Raven Report: December 6, 2023 | |
This week, students are celebrating Computer Science Education Week by diving into the Hour of Code, a global initiative that introduces students to the world of computer science through free and engaging coding activities designed to demystify coding and make it accessible to all. | |
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Effective January 4, 2024, The Summit will begin offering hot lunch services through Dining by Design catering company. More details included in the Raven Report below!
In the meantime, The Summit will continue partnering with the Springfield Public School nutrition program as we transition.
If you would be willing to help serve lunch between now and Winter Break, please use the sign up link below.
Thank you for your continued understanding and support!
Please contact the Front Desk with any questions.
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The Summit Business Directory | |
The Summit would like to build the relationships within our community by offering families the opportunity to list their business in The Summit Business Directory to support one another through referrals and patronage.
The Summit Business Directory is also an important resource for teachers to explore opportunities for potential guest speakers in their classrooms and/or field trips.
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December 2023
7: $2 Uniform Buy Out Day, benefiting Upper School Film Fest
8: EARLY RELEASE at 1 pm, No Afternoon Fun Zone
8: Summit Spelling Bee (Grades 1-8), 1:15 pm
13: Late Start, 9:30 am
18: Board of Trustees Meeting, 5-6 pm
19: Class Winter Parties, 10:30 am & EARLY RELEASE at 11:30am
20-31: NO SCHOOL - Winter Break
25-26: All Summit Offices Closed
January 2024
1-2: NO SCHOOL - Winter Break, Offices Closed
3: NO SCHOOL- Teacher Work Day
4: Students Return to Class
10: Late Start, 9:30 am
15: NO SCHOOL - Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Offices Closed
16: Board of Trustees meeting, 5-6 pm
18: $2 Uniform Buy Out
25: State of The Summit presentation, 6-7 pm
31: Volunteer Training, 8:45-9:15am
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Thank you to all of our wonderful lunch volunteers! | |
Hot Lunch Program: Welcome Dining by Design | |
Effective January 4, 2024, The Summit will begin partnering with Dining by Design gourmet catering company. DBD has considerable experience working with schools and is the caterer-of-choice for other area private schools.
We understand that the process took longer than expected, and we truly appreciate your support as we worked diligently to find the best fit for our community.
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Your feedback and suggestions played a crucial role in this decision-making process, and we are confident that the new caterer will enhance the overall dining experience for everyone who participates in the lunch program.
Here are some important details about this transition:
- Price per lunch: $6.00 (Pizza Friday will remain $5.25 per lunch)
- Menus will be posted by the 17th each month
- Pre-orders are still required and will be due 10 days ahead of the week being reserved
- Orders for the week of January 4th due December 22nd
- Orders for the week of January 8th due December 29th
- Orders for the week of January 15th due January 5th
- Orders for the week of January 22nd due January 12th
- Orders for the week of January 29th due January 19th
You may apply any changes from past meals to the new menu by emailing Ms. Kendra.
Thank you once again for your patience and understanding! We look forward to welcoming Dining by Design to The Summit community in the New Year!
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Register for Upstart Athletics Winter Soccer Leagues
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Upstart Athletics is enrolling now for their winter soccer leagues!
These athletic programs are a fantastic opportunity for young minds to develop coordination, teamwork, and a love for physical activity. These leagues cater specifically to the needs of youngsters, offering a safe and fun environment. Watch as your child learns valuable skills while making friends and staying active during the chilly months.
Feet First Soccer: Preschool: Ages 2 1/2-5 Years
Step Up Soccer Academy: Ages 5-8
Please visit www.springfieldupstartathletics.com to learn more.
Use the link below to register with the QR code today!
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Drury Winterscape Registration Now Open
In coordination with Drury Pre-College Programs and the Drury School of Education, the Saturday Enrichment Program, Winterscape, seeks to offer gifted and/or high ability students a rich and rewarding learning experience. Modeling best practices in curriculum and instruction, the Pre-College staff works as a community to maximize potential in each student and foster a passion for lifelong learning. Lunch is included in the cost of the class.
When: Saturday, February 17, 2024
Cost: $85
Time: 9 a.m.–3 p.m., student lunch included
Where: Drury University, Lay Hall
Grades: PK (turning 5) through grade 6
Please use the link below to access the application.
For more information, please visit www.drury.edu/giftededucation.
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The Summit Prep is proud of our amazing faculty! Every Tuesday we'll be honoring our faculty on social media. This week, we honor Señora Britni Cordel, Spanish Faculty!
"I love that Mrs. Cordel teaches me a ton of Spanish. She's very nice and she helps me learn how to say all the community helpers!"
- Asher M., Kindergarten
"Señora Cordel has many excellent qualities as an educator, but her enthusiasm for the Spanish language and goal of exciting students about learning really stand out. Although she's new to the field, she has quickly demonstrated her commitment to students. We are so glad she joined our teaching team!"
- Mrs. Bradley, Lower School Director
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Celebrating 100% Participation: Thank You!
We are overjoyed to announce that, thanks to your unwavering support, we have achieved 100% participation from our families, our Board of Trustees, and our employees in our annual campaign for the first time in our school's nineteen year history! This remarkable milestone speaks volumes about the strength and commitment of our Summit community, and we want to express our deepest gratitude for your generosity.
Your collective dedication goes beyond financial contributions; it signifies a shared belief in our mission and a commitment to the growth and success of our educational community. This internal support plays a crucial role when we apply for grants or seek external assistance. Funding organizations look for evidence that the community is fully invested in the cause, and your 100% participation sends a powerful message that we are not just an institution but a united community.
By going above and beyond tuition, you demonstrate your understanding of the greater impact of education and your commitment to providing an exceptional learning environment for our students.
Once again, thank you for making this achievement possible. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for The Summit Prep, and we are grateful for each and every one of you who has contributed to our success.
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Turkey Bowling Digital Album
Relive the joy and laughter of last week's Turkey Bowling event! Use the link below to check out the digital photo album of the hilarious turkey rolls and triumphant strikes!
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Author Studies in Lower School
In lower school classrooms, students embark on captivating journeys through the world of literature by delving into author studies. These immersive units focus on the works of different children's authors, fostering a deeper understanding of storytelling styles and themes. Through this exploration, young minds not only cultivate a love for reading but also develop critical thinking skills as students gain insights into the creative minds behind cherished stories.
Kindergarteners have been studying the works of Leo Lionni. Throughout this study, they have explored the author’s purpose by analyzing the character’s feelings, actions, and predicting the story’s direction. One story, in particular, caught the scholars’ attention – A Color of His Own. The book tells the story of a chameleon who goes through many different settings, hoping to find a color that belongs just to him. However, by the end of the story, he realizes that he doesn’t need just a color to feel like he belongs. After reading the story, the students followed instructions to create their own chameleons using watercolor. This activity allowed students to use their imaginations and explore mixing colors to create their own chameleon as if they were the chameleon in the story!
Second graders have been diving into the humorous and charming stories of Mo Willems. When describing her love of this author, Mrs. Collins says, "The author crafts in Willems’ books are just begging to be noticed. The ones my kiddos pay close attention to are motion lines, speech bubbles, and words throughout the story that are written in all capital letters. The students caught on quickly to changing voice levels when they came across words written in all capital letters. The use of speech bubbles in this collection has also helped to deepen my students’ understanding of character. They are always paying such close attention to what character is doing the speaking."
Author studies not only celebrate literary diversity but also inspire the next generation of storytellers, nurturing a lifelong appreciation for the magic of words!
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Visit Jan Brett at The Library Center This Saturday
Speaking of beloved children's authors... Don't forget to stop by The Library Center (4653 S Campbell Ave) this Saturday, December 9th to see renowned author Jan Brett and her Winter Wonderland Bus! Doors open at 8:30 a.m. Ms. Brett will begin her presentation and drawing demonstration at 10:00 a.m. A ticketed book signing opportunity will be available to the first 100 visitors.
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Fourth Grade Balances the Budget
Fourth grade students are embracing real-world skills as they embark on the journey of learning budgeting basics. In a hands-on approach to financial literacy, these young minds are introduced to the art of budgeting, understanding the concepts of income, expenses, and saving. Through interactive activities and age-appropriate simulations, students gain practical insights into making responsible financial choices.
For their first budgeting activity, students had to stay within a set budget of $200 and choose at least one item from each category (including food, toys, clothes, electronics, etc.). While they enjoyed making these choices, they acknowledged feeling “overwhelmed,” “stressed,” and “exhausted” by the task.
Here are some remarks heard while they were busy budgeting for certain items:
“Do I have to get clothes?” – Teddy
“Oh no, I can’t get that!” – Elise
“I picked the cheapest items. I like saving money.” – Xander
“I hope it’s a big sweatshirt!” – Emerson
“Should I get ribs? I think I want ribs.” – Ryker
“I want gel pens, but I don’t want to buy them!” – Brielle
This early exposure to budgeting provides valuable lessons about goal-setting and responsible decision-making. These foundational skills empower students to navigate the financial landscape with confidence, setting them on a path towards a financially savvy future!
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High School Digs Deep: Cybersecurity & Research | |
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Expedition Leadership
The Expedition Leadership class has spent much of this fall focused on developing a deeper understanding of cybersecurity. Class members began by understanding the place and structure of "Internet of Things" (all devices able to connect and exchange data with other devices). From there, mapping networks and securing networks was the focus. Students wrapped this first unit by researching a topic within the umbrella of cybersecurity and internet of things to support deeper understanding by fellow community members. Project topics included using challenging passwords, developing a deeper understanding of the security risks inherent with bitcoin, evaluating past cyber attacks and sharing processes for protection, and much more. Next up, expedition participants look forward to completing a leadership traits inventory using the text The Student Leadership Challenge: Five Practices for Becoming an Exemplary Leader to guide their deep dive into leadership!
Science Research
Project work abounds for Science Research! Researchers have worked on both an independent research project through out the semester as well as collaborative projects. As they close in on the end of the this semester, researchers are finalizing their project proposals which will guide their work in the spring as well as determine which competition they will enter. In addition, students will wrap up their collaborative projects focusing on Summit community behaviors. To complete this project, students surveyed the middle and high school community about sleep, breakfast consumption, and general mood/feeling. The projects completed by the students will be published in the inaugural Summit Research Journal.
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Summit Parent Organization | |
SPO Meeting Next Wednesday (12/13) | |
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The next SPO meeting will be held next Wednesday, December 13th at 9:45 a.m. in the Community Room. Please note the adjusted start time due to Late Start at 9:30 a.m.! All parents/guardians are welcome to attend these monthly meetings of The Summit Parent Organization. Please sign in at the front desk when you arrive.
Questions? Please contact Roz Madden, SPO Coordinator.
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Thank You to Our Raven Partners
The Summit Preparatory School extends heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed 2023-2024 Raven Partners, donors whose generous contributions of $5000 or more have a transformative impact on independent education in the Ozarks. Your unwavering support propels us toward excellence!
Join this distinguished group in shaping the future; become a Raven Partner and make a lasting difference in the everyday lives of our students. Thank you for championing our shared commitment to educational excellence and supporting the operational success of our school.
If you or your business is interested in being a Raven Partner, please contact Amy Maas, Development Officer.
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Introducing the Founders Club
Join us in welcoming the inaugural members of our Founders Club, donors contributing $2005 to honor our school's founding year! By joining, individuals become integral to shaping a legacy of excellence. Embrace the opportunity to secure your place in history and to support our school's ongoing success.
The Jaoudeh Family
The Qu-Tang Family
The Walker Family
R. Joe Bruce and Lori Lynn Bruce
Anonymous Donor:
Supporting Exceptional Faculty
Anonymous Donor:
Supporting Technology
If you or your business is interested in being a Founders Club member, please contact Amy Maas, Development Officer.
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The Summit is an amazing community, and we have an abundance of opportunities to get to know other parents through volunteering. We have numerous school events throughout the year and in order to make these events happen, we need your help!
Sign up using the link below to volunteer at The Summit this year!
Questions? Contact Amy Maas, Development Officer.
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RaiseRight helps nonprofit organizations and their members raise money with gift cards as an effortless part of their everyday lives. Unlike paying with cash or credit cards, every time participants purchase or reload their favorite brand gift cards from RaiseRight, they earn real money that goes directly toward their designated organization. It’s that simple!
Contact Tara Anderson-Arft, Summit Parent and Raise Right Coordinator, to get set up and start earning rebates today!
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Walmart believes that small actions lead to big impact, and Spark Good can be the force multiplier. Customers shopping on Walmart.com or in the Walmart app can now round up their totals at the point of purchase to the nearest dollar and have the change donated to a charity they choose. It’s super easy!
When a Walmart customer shops on a mobile phone or computer, they will be prompted to choose a charity to donate their rounded up change. We would love for you to choose The Summit Preparatory School to receive these donations every time you shop on Walmart.com.
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Education provides the foundation for strong, sustaining communities by preparing children for a bright future, creating a skilled workforce, and connecting families and children. That's why Casey's Rewards guest loyalty program includes an easy, ongoing option to earn points from everyday purchases in stores that can be directed toward a local school donation of choice, including The Summit Preparatory School!
You can join Casey's Rewards by signing into your current Casey's account or by creating an account (link below). For every $1.00 spent, you earn 10 points. When 250 points have been accumulated, you can redeem them for rewards at Casey's or have the money donated to your school of choice.
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