SPARTAN WEEKLY UPDATE

November 2, 2023

Important Dates

November

11/10: No School, Veteran's Day

11/22-24: Thanksgiving Break

December

12/20-22: Half Days, S1 Exams

12/25-1/5: Winter Break

January

12/25-1/5: Winter Break

1/15: No School, Civil Rights Day

1/22-26: No School, Barrett Jackson

February

2/2: Half Day, GH In-Service

2/19: No School, President's Day, R&R

March

3/11-15: Spring Break

3/29: No School, Spring Recess

April

4/27: Senior/Junior Prom

May

5/3: Half Day, Field Day

5/6: No School, May Recess, R&R

5/21-23: Half Day, S2 Exams

5/23: Award Ceremony (invitation only), 8th Grade Promotion

5/24: Half Day, Last Day of School, Senior Commencement

Teachers' Homework Blog Sites

Extra Curriculars Catalogue

SPA Test Calendar

November 2, 2023

A question that I like to ask my students is, “Would you rather have all of the knowledge, skill, understanding, and wisdom that could possibly be obtained by taking my class, reading the associated texts, and completing the writing assignments or would you rather have an A?” The answers are fascinating. Of course, the most common response is, “both.” To which I say, “that was not the question – it is a matter of priorities.”

The world, and higher education, may use grades as a lazy barometer for predicting a narrowly defined version of success. True “success” – the transformation into an articulate and virtuous person – comes from struggling with eternal questions and great works found in a classical education. Our goal is to provide a supportive environment where students are challenged appropriately, receive guidance when needed, and have the opportunity to explore and learn through both successes and failures. In such an environment, productive struggles can lead to significant personal an intellectual development.

A focus on grades can stifle students’ curiosity and love for permanent things, turning education into a means to an end, rather than a lifelong pursuit of truth, wisdom, happiness, and personal growth. When we place the focus grades, we communicate to our children and students a telos, or end goal, that is very contrary to the beautiful and life-changing benefits that come from a proper education.

As we guide our children, let us evaluate and encourage their growth based on concepts and skills such as resilience, persistence, intellectual curiosity, and the resulting self-confidence that comes from overcoming challenges rather than a simple letter grade.

Mark McAfee

Headmaster

HS Preview Night, Tuesday, November 7th at 6:30PM

Attention all 8th grade families! HS Preview Night is next Tuesday. During High School Preview Night, you will have the opportunity to learn more about the structure of the curriculum, co-curricular activities, athletics and college counseling, as well as hear from parent and student panels. We hope every 8th grade family can join us for this worthwhile evening!

Both students and parents are encouraged to attend. School uniforms are not required.

Please RSVP using this link to let us know that you are planning to attend.

Students Leaving Early Procedure

Early pick-up

We do not call students out of class before parents arrive on campus. Please give yourself time to find a parking spot, come into the lobby, let us know that you are signing your student out, and give them time to go to their locker before they come down to meet you.

Early pick-up during Lunch or Lyceum

Picking your child up during Lunch or Lyceum? Please coordinate with your student ahead of time and ask them to wait for you at the tables in the downstairs Commons. It’s too difficult to locate students who are signing out during these times.

Early pick-up for Athletics

Student Athletes need to self-dismiss at the time listed on the website, not what their coach says, when they have an early dismissal for their sport. The front office does not call students out of class for athletic early dismissals.

Quick Links

WEBSITES

SPA Website

SPA Athletics

SPA Extra-Curriculars

SPA College Counseling

SUPPORT SPA

PARENT RESOURCES

Books & Suppl y Lis ts

Homework Club

Family Handbook

Lunch Program

Configio Payment Portal

Teachers' Google Classroom

UNIFORMS

Anton, Dennis,

Dress Code

CALENDARS

2023-2024 Calendar

Bell Schedule

TRAFFIC INFO

Pick-up/Drop-off Procedure

Neighborhood Traffic Email

EXTRA-CURRICULARS

SPA Theatre Arts

What's Happening Around the Campus

Gratitude and Giving, Formerly Known as SNOWSTORM | OCT 30th - NOV 17th 2023

Gratitude and Giving, formerly known as SNOWSTORM, is the PSO’s annual program which gives families the opportunity to express gratitude to SPA teachers and staff. SPA families come together to offer a collective monetary gift to faculty and staff during the holiday season. The goal is 100% participation and we cannot meet this goal without your participation!

Please see some notes below from our faculty:

“I have always loved the time and dedication that our community has put into making us feel appreciated in this campaign…”

"The financial support and the personal comments from students - have a deep and meaningful impact on the teacher experience. For many, teaching is not a financially sustainable profession within which to stay, but gifts such as the snowstorm campaign both show us that our work is appreciated as well as helps us balance the budget, every little bit helps.”

To help us write a note of gratitude, please click here.

To contribute to the campaign, please click here.

Health and Safety

Allergies or Illness?

It can be hard to determine whether someone is suffering from seasonal allergies, or it has a respiratory virus, especially during this time of year. If you aren’t sure whether to send your student to school, take a look at our health guidelines linked here. As a reminder, the health office does not provide allergy medications (such as Claritin, Allegra, Zyrtec) to students. Please make sure your scholar takes their allergy medication at home before coming to school. Thank you for your partnership in keeping our school healthy.

Medication Policy

Does your student need to take medication at school? Please review the medication policy from our family handbook. Here is an excerpt: If a student must take prescription or regular doses of non-prescription (OTC) drugs while at school, the parent/guardian must bring the prescription/OTC medication to the school office and complete an additional permission form with signed instructions for administration. All prescription and OTC medications must be in the original containers. All prescription medications must have the student’s name, medication and dosage, and a valid expiration date. Expired medications will not be accepted or administered. Dosage requested by the parent/guardian shall be in keeping with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Please bring any medication that your student needs to the nurse during school hours, along with a completed consent form, linked here.

College Counseling Corner

Wednesday Workshop Upcoming Topics

November 8: Bring Your College Application Questions - Essays, Activities List, etc.
November 15: Intro to Naviance: Juniors, Sophomores, and Freshmen

We encourage parents and students to read the weekly Friday Wrap-Ups (here's the previous newsletter) to stay abreast of key dates, meetings, and opportunities.

To Schedule a meeting:

Mrs. Shannon Coolidge: Schedule a Meeting or email

Ms. Monica Ware: Email

Mrs. Aimee Vincent: Schedule a Meeting or email

SPA PSO Information

PSO General Meeting is this Friday, November 3rd at 8AM in the Library

9th Grade Open Skate, 11/10

Join the 9th Grade class for an open skate session at the Ice Den on Friday, November 10th (No School). Online registration opens on November 8th at 12PM.

Used Uniform Sale

The Used Uniform Sale is rescheduled from November 2nd to November 9th. Please swing by!

2023-2024 SPA Faculty Birthdays

Let's help our faculty members celebrate their special day! Please sign up to bring in a special birthday lunch or gift card to a faculty member! Click here to sign-up.