From the Desk of the Lower School Director - 31

This week, our second grade students are taking their annual achievement test (CTP4 – Comprehensive Testing Program). What is different this year is that all of the classes are taking the test in the Computer Lab!

Each week, for the next four weeks, grades 1-4 will be taking the test. The results for each grade will be sent home at the end of the week. Please look for the packet on Friday of the testing week which will contain
the results, a letter from me, and a pamphlet that will help answer questions you may have about the test and the results. The testing will conclude the week of May 2.

The CTP4 has been administered by independent and high-achieving public schools for the past 30 years. It is a rigorous assessment of student achievement in reading, listening, vocabulary, writing, mathematics, verbal and quantitative reasoning. Test scores are about student learning and not teaching to the test. Darlington School prides itself on teaching students and the curriculum. There are three things parents can do to help prepare their child for testing: have a good night’s sleep, eat a good breakfast, and be on time for school.

Friday, April 15, is our annual Grand Special Day and Spring Concert. The grandparents and special friends may arrive at 8 a.m. and report to the Welcome and Hospitality Center located in Tiger Hall. From 8:30 until
9:15 a.m., the guests will visit the classrooms. The teachers will dismiss their guests at 9:15 a.m. so they can get a good seat for the Spring Concert, which will start at 9:30 a.m. After the concert, our guests will be
treated to refreshments served in three locations.

Our theme this year is “Anything and Everything Disney.” A letter was e-mailed to all of our families explaining what the children will wear to this event. PK through fourth-grade students may wear any headgear and T-shirts that are Disney-related with khaki bottoms. If students do not have any of the above-mentioned items, a bright or pastel solid-colored shirt or tee (no picture or writing on the T-shirt) may be worn with khaki bottoms. PK through second-grade students are encouraged to wear a Disney character costume (something the student already owns – it’s
not necessary to purchase one).

This week, our fourth-grade students are participating in a social science fair with St. Mary’s Catholic School. Both schools will visit with each other and present their biographical projects related to Georgia and U.S. history. Special thanks to Flo Anthony and Rebekah Kinney for preparing for the presentations.

Several faculty members, including Ashley Henry, and students will be performing through April 17 at the DeSoto Theater in a production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." Ticket information is
available at www.romelittletheater.com.

Friday is an Early Dismissal Day for Darlington's Lower School only so the children can enjoy the afternoon with their grandparents and special friends. Extended Day is available starting at 11:45 a.m. Please let the office know by Tuesday if your child will be participating.

Now that the warmer weather is here, the relaxed dress day attire is purple knit shirts and khakis.