Dear Parents,
This summer has created a roller coaster of emotions for me. The final stages of Brostrand Hall, the completion of the playground, and the hard work of teachers preparing for students’ arrival made me swell with joy and pride. At the same time, the heartbreak of racial injustice, the tensions in our country, and the impact of the coronavirus have created sadness, concern, and frustration. My prayers have ranged from pleas and laments to praises and thanksgiving, creating a juxtaposition of emotions that were both intense and heartfelt. Despite the conflicting emotions, I can be grounded in the hope of my faith. Scripture and the hymns of faith remind me of what I have known all along:
“On Christ, the solid rock I stand. All other ground is sinking sand.
My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.”
With the Holy Spirit, we can come together to listen, to act, and to bring reconciliation and healing. Together, we can celebrate the amazing gifts that God has given us in each other, in a beautiful new space for children to learn, and in our secure hope in Christ.
Throughout the summer, the faculty of the Lower School has prayed for you and your family. We will continue to lift you in prayer during the school year, too. It is a holy privilege to partner with you on behalf of your children to carry out the mission of the school. Our dedicated faculty and staff will forge relationships that foster a passion for learning, for others ahead of self, and for the living and active Jesus. For those of you who are new to our community, I welcome you. I know that you will see firsthand how the love and nurturing of students creates safety, engagement, and trust. Should you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out to us.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
In Him,
Maryellen
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Together 2020-2021
For up-to-date information about our plans to return to campus, please access the site Together 2020-2021, which can also be found on the school’s homepage of the website.
Back-to-School Information
Use the Back-to-School Hub as a source to navigate information for the beginning of the year.
Campus Store
The Campus Store is the one-stop shop for Whitefield gear. With options for in-person shopping or online ordering, the Campus Store is ready to help you show your Pack pride from uniforms to spirit wear to accessories and snacks. To learn more about uniform requirements, reserve a time for in-person shopping, or place your online orders, click here.
Cub Care
Formerly Club Cub and After Care, Cub Care is the new name for an after-school care program for all Lower School families. Use this link to access Cub Care information. Enrollment forms should be completed prior to the start of school.
After-School Programs (ASP)
Information regarding after-school programs can be found here in the Back-to-School Hub.
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Keeping Informed
For the most up-to-date information, please visit the school's website, which will be updated regularly.
Brostrand Hall Ribbon-Cutting
The Brostrand Hall Ribbon-Cutting will be Monday, August 10 at 4:30 p.m. We hope you'll join us for this ceremony right before the Welcome Back, WolfPack event. Our Lower School students will love learning in this beautiful new space.
Welcome Back, WolfPack!
In light of COVID-19 and in lieu of Back-to-School picnics, you're invited to Lower School Welcome Back, WolfPack night on Monday, August 10 from 5 to 7 p.m. (immediately following the Brostrand Hall ribbon-cutting). Lower School students and their families are invited to grab a quick dinner and sweet treat, meet their teachers, drop-off school supplies, and see the inside of Brostrand Hall. More details about safety protocols for this event and how to RSVP for your family's desired time slot will be coming soon!
Magnus
These forms are critical prior to the first day of school. If you have not received an email from Magnus, please contact Bunny Webb, the Lower School Administrative Assistant. If you have not completed these sections online, please do so as soon as possible:
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Permission to Contact and Emergency Treatment, Participant Consent, Release and Waiver – complete online
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Lower School Emergency Contact Information – complete and upload
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Lower School Carpool Pickup Authorization– complete and upload
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Authorization to Give Over-the-Counter Medication – complete online
Class Lists
Teachers will make phone calls to families beginning Wednesday, August 5, to communicate their excitement about teaching your child. If you are not available, the classroom teacher will leave a message.
Carpool Routes
As we work to keep our campus safe, having clear carpool procedures can help to facilitate traffic flow through campus and protect our students as they walk to their classrooms. New carpool routes will be shared in an upcoming communication.
Morning Arrival
Students may be dropped off as soon as 7:30 a.m. each morning. Teachers will supervise students in the dining hall beginning at 7:30 a.m. Students will be dismissed at 7:50 a.m. to go to classrooms. School begins at 8 a.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. On Wednesdays, school begins at 9 a.m. Cub Care is available on Wednesday mornings.
New Parent Welcome Zoom
New families to Whitefield Academy Lower School, please join the Lower School administration, the counselor, and the co-chairs of the Lower School Whitefield Parents’ Association for a Zoom welcome at 11:30 a.m. on the first day of school. This will be a time to learn more about the WPA, what the Lower School Counselor does, and to pose questions.
Masks
As you read in the Together 2020-2021 website, all faculty and students will wear masks when they cannot be physically distanced. To keep up with the mask during the school day, navy adjustable, breakaway lanyards have been purchased for every child. There have been some inquiries as to whether or not students can wear a face shield as opposed to a mask. The Department of Health has identified that a face shield alone is not as effective as a face mask. If you prefer for your child to wear a face shield, here is an example of a school-approved option. Gaiters with no logos (other than a Whitefield logo that athletes will be using) are also acceptable. Hand sanitizer stations will be available throughout campus and in classrooms.
Chapel
Lower School chapel will continue to take place on Thursdays. Students will wear their chapel uniforms on this day. While large group meetings are not able to occur, chapel will be redesigned.
Spirit Wear
This year, all students will wear Whitefield t-shirts with uniform bottoms on Fridays. Be sure to purchase some fun t-shirts for Fridays from the Campus Store!
Summer Reading
The summer reading information and Bingo boards are located on the Back-to-School Hub. Completed Bingo boards should be turned into Lower School Librarian Ms. Handley. We look forward to hosting author Henry Cole during I Love to Read Week!
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8-10-20: Brostrand Hall Ribbon-Cutting, 4:30 p.m.
8-10-20: Welcome Back, WolfPack, 5-7 p.m.
8-12-20: First day of school, 9 a.m. (Wear regular uniform)
8-12-20: New Parent Welcome Zoom, 11:30 a.m. (see link above)
8-14-20: Friday Wear - Wear your Whitefield t-shirt with a uniform bottom!
8-20-20: LS Meet the Teacher Night
8-26-20: Yearbook photos – Students wear chapel attire even though it is a Wednesday
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Whitefield's Annual Great Day of Service
This year's Great Day of Service will take place on Saturday, August 22. This annual event is designed to come together as the Whitefield community and start off the school year with a focus on others ahead of self. On this day, you’ll not only bond as a group, but be the hands and feet of Jesus to people and organizations that desperately need assistance. Each year, there are a variety of projects available for ALL ages and abilities. We also have a few projects that can be done at home this year, if that is more comfortable for you and your family. For more information or to register for a project, click here.
Picking Up 2019-2020 Yearbooks
For any Whitefield family who has not yet picked up their 2019-2020 yearbook(s), one member of the family may come to the Middle School lobby during the following dates and times:
- August 4, 5, or 6: 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Masks will be required to enter the Middle School building. If you are not able to drop by during the above days/times, yearbooks may be picked up after school once school begins. Contact Andrea Unsicker with questions.
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