August 15, 2018

 

Dear Upper School Families,

Summer days are winding down quickly, and hopefully our students are rested and ready to return. Happily, we've seen many on campus already due to athletic practices and college counseling sessions, and last week we looked like we were open for business given the busy freshman orientation activities. In an effort to help you prepare for the start of school, here are some important dates/information:

• Through Friday, August 17
  Week of Welcome (WoW) activities open to all upper school students, sponsored by Columbus Academy's Student Council.

• Monday, August 20: FIRST DAY of SCHOOL
  Students should be in dress code, as yearbook photos (ordering instructions) will be taken Monday and Tuesday. At 8:30 a.m., the whole division will enjoy an upper school breakfast together in the dining hall. During advisory time, iPads will be distributed, locker assignments given and schedules made available. Freshmen will be taking part in Unity Day activities that are designed to foster a sense of community as a grade, while also giving each advisory an opportunity to bond as a group. All grades will have grade-level meetings and an opportunity to reconnect. 

• Tuesday, August 21: Summer Reading Groups Meet

  Also, seniors will meet their kindergarten buddies for the first time at the close of Convocation. All students will attend an abbreviated session for each of their classes in order to meet the teacher and learn course expectations.

• Wednesday, August 22 to Tuesday, September 11: Drop/Add Period
  Students wishing to make a course change must do so in this time frame. After this date, only teacher-initiated course changes will be considered. Note: there will be no class changes made the first day of classes.

• Tuesday, August 28: Grade 9 Parent Coffee (8:00 a.m. in Dining Hall)
  Parents of freshmen are invited to join us for a conversation in the dining hall to discuss topics related to the ninth grade experience.

• Friday, August 31: Grade 10 Parent Coffee (8:00 a.m. in Dining Hall)

• Friday, August 31: First Friday Tailgate
  All upper school students are invited to enjoy music, lawn games and a cookout near the dining hall prior to showing their school spirit at home athletic events.

• Monday, September 3: Labor Day (No School)

• Thursday, September 6: US Back-to-School Night (7:00 p.m. in Dining Hall)
  Parents/guardians, join us for an evening where you follow your child's schedule and meet his/her teachers. Hear about course expectations and highlights of the class.

• Friday, September 7: Upper School Service Day and Club Fair
  All upper school students participate in service activities as an advisory group in and around the greater Columbus area. More details will be forthcoming from your child's advisor. Upon return to campus, the upper school students host their annual Club Fair in the Senior Quad from 2:00 to 3:20 p.m.

• Tuesday, September 11: Grade 11 Parent Coffee (8:00 a.m. in Dining Hall)

• Friday, September 14: Grade 12 Parent Coffee (8:00 a.m. in Dining Hall)

• Monday, October 1: Fall Break (No School)

• Friday, October 12: Charlie David Dinner (more details to come)

Supplies

There is not an upper school-specific supply list of items that needs to be purchased prior to school beginning. Individual teachers will make students aware of any requirements in their opening class meetings.

 

Dress Code

Chances are good that our students have grown some since school was last in session. Please be mindful to check that skirt length is no more than two inches above the knee. Also, while CA sweatshirts are acceptable during the school day, hoodie sweatshirts of any kind are not allowed in the buildings. Shirts, sweaters and fleeces should be logo-free.

 

New Faculty

With every new school year, it is not uncommon to see a few new faces among the adults, as well as the students. Please join me in welcoming the recent additions to the upper school faculty (click on names for individual bios).

• History: Amy Berkley
• Math and Computer Science: Sean Corey
• Biology: Heather Downey
• World Language: Mary Johnson
• Physics: Valerie Nandor
• Fine Arts: Charity White
• Performing Arts: David Wong

In the coming days, we will be busily wrapping up details for the opening of school. Please do not hesitate to call or email if you have any questions. We'll see you all very soon!