Thankful for our School Community

We have had another full month of exciting events. The cold weather has moved in quickly, but we are so fortunate to not be in the path of the storms taking place right now. Let’s remember those families and towns affected as we shift in to November and focus on being thankful. Thanksgiving is right around the corner and we hope that you will join us on campus for our many events.

Over the past month, many third, fourth, and fifth graders had the opportunity to race in the Berry Pumpkin Run. Theresa Dulaney and Beth Smith coached the team, with many top 20 finishers in each grade. We held a thrilling presidential debate between representatives from our eighth grade class, with fourth graders serving as the undecided voters. Third and fourth grade students have worked hard on slogans, jingles, values and platforms for each of the candidates. See the calendar of events below to find out the next stage of our election. Thank you for the support of our Run with PRIDE 5K, 10K and fun run. We had around 200 participants, with generous sponsors, beautiful weather and a lot of fun! Finally the Halloween parade and singing this morning was an enjoyable way to start this holiday. The children were entertaining in their creative costumes as they paraded around the gym and sang a medley of songs.

Cold Weather Reminders

·     Unfortunately during this time of year, many children suffer from allergies, colds and/or the flu. We are working hard to keep the classroom environment clean and as germ-free as possible. Therefore, if a child is running a 99.5-degree fever or showing other signs of illness, including an unexplained rash or vomiting in the 24-hour period, please let that student recover at home for at least 24 hours after the illness.

·     As the weather has grown colder, please remember our dress code specifications. There are regulation sweaters, sweatshirts and coats that can be purchased at Buckhead Uniforms. Heavier outerwear may be worn to school, but has to be hung up outside of the classroom. Hooded sweatshirts are not allowed.

·     Please refer to the PK-8 Handbook on the Darlington website for more detailed information. 

We are currently celebrating National Red Ribbon Week at the Lower School with the motto, “The Best Me is Drug Free,” which includes discussions about peer pressure, alcohol and drugs. Research shows that it is never too early to talk to our children about these topics because they need to know how to deal with tough situations and make decisions before they are faced with them on their own. In the Lower School, teachers are talking to their classes about recognizing dangers and letting them know what to do when they feel unsafe. Bebe Zazzaro, our school counselor, is reading books to students and discussing the importance of not taking any medications without parents’ permission. They will hear it is okay to say no to adults and kids when they are asking them to do something that feels unsafe. On Friday we are going to have a Tiger Day and ask all children to wear red in support of this special week. We will pass out armbands, which will serve as a reminder that our kids and staff are committed to doing their best everyday and to live a life that is drug free.

Students will be voting in our Thornwood Precinct on November 6. The transformation of the gym and the use of iPads will allow all Lower School students to cast their vote for the character that they feel is best suited for the job. The platforms, slogans, “TV ads,” and posters are being distributed to help voters pick the finest candidate. At 2 p.m. that afternoon, we will announce the winner, listen to third graders recite the Gettysburg Address, say the pledge, sing patriotic songs and participate in a host of other patriotic activities. Thank you to the creativity of Steve McConnell and Ann Glass, along with the support of Alice Clements, Jennifer Moore, Ashley Evans, Ashley Henry, Rebekah Kinney and Kim Price.

The Darlington Lower School Warm Clothing Drive will be the week of November 5th. This is a great way for all of us to give back to our community, and we would love for the students to play a more active role in the service project this year. We encourage everyone to look through closets and contribute any type of warm clothing—new or used—for children or adults. There will be containers at the school for everyone to drop off items all week. As in the past, the clothing that we collect will be donated to McHenry Primary School to help children and families in need. Thank you to Kimberly Moseley for organizing this effort.

Information about our Thanksgiving Feast, which will take place on November 13, will be sent home tomorrow. Reservations and payment are required and due by Tuesday, November 6. Parents need to communicate with their classroom teachers to ensure that we have enough food and seating for all of the guests. We hope that you will all join us as we demonstrate our thankfulness for family, friends and our school community.

Wednesday, November 7 will be a late start day due to a Full Faculty Meeting.

Tiger Pride is hosting our Fall Festival on November 9. Students will be allowed to wear Tiger Day clothes. We will come together in the gym around 2:15 p.m. to gather the warm clothes and celebrate the culmination of this service project. We will then have a Pep Rally led by the J.V. football players and cheerleaders. The festival will take place after school from 3-5 p.m. Students will be required to be checked out by an adult at school dismissal to partake in the activities, which will include games, a hayride, food, and a cake walk. There will be no charge for this event.

November 16, the day we dismiss for Thanksgiving Break, is a full day of school.

Thanksgiving Break will begin on November 17 and continue through November 26. School will resume on the November 27. 

Caldecott-honored author/illustrator Brian Pinkney will be visiting on Thursday, November 29. Book orders for autographing are due this Friday, November 2. He will share experiences from his career as an illustrator and author, play the drums, and inspire the students to follow their passions.

We encourage you to check the Web site daily for calendar events and announcements. An easy way to do this is to bookmark or set as your home page the Lower School Announcements: https://www.darlingtonschool.org/lstoday. (also accessible by going to Today > Home > Lower School on our Web site). iPhone and iPad users can also open this page in Safari, click the send to icon (an arrow coming out of a box), and choose to “Add to Home Screen”. This will add an icon to your home screen as a visual reminder and so that the page can be accessed with one click.