Lower Division Notes

LD Notes Archive

List of 35 items.

April 27
Dear Lower Division Parents,

Our third and fourth grade students will finish up the CTP-5 this week! We are so proud of their attention and perseverance through the testing window. This is just a friendly reminder that our schedule is very tight during testing week. Please ensure your student is at school and ready to go before 8:00 a.m. We want them to be well-rested and ready to show what they have learned.

This week, we are excited to welcome our rising first grade parents as well as see our third grade students shine on the stage during their performance of The Aristocats. This time of year is full, and our schedule is packed! We look forward to a positive and productive end to the school year.

Trashion Show Update
The Lower Division Trashion Show will be May 13 from 2:45-3:10 p.m., just before carpool. Students will walk the runway of the sidewalk around Crabtree Library and into the Powell Lower Division hallway. This is intended to be a student event. If you are here early for dismissal, you will see it; if not, a video link will be added to Division Notes following the event. After feedback, this event has been minimized to reduce the trash created and not add more to parents' calendars during this busy season.

Best,

Montie Sill
Lower Division Director
sillm@casady.org Tai Shriner
Lower Division Assistant Director
shrinert@casady.org
Lower Divisional Chapel Collect for the Coming Week
Through Jesus,
God’s love claimed victory over death,
and opened for us the gate of new life forever.
Lead us, risen Christ, into the mystery of Easter
and fill us with your Holy Spirit

This Week’s Uniform Reminders
Your student must be in proper uniform each day. We are noticing students wearing sweatshirts that are not uniform or spirit wear compliant. Please make sure that these are worn only as outerwear and not throughout the day. With the weather warming up, please make sure that athletic shoes are worn. Thank you for partnering with us and helping your student to meet these expectations.
Monday - Regular Uniform
Tuesday - Regular Uniform
Wednesday - Regular Uniform
Thursday - Spirit Wear
Friday - No School
April 20
Dear Lower Division Parents,

Our third and fourth grade students will take the CTP-5 (often referred to as “the ERB”) from April 21-23 and on April 28-29. Casady School uses the ERB as an essential tool in the ongoing review of our curriculum. The ERB is also one of several tools we use to understand, monitor, and support individual students’ learning.

As an Independent School, we can use these tests as they were designed - as a tool to inform our teaching practice and to better understand our students’ learning. The ERB is not a “high stakes” test, as there are no direct consequences attached to the result for students or for the School. Students will complete brief tutorials to familiarize them with the test, and there is no benefit or need for additional preparation outside of School.

Parents should prioritize attendance during these dates. You can also help your student by encouraging them to do their best, by providing a good breakfast, and by ensuring they arrive on time. Students should also bring a book to read if they finish a test early. Following the testing period, you will receive a report of your student’s scores and information about how to read and understand the results.

Trashion Show Update
The Lower Division Trashion Show will be May 13 from 2:45-3:10 p.m., just before carpool. Students will walk the runway of the sidewalk around Crabtree Library and into the Lower Division hallway. This is intended to be a student event. If you are here early for dismissal, you will see it; if not, a video link will be added to Division Notes following the event. After feedback, this event has been minimized to reduce the trash created and not add more to parents' calendars during this busy season.

Best,

Montie Sill
Lower Division Director
sillm@casady.org Tai Shriner
Lower Division Assistant Director
shrinert@casady.org
Dear Rising Fifth Grade Families,

The move from Lower Division to Middle is an exciting step in your student's growth, and we know that it can also bring about lots of questions. To help answer some of these questions, the fifth grade team and l hope you will join us for our Moving to the Middle Parent Information Session on Tuesday, April 22, at 5:30 p.m. Please plan to join us in Fee Theater and then for an Open House visit to our Performing Arts Department and McClendon Middle Division. We look forward to welcoming you to Middle Division!

In this together,

Sara Zedlitz

Lower Divisional Chapel Collect for the Coming Week
God of new life, you filled the world with hope when Jesus rose from the tomb. Fill us with that same hope today. Help us to remember that your love is stronger than anything, even death. Through Jesus Christ our risen Lord. Amen.

This Week’s Uniform Reminders
Your student must be in proper uniform each day. We are noticing students wearing sweatshirts that are not uniform or spirit wear compliant. Please make sure that these are worn only as outerwear and not throughout the day. With the weather warming up, please make sure that athletic shoes are worn. Thank you for partnering with us and helping your student to meet these expectations.
Monday - Regular Uniform
Tuesday - Regular Uniform
Wednesday - Regular Uniform
Thursday - Spirit Wear or Spring Fling Shirt
Friday - Out of Uniform, Free Dress
April 13
Dear Lower Division Parents,

A Heartfelt Thank You!
We want to extend our sincerest thanks to the third grade parents for stocking the lounge with so many delicious treats and beverages and for hosting a wonderful teacher luncheon. Your generosity and thoughtfulness truly made our week extra special.

A special shout-out to the Schultz Family for providing Woodward Pizza and salad during our Friday PD meeting—what a treat!

We feel incredibly fortunate to be supported and appreciated by such a generous and caring community. Thank you for taking such good care of us!

Best,

Montie Sill
Lower Division Director
sillm@casady.org Tai Shriner
Lower Division Assistant Director
shrinert@casady.org
Lower Divisional Chapel Collect for Holy Week
God who faces and conquers death,
As you entered Jerusalem on a donkey,
let us be humble and allow our lives to follow your plan.
As you cleansed the temple,
replace our greed with prayer.
As you washed your disciples’ feet,
lead us to serve rather than be served.
As you descended to the dead,
give us faith that your love is with us even in death.
Amen.

This Week’s Uniform Reminders
Your student must be in proper uniform each day. We are noticing students wearing sweatshirts that are not uniform or spirit wear compliant. Please make sure that these are worn only as outerwear and not throughout the day. With the weather warming up, please make sure that athletic shoes are worn. Thank you for partnering with us and helping your student to meet these expectations.
Monday - Out of Uniform, Free Dress - Sponsored by Izzie Stone and Family
Tuesday - Regular Uniform
Wednesday - Regular Uniform
Thursday - Spiritwear
Friday - No School, Good Friday
April 6
Dear Lower Division Parents,
It’s hard to believe how quickly the year is moving, and that our third quarter skill reports are now viewable on MyCasady. We are proud of the growth we have seen in our students and are excited for all the learning and growth still to come! If you have any issues with accessing the report, please contact your homeroom teacher.

We have many fun events to look forward to this month, including several additional out-of-uniform days. The special days are sponsored by families who purchased them at the CPO auction. Each week, in the Division Note, the name of the sponsoring family will be announced to show appreciation for their support for our School. The students and faculty love an extra free dress day, so thank you!

We will celebrate the season with our Primary and Lower Division Picnic on Friday, April 11. The information below will be helpful:
The picnic will be held on the playground and the green space behind Lower Division.
Bring your own food and blankets.
Families can begin signing their students out for the picnic at 10:45 a.m.
We will follow walk-up carpool procedures (go to the outside classroom door) to sign your student out for the day.
If you are having a friend from the class attend the picnic with your family, their parents must communicate with the homeroom teacher.
All students must be picked up by 11:45 a.m. There will be no Extended Day or After Care.
April 11 is also a half-day for faculty professional development.

April will be busy and pass quickly, so let’s enjoy it!
Best,

Montie Sill
Lower Division Director
sillm@casady.org Tai Shriner
Lower Division Assistant Director
shrinert@casady.org
Lower Divisional Chapel Collect for the Coming Week
Dear God,
Fill our hearts with Your kindness and love.
Help us to trust You more each day.
Give us hope when we feel unsure.
Help us understand Your ways.
Teach us to love and help others.
Make us ready to serve You with joy.
We ask this through Jesus, Your Son,
who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
now and forever.
Amen.

This Week’s Uniform Reminders
Your student must be in proper uniform each day. We are noticing students wearing sweatshirts that are not uniform or spirit wear compliant. Please make sure that these are worn only as outerwear and not throughout the day. With the weather warming up, please make sure that athletic shoes are worn. Thank you for partnering with us and helping your student to meet these expectations.
Monday - Out of Uniform, Free Dress - Sponsored by Kahaan and Kira Doshi and Family
Tuesday - Regular Uniform
Wednesday - Regular Uniform
Thursday - Regular Uniform
Friday - Spirit Wear, Early Dismissal
March 30
Dear Lower Division Parents,

Students have two more days to collect for the penny war in Lower Division to help raise funds for The CARE Center, Oklahoma County’s only child advocacy center, and the founders of the ROAR program your students participate in!

For this war, classrooms will compete to have the highest score by the end of the deadline. Each classroom will have a designated container in which to place coins. All pennies count as positive points towards a class’s score, whereas placing silver coins in another classroom’s jar subtracts points from their score. At the end of the deadline, all funds will be allocated to our support of The CARE Center. The winning classroom will receive free treats from an ice cream truck!

Best,

Montie Sill
Lower Division Director
sillm@casady.org Tai Shriner
Lower Division Assistant Director
shrinert@casady.org
Lower Divisional Chapel Collect for the Coming Week
O God, shepherd of all your people, guide us through this week. Help us to turn away from sin, those things that hurt us and hurt others. Help us then turn towards you and your great love for us. We want to listen to your voice and walk in your ways to the glory of your name. Amen.

This Week’s Uniform Reminders
Your student must be in proper uniform each day. Thank you for partnering with us and helping your student to meet these expectations.

We are noticing more students wearing fashion boots, winter boots, and artificial nails. If your student wears boots because of the weather, please send a pair of athletic shoes to change into. Otherwise, athletic shoes should be worn. Thank you for partnering with us and helping your student to meet these expectations.
Monday - Regular Uniform
Tuesday - Regular Uniform
Wednesday - Regular Uniform
Thursday - Regular Uniform
Friday - Spirt Wear
March 24
Dear Lower Division Parents,

Welcome back! We hope your family had a restful and enjoyable Spring Break, with special moments and time to recharge. It’s hard to believe we are entering the fourth quarter of the school year!

Congratulations to our fourth grade students, Mrs. King, and our fourth grade team for a wonderful Celebrate American performance. This is a wonderful Casady tradition that our students look forward to each year! Thank you to the fourth grade parents for hosting a lovely reception afterward.

This is an exciting time as we watch our students grow and learn into their best selves. The final months of school bring many opportunities for learning, fun, and special events. Please keep an eye out for important dates and reminders as we finish the year strong together.

Best,

Montie Sill
Lower Division Director
sillm@casady.org Tai Shriner
Lower Division Assistant Director
shrinert@casady.org
Lower Divisional Chapel Collect for the Coming Week
God of mercy,
as Jesus looked at others with compassion,
and was moved to show them love,
please open the eyes of our hearts,
that we might watch with Christ
and see others through heaven’s eyes,
not ignoring their sadness, sickness, pain, or suffering,
but having compassion, showing kindness, and keeping the faith
that each person is a child of God and is worthy of love;
through Jesus Christ our Savior.
Amen.

This Week’s Uniform Reminders
Your student must be in proper uniform each day. Thank you for partnering with us and helping your student to meet these expectations.

We are noticing more students wearing fashion boots, winter boots, and artificial nails. If your student wears boots because of the weather, please send a pair of athletic shoes to change into. Otherwise, athletic shoes should be worn. Thank you for partnering with us and helping your student to meet these expectations.
Tuesday - Regular Uniform
Wednesday - Regular Uniform
Thursday - Regular Uniform
Friday - Free Dress, Out of Uniform
March 16
Dear Lower Division Parents,

This week, we are focusing on the word resilience—the ability to bounce back from challenges, keep trying when things are tough, and grow stronger through perseverance. At School, we are helping students understand that mistakes and setbacks are part of learning, and that resilience is what helps us keep moving forward. The week before Spring Break is a great time to practice resilience!

You can support this message at home by encouraging your student to face challenges with a positive attitude, talk about times when they’ve overcome difficulties, and remind them that every effort helps them Grow!

Best,

Montie Sill
Lower Division Director
sillm@casady.org Tai Shriner
Lower Division Assistant Director
shrinert@casady.org
Lower Divisional Chapel Collect for the Coming Week
Dear God,
During this special time of Lent, help us to love You more and more. Teach us how to be kind, share with others, and follow Jesus’ example of love. Help us to pray, forgive, and grow closer to You in these 40 days.
In your Holy Name we pray,
Amen.

This Week’s Uniform Reminders
Your student must be in proper uniform each day. Thank you for partnering with us and helping your student to meet these expectations.

We are noticing more students wearing fashion boots, winter boots, and artificial nails. If your student wears boots because of the weather, please send a pair of athletic shoes to change into. Otherwise, athletic shoes should be worn. Thank you for partnering with us and helping your student to meet these expectations.
Monday - Regular Uniform
Tuesday - Regular Uniform
Wednesday - Regular Uniform
Thursday - Regular Uniform
Friday - Spirt Wear
March 9
March 2
Dear Lower Division Parents,

We are excited to welcome grandparents and grandfriends this Friday. This special day is a cherished tradition that allows these important figures in our students’ lives to experience firsthand the joy of learning at our School. Grandparents and grandfriends play a vital role in shaping a child’s growth, and this event provides a meaningful opportunity for them to connect with their loved ones, explore the classrooms, and celebrate the incredible work our students are doing. Not only will they have time to visit their classroom, they will have the opportunity to pop into the book fair and photo booth!

Please make sure your parents know the following times for classroom visitation and book fair times in order to maintain a safe number of people in the spaces:

Grade Levels Classroom Visitation Time Book Fair & Photo Booth Time
First & Third Grade 1:00-2:00 p.m. 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Second & Fourth Grade 2:00-3:00 p.m. 1:00-2:00 p.m.

We look forward to sharing this memorable day with your families!

Best,

Montie Sill
Lower Division Director
sillm@casady.org Tai Shriner
Lower Division Assistant Director
shrinert@casady.org
Lower Divisional Chapel Collect for the Coming Week
God of mercy and forgiveness,
you made us to love you and your creation
and to love our neighbor as ourselves,
but we fall into sin
when we do hurtful things;
guide us through these forty days of Lent,
to come closer to you
With prayer, fasting, and giving. Amen.

This Week’s Uniform Reminders
Your student must be in proper uniform each day. Thank you for partnering with us and helping your student to meet these expectations.

We are noticing more students wearing fashion boots, winter boots, and artificial nails. If your student wears boots because of the weather, please send a pair of athletic shoes to change into. Otherwise, athletic shoes should be worn. Thank you for partnering with us and helping your student to meet these expectations.
Monday - Regular Uniform
Tuesday - Regular Uniform
Wednesday - Regular Uniform
Thursday - Regular Uniform
Friday - Spirt Wear
February 23
Dear Lower Division Parents,

Wow—can you believe February is almost over? This month has flown by! It’s been a busy time filled with lots of learning, crazy weather, fun activities, and great moments in our classrooms.

Parent-Teacher Conferences are this Friday, thank you for signing up. Your scheduled time is a great opportunity to check in with your student’s teacher, hear about their progress, and share ways we can support them as we head into the last part of the school year. Your student is welcome to stay in the Nichols Activity Center.

If you have any questions or need to change your time, please reach out—we’re happy to help! We truly appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you at conferences.

Tomorrow, we are having a very special out-of-uniform day, when we will dress in the color green or blue to celebrate Love Like Crazy Day. This day remembers Mrs. Hanneman’s son, Bennett, who would be turning 13 later this week. When he was young, Bennett battled Pearson Syndrome, an extremely rare mitochondrial disease that affects multiple systems in the body. Despite all he endured to live with this terminal illness, Bennett’s smile and laughter were contagious. Everyday he loved and was loved like crazy. Love Like Crazy Day encourages all of us to be brave, resilient, and love like crazy every chance you are given.

Best,

Montie Sill
Lower Division Director
sillm@casady.org Tai Shriner
Lower Division Assistant Director
shrinert@casady.org
Scholastic Book Fair
The annual Scholastic Book Fair is almost here! For convenience, families can choose to let their students book bill purchases at the fair. To give your student permission, click here. To make record keeping easier, please fill out a separate form for each student in your family.

For special requests, please email me freelandm@casady.org.

Lower Divisional Chapel Collect for the Coming Week
Dear God, you know what we need even before we ask. Help us to ask for the right things. Give us the good things we might not even know to ask for, because of your Son Jesus. Amen.

Grandparents’ and Grandfriends’ Day
Grandparents’ and Grandfriends’ Day 2025 is scheduled for March 6 for Middle Division and Kindergarten and March 7 for Pre-K and Lower Division.

Please make sure your parents know the following times for classroom visitation:
First and Third Grade: 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Second and Fourth Grade: 2:00-3:00 p.m.
The building will open for first and third grade visitation at 12:55 p.m.

This Week’s Uniform Reminders
Your student must be in proper uniform each day. Thank you for partnering with us and helping your student to meet these expectations.

We are noticing more students wearing fashion boots, winter boots, and artificial nails. If your student wears boots because of the weather, please send a pair of athletic shoes to change into. Otherwise, athletic shoes should be worn. Thank you for partnering with us and helping your student to meet these expectations.
Monday - Green & Blue for Love Like Crazy Day, Out of Uniform
Tuesday - Regular Uniform
Wednesday - Regular Uniform
Thursday - Regular Uniform
Friday - Parent-Teacher Conference Day, No School
February 17
Dear Lower Division Parents,

Welcome back! We hope you enjoyed your Mid Winter Break. It is hard to believe February is halfway over and spring break will be here soon.

This week, our word of the week is trustworthiness. Our morning meetings will focus on the importance of being honest, keeping promises, and doing the right thing even when no one is watching. Trustworthiness helps build strong friendships and a positive School community where everyone feels safe and respected. We encourage you to talk with your student at home about ways they can show trustworthiness, such as telling the truth, following through on commitments, and being a dependable friend. Thank you for helping your students GROW into responsible and trustworthy individuals!

Best,

Montie Sill
Lower Division Director
sillm@casady.org Tai Shriner
Lower Division Assistant Director
shrinert@casady.org
Lower Divisional Chapel Collect for the Coming Week
Glorious God, who spoke light into the world,
we thank you for sending Jesus, your Son,
as a light for all people.
Help us to find the light within ourselves and one another
so that we may rise like the sun
and shine love in all places;
in your holy name we pray, Amen.

This Week’s Uniform Reminders
Your student must be in proper uniform each day. Thank you for partnering with us and helping your student to meet these expectations.

We are noticing more students wearing fashion boots, winter boots, and artificial nails. If your student wears boots because of the weather, please send a pair of athletic shoes to change into. Otherwise, athletic shoes should be worn. Thank you for partnering with us and helping your student to meet these expectations.
Tuesday - Regular Uniform
Wednesday - Regular Uniform
Thursday - Regular Uniform
Friday - Spiritwear
February 9
Dear Lower Division Parents,

As we look at our word of the week, kindness, consider doing one of these 50 random acts of kindness with your family. Speaking of kindness, a huge thank you to our second grade families for stocking the lounge. We have quite the selection of snacks and drinks to keep us fueled and at our best!

Fuzzy’s was fabulous, and we are grateful to our first grade families for the delicious lunch; it's always a treat to have a special lunch.

Parent-teacher conference sign-up is opening on February 10. Be sure to read your student’s grade level newsletter for updates and Valentine's Day Party information. Have a wonderful Mid-Winter Break!

Best,

Montie Sill
Lower Division Director
sillm@casady.org Tai Shriner
Lower Division Assistant Director
shrinert@casady.org
Lower Divisional Chapel Collect for the Coming Week
Eternal God, who created all things out of love,
we thank you for the gifts of life and faith.
Open our hearts to receive your love
so that we might become like Jesus,
loving ourselves and our neighbors just as you love us;
in your holy name we pray, Amen.

This Week’s Uniform Reminders
Your student must be in proper uniform each day. Thank you for partnering with us and helping your student to meet these expectations.

We are noticing more students wearing fashion boots, winter boots, and artificial nails. If your student wears boots because of the weather, please send a pair of athletic shoes to change into. Otherwise, athletic shoes should be worn. Thank you for partnering with us and helping your student to meet these expectations.
Monday - Regular Uniform
Tuesday - Regular Uniform
Wednesday - Regular Uniform
Thursday - Red and White, Out of Uniform
February 2
Dear Lower Division Parents,

As we welcome the month of February, we will focus on fostering strong character in our students through our morning meeting lessons and classroom counseling lessons. This month, we will emphasize the life principles of Empathy, Kindness, Trustworthiness, and Loyalty—all essential values that help build a positive and respectful school community. Through discussions and read-alouds, students will learn the importance of understanding others' feelings, showing kindness in their actions, being honest and dependable, and standing by their friends and family. Our morning meetings start at 8:00 a.m. They are short but mighty, please make sure that your student doesn’t miss out by being tardy.

Last Wednesday we had a truly special day at our School as we celebrated Lunar New Year. Despite the rainy weather, we made our own sunshine! Thanks to the generosity of the Ngo and Nguyen families, the classroom teachers, and Sage Dining, students were immersed in a wonderful cultural experience that included receiving red envelopes, enjoying delicious Asian cuisine, learning about Lunar New Year traditions in their classrooms, and ending the day with the excitement of a Dragon Dance performance!

Events like these provide invaluable opportunities for our students to learn about and appreciate the diverse cultures that make up our school community. Understanding different traditions fosters respect and empathy. As a school, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all students feel valued and where we can celebrate the rich traditions that bring us together. We strive to be intentional in making our School a place where every student feels seen, heard, and celebrated!

This week is National School Counselor’s Week! We are so thankful for our counseling team at Casady led by Mrs. Samantha Kobs. We are especially thankful for the work Mrs. Morris does in LD. She works daily to reinforce the life principles we focus on by teaching classroom lessons and providing students with a safe space when they need encouragement or direction! Encourage your student to let her know how special she is or feel free to send her a note if you are so inclined.

Lastly, our second quarter skill reports our now viewable on MyCasady. Please watch for notification that Parent Teacher Conference sign-up is open. You will find information about grade level Valentine parties on grade level newsletters. Have a great week!

Best,

Montie Sill
Lower Division Director
sillm@casady.org Tai Shriner
Lower Division Assistant Director
shrinert@casady.org
Lower Divisional Chapel Collect for the Coming Week
Loving God,
Thank you for the joy you give us each day.
Help us to find joy even when things are hard.
Show us how to share your joy with others,
so we can make the world a brighter place.
Amen.

This Week’s Uniform Reminders
Your student must be in proper uniform each day. Thank you for partnering with us and helping your student to meet these expectations.

We are noticing more students wearing fashion boots, winter boots, and artificial nails. If your student wears boots because of the weather, please send a pair of athletic shoes to change into. Otherwise, athletic shoes should be worn. Thank you for partnering with us and helping your student to meet these expectations.
Monday - Regular Uniform
Tuesday - Regular Uniform
Wednesday - Regular Uniform
Thursday - Regular Uniform
Friday - Spiritwear
January 26
Dear Lower Division Parents,

I hope this letter finds you well! This week our word of the week is friendship, and we are focusing on what it means to be a good friend. Lower Division is a crucial time for students to learn how to build positive relationships, practice kindness, and develop the social skills that will help them throughout life.

Our quote of the week, from the wonderful Dolly Parton, reminds us:
"If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours."

This simple yet powerful message encourages our students to look out for one another, show kindness, and spread joy. Whether it’s including someone new at recess, offering a kind word, or simply sharing a smile, these small acts can make a big difference in creating a welcoming and supportive school community.

As parents, you play a vital role in reinforcing these values at home. Here are a few ways you can help:
- Talk with your student about what it means to be a good friend.
- Encourage kindness and empathy in daily interactions.
- Ask about their friendships and help them navigate any challenges with patience and understanding.
- Celebrate acts of kindness—big or small!
Our goal is to create and maintain a School environment where every student feels valued and included. Thank you for helping us make friendship a priority this week and every week!

Best,

Montie Sill
Lower Division Director
sillm@casady.org Tai Shriner
Lower Division Assistant Director
shrinert@casady.org
Lower Divisional Chapel Collect for the Coming Week
Loving God,
Thank you for the joy you give us each day.
Help us to find joy even when things are hard.
Show us how to share your joy with others,
so we can make the world a brighter place.
Amen.

Safety Reminders
As we strive to maintain a safe and efficient environment during drop-off and pick-up times, we kindly remind all drivers to refrain from using cell phones while in the carpool area. This ensures the safety of our students, staff, and families, as well as smooth traffic flow. Thank you for your attention to this important matter and for helping us begin and end our school days safely.

This Week’s Uniform Reminders
Your student must be in proper uniform each day. Thank you for partnering with us and helping your student to meet these expectations.

We are noticing more students wearing fashion boots, winter boots, and artificial nails. If your student wears boots because of the weather, please send a pair of athletic shoes to change into. Otherwise, athletic shoes should be worn. Thank you for partnering with us and helping your student to meet these expectations.
Monday - Extra Free Dress Day, Last Spring CPO fundraiser purchase by The Stewart Family - Happy Birthday Maddux!
Tuesday - Regular Uniform
Wednesday - Regular Uniform
Thursday - Regular Uniform
Friday - Free Dress Day
January 20
Dear Lower Division Parents,

As we approach Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we are excited to honor Dr. King’s legacy by reinforcing our School’s commitment to citizenship—one of our core durable learning goals. Dr. King’s teachings remind us of the power of kindness, unity, and the responsibility we all share in creating a just and inclusive world. These values directly connect to how we encourage our students to be engaged citizens in their communities and beyond.

One way we are fostering this learning is through our Global Pen Pal Program in Lower Division. This initiative provides students with meaningful opportunities to connect with peers from different backgrounds, strengthening their understanding of diverse perspectives and encouraging respectful communication. Our students will participate as follows:
- First Grade – Local letter exchange with Rose Union Elementary in Deer Creek metro area
- Second Grade – In-state letter exchange with Plainview Elementary in southern Oklahoma
- Third Grade – Out of state letter exchange with Barry Elementary School in Kansas City, Missouri
- Fourth Grade – International letter exchange with St. Michael’s School in Lincolnshire, England
Through these exchanges, students will practice writing skills while building relationships and learning about different communities. This experience fosters empathy, curiosity, and global awareness—important aspects of citizenship that align with Dr. King's vision of a world where people work together in harmony.

We encourage you to discuss Dr. King’s message with your students at home and ask about their pen pal experiences. Together, we can continue to cultivate a generation of thoughtful, compassionate citizens who strive to make a positive impact.

Lastly, thank you to the first grade parents who stocked the lounge! Your thoughtfulness and generosity is very much appreciated.

Best,

Montie Sill
Lower Division Director
sillm@casady.org Tai Shriner
Lower Division Assistant Director
shrinert@casady.org
Lower Divisional Chapel Collect for the Coming Week
Dear God,
Thank you for giving us feelings.
Help us to share all our emotions with you—
our happiness, sadness, anger, and joy.
Teach us to trust you with our hearts,
so we can learn and grow in faith.
Amen.

Safety Reminders
As we strive to maintain a safe and efficient environment during drop-off and pick-up times, we kindly remind all drivers to refrain from using cell phones while in the carpool area. This ensures the safety of our students, staff, and families, as well as smooth traffic flow. Thank you for your attention to this important matter and for helping us begin and end our school days safely.

Free Dress Day
Jan. 27 will be a Free Dress Day in Lower Division, thanks to a CPO fundraiser purchase by The Stewart Family last spring - Happy Birthday Maddux!

This Week’s Uniform Reminders
Your student must be in proper uniform each day. Thank you for partnering with us and helping your student to meet these expectations.
Monday - MLK Day, No School
Tuesday - Regular Uniform
Wednesday - Regular Uniform
Thursday - Regular Uniform
Friday - Spirit Wear
January 12
Dear Lower Division Parents,

We hope you and your family enjoyed the unexpected snow day, which provided everyone with an extended weekend. It was so much fun to watch the excitement of our students as they saw the snow falling—it’s moments like these that remind us of the simple joys that snow days can bring!

As we return to school on Monday, we will resume our Mid-Year (MOY) assessments as planned. These assessments are an essential part of monitoring your student’s progress and growth. Your student’s teachers will review their progress at the next conference. We are looking forward to a productive and engaging month ahead. Stay warm!

Best,
Montie Sill
Lower Division Director
sillm@casady.org Tai Shriner
Lower Division Assistant Director
shrinert@casady.org
Grandparents’ and Grandfriends’ Day 2025
Grandparents’ and Grandfriends’ Day 2025 is scheduled March 6 for Middle Division and Kindergarten and March 7 for Pre-K and Lower Division. Invitations will be mailed at the end of January. Please check each of your student’s grandparent/grandfriend information in MyCasady. If the information is correct, you do not need to do anything. If grandparent/grandfriend information is missing or incorrect, please complete this Information Form. Be sure to include all of the names of your students related to the grandparent/grandfriend. Please contact Jennifer Homsey ’00 at 405-749-3162 with questions. The form will close on Friday, Jan. 17.

Lower Division Chapel Collect for the Coming Week
Loving God, You find so many ways to show us love. You take ordinary things like water and bread and make them holy in baptism and communion. You also take ordinary moments and make them holy: moments with friends and family, laughing and playing and being together. Thank you for all the ways you show us love. Thank you for all the ways your goodness appears in our everyday lives. Amen.

Spring Enrichment
Spring Enrichment Registration is open and classes are filling up quickly! There are limited spaces remaining in Brixology, Field Hockey, Art Club, and Chess. Classes begin in February and are set to conclude in April. See the extended programs page to view the Enrichment Schedule and Catalog. Register for classes by clicking here.

This Week’s Uniform Reminders
Your student must be in proper uniform each day. Thank you for partnering with us and helping your student to meet these expectations.
Monday - Regular Uniform
Tuesday - Regular Uniform
Wednesday - Regular Uniform
Thursday - Regular Uniform
Friday - Spirit Wear
January 5
Dear Lower Division Parents,

Happy New Year! I hope this message finds your family and you healthy and happy as we welcome 2025. We are excited to see our students return to school on Tuesday, refreshed and ready to learn.

As we dive into the new year, we remain committed to providing a nurturing and engaging environment. This week, we will focus on the word "initiative." Our students will explore its meaning, usage, and how they can apply it daily. We encourage you to discuss this word with your student at home to reinforce their understanding and help them see the importance of taking initiative in their learning.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Together, we can make this semester memorable and finish our year strong.

Wishing you all a joyful and prosperous New Year!

Best,
Montie Sill
Lower Division Director
sillm@casady.org Tai Shriner
Lower Division Assistant Director
shrinert@casady.org
Grandparents’ and Grandfriends’ Day 2025
Grandparents’ and Grandfriends’ Day 2025 is scheduled March 6 for Middle Division and Kindergarten and March 7 for Pre-K and Lower Division. Invitations will be mailed at the end of January. Please check each of your student’s grandparent/grandfriend information in MyCasady. If the information is correct, you do not need to do anything. If grandparent/grandfriend information is missing or incorrect, please complete this Information Form. Be sure to include all of the names of your students related to the grandparent/grandfriend. Please contact Jennifer Homsey ’00 at 405-749-3162 with questions. The form will close on Friday, Jan. 17.

Spring Enrichment
Spring Enrichment Registration is open and classes are filling up quickly! There are limited spaces remaining in Brixology, Field Hockey, Art Club, and Chess. Classes begin in February and are set to conclude in April. See the extended programs page to view the Enrichment Schedule and Catalog. Register for classes by clicking here.

This Week’s Uniform Reminders
Your student must be in proper uniform each day. Thank you for partnering with us and helping your student to meet these expectations.
Monday - No School
Tuesday - Regular Uniform
Wednesday - Regular Uniform
Thursday - Regular Uniform
Friday - Spirit Wear
December 15
Dear Lower Division Parents,

Last week, our first graders performed marvelously at all our Divisional Chapels. Adorned in their signature red sweaters, they sang like angels, captivating everyone in attendance. It was particularly heartwarming to see older students fondly recall their own time for Christmas Carols or “Red Sweater Day”, a cherished Lower Division tradition that continues to bring our community together and create treasured memories year after year.

As we look ahead, we are excited to present our Fourth Grade Live Nativity Scene this week. Students anticipate this event throughout their Lower Division years and participating when they reach fourth grade is a highlight of their journey.

On Wednesday, students are invited to be out of uniform and join faculty wearing Christmas sweaters. Then, on Thursday, we will have our LD Christmas Chapel so we ask students to wear their dress uniform. Our Christmas Chapel is a student-only event. We will close the week with a cozy Pajama Day on Friday, complete with early dismissal at 11:45 a.m. Please remember that lunch will not be served on Friday, and there will be no After Care available. Thank you for your understanding and ongoing support. We wish you and your family a joyful week ahead!

Best regards,
Montie Sill
Lower Division Director
sillm@casady.org Tai Shriner
Lower Division Assistant Director
shrinert@casady.org
Grandparents’ and Grandfriends’ Day 2025
Grandparents’ and Grandfriends’ Day 20265 is scheduled March 6 for Middle Division and Kindergarten and March 7 for Pre-K and Lower Division. Invitations will be mailed at the end of January. Please check each of your student’s grandparent/grandfriend information in MyCasady. If the information is correct, you do not need to do anything. If grandparent/grandfriend information is missing or incorrect, please complete this Information Form. Be sure to include all of the names of your students related to the grandparent/grandfriend. Please contact Jennifer Homsey ’00 at 405-749-3162 with questions. The form will close on Friday, Jan. 10.

Service Learning Corner Announcement
December Family Service Idea:
Read "The Boy Who Painted the World" by Melody J. Bremen or "Paper Things" by Jennifer Richard Jacobsen.
Discuss lack of resources and how it affects families, especially during the holiday season.
Go shopping with your student(s) and purchase wipes, diapers, sippy cups, gently used toys, and clothes.
Donate these items to the Casady Hope for the Holidays Drive.
December 8
Dear Lower Division Parents,

As we enter the second week of December, we want to take a moment to share some of the wonderful events and activities that our students will be participating in. This season is always filled with joy, and we are delighted to see our students embracing opportunities to learn, serve, and celebrate.

Strings Enrichment Performance in Chapel
This Thursday, our talented Strings Enrichment students will perform in Chapel. This special performance gives our young musicians the chance to share what they’ve been working on throughout the semester. Their dedication and practice are evident in the beauty of their music, and we look forward to enjoying their performance as a community. If your student has participated in Strings Enrichment, please join us in celebrating their hard work if your schedule allows.

Second Grade Service Learning Trip to Statesman Retirement Village
Also this week, our second grade students will continue our tradition of service and compassion as they visit Statesman Retirement Village on Friday. During this trip, they will spend time with the residents, sharing conversation, songs, and the warmth of the holiday spirit. This experience is a perfect example of our word of the week, caring. We hope this visit helps our students grow in empathy and understanding, reminding them that the joy of Christmas can be shared in simple, meaningful ways and an easy way to show that we care.

First Grade Christmas Carols Chapel
Finally, our beloved annual tradition, the First Grade Christmas Chapel, will take place on Friday at 2:50 p.m. Seeing our first graders bright-eyed and proud in their red sweaters, singing familiar carols is always a treasured moment at Casady. This special Chapel is reserved for first grade families only. This heartfelt event captures the true spirit of the season. If you are a first grade family member and would like a handicap parking spot, please contact security@casady.org with the number of spots you need.

Thank you for your ongoing support and for encouraging your students to engage fully in the many opportunities offered here in Lower Division. May this month be a time of joy, gratitude, and reflection for all of our families.

Best regards,
Montie Sill
Lower Division Director
sillm@casady.org Tai Shriner
Lower Division Assistant Director
shrinert@casady.org
CPO BINGO Night Donations
Save the date for CPO BINGO Night on Friday, Jan. 24! To ensure a successful night, CPO is collecting prize donations.

New toys, games, or accessories that are valued at $10 or under for children aged 3-12 can be dropped off at the front office of Primary or Lower Division, or you may purchase from the Amazon wish list. CPO is also looking for raffle items for the event. If you or your business would like to donate, please email bingo@casady.org.

We hope you can join us for a night of family fun, food, and a friendly bingo competition!

Uniform Reminders
As the weather cools down, please remember the following:
Pullover and Cardigan Options - Pullovers may be worn inside and are defined as any approved item that is put on over the head, without a full zip.
Solid navy or red sweater/sweater vest
Solid navy or red cardigan
Solid navy or sweatshirt
Casady sweatshirts
Outerwear Options - Outdoor play is a priority and happens year-round. No outerwear, Casady or otherwise, may be worn in the classroom.

Lower Division Chapel Collect for the Coming Week
God of gifts and surprises, you promised your Son would come to bring peace on earth and joy to the world. Like Mary, let us open our lives to the Holy Spirit and carry the light of Christ into the world. Like Joseph, let us dream of your arrival. As we prepare for Jesus to come, set our hearts on fire with love for you. Amen.
December 1
Dear Lower Division Parents,

Welcome back! I hope you and your family had a wonderful Thanksgiving break filled with joy, rest, and cherished moments together. As we return to School, we are excited to continue fostering growth and learning during this busy and rewarding season. Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership in making our School a nurturing and inspiring place for all. Let’s work together to finish 2024 strong and make the coming weeks as productive and positive as possible.

Best regards,
Montie Sill
Lower Division Director
sillm@casady.org Tai Shriner
Lower Division Assistant Director
shrinert@casady.org
BINGO Donations
Save the date for CPO BINGO Night on Friday, Jan. 24! To ensure a successful night, CPO is collecting prize donations.

New toys, games, or accessories that are valued at $10 or under for children aged 3-12 can be dropped off at the front office of Primary or Lower Division, or you may purchase from the Amazon wish list. CPO is also looking for raffle items for the event. If you or your business would like to donate, please email bingo@casady.org.

We hope you can join us for a night of family fun, food, and a friendly bingo competition!

Uniform Reminders
As the weather cools down, please remember the following:
Pullover and Cardigan Options - Pullovers may be worn inside and are defined as any approved item that is put on over the head, without a full zip.
Solid navy or red sweater/sweater vest
Solid navy or red cardigan
Solid navy or sweatshirt
Casady sweatshirts
Outerwear Options - Outdoor play is a priority and happens year-round. No outerwear, Casady or otherwise, may be worn in the classroom.

Lower Division Chapel Collect for the Coming Week
Jesus,
As we enter this Advent season, we wait for Christmas and we wait for you. Waiting is really hard. Help us in this time of waiting to prepare our hearts for your love, that you may find room in us to grow and that we may share your love with the world. Amen.
November 17
Dear Lower Division Parents,

A sincere thank you to CPO for the thoughtful birthday gift card! It’s so meaningful to be remembered on our birthdays. Additionally, we extend our gratitude to the second grade parents for organizing this month’s luncheon and to the volunteers who provided coverage. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed both the time together and the delicious food from Ted’s.

This week, we are concluding our study on Oklahoma with a fourth grade field trip to the OKC Memorial Museum and the second grade Oklahoma performance. Each year, our students truly enjoy deepening their understanding of our great state. Our first-quarter skill reports are now viewable on MyCasady. Please email your homeroom teacher if you have any questions. As we wrap up November, please know how grateful we are to be part of such a wonderful school and community.

With gratitude,
Montie Sill
Lower Division Director
sillm@casady.org Tai Shriner
Lower Division Assistant Director
shrinert@casady.org
Casady Cupboard: Toddler and Youth Winter Pre-Order
Click here to view our toddler and youth winter pre-order with special pre-order pricing. Stock up on long sleeve options before the winter weather or grab a new tee for spirit days! We also have a button up fleece option that comes with the crest.

Details: Pre-order window closes at noon on Friday, Nov. 22. Please be sure to select local pick-up at checkout to avoid shipping charges. Orders will be available for pickup after Thanksgiving break. You’ll receive a notification when your order is ready for pickup! If choosing shipping, items will ship as soon as they are ready. Please reach out if you have any questions at cupboard@casady.org.

BINGO Donations
Save the date for CPO BINGO Night on Friday, Jan. 24! To ensure a successful night, CPO is collecting prize donations.

New toys, games, or accessories that are valued at $10 or under for children aged 3-12 can be dropped off at the front office of Primary or Lower Division, or you may purchase from the Amazon wish list. CPO is also looking for raffle items for the event. If you or your business would like to donate, please email bingo@casady.org.

We hope you can join us for a night of family fun, food, and a friendly bingo competition!

Uniform Reminders
As the weather cools down, please remember the following:
Pullover and Cardigan Options - Pullovers may be worn inside and are defined as any approved item that is put on over the head, without a full zip.
Solid navy or red sweater/sweater vest
Solid navy or red cardigan
Solid navy or sweatshirt
Casady sweatshirts
Outerwear Options - Outdoor play is a priority and happens year-round. No outerwear, Casady or otherwise, may be worn in the classroom.

Lower Division Chapel Collect for the Coming Week
God of gratitude,
We thank you for our friends who keep this School working, for those who prepare and serve food, for those who work in offices and libraries, and for those who keep us safe; help us to say “thank you” with our words, to be respectful with our attitudes and actions, and to make this School a great place to work and to learn, in your Holy Name we pray, Amen.
November 10
Dear Lower Division Parents,

Last week, we started with quite the wake-up call. Thank you to our families for your patience and support during the unexpected weather challenges. We weathered the storms like troopers and had a busy and productive week. I wanted to share a few highlights with you.

First, thank you for supporting our mock election. Our students enjoyed learning about voting and participating in this interactive experience. It was a great opportunity for them to understand the importance of civic engagement and the power of their voice.

We are also incredibly grateful to the third grade parents who stocked the teacher's lounge with delicious snacks and drinks. Your generosity and kindness uplift our teachers and staff. Thank you!

In addition, our second grade team would like to extend a special thank you to the parent volunteers who have dedicated their time and energy to assist during Team Time. Your involvement makes a huge difference, and we’re thankful to have such a dedicated group of volunteers.

Lastly, we want to express our heartfelt appreciation to the families and students who shared their Diwali celebration with us. It was a beautiful celebration full of stories, music, and dancing. The teachers also enjoyed the tasty snacks in the lounge. Thank you for allowing us all to learn more about this beautiful Festival of Lights.

Thank you for making our School such a special place!

Veterans Day Reminder
Tomorrow we will celebrate Veterans Day. Homeroom teachers are excited to showcase veterans near and dear to their students’ hearts. If you have a friend or family member who has served, or is currently serving and would like them celebrated in the classroom, please select a blank slide in your student’s grade level section in the Veterans Day 2024 Slides Google Slides presentation.
Open the link in Google Slides to edit (from an internet browser or the app)
Find your student’s grade-level slide
Select a blank slide from your student’s grade level and customize the slide using the information below.
*If you created a slide last year, they may be at the end of the presentation.
Update the slide
Drag the thumbnail to the correct grade level.
Include a picture and the information listed below on your slide:
Student’s Name_________________________________________
Relationship to Student___________________________________
Teacher’s Name ________________________________________
Veteran’s Rank/Name____________________________________
⌂U.S. Army ⌂U.S. Navy ⌂U.S. Marine Corps ⌂U.S. Air Force ⌂U.S. Coast Guard
Honors/ Recognitions/ Medals/ Awards Earned_______________

Please take the time to talk to your students about the sacrifices our service members make to ensure our freedom. If interested, you can find more opportunities here at Operation Gratitude.

With gratitude,
Montie Sill
Lower Division Director
sillm@casady.org Tai Shriner
Lower Division Assistant Director
shrinert@casady.org
BINGO Donations
Save the date for CPO BINGO Night on Friday, Jan. 24! To ensure a successful night, CPO is collecting prize donations.

New toys, games, or accessories that are valued at $10 or under for children aged 3-12 can be dropped off at the front office of Primary or Lower Division, or you may purchase from the Amazon wish list. CPO is also looking for raffle items for the event. If you or your business would like to donate, please email bingo@casady.org.

We hope you can join us for a night of family fun, food, and a friendly bingo competition!

Lower Division Chapel Collect for the Coming Week
God of all people and nations,
We give thanks for all people
who honorable serve in the armed services
and devote their lives to making the world a safer place.
We are grateful for their willingness to sacrifice for others;
grant them a sense of your love and compassion,
for those they protect and for their enemies;
guide them to follow their conscience
when faced with hard decisions;
and give us the determination to honor those who serve
by preventing wars from happening in the future. Amen.
November 3
Dear Lower Division Parents,

Everyone enjoyed our Halloween festivities last week! It is always a joy to see the students in costume and to watch how much they enjoy the Pumpkin Drop!

This week we look forward to our mock election and to celebrating Diwali. Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is the Hindu Festival of Lights. It symbolizes the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. It is celebrated annually in autumn, usually between October and November. The celebrations generally last five or six days, with the main celebration occurring on the third day. Diwali is largely observed by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists, but much like Christmas, the holiday.

Next week we will celebrate Veterans Day. Homeroom teachers are excited to showcase veterans near and dear to their students’ hearts. If you have a friend or family member who has served, or is currently serving and would like them celebrated in the classroom, please select a blank slide in your student’s grade level section in the Veterans Day 2024 Slides Google Slides presentation.
Open the link in Google Slides to edit (from an internet browser or the app)
Find your student’s grade-level slide
Select a blank slide from your student’s grade level and customize the slide using the information below.
*If you created a slide last year, they may be at the end of the presentation.
Update the slide
Drag the thumbnail to the correct grade level.
Include a picture and the information listed below on your slide:
Student’s Name_________________________________________
Relationship to Student___________________________________
Teacher’s Name ________________________________________
Veteran’s Rank/Name____________________________________
⌂U.S. Army ⌂U.S. Navy ⌂U.S. Marine Corps ⌂U.S. Air Force ⌂U.S. Coast Guard
Honors/ Recognitions/ Medals/ Awards Earned_______________

Please take the time to talk to your students about the sacrifices our service members make to ensure our freedom. If interested, you can find more opportunities here at Operation Gratitude.

Our first graders will participate in the First Grade Veterans and Deployed Military Service Project: Nov. 1-8

It is November and time to remember the deployed military serving us overseas and local Veterans who have given so much for our freedoms.

Students will hear a class read-aloud book, "Veterans: Heroes in Our Neighborhood" to correlate with this service activity. Please go shopping with your student and bring in items to donate such as the following: individually wrapped candy, playing cards, small games, cell phone accessories, etc. Students will also make cards in class to send with the packages. Thank you for giving to others this holiday season.

Lastly, just a reminder that picture retakes and group pictures will be this Thursday morning.

With gratitude,
Montie Sill
Lower Division Director
sillm@casady.org Tai Shriner
Lower Division Assistant Director
shrinert@casady.org
BINGO Donations
Save the date for CPO BINGO Night on Friday, Jan. 24! To ensure a successful night, CPO is collecting prize donations.

New toys, games, or accessories that are valued at $10 or under for children aged 3-12 can be dropped off at the front office of Primary or Lower Division, or you may purchase from the Amazon wish list. CPO is also looking for raffle items for the event. If you or your business would like to donate, please email bingo@casady.org.

We hope you can join us for a night of family fun, food, and a friendly bingo competition!

Lower Division Chapel Collect for the Coming Week
Dear God,
Thank you for our country and all the people who live here. Please help our elected leaders to make good and fair choices. Guide us to be kind and helpful to one another. Keep us safe and bring us peace, so we can all live together in love. Amen.
October 27
Dear Lower Division Parents,

Thank you for the yummy breakfast treats, it was quite the spread! October is such a busy month in LD. It was so nice to have breakfast taken care of for the faculty. Also, third grade teachers enjoyed Team Time lunch this week. Thank you to the parents who made this possible.

During a recent faculty meeting, some of our teachers shared positive memories of voting in mock elections as children and its impact on them. While presidential elections can be a source of stress for adults, for children they are memorable events and special learning opportunities that only come every four years. We are excited to announce our upcoming election mini-unit, culminating in a Mock Election on Election Day. This unit is designed to foster strong citizenship, teach patriotic values, and provide a memorable, hands-on experience with the democratic process.

To create a positive, age-appropriate experience for the students, this election mini-unit will focus on the mechanics and principles of voting and civic responsibilities, without discussing specific candidates, their views, or their histories. Classroom discussions will focus on the voting process and the concepts outlined below. Specific candidates and political positions will not be discussed. Teachers will not share personal views or candidate preferences.

During lessons and the mock election, teachers will maintain strict neutrality regarding candidates and ask students to refrain from asking others about their voting choices.

Each grade level will focus on the following objectives:
First Grade
Understanding good citizenship
Learning about community leaders
Introduction to voting concepts
Second Grade
Exploring local government
Learning about election procedures
Discussing community improvements
Reading "Grace for President" and related activities
Third Grade
Introduction to state and national government
Basic understanding of the Electoral College
Exploring civic responsibility
Fourth Grade
Understanding the voting process
Learning about voter registration in Oklahoma
Studying election procedures
Parents, we encourage you to:
Emphasize respect for private choices
Support the School's neutral stance on candidates
Reinforce that it's not appropriate to ask others about their voting choices
Help your student understand that different views deserve respect
All instructional materials, including videos and books, have been carefully reviewed to ensure age-appropriate content and focus solely on the democratic process, not specific political positions or candidates.

The students will enjoy having this opportunity to have a voting card, go to the voting booth, and receive their voting sticker. Watch for cute pictures on Seesaw! We ask everyone to work together for a positive and memorable learning experience. Thank you for helping our students be a small part of such an important event in our nation. If you have questions about the Mock Election, please contact sillm@casady.org.

With gratitude,
Montie Sill
Lower Division Director
sillm@casady.org Tai Shriner
Lower Division Assistant Director
shrinert@casady.org
Halloween Reminders
Students will wear “out of uniform” clothes to School and change into or wear their costumes over their clothes for the parade and party. Please make sure what they wear during the day will be comfortable under their costume.

We do ask that students save makeup, gels, goop, silly string, or anything of this nature to use at home and not bring or wear to school. Parents and students please avoid costumes that are gory, bloody, or depict violence. Costumes should also provide adequate coverage. Toy weapons of any type are not allowed for the safety of our students. Please keep in mind that inflatables are cute and fun but very difficult to enjoy the party or parade. Students in the past have experienced trouble walking the length of the parade.
Students Change into Costumes at 1:00 p.m. with help from teachers.
Pumpkin Drop at 1:30 p.m., Students Only
Halloween Parties at 2:00 p.m., CPO assigned parent help
Halloween Parade at 2:40 p.m., All Parents invited to watch-
Dismissal at 3:20 p.m.
In the event of rain, the parade will not be rescheduled.

R.O.A.R. Program - First and Second Grade
As part of our ongoing commitment to safety and wellness, students in first and second grade will be participating in The CARE Center’s ROAR program again this year. This program teaches body safety and empowers children to keep themselves safe from child abuse.

In the ROAR program, students will learn about a lion named Rex who teaches kids about his “Rules of ROARing.”

The Rules of ROARing are:
R - Remember, privates are private
O - Okay to say no
A - Always talk about secrets
R - Raise your voice and tell someone
In the presentation, we only use the words “private parts” or “places covered by your swimsuit or underwear;” no other words or specific language is used. The word “abuse” is not used in the program.

Lower Division Counselor Emily Morris will begin teaching first grade students the ROAR lesson in their homeroom beginning next week. Our second grade classes will begin the first week of November. Students will be sent home with a Caregiver Guide once the lesson is completed.

To review last semester’s parent night and slides about ROAR, check out the Student Support Services Resource Board in MyCasady or contact Samantha Kobs with any questions.

BINGO Donations
Save the date for CPO BINGO Night on Friday, Jan. 24! To ensure a successful night, CPO is collecting prize donations.

New toys, games, or accessories that are valued at $10 or under for children aged 3-12 can be dropped off at the front office of Primary or Lower Division, or you may purchase from the Amazon wish list. CPO is also looking for raffle items for the event. If you or your business would like to donate, please email bingo@casady.org.

We hope you can join us for a night of family fun, food, and a friendly bingo competition!

Lower Division Chapel Collect for the Coming Week
Dear God,
This week we are celebrating the lives of the saints,
who inspire, surround, and support us
on our journey through faith.
Help us to join their fellowship,
learn from their love, follow in their footsteps,
and lead holy lives that shine the light of Jesus.
Let us also remember all who have died
and trust that they are in your loving care.
Comfort those who grieve and give them strength
for the days ahead. Amen.

First Grade Veterans and Deployed Military Service Project, Nov. 1-8
It is almost November and time to remember the deployed military serving us overseas and local Veterans who have given so much for our freedoms.

Students will hear a class read-aloud book "Veterans: Heroes in Our Neighborhood" to correlate with this service activity. Please go shopping with your student and bring in items to donate such as the following: individually wrapped candy, playing cards, small games, cell phone accessories, etc. students will also make cards in class to send with the packages. Thank you for giving to others this holiday season.

CGSAA Basketball
Registration for the CGSAA basketball season is now open for students in fourth through sixth grade. Registration closes Friday, Nov. 1, and practice begins the week of Nov. 18.

Register by clicking here.

There is a $50 registration fee, plus a fee for the uniform. If you have your child's uniform from last year, and it still fits, you are welcome to use it.

Once we have an idea of numbers we will determine what day of the week we will practice, which will likely be Monday or Wednesday, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Games will take place on Saturdays and Sundays beginning the weekend of Dec. 7.

If you have any questions please contact Ann Palms.
October 20
Dear Lower Division Parents,

Thank you to those who attended our coffee. It is always a pleasure to have time to visit about life in Lower Division. One thing that came out in the visit was the need for a reminder that during arrival and dismissal, students can open their own doors so that traffic will not get congested. On Wednesdays, LD doors will open at 8:40 a.m. so students can enter the building; they do not need to wait until someone opens their door. Thank you again to all who attended. We hope that you enjoyed our time together as much as we did! If you were unable to attend, please remember that our door is always open if you have questions. Feel free to email or call.

Please see this calendar for Lower Division events.

Each year, we love to see the creativity of the costumes the students wear on Halloween. Please keep the following in mind when helping your student choose a costume to wear during our Halloween party and parade:
Students will wear “out of uniform” clothes to School and change into or wear their costumes over their clothes for the parade and party. Please make sure what they wear during the day will be comfortable under their costume.
We do ask that students save makeup, gels, goop, silly string or anything of this nature to use at home and not bring or wear to School. Parents and students please avoid costumes that are gory, bloody, or depict violence. Costumes should also provide adequate coverage. Toy weapons of any type are not allowed for the safety of our students. Please keep in mind that inflatables are cute and fun but very difficult to enjoy the party or parade. Students in the past have experienced trouble walking the length of the parade.
Schedule
Students change into costumes at 1:00 p.m. with help from teachers.
Pumpkin Drop at 1:30 p.m., Students Only
Halloween Parties at 2:00 p.m., CPO assigned parent help
Halloween Parade at 2:40 p.m., All Parents invited to watch
Dismissal at 3:20 p.m.
In the event of rain, the parade will not be rescheduled.

Trunk or Treat
On Sunday, Oct. 27, from 3:30-4:30 p.m., we will host a Trunk or Treat on campus for Primary and Lower Division families. Families may choose to come just for the walk-through, set up a “trunk” to hand out treats, or both! This will not be a nut-free event. If your student has food allergies, please be mindful. Click here to let us know how many Treaters to prepare for. The more “Trunks”, the merrier!

R.O.A.R. Program - First and Second Grade
As part of our ongoing commitment to safety and wellness, students in first and second grade will be participating in The CARE Center’s ROAR program again this year. This program teaches body safety and empowers children to keep themselves safe from child abuse.

In the ROAR program, students will learn about a lion named Rex who teaches kids about his “Rules of ROARing.”

The Rules of ROARing are:
R - Remember, privates are private
O - Okay to say no
A - Always talk about secrets
R - Raise your voice and tell someone
In the presentation, we only use the words “private parts” or “places covered by your swimsuit or underwear;” no other words or specific language is used. The word “abuse” is not used in the program.

Lower Division Counselor Emily Morris will begin teaching first grade students the ROAR lesson in their homeroom beginning next week. Our second grade classes will begin the first week of November. Students will be sent home with a Caregiver Guide once the lesson is completed.

To review last semester’s parent night and slides about ROAR, check out the Student Support Services Resource Board in MyCasady or contact Samantha Kobs with any questions.

BINGO Donations
Save the date for CPO BINGO Night on Friday, Jan. 24! To ensure a successful night, CPO is collecting prize donations.

New toys, games, or accessories that are valued at $10 or under for children aged 3-12 can be dropped off at the front office of Primary or Lower Division, or you may purchase from the Amazon wish list. CPO is also looking for raffle items for the event. If you or your business would like to donate, please email bingo@casady.org.

We hope you can join us for a night of family fun, food, and a friendly bingo competition!

With gratitude,
Montie Sill
Lower Division Director
sillm@casady.org Tai Shriner
Lower Division Assistant Director
shrinert@casady.org
Universal Screeners
Casady School will participate in universal social-emotional and behavioral (SEB) screenings as part of a larger effort to enhance the health and wellness of Casady students. Universal screening is a process for identifying strengths, needs, and useful information so that students can be better supported in interventions that prevent or reduce challenges and promote resiliency. Screenings in the school setting are not used for diagnostic purposes but will help us understand and monitor the social and emotional functioning of our students. Screenings will be completed during the month of October.
The Social Skills Improvement System (SSIS-SEL) screener will be used for Primary and Lower Division.
The screenings will be completed by the homeroom teachers.
You will be notified by a member of our Student Support Services team, if the results indicate that your student could benefit from school-based interventions or parental consultation.
If this is the case, Samantha Kobs and/or Emily Morris will share the overall results with you and discuss ways you can get support for your student. You will not be contacted if your student is found not to need additional support.
Please complete this Casady SEB opt-out form if you do not want your student to be screened.
Reach out to Samantha Kobs with any questions.

Lower Division Chapel Collect for the Coming Week
Dear God, Thank you for making each of us special and different. Help us to love and accept everyone, no matter who they are or where they come from. Teach us to be kind and welcoming to all people, just like Jesus was. Guide us to work together and celebrate our differences, so we can make the world a better place. Amen.

CGSAA Basketball
Registration for the CGSAA basketball season is now open for students in fourth through sixth grade. Registration closes Friday, Nov. 1, and practice begins the week of Nov. 18.

Register by clicking here.

There is a $50 registration fee, plus a fee for the uniform. If you have your uniform from last year, and it still fits, you are welcome to use it.

Once we have an idea of numbers we will determine what day of the week we will practice, which will likely be Monday or Wednesday, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Games will take place on Saturdays and Sundays beginning the weekend of Dec. 7.

If you have any questions please contact Ann Palms.
October 14
Dear Lower Division Parents,

Trunk or Treat
On Sunday, Oct. 27, from 3:30-4:30 p.m., we will host a Trunk or Treat on campus for Primary and Lower Division families. Families may choose to come just for the walk-through, set up a “trunk” to hand out treats, or both! This will not be a nut-free event. If your student has food allergies, please be mindful. Click here to let us know how many Treaters to prepare for. The more “Trunks”, the merrier!

Halloween Parade
Please join us for our annual LD Halloween Parade! Our Halloween Parade will begin at 2:40 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 31. After the parade, students will return to their class to collect all belongings and then will be free to be dismissed from the backdoor of their classroom, in regular carpool time at 3:25 p.m., or go to after-care.

In the event of rain, the parade will not be rescheduled, and pictures of the Halloween celebration will be emailed from your CPO Homeroom Representative. We ask that your student’s costume not include weapons, gore, or be too scary. It is also important the student can walk safely along the parade route. Please leave face paint and masks that restrict vision at home.

Have a wonderful and blessed week, we hope you have enjoyed your Fall Break!

With gratitude,
Montie Sill
Lower Division Director
sillm@casady.org Tai Shriner
Lower Division Assistant Director
shrinert@casady.org
Universal Screeners
Casady School will participate in universal social-emotional and behavioral (SEB) screenings as part of a larger effort to enhance the health and wellness of Casady students. Universal screening is a process for identifying strengths, needs, and useful information so that students can be better supported in interventions that prevent or reduce challenges and promote resiliency. Screenings in the school setting are not used for diagnostic purposes but will help us understand and monitor the social and emotional functioning of our students. Screenings will be completed during the month of October.
The Social Skills Improvement System (SSIS-SEL) screener will be used for Primary and Lower Division.
The screenings will be completed by the homeroom teachers.
You will be notified by a member of our Student Support Services team, if the results indicate that your student could benefit from school-based interventions or parental consultation.
If this is the case, Samantha Kobs and/or Emily Morris will share the overall results with you and discuss ways you can get support for your student. You will not be contacted if your student is found not to need additional support.
Please complete this Casady SEB opt-out form if you do not want your student to be screened.
Reach out to Samantha Kobs with any questions.

Spanish
At times we get questions about our approach to teaching Spanish. Our curriculum, Sube Language Learning, aligns with Casady Foreign Language Department's emphasis on promoting world-readiness skills for durable language learning. Moreover, the curriculum promotes a multi-sensory approach to teaching Spanish so that students can hear, speak, and interact with the language in natural, relevant, and authentic ways. You can learn more about the research and methodology behind Sube Spanish Curriculum here. It is important to remember that our goal in the Lower Division is not to encourage fluency but to lay the foundation, provide repetition over the grade levels, and create experiences that increase familiarity with the culture and vocabulary.

Coffee with Mrs. Sill and Mrs. Shriner
This Friday, Oct. 18, we’ll be in Crabtree Library for a brief visit. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions and to chat about life in Lower Division. This time is designed to foster two-way communication and help us get to know each other better! If you would like to come, we would love to see you there. If not, we understand that as well.

BINGO Donations
Save the date for CPO BINGO Night on Friday, Jan. 24! To ensure a successful night, CPO is collecting prize donations.

New toys, games, or accessories that are valued at $10 or under for children aged 3-12 can be dropped off at the front office of Primary or Lower Division, or you may purchase from the Amazon wish list. CPO is also looking for raffle items for the event. If you or your business would like to donate, please email bingo@casady.org.

We hope you can join us for a night of family fun, food, and a friendly bingo competition!

Lower Divisional Chapel Collect for the Coming Week
God of compassion, who calls us to hunger and thirst for justice, we thank you for the charities, food banks, and shelters, and all places that serve people in need. Guide us to do as Christ commanded: to feed the hungry, welcome the stranger, and help those who need clothing. Fill us with your Spirit of love, so that we may serve our neighbors as friends–ready to give our attention, time, and money, and ready to receive the gift of being with others, united as children of God. Amen

CGSAA Basketball
Registration for the CGSAA basketball season is now open for students in fourth through sixth grade. Registration closes Friday, Nov. 1, and practice begins the week of Nov. 18.

Register by clicking here.

There is a $50 registration fee, plus a fee for the uniform. If you have your uniform from last year, and it still fits, you are welcome to use it.

Once we have an idea of numbers we will determine what day of the week we will practice, which will likely be Monday or Wednesday, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Games will take place on Saturdays and Sundays beginning the weekend of Dec. 7.

If you have any questions please contact Ann Palms.
October 6
Dear Lower Division Parents,

A great big thank you to the second grade parents for stocking the lounge. We appreciate the treats and drinks!

We’re excited to report on our thrilling F5 Family Night where families dove into a whirlwind of fun activities. Attendees experienced the chill of Blizzard Boulevard, creating their own snow, while Rain Cloud in a Cup activity allowed students to watch a demonstration of a mini rainstorm in action. In Tornado Alley, students coded Beebots to travel through different types of weather, and in Hurricane Harbor, they built sturdy safe houses and flood barriers to withstand nature's fury. The excitement continued in Stormy Suburb, where participants enjoyed the surprise of lightning in your mouth, learned to track thunderstorms and created their own lightning. The night glowed with the Glow Show, and came to life when families created their Storm Watch Forecast! The storm paths, QR codes, and Weather Work on the bulletin boards turned our division into a vibrant display of weather wonders. It was a fantastic evening filled with learning, laughter, and a sense of community—definitely one for the books!

The students ended the week with weather resources and information from the Red Cross on how to prepare for a storm, listened to storm tales from Storm Chaser Helicopter Pilot Chase Rutledge, and participated in a virtual activity with The National Weather Service! Thank you to Katie Shinn and Rachel Cannon for connecting us with Chase Rutledge. Also, a great big shout out to the LD faculty for their extra efforts in creating a memorable and meaningful learning experience for our students. With this type of learning, our LD forecast predicts a bright future ahead for our students!

This week we have a short but full week with first grade field trips, Picture Retakes/Class Photos, and the Ugly Bug contest. We do not have Spirit Wear this week, please remember Thursday students will be in uniform for group pics. Friday, we will all enjoy a well deserved Fall Break.

Have a wonderful and blessed week!

With gratitude,
Montie Sill
Lower Division Director
sillm@casady.org Tai Shriner
Lower Division Assistant Director
shrinert@casady.org
Universal Screeners
Casady School will participate in universal social-emotional and behavioral (SEB) screenings as part of a larger effort to enhance the health and wellness of Casady students. Universal screening is a process for identifying strengths, needs, and useful information so that students can be better supported in interventions that prevent or reduce challenges and promote resiliency. Screenings in the school setting are not used for diagnostic purposes but will help us understand and monitor the social and emotional functioning of our students. Screenings will be completed during the month of October.
The Social Skills Improvement System (SSIS-SEL) screener will be used for Primary and Lower Division.
The screenings will be completed by the homeroom teachers.
You will be notified by a member of our Student Support Services team, if the results indicate that your student could benefit from school-based interventions or parental consultation.
If this is the case, Samantha Kobs and/or Emily Morris will share the overall results with you and discuss ways you can get support for your student. You will not be contacted if your student is found not to need additional support.
Please complete this Casady SEB opt-out form if you do not want your student to be screened.
Reach out to Samantha Kobs with any questions.

Lower Divisional Chapel Collect for the Coming Week
St. Francis’s Prayer for Peace
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.

CGSAA Basketball
Registration for the CGSAA basketball season is now open for students in fourth through sixth grade. Registration closes Friday, Nov. 1, and practice begins the week of Nov. 18.

Register by clicking here.

There is a $50 registration fee, plus a fee for the uniform. If you have your uniform from last year, and it still fits, you are welcome to use it.

Once we have an idea of numbers we will determine what day of the week we will practice, which will likely be Monday or Wednesday, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Games will take place on Saturdays and Sundays beginning the weekend of Dec. 7.

If you have any questions please contact Ann Palms.
September 29

Dear Lower Division Parents,

We hope that you found your parent teacher conference time informative and helpful. It is always nice to see so many parents in the building!

It is hard to believe we are starting the month of October this week and nearing the end of our first quarter of school. October is a fun month in Lower Division. We kick off the month with the Fourth Grade Ugly Bug Contest and our F5 Family Cyclone Night.

Fourth graders are buzzing with excitement over their Ugly Bug project hosted by the Oklahoma Microscopy Society. They have been busy bees collecting bugs to present in their science classroom and will then be entered into a Lower Division student vote. The winning Casady bug will be entered into the statewide competition, and the state winner will be announced in February.

Lower Division students had the opportunity to vote and name our annual family STEAM night. This year’s theme focuses on weather and climate, and we are thrilled to invite our families to our F5 Family Cyclone Night. This is an immersive, come-and-go evening in which families can participate in weather-related activities throughout the building. Plan to join us this Thursday, Oct. 3, from 5:45 - 6:45 p.m. We predict it will be a wild night of weather fun!

Have a wonderful and blessed week!

With gratitude,
Montie Sill
Lower Division Director
sillm@casady.org Tai Shriner
Lower Division Assistant Director
shrinert@casady.org
Lower Divisional Chapel Collect for the Coming Week
God of mercy, as Jesus looked at others with compassion, and was moved to show them love, please open the eyes of my heart, that I might watch with Christ and see others through heaven’s eyes. Help me not ignore their sadness, sickness, pain, or suffering, but have compassion, show kindness, and keep the faith that each person is a child of God and is worthy of love; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

CGSAA Basketball
Registration for the CGSAA basketball season is now open for students in fourth through sixth grade. Registration closes Friday, Nov. 1, and practice begins the week of Nov. 18.

Register by clicking here.

There is a $50 registration fee, plus a fee for the uniform. If you have your uniform from last year, and it still fits, you are welcome to use it.

Once we have an idea of numbers we will determine what day of the week we will practice, which will likely be Monday or Wednesday, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Games will take place on Saturdays and Sundays beginning the weekend of Dec. 7.

If you have any questions please contact Ann Palms.
September 22

Dear Lower Division Parents,

A great big thank you for the wonderful luncheon hosted by fourth grade families and to the parents who volunteered to join the students in Calvert and handle lunch duty for the teachers. Lower Division faculty enjoyed the food and the time together. A special thank you to those who decorated our entrance! The students love it, and it just adds to a positive atmosphere and a fall vibe.

Have a wonderful and blessed week!

With gratitude,
Montie Sill
Lower Division Director
sillm@casady.org Tai Shriner
Lower Division Assistant Director
shrinert@casady.org

Parent Conference Day
We look forward to seeing you on Parent Conference Day this Friday. This conference will allow you time to share information about your student, answer any questions, and review the beginning-of-the-year assessments. If you have not signed up for a conference, please reach out to your homeroom teacher. If you would like a conference with someone other than your student’s homeroom teacher, please email them directly.

Spirit Wear Fridays
Spirit Wear Fridays are reserved for Casady-themed clothes or blue and white attire. Please save all other clothing for Free Dress-Out of Uniform days.

Lower Divisional Chapel Collect for the Coming Week
Dear God, you made us all unique and wonderful. Every single person is made in your image. Help us to be brave and stand up against wrong things. Show us how to use our freedom to make things fair and good for everyone. We ask this because of Jesus, who loves us always. Amen
September 15

Dear Lower Division Parents,

We are in full swing in Lower Division and looking forward to Homecoming this week! We have finished our beginning-of-the-year assessments and settled nicely into the school routine.

We start direct instruction each day promptly at 8:00 a.m. with our morning meetings. Our morning meetings are an essential part of our day. The content of our morning meetings is comprised of word of the week study, curriculum review, and community-building activities. The students enjoy this time with their classmates and truly miss out if they are not in class yet. Please remember that students are marked tardy if they enter the classroom after 8:00 a.m. Mornings can be hectic, and we appreciate your efforts to make sure your student is in class and ready to learn by 8:00 a.m.

Have a wonderful and blessed week!

With gratitude,
Montie Sill
Lower Division Director
sillm@casady.org Tai Shriner
Lower Division Assistant Director
shrinert@casady.org

Speech, Language, and Hearing Screenings
We are pleased to offer an opportunity for first grade, third grade, and new students to be screened for any speech, language, fluency, and hearing development. The speech, language, and hearing screenings will be provided during the month of September by Sensational Kids, Inc. at no charge to you.

If you do not wish to have this screening, please fill out this form.

Parents will be notified if their student’s screening suggests a further evaluation is needed. We suggest that if, after the initial screening, you do select someone to do further evaluation and/or therapy with your student, costs for these services should be clearly defined before services begin.

If there are questions about this service, please contact Assistant LD Director and Learning Specialist Tai Shriner or Director of Student Support Services Samantha Kobs.

Spirit Wear Fridays
Spirit Wear Fridays are reserved for Casady-themed clothes or blue and white attire. Please save all other clothing for Free Dress-Out of Uniform days.

Parent Conference Day
Parent Conference Day will be Friday, Sept. 27. This conference will allow you time to share information about your student, answer any questions, and review the beginning-of-the-year assessments. If you have not signed up for a conference, please reach out to your homeroom teacher. If you would like a conference with someone other than your student’s homeroom teacher, please email them directly.

Lower Division Chapel Collect for the Coming Week
God, our teacher and guide,
Thank you for leading us in the ways of goodness and truth. Help us to follow you with every step we take. Thank you also for the people in our lives who teach us and encourage us. They are blessings from you. As we grow and learn in all sorts of ways this year, help us to grow ever closer to your love. Amen.
September 8

Dear Lower Division Parents,

Another great week is in the books. We enjoyed seeing so many at Parent Orientation Night. We hope you found the time with the teachers informative! Thank you so much to our first grade families for stocking the lounge and to CPO for our brand-new laminator. Both made our teachers very happy! Your generosity is very much appreciated.

Sincerely,
Montie Sill
Lower Division Director
sillm@casady.org Tai Shriner
Lower Division Assistant Director
shrinert@casady.org

Fall Enrichment
Enrichment classes start this week. There are still spots available.
Enrichment courses offer students additional experiences outside of the school day. Classes run for eight sessions, with courses ranging from yoga to tennis courses. You can read course descriptions here.

Interested families can register by logging into MyCasady and going to the Extended Programs Registration tile, or by clicking here.

If you have any questions, please contact Extended Programs Manager and Operations Assistant Joella Pearson.

Speech, Language, and Hearing Screenings
We are pleased to offer an opportunity for first grade, third grade, and new students to be screened for any speech, language, fluency, and hearing development. The speech, language, and hearing screenings will be provided during the month of September by Sensational Kids, Inc. at no charge to you.

Parents will be notified if their student’s screening suggests a further evaluation is needed.

If you do not wish to have this screening, please fill out this form.

If there are questions about this service, please contact Assistant LD Director and Learning Specialist Tai Shriner or Director of Student Support Services Samantha Kobs.

Parent Conference Day
Parent Conference Day will be Friday, Sept. 27. We will notify you when you can log in to MyCasady and schedule a conference with your student’s teacher. This conference will allow you time to share information about your student, answer any questions, and review the beginning-of-the-year assessments.

Lower Division Chapel Collect for the Coming Week
God, our teacher and guide,
Thank you for leading us in the ways of goodness and truth. Help us to follow you with every step we take. Thank you also for the people in our lives who teach us and encourage us. They are blessings from you. As we grow and learn in all sorts of ways this year, help us to grow ever closer to your love. Amen.
September 2
Dear Lower Division Parents,

Happy Monday!

We completed a successful first full week of school! When we visit the classrooms it is so neat to see the students actively engaged and happy. Noted below, we have included helpful information and reminders.

Sincerely,

Montie Sill
Lower Division Director
sillm@casady.org Tai Shriner
Lower Division Assistant Director
shrinert@casady.org
Parent Information Night
This Thursday, Sept. 5, is Parent Information Night from 5:45-6:45 p.m. You will report directly to your student’s homeroom. Homeroom teachers will share information about their grade-level curriculum, procedures, and special events. Our Specials Teachers will be located in their rooms, if you have any questions or would like to see their space. If you have questions and can not attend, please feel free to email your student's homeroom teacher.

Sage Dining
For the lunch menu, please go to MyCasady and click on Sage Dining for the most current lunch information. You can also download the Touch of Sage app for more convenience. We will no longer send home the monthly lunch menus. Using the Sage link on MyCasady or the Touch of Sage app will provide you with more detailed information and reflect any changes or substitutions made by Sage.

Carpool and Dismissal Reminders
Thank you for having your numbers displayed in your cars so that we can see them, this helps to shorten your wait time so we can safely dismiss students. Your attention to the following actions will keep our line moving during arrival and dismissal:
Please pull as far forward as possible during arrival and dismissal.
Please let us know if your student is seated on the passenger side so we can go around to help them get in.
During dismissal, as you enter the circle drive, remember we have two lanes. Pull up as far as you can then zip in every other car at the end of the lane before you approach the covered awning.
If you need to buckle your student in, and there are no cars in front of you, please pull forward past the no parking sign so traffic can continue to flow.
Please help your student remember their carpool number.
If you do not have students in Primary Division, please enter from Pennsylvania Ave at the Welcome Center.
During arrival please make sure your student is prepared to exit the car when you enter the circle drive.
Thank you for reviewing and following our carpool procedures and for your patience as we all make procedures routine. We want everyone to start and end the school day with a smile!

Speech, Language, and Hearing Screenings
We are pleased to offer an opportunity for Lower Division first grade, third grade, and new students to be screened for any speech, language, fluency, and hearing development. The speech, language, and hearing screenings will be provided by Sensational Kids, Inc. at no charge to you during the month of September.

Parents will be notified if their student’s screening suggests a further evaluation is needed.

If you do not wish to have this screening, please fill out this form.

If there are questions about this service, please feel free to contact Assistant LD Director/LD Learning Specialist Tai Shriner or Director of Student Support Services Samantha Kobs.

Picture Day
Picture Day is on Thursday, Sept. 12. Please remember that students are to wear their dress uniforms. The picture form was sent home last week. If you did not receive one, please let your teacher know. Please review the following guidelines for our Dress Uniform.

One of the following uniform options is required for all students on designated Dress Days.
Plaid Skirt or Plaid Jumpers, Navy Polo with Casady crest.
Khaki Pants or Shorts, Navy Polo with Casady crest.
In cooler weather, a navy or red sweater, sweater vest, or cardigan.
Navy, white, red, or Casady hair accessories only

Parent Conference Day
Parent Conference Day will be Friday, Sept. 27. We will notify you when you can log in to MyCasady and schedule a conference with your student’s teacher. This conference will allow you time to share information about your student, answer any questions, and review the beginning-of-the-year assessments.

Lower Division Chapel Collect for the Coming Week
God of grace, You open our hearts, know our hopes, and see our true selves. Let your Holy Spirit inspire us to perfectly love you and to love our neighbors as ourselves. In Jesus’ name, we pray.
Amen.

Fourth Grade Parents Only
All fourth through sixth grade students are welcome to audition to participate in the Circle the State with Song Music Festival! Circle the State is an opportunity for exceptional young singers to work with guest choral clinicians on challenging music with other students from across the Oklahoma City Metro area. Please click this link Circle The State With Song Information to learn more.
August 25
Dear Lower Division Parents,

Our first few days have been a success! Our students are doing a great job with routines and procedures! We are so proud of them! The teachers enjoyed getting to see you on Orientation Day and look forward to getting to know you better as the year progresses.

This year we will continue our Wednesday schedule starting this Wednesday, Aug. 28. Families are encouraged to take advantage of the extra hour of time when they are able. If your student receives outside services, this would be a great time to schedule it.

Wednesday Schedule and Early Care Drop Off Information
On Wednesdays, students should arrive between 8:40-8:55 a.m. Early care will be provided to families who need to drop off between 7:30-8:15 a.m. Early care will occur in the Nichols Activity Center for 1st- 4th grade and will be monitored by faculty members. Please do not drop off students before 7:30 a.m. Drop off for early care will be in the Nichols Activity Center circle drive. Please do not drop off students for early care at the LD Building.

Early Arrival Drop Off Period: 7:30-8:00 a.m.
Location: Nichols Activity Center

Regular Arrival Time: 8:45-8:55 a.m.
Location: Powell Lower Division Carpool Circle
Start of School: 9:00 a.m.

Parent Information Night - Thursday, Sept. 5
Parent Information Night is scheduled at 5:45-6:45 p.m. Please report directly to your child’s homeroom. Teachers will share information about the grade-level curriculum, procedures, and special events. Our Specials teachers will be located in their rooms, if you have any questions or would like to see their spaces. If you have questions and cannot attend, please feel free to email your teacher.

Thank you for reviewing and following our dismissal procedures. We ask for your patience as we all make our dismissal procedure routine. Even though it is going really well, each day the process will improve! One tip if you are trying to exit campus and are not going to Middle Division, you can always turn left and continue north past the curve of the main road to use the maintenance exit by the tennis courts. Please remember to always drop off in the circle driveway and not the parking lot. We want everyone to start and end the school day safely and with a smile!

Lastly, fourth grade parents please review the Circle the State information.

It has been fun to watch the students interact, adapt to their new routines, grade levels, and welcome new friends. They seem very happy to be back at School, which brings us joy! We are here to support each of you. If you have any questions or would like to share information with us, always feel free to reach out. Thank you for sharing your sweet students with us! We can’t wait to watch them GROW this year! Have a wonderful and blessed week!

Sincerely,
Montie Sill
Lower Division Director
sillm@casady.org Tai Shriner
Lower Division Assistant Director
shrinert@casady.org
SoulCraft Wednesdays
As a reminder, this school year during our Wednesday Chapel (also known as SoulCraft) and classroom instruction, our faculty will utilize the Second Step curriculum, which is a research-based social-emotional learning program designed to improve student's social-emotional skills. This is a vital piece of our Chapel program because Jesus said that the most important rules are to love God and love our neighbor as ourselves. These Second Step lessons help students learn how to love themselves and each other well.

During the months of August and September, your student will be learning more about Growth Mindset and Goal Setting. Students will learn how to pay attention, manage distractions, develop a growth mindset, and apply goal-setting strategies to their social and academic lives.

You will receive weekly communications from your student’s teacher to help you reinforce Second Step language, skills, and goals at home. You will also be receiving “Home Links” at the start of each new unit. These one-page resources highlight the themes and research behind each unit and include strategies that parents and caregivers can use at home to reinforce the unit’s social-emotional skills:

First Grade Home Link
Second Grade Home Link
Third Grade Home Link
Fourth Grade Home Link

Thank you for your support as we work to build a safe and supportive school community!

Rev. Tim Sean Youmans
Rev. Kirsten Baer
Samantha Kobs, Director of Student Support Services
Emily Morris, PD/LD Counselor

Circle the State
All fourth through sixth grade students are welcome to audition to participate in the Circle the State with Song Music Festival! Circle the State is an opportunity for exceptional young singers to work with guest choral clinicians on challenging music with other students from across the OKC Metro area. Please see the attached link for audition and rehearsal information.

Phones and Smartwatches
To protect our students' attention and focus, encourage community, and foster a culture of learning and play, we ask that all devices, including smartwatches, remain off and in backpacks during the Lower Division day. Students will only be allowed to use these devices after 3:40 p.m.

Lower Division Security
Each day, our exterior doors are locked. All faculty have ID badges that include functionality to unlock all doors. All visitors must enter the main doors of Lower Division, and check in with Mrs. Miller.

Vehicle Identification for Controlled Access to Campus
Casady School has a vehicle identification system. The purpose of this policy is for the School to be able to recognize vehicles connected to our community and aid in our Visitor Management system. All vehicles shall display a School-issued front windshield decal when entering campus during the school day. Visitors entering campus in a vehicle without a decal shall be asked to check in with our Welcome Center. They will be given directions to their destination and asked to check in with the appropriate Division Office or Building for their visitor ID badge. Decals can be picked up at the Division Office. Please remember to remove your old tag and replace it with the most current one.

Morning Drop-Off | Dismissal and Carpool | After School
Students should arrive between 7:40-7:55 a.m. Please utilize the carpool circle drive for drop off. Early care starts at 7:30 a.m. Please do not drop off students before 7:30 a.m. Early care is housed in the Lower Division in each grade level area.

Parents should pick up their students in the carpool circle, or by walking up to the student’s exterior homeroom door.
Dismissal starts at 3:25 p.m.
All students should be picked up by 3:50 p.m.

After School Care Program
A supervised After School Care program is provided until 6:00 p.m. for students in first through fourth grade in the Learning Center. Registration will be through the Extended Programs portal located on the MyCasady Resource Board. Registration is now open. If you have any questions, please contact Extended Programs Manager Joella Pearson.

Students remaining in Lower Division at 3:50 p.m. will be walked to the Learning Center and parents will be billed accordingly. All students must be picked up from After School Care by 6:00 p.m.

Health or Dietary Needs/Medication
Students requiring medication administration during school, prescription or over-the-counter (OTC), must complete a medication administration form. This form is available through the August Schools Health Enrollment portal or you may email School Nurse Keema Kinchen. Administration guidelines are available in the Health Services Handbook. Unless declined, OTC medication is based on standard practice as needed: acetaminophen, antacids, ibuprofen, Benadryl (for allergic reactions), and throat lozenges. Please update all health information in August Schools before the start of this school year. If you have any questions, please contact Nurse Kinchen.
August 18
Dear Lower Division Parents,

Welcome back to a new and exciting school year in Lower Division. We hope you had a restful and enjoyable summer, with time to relax, explore, and spend quality moments with your loved ones. A great big thank you to CPO for hosting our workweek luncheon, it was very appreciated and enjoyed. Thank you also for stocking the lounge, we felt very spoiled!

As we kick off this new year together, our focus word is GROW. Our theme embodies the spirit of continuous improvement, learning, and development. It reflects our commitment to nurturing students' academic, social, and emotional skills. This year, we will focus on helping every student:
Gain Knowledge: Encouraging a love for learning and fostering curiosity in our students to explore new ideas and concepts.
Reach New Heights: Setting high expectations and providing the support needed to help students achieve their goals and overcome challenges.
Open Their Hearts: Promoting kindness, empathy, and understanding ensuring every student feels valued and included.
Work Together: Building strong relationships within our learning community.
We look forward to seeing you on Orientation Day on Monday! You have the opportunity to come meet your student's teacher and view their classroom between 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Please also mark your calendars for our Parent Information Night on Thursday, Sept. 5, from 5:45-6:45 p.m. This evening will allow you to learn more about our plans for the year and the curriculum.

As you visit about the first day of school, if you need resources for first day jitters share this read-aloud and, check out this resource from Lower Division Counselor Emily Morris.

If you did not receive the Back-To-School Welcome Letter, please review it for important information. Thank you for entrusting us with the education and development of your students. We look forward to a fantastic year filled with growth, achievement, and memorable experiences.

Here we GROW!

Sincerely,
Montie Sill
Lower Division Director
sillm@casady.org Tai Shriner
Lower Division Assistant Director
shrinert@casady.org
Phones and Smartwatches
To protect our students' attention and focus, encourage community, and foster a culture of learning and play, we ask that all devices, including smartwatches, remain off and in backpacks during the Lower Division day. Students will only be allowed to use these devices after 3:40 p.m.

Lower Division Security
Each day, our exterior doors are locked. All faculty have ID badges that include functionality to unlock all doors. All visitors must enter the main doors of Lower Division, and check in with Mrs. Miller.

Vehicle Identification for Controlled Access to Campus
Casady School has a vehicle identification system. The purpose of this policy is for the School to be able to recognize vehicles connected to our community and aid in our Visitor Management system. All vehicles shall display a School-issued front windshield decal when entering campus during the school day. Visitors entering campus in a vehicle without a decal shall be asked to check in with our Welcome Center. They will be given directions to their destination and asked to check in with the appropriate Division Office or Building for their visitor ID badge. Decals can be picked up at the Division Office. Please remember to remove your old tag and replace it with the most current one.

Morning Drop-Off | Dismissal and Carpool | After School
Students should arrive between 7:40-7:55 a.m. Please utilize the carpool circle drive for drop off. Early care starts at 7:30 a.m. Please do not drop off students before 7:30 a.m. Early care is housed in the Lower Division in each grade level area.

Parents should pick up their students in the carpool circle, or by walking up to the student’s exterior homeroom door.
Dismissal starts at 3:25 p.m.
All students should be picked up by 3:50 p.m.

After School Care Program
A supervised After School Care program is provided until 6:00 p.m. for students in first through fourth grade in the Learning Center. Registration will be through the Extended Programs portal located on the MyCasady Resource Board. Registration is now open. If you have any questions, please contact Extended Programs Manager Joella Pearson.

Students remaining in Lower Division at 3:50 p.m. will be walked to the Learning Center and parents will be billed accordingly. All students must be picked up from After School Care by 6:00 p.m.

Health or Dietary Needs/Medication
Students requiring medication administration during school, prescription or over-the-counter (OTC), must complete a medication administration form. This form is available through the August Schools Health Enrollment portal or you may email School Nurse Keema Kinchen. Administration guidelines are available in the Health Services Handbook. Unless declined, OTC medication is based on standard practice as needed: acetaminophen, antacids, ibuprofen, Benadryl (for allergic reactions), and throat lozenges. Please update all health information in August Schools before the start of this school year. If you have any questions, please contact Nurse Kinchen.

First Day of School
The first day is Wednesday, Aug. 21. Our school day begins promptly at 8:00 a.m., and students are released at 3:25 p.m. Please make every effort to have your student at School by 7:50 a.m. so they can be prepared for their classes. We will spend this first day reviewing safety protocols and procedures and getting to know each other. The day will go quickly, we know everyone is eager to see each other. Please remember we prefer parents to stay in their cars for arrival and dismissal. This allows us to dismiss students in a safe and timely manner. If you need to walk up to pick up your students at the end of the day, please report to the students' exterior homeroom door after notifying the front office or teacher. More information about arrival and dismissal procedures will be provided at Orientation.

This year we will continue our Wednesday schedule starting Wednesday, Aug. 28. Families are encouraged to take advantage of the extra hour in the mornings when they are able. If your student receives outside services, this would be a great time to schedule it.

Regular Schedule Wednesday Schedule
Early Care
7:30-7:40 a.m.
Arrival
7:40-7:55 a.m.
Start of School
8:00 a.m. Early Arrival Drop Off Period
7:30-8:00 a.m.
Arrival
8:45-8:55 a.m.
Start of School
9:00 a.m.

On Wednesdays, students should arrive between 8:40-8:55 a.m. Early care will be provided to families who need to drop off between 7:30-8:00 a.m. Early care will occur in Nichols Activity Center for first through fourth grade and will be monitored by staff. Please do not drop off students for early care at Lower Division, please use the circle drive by the Activity Center. Please do not drop off students before 7:30 a.m. The building will not be open or monitored until 7:30 a.m.
August 4
Dear Lower Division Parents,

Welcome to the 2024-25 school year at Casady School. I hope you had a safe, relaxing, and fun summer vacation! This email officially welcomes you and provides the necessary information to begin our new school year.

Please plan to attend Orientation Day on Monday, Aug. 19. This day allows you to meet your teacher anytime during 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. The teacher may request information from you during this visit. You do not need to plan on attending the duration as it is organized as a come-and-go event.

Please read the following before Orientation Day:
The Lower Division Parent and Student Handbook on MyCasady
After reviewing the handbook by clicking here, please share this information with your student and other family members. This informative booklet covers procedures for most of our School activities. If you have any questions, please call the Lower Division office.
School Uniform Information
This year we will continue Spirit Wear Fridays. Please pay particular attention to the outerwear and headband requirements. Uniform compliance is expected.
Teacher Email
Parents will receive an email on Tuesday, Aug. 13, from their student’s homeroom teacher. This email will contain back-to-school information, an online Google Carpool Form, and any information you need before Orientation Day, Aug. 19.

New Faces
You will see several new smiling faces this year in LD. We are welcoming the following teachers and staff to Lower Division:
Lower Division Administrative Assistant
Mrs. Lacey Miller
First Grade
Mrs. Holly Lee
Mrs. Katie Martinez
Mrs. Laura Oller
Second Grade
Mrs. Kenzie Caldwell
Third Grade
Miss Payton Fisher
Fourth Grade
Mrs. Bailey Black
Music
Mrs. Riley King

They are all thrilled to be joining us! They each have their gifts and talents and will help us continue to grow!

Don’t forget to mark your calendar for our Parent Information Night on Sept. 5, more details will be shared soon.

Please contact Lower Division Administrative Assistant Mrs. Miller or me with any questions. We are very excited about starting a new year, here we grow!

Enjoy the last days of summer! See you soon!

Sincerely,
Montie Sill
Lower Division Director
sillm@casady.org Tai Shriner
Lower Division Assistant Director
shrinert@casady.org
Phones and Smartwatches
To protect our students' attention and focus, encourage community, and foster a culture of learning and play, we ask that all devices, including smartwatches, remain off and in backpacks during the Lower Division day. Students will only be allowed to use these devices after 3:40 p.m.

Lower Division Security
Each day, our exterior doors are locked. All faculty have ID badges that include functionality to unlock all doors. All visitors must enter the main doors of Lower Division, and check in with Mrs. Miller.

Vehicle Identification for Controlled Access to Campus
Casady School has a vehicle identification system. The purpose of this policy is for the School to be able to recognize vehicles connected to our community and aid in our Visitor Management system. All vehicles shall display a School-issued front windshield decal when entering campus during the school day. Visitors entering campus in a vehicle without a decal shall be asked to check in with our Welcome Center. They will be given directions to their destination and asked to check in with the appropriate Division Office or Building for their visitor ID badge. Decals can be picked up at the Division Office. Please remember to remove your old tag and replace it with the most current one.

Morning Drop-Off | Dismissal and Carpool | After School
Students should arrive between 7:40-7:55 a.m. Please utilize the carpool circle drive for drop off. Early care starts at 7:30 a.m. Please do not drop off students before 7:30 a.m. Early care is housed in the Lower Division in each grade level area.

Parents should pick up their students in the carpool circle, or by walking up to the student’s exterior homeroom door.
Dismissal starts at 3:25 p.m.
All students should be picked up by 3:50 p.m.

After School Care Program
A supervised After School Care program is provided until 6:00 p.m. for students in first through fourth grade in the Learning Center. Registration will be through the Extended Programs portal located on the MyCasady Resource Board. Registration is now open. If you have any questions, please contact Extended Programs Manager Joella Pearson.

Students remaining in Lower Division at 3:50 p.m. will be walked to the Learning Center and parents will be billed accordingly. All students must be picked up from After School Care by 6:00 p.m.

Cyclone Express
Registration for the Cyclone Express closed on Aug. 1.

Health or Dietary Needs/Medication
Students requiring medication administration during school, prescription or over-the-counter (OTC), must complete a medication administration form. This form is available through the August Schools Health Enrollment portal or you may email School Nurse Keema Kinchen. Administration guidelines are available in the Health Services Handbook. Unless declined, OTC medication is based on standard practice as needed: acetaminophen, antacids, ibuprofen, Benadryl (for allergic reactions), and throat lozenges. Please update all health information in August Schools before the start of this school year. If you have any questions, please contact Nurse Kinchen.

Sage Dining
At Orientation you will receive the lunch menu for the remainder of August. Your student will always be given the option of a sandwich and/or salad bar. There is no need to fill out a separate calendar going forward. We encourage parents who have students with special dietary needs to make an appointment with or inform Chef Boo Hee Newman at 405-749-3156. Please also alert School Nurse Keema Kinchen by Aug. 5.

First Day of School
The first day is Wednesday, Aug. 21. Our school day begins promptly at 8:00 a.m., and students are released at 3:25 p.m. Please make every effort to have your student at School by 7:50 a.m. so they can be prepared for their classes. We will spend this first day reviewing safety protocols and procedures and getting to know each other. The day will go quickly, we know everyone is eager to see each other. Please remember we prefer parents to stay in their cars for arrival and dismissal. This allows us to dismiss students in a safe and timely manner. If you need to walk up to pick your students up at the end of the day, please report to the students' exterior homeroom door after notifying the front office or teacher. More information about arrival and dismissal procedures will be provided at Orientation.

This year we will continue our Wednesday schedule starting Wednesday, Aug. 28. Families are encouraged to take advantage of the extra hour in the mornings when they are able. If your student receives outside services, this would be a great time to schedule it.

Regular Schedule Wednesday Schedule
Early Care
7:30-7:40 a.m.
Arrival
7:40-7:55 a.m.
Start of School
8:00 a.m. Early Arrival Drop Off Period
7:30-8:00 a.m.
Arrival
8:45-8:55 a.m.
Start of School
9:00 a.m.

On Wednesdays, students should arrive between 8:40-8:55 a.m. Early care will be provided to families needing to drop off between 7:30-8:00 a.m. Early care will occur in Nichols Activity Center for first through fourth grade and will be monitored by staff. Please do not drop off students for early care at Lower Division, please use the circle drive by the Activity Center. Please do not drop off students before 7:30 a.m. The building will not be open or monitored until 7:30 a.m.

Grade Levels	Classroom Visitation Time	Book Fair & Photo Booth Time
First & Third Grade	1:00-2:00 p.m.	2:00-3:00 p.m.
Second & Fourth Grade	2:00-3:00 p.m.	1:00-2:00 p.m.

Regular Schedule	Wednesday Schedule
Early Care 7:30-7:40 a.m. Arrival 7:40-7:55 a.m. Start of School 8:00 a.m.	Early Arrival Drop Off Period 7:30-8:00 a.m. Arrival 8:45-8:55 a.m. Start of School 9:00 a.m.

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Supporting the Mission

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