Dear Families,
I hope you and your family had a pleasant spring break. It is wonderful to have a little “down time,” and perhaps get to do some things as a family that you usually don’t have time to do! Now it’s time for the last stretch of the school year. Can it be possible that summer is around the corner?
Class Pictures: Pictures of each grade will be taken on April 2. This year, there will be no charge for these photographs, and each child will receive one. If you would like to order an additional one for a grandparent or other relative, please send a check in to the Lower School Office for $5.00. Make the check out to RPCS and write the child’s name on the memo line of the check. Please send your request in by April 11.
Annual Achievement Tests: Our teachers will be administering the Terra Nova achievement tests to the children in Grades 1-5 the third week of April. These tests are given annually to check student progress. After that week, they are sent off to California for correcting, and we receive scores back in July. If you would like to discuss your daughter’s scores with me, please call in the summer and make an appointment to do so. I will be happy to sit down with you and look at them.
During testing week, little or no homework will be given so that your daughter has plenty of time to play outside, eat a good dinner and get to bed early. Please see that she has a good breakfast in the morning and arrives at school on time as the tests are administered first thing in the mornings of that week.
This same week, Kindergarten and Pre-First girls will be taking the Metropolitan Readiness Test.
Spring Concert, Maypole Dance, and Art Show: The upcoming Spring Concert and the traditional Maypole Dance, along with the Art Show, take place on two consecutive days in early May. Since all parents can not fit into the Sinex Theater at one time, we ask you to try to come on one of the two days. Parents of students in grades 1, 3 and 5 are asked to come on Thursday, May 1st and parents of students in grades K, P, 2 and 4 are asked to come on Friday, May 2nd. This second performance coincides with Grandparents’ Day.
We have always asked that you not bring small children who cannot sit through an hour program. However, I know that this is sometimes not possible. Please, if you bring a small child, sit near the rear of the theater and take her or him out if the child becomes distracting to others. We also request that you do not take flash photography. As well, the LS Parent Network and I ask that you do not bring flowers to the performance for your daughter. If you wish to present her with some, please do so at home, but please remember that this is a Lower School concert. Flowers may seem more special and celebratory if they’re saved for truly rare occasions.
Please note: On both of these days, students will need to bring a ready-to-eat lunch from home as we will not be eating at our regular time in the Dining Hall. It will be very difficult on those days to buy things in the Dining Hall or to microwave.
Grandparents’ Day: Grandparents’ Day is on Friday, May 2nd, beginning at 11:15. It is always held for the grandparents and special friends of students in Kindergarten, Pre-First, Second and Fourth Grades. In that way, a child enjoys this special day with her grandparent or “grandfriend” every other year.
Invitations will soon be sent to grandparents whose addresses we have. Please check in a week or so to see if your child’s grandparents have received the invitation. If she or he did not, let Sandy Laziuck know, and she will mail one right away. If your child cannot bring a grandparent, she is welcomed to bring another family member or a family friend.
When you come to the Spring Concert, make sure you allow time to view the wonderful student art work displayed in the All-School Art Show. Every LS girl has two pieces of work on exhibit. The work is on display in the Harris Center, Knott Lobby, Grand Staircase and throughout the LS hallways. Enjoy!
Please note: Students who have grandparents or special friends are asked to bring lunches for their guests as well as their own lunches. Beverages and desserts will be provided by the school. Parking will be available on campus on this day.
Of all the Lower School events, the Spring Concert together with the Maypole Dance and Art Show is certainly one of my favorites. It is a truly joyful time. I know it is not one you’ll want to miss!
MS Orientation for Parents of 5th Graders: Fifth Grade parents, this is the golden opportunity to hear about Middle School! On May 5, Rebecca Malone, Head of Middle School, will explain about course selections, schedules, and life in the Middle School. Attending this session will help ensure a smooth transition for your daughter.
Carpool: Please do not double park in our driveway when you come to pick up your child. Park off campus and walk, or follow the carpool line and regular procedures. If someone else picks your child up like a baby-sitter or grandparent, please inform them about regular carpool procedures.
In Baltimore, Spring is officially here, and warm weather is just around the corner. I hope that we will see you often on campus as we enjoy the many events that are coming up.