A MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
Dear IDEA Families,
Welcome to the new IDEA Family Connection Newsletter! We’re excited to create this space to keep you connected to what’s happening across IDEA Public Schools and to share the information, resources, and stories that matter most to your family.
Each month, you’ll find important updates, celebrations of students and staff, helpful resources, and ways to stay engaged in your child’s educational journey. We are grateful for the trust you place in us each day and for the opportunity to partner with you as we work together to help your child thrive.
Thank you for being an essential part of the IDEA community. Together, we are committed to College for All and to helping your child grow, achieve, and build the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to reach their goals. We’re proud to partner with your family every step of the way and look forward to celebrating your child’s journey throughout the year.
With gratitude,
Jeff Cottrill, Ed.D.
CEO & Superintendent
Important Reminders 📅
Attendance Awareness Month: Every Day Counts!
Every school day is an opportunity for your child to learn, grow, connect with classmates, and build toward their future. This September, we’re bringing awareness to the importance of strong attendance and celebrating the commitment it takes all year long to help students show up, stay engaged, and make the most of every school day. When schools and families work together, every day counts!
Health & Wellness
State required screenings have begun on campuses! All screenings are completed by licensed and certified screeners to detect potential learning barriers early and make the appropriate referrals, if needed. If you would like for your student to have these screenings completed by their physician instead, please contact your campus Nurse or Health Aide and provide physician documentation on screening results no later than 9/15/2026. Thank you for your support. These screenings include Vision, Hearing, Spinal, & Acanthosis for the following grades, based on state.
Suicide Prevention Month
September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to remind one another that every life matters and no one has to face a difficult moment alone. Families can help by creating open, caring conversations and knowing where to turn when support is needed. Learn more about suicide prevention, warning signs, and ways to support a loved one through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Application Launch
Know a family looking for a great school for the 2027-28 school year? IDEA’s application opens September 1 in STREAM! Families can submit their application early for the opportunity to join IDEA. Share the opportunity with a family who may be ready to take their next step with IDEA!
IDEA's Academic Calendars
Stay organized and plan ahead! Take a few minutes to review IDEA’s Academic Calendar so you’re aware of upcoming holidays, quarter dates, early release days, and other important school dates. Planning ahead can help your family stay on top of the school year and avoid missing important days.
3 Reminders for Families:
1. Take concerns seriously.
If something feels unsafe, unusual, or troubling, it’s worth reporting.
2. Report it. Don’t spread it.
Students should tell a trusted adult rather than sharing concerning information with others.
3. Speaking up helps keep schools safe.
When concerns are reported early, the right team can review the information and respond appropriately.
Our Safety Corner: See It. Hear It. Report It.
What would your child do if they saw something concerning?
A message. A rumor. A troubling post. A comment that doesn’t feel right.
Students and families are often among the first to notice something that could impact school safety. Knowing what to do with that information matters.
Before you share it, report it.
If something raises concern about school safety:
Save the information.
A screenshot, message, username, or other detail may help.
Tell someone who can act.
Report the concern to a trusted adult, school leader, or the appropriate authority.
Don’t spread the rumor.
Avoid reposting or forwarding concerning content. Sharing it can create confusion and make it harder to determine where the where the information started.
A Quick Family Conversation
Ask your child: “If you saw or heard something concerning at school or online, who would you tell?”
Helping students identify trusted adults now can make it easier to speak up when it matters most.
Want to know exactly what to do?
Click the September Family Safety Update:
See It. Hear It. Report It. to learn:
• What families and students should report
• How to report a concern
• When to call 911
• What students will practice in this month’s safety drills
Want to know exactly what to do?
Want to know exactly what to do? Our September Family Safety Update: See It. Hear It. Report It. gives families practical guidance on: -What families and students should report -How to report a concern -When to call 911 -What students will practice in this month’s safety drills Click here to read the September Family Safety Update. You can also scroll below our Safety and Security Page to read all our Safety & Security Newsletters.
We Bring Joy! 😊
They Came Here as Students. Now They’re Leading the Way.
Every IDEA student has a story still being written.The students who walk through our doors today will one day become graduates, professionals, leaders, and the people who come back to inspire the next generation.
Meet Gesselle Sanchez, a IDEA alumni who began her journey as a student at IDEA Public Schools. After graduating from college, she chose to return to IDEA, where she now serves as a Senior College Counselor, helping students access the same opportunities that helped shape her own future.
For Gesselle, it’s about more than giving back. It’s about showing students what’s possible and continuing to create change for families and communities.
Their stories are a powerful reminder that what happens today can shape who your child becomes tomorrow.
IDEA Family Information Center
Whether you’re seeking insights into your child’s learning experience or looking for information and resources to assist you, our IDEA Family Information Center is your one-stop destination for the tools and information you need every day.
In the News 📰
Hot Off the Press!
📺 Get the latest buzz from IDEA! Check out these recent stories highlighting IDEA Public Schools' impact-from campus investments and free summer meal opportunities to the inspiring achievements of our graduates. Read more below!
🎓Big Dreams, Big Milestone! IDEA Horizon Vista is celebrating its first graduating class! Watch this special moment as the campus celebrates this exciting milestone.
🎒Big Smiles, Fresh Starts! IDEA South Flores welcomed students back for an exciting first day of school! Check out KENS 5’s coverage of the new school year.
🥗Good Food. Big Impact!
IDEA Robindale’s cafeteria manager joined Telemundo to spotlight our free meal program for students this school year.
Stay Connected 💻
Come See What We’re Up To!
📱 See what’s happening across our campuses, celebrate our students, and catch the latest IDEA news! Follow us on Facebook!
