" auditions on Tuesday, Feb. 3 in J5 immediately after school.  The second, "Footloose", our spring musical, auditions Feb. 11-13.  Audition packets are currently available in J5.  Pick yours up today.

The Indian River High School Drama Department will host its “A Night on Broadway Cabaret” on February 26 and 27, 2026.

Our Students are nothing short of Brave!!!

During Principals Appreciation Week, our latest Amplified podcast episode highlights the lasting impact of school leadership. Indian River High School junior Adrian Langaster sets the stage for a conversation with Principal Naomi Dunbar and former Principal James L. Frye on the RISE motto, leadership continuity, and how strong relationships help students grow and succeed.  Listen now at cpschools.com/amplified or wherever you get your podcasts!

Jaden Norman - 12th

At the School Board meeting on January 26th, Senior Jaden Norman was recognized for his performance in the Class 5 Individual First Team Final for All-State Volleyball.  Way to go!!

Corey Sanderlin - 12th

Next month at the February 9th School Board meeting, Senior Corey Sanderlin will be recognized for his participation in the Class 5 Individual First Team Final for All-State Football.  Way to go!!

Mr. Houston's anatomy students tested how different conditions (exercise, cold, etc.) affected students' pulse and blood pressure. This activity was interactive, collaborative, and relevant for students!

Mr. Fedorowicz's chemistry students created ornaments in the lab. They first created a compound called Tollens' reagent to reduce silver ions to create a mirrored surface. In qualitative chemistry it is used to detect the presence of an organic class of compounds called aldehydes. The students coated the inside of a clear plastic ornament to create an ornament suitable for a Christmas tree!

Mrs. Fulford's Adapted Nutrition and Wellness students made No Bake Granola Bites this week in class and did a wonderful job of reading, measuring, and assembling (and eating!). Great job!

IRHS Scheduling

The IRHS School Counseling/Guidance Department is in the process of planning/scheduling for the 2026-2027 school year. Counselors are working individually with students to determine their appropriate academic placement. In March, course requests will be available on Parent/Student Vue and changes can be made at that time. 

Please see the various documents and information links below. If you have any questions, contact your school counselor. Pay special attention to the respective school/grade level information and deadlines.

Important Dates:

January 2026 - IRHS School Counselors will schedule current 11th graders
Late January to February 2026 - IRHS School Counselors will schedule current 9th and 10th graders
January 5, 2026 - Chesapeake Virtual Academy (CVA) applications go live (closes March 12, 2026) https://www.cpschools.com/o/cva
January 15, 2026 - CCC application opens again for 2nd round (only accepting application for programs that have space) https://www.cpschools.com/o/ccc
March 5, 2026 - Course Requests letters with classes listed will be posted in ParentVue and StudentVue for parents/guardians to review
March 9, 2026 - deadline to make course request changes

Come join us for Family Night featuring a Lip Sync Battle on February 25th starting at 6 pm.  Tickets are $5 and concessions will be sold on site.  Doors open at 5:30 pm so don't miss out on this fun time!

JOIN OUR IRHS PTSA

We welcome all students, parents, community members, additional family members and friends to join our PTSA! Membership dues help provide the financial means for our organization to fulfill our annual goals of supporting our IRH Braves! Each membership helps!

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