Dear Parents and Guardians,
We are off to a great start to the school year at Indian River Middle! It has been wonderful to see our students settling into routines, building relationships, and engaging in learning each day.
This past month, we successfully completed VALLSS reading testing for students who were required to participate, as well as our IXL math diagnostic. These assessments provide valuable insight into your child’s current strengths and areas for growth, helping teachers tailor instruction to meet individual needs.
Each year, our school recognizes one teacher who represents the very best of what it means to be an educator, someone who works tirelessly for students, supports colleagues, and goes above and beyond for our school community. This teacher is known for being hardworking, compassionate and always willing to lend a helping hand. She has worked the majority of her career right here at IRM helping Braves learn, grow, and succeed. It is my honor to announce that Indian River Middle School's 2025-2026 Teacher of the year is, Mrs. Holl! She embodies the spirit of the Braves: strong, committed, and unstoppable. Please join us in congratulating her for this accomplishment.
Looking ahead, October will be an exciting month at IRMS! We are launching R.I.S.E. Time (River Inspired Student Exploration), where students will have the chance to choose an activity that interests them and explore it every other Wednesday throughout the semester. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to discover new passions and build connections outside of the traditional classroom.
We are also excited to share that our Mega Blast Fundraiser has officially kicked off! Your participation helps us continue to fund student learning initiatives, student recognition programs, and school beautification projects that make IRMS an even better place to learn and grow.
Be on the look out for more information regarding after school study hall and Braves Academy (Tutoring) that will begin this month. Our fall sports season is also underway and we are proud of the way our athletes are representing Indian River Middle, both in the classroom and on the field of play. We look forward to cheering them on throughout the season!
As we near the end of the month, a quick reminder: students should not wear Halloween costumes to school. While we love the festive spirit of the season, we want to ensure the instructional day is not disrupted and that Chesapeake Public Schools’ dress code policy is upheld.
We also have several important events this month:
Spirit Week kicks off on October 13th.
6th Grade Field Trip to the ODU Planetarium takes place on October 13th, 14th, and 15th. More information will be sent home soon.
Impact Aid Surveys will be sent home on October 14th. Please complete your child’s card and return it by October 15th.
Fall Picture Day is scheduled for October 20th.
8th Grade Field Trip to the World of Works (WOW) takes place on October 22nd. More information will be sent home soon.
Fall Virginia Growth Assessments will be administered to all students on October 27th.
We look forward to another month of growth, learning, and school spirit. Thank you, as always, for your continued support in making Indian River Middle a place where every student can Rise!
Go Braves,
Brenna Stanley
Principal
