SPCS Connector - May 16, 2008

Next Week’s Bible Verse

Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:4

Office Information

Throughout the summer, the voice mail at the school (534-2929) will be activated and monitored. If you should need to reach the office personnel, please leave a message. Your call will be returned as soon as possible. The office staff will return on July 21.

Dear Parents/Guardians,

SPCS is coming to the close of another worthwhile and exciting school year. In retrospect, we realize the progress our students have made and are encouraged by their many accomplishments. At the same time, we look forward to continuing with your child (ren)’s education and making a smooth transition into the 2008-2009 school year—it should be an exciting one as we add grades 7 and 8 to complete our middle school. Next year, we will offer pre-school (2’s – pre-K), (K-5th), and 6th-8th grade.

We have appreciated the opportunity to partner with you to provide meaningful educational experiences for your child (ren). Thank you for supporting homework responsibilities, volunteering in the classroom and for special activities, serving on committees, and participating in the many programs sponsored by SPCS. Research establishes that: “parent engagement has a positive impact on student’s academic achievement, behavior in school, and attitudes about school and work.” Let us continue to work hand-in hand to achieve educational and spiritual goals that help each child reach his/her potential.

To kick off the 2008-2009 school year, we encourage you to attend Kindergarten and Elementary Parent Orientation on August 7, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. in the Southport Presbyterian Worship Center. At that time there will be a brief meeting followed by visitation to the classrooms. Parents/guardians of band students may pick up band instruments at the close of the evening from Mrs. Knierman.

As we bring to a close the 2007-2008 School-year, we welcome all the new families to SPCS! We hope to make your adjustment to SPCS as smooth as possible. Please feel free to call the office with any questions you might have. Throughout the summer the voice mail at the school (534-2929) will be activated and monitored. If you should need to reach the office personnel, please leave a message. Your call will be returned as soon as possible.

We are saddened to say “Good-bye” to Mrs. Bridget Duggleby who has moved to New Castle, Indiana. Replacing her next year at 3rd grade is Mrs. Jennifer Johnson. We also will miss Mrs. Tammy Lake who has accepted a position in another school for next year. Replacing her in 5th grade will be Mrs. Tiffany Ludlow.

Notification of teacher and room assignments will be posted in the hallway outside the SPCS office on August 7.

What a pleasure it has been to serve as your principal for these past 18 months. I have learned a lot and have become so impressed with SPCS—the STAFF, STUDENTS, PROGRAMS, PARENTS and its wonderful CURRICULUM are really outstanding. You have much in which to be proud. We have accomplished a lot together—new REPORT CARDS, and a NEW MIDDLE SCHOOL (Grades 7 & 8) to offer parents a CHRISTIAN alternative (where few exist) for the tumultuous middle school years. I have been asked to stay on for “a while” to assist Ms. Susan Manning (the new principal) and also to oversee the beginning of the Middle School. I consider my time here a “gift from God” and will cherish the memories.
Steve McGee

No Lunch Served on Wednesday, May 21

On Wednesday, May 21, each student should bring their own complete lunch. No items (including milk) will be served.

Field Day Information

Parents, please remember that Monday, May 19, is Field Day for third through sixth grades and Tuesday, May 20, for first and second grades. If the weather permits, we will be outside. Please make sure your child comes ready to participate. Old clothes and comfortable tennis shoes are strongly encouraged!

SPCS Preschool Field Day

Thank you to our wonderful co-chairmen, Julia R. and Julie S., who planned an outstanding day of outdoor games and activities for our preschoolers. We would also like to thank our parent volunteers. Each of you helped to make this a MOST SUCCESSFUL event.

Supply Lists

Supply lists will be posted on the SPCS website, (www.southportpresbyterianchristianschool.org), under Handbook, Calendar & Policies. Please note that each grade level has the same list regardless of the teacher.

Book Fees Past Due

Kindergarten material fee and Elementary book fees were due May 1. Please send payment to the school office as soon as possible.

Financial Information

Financial obligations – All financial obligations (tuition, lunch, library fees, extended day, etc.) must be paid in full by school year end for records (report cards, student records, etc.) to be released. If your account needs to be discussed, please call the school office at 534-2929.

Coupon Payment Books – Attention: Returning SPCS families - 2008-2009 coupon packets went home with students this week. Look for a white envelope in your child’s tote bag or backpack. If you have any questions, contact the school office at 534-2929. The first tuition payment is due June 1. The material/book fee was due May 1 for kindergarten and elementary.

Elementary lunch accounts – The last lunch notice will go home on Tuesday, May 20. On Tuesday, May 21, each student should bring their own complete lunch. No items (including milk) will be served. This will allow us to close our lunch accounts on May 20. If money is in your child’s account at year-end, it will be credited to next year.

Medicine

Just a reminder that if your child has medicine in the school office, it should be picked up by the end of the day on May 21.

Market Day Update

Thank you to all those who supported Market Day this year. It takes a lot of people to make a Market Day program successful. Whether you placed orders, shared your order sheets with others, helped with pick-ups, or made reminder calls, your support of this program has been greatly needed and appreciated! Together we raised over $3,270.05 for our school. A special thank you to Donna Price, our “friendly customer service cashier”, for her commitment each month! Market Day will return to SPCS in September. For those of you who wish to order Market Day over the summer, you can go to www.marketday.com to find the closest pick-up location. Please note that the profit from these sales will not benefit SPCS. Thanks, again, for a great year! Have a wonderful summer!

Box Tops Update

Thanks to everyone who sent in Box Tops for the 2007 – 2008 school year. This year we raised $1,358.31 for SPCS. The money has been used to buy new equipment for indoor and outdoor recess and other supplies and equipment.

Even though the school year is coming to an end, you can continue to make a difference for SPCS all summer long. Continue to clip and collect Box Tops from hundreds of participating products. Box Tops are worth 10¢ each when our school redeems them from Box Tops for Education.

Thank you for helping to earn more cash for SPCS through the Box Tops for Education Program.

School Board Soundings – May 13th meeting

•Our meeting opened in prayer.

•The staff greatly appreciated the activities planned for them during Teacher Appreciation Week.

•One hundred and sixty parent and grandparent volunteers attended the Volunteer Appreciation Tea.

•The preschool classes enjoyed a visit from the police department who brought a helicopter, mounted patrol, canine, motorcycle and bike patrol and a robot!

•Many year-end activities have taken place for the Preschool including 2’s Teddy Bear parade and picnic, Pre-K Mother’s Day breakfast and an outdoor Field Day.

•We wish Amber Erny well as she will be attending Asbury College in the Fall. Julia Roe will be replacing her as the assistant for Young 4’s.

•Preschool enrollment for 08-09 is currently at 153 with 192 being the capacity.

•K-8 enrollment for 08-09 is currently at 210.

•We reviewed the curriculum and schedule of classes for the 7th and 8th grades. We discussed staff responsibilities and logistical issues.

•Jennifer Johnson will replace Bridget Duggleby (3rd grade) and Tiffany Ludlow will replace Tammy Lake (5th grade).

•The Board discussed the impact that 7th and 8th grades will have on our “specials” teachers.

•The final Accelerated Reader assembly was held last Friday.

•Ten Presidential Academic Awards will be presented to our 6th graders.

•Students will participate in final International Day activities on Friday, May 16th.

•6th graders will be recognized at SPC’s 9:30 a.m. service on May 18th and will have a dinner on May 20th.

•Field Days will be on May 19th (3rd-6th grades), & May 20 (1st & 2nd grades).

•May 21 is our last day of school and a final teacher in-service will be on May 22nd.

•Portable units to accommodate 7th & 8th grades will be located on the south side of the building. Exact location is pending resolution of several issues.

•The Board reviewed financial statements.

•Our meeting closed in prayer.

2008-2009 (Next Year’s) School Calendar

August 7, 2008 - K & Elementary Parent Orientation – 7:00 p.m.
August 11 - First day for K & Elementary – Full Day
August 14 - Pre-K & Preschool Orientation – 7:00 p.m.
September 1 - Labor Day – No School
October 23 & 24 - Fall Break – No School
November 27 & 28 - Thanksgiving Holiday – No School
December 19 - Last day before Christmas Break – Full Day

January 5, 2009 - School resumes
January 19 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday – No School – Snow make-up day, if needed
February 16 - Presidents’ Day – No School – Snow make-up day, if needed
March 27 - Last day before Spring Break
April 6 - School resumes
April 10 - Good Friday – No School
May 20 - Last day of school for K & Elementary – Full Day

(Additional snow make-up days will be added after May 20th, if needed.)

Important Phone Information

Main SPCS number 534-2929
Line to report absences 534-2939

The main SPCS number will be on “night mode” from 4:00 p.m. until the following 8:00 a.m. If you call 534-2929 during that time, your message will go directly to voice mail and will be monitored by a secretary the following morning.

2007-2008 School Calendar

March 21 - Good Friday – No School

March 28 - Last day before Spring Break

April 7 - School reconvenes after Spring Break

May 21 - Last day of school for K & Elementary – Full Day

Additional snow make-up days will be added after May 21st, if needed.
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A more detailed school calendar will appear in the SPCS Parent Handbook.

Teacher's Articles: May 16, 2008