NewsPre-K to 8
They all scream for ice cream in Lower School
Sep 3, 2002 8:00 AM
By Stefan Eady - Faculty
The annual Ice Cream Social for new Lower School families, held on Aug. 13, was once again a hit even with returning parents. “We almost didn’t go this year, because Abby is our third child to attend Darlington,” Chris Cantrell, who also has a first grader, Anna, and a seventh grader, Ben. “But we didn’t want to deny her the opportunity that the others had enjoyed. And, once again, it was a fun time. Abby got a feel for the environment she was entering and had a chance to meet her teacher in a comfortable atmosphere.”
This year’s ice cream social was organized differently than in past years in that it was combined with a new parent orientation. Faculty scooped ice cream while meeting new students and parents. Then, after enjoying their self-made sundaes, the children headed for the playground under the supervision of faculty while Mark Tayloe welcomed and oriented their parents to the new school year.
Diane Lumpkin, lead teacher and music instructor spoke about the music program and transportation for van riders. Chason Mull, day parent chair for the Annual Fund, educated parents about the importance of the Annual Fund to the School and encouraged everyone to participate on any level. DeeDee Womble, Tiger Pride president, explained the various ways in which parents can be involved in supporting the teachers and administration in Lower School through fundraising events and other activities.
Lea Duncan, assistant director of admission, handled other topics to ease families’ transition into Lower School. “Of the 58 students new to Lower School, 44 attended, one of the biggest turnouts we’ve ever had,” Duncan said.
“It was very informative and reminded us of the great things about Lower School that we sometimes take for granted,” Cantrell said.
Janet Collins had to send her husband to the social with their son, Luke, this year because of a conflict. “I regretted not being able to go because I had so enjoyed attending the event with our daughters, Marykate, who is in kindergarten this year, and Victoria, who is in second grade,” Collins said. “But Luke reported to me that he was excited about seeing kids and teachers that he knew. The event helped him identify with the place where he was going to school and let him feel like he fit in. He had no questions or concerns on the first day of school, as a result.”
“Ice cream says Lower School is a fun place,” Collins said.
This year’s ice cream social was organized differently than in past years in that it was combined with a new parent orientation. Faculty scooped ice cream while meeting new students and parents. Then, after enjoying their self-made sundaes, the children headed for the playground under the supervision of faculty while Mark Tayloe welcomed and oriented their parents to the new school year.
Diane Lumpkin, lead teacher and music instructor spoke about the music program and transportation for van riders. Chason Mull, day parent chair for the Annual Fund, educated parents about the importance of the Annual Fund to the School and encouraged everyone to participate on any level. DeeDee Womble, Tiger Pride president, explained the various ways in which parents can be involved in supporting the teachers and administration in Lower School through fundraising events and other activities.
Lea Duncan, assistant director of admission, handled other topics to ease families’ transition into Lower School. “Of the 58 students new to Lower School, 44 attended, one of the biggest turnouts we’ve ever had,” Duncan said.
“It was very informative and reminded us of the great things about Lower School that we sometimes take for granted,” Cantrell said.
Janet Collins had to send her husband to the social with their son, Luke, this year because of a conflict. “I regretted not being able to go because I had so enjoyed attending the event with our daughters, Marykate, who is in kindergarten this year, and Victoria, who is in second grade,” Collins said. “But Luke reported to me that he was excited about seeing kids and teachers that he knew. The event helped him identify with the place where he was going to school and let him feel like he fit in. He had no questions or concerns on the first day of school, as a result.”
“Ice cream says Lower School is a fun place,” Collins said.
