Dear ILHS Parents and Students,
I hope you’re enjoying this beautiful Sunday!
Last night, we had the privilege of celebrating six incredible individuals who were inducted into the Indian Land High School Athletic Hall of Fame:
Monica Barfield (Class of 1972)
Coach Rick Furr (Class of 1973)
Barry Moore (Class of 1963)
Coach Donald Pittman
Dorian Williams (Class of 2019)
These Warrior Leaders represent excellence, lasting impact, and true role models for us all. Their influence reminds us that leadership isn’t just about titles—it’s about serving others, lifting people up, and creating a legacy that inspires generations. We are proud to call them part of the ILHS family.
Thank you for helping us start the school year strong! Our students have done a great job adjusting to walking through the security scanners each morning. We’ve given everyone a grace week to practice arriving on time, and now it’s time to move forward.
Beginning this week, we will return to our regular daily bell schedule, with classes starting promptly at 9:10 am. Please make sure to plan ahead so students arrive early enough to:
Enter the building
Walk through the security scanner
Be in class OTOT — On Time, On Target
In case of inclement weather (such as rain), we will make adjustments to help students enter the building as quickly and safely as possible.
Our superintendent, Dr. Raashad Fitzpatrick, has shared:
“Lancaster County School District is committed to the safety of our students, staff, and community. The EVOLV system will strengthen our current processes and allow efficient and effective screening.”
At ILHS, we believe student and staff safety always comes first. Thank you for your continued support in keeping our campus safe, welcoming, and focused on learning.
Homecoming Week is Here! 
We are excited to celebrate Spirit Week, Pep Rally, the big game, and our dance!
ILHS Spirit Week – Sept. 22–26
Let’s show our Warrior Pride all week long!
Monday (9/22) – Monochromatic Day
Pick ONE color and go all in! Dress head-to-toe in your favorite shade. (Think all red, all black, all neon green – get creative!)
Tuesday (9/23) – Dynamic Duo Day
Find a partner and coordinate your look! Famous pairs, opposites, or just matching outfits — double the fun, double the spirit.
Wednesday (9/24) – Jersey vs. Jersey Shore Day
Choose your side: rep your favorite sports team with a jersey OR dress beachy/Jersey Shore style with sunglasses, and bright summer vibes.
Thursday (9/25) – Throwback Day
Flash back to your favorite decade! 70s disco, 80s neon, 90s grunge, or 2000s pop — bring the retro energy.
Friday (9/26) – Warrior Out
Go all out in Blue & Gold! Jerseys — let’s PACK the Pep Rally and the stands for the big game vs. Rock Hill.
Reminder: All outfits must follow school dress code.
Let’s make this Spirit Week one to remember — students AND staff, we’re counting on you to bring the energy!
Pep Rally: Friday, Sept. 26 (after 1st period – regular dismissal at 4:10 pm, no early release)
Please note that this Friday, September 26th, we will not have Student Early Release due to our Homecoming Pep Rally after first period.
Dismissal will follow our regular schedule at 4:10 pm.
If you need to pick up your child before dismissal, you will need to come into the office and sign them out.
Football Game: Friday night vs. Rock Hill
Homecoming Dance: Saturday, Sept. 27, 7–10 pm, ILHS Gym
Dance Tickets:
On sale NOW through the night of the dance on GoFan → Click here to purchase
Outside Guest Forms:
Available outside of Room D126 (Mr. O’Connell’s Room)
Due by Friday, Sept. 19 to the office or Room D126
Thank you for your continued support in helping our students plan to win, prepare to win, and expect to win each day. Together, we are truly One Indian Land Family!
With Warrior Pride,
Rick Parker
Principal
Here is What’s Important Now (W.I.N.) for next week:
Counseling Updates:
It’s time to schedule your Rising Senior (Junior) IGP (Individual Graduation Plan) meeting with your school counselor. These meetings are an important part of your junior year and will help you stay on track for graduation and plan for life after high school! See your email for a message from your counselor with a sign up link!
Juniors Updates
Rising Seniors (Current Juniors) – Keep an eye on your email from your counselor this week!
Make sure you’ve joined the Junior Counseling Google Classroom (code = ciivae6).
Rising Senior IGPs began 9/15 – You’ll sign up through the link in the email from your counselor.
Here’s How It Works:
If the student is on campus, they will attend the meeting in person.
Parents/Guardians will join the meeting virtually via Google Meet or come to campus if they would like.
If the student is not on campus, they may join the Google Meet along with their parent/guardian.
Get Ready for Your Rising Senior Meeting!
Before your Rising Senior Individual Graduation Plan (IGP) meeting, here are some steps to help you and your family prepare:
Go to the Junior Counseling Google Classroom using the class code: ciivae6
Find the "Rising Senior IGP Slides" assignment.
Review all the slides with your parents or guardian.
Type your answers directly into the "Answer" boxes provided on the slides.
Use the course selection sheet to help you
Beta Club & Honor Society Parents, invitations to the ILHS Beta Club and National Honor Society have been delivered to sophomores and juniors who meet GPA requirements. For juniors, the Beta Club requirement is a 4.1, and the NHS requirement is a 4.4 on a weighted scale. For sophomores, the Beta Club requirement is a 3.8, and the NHS requirement is a 4.0 on an unweighted scale.
If your student is interested in joining one or both clubs, induction fees can be paid from September 5th to September 26th via the GoFan links provided in their invitation letters. You may combine induction costs into one payment if your child has been invited to and wishes to join both Beta Club and NHS.
Please take time to review the 2025-26 ILHS Student and Parent Handbook ILHS Student Handbook 2025-2026
FLEX Schedule & Dismissal Update
Parents, please take a moment to review these important reminders so we can keep afternoons safe, smooth, and successful for all students.
Student Responsibilities
Students must sign up for a FLEX activity every day of the week.
9th graders: You may not select the study hall in the main gym (this is for upperclassmen).
Early Dismissal
If a student has a free 4th block or early dismissal, they must sign up for the “Leaving Early” activity in FLEX.
FLEX Pick-Up
Early Dismissal Pick up is only in the bus lot area loop, not in the front of the school. Please do not pick up your child in front of the school for early dismissal.
If you arrive after 3:55 pm, please use the regular afternoon car line. The FLEX line closes at that time.
Freshman Families
If you are not able to pick up your student for early dismissal, 9th graders must attend FLEX.
Freshmen are not allowed to:
Go to the study hall in the gym (reserved for upperclassmen).
Sit and wait for pick-up until the end of the school day.
FLEX Attendance
If a student is assigned to FLEX but does not attend, it is considered cutting class.
Thank you for your support in helping us keep routines clear and consistent for students!
Thank you for working with us to make FLEX a successful part of the school day!
Indian Land High School - Student Attendance Recovery Details & Schedule 2025-2026 ILHS Seat Time Recovery Plan - Fall/Spring 2025-26
Upcoming Visits & Events
Get ready for some special visitors and important nights!
Please take a moment to log in to PowerSchool and update your family's contact information. Having your most current phone numbers and email addresses on file is the best way for us to communicate with you, especially in case of an emergency.
If you do not have a Powerschool account here is “How to create Parent Portal Accounts”.
Step by Step Guide to Assist Parents with Username/Password Issues
Step by Step Guide to Create a PowerSchool Parent Portal Account
For Seniors (Class of 2026):
Please check out the information about Senior Portraits Senior Portraits-FAQs
Winthrop University
Application Dates:
Spring & Summer 2025: Opens Sept 15 | Closes Nov 1
Fall 2026: Opens Jan 4 | Closes May 1
Apply by Apr 1 for priority course registration
Info Sessions (Winthrop Campus):
Sept 25 – 5:00 p.m. → Register Now
Oct 7 – 5:00 p.m. → Register Now
Oct 23 – 5:00 p.m. → Register Now
PTSO Sponsorship Opportunities
A few important School Rules reminders:
Tardies: Being on time matters! Daily tardies can add up quickly, so please make it a priority to arrive on time.
Dresscode: Students are not allowed to wear mid-drift showing or their pants down below their waist.
Cell Phones and Earbuds: These electronic devices are not allowed during the school day
We know these reminders may sound firm, but they are in place to help our students succeed and to build a strong Warrior Mindset—one that values responsibility, respect, and resilience.