Academy News - September 2014

September 2014
ACADEMY NEWS
Dear Families,
Welcome back! Once again, September brings the sound of children’s voices to
Elizabeth Academy, filling our halls and hearts with love and purpose. Another year begins.
This year we feel especially blessed as we ponder the growth and development of this school.
It is doubtful that a greater staff could be found anywhere on earth than the one that has
been assembled this year at Elizabeth Academy. The Montessori specialists are all now well
trained and certified, the special education program and people are second to none. Under the
direction of enrichment and therapy specialists who are actively collaborating with each other
and classroom teachers, all children at all levels are going to thrive in joyous learning!
Every year I am stunned as I reflect upon the good graces that have, almost
serendipitously, come our way. A few years past it was the support of amazing administrators
like Jennifer Spikner and Lisa Carling. This year it is the addition of qualified specialists like
Kelly Tate and Stacie Turley in our Reading therapy program, as well as Virginia Whiting in our
Media center. This is just to name a few people. Every single staff member at Elizabeth
Academy, old and new, is sterling and blesses the lives of your children. The ripple effect is
exponential, for as we touch a child, we impact the future forever.
We must also mention, with gratitude, the efforts of the construction company who
renovated and built-out various spaces in our facility this summer. Our very good friends at
Paragon Construction have worked diligently to prepare an environment that beautifully meets
the needs of your children. There is care in the craftsmanship of every detail, as you will see,
especially in the Upper Elementary classrooms and on the playgrounds. Oh to be a child again!
We all want to move into that Market playhouse! But alas, there is work to do…
This week we have been busily assessing students who might need therapy services. We
will get back to you with our recommendations by Wednesday, September 10th. That is the
day of our first Parent Education Evening-- Inclusion: Enrichment and Therapies at
Elizabeth Academy, which will be from 6:00-8:00 pm. We will discuss our philosophy of
Inclusion, a holistic approach that involves rigorous academics, special education, enrichment
for advanced learners and also enrichment therapies.
After assessments have been completed and recommendations have been made (by
September 10th), you have a few days to respond and inform us if you would like to receive
services (so that we can get you on the schedule) before therapy services begin on Monday,
September 15th. Please respond quickly with your preferences and make any applicable
payments, as spaces may be limited.
Next up is our Welcome Back Picnic! This will be Wednesday, September 17th, 6:008:00 pm. Come join us for a parent pot-luck and BBQ sandwiches as we chat about your
children and the new school year. We will also be handing out directories, selling Elizabeth
Academy tee-shirts and sweatshirts, and announcing this year’s Parent Leaders of EAPO—
Elizabeth Academy’s (new!) Parent Organization!
The following week we will be taking School Photos, Monday, September 22nd. These
photos will be used for our yearbook. We will be sending more information about your options
to purchase school photos very soon.
Then, on Wednesday, September 24th, at 9:00 am, we will host this year’s first monthly
Parent Tea. These are informal chats with our EAPO Leaders and administrative staff in our
Life Skills room. Come with a question, a suggestion, come to chuckle and chat. The Parent
Tea is a lovely way to begin the day.
Remember that there will be no school on Teacher Workday, Friday, September, 26th.
And looking ahead … mark your calendar for a special (surprise!) birthday celebration on
Friday, October 10th, when we will have discount tickets to Lagoon! More information about
that will be forthcoming in our October newsletter. Until then ...
A warm and wonderful welcome back!
Elizabeth Academy Staff