Back to School 2020
Dear Lower School Families,

With the arrival of the month of August it is time once again to begin looking forward to the beginning of a new year together. While our 100% online return to school on August 19 will look very different this year, we are nevertheless delighted to be embarking upon that journey in partnership with this extraordinary family community.

Below you will find important information about the return to school and upcoming events. In particular we hope you can all join us for our upcoming Town Hall on Facebook Live tomorrow, August 3 beginning at 1:30pm in which we will be providing information and answering questions about the return to school.
Town Hall

Join Ms. Finn over Facebook Live August 3 beginning at 1:30pm for a Town Hall event to discuss our campus's plans for beginning the school year 100% online and a Safe Return to school when we are able. We will make an effort to answer your questions during the Town Hall, but we may not be able to answer all of them. A FAQ document will be published in the coming days.
You do not need a Facebook account to participate in this event, and if you are unable to join us live, a recording of the Town Hall will be made available after its conclusion.
Family Return to Learning Forms

If you have not done so already, please log onto the Enrollment Portal and complete Return to Learning forms for each of your scholars. While all students will begin the year 100% online, it is crucial that you complete your family's form(s) by Wednesday, August 5 to let us know if your students will be returning to school in person once restrictions are lifted.
If you do not remember your log-in information, please click on the “Forgot Password” and follow the instructions. If you continue to experience issues, please reach out to info@greatheartsirving.org.
Meet the Teacher Celebration

This year, Meet the Teacher will be held as a drive through celebration! On Monday, August 17, our teachers will be outside to wave hello to their new students, and this will be your opportunity to pick up important supplies, including Math workbooks, and to check out a student device if you requested one.

Look for more details about our drive through Meet the Teacher event in your inbox very soon.
Kindergarten Parent Orientation

We are delighted to be welcoming a new group of Kindergarteners into our Great Hearts Irving family! We know that parents of incoming Kindergarten scholars have concerns about what the new school year will look like for their children. We invite parents of all incoming Kindergarten students to join us on Facebook Live this Thursday, August 6 beginning at 5pm for conversation about the Kindergarten program at Great Hearts Irving, including student readiness and expectations.
Student Devices for Distance Learning

Student devices will be available to be checked out at our drive through Meet the Teacher event on Monday, August 17. More details about that event and how to check out your child's device are forthcoming.

If you were not able to complete the technology survey, or if your circumstances have changed since you completed it, please reach out to the Lower School's Director of Campus Operations at Charlotte.Garthune@greatheartsirving.org to let us know of your family's technology needs.
School Supplies and Classics to Keep

Students will need all the same school supplies for Distance Learning as they would need if we were able to have school in person. Supply lists for each grade, as well as our list of Classics to Keep, can be found on the Great Hearts Irving website.
Sign Up to Receive the Lower School Newsletter

This year, while all parent contacts will continue to receive urgent, school-wide communications and Letters from the Headmaster, we are asking families to "opt in" to receive our weekly newsletter The Week Ahead, which will also contain content specific to the Lower School.

If you would like to receive the Lower School's newsletter in your inbox every Sunday, be sure to let us know.
Breakfast and Lunch Pick-up

Families who qualify for financial assistance will be able to pick up meals for their students beginning Wednesday, August 19. We will be communicating the details of how to order and pick up these meals in the coming days.
Vaccinations

As a public school in the State of Texas, Great Hearts Irving students are legally required to be 100% up to date on their vaccinations in order to attend school. We recognize that getting vaccinations may be challenging at this time, but it is important that all our scholars receive the necessary immunizations to keep our community safe.

If you are unsure of which vaccinations are required for your child or you would like more information on obtaining the necessary immunizations, please reach out to our School Nurse at Annette.Johnson@greatheartsirving.org.
Opportunities to Give

People like you help us do what we do best! During these uncertain times, we would like to thank all our parents, grandparents, and friends for their support of the Community Investment Campaign. Your continued generosity ensures our teachers and staff have everything they need to offer this amazing education. Your dollars fill financial gaps. Give what you can for your child. Every dollar makes a difference.

We also invite our entire community to participate in this year's North Texas Giving Day. Mark your calendar, give what you can, and make a lasting impact on your child’s education. 1 day, 18 hours, an outpouring of support for our wonderful school. Be part of the excitement! 
For more information on Community Investment or North Texas Giving Day, please visit greatheartsirving.org/give or contact our Director of Academy Giving at Keo.Strull@greatheartsirving.org.
We will continue to be in touch and communicate additional details as the First Day of School on August 19 approaches. As always, please feel free to reach out to us at info@greatheartsirving.org with questions or concerns any time.

Very best,
Marcy Finn
Headmaster, Lower School
Great Hearts Irving