Dr. Jacob's Update 8-19-22

Dear Friends,

I hope this note finds you well. We are settling into the routine that comes with the first full week of school and there is a comfort and ease that comes with that routine. This week has seen the real work of learning and community building begin. We have launched our new student information system, FACTS, begun athletic competitions, and prepared for student government elections. Our youngest students are moving with more smiles and purpose, and our teachers are working diligently to craft exceptional lessons for your child.  Below are just a few notes from our administrative team. As a reminder if you have a question or a concern, please reach out directly to your child’s teacher. If you need additional support the Division Directors, Mrs. Brown, Mrs. Compton, Mrs. Hooks, Mrs. Shaw are an additional resource. We are here to help!

In the spirit of partnership, we have a few notes to clean up our pickup procedures, lunches, pictures, back to school, etc. Please help us keep these times as safe and efficient as possible.

• Our Back to School Night/Parent Open House will be on August 31st from 6-8pm. The program begins promptly at 6PM. This event is intended for parents.

  • After a brief meeting, Early Years and Lower School parents will have the opportunity to hear from their child’s enrichment teachers, as well as spend some time in their child’s classroom to learn more about the curriculum and plans for the year. 

• Grades 6-12 parents will have an opportunity to follow their child’s daily schedule and visit each of their child’s teachers for detailed information about specific classes. 

• There will be staff in the Performing Arts Classroom available to answer questions or assist with issues concerning Athletics, FACTS, school counseling, student activities, our lunch program, and our Parent/Student Association.  Light refreshments will be provided by the PSA.

• Please remember that this evening is not a time for detailed individual teacher/parent conferences. We are more than happy to have detailed conversations about your child. If you wish to have a more personal conversation, please reach out and schedule a call or a meeting with your child’s teacher.

• Kindergarten, 7th Grade, and 12th Grade families need to submit up to date immunization records to Mrs. Shaw ASAP. This is a state law.

• Looking ahead, our picture day is September 2nd.

• Senior Parent Meeting is Wednesday, September 7th at 6PM. It concerns the college process and is intended for parents only.

Morning Drop Off

• EY and LS parents, thank you for helping us keep all the children safe. Your cooperation allows us all to move the process along quickly, safely, and efficiently.  Please keep the flow of traffic moving in the morning when dropping off your child. The teachers are there to assist in helping your child out of the car and into the building.

• Should you need to get out of the car, please park in a designated parking place. This will help with the traffic flow. 

• Please drop your child at the appropriate entrance.

• Teachers are outside to assist and direct traffic, please follow their instructions.

• If you drop anyone at the office entrance or the 3K classroom, please wait to be directed into the line of traffic.

Afternoon Pick Up

• LS parents, thank you for not lining up at pick-up in the afternoon before 2:45. This allows us to get the EY parents in and out quickly.

• Thank you for using the name plates given to you in your windshield. 

• As needed, the teachers will help the children while getting in the cars. 

• Should you need to get out of your car, PLEASE park in a parking spot. This keeps the traffic flowing and not backing up onto Country Day Road. 

• Please respect the NO LEFT TURN onto Country Day Road. It can create a severe backup jam through the whole system when you wait to turn left. We know this can be a minor inconvenience and we are grateful for your cooperation.

Lunches:

• Students may bring lunch from home or order from My Hot Lunch program.  

• If a child forgets his/her lunch there are options available for them to choose; we will make sure that every child has something to eat. 

• While there are special occasions and emergencies, our handbook states that no fast food is to be dropped off for a child’s lunch. Please do not make this a regular practice.

• A child having his/her lunch delivered on a regular basis is not acceptable; it creates a series of problems, no matter the age of the child.

I hope your first week of school was joyful and exciting. It was really special to see our amazing teachers and tremendous students in action. This year is going to be a special one. We are delighted for you to be a part of it.

Best wishes,

Dr. Matthew T. Jacobs Ed.D.

Head of School