Lower School: 'The Most Wonderful Time of the Year'

The “Most Wonderful Time of the Year” is upon us! As shopping lists are lengthened and menus are made, I encourage each of you to slow down and listen to the Christmas carols that are being played. Remember the “reason for the season” and keep those dear to you close in your heart. While Santa Claus is a strong motivator for children, let’s work together to instill these values throughout the coming year. Time, thoughtfulness and generosity for others are truly the illustration of love. December is a hectic month, and, as always, we look forward to the many opportunities for our school community to come together in partnership.

The Scholastic Book Fair is being held in our Lower School Library Annex during the week of December 3. Join us on Tuesday for Family Night from 5-8 p.m. Thank you, Stacy Albers, for heading up this event.

Wednesday, December 5 will be a late-start day due to a Full Faculty Meeting.

Darlington’s annual Christmas camp, Cool Yule, will be held on Saturday, December 8 from 9-3. The price is $75, and it includes a hot lunch, snack and a long-sleeved T-shirt. Children will participate in songs of the season, wild reindeer games, Christmas stories and activities, cooking, movies and gift making. Please email Shari Cannon at summer@darlingtonschool.org or call Wendy Payne at 706-291-2522 for more information. Pre-registration is required.

Join us for a Christmas luncheon on Monday, December 10. In the spirit of the holidays, we would like to invite families to join their child for lunch on this day. Reservations and payment are due by Tuesday, December 4; parents need to communicate with the classroom teachers to ensure that we have enough food and seating for all of the guests. The amended lunch schedule will be posted on the Announcement page of our website later this week.

The Angel Tree Project, to provide for families who may not be able to celebrate Christmas, is currently underway and is located in Tiger Hall. If you would like to participate, you may select an “angel” from the Christmas tree or send a note to your child’s teacher to allow your child to choose one during the school day. Please remember to write down the number of the angel, along with your name and phone number on the sheet beside the tree. Each angel has a description of what the family would like to receive, along with the gender and ages of the children. All gifts should be wrapped, labeled with the angel’s number and returned to Thornwood parlor by Monday, December 10. Please call Holly Shadday if you have any questions.

Grades PK-4 will present “Our Favorite Things” musical in the gym on Wednesday, December 12 at 2 p.m.  Please refer to Ms. Henry’s letter concerning your child’s attire. Families are invited to join us for this Lower School performance. This event is a wonderful time to come together as a group and foster the holiday spirit before we dismiss for the break.

The enrichment teachers are planning a magnificent “Christmas Around the World” experience for all of our students on Thursday, December 13. We are excited about the collaboration and creative energy involved in the designing of these festivities. Students will learn about five different countries, along with the customs and traditions of their Christmas celebrations. This learning experience will engage students in understanding and celebrating differences around the world.

Report cards will be distributed on Thursday, December 13.

The Lower School will dismiss at 11:45 a.m. on Thursday, December 13. Extended Day will be available until 5:45 p.m. to those needing childcare after dismissal. 

As you are cooking over the holiday break, please look for Box Tops on your packages and Kroger coupon receipts. At the October turn-in, Darlington’s Lower School earned over $500! Save as many squares as you can for the February due date and stay tuned for the class competition rules!

School will resume on Tuesday, January 8, 2013. Happy New Year!

We wish you all the most wonderful of holidays with safe travels and time with family!