This year, two SABIS® public charter schools in the U.S. — SABIS International Charter School in Springfield (SICS), Massachusetts, and the International Academy of Flint (IAF), in Flint, Michigan — are celebrating major operational milestones.
To mark its 25th anniversary, SABIS® International Charter School, held a special 25th homecoming for members of the school community and greater Springfield. Traditionally a celebration of a key sporting competition on campus, “homecoming” this year at SICS included a number of different competitions as well as fun and games for everyone.
SICS students and staff attired in special 25th anniversary T-shirts were spectators at three sporting events – boys and girls soccer games, a girls’ volleyball game, and a co-ed cross-country running race. Fans and school enthusiasts also enjoyed pony rides, a bounce-house, and a SABIS® 25th anniversary photo-booth.
SICS School Director, Ms. Maretta Thomsen, called the day an unequivocal success. “Our 25th anniversary homecoming captured the essence of our school community,” she said. “Students, friends, family, and community members came together to celebrate diversity, achievement, and the hope and promise that this school holds for all its students and their families.”
SICS is a perennial honoree on U.S. News and World Report’s list of “America’s Best High Schools.” One hundred percent of the school’s 1,500+ graduates to date have been accepted to college or university, and the school consistently closes the racial and socio-economic achievement gap by the 10th grade.
The International Academy of Flint (IAF) is also celebrating an operational milestone, namely 20 years in operation. IAF is a SABIS® charter school located in Flint, Michigan. IAF has been recognized for excellence by both the U.S. News and World Report and the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. The school has a vibrant after-school program created in partnership with the CRIM Fitness Foundation and has recently launched a community health center in partnership with the University of Michigan Regional Alliance for Healthy Schools. The goal of both of these initiatives is to improve students’ physical health so they are prepared to take full advantage of the academic excellence the school delivers.
The 20th academic year kicked off with a Community Extravaganza on August 1, 2019, where the IAF community and families were invited to enjoy food, games, and much more! On the first day of the 2019-20 academic year, students were welcomed with a variety of events, all celebrating the 20th anniversary.
IAF also held a 20th anniversary party on October 10, 2019, at the Flint Institute of Arts. The event included speeches from individuals who have been instrumental in the school’s success including IAF Director, Traci Cormier; IAF Board Chair, Diane Thompson; and SABIS® President Carl Bistany. For coverage of the event, visit the school website iaf.sabis.net and social media, facebook.com/IAFphoenix and twitter.com/iafphoenix.