Preparing for a Momentous Year in ELA-8

I sincerely hope that you have all enjoyed your summer and been able to rest and spend quality time with your children. While it has been filled with an abundance of rain and plenty of humidity, I am optimistic that there has been much laughter and playfulness in your homes to go along with it. This time spent together will strengthen your relationship with your children, which positively impacts their emotional, mental, and physical well-being.

As busy as things have been on campus, it is too quiet with the students not here, so we are thrilled that the new school year is approaching quickly! Below are details about our two events next week designed to help us all get ready for a momentous year with ELA-8 on one campus.

“New to You” Orientation will take place Tuesday, Aug. 13, at 5:30 p.m. in Thatcher Hall.  All families of new students are invited to attend. We will begin in the Johnson Assembly Hall (cafeteria) with cookies and lemonade as we introduce the Leadership Team and discuss pertinent information and procedures to help the school year begin smoothly. We will then break into groups for a tour of our ELA-8 campus, where you will be able to see all of the classrooms and offices as well as the faculty and staff in their respective areas. Please bring any questions you have and we will do our best to answer them!

ELA-8 Orientation for New and Returning Students will be held in the Huffman Athletic Center’s Van Es Arena on Thursday, Aug. 15, at 5:30 p.m. We will introduce all of the staff working with students in grades ELA-8 and hear from a variety of faculty and parents with vital information about the upcoming school year, such as arrival and dismissal procedures, Tiger PRIDE and admissions. At 6:15 p.m., we will transition to the ELA-8 campus for students and parents to see their classrooms and meet their individual teachers. The night will end with an ice cream celebration in the Johnson Assembly Hall (cafeteria). Please note: There will be no parking at Thatcher Hall. Please plan to park across the street at the baseball field or at the Huffman Athletic Center. Accommodations can be made for those who cannot make this walk.

We anticipate a wonderful school year here at Darlington! As with any changes, there may be some small complications along the way, but I feel confident that, as we work together, we will have an exceedingly successful year!