From the Desk of the Lower School Director - 1

Welcome back to another exciting school year! I hope you and your families had an enjoyable and relaxing summer. The teachers and staff have done a terrific job in getting the school ready for the first day. There is a new location for our Learning Center, under the direction of Marla Lee and staffed by Renee Hutchins. The Learning Center is located in the Primary courtyard – please look for the signs.

Darlington School’s newly adopted mission statement aims "to empower students to learn with passion, act with integrity, and serve with respect.” Throughout the school year, there will be many references, examples, and discussions that will relate to passion, integrity, and respect.

Please join me in welcoming our new faculty and staff: Sunny Cox, teaching assistant in pre-K; Byron Dacy, teaching assistant in kindergarten working with Mrs. Montgomery; Ashley Henry, music teacher; and Steve McConnell, third-grade teacher. Rebekah Montgomery is not new to the Lower School, but has assumed a new position as kindergarten teacher working along with Janice Cox. 

On Monday, Aug. 16, our students will attend Opening Convocation in the Huffman Center on the main campus at 9 a.m. Parents are cordially invited to attend. The program will last approximately 30 minutes. Our students will be bused from the Lower School at 8:20 a.m. 

A very important event for parents to attend is our Back to School Night on Tuesday, Aug. 24 at 7 p.m. in Tiger Hall. (Tiger Hall is air-conditioned!) This parents-only evening is an opportunity to meet with your child’s classroom teacher in a formal setting to review the curriculum, classroom procedures and grade-level expectations. You will also have an opportunity to ask specific questions about the program.

Tiger Pride is looking for “a few good volunteers” to assist with the many activities and events throughout the school year. This is an excellent way to help the school and your child and to get to know other families. Sign-up sheets are located in the foyer of Thornwood; please stop by and sign up for a committee. 

Our first fundraiser sponsored by Tiger Pride kicks off on Friday, Aug. 13. Sally Foster gift wrap will be sold through Sept. 10. This year, once the orders are placed, they will be mailed directly to your home. You may also participate by ordering gift wrap and items online at www.sallyfoster.com. Please use the following school code when ordering: 931094. Friends and family members who live out of town can participate. We receive credit when participants use our school code. Online purchases can be made through the spring on behalf of the Lower School as well. Items are changed seasonally. We appreciate your support in our fundraising efforts.