I hope this letter finds you enjoying the final days of summer vacation! While everyone enjoys having time to relax and enjoy the summer months, we are looking forward to greeting both returning and new students very soon!
Please find links below covering information regarding grade-specific letters and class lists. You will find the student supply list, a copy of the dress code, key calendar dates for Lower School, and CASE (Children's After School Experience) information and registration forms.
Class Lists
Attached to the emails sent directly to families were class lists for your child(ren)'s specific grade. Throughout the summer, the faculty and administration worked diligently to build successful class groupings at every level. The distribution of these lists can bring some anxiety, excitement and disappointment on the part of parents and children. Our experience shows that each child quickly develops a sense of "group identity" with his/her class, and late summer nervousness quickly fades as the year gets underway. I also encourage everyone to come to the Lower School Ice Cream Social on August 21, as often the first meeting with a teacher will dispel lingering anxiety and gets the year off to a positive start for all concerned.
Important Links
Carpool
Students in Lower School who go home by car are picked up on the west side of the building (via Viking Way) through an organized carpool procedure. For safety reasons, children may not be picked up in front of the school where buses wait. Teachers will help children to the proper waiting area for buses or carpool. Carpool tags will be available at the Meet-Your-Teachers Ice Cream Social event on August 21. Any carpool tags not picked up on the 21st will be sent home with students on the first day of school.
CASE (Children's After School Experience)
For students not taking a bus or going to carpool, CASE is available after school until 6:00 p.m. The CASE room is located in the Lower School next to the theater lobby. CASE Information can be found by clicking here. Please complete and return this registration form by August 18.
Meet-Your-Teachers Ice Cream Social on Monday, August 21
The doors to the Lower School will be open at 4:00 p.m. for your children to get a "sneak peek" at their new classrooms before heading out to the Ice Cream Social at 4:30 p.m. on the bus circle beside Academy Hall.
Dress Code
First Day of School
Classes begin on Tuesday, August 22, at 8:05 a.m. and end at 3:20 p.m. Many of our students will arrive by bus and some by carpool in the morning. If you are new to Columbus Academy this year, you may want to bring your child to school on the first day and walk him/her to the classroom. Things settle in quickly, and you can soon be on your way. Guides will be available to help you find your particular classroom.
School Photos
Students will have their school pictures taken on the first day of school (August 22). They will be in dress code. Orders will only be taken online at
mylifetouch.com. Columbus Academy's picture day ID is ZR437132Q0. Questions may be directed to 866-535-3646 or [email protected].
Guidelines to Help Ensure a Smooth School Year
- Children must be signed in/out by an adult if they arrive late/leave early or return from/leave for an appointment.
- Please let your child's teacher know in written form of changes from the standard transportation plan. If you choose to email the classroom teacher regarding a transportation change, please also copy Michelle Saling ([email protected]) in the Lower School Office so that she can insure the message is received. Without written indication from a parent, faculty will have children follow their routine plan for getting home.
- If there is a change of transportation plans that occurs during the school day, the office needs to know by 2:30 p.m. Please call 614-509-2258.
- Please let us know in writing about any special arrangements for athletic play, swimming, diet or medication. No medication will be given without written instruction. Mrs. Hoagland and Mrs. Fireman, the school nurses, will take care of these needs and may be contacted directly by dialing 614-509-2234.
- As a general rule, students do not need and should not bring or have money at school.
- Please mark clothing and personal property with first and last names.
- Electronic games and toys must not be brought to school.
- While most of the school communication is sent electronically, it is important to check your child's backpack each day for messages and information from the teacher or the school not sent electronically.
If you have any questions about the information provided, please do not hesitate to call Michelle Saling at 614-509-2258. On behalf of the entire lower school faculty, we look forward to an engaging, exciting and meaningful 2017-18 school year. See you at the Ice Cream Social on August 21.
