Elementary Newsletter from Mrs. Putnal-August 18th, 2016

Lower School Newsletter from Wade Putnal
August 18th, 2016

Welcome Back!  It’s wonderful to have all the children back in school. The hallways are bustling with smiles, voices, and laughter! It’s also wonderful to have 68 new lower school friends joining us at FPD. We have so much to be grateful for and appreciate the opportunity to partner with you. Know that my door is always open and let us know how we can help you. Looking forward to a great year. Thank you for your prayers and support!

NOT ON THE LUNCH PLAN?  Your child can still eat in the lunchroom on any day:
Cost?  $7 (Your account will be charged $7 per lunch)
Payment?  All lunch charges are now streamed through your FPD billing account
How?  On the day you wish to purchase lunch, parents or students should send a note to the Elementary office or email: carrie.rogers@fpdmacon.org
(Visitors are still welcome for lunch and may pay with cash or check if needed)


Lower School Open House for all classes 3k-5th grade is Monday, August 29th - 6:30pm. Please go directly to your child’s classroom. If you have more than one child in the lower school, it may be best if parents split and go to different classrooms. If you need to meet other teachers, please do so at the end. 1st-5th teachers will be sharing important information, expectations, and this is a great time to get your questions answered. 3K-Kindergarten parents may visit classrooms to see what your child has been doing so far this year. Open House meeting is for parents only, please.

“Coffee & Conversation for New Parents”- Join other FPD moms on Friday, Aug. 26th, 8:30-9:30 am in the Clark Fine Arts Lobby to learn about our Viking Parent Association (VPA) and all the ways you can be “ALL IN” this year at FPD!

VIKING FOOTBALL advance tickets are now available for our big game next Saturday, Aug. 27th vs Howard High School at Five Star Stadium, Mercer University. Kickoff is 7:30pm. Advance tickets are $7 and on sale through next Thursday the 25th at noon. Get your tickets at the Viking Store. We will have a “RED OUT” that night – Go Vikings! Let’s WIN at Mercer!
Fall Classes: Check out all the great offerings for children and adults through our FPD Center for Discovery! Gymnastics, soccer, volleyball, chess, robotics, music, ballet, crafts, Crazy 8s Math – and many more! View brochure and register online, at www.fpdmacon.org/center-for-discovery. Invite a friend to sign up with you!

BOX TOPS !! Don’t forget to send in your Box Tops which earn money for our school! Collection boxes are located in the Elementary Office and the High School office.

5th Grade Parents: An info meeting for the Washington, D.C. trip for those families who are NOT yet SIGNED UP is 6:00 pm Monday, Aug. 29th in the HS Lecture Hall, right before Open House. This is a repeat meeting of the “early-bird” meeting held last spring for those who didn’t attend or haven’t yet signed up for the trip.

Morning Carpool Reminders - Please have your children sit in the BACK SEAT on the RIGHT (passenger side) for easy assistance in getting out. Attach carpool card on the right visor to flip down so it can be seen. Class begins at 8:15am. Thank you for having your children to school on time. Remember, you’re always welcome to park in the upper soccer parking lot and walk to the carpool area to pick up your child, but we encourage you to use the easy drop-off and pick-up in the elementary and kindergarten carpool areas. We’re off to a great start!

Late Start Wednesdays – (3K-12th) – School day begins at 8:50 am every Wednesday unless noted on the red FPD calendar. Please use carpool areas to drop off your children on these days. If students arrive early, they will go to designated classrooms. Students should bring a book in their book-bag to read each Wednesday. Electronics are not allowed during this time, except for book readers.

What’s new in the Library? It’s almost BIRTHDAY BOOK CLUB time! A yellow flyer is coming home in signed papers soon that explains how you may participate. Mrs. Darnell has more than 300 new books to choose from and hopes you’ll stop by the Media Center during Open House, August 29th. What a treat for the children!

Technology Tidbit: It’s a new school year, so it’s a great time to review your family’s plan for safe technology usage. As always, we encourage you to monitor your child’s screen time, and balance it with lots of outside time and quiet reading times. 

Our first Lower School Chapel is Tuesday, Sept. 6th from 12:05-12:25pm. Parents are always welcome to come join us in the Clark Fine Arts Center as we worship together and hear a wonderful message from our school Chaplain, Dr. Charley Chase.

News from the Science Lab: We are in need of small jars – such as baby food jars, pimentos, etc. Please send to the office or to Mrs. Clausen in the lab. Thanks!

Did you know??? Friends of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Georgia donated aluminum can “pull tabs” (over 16 million tabs!!) raising nearly $10,000 for local families in need last year. Our FPD students helped, and we want to continue this year. Please send pull tabs in a Ziploc bag to the office or to Mrs. Clausen in the Science Lab. Thanks so much!

The Viking Store is glad you’re back! We’re open M-F, 7:45 am-3:30 pm, located near the cafeteria in the MAC lobby. We have school supplies, uniform-approved outerwear, gifts, Viking Bucks cards, snacks, FPD room decorations and Spirit Day t-shirts, and Lands’ End short-sleeve polo shirts in stock. We carry used uniforms for $10 or less until August 24. Please see order form in today’s signed papers to order t-shirts or football jersey by August 26th. Other t-shirt designs can be viewed on our Facebook page at FPD –The Viking Store. Questions? Contact Renita at renita.eversole@fpdmacon.org or 477-6300 x 177.


DON’T FORGET:
• Read aloud to your child daily 
• Please complete your blue VPA (Viking Parent Ambassadors) Form. Copies available in the Elementary or High School offices. Thank you for volunteering! 
• Labor Day Holiday – Monday, Sept. 5th – no school/offices closed
• New Family Dinner at football game, Friday, Sept. 9th
• Elementary School pictures, Thursday, Sept. 15th
• Elementary Play, “Pied Piper of Hamelin,” features 3rd-5th grade, Sept. 27-29

Elementary News

Lower School Newsletter from Wade Putnal

May 19, 2016

Our mission at First Presbyterian Day School is to educate and equip students to change the world for God’s glory

Elementary Dress Down Day FRIDAY for our Backpack Ministry. $1, shorts/spirit top (non-athletic shorts, please ☺)

Last-week-of-school elementary dress code: (May be different from Middle/High School)

• May 23 & 24: FPD spirit top and shorts (no athletic shorts; no short-shorts)
• May 25: Favorite T-shirt, shorts, & flip-flops (no athletic shorts; no short-shorts)

Our Elementary Honors Assembly (1st-5th grades) is Monday, May 23rd, at 1:30 pm in the Clark Fine Arts Center. (If your child is receiving a special award, you have been notified.)

“Last Day of School” celebration is WEDNESDAY, May 25th at 10:15 am in the Clark Fine Arts Auditorium. Students may wear a favorite T-shirt, shorts (non-athletic) and flip flops. Early dismissal at 11:45 for 3K, PreK, and K; 12:00 for elementary. No lunch served.

THANK YOU! A big round of applause for our Field Day 2016 co-chairs Lauren Cheek and Mary Huffstetler! Also, special thanks to all the parents who helped make this a great day.

FPD’s uniform consignment sale is May 23rd – 24th in the MAC. You may buy and sell new and/or gently-used FPD uniform items, any item purchased in The Viking Store, and other school-related items. Email renita.eversole@fpdmacon.org with questions.

DROP OFF DAYS:

Thurs - Friday, May 19th-20th, 8am-4pm

SALE DAYS:

Mon, May 23rd- Full price – 8am-6pm
Tues, May 24th- Half price – 8am-6pm

PICKUP: Wed, May 25th - 8a-noon

THE VIKING STORE is open Wednesdays this summer from 10a-2p. Come shop while your Viking takes their AR test! Specials: $10 t-shirts, outerwear 20-50% off, and more. We also have short-sleeved Lands’ End polo’s. Check us out before ordering online.

CHECK OUT our SUMMER CAMPS online! Students can explore, play, discover, learn, and create this summer. Classes include sports, crafts, pets, baking, music, Harry Potter - something for everyone! Bring your friends, neighbors, and cousins! For info and registration, visit: www.fpdmacon.org/summercamps/ or email: elizabeth.leslein@fpdmacon.org

SUMMER READING LIST: The list for all grades (3K-5th) is posted on the FPD website: www.fpdmacon.org; Click “FPD Community,” then “Parent Links.” Reading is one of the very best things students can do to grow academically. At FPD, we want students to read daily, enjoy reading, and make reading a great habit! Take time to read aloud to your child and have them read aloud to you also. Building and practicing this habit now will last a lifetime! Summer reading assignments in 1st – 5th grades are required. Students will be held accountable for completing these. Thank you for helping us help your child grow to be a strong reader!

*** COMING UP ***

• May 21st - FPD Graduation at Ingleside Baptist Church, 12:00 noon
• May 23rd - Elementary Honors Program, 1:30 pm, Clark Fine Arts auditorium.
• May 24th – 5th Grade Graduation, 7 pm, Clark Fine Arts auditorium
• May 25th - NO LATE START – LAST DAY OF SCHOOL – Half day/early dismissal at 11:45; Year-end celebration at 10:15 am; no lunch served

Summer Blessings…

It’s hard to believe this school year is coming to a close. The children have grown in so many ways – academically, socially, and spiritually. May summer bring rest and time for rejuvenation.

Please encourage your children to read!! Find things they enjoy reading – and also read aloud to them. You are never too old to listen while someone reads aloud to you, and you can never read too much! Provide plenty of time for them to read aloud to you, as well.

Thank you for entrusting your precious blessings to FPD. Our prayers are with you all for a strong, successful ending to this school year; for safe summer travel; and for sweet times to make memories together! We will miss those who are moving to other places. Prayers will be with you, and come back to see us soon!

All is grace,

Wade Putnal

Counselor's Corner

Susan Causey's newsletter "No Excuses, Please!" has been posted. Click on the link for May 12, 2016 under "Counselor's Corner".

Elementary News

Lower School Newsletter from Wade Putnal

May 5th, 2016

Our mission at First Presbyterian Day School is to educate and equip students to change the world for God’s glory.

Our final Lower School Chapel services are Tuesday, May 10th, 12:05-12:25pm led by 3K, PreK, and K classes; and Monday, May 23rd, our Elementary Honors Assembly (1st-5th grades) at 1:30 pm in the Clark Fine Arts Center. (If your child is receiving a special award, you will be notified by email by the end of the day Monday, May 9th.)

ELEMENTARY (1st - 5th grade) FIELD DAY - Friday, May 13th 9:15 to 12 noon, on the lower practice field, behind tennis courts. Half-day early dismissal for 1st-5th grades. (3K, Pre-K, K students regular school hours, 8:15-3pm.) Don’t forget your sunscreen!!

Class Colors - 1st: ORANGE  2nd: YELLOW  3rd: GREEN  4th: BLUE  5th: “Black Out”/Tie-dye

Last week of school elementary dress code: (May be different from Middle/High School)

• May 23 & 24: FPD spirit top and shorts (no athletic shorts; no short-shorts)
• May 25: Favorite T-shirt, shorts, & flip-flops (no athletic shorts; no short-shorts)

Elementary Dress Down Day is Friday, May 20th – Students may bring $1 and wear spirit tops and jeans/jean shorts. Donations benefit our Backpack Ministry.

News from The Viking Store: Time is running out to shop this school year! Our SALE continues: $10 t-shirt clearance; long sleeve t-shirts 20% off; outerwear 20% off. Check us out for graduation gifts and t-shirts for summer fun. Open 7:45am to 3:30pm.

CHECK OUT our SUMMER CAMP brochure online! Through FPD’s Center for Discovery, students can explore, play, discover, learn, and create this summer. Classes include sports, crafts, pets, baking, music, Harry Potter - there is something for every student! Bring your friends, neighbors, and cousins! For info and registration, visit: www.fpdmacon.org/summercamps/ or email: elizabeth.leslein@fpdmacon.org

LIBRARY NEWS: All books are due and fines should be paid. Lost books can be paid for, and if found this summer and returned in August, a refund will be given. Thanks!

THANK YOU to all who participated in our “Jump Rope for Heart” program. Our school’s total donations were more than $3,000 to the American Heart Association. Third grader Ella Lee was our top participant! Way to go, Vikings!

FPD’s uniform consignment sale is May 23rd – 24th in the MAC. You may buy and sell new and/or gently-used FPD uniform items, any item purchased in The Viking Store, and other school-related items. Email renita.eversole@fpdmacon.org with questions.

DROP OFF DAYS:

Mon - Wed, May 16th-18th, 8am-6pm

Thurs - Friday, May 19th-20th, 8am-4pm

SALE DAYS:

Mon, May 23rd- Full price – 8am-6pm
Tues, May 24th- Half price – 8am-6pm

PICKUP: Wed, May 25th - 8am-noon

*** COMING UP ***

• Elementary Field Day (1st–5th grades) – May 13th – 9:15-noon
• May 17th – Athletic physicals for MS and HS sports, 5:30-7:30
• May 21st - FPD Graduation at Ingleside Baptist Church, 12:00 noon
• May 23rd - Elementary Honors Program, 1:30 pm, Clark Fine Arts auditorium. If your child is receiving a special award, you will be notified by e-mail. All are welcome!
• May 24th – 5th Grade Graduation, 7 pm, Clark Fine Arts auditorium
• May 25th - NO LATE START – LAST DAY OF SCHOOL – Half day/early dismissal at 11:45; Year-end celebration at 10:15 am; no lunch served