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In this Issue:

September 8, 2020

Dear Parents, 

Typically, I have a topic or a theme for this section of the newsletter, and I capture it when I feel like all the pieces are coming together. My deadline approached and still no topic came to the forefront. I sat down to have my quiet time and asked God for direction. One hyphenated word came to mind, ‘self-sufficiency.’ Clearly, He didn’t want me writing about that, so I perused journals and devotionals and came up empty. Music and a brisk walk often bring my thoughts into focus, so I threw on tennis shoes, turned on music, and headed out the door to pray and walk. With each step, clarity heightened. Self-sufficiency and an unexpected dose of transparency won.  

God made me a leader. Even in elementary school, He was developing skills like communication, organization, and determination. I was placed in leadership roles – some that I sought and some that were given to me. With a strong work ethic, God was laying a path toward leadership.  

The trouble with leadership is that sometimes the skills that make a leader create a sense of self-sufficiency. Working hard with head and heart, I learned I could get things done. I could accomplish the tasks before me. And then some Goliath-like situation or circumstance would arise, and I would run to my knees, seeking His wisdom, direction, and guidance. Drawn to His side, He would guide me through the mire, and I would see once again that it was Christ alone that makes the way. I am sure God is weary of my slowness to remember that at home, at work, and in my family, the battle belongs to the Lord - not to Maryellen. He has equipped me with the skills to follow His leading. When self-sufficiency takes the reins, little room remains for God’s grace, creativity, and perfect plan.  

Each Goliath circumstance has led to greater trust and deepened my faith. I wish I could say I have aged out of my sin of “Do it myself,” but I have not. This unprecedented time has created a necessity to work in uncharted ways. Working harder to keep things under control doesn’t bring about an end to COVID, solve a disagreement with my teenager, or eradicate my mother’s Parkinson’s. And so, I return to what I have known for so long – God is good, and He is in control. I relinquish my tight hold, allow God’s vision and Holy Spirit to lead, allowing rest in His providence.  

As my walk neared its completion, a song from We Are Messengers played with this line standing out: “The One who holds the stars is holding my whole life.” I pray my wrestling for control would lessen. I pray that if you have an area of your life in which you feel self-sufficient or wish you could be, that you would be reminded today that God is bigger than your Goliath and that His plans are for you, so relinquish the reins.  

In Him, 

Maryellen

Social Media Posts
Did you know that you could take a peek inside of the Lower School by following us on Twitter and Instagram? Follow Whitefield Lower School @LSWhitefield.  

Keeping Informed
For the most up-to-date information, please visit the Whitefield website, which will be updated regularly. 

Three-week Rotation
Initially, a two-week rotation between Brostrand Hall and the mods made sense for first through fourth grades. This allowed for each grade to have time in our new space within the first month of school. After the first shift, it became clear that it would be better to spend a longer period of time before moving. As a result, the next shift between the mods and Brostrand Hall will occur on Monday, September 21. This will allow students and teachers time to settle into their new space and gain consistency while we are in Mode 3A.  

Parent Volunteers
Many thanks to the parent volunteers who are supporting our faculty by transporting children to specials from the mods. This provides teachers a needed break during the day. Also, be aware that a SignUpGenius link will be sent today by Grade Reps for opportunities to serve this year. 

Masks
Please be sure that your child has an extra mask in his/her backpack. Also, if your child’s mask is too large, it will be hard for him or her to wear it properly. Thank you for supplying a mask that fits well, helping it stay in place to keep each other safe. 

Google Classroom
If you haven’t already accepted your invitation to your classroom page, please check your email for your invitation. This learning management system will serve as a sharing space for the classroom – virtual or in person. Email Bethany Brant, Director of Instructional Technology, with questions.

Rain Gear
Please be sure your child has a rain jacket for traversing between buildings.

Morning Carpool
Each morning as you arrive for carpool, students in the car will have their temperature taken and receive a token (the color will change each day). Because the process can take a little bit of time, it is helpful if students can be ready to go – masks on, bookbags and gear ready, and ideally seated based on where they are being dropped off (driver’s side at Brostrand Hall or passenger side at the mods). Should a passenger’s temperature be elevated, the whole car will be asked to have a second temperature check in the middle parking lot between the stadium and the mods. Thank you for assisting us in a smooth morning routine that enables students to arrive on time to class (8 a.m on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday and 9 a.m on Wednesday).  

I Love to Read Redesign
This year, I Love to Read Week has been redesigned to encourage reading all year long. Each week through January, a different book will be highlighted in the classroom. Please visit your child’s Google Classroom to listen to Ms. Handley’s chapel last week, outlining the various titles selected for this celebration. In January, classrooms will celebrate their book. While we will miss the traditional red wagon parade that occurs in October, Ms. Handley and the committee have developed a great plan. The theme “With reading, the possibilities are endless,” will inspire children to open a book and discover the possibilities.

CTP-5 Testing
First through fourth grades participate in the Comprehensive Testing Program standardized testing. These will occur the week of October 5-9. Testing will begin by 8:15 a.m. and conclude by 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 9 is set aside for a make-up day, should anyone be sick for one of the tests. These tests are designed to show how each child is performing compared to other children of the same gender and grade level. Once the results are returned to the school, they will be shared with parents.  

Protocols for Remote Learning
Please take time to read the complete protocols for remote learning. Here are some important reminders: 

  • Students who are experiencing COVID-19 related symptoms or who have been asked by the school to follow the health and safety protocols established in response to the current pandemic may use remote learning. 

  • Students whose parents have made the judgment that attending school is not appropriate at this time due to COVID-19 concerns, that are not related to the school mandated requests, may also use remote learning. In this case, the decision to move to remote learning will be in two-week increments. 

  • The division principal, in consultation with the assistant head of academic affairs, may determine that a student who is out for an extended time for reasons unrelated to COVID-19 may access remote learning. 

  • Remote learning is not for general or short-term absences from school for reasons unrelated to COVID-19. 


Cub Care Enrollment for PreK - 4th (Annually or Semesterly)
Cub Care is an after-care program pertaining to all Lower School students, PreK through fourth grade and is housed in Brostrand Hall. The time in Cub Care is spent playing with friends on the playgrounds, enjoying a snack, and homework completion for students in grades first through fourth grade. Students in PreK and Kindergarten complete craft projects based on a theme.   

Enrollment in Cub Care is available online. You will be able to choose your child's Cub Care options based on grade, time frame, and annual or semester payment via credit or debit card.  

As a reminder, in addition to after school care, enrollment in Cub Care also includes: 

  • Wednesday mornings (7:30 – 9:00 a.m.) due to late start 

  • All-day Parent/Teacher Conferences (one per fall and spring semester) 

Cub Care “Drop in” for PreK - 4th (Occasional Use) - Cub Care is also available for occasional use paid via credit or debit card during the following times and prices: 

  • Wednesday mornings for all grades (7:30 - 9 a.m.) for $10. 

  • PreK/K Cub Care (1-3 p.m.) for $10 per hour. 

  • After School Cub Care for all grades (3-6 p.m.) for $20. 

Procedures for securing drop-in are as follows: 

  • For Wednesday mornings: 

    • No reservation is required. 
    • Park your car and walk your child to the main doors of Brostrand Hall. 
    • Check-in in the main office. 
    • Bring a debit or credit card with you, for payment via credit or debit card will occur at drop-off. 
  • For PreK/K Cub Care use: 

    • Email your child’s teacher and copy Bunny Webb, the LS admin assistant, if you plan to have your child stay, with as much advance notice as possible. 
    • Within the week of use, Bunny will contact the parent who made the reservation for credit card information for payment and will email a receipt once complete. 
  • For After School Cub Care use: 

    • Email your child’s teacher and copy Bunny Webb, the LS admin assistant, if you plan to have your child stay, with as much advance notice as possible. 
    • When you arrive to pick up your child in the main office, bring a debit or credit card with you, for payment is due at the time of pick-up, and a receipt will be emailed to you. 
10-5-2020: CTP-5 Testing begins for 1st-4th grades (October 5-9)
New Parent Coffees
New parents are invited to join us for coffee as we fellowship and learn more about Whitefield. These will be held on the following dates. Feel free to sign up for one that works with your schedule. 
  • September 9: 9 a.m. in the Lower School Student Activity Center (LSSAC)
  • September 10: 8:15 a.m. in the WolfPack Den (located in Athletic Center)
  • September 11: 8:15 a.m. in the WolfPack Den (located in Athletic Center)
  • September 17: 5:30 p.m. in Brostrand Hall Media Center

Whitefield Masks in Campus Store
Want to show off your Whitefield spirit? Stop by the Campus Store to check out our new Whitefield-branded youth and adult face masks and gaiters! We could all use an extra mask or two and the Whitefield Campus Store has you covered. The Campus Store also has mini hand sanitizers and new Camelbak water bottles.
  • Tuesdays: 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Wednesdays: 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Fridays: 7:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Used Uniform Sale
Have your kids outgrown their school uniform shirts, pants, or skirts? The first Used Uniform Sale is right around the corner to help!  We're restocked and ready to assist you and your family. Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 19 from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. in the LSSAC. Each shopper will be required to wear a mask and sign up for 30-minute shopping slots. Cash, check, or credit cards will be accepted.

Gently used uniform donations are always appreciated and can be dropped off in the LSSAC in the gray bins with black tops (to the left of the stage). This is the only place for Used Uniform donations, so please do not take them to the Campus Store or school division offices. For questions, contact NaKeya Bazemore.
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