AUGUST 18, 2017
Welcome Back to School

Welcome back everyone!   By now, you're getting into school mode and have hopefully figured out your routine. We are so happy to have you and your children back on campus. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help you or your child enjoy Grace Episcopal Day School as much as we do.
Next Week's Solar Eclipse
Monday, August 21st will be an exciting day as we get to experience a solar eclipse here in North Florida.  The local viewing of the eclipse will occur between 1:16 pm and 4:12 pm with maximum eclipse around 2:48 pm.  The maximum partial eclipse will last 2-3 minutes as t he moon covers a large portion of the sun.  It will be a spectacular sight.  
 
Students Kindergarten through 2nd grade:
With the safety of our K-2 students in mind, we have decided to experience the solar eclipse by watching the NASA Live Stream coverage in the classroom for kindergarten, first grade, and second grade classes.  This allows the students to participate in the eclipse experience while minimizing the chance of eye damage. 
 
If you would like your child to view the eclipse outside, you are welcome to join your student on campus for eclipse viewing.  Grace is providing ISO certified eclipse viewing glasses for all students.  Additionally, there is a limited number of glasses available for parents who are joining their child for the viewing.
 
Students 3rd through 8th grade:
Third through eighth grade teachers have some wonderful activities planned for our eclipse.  Grace is providing ISO certified eclipse viewing glasses for all students.  Additionally, there is a limited number of glasses available for parents who are joining their child for the viewing.
 
Please Note:
  • Viewing the eclipse without proper eye protection can cause permanent damage to the eye.  If a student is not wearing their eye protection appropriately, or is behaving in a way during the viewing that may endanger their vision, or that of another child, the student will be sent to the office until the parent picks up at dismissal.
  • Any student checked out after noon on August 21st, will be an excused absence.
Additional information on eclipse viewing may be found at:
1st-8th Grade Parent Orientation
Parents:  Please mark your calendars for Tuesday, August 22nd, from 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM.  This is your opportunity to meet your child's teacher and hear about the expectations and curriculum for the school year.  Childcare will be provided for current Grace students.  Please make every effort to attend.

1st - 4th grades:
6:00-6:30 - Session 1
6:30-7:00 - Session 2
7:00-7:30 - Additional session if needed
(Sessions will contain the same information.  Multiple sessions are available for those families with several students attending Grace.)

5th - 8th grades:
6:00-6:30 - Middle School Spanish (in 7th grade room)
                     5th Grade Session
6:30-7:00 - 5th/6th Grade Spanish (in 5th grade room)
                    7th Grade Session
7:00-7:30 - 6th Grade Session
                     8th Grade Session
5th-8th Grade Soccer Registration 
Signup NOW to become a member of the defending 
JCAL  Regular Season Championship Team! 
      
DETAILS: 
  •  Practices will begin the week of August 21st. Games will begin the week of September 4th.
  •  Practices and HOME games will be held on the Fleming Island Plantation Fields on Old Hard Road (Day/time TBD) 
  •  All participants must have current liability form on file in the front office before practice begins.  
  •  Cost to participate is $125. Fee is due at time of signup. 
  •  Deadline for sign-ups is Friday August 18th.  
  •  Fees and forms should be turned into Dana Whitelaw
  •  Any questions, please email Coach Mars at nmars@geds.net
FIRST Lego League Is BACK!
What is FIRST Lego League?

The Eagles of Grace Robotics Team placed 4th in our area last year and we are hoping to go to the state competition this year!

Students in 5 th - 8 th grade are eligible to participate.
Our first meeting will be on Tuesday, August 29th, with a launch party at 12:00 PM.  Team meetings are planned for Thursdays 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM.  Teams can plan to participate until late January or early February, depending on performance in the tournaments.

A maximum of 10 students can serve on the team.
The fee is $250 and does not include expenses associated with attending tournaments.

Enrollment will be available to the first 10 students who complete the registration form and pay the initial fee.  Payment may be paid in full at time of registration or paid in two installments of $125 in September and October.
FIRST Lego League Essay Contest

The Clay Women's Empowerment Council has granted a scholarship to cover the $250 fee for one girl to participate on the Grace Eagles Robotics Team.

Essay question:  What do you hope to learn from participating in the First Lego League?

Submission must be no longer than one page and is due to Robotics Coach, Susan Lindholm, by September 1, 2017.  The winning essay will be selected by a group of teachers and administrators.
 
The recipient will be invited to attend the September 7th lunch of the Clay Women's Empowerment Council.


Artist of the Week

The first Artist of the Week of this school year is Emma from the 2nd grade.  Her illustration of her summer vacation is beautiful.  Emma, it looks like you had an amazing summer!
Rise Up, Show Up, and Say YES!
Looking for a way to get involved at Grace?  Click on the link below to check out Grace's parent involvement opportunities. Complete the form and return to your child's teacher or the front office.  There are opportunities for all schedules available!  
Announcements
  • For your safety, please make sure you stay in your car during car pool pick up.  The teachers will make sure your child gets to your car safely and buckle your child in his/her car seat if needed.  
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