Middle Division Notes

Middle Division Notes

Dear Middle Division Families,

Can you see it? Can you feel it in the air (thank you, Phil Collins)? Welcome to April! We are in that stretch of the year where the weather is warmer and more temperamental, the days are longer, and, for educators and students, it marks the beginning of the “sprint to the finish line.” While this time can sometimes feel chaotic, we want to assure you that your students are well-supported and remain our top priority. Here is what you can expect in the coming weeks: 

  • Academic Focus: Teachers will begin reinforcing key concepts and skills for upcoming final assessments and projects. Whether they are showcases or finals, the prep work begins now.
  • Spring Fling: Thursday, April 23, we will celebrate the performing arts with an evening of performances from our choir, band, orchestra, and drama classes.
  • Open Communication: As always, we encourage open communication between parents and teachers. Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns. 
 
We recognize that this time of year can be busy. It is. Busy can feel like stress, and busy can bring focus and intention. It’s a balance, as always. That said, we are committed to making these final months both productive and enjoyable for our students. Thank you for your continued partnership and support. 
 
In this together,
 
Sara Zedlitz
Middle Division Director
Jake Staats
Middle Division Assistant Director

Additional Information

National Service Awards
In past years, Casady Students with an outstanding number of volunteer hours were celebrated with a Presidential Volunteer Service Award in one of our spring Chapels. Americorps, the organization that administered those awards, was defunded with government spending cuts. A new organization, the National Service Honor, has stepped in to continue this important recognition. We will award scholarships to eligible students later this spring during special chapel services. Upper Division students can register their service through our Mobile Serve app. Seventh and eighth grade students submit hours directly to Rev. Todd. Middle Division Service Forms are available at the Service Learning Widget at MyCasady. www.nationalservicehonor.org

Collect for Palm Sunday and Holy Week
Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Uniform Reminders
Your student must be in proper uniform each day.

We will continue to walk to Chapel, Performing Arts, and PE classes, and have outside breaks during the winter season. Label your students’ jackets and hats with their names. If students choose to wear leggings, they must be worn under shorts, skirts, or tops long enough to hit mid-thigh. Thank you for partnering with us and helping your student to meet these expectations.
This Week
  • Monday: Regular Uniform
  • Tuesday: Regular Uniform
  • Wednesday: Regular Uniform
  • Thursday: Privilege Day
  • Friday: No School

On Going Reminders
Handbook Reminders about Absences from School
Please remember that absences for reasons other than illness, school-sponsored activities, or bereavement will be marked as unexcused. When making travel arrangements, please adhere to our calendared breaks. Please note: Work completed late or missed as a result of an unexcused absence may result in reduced credit. Students are responsible for meeting with their teachers and making arrangements to complete their academic work. 
 
A student who misses more than two classes on a given day will not participate in co-curricular competitions or performances on that day. Exceptions must be approved by the Division Administration.

MyCasady Access
When looking at assignments, the default setting is to display them on the “Due Date.” To help your student in planning their week, it can be helpful to change the setting to “Assigned Date.” To do this, navigate to “Show filters” on the upper left corner and change the setting from “due date” to “assigned date.” 

See your student’s academic progress by clicking the “Progress” tab and expanding the “See Grade Details” button for each class. You’ll see tabs marked 'Fall Semester' and 'Spring Semester,' as well as 'Fall, Winter, Spring Trimester.' You can toggle between these tabs. To see the Spring Semester, click “Spring Semester” so that it’s gray. 

MyCasady has made some changes to its assignment center. If you or your student sees the “overdue” notification, it means the due date has passed, and a grade has not been placed in MyCasady. It is not an indication that the work is missing. However, if there is an M for missing or a zero score, that assignment has not been turned in, and it will be addressed between the teacher and student.
 
Call for Carpool Civility and Patience
Navigating carpool is a wonderful way to practice tolerance, patience, and community-mindedness. Adhering to the following guidelines helps us ensure your student’s safety and efficiency.
  1. Please pay attention to and follow the directions of the faculty and security staff on duty.
  2. Cars crossing the carpool lanes slow everyone down. If you need to turn left out of our circle, please try to use the flag pole lane. Likewise, if you’re planning to turn right, use the McClendon lane. 
  3. Do not park and leave your car in the circle. 
  4. The middle lane is for moving traffic. Do not ask your student to get out of the car in the middle lane. 
  5. As always, don’t leave gaps in the line. Pull All the Way Up!

Upcoming Important Dates

April
  • April 3: Good Friday, No School
  • April 9: Author Alyson Gerber Visit
  • April 14-17: Fifth Grade Health Education
  • April 23: Spring Fling
  • April 27-30: Fifth and Sixth Grade ERBs

May 
  • May 1: May Day, No School
  • May 1-2: Seventh and Eighth Grade Performing Arts Trip to Dallas

MD Notes Archive

List of 31 items.

  • March 22

    Dear Middle Division Families,

    Welcome Back! I hope you had a wonderful Spring Break full of as much or as little activity as you wanted. As you know, eighth grade spent four days in Washington, D.C. the week before the break, and we packed all kinds of activities into our time. Across our capital city, the story of our country, its founding ideals, its values, its heroes, and its memories are preserved and honored in its architecture, monuments, and public spaces. We visited the Capitol, the Supreme Court, and the National Archives and reflected on the privileges and responsibilities of our democracy. We explored how we remember and preserve meaning while visiting the monuments of the National Mall, the Smithsonian Museums, and the National Cathedral. We also became adept travelers of the metro system and took in a show at the Kennedy Center! Hopefully, these experiences will form part of our students’ story of themselves and inspire them to continue exploring and engaging in what it means to live their story in the midst of the American story! 

    Looking ahead, it’s hard to believe, but we have nine weeks of school left until Summer Break. The remaining weeks are filled with exciting events and important work. The sunshine and looming promise of summer might tempt our students to wish these days away or forget the skills and discipline that they have spent the year practicing. I encourage them to remember that the effort of discipline is almost always preferable to the frustration of regret.

    We hope you had a wonderful Spring Break, and we’ll look forward to seeing everyone bright and early on Tuesday, March 24.
     
    In this together,
     
    Sara Zedlitz
    Middle Division Director
    Jake Staats
    Middle Division Assistant Director


    SoulCraft This Week: Similarities Bring Us Together
    During SoulCraft this week, students will participate in an interactive activity designed to help them build connections with their peers. Working in pairs, students will identify similarities and differences between themselves while physically stepping closer together or farther apart.

    The activity encourages students to look beyond surface-level traits and discover shared interests, experiences, and perspectives. Afterward, students will reflect together on what they learned, including how recognizing similarities with others can strengthen relationships and help prevent misunderstandings or conflicts.
    This activity supports our ongoing work in helping students build empathy, communication skills, and a stronger sense of community within their advisory groups.

    Conversation starter: What was one similarity you discovered with a classmate that surprised you?

    National Service Awards
    In past years, Casady Students with an outstanding number of volunteer hours were celebrated with a Presidential Volunteer Service Award in one of our spring Chapels. Americorps, the organization that administered those awards, was defunded with government spending cuts. A new organization, the National Service Honor, has stepped in to continue this important recognition. We will award scholarships to eligible students later this spring during special chapel services. Upper Division students can register their service through our Mobile Serve app. Seventh and eighth grade students submit hours directly to Rev. Todd. Middle Division Service Forms are available at the Service Learning Widget at MyCasady. www.nationalservicehonor.org

    Collect for the Fifth Week in Lent
    Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

    Uniform Reminders
    Your student must be in proper uniform each day.

    We will continue to walk to Chapel, Performing Arts, and PE classes, and have outside breaks during the winter season. Label your students’ jackets and hats with their names. If students choose to wear leggings, they must be worn under shorts, skirts, or tops long enough to hit mid-thigh. Thank you for partnering with us and helping your student to meet these expectations.

    This Week
    • Tuesday: Regular Uniform
    • Wednesday: Regular Uniform
    • Thursday: Regular Uniform
    • Friday: Spirit Day

    On Going Reminders
    Handbook Reminders about Absences from School
    Please remember that absences for reasons other than illness, school-sponsored activities, or bereavement will be marked as unexcused. When making travel arrangements, please adhere to our calendared breaks. Please note: Work completed late or missed as a result of an unexcused absence may result in reduced credit. Students are responsible for meeting with their teachers and making arrangements to complete their academic work. 
     
    A student who misses more than two classes on a given day will not participate in co-curricular competitions or performances on that day. Exceptions must be approved by the Division Administration.

    MyCasady Access
    When looking at assignments, the default setting is to display them on the “Due Date.” To help your student in planning their week, it can be helpful to change the setting to “Assigned Date.” To do this, navigate to “Show filters” on the upper left corner and change the setting from “due date” to “assigned date.” 

    See your student’s academic progress by clicking the “Progress” tab and expanding the “See Grade Details” button for each class. You’ll see tabs marked 'Fall Semester' and 'Spring Semester,' as well as 'Fall, Winter, Spring Trimester.' You can toggle between these tabs. To see the Spring Semester, click “Spring Semester” so that it’s gray. 

    MyCasady has made some changes to its assignment center. If you or your student sees the “overdue” notification, it means the due date has passed, and a grade has not been placed in MyCasady. It is not an indication that the work is missing. However, if there is an M for missing or a zero score, that assignment has not been turned in, and it will be addressed between the teacher and student.
     
    Call for Carpool Civility and Patience
    Navigating carpool is a wonderful way to practice tolerance, patience, and community-mindedness. Adhering to the following guidelines helps us ensure your student’s safety and efficiency.
    1. Please pay attention to and follow the directions of the faculty and security staff on duty.
    2. Cars crossing the carpool lanes slow everyone down. If you need to turn left out of our circle, please try to use the flag pole lane. Likewise, if you’re planning to turn right, use the McClendon lane. 
    3. Do not park and leave your car in the circle. 
    4. The middle lane is for moving traffic. Do not ask your student to get out of the car in the middle lane. 
    5. As always, don’t leave gaps in the line. Pull All the Way Up!

  • March 8

    Dear Middle Division Families,

    We so enjoyed hosting and meeting all the grandparents and grandfriends who came to visit us last week! These opportunities to connect with our wider Casady Community are so important, and I hope that they got a good picture of all the many wonderful things that happen here in Middle Division. Here is the link to the photos from Grandparents' and Grandfrinds' Day. 

    Speaking of wonderful things, on Monday Mr. Staats, the eighth grade teaching team, and I are headed out with the eighth grade class on our Signature Experience Washington D.C. Trip! Experiential education is formative, and we have intentionally designed it to expand and enrich the curricular strands of the eighth grade program. Additionally, we hope the memories made will further knit this group of students together and serve as an exciting capstone to their Middle Division experience. We will be out of the office Monday through Friday. Director of Curriculum and Instruction Mr. White, who was also a Middle Division Director in a former life, will be stepping in to hold down the fort in our absence! 

    Lastly, please remember that course forms are due to your student’s advisor by this Friday, March 13. Amazingly, it’s time to start looking toward next year's scheduling needs and parameters. Where does the time go? 

    We hope you have a wonderful Spring Break, and we’ll look forward to seeing everyone bright and early on Tuesday, March 24.
     
    In this together,
     
    Sara Zedlitz
    Middle Division Director
    Jake Staats
    Middle Division Assistant Director


    SoulCraft This Week: Strengthening Advisory Connections
    As we approach Spring Break, Middle Division students will participate in a fun and meaningful SoulCraft activity designed to deepen peer connections.

    Through a “Person-to-Person Bingo” game, students will engage in intentional, face-to-face conversations with classmates they may not know as well. The goal is to discover shared interests, unique experiences, and new common ground within their advisory groups.

    This activity encourages:
    • Active listening and eye contact
    • Respectful, one-on-one conversation
    • Curiosity about others
    • Strengthening our sense of belonging before the break
    While there is a lighthearted competitive element, the deeper purpose is connection, helping students recognize both what they share and what makes each individual unique.

    You might ask your student:
    • “What’s something new you learned about someone in your advisory?”
    • “Did you discover anything you have in common with someone new?”
    • “Was there anything that surprised you?”
    It’s never too late in the school year to strengthen relationships, and we’re excited to help students continue building meaningful connections within our Casady Community.

    National Service Awards
    In past years, Casady Students with an outstanding number of volunteer hours were celebrated with a Presidential Volunteer Service Award in one of our spring Chapels. Americorps, the organization that administered those awards, was defunded with government spending cuts. A new organization, the National Service Honor, has stepped in to continue this important recognition. We will award scholarships to eligible students later this spring during special chapel services. Upper Division students can register their service through our Mobile Serve app. Seventh and eighth grade students submit hours directly to Rev. Todd. Middle Division Service Forms are available at the Service Learning Widget at MyCasady. www.nationalservicehonor.org

    Collect for the Third Week in Lent
    Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

    Homeless Alliance PAWS of LOVE
    In conjunction with Upper Division's Blue Week non-profit beneficiary, the Homeless Alliance, each Division will collect pet items for our homeless neighbors, many of whom find meaningful companionship with their pets. The Homeless Alliance shows the same love and care for their animals as they do for their clients. Bring pet snacks, chew toys, and pet items from March 2-13 and place them in the receptacles in your student's Division.

    Uniform Reminders
    Your student must be in proper uniform each day.

    We will continue to walk to Chapel, Performing Arts, and PE classes, and have outside breaks during the winter season. Label your students’ jackets and hats with their names. If students choose to wear leggings, they must be worn under shorts, skirts, or tops long enough to hit mid-thigh. Thank you for partnering with us and helping your student to meet these expectations.

    This Week
    • Monday: Regular Uniform
    • Tuesday: Regular Uniform
    • Wednesday: Regular Uniform
    • Thursday: Regular Uniform
    • Friday: Spirit Day

    On Going Reminders
    Handbook Reminders about Absences from School
    Please remember that absences for reasons other than illness, school-sponsored activities, or bereavement will be marked as unexcused. When making travel arrangements, please adhere to our calendared breaks. Please note: Work completed late or missed as a result of an unexcused absence may result in reduced credit. Students are responsible for meeting with their teachers and making arrangements to complete their academic work. 
     
    A student who misses more than two classes on a given day will not participate in co-curricular competitions or performances on that day. Exceptions must be approved by the Division Administration.

    MyCasady Access
    When looking at assignments, the default setting is to display them on the “Due Date.” To help your student in planning their week, it can be helpful to change the setting to “Assigned Date.” To do this, navigate to “Show filters” on the upper left corner and change the setting from “due date” to “assigned date.” 

    See your student’s academic progress by clicking the “Progress” tab and expanding the “See Grade Details” button for each class. You’ll see tabs marked 'Fall Semester' and 'Spring Semester,' as well as 'Fall, Winter, Spring Trimester.' You can toggle between these tabs. To see the Spring Semester, click “Spring Semester” so that it’s gray. 

    MyCasady has made some changes to its assignment center. If you or your student sees the “overdue” notification, it means the due date has passed, and a grade has not been placed in MyCasady. It is not an indication that the work is missing. However, if there is an M for missing or a zero score, that assignment has not been turned in, and it will be addressed between the teacher and student.
     
    Call for Carpool Civility and Patience
    Navigating carpool is a wonderful way to practice tolerance, patience, and community-mindedness. Adhering to the following guidelines helps us ensure your student’s safety and efficiency.
    1. Please pay attention to and follow the directions of the faculty and security staff on duty.
    2. Cars crossing the carpool lanes slow everyone down. If you need to turn left out of our circle, please try to use the flag pole lane. Likewise, if you’re planning to turn right, use the McClendon lane. 
    3. Do not park and leave your car in the circle. 
    4. The middle lane is for moving traffic. Do not ask your student to get out of the car in the middle lane. 
    5. As always, don’t leave gaps in the line. Pull All the Way Up!

  • March 1

    Dear Middle Division Families,

    The mess and miracle of early adolescence is the development of students’ own moral compasses and decision-making skills, and much of our work is focused on supporting that growth. When we ask students to take responsibility for their mistakes, when we hold them accountable for their actions and words, when we ask them to serve in Calvert or contribute to a class discussion, we are communicating that they are capable of being relied upon, that they are worth their best, honest efforts, and that their unique contributions improve our community. Character Education is not a new commitment in Middle Division; it is an area to which we return regularly, evaluating what to preserve and where we can improve our practice. 

    A hallmark of Casady is Family Style Dining, and we are committed to preserving this practice in Middle Division. Sharing a meal allows our students to exercise responsibility to the community and brings action to the notion that service to others is an integral part of developing self-worth and efficacy.

    Advisory is a primary opportunity to provide direct instruction on skill-building, such as time management, academic responsibility, and personal accountability. Additionally, we use this time to reinforce at an individual and small group level the lessons from our Soulcraft curriculum. Anchored in our Episcopal tradition, Soulcraft, led by our chaplains and counselors, focuses on the needs of our students and serves to increase their social-emotional literacy through lessons on self-awareness, brain science, and community accountability. In other words, it seeks to equip students with the ability to love and understand themselves in order that they might, in turn, be better able to love and understand others. 

    Unstructured recess intentionally provides an occasion for students to practice creativity, collaboration, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills. The classic features of Middle Division play, the Four Square and basketball courts, ping-pong tables, and the Gaga Ball Pit, while sources of great fun, are also the catalyst for many of our behavioral challenges and interpersonal conflicts. This provides teachers, Mr. Staats, and me opportunities for reflective conversations centered on lessons in self-regulation, recognition of poor or reactive decision-making, and identifying meaningful restorative actions. 

    Within our existing Advisory programming, this year, we are also including more team-building activities focused on self and other awareness, problem-solving, and social awareness. Our counselor, Ms. Reed, is leading us in the implementation of the RULER practice from the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence. This work empowers students to recognize and name their emotions, thereby allowing them to separate themselves from their feelings. This separation creates an opportunity for students to pause, practice self-awareness, and regain control of their decision-making faculties. This is crucial to healthy character development as it communicates that well-regulated individuals can create, and then benefit from, a well-regulated community!

    A new area of focus is the articulation of a Commitment to Integrity. We believe our students are worth their best efforts, capable of critical thinking, reflection, and receiving feedback. This work focuses on our commitment to helping our students develop into people of academic and personal integrity. That is to say, will they know and have the courage to do the right thing, even when no one is watching? Proactively, our faculty emphasize the importance of academic integrity through explicitly stated guardrails as it relates to the new world of AI use, as well as cheating, lying, and stealing, while also highlighting personal integrity and respect as it relates to peer-to-peer, student-to-community, and student-to-faculty relationships.

    At the heart of all of this is the understanding that Middle Division students are a work in progress; we are dedicated to educating the character and spirit of our young people and building a culture and practice of respect and kindness. 
     
    In this together,
     
    Sara Zedlitz
    Middle Division Director
    Jake Staats
    Middle Division Assistant Director


    Rising Ninth Grade Course Registration
    March 3
    6:30-7:30 p.m.
    The Chapel of St. Edward the Confessor

    Upper Division is pleased to welcome rising ninth grade students and their families to the other side of the lake to register for next year’s classes. We will begin with a presentation in the Chapel of St. Edward the Confessor, followed by small group registration sessions. We are excited to meet the class of 2030!

    Grandparents' Day Come and Go Open House
    Thursday, March 5
    4:30-5:30 p.m.

    The deadline for ordering Grandparents’ Day items has passed. If you placed an order that requires shipping, it will ship on Monday, March 2. Local pickup is also available as usual. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to the cupboard@casady.org.

    Book Fair
    The Scholastic Book Fair is coming March 2-6! Please Click here to fill out the form if you would like to allow your student to charge books to your Casady account. I also would like one sent about our visiting author, Alyson Gerber for both this Sunday and the next.
    Casady is excited to host award winning author, Alyson Gerber. Students in fifth through eighth grade will be part of her engaging presentation and book signing. If you would like to order a signed copy of her book, please use this link for the google order form. 

    SoulCraft This Week: Practicing Gratitude
    This week in SoulCraft, all students are participating in a gratitude activity focused on recognizing the adults at School who support and encourage them. Students are writing a note of thanks to a teacher, coach, or administrator who has made a positive impact on them so far this school year.

    Practicing gratitude helps support both mental and physical well-being by encouraging students to notice what is going well, build empathy, and strengthen their sense of connection within the Casady Community. These notes will be delivered before Spring Break as a way for students to express appreciation in a meaningful and authentic way.

    Conversation Starters at Home
    • Who did you choose to write your gratitude note to, and why?
    • What is something that person has done that made a difference for you?
    • How did it feel to write a note of thanks?

    National Service Awards
    In past years, Casady Students with an outstanding number of volunteer hours were celebrated with a Presidential Volunteer Service Award in one of our spring Chapels. Americorps, the organization that administered those awards, was defunded with government spending cuts. A new organization, the National Service Honor, has stepped in to continue this important recognition. We will award scholarships to eligible students later this spring during special chapel services. Upper Division students can register their service through our Mobile Serve app. Seventh and eighth grade students submit hours directly to Rev. Todd. Middle Division Service Forms are available at the Service Learning Widget at MyCasady. www.nationalservicehonor.org

    Collect for the Second Week in Lent
    O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

    Homeless Alliance PAWS of LOVE
    In conjunction with Upper Division's Blue Week non-profit beneficiary, the Homeless Alliance, each Division will collect pet items for our homeless neighbors, many of whom find meaningful companionship with their pets. The Homeless Alliance shows the same love and care for their animals as they do for their clients. Bring pet snacks, chew toys, and pet items from March 2-13 and place them in the receptacles in your student's Division.

    Uniform Reminders
    Your student must be in proper uniform each day.

    We will continue to walk to Chapel, Performing Arts, and PE classes, and have outside breaks during the winter season. Label your students’ jackets and hats with their names. If students choose to wear leggings, they must be worn under shorts, skirts, or tops long enough to hit mid-thigh. Thank you for partnering with us and helping your student to meet these expectations.

    This Week
    • Monday: Regular Uniform
    • Tuesday: Regular Uniform
    • Wednesday: Regular Uniform
    • Thursday: Regular Uniform
    • Friday: Privilege Day

    On Going Reminders
    Handbook Reminders about Absences from School
    Please remember that absences for reasons other than illness, school-sponsored activities, or bereavement will be marked as unexcused. When making travel arrangements, please adhere to our calendared breaks. Please note: Work completed late or missed as a result of an unexcused absence may result in reduced credit. Students are responsible for meeting with their teachers and making arrangements to complete their academic work. 
     
    A student who misses more than two classes on a given day will not participate in co-curricular competitions or performances on that day. Exceptions must be approved by the Division Administration.

    MyCasady Access
    When looking at assignments, the default setting is to display them on the “Due Date.” To help your student in planning their week, it can be helpful to change the setting to “Assigned Date.” To do this, navigate to “Show filters” on the upper left corner and change the setting from “due date” to “assigned date.” 

    See your student’s academic progress by clicking the “Progress” tab and expanding the “See Grade Details” button for each class. You’ll see tabs marked 'Fall Semester' and 'Spring Semester,' as well as 'Fall, Winter, Spring Trimester.' You can toggle between these tabs. To see the Spring Semester, click “Spring Semester” so that it’s gray. 

    MyCasady has made some changes to its assignment center. If you or your student sees the “overdue” notification, it means the due date has passed, and a grade has not been placed in MyCasady. It is not an indication that the work is missing. However, if there is an M for missing or a zero score, that assignment has not been turned in, and it will be addressed between the teacher and student.
     
    Call for Carpool Civility and Patience
    Navigating carpool is a wonderful way to practice tolerance, patience, and community-mindedness. Adhering to the following guidelines helps us ensure your student’s safety and efficiency.
    1. Please pay attention to and follow the directions of the faculty and security staff on duty.
    2. Cars crossing the carpool lanes slow everyone down. If you need to turn left out of our circle, please try to use the flag pole lane. Likewise, if you’re planning to turn right, use the McClendon lane. 
    3. Do not park and leave your car in the circle. 
    4. The middle lane is for moving traffic. Do not ask your student to get out of the car in the middle lane. 
    5. As always, don’t leave gaps in the line. Pull All the Way Up!

  • Feb. 22

    Dear Middle Division Families,

    As many of you know, I have a college sophomore and Casady senior who has recently settled on his college choice for the fall. As I anticipate the future and watch my children take greater responsibility for themselves and their independent lives, I find myself reflecting on the touchstones that have helped me navigate the precious job of parenthood. I have tried, not always successfully, to parent according to Dr. Lisa Damour’s approach, in particular her swimming pool metaphor. This is the idea that we are like swimming pools for our children and the water they swim in, their world. We are the walls they cling to when learning to swim, needing a rest, or venturing into the deep end. As they move into adolescence, this means we’re also, increasingly, the walls they push against when feeling bold, practicing independence, or gaining confidence. Dr. Damour describes parenting in this space as “emotional whiplash,” as our children vacillate between wanting and needing our help and then pushing away from us to focus on and follow friends and their larger social sphere. Sometimes these “shoves” can take the form of poor choices with school work, disrespect at home, inexplicable moodswings, and frustrating “fines” or “nothing” in response to any question we ask. To take the metaphor further, it can be tempting to try to keep them protected in the shallow end or to pull away when their pushes are confusing or disrespectful, but Damour reminds us that, “[your children] need a wall to swim to, and [they] need you to be a wall that can withstand [their] comings and goings.”

    Finally, we look forward to seeing you all this Friday, Feb. 27, for Spring Conferences. Advisors will share insight on your student’s growth thus far as well as suggestions for supporting their progress in these last months of the school year. We’ll also share course registration forms at that time. If you have not yet scheduled a conference time, please reach out to your student’s advisor. 
     
    In this together,
     
    Sara Zedlitz
    Middle Division Director
    Jake Staats
    Middle Division Assistant Director


    House Competition
    The House Competition continues for the entire month of February!

    The premise is simple: 
    1. Read Books
    2. Record the Number of Pages Read.
    3. Repeat.
    SoulCraft This Week: Desert Island Challenge
    During SoulCraft this week, students will participate in a fast-paced challenge designed to strengthen teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. In small groups, students must agree on just four survival items, under a 15-second time limit per decision! The activity encourages students to practice listening, compromising, managing differing opinions, and working toward a shared goal under pressure.

    Our reflection time will focus on what made collaboration difficult, what strategies helped their group succeed, and how positive relationships make teamwork stronger and more effective.

    Conversation Starter at Home:
    • What was the hardest part about agreeing as a group?
    • Did someone in your group help keep everyone focused or calm?
    • What makes someone a good teammate?
    • When you disagree with someone, what helps you work through it?
    These small conversations help reinforce the skills we’re practicing, like listening well, respecting differences, and building strong, healthy relationships.

    Eighth Grade Class Photo
    The Eighth Grade Class Photo will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 24. Students will be in uniform for this photo. 

    Rising Ninth Grade Course Registration
    March 3
    6:30-7:30 p.m.
    The Chapel of St. Edward the Confessor

    Upper Division is pleased to welcome rising ninth grade students and their families to the other side of the lake to register for next year’s classes. We will begin with a presentation in the Chapel of St. Edward the Confessor, followed by small group registration sessions. We are excited to meet the class of 2030!

    Grandparents' Day Come and Go Open House
    Thursday, March 5
    4:30-5:30 p.m.

    The deadline for ordering Grandparents’ Day items has passed. If you placed an order that requires shipping, it will ship on Monday, March 2. Local pickup is also available as usual. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to the cupboard@casady.org.

    National Service Awards
    In past years, Casady Students with an outstanding number of volunteer hours were celebrated with a Presidential Volunteer Service Award in one of our spring Chapels. Americorps, the organization that administered those awards, was defunded with government spending cuts. A new organization, the National Service Honor, has stepped in to continue this important recognition. We will award scholarships to eligible students later this spring during special chapel services. Upper Division students can register their service through our Mobile Serve app. Seventh and eighth grade students submit hours directly to Rev. Todd. Middle Division Service Forms are available at the Service Learning Widget at MyCasady. www.nationalservicehonor.org

    Collect for the Week of Feb. 22
    Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan: Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations; and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

    Uniform Reminders
    Your student must be in proper uniform each day.
    We will continue to go to Chapel and have outside breaks during the winter season. Please make sure your student’s jackets and hats have their names on them. Lastly, if students choose to wear leggings, they must be worn under shorts, skirts, or tops long enough to hit mid-thigh.
    Thank you for partnering with us and helping your student to meet these expectations.

    This Week
    • Monday: Regular Uniform
    • Tuesday: Regular Uniform
    • Wednesday: Regular Uniform
    • Thursday: Spirit Uniform
    • Friday: No School, Parent Advisor Conferences 

    On Going Reminders
    Handbook Reminders about Absences from School
    Please remember that absences for reasons other than illness, school-sponsored activities, or bereavement will be marked as unexcused. When making travel arrangements, please adhere to our calendared breaks. Please note: Work completed late or missed as a result of an unexcused absence may result in reduced credit. Students are responsible for meeting with their teachers and making arrangements to complete their academic work. 
     
    A student who misses more than two classes on a given day will not participate in co-curricular competitions or performances on that day. Exceptions must be approved by the Division Administration.

    MyCasady Access
    When looking at assignments, the default setting is to display them on the “Due Date.” To help your student in planning their week, it can be helpful to change the setting to “Assigned Date.” To do this, navigate to “Show filters” on the upper left corner and change the setting from “due date” to “assigned date.” 

    See your student’s academic progress by clicking the “Progress” tab and expanding the “See Grade Details” button for each class. You’ll see tabs marked 'Fall Semester' and 'Spring Semester,' as well as 'Fall, Winter, Spring Trimester.' You can toggle between these tabs. To see the Spring Semester, click “Spring Semester” so that it’s gray. 

    MyCasady has made some changes to its assignment center. If you or your student sees the “overdue” notification, it means the due date has passed, and a grade has not been placed in MyCasady. It is not an indication that the work is missing. However, if there is an M for missing or a zero score, that assignment has not been turned in, and it will be addressed between the teacher and student.
     
    Call for Carpool Civility and Patience
    Navigating carpool is a wonderful way to practice tolerance, patience, and community-mindedness. Adhering to the following guidelines helps us ensure your student’s safety and efficiency.
    1. Please pay attention to and follow the directions of the faculty and security staff on duty.
    2. Cars crossing the carpool lanes slow everyone down. If you need to turn left out of our circle, please try to use the flag pole lane. Likewise, if you’re planning to turn right, use the McClendon lane. 
    3. Do not park and leave your car in the circle. 
    4. The middle lane is for moving traffic. Do not ask your student to get out of the car in the middle lane. 
    5. As always, don’t leave gaps in the line. Pull All the Way Up!

  • Feb. 16

    Dear Middle Division Families,

    Two things of note: 

    1. The season of Lent is upon us, and I want to take a moment to acknowledge that for many of us it is a time of reflection and spiritual growth. Moreover, regardless of faith or belief system, I find it a time for us to pause, reflect on our values, and engage in practices that foster mindfulness. I hope everyone has the opportunity to embrace this season with open hearts and minds. 

    2. As winter athletics come to a close for our seventh and eighth graders, I want to take a moment to congratulate our winter athletes for their hard work, dedication, and the spirit they brought to their respective sports this season. It has been great getting to witness their commitment both on and off the court, mat, and pool. As we celebrate the achievements of our winter teams, let us continue to support them in future spring endeavors! Below are the athletes who competed in our Winter Sports this year. Job well done!

    Wrestling
    Brooks Buoy, Alexander Chervilov, Knox Fisher, Walker Harlow, Aaryan Kumar, Masyn Ly, Cole Nguyen, Cohen Rucker, Thatcher Snook, Max Thompson

    Swimming
    Umar Aslam, Enola Baker, Olivia Baldwin, Rylee Baldwin, Teagan Burns, Samantha Chapel, Addison Churchwell, Vihaan Dasari, Holden Guhl, Minh Koticha, Ethan Li, Norah Miller, Mason Nguyen, Grace Pardue, David Pitts, Neel Rhode, Jonah Rughani, Scarlett Schwartz, Vaibhav Thaduri, Ollie Thomas, Hemanth Yelahanka Raghavendra, Ali Zahoor

    Basketball
    Ayana Ashok-Naidu, Victoria Campbell, Spencer Cryder, Ella Lee Cryder, Olivia Evans, Plum Ford, Parker Keesee, Maggie Kloberdanz, Hazel LaGroue, Ava Mazaheri-Franze, Leilah Naifeh, Emsley Soderberg, Claire Thomas, Ella Turnini, Sadie Ware, Winnie Zielke

    Maryam Ahmed, Ashi Baluja, Wimberley Benton, Alex Carter, Scout Farmer, Gia Harroz, Maggie Holt, Ranya Hussein, Klaire Jennings, Lauren Johnson, Ella Lechtenberger, Helena Luong, Jordan Matlock, Mary Mills Olszewski, Joycelin Omori, Mariam Rizvi, Caydence Short, Avery Ward, Ella Wayne

    Oliver Anderson, McLain Fischer, Varun Gadde, John William Garrett, Jon Godish, Charlie Hill, Judd Hofer, Jake Huggins, Hyder Jawed, Aren Kadioglu, Declan Mattingly, Peyton Nguyen, Kaveen Panday, Esaan Pathak, Nirvan Poludasu, Liam Robertson, Scout Young

    Aditya Agrawal, Wyatt Blassingame, Ralph Bolen, Russell Brown, Robert Browne, Shane Calvin, Alexander Chervilov, Kellen Crouch, Kayden Florie, Ryan Florie, Parker Fong, Carter Johnson, Rana, Kasireddy, Peter Kloberdanz, Benjamin Kos, Charlie Lawrence, Preston Le, Avi Madhavarapu, Gerardo Parra, Bentley Ralls, James Stanford, Sebastian Vyas, Asher Watson, Ethan Way, Quinn Woodruff, Abdullah Zubair
     
    Cyclone Proud,
     
    Sara Zedlitz
    Middle Division Director
    Jake Staats
    Middle Division Assistant Director


    House Competition
    The House Competition continues for the entire month of February!

    The premise is simple: 
    1. Read Books
    2. Record the Number of Pages Read.
    3. Repeat.

    Grandparents' Day Come and Go Open House
    Thursday, March 5
    4:30-5:30 p.m.

    The deadline for ordering Grandparents’ Day items has passed. If you placed an order that requires shipping, it will ship on Monday, March 2. Local pickup is also available as usual. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to the cupboard@casady.org.

    National Service Awards
    In past years, Casady Students with an outstanding number of volunteer hours were celebrated with a Presidential Volunteer Service Award in one of our spring Chapels. Americorps, the organization that administered those awards, was defunded with government spending cuts. A new organization, the National Service Honor, has stepped in to continue this important recognition. We will award scholarships to eligible students later this spring during special chapel services. Upper Division students can register their service through our Mobile Serve app. Seventh and eighth grade students submit hours directly to Rev. Todd. Middle Division Service Forms are available at the Service Learning Widget at MyCasady. www.nationalservicehonor.org

    Collect for the Week of Feb. 15
    O God, who before the passion of your only begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant to us that we, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear our cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

    Collect for Ash Wednesday into Lent
    Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

    Uniform Reminders
    Your student must be in proper uniform each day.
    We will continue to go to Chapel and have outside breaks during the winter season. Please make sure your student’s jackets and hats have their names on them. Lastly, if students choose to wear leggings, they must be worn under shorts, skirts, or tops long enough to hit mid-thigh.
    Thank you for partnering with us and helping your student to meet these expectations.

    This Week
    • Monday: Winter Break, No Classes
    • Tuesday: Regular Uniform or Lunar New Year Attire
      • Lunar New year Attire must be traditional, cultural clothing as long as it's appropriate for the school day and does not interfere with regular school activities, such as P.E. 
    • Wednesday: Regular Uniform
    • Thursday: Regular Uniform
    • Friday: Regular Uniform

    On Going Reminders
    Handbook Reminders about Absences from School
    Please remember that absences for reasons other than illness, school-sponsored activities, or bereavement will be marked as unexcused. When making travel arrangements, please adhere to our calendared breaks. Please note: Work completed late or missed as a result of an unexcused absence may result in reduced credit. Students are responsible for meeting with their teachers and making arrangements to complete their academic work. 
     
    A student who misses more than two classes on a given day will not participate in co-curricular competitions or performances on that day. Exceptions must be approved by the Division Administration.

    MyCasady Access
    When looking at assignments, the default setting is to display them on the “Due Date.” To help your student in planning their week, it can be helpful to change the setting to “Assigned Date.” To do this, navigate to “Show filters” on the upper left corner and change the setting from “due date” to “assigned date.” 

    See your student’s academic progress by clicking the “Progress” tab and expanding the “See Grade Details” button for each class. You’ll see tabs marked 'Fall Semester' and 'Spring Semester,' as well as 'Fall, Winter, Spring Trimester.' You can toggle between these tabs. To see the Spring Semester, click “Spring Semester” so that it’s gray. 

    MyCasady has made some changes to its assignment center. If you or your student sees the “overdue” notification, it means the due date has passed, and a grade has not been placed in MyCasady. It is not an indication that the work is missing. However, if there is an M for missing or a zero score, that assignment has not been turned in, and it will be addressed between the teacher and student.
     
    Call for Carpool Civility and Patience
    Navigating carpool is a wonderful way to practice tolerance, patience, and community-mindedness. Adhering to the following guidelines helps us ensure your student’s safety and efficiency.
    1. Please pay attention to and follow the directions of the faculty and security staff on duty.
    2. Cars crossing the carpool lanes slow everyone down. If you need to turn left out of our circle, please try to use the flag pole lane. Likewise, if you’re planning to turn right, use the McClendon lane. 
    3. Do not park and leave your car in the circle. 
    4. The middle lane is for moving traffic. Do not ask your student to get out of the car in the middle lane. 
    5. As always, don’t leave gaps in the line. Pull All the Way Up!

  • Feb. 8

    Dear Middle Division Families,

    At Casady, we strive to care for the whole student in mind, body, and spirit. This week in SoulCraft, our amazing MD Counselor Mrs. Reed led fifth, sixth, and seventh grade students in an exercise titled “Finding an Ally in Anxiety.” This activity reframes their thinking about everyday anxiety, encouraging them to see it not as something to eliminate, but as a signal that their brain is trying to help them prepare and focus. This lesson was based on the research of Dr. Tracy Dennis-Tiwary, author of "Future Tense," and aligns with RULER, an evidence-based approach to social and emotional learning developed at Yale’s Center for Emotional Intelligence. Ms. Reed recently traveled to Yale to participate in RULER training. This approach supports faculty and students in understanding the value of emotions, building emotional intelligence skills, and creating and maintaining positive school climates.

    On Wednesday, we discussed how the brain sometimes reacts the same way to everyday stress like a math test or social challenge as it would to real danger, and that students can “talk back” to their brain to remind themselves they are safe and in control. Students learned a 
    simple three-step approach: Listen, Leverage, Let Go, which encourages them to notice and name their feelings, use worry in more productive ways, and practice letting emotions move through 
    them. They were also introduced to strategies such as “worry time,” reframing “what if” thoughts, and using deep breathing and even some light stretching to calm the nervous system.

    The overall message: Emotions come in waves, progress matters more than perfection, and students have tools to support themselves when things feel big or beyond their control. Understanding this is what allows them to grow in confidence and resiliency. 

    Parent conversation starter: Ask your student which part of “Finding an Ally in Anxiety” stood out to them, or what strategy they might try the next time they feel nervous or overwhelmed.
     
    In this together,

    Samantha Kobs
    Student Support Services Director
    kobss@casady.org
     
    Sara Zedlitz
    Middle Division Director
     
    Jake Staats
    Middle Division Assistant Director


    House Competition
    It’s February, which means it is time for the Fourth Annual Reading Challenge House Competition!

    The premise is simple: 
    1. Read Books
    2. Record the Number of Pages Read.
    3. Repeat.
    As parents and educators, we all understand the importance of reading. At the most basic level, reading helps us gain knowledge; however, it does so much more than that. It improves our cognitive development, fosters emotional intelligence and empathy, develops critical thinking skills, enhances our vocabulary and grammatical dexterity, encourages creativity, and exposes us to different styles and genres. 

    Additionally, the Reading Challenge is a great way to foster a sense of community and friendly competition among participants. It encourages collaboration and support as we share our favorite titles, discuss characters, and exchange recommendations. By engaging in this challenge, we hope to model and inspire a love of reading for years to come. 

    Grandparents' Day Come and Go Open House
    Thursday, March 5
    4:30-5:30 p.m.

    The pre-order is now open for Casady Grandparents’ merchandise! If you’d like your order delivered to your student’s homeroom or advisory, please add “Grandparents’ Day Classroom Delivery” to your cart and include your student’s name and advisory in the designated fields. If you need more than one classroom delivery or wish to use different delivery methods (classroom delivery, shipping, or local pickup), please place separate orders.

    The deadline for Grandparents’ Day pre-order is Wednesday, Feb. 11, at midnight. Orders that require shipping will ship on Monday, March 2. Local pickup is also available as usual. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to the cupboard@casady.org.

    National Service Awards
    In past years, Casady Students with an outstanding number of volunteer hours were celebrated with a Presidential Volunteer Service Award in one of our spring Chapels. Americorps, the organization that administered those awards, was defunded with government spending cuts. A new organization, the National Service Honor, has stepped in to continue this important recognition. We will award scholarships to eligible students later this spring during special chapel services. Upper Division students can register their service through our Mobile Serve app. Seventh and eighth grade students submit hours directly to Rev. Todd. Middle Division Service Forms are available at the Service Learning Widget at MyCasady. www.nationalservicehonor.org

    On Going Reminders
    Handbook Reminders about Absences from School
    Please remember that absences for reasons other than illness, school-sponsored activities, or bereavement will be marked as unexcused. When making travel arrangements, please adhere to our calendared breaks. Please note: Work completed late or missed as a result of an unexcused absence may result in reduced credit. Students are responsible for meeting with their teachers and making arrangements to complete their academic work. 
     
    A student who misses more than two classes on a given day will not participate in co-curricular competitions or performances on that day. Exceptions must be approved by the Division Administration.

    MyCasady Access
    See your student’s academic progress by clicking the “Progress” tab and expanding the “See Grade Details” button for each class. You’ll see tabs marked Fall and Spring Semester and Fall, Winter, Spring Trimester. You can toggle between these tabs. To see the Spring Semester, click “Spring Semester” so that it’s gray. 

    MyCasady has made some changes to its assignment center. If you or your student sees the “overdue” notification, it means the due date has passed, and a grade has not been placed in MyCasady. It is not an indication that the work is missing. However, if there is an M for missing or a zero score, that assignment has not been turned in, and it will be addressed between the teacher and student.
     
    Call for Carpool Civility and Patience
    Navigating carpool is a wonderful way to practice tolerance, patience, and community-mindedness. Adhering to the following guidelines helps us ensure your student’s safety and efficiency.
    1. Please pay attention to and follow the directions of the faculty and security staff on duty.
    2. Cars crossing the carpool lanes slow everyone down. If you need to turn left out of our circle, please try to use the flag pole lane. Likewise, if you’re planning to turn right, use the McClendon lane. 
    3. Do not park and leave your car in the circle. 
    4. The middle lane is for moving traffic. Do not ask your student to get out of the car in the middle lane. 
    5. As always, don’t leave gaps in the line. Pull All the Way Up!
     
    Uniform Reminders
    Your student must be in proper uniform each day.
    We will continue to go to Chapel and have outside breaks during the winter season. Please make sure your student’s jackets and hats have their names on them. Lastly, if students choose to wear leggings, they must be worn under shorts, skirts, or tops long enough to hit mid-thigh.
    Thank you for partnering with us and helping your student to meet these expectations.

    This Week
    • Monday: Regular Uniform
    • Tuesday: Regular Uniform
    • Wednesday: Regular Uniform
    • Thursday: Casady Spirit Wear
    • Friday: Winter Break, No Classes
    Lunar New Year Clothing
    This year, Lunar New Year is on Tuesday, Feb. 17. For those students who celebrate, they are welcome to come in their traditional, cultural clothing as long as it's appropriate for the school day and does not interfere with regular school activities, such as P.E.

  • Feb. 1

    Dear Middle Division Families,

    One of the most widely incorporated AI technologies in use in Middle Division is Flint K12. This platform enables teachers to monitor student progress in real time and receive instant alerts when a student is struggling with a concept. As a result, students benefit from timely, relevant feedback and additional instructional support from their teachers. Additionally, Flint K12 is specifically designed for educational settings, which allows for the differentiation of lessons. This enhances the curriculum and helps educators create a more engaging and effective learning environment for all students while creating healthy and appropriate guardrails in place. In collaboration with Mrs. Freeland, here are some of the activities that students have participated in or will be working on at school, along with how Flint K12 aids and showcases their learning:

    Fifth Grade English: "The Magician’s Nephew"
    Students use Flint to brainstorm ideas for a creative writing project based on "The Magician’s Nephew." Flint helps students think beyond basic concept generation to include details such as setting, characters, theme, and conflict. This intentional, pre-writing planning provides students with the foundational material needed to independently write a cohesive story. This is an excellent use of Flint’s capabilities to help students ideate during the learning process.

    Sixth Grade History: Role Play
    Students are advising Shi Huangdi, the first Emperor of China (role played by Flint AI), on how to prevent future rebellions based on what they have learned from their reading and in-class instruction about methods used at the time. This is an excellent use of Flint’s capabilities to help students explain and expand their understanding of concepts.

    Seventh Grade Science: Winter Exam Review
    An exam review session was created on Flint, utilizing concepts and specific question types. Students were able to prepare for the exam by testing their knowledge and reviewing when knowledge gaps were identified. This is an excellent use of Flint’s capabilities to help student guide their learning.

    Eighth Grade: Research Paper Outline Check 
    Students will use Flint to evaluate a research paper outline based on the criteria provided by the teacher. This activity allows students to get immediate, personalized feedback with actionable steps they can take to improve the outline. This is an excellent use of Flint’s capabilities to help students enhance their work during the learning process.

    While we will always prioritize face-to-face and human-centered learning and interactions, we recognize that technology and AI-enhanced learning is necessary for their educational success now and in the future. While it can be scary and overwhelming at times, embracing (or at least accepting) technology opens up a world of opportunities for our students. Balancing both approaches is part of our ongoing commitment to be an institution that integrates innovation into our time-tested tradition of a successful, holistic educational program. 
     
    In this together,

    Sara Zedlitz
    Middle Division Director
    Jake Staats
    Middle Division Assistant Director

    Eighth Grade Families
    This is a friendly reminder that we are looking forward to seeing you in the Chapel on Feb. 3 at 5:30 p.m. for our final parent information session before we are wheels up to Washington, D.C! 

    Grandparents' Day Come and Go Open House
    Thursday, March 5
    4:30-5:30 p.m.

    The pre-order is now open for Casady Grandparents’ merchandise! If you’d like your order delivered to your student’s homeroom or advisory, please add “Grandparents’ Day Classroom Delivery” to your cart and include your student’s name and advisory in the designated fields. If you need more than one classroom delivery or wish to use different delivery methods (classroom delivery, shipping, or local pickup), please place separate orders.

    The deadline for Grandparents’ Day pre-order is Wednesday, Feb. 11, at midnight. Orders that require shipping will ship on Monday, March 2. Local pickup is also available as usual. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to the cupboard@casady.org.

    National Service Awards
    In past years, Casady Students with an outstanding number of volunteer hours were celebrated with a Presidential Volunteer Service Award in one of our spring Chapels. Americorps, the organization that administered those awards, was defunded with government spending cuts. A new organization, the National Service Honor, has stepped in to continue this important recognition. We will award scholarships to eligible students later this spring during special chapel services. Upper Division students can register their service through our Mobile Serve app. Seventh and eighth grade students submit hours directly to Rev. Todd. Middle Division Service Forms are available at the Service Learning Widget at MyCasady. www.nationalservicehonor.org

    On Going Reminders
    Two Handbook Reminders about Absences from School
    Please remember that absences for reasons other than illness, school-sponsored activities, or bereavement will be marked as unexcused. When making travel arrangements, please adhere to our calendared breaks. Please note: Work completed late or missed as a result of an unexcused absence may result in reduced credit. Students are responsible for meeting with their teachers and making arrangements to complete their academic work. 
     
    A student who misses more than two classes on a given day will not participate in co-curricular competitions or performances on that day. Exceptions must be approved by the Division Administration.
     
    Carpool
    Navigating carpool is a wonderful way to practice tolerance, patience, and community-mindedness. Adhering to the following guidelines helps us ensure your student’s safety and efficiency.
    1. Please pay attention to and follow the directions of the faculty and security staff on duty.
    2. Cars crossing the carpool lanes slow everyone down. If you need to turn left out of our circle, please try to use the flag pole lane. Likewise, if you’re planning to turn right, use the McClendon lane. 
    3. Do not park and leave your car in the circle. 
    4. The middle lane is for moving traffic. Do not ask your student to get out of the car in the middle lane. 
    5. As always, don’t leave gaps in the line. Pull All the Way Up!
     
    Collect for the Week of Feb. 1
    Almighty and everlasting God, you govern all things both in heaven and on earth: Mercifully hear the supplications of your people, and in our time grant us your peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
     
    Uniform Reminders
    Your student must be in proper uniform each day.
    We will continue to go to Chapel and have outside breaks during the winter season. Please make sure your student’s jackets and hats have their names on them. Lastly, if students choose to wear leggings, they must be worn under shorts, skirts, or tops long enough to hit mid-thigh.
    Thank you for partnering with us and helping your student to meet these expectations.

    This Week
    • Monday: Regular Uniform
    • Tuesday: Regular Uniform
    • Wednesday: Regular Uniform
    • Thursday: Regular Uniform
    • Friday: Casady Spirit Wear

  • Jan. 25

    Dear Middle Division Families,

    Now that the Spring Term is underway, I wanted to share some reminders about accessing MyCasady. As always, I encourage you to allow your student to take the lead on checking MyCasady and completing their homework. When students lead this process, even if it’s messy and involves missed deadlines, late work, or haphazard preparation at times, they are building the precious and necessary sense of self-efficacy. Self-efficacy is the idea that we have the self-confidence to handle challenges and the ability to be successful and accountable for our actions and tasks. When we don’t allow our students to practice this skill, we risk them becoming people who don’t believe they are capable of doing hard or challenging things. Having said that, stepping back doesn’t mean stepping away, and it’s a good practice to set a regular time to review schedules, assignments, and grades with your students. This helps them develop their own habits & accountability routines as well as eliminate “gotcha” or “panic” moments in the car or late at night! To that end, see below for those MyCasady reminders. 

    MyCasady Reminders
    • See your student’s academic progress by clicking the “Progress” tab and expanding the “See Grade Details” button for each class. You’ll see tabs marked Fall and Spring Semester and Fall, Winter, Spring Trimester. You can toggle between these tabs. To see Spring Semester, click “Spring Semester” so that it’s gray.
    • MyCasady has made some changes to their assignment center. If you or your student sees the “overdue” notification, it means the due date has passed and a grade has not been placed in MyCasady. It is not an indication that the work is missing. However, if there is an M for missing or a zero score, that assignment has not been turned in, and it will be addressed between the teacher and student.
    Remember that managing homework, talking to teachers, and preparing for class are all a learning process for students and will likely be messy, and that’s ok! 
     
    In this together,

    Sara Zedlitz
    Middle Division Director
    Jake Staats
    Middle Division Assistant Director


    Fall 2025 Honor Roll 

    Fifth GradeSixth Grade
    Ali Nusrat
    Ariana Robertson
    Brooks Porter
    Charles Williams
    Chloe Calrin
    Clara Rughani
    Hajra Farhan
    Kahaan Doshi
    Krisha Patel
    Oliver Weingartner
    Seerat Cheema
    Bo FitzSimons
    Venba Lingadoss
    Elizabeth Evans    		Aarav Agrawal
    Amelia Gonzalez-Henry
    Audrina Goodman
    Grant Cogar
    Hannah Plotkin
    Jessica Tricinella
    Louisa Pierce
    Max Chugunov
    Meer Aamir
    Meera Walia
    Mihika Maheshwari
    Naisha Artham
    Nora Gebrail
    Soren Hong
    Zoey Sawheny

    Seventh GradeEighth Grade
    Amelia Lawrence
    Ella Lee Cryder
    David Pitts
    Esaan Pathak
    Grace Pardue
    Halle Lam
    Hannah Hubbard
    Jacob Huggins
    Mai Anne Cory
    Melody Mohktari
    Navya Jeevanantham
    Oliver Anderson
    Olivia Baldwin
    Olivia Evans
    Reed Garabelli
    Scarlett Cruzan
    Sophia Tanwir
    Vaibhav Tharduri
    Varun Gadde
    Vihaan Dasari
    Violet Hawkins
    Liam Robertson    		Aria Madhavrapu
    Avelyn Pitts
    Avi Madhavrapu
    Cole Nguyen
    Ella Lechtenberger
    Klaire Jennings
    Hannah Baer
    Jonah Rughani
    Lauren Johnson
    Maggie Holt
    Mary Mills Olszewski
    Minh Koticha
    Parker Fong
    Preston Le
    Rana Kasireddy
    Umar Aslam
    Zaryana Patel

    A SoulCraft Update from Mrs. Kobs and Ms. Reed
    Due to construction in the Fee Theater this semester, we are temporarily reimagining how we use our weekly SoulCraft time. Rather than gathering as a whole grade level, SoulCraft Wednesdays are now taking place within Advisory groups.

    SoulCraft remains a collaborative effort between Chapel and Student Support Services. Together, we tailor our Social Emotional Learning curriculum, drawing from resources such as Second Step, RULER, and Heroes in Waiting, to respond to the developmental and emotional needs of our students.

    What we’ve been focusing on recently:
    Over the past two Wednesdays, Middle Division students have been working on an activity called an Emotional Landscape. This advisory-based lesson helps students “check in” with their emotions in a creative and reflective way. Students explored emotions they experience in everyday situations and represented them visually as part of an imaginative map.

    This activity is intentionally designed to strengthen affect labeling—the skill of noticing, naming, and expressing emotions. When students can put words to how they’re feeling, it helps shift the brain out of its reactive mode and back into its planning and problem-solving mode. This process, sometimes described as “up-spiraling,” supports students in slowing down, gaining perspective, and thinking more clearly about their next steps.

    Through this work, students are building the foundation for emotional awareness, self-regulation, and thoughtful decision-making, skills that support learning, relationships, and behavior both in and out of the classroom. Ask your student to show or describe their Advisory’s Emotional Landscape and share one emotion they notice most often during their school day.

    On Going Reminders
    Two Handbook Reminders about Absences from School
    Please remember that absences for reasons other than illness, school-sponsored activities, or bereavement will be marked as unexcused. When making travel arrangements, please adhere to our calendared breaks. Please note: Work completed late or missed as a result of an unexcused absence may result in reduced credit. Students are responsible for meeting with their teachers and making arrangements to complete their academic work. 
     
    A student who misses more than two classes on a given day will not participate in co-curricular competitions or performances on that day. Exceptions must be approved by the Division Administration.
     
    Carpool
    Navigating carpool is a wonderful way to practice tolerance, patience, and community-mindedness. Adhering to the following guidelines helps us ensure your student’s safety and efficiency.
    1. Please pay attention to and follow the directions of the faculty and security staff on duty.
    2. Cars crossing the carpool lanes slow everyone down. If you need to turn left out of our circle, please try to use the flag pole lane. Likewise, if you’re planning to turn right, use the McClendon lane. 
    3. Do not park and leave your car in the circle. 
    4. The middle lane is for moving traffic. Do not ask your student to get out of the car in the middle lane. 
    5. As always, don’t leave gaps in the line. Pull All the Way Up!
     
    Collect for the Week of Jan. 26
    Give us grace, O Lord, to answer readily the call of our Savior Jesus Christ and proclaim to all people the Good News of his salvation, that we and the whole world may perceive the glory of his marvelous works; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
     
    Uniform Reminders
    Your student must be in proper uniform each day.
    We will continue to go to Chapel and have outside breaks during the winter season. Please make sure your student’s jackets and hats have their names on them. Lastly, if students choose to wear leggings, they must be worn under shorts, skirts, or tops long enough to hit mid-thigh.
    Thank you for partnering with us and helping your student to meet these expectations.

    This Week
    • Tuesday: Building Bonus Privilege Day
    • Wednesday: Regular Uniform
    • Thursday: Regular Uniform
    • Friday: Casady Spirit Wear

  • Jan. 18

    Dear Middle Division Families,

    Last Friday, I had the opportunity to travel with the seventh grade on their Experiential Education Trip as they put action behind our commitment to the "I Honor" tenet of our Portrait of Graduate: "I cultivate my own faith tradition and honor the traditions of others."

    We visited the Grand Mosque, Hindu Temple, and BuddhaMind Monastery. It was a truly unique day, and I was so proud of how well our students engaged with our hosts and represented themselves and Casady. They asked earnest questions and offered thoughtful observations and insight. What was also heartwarming was to see how eager our hosts were to welcome us into their sacred spaces and share a bit about their faith traditions and practices. 
     
    In this together,

    Sara Zedlitz
    Middle Division Director
    Jake Staats
    Middle Division Assistant Director


    Honor Roll Chapel 
    This Friday, Jan. 23, we will recognize the achievements of students who are on the Fall Term Honor Roll. By recognizing them in the fall as well as at the end of the year, we hope to reinforce the idea that academic growth and progress are ongoing, and this is one way we honor that effort. It’s also an opportunity for students to strive and have second chances, to be motivated by a goal, and to know that they are capable of high academic achievement, even if they can’t manage it all the time. 

    On Going Reminders
    Two Handbook Reminders about Absences from School
    Please remember that absences for reasons other than illness, school-sponsored activities, or bereavement will be marked as unexcused. When making travel arrangements, please adhere to our calendared breaks. Please note: Work completed late or missed as a result of an unexcused absence may result in reduced credit. Students are responsible for meeting with their teachers and making arrangements to complete their academic work. 
     
    A student who misses more than two classes on a given day will not participate in co-curricular competitions or performances on that day. Exceptions must be approved by the Division Administration.
     
    Carpool
    Navigating carpool is a wonderful way to practice tolerance, patience, and community-mindedness. Adhering to the following guidelines helps us ensure your student’s safety and efficiency.
    1. Please pay attention to and follow the directions of the faculty and security staff on duty.
    2. Cars crossing the carpool lanes slow everyone down. If you need to turn left out of our circle, please try to use the flag pole lane. Likewise, if you’re planning to turn right, use the McClendon lane. 
    3. Do not park and leave your car in the circle. 
    4. The middle lane is for moving traffic. Do not ask your student to get out of the car in the middle lane. 
    5. As always, don’t leave gaps in the line. Pull All the Way Up!
     
    Collect for the Week of Jan. 18
    Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ's glory, that he may be known, worshipped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
     
    Uniform Reminders
    Your student must be in proper uniform each day.
    We will continue to go to Chapel and have outside breaks during the winter season. Please make sure your student’s jackets and hats have their names on them. Lastly, if students choose to wear leggings, they must be worn under shorts, skirts, or tops long enough to hit mid-thigh.
    Thank you for partnering with us and helping your student to meet these expectations.

    This Week
    • Tuesday: Regular Uniform
    • Wednesday: Regular Uniform
    • Thursday: Regular Uniform
    • Friday: Casady Spirit Wear

  • Jan. 11

    Dear Middle Division Families,

    Last week, we spent time in advisory reflecting on our goals from the Fall Term. We considered the reasons why some goals were successful, and some weren’t, and we talked about how progress is often achieved through the practice of daily, small, sometimes tedious, habits that build a system that, in turn, sustains success and growth. As I remind our students, hope is not a strategy, and a goal without a plan is just a wish. It’s the difference between wanting to be a conference-winning athlete and practicing the habits of an athlete that wins games. Likewise, for a successful student or musician.

    In other news, teachers have recorded final grades for the Fall Term, and report cards can be found under the “progress” tab in MyCasady tomorrow. This is a good opportunity to reflect with your students on their Fall Term learning experience and identify how they might use what they’ve learned to make good progress in the coming semester. Encourage them to remember that report cards represent just one aspect of their learning on a series of assignments, quizzes, and tests. These numerical grades are added and averaged to give a number that corresponds to a letter. While these letters can communicate growth and effort, they don’t tell the whole, or final, story. Whatever the marks on your student's report card, it’s important to remember that growth looks like a lot of things in the Middle and progress is rarely easy or linear and almost always messy.

    We are proud of their commitment to improvement and good effort throughout the Fall Term and are looking forward to the Spring Term!
     
    In this together,
     
    Sara Zedlitz
    Middle Division Director

    Jake Staats
    Middle Division Assistant Director
    staatsj@casady.org

    7th Grade Experiential Education Trip: Day of Faith
    This Friday, January 16th, 7th-grade students will spend the day learning about the rich cultural and religious diversity in our Oklahoma City Community. During this full-day event, students will learn more about Islam at the Grand Mosque, gain insights into Hinduism at the Hindu Temple, and explore Buddhist practices at the Buddha Mind Monastery. At all these stops, our hosts will share not only the basic beliefs of these faiths but also a glimpse into Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist culture in OKC.

    Over the course of their 6th and 7th-grade World History curriculum, Middle Division students learn about the five major world religions. Our goal for this trip is to enrich that study as well as further our commitment to the "I Honor" tenet of our Portrait of Graduate: "I cultivate my own faith tradition and honor the traditions of others."

    Students should arrive in uniform at the regular time. They will travel with the 7th-grade faculty as well as Reverend Todd and Mrs. Zedlitz. We will have lunch at Penn Square Mall between stops. They should bring between 20-25$ for lunch. We will return to Casady in time for sports.  

    Report Card Reminder
    Report Cards will be ready no later than Monday, January 12th. You will notice that there is a change to our report cards. We have added attendance totals. We thought that it was important for families to see how many absences students have for each class. These absences are a total and, as such, include legitimate absences such as illnesses and Casady activities like choir competitions or sports. The total at the top of the report card also includes all times for which we take attendance, like study hall. Remember that report cards are not part of our outgoing records. The purpose of this report is to let you know how many classes have been missed. This is good background information for families to know when planning elective absences. Research shows that the single most important correlator with success in school, both secondary and in college, is attendance.

    Two Handbook Reminders about Absences from School
    Please remember that absences for reasons other than illness, school-sponsored activities, or bereavement will be marked as unexcused. When making travel arrangements, please adhere to our calendared breaks. Please note: Work completed late or missed as a result of an unexcused absence may result in reduced credit. Students are responsible for meeting with their teachers and making arrangements to complete their academic work. 
     
    A student who misses more than two classes on a given day will not participate in co-curricular competitions or performances on that day. Exceptions must be approved by the Division Administration.
     
    Carpool Reminders
    Navigating carpool is a wonderful way to practice tolerance, patience, and community-mindedness. Adhering to the following guidelines helps us ensure your student’s safety and efficiency.
    1. Please pay attention to and follow the directions of the faculty and security staff on duty.
    2. Cars crossing the carpool lanes slow everyone down. If you need to turn left out of our circle, please try to use the flag pole lane. Likewise, if you’re planning to turn right, use the McClendon lane. 
    3. Do not park and leave your car in the circle. 
    4. The middle lane is for moving traffic. Do not ask your student to get out of the car in the middle lane. 
    5. As always, don’t leave gaps in the line. Pull All the Way Up!
     
    Collect for the Week of January 11th
    Father in heaven, who at the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit: Grant that all who are baptized into his Name may keep the covenant they have made, and boldly confess him as Lord and Savior; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
     
    Christian Baptism and Confirmation at Casady
    Casady is a Christian church-based school, and we recognize that some of our families hold Casady as the source for their children's Christian spiritual formation. Because of this, an extracurricular class will be offered on Wednesday mornings at 8 am during the season of Lent for any students in 7th - 12th Grades who are interested or inquiring about Christian baptism or confirmation. This will occur at the Saturday night Easter Vigil at the Episcopal Cathedral (April 4th). These Lenten Season preparation classes follow an ancient pattern and are as follows:

    Feb. 25: What is Baptism and Confirmation?
    Mar. 4: Who is Jesus to a Christian?
    Mar. 11: Meaning of Jesus' Death and Resurrection.
    SPRING BREAK
    Mar. 25: Being a “follower of Jesus.”
    Apr. 1: Baptism and Confirmation Service - What to expect.
    Apr. 4: EASTER Saturday Night - Service for Baptism & Confirmation at Cathedral
    Classes begin Feb. 25 at 8:00 a.m. in Middle Division BibleLand. Contact Fr. Youmans at youmansts@casady.org.

    Uniform Reminders
    Your student must be in proper uniform each day.
    We will continue to go to Chapel and have outside breaks during the winter season. Please make sure your student’s jackets and hats have their names on them. Lastly, if students choose to wear leggings, they must be worn under shorts, skirts, or tops long enough to hit mid-thigh.
    Thank you for partnering with us and helping your student to meet these expectations.

    This Week
    1/12 - Monday - Regular Uniform
    1/13 - Tuesday - Regular Uniform
    1/14 - Wednesday - Regular Uniform
    1/15 - Thursday -Regular Uniform
    1/16 - Friday - Casady Spirit Wear

  • Jan. 5

    Dear Middle Division Families,

    Welcome back to school and Happy New Year! We hope that your holiday season was filled with all the things and people you love. 

    First, I want to extend a sincere Thank You, on behalf of the Middle Division faculty, for all the many Christmas gifts that we received from you, our dear Middle Division families. The lounge snacks and treats, early morning coffee, faculty lunch, and generous gift cards were greatly appreciated and helped to sustain and cheer us in those final crazy days before Christmas break.  

    Today, faculty gathered for a day of professional development and preparation, and we look forward to seeing our students on Tuesday, bright and early, and ready for the new semester.  We’ll take some time to review and reset expectations and common practices, 7th and 8th graders will receive their exams, and we will use advisory and Soulcraft time to reconnect and reflect on our goals and commitments as we anticipate the coming semester. 

    Report Cards will be ready no later than Monday, January 12th. You will notice that there is a change to our report cards. We have added attendance totals. We thought that it was important for families to see how many absences students have for each class. These absences are a total and, as such, include legitimate absences such as illnesses and Casady activities like choir competitions or sports. The total at the top of the report card also includes all times for which we take attendance, like study hall. Remember that report cards are not part of our outgoing records. The purpose of this report is to let you know how many classes have been missed. This is good background information for families to know when planning elective absences. Research shows that the single most important correlator with success in school, both secondary and in college, is attendance. Additionally, we will provide further details about Honor Recognition in next week's note. 

    Finally, I have a sticker in my planner that reads, “Show Up, Breathe, Do Your Best, Be Kind, Learn, Repeat.” It helps me remember that I am human, a work in progress, not wired for perfection, but rather for effort, for resilience, for community. I pray that 2026 will bring blessings for all of us and that we can remember that each of us is a worthy and necessary member of our community and that when we continue to show up, remember to breathe, do our best, be kind, and learn, we can all make our corner of the world a little better for each other. 
     
    In this together,
     
    Sara Zedlitz
    Middle Division Director

    Jake Staats
    Middle Division Assistant Director



    Two Handbook Reminders about Absences from School
    Please remember that absences for reasons other than illness, school-sponsored activities, or bereavement will be marked as unexcused. When making travel arrangements, please adhere to our calendared breaks. Please note: Work completed late or missed as a result of an unexcused absence may result in reduced credit. Students are responsible for meeting with their teachers and making arrangements to complete their academic work. 
     
    A student who misses more than two classes on a given day will not participate in co-curricular competitions or performances on that day. Exceptions must be approved by the Division Administration.
     
    Carpool Reminders
    Navigating carpool is a wonderful way to practice tolerance, patience, and community-mindedness. Adhering to the following guidelines helps us ensure your student’s safety and efficiency.
    1. Please pay attention to and follow the directions of the faculty and security staff on duty.
    2. Cars crossing the carpool lanes slow everyone down. If you need to turn left out of our circle, please try to use the flag pole lane. Likewise, if you’re planning to turn right, use the McClendon lane. 
    3. Do not park and leave your car in the circle. 
    4. The middle lane is for moving traffic. Do not ask your student to get out of the car in the middle lane. 
    5. As always, don’t leave gaps in the line. Pull All the Way Up!
     
    Collect for the Week of January 4, Second Sunday of the Christmastide
    O God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully restored, the dignity of human nature: Grant that we may share the divine life of him who humbled himself to share our humanity, your Son Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
     
    Uniform Reminders
    Your student must be in proper uniform each day.
    We will continue to go to Chapel and have outside breaks during the winter season. Please make sure your student’s jackets and hats have their names on them. Lastly, if students choose to wear leggings, they must be worn under shorts, skirts, or tops long enough to hit mid-thigh.
    Thank you for partnering with us and helping your student to meet these expectations.

    This Week
    1/6 - Tuesday - Regular Uniform
    1/7 - Wednesday - Regular Uniform
    1/8 - Thursday -Regular Uniform
    1/9 - Friday - Casady Spirit Wear

  • Dec. 14

    Dear Middle Division Families,

    First, Thank You to all our wonderful parent volunteers who provided lunch and bravely covered tables so our teachers could enjoy a lunch together last Friday!

    Last Thursday, our fifth grade traveled to Guthrie for their annual holiday Field Trip. They saw “A Territorial Christmas” at the historic Pollard Theater and toured the fascinating Scottish Rite Temple, the largest Masonic Temple in the United States!

    Last Friday, the first grade came to our Middle Division Chapel to perform their annual Christmas concert. It was lovely to see their enthusiasm and earnest faces. Watching it, I couldn’t help but remember when my children performed so many years ago and reflect on how far they’ve come. In the day-to-day of life and this busy holiday season, it’s easy to get caught up in all the many details, the trials and challenges, the “what’s next?” and “if only.” Seeing all those first-grade faces was a wonderful reminder to me to stop and give thanks for all the good growth and joyful moments that my children and your children have experienced along the way.

    Looking forward, as Father Youmans always tells us, “We are Blessed to Bless.” Our annual drives and service projects are an opportunity to put this commitment into action. To that end, our sixth graders will be working on Thursday to help our Episcopal Cathedral, St. Paul’s, prepare supply kits for their cold weather shelter and homelessness outreach programs.
    Additionally, we have one more week to collect donations in support of Infant Crisis Services. Please bring in baby items such as gently used clothing/coats, formula, diapers, and sippy cups. Creating opportunities for participation in this season through service and festive activities is just one way our faculty help their students practice living lives of balance, purpose, and joy.

    Finals begin for our seventh and eighth graders this Wednesday, and fifth and sixth graders are wrapping up their semester. This is a happy week, full of anticipation for the coming holiday, and it is a stressful week as our students navigate the challenges of managing their time and completing their assessments. Thank you for helping us to do the work of supporting and encouraging our students that they have the skills and capacity to meet the challenges ahead. A good night's sleep, a good breakfast, and a good, quiet place to do their work helps as well! 

    Lastly, looking even further ahead, from all of us in the Middle Division, we wish you and your families the very best for this holiday season. May it be filled with good food, good rest, and good play, and may you have the time and opportunity to celebrate with those you love.

    In this together,

    Sara Zedlitz
    Middle Division Director
    zedlitzs@casady.org    		Jake Staats
    Middle Division Assistant Director
    staatsj@casady.org


    Students have two exams each day, according to their class schedule. Students do not need to arrive until their test, and they will be dismissed immediately following their final.

    Attendance is important during finals, and we ask that families make every effort to ensure their students arrive on time (and well fed) each day. If a student is absent, please email Mrs. Goodwin goodwins@casady.org immediately. Please note that if a student misses their regularly scheduled exam, make-up exams will be held when we return from the holiday break.

    If they need to stay for lunch, parents should email Mrs. Goodwin at goodwins@casady.org by tomorrow, Monday, Dec. 12 so we can be sure to have enough food for them. 

    Wednesday, Dec. 17Thursday, Dec. 18Friday, Dec. 19
    Session 1
    9:00-10:30 a.m.    		Session 3
    8:30-10:00 a.m.    		Session 5
    8:30-10:00 a.m.
    Session 2
    10:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m.    		Session 4
    10:15-11:45 a.m.    		Session 6
    10:15-11:45 a.m.

    Two Handbook Reminders about Absences from School
    Please remember that absences for reasons other than illness, school-sponsored activities, or bereavement will be marked as unexcused. When making travel arrangements, please adhere to our calendered breaks. Please note: Work completed late or missed as a result of an unexcused absence may result in reduced credit. Students are responsible for meeting with their teachers and making arrangements to complete their academic work.

    A student who misses more than two classes on a given day will not participate in co-curricular competitions or performances on that day. Exceptions must be approved by the Division Administration.

    Carpool Reminders
    Navigating carpool is a wonderful way to practice tolerance, patience, and community-mindedness. Adhering to the following guidelines helps us ensure your student’s safety and efficiency. 
    1. Please pay attention to and follow the directions of the faculty and security staff on duty.
    2. Cars crossing the carpool lanes slow everyone down. If you need to turn left out of our circle, please try to use the flag pole lane. Likewise, if you’re planning to turn right, use the McClendon lane. 
    3. Do not park and leave your car in the circle. 
    4. The middle lane is for moving traffic. Do not ask your student to get out of the car in the middle lane. 
    5. As always, don’t leave gaps in the line. Pull All the Way Up
    The Next Two Weeks 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 will continue to go to Chapel and have outside breaks during the winter season. Please make sure your student’s jackets and hats have their names on them. Lastly, if students choose to wear leggings, they must be worn under shorts, skirts, or tops long enough to hit mid-thigh. 

    Dress for Dec. 15-19
    • Monday - Color War
      • Upstairs all in Red
      • Downstairs all in Green
    • Tuesday - Christmas Heads and Toes
      • Wear your favorite Christmas hats, socks, and necklaces. We will wear this with our Regular Uniform for our MD Christmas Chapel.
    • Wednesday - Regular Uniform
    • Thursday - Regular Uniform
    • Friday - Dreaming of Christmas
      • Wear your Christmas Pajamas!

  • Dec. 7

    Dear Middle Division Parents,
     
    As the Fall Semester winds down, I wanted to share some wonderful news about things that have been going on around Middle Division. The spirit of competition, the sound of music, and the triumph of teamwork are echoing throughout our School! 

    Ping-Pong Championship
    The paddles were flying, and the cheers were loud at our annual Middle Division Ping-Pong Championship! The tournament was a great success, fostering friendly competition and community spirit during the busy week. A huge congratulations to all of our grade level champions:
    • Fifth Grade Champion: Charlie Williams
    • Sixth Grade Champion: Nolan Price
    • Seventh Grade Champion: Reed Garabelli
    • Eighth Grade Champion: Abdullah Zubair
    • Teacher Champion: Mr. Staats
    Additionally, Reed Garabelli won the competition this year, making him our School Champion and keeping the trophy in Taber House. Well done! 

    Holiday Orchestra Concert
    Last Wednesday, Casady Orchestra performed its annual Winter Holiday Concert. If you have never had the opportunity to watch it, I strongly recommend it for next year. The students did an amazing job and performed each song with attention to detail and focus. Additionally, what makes the concert truly magical is that the fifth graders, who are just beginning their orchestra journey, perform with Upper Division. It beautifully encapsulates the bookends of their program, and it shows the growth and development of our students.

    Basketball Tournament Champions
    While this happened before Thanksgiving, I wanted to share that both our Boys’ and Girls’ Eighth Grade Basketball teams won the 2025 Patriots Basketball Tournament this season! Congratulations to the players and coaches for their hard work and for representing our School with excellence. Go Cyclones!

    We look forward to seeing many of you at the Holiday Band Concert as we celebrate the close of a successful fall season and look ahead to the new year.

    In this together,

    Sara Zedlitz
    Middle Division Director
    zedlitzs@casady.org    		Jake Staats
    Middle Division Assistant Director
    staatsj@casady.org


    Seventh and Eighth Grade SnowBall Dance
    For seventh and eighth graders, we are excited for this year’s SnowBall Dance on Friday, Dec. 12, from 7:00-9:00 p.m. No one needs a date; all are invited! Dress attire is all white! Students should bring an unwrapped item for donation to the Hope for the Holidays Drive for Infant Crisis as their entry ticket (diapers, formula, wipes, warm clothes).

    Seventh and Eighth Grade Fall Final Exams
    Final exams will take place from Wednesday, Dec. 17, through Friday, Dec. 19. Students will take two exams each day, according to their class schedule. Students do not need to arrive until their test, and they will be dismissed immediately following their final. Attendance is important during finals, and we ask that families make every effort to ensure their students arrive on time each day. If a student is absent due to illness or another reason, please email Mrs. Goodwin immediately.

    Please note that if a student misses their regularly scheduled exam, make-up exams will be held when we return from the holiday break.

    If they need to stay for lunch, parents should email Mrs. Goodwin at goodwins@casady.org by Dec. 12 so we can be sure to have enough food for them. 

    When making travel arrangements, please adhere to our calendared breaks. Please remember that absences for reasons other than illness, school-sponsored activities, or bereavement will be marked as unexcused. Please note: Work completed late or missed as a result of an unexcused absence may result in reduced credit. Students are responsible for meeting with their teachers and making arrangements to complete their academic work. 

    Wednesday, Dec. 17Thursday, Dec. 18Friday, Dec. 19
    Session 1
    9:00-10:30 a.m.    		Session 3
    8:30-10:00 a.m.    		Session 5
    8:30-10:00 a.m.
    Session 2
    10:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m.    		Session 4
    10:15-11:45 a.m.    		Session 6
    10:15-11:45 a.m.
     
    Fifth Grade Field Trip
    Fifth grade students have an exciting field trip planned for Thursday, Dec. 11, as they embark on an educational journey to Guthrie. The day kicks off with a tour of the amazing Scottish Rite Temple. After our tour, we will enjoy a captivating performance of "A Territorial Christmas Carol" at the renowned Pollard Theater. For lunch, we'll stop at Pizza Hut to refuel for the day's adventures. Finally, we will end the day by visiting the Territorial Museum, where they will partake in a scavenger hunt, delving into the rich history of Oklahoma. Students may bring up to $20 to the museum's gift shop to choose a souvenir. 

    Rest assured, it promises to be an eventful day! We do not need chaperones for the trip. Should you have any questions or require further information, kindly reach out to your student's advisor.

    Carpool Reminders
    Navigating carpool is a wonderful way to practice tolerance, patience, and community-mindedness. Adhering to the following guidelines helps us ensure your student’s safety and efficiency. 
    1. Please pay attention to and follow the directions of the faculty and security staff on duty.
    2. Cars crossing the carpool lanes slow everyone down. If you need to turn left out of our circle, please try to use the flag pole lane. Likewise, if you’re planning to turn right, use the McClendon lane. 
    3. Do not park and leave your car in the circle. 
    4. The middle lane is for moving traffic. Do not ask your student to get out of the car in the middle lane. 
    5. As always, don’t leave gaps in the line. Pull All the Way Up
    The Next Two Weeks 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 will continue to go to Chapel and have outside breaks during the winter season. Please make sure your student’s jackets and hats have their names on them. Lastly, if students choose to wear leggings, they must be worn under shorts, skirts, or tops long enough to hit mid-thigh. 

    Dress for Dec. 8-12
    • Monday - Regular Uniform
    • Tuesday - Regular Uniform
    • Wednesday - Regular Uniform
    • Thursday -Regular Uniform
    • Friday -  Fan of the Holidays
      • Represent your favorite team/player by wearing their jersey or shirt. 
    Dress for Dec. 15-19
    • Monday - Color War
      • Upstairs all in Red
      • Downstairs all in Green
    • Tuesday - Christmas Heads and Toes
      • Wear your favorite Christmas hats, socks, and necklaces. We will wear this with our Regular Uniform for our MD Christmas Chapel.
    • Wednesday - Regular Uniform
    • Thursday - Regular Uniform
    • Friday - Dreaming of Christmas
      • Wear your Christmas Pajamas!

  • Nov. 30

    Dear Middle Division Parents,

    I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving Break! The next three weeks will be our final push of the Fall Semester, and for our seventh and eighth graders, it marks the final assessment season. As your students prepare for and take their final assessments, you may hear them express feelings like, “I can’t do this,” “They didn’t teach us this,” or “How am I supposed to know all this?” This response is completely normal. It can be difficult to watch our students struggle, and our instinct may be to step in and remove the obstacles for them. When we see them in distress, it can be helpful to acknowledge their feelings and reaffirm our belief in their ability to face challenges. This practice is crucial for building their self-efficacy, or their confidence in their capacity to meet expectations and achieve their goals.

    As the adults in their lives with more life experience, we can support them by normalizing their worries, providing consistent, distraction-free environments for study, helping them stay organized, and reminding them that “this too shall pass!” 

    Final exams will take place from Wednesday, Dec. 17, through Friday, Dec. 19. Students will take two exams each day, according to their class schedule. Students do not need to arrive until their test, and they will be dismissed immediately following their final. They will receive their exam schedules on Monday, Dec. 1. Attendance is important during finals, and we ask that families make every effort to ensure their students arrive on time each day. If a student is absent due to illness or another reason, please email Mrs. Goodwin immediately. Please note that if a student misses their regularly scheduled exam, make-up exams will be held when we return from the holiday break.

    Wednesday, Dec. 17Thursday, Dec. 18Friday, Dec. 19
    Session 1
    9:00-10:30 a.m.    		Session 3
    8:30-10:00 a.m.    		Session 5
    8:30-10:00 a.m.
    Session 2
    10:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m.    		Session 4
    10:15-11:45 a.m.    		Session 6
    10:15-11:45 a.m.
     
    In this together,

    Sara Zedlitz
    Middle Division Director
    zedlitzs@casady.org    		Jake Staats
    Middle Division Assistant Director
    staatsj@casady.org


    Sixth Grade Field Trip
    Sixth grade students will be going on a service trip to St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral on Friday, Dec. 5, from 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. We will be preparing the Cathedral as a cold-weather shelter for area families and children, as well as assembling snack bags. If you would like to learn more about supporting St. Paul's Cold Weather Shelter Preparation, you can find various opportunities on their website. Students may wear spirit wear. Parent chaperones are encouraged! Please let Mr. Oldham know if you are able to join us for this wonderful experience!

    Fifth Grade Field Trip
    Fifth grade students have an exciting field trip planned for Thursday, Dec. 11, as they embark on an educational journey to Guthrie. The day kicks off with a tour of the amazing Scottish Rite Temple. After our tour, we will enjoy a captivating performance of "A Territorial Christmas Carol" at the renowned Pollard Theater. For lunch, we'll stop at Pizza Hut to refuel for the day's adventures. Finally, we will end the day by visiting the Territorial Museum, where they will partake in a scavenger hunt, delving into the rich history of Oklahoma. Students may bring up to $20 to the museum's gift shop to choose a souvenir. 

    Rest assured, it promises to be an eventful day! We do not need chaperones for the trip. Should you have any questions or require further information, kindly reach out to your student's advisor.

    End of Term Notes and Reminders
    For seventh and eighth grade students, we will have midterm assessments on Dec. 17-19. Students will have midterms in the morning and be dismissed at lunchtime. If they need to stay for lunch, parents should email Mrs. Goodwin so we can be sure enough food is prepared for them. 
     
    When making travel arrangements, please plan accordingly. As with all travel arrangements outside of our calendared breaks, please remember that absences for reasons other than illness, School-sponsored activities, or bereavement will be marked as unexcused. Please note: Work completed late or missed as a result of an unexcused absence may result in reduced credit.

    Holiday Dance and Dress Up Days
    When we return from Thanksgiving Break, we have only three weeks left before the end of the semester and Christmas Break. While this time is fast and furious, we also have some fun opportunities for our students to show their holiday spirit.
    • For seventh and eighth graders, we are excited for this year’s SnowBall Dance on Friday, Dec 12, from 7:00-9:00 p.m. No one needs a date; all are invited! Dress attire will be all white! Students should bring an unwrapped item for donation to the Hope for the Holidays Drive for Infant Crisis as their entry ticket (diapers, formula, wipes, warm clothes).
    • We will have multiple Holiday Dress Days for all students. The themes this year will be
      • Dreaming of Christmas - Wear your Christmas Pajamas!
      • Fan of the Holidays - Represent your favorite team/player by wearing their jersey.
      • Color War! - Upstairs (All in Red) vs Downstairs (All in Green)
      • Christmas Heads and Toes - Wear your favorite Christmas hats and socks. 
     
    Carpool Reminders
    Navigating carpool is a wonderful way to practice tolerance, patience, and community-mindedness. Adhering to the following guidelines helps us ensure your student’s safety and efficiency. 
    1. Please pay attention to and follow the directions of the faculty and security staff on duty.
    2. Cars crossing the carpool lanes slow everyone down. If you need to turn left out of our circle, please try to use the flag pole lane. Likewise, if you’re planning to turn right, use the McClendon lane. 
    3. Do not park and leave your car in the circle. 
    4. The middle lane is for moving traffic. Do not ask your student to get out of the car in the middle lane. 
    5. As always, don’t leave gaps in the line. Pull All the Way Up
    The Collect for the First Week of Advent, Nov. 30
    Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. 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. 
    • Monday - Regular Uniform
    • Tuesday - Regular Uniform
    • Wednesday - Regular Uniform
    • Thursday -Regular Uniform
    • Friday -  Spirit Uniform

  • Nov. 16

    Dear Middle Division Parents,

    Can you believe we are one week away from Thanksgiving Break? It feels like just yesterday when the school year began, and now we’re already gearing up for the final sprint of the Fall Semester. Please remind your student to take this break as it is intended—a time for rest, reflection, and rejuvenation. This is an opportunity for them to step away from the daily demands, recharge their energy, and perhaps gain new perspectives on the challenges they face. They should embrace the pause and allow themselves the space to unwind and restore focus. 

    Additionally, we want to take this opportunity to congratulate all of our cast members for a job well done in "The Wizard of Oz!" The musical was fantastic, and we loved watching our Middle Division students shine in such an impressive production.

    Lastly, this Thursday, immediately following morning carpool, we are holding our biannual Coffee Talk in the MD Benson Community Room. As a guiding principle, we believe caring for our students is best done in partnership and conversation with our families. We also love to talk about all the amazing things happening in Middle Division, as well as the challenges and cheers of raising adolescents. This will not be a formal presentation but more of a casual conversation. If you have questions or just want to chat over coffee, please join us this Thursday! 

    In this together,

    Sara Zedlitz
    Middle Division Director
    zedlitzs@casady.org    		Jake Staats
    Middle Division Assistant Director
    staatsj@casady.org


    End of Term Notes and Reminders
    For seventh and eighth grade students, we will have midterm assessments on Dec. 17-19. Students will have midterms in the morning and be dismissed at lunchtime. If they need to stay for lunch, parents should email Mrs. Goodwin so we can be sure enough food is prepared for them. 
     
    When making travel arrangements, please plan accordingly. As with all travel arrangements outside of our calendared breaks, please remember that absences for reasons other than illness, School-sponsored activities, or bereavement will be marked as unexcused. Please note: Work completed late or missed as a result of an unexcused absence may result in reduced credit.

    Holiday Dance and Dress Up Days
    When we return from Thanksgiving Break, we have only three weeks left before the end of the semester and Christmas Break. While this time is fast and furious, we also have some fun opportunities for our students to show their holiday spirit.
    • For seventh and eighth graders, we are excited for this year’s SnowBall Dance on Friday, Dec 12, from 7:00-9:00 p.m. No one needs a date; all are invited! Dress attire will be all white! Students should bring an unwrapped item for donation to the Hope for the Holidays Drive for Infant Crisis as their entry ticket (diapers, formula, wipes, warm clothes).
    • We will have multiple Holiday Dress Days for all students. The themes this year will be
      • Dreaming of Christmas - Wear your Christmas Pajamas!
      • Fan of the Holidays - Represent your favorite team/player by wearing their jersey.
      • Color War! - Upstairs (All in Red) vs Downstairs (All in Green)
      • Christmas Heads & Toes - Wear your favorite Christmas hats and socks. 
    More information to come! 
     
    Carpool Reminders
    Navigating carpool is a wonderful way to practice tolerance, patience, and community-mindedness. Adhering to the following guidelines helps us ensure your student’s safety and efficiency. 
    1. Please pay attention to and follow the directions of the faculty and security staff on duty.
    2. Cars crossing the carpool lanes slow everyone down. If you need to turn left out of our circle, please try to use the flag pole lane. Likewise, if you’re planning to turn right, use the McClendon lane. 
    3. Do not park and leave your car in the circle. 
    4. The middle lane is for moving traffic. Do not ask your student to get out of the car in the middle lane. 
    5. As always, don’t leave gaps in the line. Pull All the Way Up
     
    SoulCraft
    Fifth and Sixth Grade: Resolving Challenging Conflicts
    • Summary: Students will be able to identify and evaluate various solutions to a conflict in order to find the best solution.
    • Conversation Starter: Talk about a time when you were involved in a conflict and tried to consider the other person’s perspective before picking a solution.
    Seventh and Eighth Grade: Adjust and Achieve
    • Summary: This week’s lesson will help your student understand the importance of persistence when learning something new. They’ll attempt a self-selected challenge multiple times and reflect on ways to improve after each attempt.
    • Conversation Starter: Share a time when you had to try something multiple times before you got better at it. Ask your student about the challenge they attempted in class and what strategies they used to improve.
     
    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 -  House Spirit

  • Nov. 9

    Dear Middle Division Parents,

    Casady Theatre will present The Wizard of Oz with a combined cast of Middle and Upper Division Cyclones. 

    Follow the yellow brick road in this delightful stage adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s beloved tale, featuring the iconic musical score from the MGM film! The timeless tale, in which young Dorothy Gale travels from Kansas over the rainbow to the magical Land of Oz, continues to thrill audiences worldwide!
     
    Performances will be held Nov. 13, 14, and 15 at 7:00 p.m., with a matinee on Nov. 16 at 2:00 p.m. in Fee Theater.
     
    Tickets can only be purchased online this year for reserved seating, so please click here to reserve your seat! Join Casady Theatre and fellow Cyclone fans for this enchanting performance as Casady’s talented cast and crew bring the world “somewhere over the rainbow” to life on stage. Students are encouraged to dress up as their favorite characters, too! 
     
    $15 for General Admission 
    $10 for Students and Senior Citizens
    $5 for children under 12

    We are incredibly proud of our young actors and actresses, and we cannot wait to see and support them this week! 

    In this together,

    Sara Zedlitz
    Middle Division Director
    zedlitzs@casady.org    		Jake Staats
    Middle Division Assistant Director
    staatsj@casady.org


    Susan Resnick Presentation
    This week, we had the privilege of welcoming Susan Resnick back to our campus. Susan taught model lessons, led workshops, observed classes, and met with teams of our teachers and academic leaders. Thank you to everyone who joined us for Susan’s parent presentation Thursday morning.

    This link will take you to a video of Susan’s presentation. Unfortunately, due to a technical issue, we were only able to capture the first 25 minutes of her presentation. For those who have the interest and stamina to view the full presentation, this link will take you to a video of an event at another school that Susan led with a similar agenda and slide deck. The slide deck contains recommendations for how parents can support their children and provides some additional resources (this site contains highly recommended videos demonstrating bar modeling).

    End of Term Notes and Reminders
    For seventh and eighth grade students, we will have midterm assessments on Dec. 17-19. Students will have midterms in the morning and be dismissed at lunchtime. If they need to stay for lunch, parents should email Mrs. Goodwin so we can be sure enough food is prepared for them. 
     
    When making travel arrangements, please plan accordingly. As with all travel arrangements outside of our calendared breaks, please remember that absences for reasons other than illness, School-sponsored activities, or bereavement will be marked as unexcused. Additionally, as a reminder, we celebrate Honor Roll twice a year. Students on the Honor Roll have a cumulative average of 95.0%. 

    Middle Division Coffee Talk
    Thursday, Nov. 20, immediately following morning carpool, we are holding our biannual Coffee Talk in the MD Benson Community Room. As a guiding principle, we believe caring for our students is best done in partnership and conversation with our families. We also love to talk about all the amazing things happening in Middle Division, as well as the challenges and cheers of raising adolescents. This will not be a formal presentation but more of a casual conversation. If you have questions or just want to chat over coffee, please join us on November 20!

    Carpool Reminders
    Navigating carpool is a wonderful way to practice tolerance, patience, and community-mindedness. Adhering to the following guidelines helps us ensure your student’s safety and efficiency. 
    1. Please pay attention to and follow the directions of the faculty and security staff on duty.
    2. Cars crossing the carpool lanes slow everyone down. If you need to turn left out of our circle, please try to use the flag pole lane. Likewise, if you’re planning to turn right, use the McClendon lane. 
    3. Do not park and leave your car in the circle. 
    4. The middle lane is for moving traffic. Do not ask your student to get out of the car in the middle lane. 
    5. As always, don’t leave gaps in the line. Pull All the Way Up
     
    The Chapel Collect for the Week of Nov. 9
    O God, whose blessed Son came into the world that he might destroy the works of the devil and make us children of God and heirs of eternal life: Grant that, having this hope, we may purify ourselves as he is pure; that, when he comes again with power and great glory, we may be made like him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
     
    2025-26 After School Care Registration
    Registration for After School Care is open. Families can register for these programs through the Extended Programs Registration on MyCasady. For more information, click here, or contact Extended Programs Manager Joella Pearson.
     
    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 Uniform

  • Nov. 2

    Dear Middle Division Parents,

    We are pleased to share an opportunity this week for you to hear from Susan Resnick, a national math consultant and one of the authors of the Math in Focus curriculum that we use in grades 1-6. Susan has been working with our teachers over the last year and will be returning to campus this week. We set aside time for a parent presentation on Thursday, Nov. 6, in the Middle Division Benson Community Room, from 8:00-9:00 a.m. This presentation will be recorded for parents who are unable to attend. 

    Over the past four years, Casady has made thoughtful updates to our math program—first in the Lower Division and more recently in the Middle Division. These changes are designed to help students build strong fluency, deepen their understanding of mathematical concepts, and develop the perseverance and confidence needed for advanced problem-solving.

    Math in Focus, a Singapore Math program, teaches the same procedural skills and fact fluency many of us remember, but it goes further—developing deep understanding and flexible problem-solving skills. More than 40 years ago, Singapore redesigned its national math curriculum to emphasize problem-solving and conceptual understanding over rote memorization. The results were remarkable: Singapore’s students now rank among the highest in the world in mathematics. Math in Focus is an adaptation of that approach for American students.

    Our Strategic Academic Plan calls for learning that is durable and lasting. You will see your child memorizing and practicing familiar algorithms, math facts, and procedures. You will also see your child using bar models, drawing to represent problems, and using multiple methods to solve problems. When students only memorize rote procedures, those steps are often forgotten over time. When they understand the why behind the math, they can apply that knowledge flexibly to new and unfamiliar problems. This depth of understanding allows lasting mastery and true mathematical confidence, providing a strong foundation for advanced mathematics and for careers in fields such as mathematics, science, and engineering.

    We know that many of you wish to better understand this curriculum as well as support your student.  We will share a recording of Susan’s presentation and some takeaways for parents after her visit. In the meantime, we would like to share some tips and reminders:

    • We recognize this approach is different from how most of us learned math, and it leaves parents less able to help students with portions of their math work. There are times when students will benefit from your help with familiar drills and procedures. They will also benefit from your encouragement as they work their way through complex problems, but there is no expectation for parents to be familiar with the methods and procedures students are taught in class.

    • Challenging problems build perseverance and deep reasoning. However, if you see the struggle has become unproductive, we encourage you to normalize their struggle, pause the work, and direct your child to communicate their questions to their teacher. This will help our teachers identify areas where their students are not yet ready to complete work independently or would benefit from adjustments to classroom instruction, homework assignments, or other assessments.

    • We are reinforcing the expectation that students use extra help sessions when needed, and we are ensuring students have the encouragement, time, and structure to do so.

    We hope to see many of you at the upcoming session with Susan Resnick. Please stay in touch, and thank you for your partnership in supporting our students’ success in mathematics.

    Kendall White
    Director of Curriculum
    whiteke@casady.org

    Thank you to all our parents who helped to make our annual Trick or Treat around the Lake so fun for our students. We appreciate you! 

    Middle Division Invited to Upper Division Open House
    Casady School will host an Upper Division Open House on Sunday, Nov. 9, from 2:00–4:00 p.m. This come-and-go event is a wonderful opportunity for current families and prospective families to explore the campus, meet our faculty and Admission Team, and experience what makes Casady’s Upper Division so special. Please join us and also spread the word to friends, neighbors, and colleagues who might be interested in learning more about Casady!
     
    End of Term Notes and Reminders
    For seventh and eighth grade students, we will have midterm assessments on Dec. 17-19. Students will have midterms in the morning and be dismissed at lunchtime. If they need to stay for lunch, parents should email Mrs. Goodwin so we can be sure to have enough food for them. 
     
    When making travel arrangements, please plan accordingly. As with all travel arrangements outside of our calendared breaks, please remember that absences for reasons other than illness, School-sponsored activities, or bereavement will be marked as unexcused. Additionally, as a reminder, we celebrate Honor Roll twice a year. Students on the Honor Roll have a cumulative average of 95.0%. 
     
    Carpool Reminders
    Navigating carpool is a wonderful way to practice tolerance, patience, and community-mindedness. Adhering to the following guidelines helps us ensure your student’s safety and efficiency. 
    1. Please pay attention to and follow the directions of the faculty and security staff on duty.
    2. Cars crossing the carpool lanes slow everyone down. If you need to turn left out of our circle, please try to use the flag pole lane. Likewise, if you’re planning to turn right, use the McClendon lane. 
    3. Do not park and leave your car in the circle. 
    4. The middle lane is for moving traffic. Do not ask your student to get out of the car in the middle lane. 
    5. As always, don’t leave gaps in the line. Pull All the Way Up!

    SoulCraft Focus 
    Fifth and Sixth Grade: Respectful Communication
    • Summary: Students will be able to demonstrate how to use respectful language to prevent conflicts from getting worse.
    • Conversation Starter: Ask your student how they can respond calmly and respectfully during a disagreement.
    Seventh and Eighth Grade: Increasing Your Motivation
    • Summary: This week’s lesson will help your student put motivation strategies into action. They’ll choose a strategy that works for them and make a plan to use it in a real-life situation.
    • Conversation Starter: Ask your student to explain a motivation strategy they learned about in class. Work together to think of a situation where they could use it to stay motivated at home or School.
    Collect for All Saints Week
    Almighty God, you have knit together your elect in one communion and fellowship in the mystical body of your Son Christ our Lord: Give us grace so to follow your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to those ineffable joys that you have prepared for those who truly love you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
     
    2025-26 After School Care Registration
    Registration for After School Care is open. Families can register for these programs through the Extended Programs Registration on MyCasady. For more information, click here, or contact Extended Programs Manager Joella Pearson.
     
    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 Uniform

  • Oct. 26

    A Note from the Math Department: Parent Information Meeting
    We understand that there is a desire to better understand the Math in Focus curriculum. On Thursday, Nov. 6, 8:00 - 9:00 a.m., fifth and sixth grade parents are invited to a presentation by Susan Resnick, a national and international math consultant and author of the Math in Focus series. Susan will speak on the fundamentals of the Singapore Math approach and share ideas on how parents can support their children at home.
     
    In addition to authoring our math curriculum, Susan is a familiar face on our campus—she has trained our teachers both virtually and in person and continues to support our faculty. Susan has more than 30 years of education experience as a math teacher, special education teacher, gifted and talented coordinator, school principal, and district math coordinator. She currently consults with schools on the national and international levels, and she serves as a staff developer for mathematics instruction.
     
    Campus Food Bank Drive runs October 15 - 29
    Casady's campuswide drive for the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma runs through October 29. Students can bring non-perishable items. No items in glass jars, please. Lower and Upper Divisions are making it a class competition, and Middle Division is a House Competition.
     
    Middle Division Invited to Upper Division Open House
    Casady School will host an Upper Division Open House on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025, from 2:00–4:00 p.m. This come-and-go event is a wonderful opportunity for current families and prospective families to explore the campus, meet our faculty and Admission Team, and experience what makes Casady’s Upper Division so special. Please join us and also spread the word to friends, neighbors, and colleagues who might be interested in learning more about Casady!
     
    End of Term Notes and Reminders
    For seventh and eighth grade students, we will have midterm assessments on December 17-19. Students will have midterms in the morning and be dismissed at lunchtime. If they need to stay for lunch, parents should email Mrs. Goodwin so we can be sure to have enough food for them. 
     
    When making travel arrangements, please plan accordingly. As with all travel arrangements outside of our calendared breaks, please remember that absences for reasons other than illness, school-sponsored activities, or bereavement will be marked as unexcused. Additionally, as a reminder, we celebrate Honor Roll twice a year. Students on the Honor Roll have a cumulative average of 95.0. 
     
    Carpool Reminders
    Navigating carpool is a wonderful way to practice tolerance, patience, and community-mindedness. Adhering to the following guidelines helps us ensure your student’s safety and efficiency. 
    1. Please pay attention to and follow the directions of the faculty and security staff on duty.
    2. Cars crossing the carpool lanes slow everyone down. If you need to turn left out of our circle, please try to use the flag pole lane. Likewise, if you’re planning to turn right, use the McClendon lane. 
    3. Do not park and leave your car in the circle. 
    4. The middle lane is for moving traffic. Do not ask your student to get out of the car in the middle lane. 
    5. As always, don’t leave gaps in the line. Pull All the Way Up! 
     
    The Chapel Collect for the Week of October 26
    Almighty and everlasting God, increase in us the gifts of faith, hope, and charity; and, that we may obtain what you promise, make us love what you command; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
     
    Final Days of Food Drive
    This coming week holds the final few days of our campus wide drive for the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. Food will be received through Wednesday. No perishables or glass jars, please.

    This October, Ms. Reed will began hosting a Thursday lunch group called “Two Home Families” for students with parents who are divorced, in the process of divorcing, or separated. 

    The purpose of this group is for students to share thoughts and feelings in a safe, confidential, and nurturing space. Having peers to relate to and share ideas about how to handle stress, stay organized between two homes, and remembering that all of their feelings are valid and important.

    Inclusion into this group is voluntary but does require parent approval. While not a therapy group, we will be guided by evidence-based practices using curriculum from the Children’s Institute’s "Children of Divorce Intervention Program.”

    For further questions or to enroll your student, please reach out to MD Counselor, Ms. Misty Reed, at reedm@casady.org
     
    2025-26 After School Care Registration
    Registration for After School Care is open. Families can register for these programs through the Extended Programs Registration on MyCasady. For more information, click here, or contact Extended Programs Manager Joella Pearson.
     
    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 - Halloween Costume! If no costume, then Spirit or Regular Uniform is fine.

  • Oct. 19

    Hello Families,

    Tuesday is OKC Thunder Day in Oklahoma City! Recently, Mayor Holt wrote, “As we bask in the glory of one major accomplishment, we turn our attention to new celebrations ahead. It is the close of one chapter (that we will always celebrate) and the start of another.” Just like the season for our OKC Thunder, Middle Division is a time to embrace every achievement and challenge. Just as the players train to improve their skills, our students are encouraged to push themselves academically, athletically, spiritually, and personally.

    As parents, learning how to walk with your child during times of adversity is difficult. It is essential to listen, validate their feelings, and help them navigate challenges with empathy and understanding. By standing beside them and modeling perseverance, we teach our children that struggles are a natural, and necessary, part of growth. 

    Without struggle, there is no growth. Without growth, there can be no championships! 
     
    As we look ahead, we hope you will make plans to join us for our Open House, 4:00-5:00 p.m., on Oct. 24. This is an informal opportunity for your student to show you around our building and classrooms and to visit with our faculty. From there, you can go enjoy Fall Fest and support our Upper Division students and athletes. 
     
    In this together,

    Sara Zedlitz
    Middle Division Director
    zedlitzs@casady.org    		Jake Staats
    Middle Division Assistant Director
    staatsj@casady.org

    Students Against Hunger Drive
    Casady's campus-wide drive for the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma runs through Oct. 29. Students can bring non-perishable items. No items in glass jars, please. Lower and Upper Divisions are making it a class competition, and Middle Division is a House Competition.

    Morning Orchestra Rehearsal 
    The seventh and eighth grade orchestra will have a morning rehearsal on Wednesday, Oct. 29.  We will rehearse at 8:00-8:45 a.m. in the Montin-London north gym. This will be the only time we can rehearse in the space before the concert in the evening. 

    End of Term Notes and Reminders
    For seventh and eighth grade students, we will have mid-term assessments the week of Dec. 15-19. When making travel arrangements, please plan accordingly. As with all travel arrangements outside of our calendared breaks, please remember that absences for reasons other than illness, school-sponsored activities, or bereavement will be marked as unexcused. Additionally, as a reminder, we celebrate Honor Roll twice a year. Students on the Honor Roll have a cumulative average of 95%. 

    Carpool Reminders
    Navigating carpool is a wonderful way to practice tolerance, patience, and community-mindedness. Adhering to the following guidelines helps us ensure your student’s safety and efficiency.
    1. Please pay attention to and follow the directions of the faculty and security staff on duty.
    2. Cars crossing the carpool lanes slow everyone down. If you need to turn left out of our circle, please try to use the flag pole lane. Likewise, if you’re planning to turn right, use the McClendon lane.
    3. Do not park and leave your car in the circle.
    4. The middle lane is for moving traffic. Do not ask your student to get out of the car in the middle lane.
    5. As always, don’t leave gaps in the line. Pull all the way up!

    Yearbook Photo Day
    If your student missed Picture Day, retakes will be done on Oct. 22. Photo packets can be ordered online from J. Holland Photography at jhollandphotography.com. Students who want retakes will need to bring in the original package of photos. Students will receive their photos on Tuesday. 

    SoulCraft Focus
    This week's SoulCraft will focus on teamwork and sportsmanship, as all grades will participate in House Competitions. 

    The Chapel Collect for the Week
    Almighty and everlasting God, in Christ you have revealed your glory among the nations: Preserve the works of your mercy, that your Church throughout the world may persevere with steadfast faith in the confession of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. 

    Student Support Services Universal Screeners
    On the week of Oct. 20, Middle Division will participate in universal social-emotional and behavioral (SEB) screenings as part of a larger effort to enhance the health and wellness of our 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. 
    • The BASC-3 Behavioral and Emotional Screening System (BESS) will be used for the Middle and Upper Divisions and will take place during advisory.
    • 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, our department 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.

    Divorce Care Support Group
    This October, Ms. Reed will begin hosting a Thursday lunch group called “Two Home Families” for students with parents who are divorced, in the process of divorcing, or separated. 

    The purpose of this group is for students to share thoughts and feelings in a safe, confidential, and nurturing space. Having peers to relate to and share ideas about how to handle stress, stay organized between two homes, and remember that all of their feelings are valid and important.

    Inclusion into this group is voluntary but does require parent approval. While not a therapy group, we will be guided by evidence-based practices using curriculum from Children’s Institute’s "Children of Divorce Intervention Program.”

    For further questions or to enroll your student, please reach out to Ms. Reed.

    2025-26 After School Care Registration
    Registration for After School Care is open. Families can register for these programs through the Extended Programs Registration on MyCasady. For more information, click here, or contact Extended Programs Manager Joella Pearson.

    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 - OKC Thunder Day!
      • Students may wear their Thunder Gear or School Uniform
    • Wednesday - Regular Uniform
    • Thursday - Regular Uniform
    • Friday - Privilege Day
      • If you are on the privilege list

  • Oct. 13

    Hello Families,

    Last Thursday, the eighth grade hosted our annual Naturalization Ceremony, wherein we welcomed 40 new citizens from 23 countries from as far away as Zambia, South Korea, Ukraine, and Paraguay. Members of our band, orchestra, and choir performed the National Anthem, and we were able to witness the Oath of Allegiance as well as visit with the presiding judge following the ceremony. Our Portrait of a Graduate celebrates positive engagement with our local communities and the importance of embracing the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. This special ceremony is a meaningful opportunity for our students to witness this commitment in action. 

    More broadly, we passed the 7-week mark last Wednesday, and like always, Fall Break comes at just the right moment! For our students, focus has shifted in their classes from reviewing to learning and practicing new skills and knowledge. They’ve navigated preparing for and taking the first tests or major assessments of the year, and it’s also possible they’ve done poorly on one of those assessments or forgotten a homework assignment. 

    While they may feel more comfortable with the rhythms and routines of the school day, they may also be experiencing the discomfort that naturally comes when adapting to or navigating new expectations or challenges. Learning is not linear and often full of stops and starts. You might be hearing about how their classes are hard or how they don’t know how to do what’s being asked of them. This is normal and to be expected! I often remind students that no one expects them to know how to do a new skill or to understand a new concept right away; that’s the point of school. What we do expect is that they show up and show willing. This takes consistent effort and energy, and so it’s good to have these breaks to rest and reflect. 

    As we look ahead, we hope you will make plans to join us for our Open House, 4:00-5:00 p.m., on Oct. 24. This is an informal opportunity for your student to show you around our building and classrooms and to visit with our faculty. From there, you can go enjoy Fall Fest and support our Upper Division student-athletes. 
     
    In this together,

    Sara Zedlitz
    Middle Division Director
    zedlitzs@casady.org    		Jake Staats
    Middle Division Assistant Director
    staatsj@casady.org


    Seventh Grade at Camp Shiloh
    Friday, Oct. 17,  seventh grade will spend the day at Camp Shiloh. Students will have the opportunity to rock climb and zip line, try their hand at archery, and engage in lots of team-building activities with their seventh grade classmates. 

    Please complete the Camp Shiloh Waiver by clicking here.

    Students should report to School at the regular time and will return to campus by 3:45 p.m. Students will not go to sports that day. Students can be in privilege wear appropriate attire for an active day outdoors and need to wear closed-toe, closed-heeled shoes. They should bring a water bottle and wear sunscreen (It looks like it will be warm and sunny). Lunch and snacks will be provided. We are excited for a great day of bonding with a wonderful group of kids! Please reach out to Katie Trudgeon or Marlene Lee with any questions.

    End of Term Notes and Reminders
    For seventh and eighth grade students, we will have mid-term assessments the week of Dec. 15-19. When making travel arrangements, please plan accordingly. As with all travel arrangements outside of our calendared breaks, please remember that absences for reasons other than illness, school-sponsored activities, or bereavement will be marked as unexcused. Additionally, as a reminder, we celebrate Honor Roll twice a year. Students on the Honor Roll have a cumulative average of 95%. 

    Carpool Reminders
    Navigating carpool is a wonderful way to practice tolerance, patience, and community-mindedness. Adhering to the following guidelines helps us ensure your student’s safety and efficiency.
    1. Please pay attention to and follow the directions of the faculty and security staff on duty.
    2. Cars crossing the carpool lanes slow everyone down. If you need to turn left out of our circle, please try to use the flag pole lane. Likewise, if you’re planning to turn right, use the McClendon lane.
    3. Do not park and leave your car in the circle.
    4. The middle lane is for moving traffic. Do not ask your student to get out of the car in the middle lane.
    5. As always, don’t leave gaps in the line. Pull all the way up!

    Yearbook Photo Day
    If your student missed Picture Day, retakes will be done on Oct. 22. Photo packets can be ordered online from J. Holland Photography at jhollandphotography.com. Students who want retakes will need to bring in the original package of photos. Students will receive their photos on Tuesday. 

    SoulCraft Focus
    Fifth and Sixth Grade - Why Conflicts Escalate
    • Summary: This week, students will be talking about ways to identify actions that escalate conflicts and determine ways to prevent conflicts from becoming more serious.
    • Conversation Starter: Ask your student if they can recall the difference between a minor and major conflict and how to prevent them from escalating.
    Seventh and Eighth Grade - Creating New Pathways in the Brain
    • Summary: This week’s lesson will help your student understand how their brain changes when they learn something new. They'll explore how overcoming challenges helps build new connections in the brain.
    • Conversation Starter: Tell your student about a time you had to learn something challenging and how you kept going despite difficulties. Ask them about something they've learned recently that was difficult at first but got easier with practice.

    The Chapel Collect for the Week of Oct. 6
    Almighty and everlasting God, you are always more ready to hear than we to pray, and to give more than we either desire or deserve: Pour upon us the abundance of your mercy, forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid, and giving us those good things for which we are not worthy to ask, except through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ our Savior; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

    Student Support Services Universal Screeners
    On the week of Oct. 20, Middle Division will participate in universal social-emotional and behavioral (SEB) screenings as part of a larger effort to enhance the health and wellness of our 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. 
    • The BASC-3 Behavioral and Emotional Screening System (BESS) will be used for the Middle and Upper Divisions and will take place during advisory.
    • 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, our department 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.

    Divorce Care Support Group
    This October, Ms. Reed will begin hosting a Thursday lunch group called “Two Home Families” for students with parents who are divorced, in the process of divorcing, or separated. 

    The purpose of this group is for students to share thoughts and feelings in a safe, confidential, and nurturing space. Having peers to relate to and share ideas about how to handle stress, stay organized between two homes, and remembering that all of their feelings are valid and important.

    Inclusion into this group is voluntary but does require parent approval. While not a therapy group, we will be guided by evidence-based practices using curriculum from Children’s Institute’s "Children of Divorce Intervention Program.”

    For further questions or to enroll your student, please reach out to Ms. Reed.

    2025-26 After School Care Registration
    Registration for After School Care is open. Families can register for these programs through the Extended Programs Registration on MyCasady. For more information, click here, or contact Extended Programs Manager Joella Pearson.

    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 Day

  • Oct. 5

    Hello Families,

    We had a great Homecoming last week! In Chapel on Thursday, students heard from Mark McCubbin ‘74, our Distinguished Alumni Award Winner, as well as Patrick Wert ‘09, our Young Alumni Achievement Award winner. They shared lessons learned in their Middle Division classrooms as well as fun memories like class trips to Camp Goddard.

    On Friday, Varsity Football players, cheerleaders, and the Pep Band (including our very own Dr. Thomas on the saxophone) helped us with carpool, and we gathered with Lower and Upper Division to kick off Homecoming Weekend with a Pep Rally! It is days like this that remind me how wonderful it is to be #foreveracyclone! 
     
    In this together,

    Sara Zedlitz
    Middle Division Director
    zedlitzs@casady.org    		Jake Staats
    Middle Division Assistant Director
    staatsj@casady.org


    Yearbook Photo Day
    If your student missed Picture Day, retakes will be done on Oct. 22. Photo packets can be ordered online from J. Holland Photography at jhollandphotography.com. 

    Clubs!
    Being part of a club fosters a sense of belonging and community, provides an environment for students with similar interests to interact, and also can expose students to new ideas and activities that they may not encounter in a traditional classroom setting. On Friday, students were introduced to Fall Club options in Chapel. The club signup has been sent through Official Notes to your student, and they will have until Thursday to sign up.

    Sixth Grade Class Retreat
    The sixth grade will go on their annual overnight class trip this Wednesday, Oct. 8, and return on Thursday, Oct. 9. We have secured Goddard Youth Camp, a year-round campground at the Lake of the Arbuckles in Sulphur. This trip is part of the sixth grade Earth and Space Science curriculum and will cover portions of both geology and astronomy units. 

    Naturalization Ceremony
    On Thursday, Oct. 9, Middle Division will host our annual Naturalization Ceremony for new citizens to the United States. In their US History class, eighth graders have spent time discussing the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, and we are excited for them to participate in this special experiential education moment. 

    The Chapel Collect for the Week of Oct. 6
    Almighty and everlasting God, you are always more ready to hear than we to pray, and to give more than we either desire or deserve: Pour upon us the abundance of your mercy, forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid, and giving us those good things for which we are not worthy to ask, except through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ our Savior; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

    SoulCraft
    With many students off campus for camps and sports, we will have a bonus Chapel this week instead of Soul Craft. We will resume lessons on the head and heart next Wednesday, Oct. 15. 

    Student Support Services 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 the week of Oct. 14-17 for Middle Division.
    • The BASC-3 Behavioral and Emotional Screening System (BESS) will be used for the Middle and Upper Divisions and will take place during advisory.
    • 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, our department 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.

    Divorce Care Support Group
    This October, Ms. Reed will begin hosting a Thursday lunch group called “Two Home Families” for students with parents who are divorced, in the process of divorcing, or separated. 

    The purpose of this group is for students to share thoughts and feelings in a safe, confidential, and nurturing space. Having peers to relate to and share ideas about how to handle stress, stay organized between two homes, and remembering that all of their feelings are valid and important.

    Inclusion into this group is voluntary but does require parent approval. While not a therapy group, we will be guided by evidence-based practices using curriculum from Children’s Institute’s "Children of Divorce Intervention Program.”

    For further questions or to enroll your student, please reach out to Ms. Reed.

    Out-to-Lunches
    A popular practice in Middle Division is the Advisory Out-to-Lunch. Typically, students sign up to bring food, potluck-style, for a shared meal with their advisory group. Please help us support the practice by keeping the following in mind:
    • We are a nut and allergy-aware campus. As much as possible, please send food that does not contain nuts.
    • Students may not use food delivery services like Grubhub, Door Dash, or Uber Eats.
    • This is a good low-stakes opportunity for students to take ownership of their contributions to the meal. Advisors typically email parents, but the expectation is that students are taking steps to inform parents and be responsible for their part of the meal. You do not need to leave work to rush to Chick-fil-A to bring food if they’ve forgotten!

    Dietary Restrictions
    If your student has any dietary restrictions or needs a vegetarian or vegan meal, please have them contact Ms. Goodwin.

    Health Concerns
    If your student has a medical condition or a specific health concern, and you have questions regarding documentation, please contact healthservices@casady.org. Nurse Kinchen coordinates communication and support with our athletic training staff. 

    2025-26 After School Care Registration
    Registration for After School Care is open. Families can register for these programs through the Extended Programs Registration on MyCasady. For more information, click here, or contact Extended Programs Manager Joella Pearson.

    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 - Spirit Day for Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Grade
      • Eighth Grade will need to be in uniform due to the Naturalization Ceremony
    • Friday - No School

  • Sept. 28

    Hello Families,

    It was wonderful to see you all in the McClending Middle Division Building on Friday for student-led conferences. I hope you gained a better understanding of your student's classroom experience and goals. We’ve reminded them that hope is not a strategy, and that it’s important to build systems and practice habits if they wish to grow and make progress. We hope that you will take some time to visit with your student this weekend to learn about how you can be a good accountability partner to help them achieve their goals. 
     
    Looking ahead, we’re excited for Homecoming this Friday, and we hope to see you all there to support our Cyclones!
     
    In this together,

    Sara Zedlitz
    Middle Division Director
    zedlitzs@casady.org    		Jake Staats
    Middle Division Assistant Director
    staatsj@casady.org


    Out-to-Lunches
    A popular practice in Middle Division is the Advisory Out-to-Lunch. Typically, students sign up to bring food, potluck-style, for a shared meal with their advisory group. Please help us support the practice by keeping the following in mind:
    • We are a nut and allergy-aware campus. As much as possible, please send food that does not contain nuts.
    • Students may not use food delivery services like Grubhub, Door Dash, or Uber Eats.
    • This is a good low-stakes opportunity for students to take ownership of their contributions to the meal. Advisors typically email parents, but the expectation is that students are taking steps to inform parents and be responsible for their part of the meal. You do not need to leave work to rush to Chick-fil-A to bring food if they’ve forgotten!

    Yearbook Photo Day
    If your student missed Picture Day, retakes will be done on Oct. 22. Photo packets can be ordered online from J.Holland Photography.

    The Chapel Collect for Sept. 22-26
    Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly things, but to love things heavenly; and even now, while we are placed among things that are passing away, to hold fast to those that shall endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

    Dietary Restrictions
    If your student has any dietary restrictions or needs a vegetarian or vegan meal, please have them contact Mrs. Goodwin, who will share the information with the FLIK Dining staff. You can also indicate food allergies on your medical forms.

    Health Concerns
    If your student has a medical condition or a specific health concern, and you have questions regarding documentation, please contact healthservices@casady.org. Nurse Kinchen coordinates communication and support with our athletic training staff. 

    Sixth Grade Class Retreat
    Sixth grade will go on their annual overnight camping trip on Wednesday, Oct. 8, and return on Thursday, Oct. 9. We have secured Goddard Youth Camp, a year-round campground at the Lake of the Arbuckles in Sulphur. This trip is part of the sixth grade Earth and Space Science curriculum and will cover portions of both geology and astronomy units. Mr. Oldham and Ms. Walk will be reaching out in the next week to go over important information and details.

    2025-26 After School Care Registration
    Registration for After School Care is now open. Families can register for these Programs through the Extended Programs Registration on MyCasady. For more information, click here, or contact Extended Programs Manager Joella Pearson.

    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 Day

  • Sept. 21

    Dear Middle Division Families,

    Student-Led Conferences
    We look forward to seeing you all this Friday, Sept. 26, for our Student-Led Conferences. Students will lead these meetings as we reflect on their work in progress so far this year. As part of our commitment to building student self-efficacy, students have worked in advisory to identify goals and actionable steps to make progress toward those goals. This time is a great opportunity to hear from your student and their advisor about how the year is progressing and their plans for the work ahead. Middle Division years can be quite messy, and opportunities like this help bridge our partnership in caring for these young people. If you have not yet scheduled a conference time, please reach out to your student’s advisor. 

    Chapel Construction
    Friday was our last day in Chapel as they are to begin construction. We will be moving to Fee Theater for the remainder of the Fall Semester. While we are saddened by not being able to use our Chapel, we are looking forward to the renovations. 

    Safety Week
    This week is Safety Week on our Campus. All Divisions will participate in Fire, Tornado, and Intruder drills. In the Middle, we will practice evacuating our building for the Fire Drill and moving to our storm shelter building (Nichols Activity Center) for the Tornado Drill. For the intruder drills, we begin with a Secure Drill, where we continue with regular programming inside our building with our exterior doors locked. We then transition to a Lock Down drill where our students practice being in locked classrooms, with lights out, shades down, staying out of sight, and being silent.

    We know that safety and security are ever-present considerations in the minds of parents, students, and school staff. It’s natural for students and adults to have questions and experience anxiety and worry about safety. One way to manage these feelings is to practice these routines. When talking to your student about Safety Week, it can be helpful to focus on our goal of preparation and care, and emphasize that Casady is a safe campus. Encourage them to reach out to a teacher or advisor if they have questions, and remind them that teachers and adults have a plan and are here to help. 
     
    In this together,

    Sara Zedlitz
    Middle Division Director
    zedlitzs@casady.org    		Jake Staats
    Middle Division Assistant Director
    staatsj@casady.org

    Out-to-Lunches
    A popular practice in Middle Division is the Advisory Out-to-Lunch. Typically, students sign up to bring food, potluck-style, for a shared meal with their advisory group. Please help us support the practice by keeping the following in mind:
    • We are a nut and allergy-aware campus. As much as possible, please send food that does not contain nuts.
    • Students may not use food delivery services like Grubhub, Door Dash, or Uber Eats.
    • This is a good low-stakes opportunity for students to take ownership of their contributions to the meal. Advisors typically email parents, but the expectation is that students are taking steps to inform parents and be responsible for their part of the meal. You do not need to leave work to rush to Chick-fil-A to bring food if they’ve forgotten!

    Yearbook Photo Day
    If your student missed Picture Day, retakes will be done on Oct. 22. Photo packets can be ordered online from J.Holland Photography.

    The Chapel Collect for Sept. 22-26
    Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly things, but to love things heavenly; and even now, while we are placed among things that are passing away, to hold fast to those that shall endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

    Dietary Restrictions
    If your student has any dietary restrictions or needs a vegetarian or vegan meal, please have them contact Mrs. Goodwin, who will share the information with the FLIK Dining staff. You can also indicate food allergies on your medical forms.

    Health Concerns
    If your student has a medical condition or a specific health concern, and you have questions regarding documentation, please contact healthservices@casady.org. Nurse Kinchen coordinates communication and support with our athletic training staff. 

    Fifth Grade Retreat
    Fifth grade is excited to embark on our annual overnight camping trip to St. Crispin's Campground in Wewoka! The adventure will begin on Wednesday, Sept. 24, with a return on Thursday, Sept. 25.

    Please follow the links below for important information about the trip and to fill out the waiver needed by the camp. 

    Snack Sign Up Genius

    Sixth Grade Class Retreat
    Sixth grade will go on their annual overnight camping trip on Wednesday, Oct. 8, and return on Thursday, Oct. 9. We have secured Goddard Youth Camp, a year-round campground at the Lake of the Arbuckles in Sulphur. This trip is part of the sixth grade Earth and Space Science curriculum and will cover portions of both geology and astronomy units. Mr. Oldham and Ms. Walk will be reaching out in the next week to go over important information and details.

    2025-26 After School Care Registration
    Registration for After School Care is now open. Families can register for these Programs through the Extended Programs Registration on MyCasady. For more information, click here, or contact Extended Programs Manager Joella Pearson.

    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 - Spirit Day
    • Friday - Student Conference Day

  • Sept. 14

    Dear Middle Division Families,

    Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to speak with Middle Division in Chapel about goals. At this age, students are developing a greater sense of independence. Learning how to set and track goals helps them take ownership of their education. Additionally, it teaches them to plan and think ahead, stay motivated, and develop resilience. As an extension activity, your students created goals for this year, and they will have the opportunity to share them with you during their student-led conference. 

    I encourage you to support your student in their goal-setting journey. As they share their aspirations during their conference, take the time to listen and engage with their plans. Ask questions! Your encouragement and guidance are necessary for their success, and we all look forward to partnering with you on their journey.

    In this together,

    Sara Zedlitz
    Middle Division Director
    zedlitzs@casady.org    		Jake Staats
    Middle Division Assistant Director
    staatsj@casady.org


    Yearbook Photo Day
    If your student missed Picture Day, retakes will be done on Oct. 22. Photo packets can be ordered online from J.Holland Photography.

    Dietary Restrictions
    If your student has any dietary restrictions or needs a vegetarian or vegan meal, please have them contact Ms. Infantino, who will share the information with the FLIK Dining staff. You can also indicate food allergies on your medical forms.

    Health Concerns
    If your student has a medical condition or a specific health concern, and you have questions regarding documentation, please contact healthservices@casady.org. Nurse Kinchen coordinates communication and support with our athletic training staff. 

    Fifth Grade Retreat
    Fifth grade is excited to embark on our annual overnight camping trip to St. Crispin's Campground in Wewoka! The adventure will begin on Wednesday, Sept. 24, with a return on Thursday, Sept. 25.

    Please follow the links below for important information about the trip and to fill out the waiver needed by the camp. 
    Snack Sign Up Genius

    Sixth Grade Class Retreat
    Sixth grade will go on their annual overnight camping trip on Wednesday, Oct. 8, and return on Thursday, Oct. 9. We have secured Goddard Youth Camp, a year-round campground at the Lake of the Arbuckles in Sulphur. This trip is part of the sixth grade Earth and Space Science curriculum and will cover portions of both geology and astronomy units. Mr. Oldham and Ms. Walk will be reaching out in the next week to go over important information and details.

    2025-26 After School Care Registration
    Registration for After School Care is now open. Families can register for these Programs through the Extended Programs Registration on MyCasady. For more information, click here, or contact Extended Programs Manager Joella Pearson.

    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 - Privilege Day
      • If your student has had fewer than three infractions, they may come in Privilege Day attire. School rules still apply to what may be worn, i.e., no crop tops, crocs, garb with profane language, etc.

  • Sept. 7

    Dear Middle Division Families,

    SoulCraft Kickoff this Wednesday! 
    As we have in years past, the Student Support Services Department collaborates with our Campus Clergy to customize our Social Emotional Learning curriculum, which includes lessons from Second Step, to address and meet the current support needs of our students. Throughout this school year, students in Middle Division will be diving deeper into the following areas:
    • Mindset and Goals
    • Developing a Positive Sense of Self
    • Thoughts, Emotions, and Decisions
    • Managing Relationships and Social Conflict
    Each week, the SoulCraft topic will be included in Division Notes, along with some follow-up discussion questions, should you wish to continue the conversation at home with your child. We are so thankful to partner with families as we help students grow and navigate their relationships with family and friends! 

    In this together,

    Sara Zedlitz
    Middle Division Director
    zedlitzs@casady.org    		Jake Staats
    Middle Division Assistant Director
    staatsj@casady.org


    Gmail and Blackbaud
    Due to a Gmail update, Casady's email provider Blackbaud experienced an issue last week that caused official Casady communications to appear as only a clickable link, and in some cases to be marked as suspicious. Blackbaud has announced that this issue has been resolved. If you are still experiencing any difficulties, please alert news@casady.org.
     
    Please click the links below to be taken to a webpage that has links to each of the School's official communications from last week.

    Casady Engagement and Eligibility 
    Concurrent with our entrance into the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association (OSSAA) in 2023, Casady established the following Eligibility Requirements for Student Participation in all extra-curricular competitions, workshops, clinics, conferences, contests, and performances. These activities include, but are not limited to, athletics, theater, instrumental and vocal music activities, and competitive clubs like Science Olympiad and Math Counts.

    Eligibility will be checked weekly. A student must be passing all subjects (60%) to be able to participate in extracurriculars and sporting competitions. If a student is not passing all subjects, they will be placed on Eligibility Probation for the next one-week period (Monday-Sunday). During the Eligibility Probation period, the student may continue to participate fully in all activities and events. If the student is still failing one or more classes at the next grade check, the student will be ineligible for the next one-week period. 

    With all of that said, we also understand that this is a learning experience. There might be bumps along the way, and we are all here to support your student! 

    Twister Yearbook Photo Day
    On Wednesday, Sept. 10, we will take our Twister Yearbook photos. Please be sure your student wears a navy shirt with the Casady crest for the pictures. Order forms were handed out in Advisory/DEAR last Friday, or they can be ordered online from J.Holland Photography.

    Dietary Restrictions
    If your student has any dietary restrictions or needs a vegetarian or vegan meal, please have them contact Mrs. Goodwin, who will share the information with the FLIK Dining staff. You can also indicate food allergies on your medical forms.

    Health Concerns
    If your student has a medical condition or a specific health concern, and you have questions regarding documentation, please contact healthservices@casady.org. Nurse Kinchen coordinates communication and support with our athletic training staff. 

    Fifth Grade Retreat
    Fifth grade is excited to embark on our annual overnight camping trip to St. Crispin's Campground in Wewoka! The adventure will begin on Wednesday, Sept. 24, with a return on Thursday, Sept. 25.
     
    2025-26 After School Care Registration
    Registration for After School Care is now open. Families can register for these Programs through the Extended Programs Registration on MyCasady. For more information, click here, or contact Extended Programs Manager Joella Pearson.

    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 Day

  • Sept. 1

    Dear Middle Division Families,

    School is well and truly underway! As we move into September, we wanted to highlight a few key pieces of information. 

    House Competitions
    Let the Games Begin! We sorted our Houses last Friday. Now that all new students and faculty are sorted, we will begin to look toward our first round of competitions. Houses earn points through competition, character points, and involvement in service activities. Our prefects are hard at work planning fun activities, and our first event will be focused on getting to know our fellow house members. A big thank you to our eighth grade prefects, Señorita Bertels, Mrs. Staats, and Mr. Staats, for all their hard work designing the programming for Friday! We had a great day kicking off our house competitions for the school year.

    Teacher Introduction Letters
    Last week, your student's teachers sent introductory letters highlighting the particular details of their classes, strategies for student success, and links to their course guidelines. Please take a moment to review those so that you have an understanding of your student’s experience in each of their classes. We look forward to welcoming you to the building in October!

    Lunch
    As we continue to learn routines, one of the biggest adjustments is lunch. Family-style lunch is a beloved hallmark of our community, and it’s a lot to get used to in the beginning! All students are assigned to a lunch table, and each table is led by a faculty member. Students from all four grades are randomly assigned a table, and we rotate approximately every two weeks. We do this so that no student has to walk into lunch and wonder where and with whom they’re going to sit, and by shuffling the grades, we create community and encourage students to build relationships with faculty members as well as students beyond their friend group and grade-level peers

    Carpool
    Carpool continues to improve, and we thank you for your continued patience, grace, and good humor. The safety of our students is paramount, so please help us by remembering the following:
    1. Please do not be on your phone in our carpool lanes.
    2. The middle lane is for moving traffic. Students will load cars in the designated carpool lane closest to McClendon and inside the circle by the flagpole.
    3. Don’t forget you can exit campus through the delivery entrance by the tennis courts!
    4. Please do not park and/or leave your car in the carpool lane during carpool times.
    5. Do not stop by McClendon if there is room in the circle to keep going. Pull All The Way Up!

    In this together,

    Sara Zedlitz
    Middle Division Director
    zedlitzs@casady.org    		Jake Staats
    Middle Division Assistant Director
    staatsj@casady.org




    Author Visit
    Aaron Reynolds, author of best-selling books "Creepy Carrots" and "Creepy Pair of Underwear," is coming to Casady on Sept. 4 to speak with students in grades 2-5 about his new chapter book, "Troubling Tonsils." Your student has an opportunity to purchase signed copies of Aaron Reynolds's books.

    Use this link to order signed copies of his books.
    Aaron Reynolds' order form

    If you have questions about the author visit or the book purchase, please contact our librarian Laura Kendall.

    Dietary Restrictions
    If your student has any dietary restrictions or needs a vegetarian or vegan meal, please have them contact Ms. Infantino, who will share the information with the FLIK Dining staff. You can also indicate food allergies on your medical forms.

    Health Concerns
    If your student has a medical condition or a specific health concern, and you have questions regarding documentation, please contact healthservices@casady.org. Nurse Kinchen coordinates communication and support with our athletic training staff. 

    Circle the State with Song
    Auditions for Circle The State with Song will be held during fifth and sixth grade study hall from 3:15-4:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 2, in the choir room. For questions or more information, email Mrs. Knous or click on this link.

    Fifth Grade Retreat
    The fifth grade is excited to embark on our annual overnight camping trip to St. Crispin's Campground in Wewoka! The adventure will begin on Wednesday, Sept. 24, with a return on Thursday, Sept. 25.

    During the trip, students will enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, archery, team-building exercises, and more. Students will stay in cabins, with a parent chaperone or teacher supervising each group at all times. We’re grateful to our dedicated teachers and parent volunteers who will be joining us as chaperones. More detailed information about camp will be provided as the date approaches. We can’t wait for this memorable experience!

    2025-26 After School Care Registration
    Registration for After School Care is now open. Families can register for these Programs through the Extended Programs Registration on MyCasady. For more information, click here, or contact Extended Programs Manager Joella Pearson.

    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. 
    • Tuesday - Regular Uniform
    • Wednesday - Regular Uniform
    • Thursday - Regular Uniform
    • Friday - Spirit Day

  • Aug. 24

    Dear Middle Division Families,

    What a great start to the new school year! We are excited to welcome your students to the building and get to know them. As we get back into the school year groove, please keep in mind the following guidelines and expectations. 

    Early Care 
    We have two faculty members who provide early care supervision starting at 7:30 a.m. The building will be locked until 7:30 a.m. 

    Carpool
    We know that no one likes to wait in the line, and I know that patience can wear thin. To help us be as efficient as possible and, most importantly, ensure the safety of your student, please follow these community guidelines:
    • Follow the directions of administration, faculty, and security.
    • Regardless of the weather, pull all the way up to the Casady crest by the cupboard before stopping to load or unload your student.
    • Do not let or ask your student to get out of the car before entering the carpool circle. It slows the whole line down.
    • Students who get out on the island must wait to use the crosswalk until Mr. Staats or Mrs. Zedlitz wave them across.
    • Do not be on your phone in the carpool line.
    • Students may not load or unload in the middle lane.
    • Students should be ready to get out of the car in the morning. Please pull through and park if they need more time to get organized. 

    Absences
    Our MD Handbook outlines the following philosophy and expectations regarding student absences:
     
    Our program is holistic, and we value each piece of the school day and trust that our families, in choosing Casady, do so as well. Participating in the fullness of the day's activities with their peers matters for middle schoolers. Excused or otherwise, excessive absences and/or tardies are detrimental to student learning. As such, families are expected to make every effort to have their students here, on time, each day. 

    If you are planning trips outside of our calendared breaks, it’s important to understand that this can cause additional stress for your students. Teachers may not be able to provide work ahead, and students should anticipate managing makeup assessments, missed lessons, and assignments. Communicating these absences ahead of time and emailing Mrs.Goodwin will help us support your student. 

    Late Arrival/Early Departure
    For the safety and security of all students, it is our policy that a parent or guardian must personally sign out their student in the main office if they need to leave School early for any reason. Likewise, for late arrival, we ask that you sign in your student. Thank you for your support and cooperation in keeping our School a safe environment for everyone!

    Lastly, don’t forget this Friday is an early, 11:30 a.m. dismissal. We hope you enjoy a happy Labor Day weekend! 

    In this together,

    Sara Zedlitz
    Middle Division Director
    zedlitzs@casady.org    		Jake Staats
    Middle Division Assistant Director
    staatsj@casady.org


    Notes from the Parent Orientation Sessions
    Here are the slides from Orientation. Please reach out if you have any questions! 

    Sixth-Eighth Grade Orientation Slides
    Fifth Grade Orientation Slides

    Fifth Grade Retreat
    The fifth grade is excited to embark on our annual overnight camping trip to St. Crispin's Campground in Wewoka! The adventure will begin on Wednesday, Sept. 24, with a return on Thursday, Sept. 25.

    During the trip, students will enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, archery, team-building exercises, and more. Students will stay in cabins, with a parent chaperone or teacher supervising each group at all times. We’re grateful to our dedicated teachers and parent volunteers who will be joining us as chaperones. More detailed information about camp will be provided as the date approaches. We can’t wait for this memorable experience!

    Author Visit
    Aaron Reynolds, author of best-selling books "Creepy Carrots" and "Creepy Pair of Underwear," is coming to Casady on Sept. 4 to speak with students in grades 2-5 about his new chapter book, "Troubling Tonsils." Your student has an opportunity to purchase signed copies of Aaron Reynolds's books.

    Use this link to order signed copies of his books.
    Aaron Reynolds' order form

    If you have questions about the author visit or the book purchase, please contact our librarian Laura Kendall.

    Parent Information Meeting for Eighth Grade Washington D.C. Trip
    Please join us Tuesday, Aug. 26, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in Fee Theater for a parent information night in anticipation of the eighth grade Washington, D.C. trip. For parents who cannot attend, the presentation will be shared after the presentation. 

    2025-26 After School Care Registration
    Registration for After School Care is now open. Families can register for these Programs through the Extended Programs Registration on MyCasady. For more information, click here, or contact Extended Programs Manager Joella Pearson.

    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 (Orientation) - Regular Uniform
    • Tuesday - Regular Uniform
    • Wednesday - Regular Uniform
    • Thursday - Regular Uniform
    • Friday - House Sorting Day
      • Please wear your House Spirit Day Attire. Please remember that spirit days are designed to celebrate our wonderful Casady Community.  If you have not been sorted into a house, wear regular Spirit Day.

  • Aug. 17

    Dear Middle Division Families,

    Welcome to a new school year!

    We all have a lot of feelings about School. Everyone has a story about a moment, a friend, a teacher who shaped them in some way, for better or for worse.

    The beginning of school is an exciting time, and for many it brings lots of questions as well: Will I get along with my classmates? Who will my people be? Will I still have the same friends? What am I good at? What if it’s too hard? What will my teachers be like? These questions are amplified for new students starting at a new school. 

    Dr. Lisa Damour, author of The Emotional Lives of Teenagers, talks about helping students to frame their feelings or worries. She reminds us that it’s normal to feel anxiety about change or a new experience. The right kind of stress or anxiety is the kind that’s situational; it helps keep us alert and gives us an edge as we move into a test or challenging moment. Taking the time to talk to our kids about going back to school, getting their supplies, preparing a workspace, establishing routines, and talking about what to expect can help ensure that the stress or anxiety our kids feel is the right kind and right amount. Most importantly, it allows them to enjoy the fun, the possibilities, and the excitement of a new school year. There is so much good ahead! 

    Each year, I find myself saying, with greater consternation, “Where does the time go?” My hope for you this summer, as the days rushed by, is that you found time to be still, time to enjoy being together, time away, time to laugh, and time to refresh. We are certainly looking forward to having students back on campus and are excited to see you all in the carpool line! Remember to pull all the way up! 

    In this together,

    Sara Zedlitz
    Middle Division Director
    zedlitzs@casady.org    		Jake Staats
    Middle Division Assistant Director
    staatsj@casady.org


    Wizard of Oz Auditions
    Casady Theatre will present the timeless classic, "The Wizard of Oz!" Follow the yellow brick road in this delightful stage adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s beloved tale, featuring the iconic musical score from the MGM film. The timeless tale, in which young Dorothy Gale travels from Kansas over the rainbow to the magical Land of Oz, continues to thrill audiences worldwide.

    Auditions will be on Thursday, Aug. 21, 6:00-8:00 p.m. for Upper Division and 4:00-5:30 p.m. for Middle Division in Fee Theater, with callbacks on Monday, Aug. 25, 6:00-8:00 p.m. (UD) and 4:00-5:30 pm (MD). If your student is interested, please have them look through the MD Audition Packet!

    Back to School Information and Orientation
    This year, Orientation Day for all grades will be tomorrow, Monday, Aug. 18. Students will receive their schedules, meet with their teachers and advisory groups, review building and technology procedures and plans for the year, and organize their materials. 

    Orientation Times
    • Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Grade
      • 8:15-9:30 a.m.
      • Parents Only in Fee Theater starting at 8:30 a.m.
    • Fifth Grade
      • 1:00-3:00 p.m.
      • Parents and Students will begin in Fee Theater together

    Eighth Grade Community Building Activity
    Immediately following student orientation, eighth grade students will travel to Threshold Climbing to participate in team-building activities and enjoy time together. If you have not filled out the waiver for your student yet, here is the link again. They will return to campus for lunch and locker setup. Please contact Fiona Vincent-Diaz or Elizabeth Bertels with any questions. 

    Author Visit
    Aaron Reynolds, author of best-selling books "Creepy Carrots" and "Creepy Pair of Underwear," is coming to Casady on Sept. 4 to speak with students in grades 2-5 about his new chapter book, "Troubling Tonsils." Your student has an opportunity to purchase signed copies of Aaron Reynolds's books.

    Use this link to order signed copies of his books.
    Aaron Reynolds' order form

    If you have questions about the author visit or the book purchase, please contact our librarian Laura Kendall.

    Parent Information Meeting for Eighth Grade Washington D.C. Trip
    Please join us Tuesday, Aug. 26, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in Fee Theater for a parent information night in anticipation of the eighth grade Washington, D.C. trip. For parents who cannot attend, the presentation will be shared after the presentation. 

    2025-26 After School Care Registration
    Registration for After School Care is now open. Families can register for these Programs through the Extended Programs Registration on MyCasady. For more information, click here, or contact Extended Programs Manager Joella Pearson.

    Carpool Reminders 
    Thank you for adhering to these community guidelines.
    1. Regardless of the weather, pull all the way up to the Casady crest by the Casady Cupboard before stopping to load or unload your student.
    2. Students may not cross the road to play basketball during carpool or after school
    3. Please follow the directions of teachers, administrators, and security.
    4. Do not be on your phone in the carpool line.
    5. Students may not load or unload in the middle lane.
    6. Students should be ready to get out of the car in the morning. Please pull through and park if they need more time to get organized. 

    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 (Orientation) - Fifth, sixth, and seventh grade will be in normal clothes. Eighth graders will need athletic clothing for rock climbing.
    • Tuesday - No School!
    • Wednesday - Regular Uniform
    • Thursday - Regular Uniform
    • Friday - Spirit Day.
      • Please remember that spirit days are designed to celebrate our wonderful Casady Community. We expect students to adhere to the “spirit” of the day by being in Casady-branded clothing, or they may choose to wear their uniform. 

  • Aug. 3 - Back to School Orientation

    Dear Middle Division Families,

    We hope this finds you in good health, enjoying days of peace as well as fun times with family and friends. While still a ways off, we are anticipating the start of school and want to provide you with information to help in the summer-to-school transition.

    Much of the important information for the upcoming academic year is available on MyCasady, including the most up-to-date calendar, and can be found by logging into MyCasady and navigating to the “MD Forms and Resources” tile on the Resource Board If you have difficulty finding any forms or back-to-school information on the website or have questions, please contact Mrs. Goodwin in the Middle Division Office.

    Summer To-Do List
    1. Medical Forms: Please ensure that you have completed all required medical forms through August Schools. You can access August Schools through the Resource Board page on MyCasady. 
    2. Summer Reading: Middle Division students should be reading their Summer Reading books. Summer Reading Requirements are listed on the website. Remind your students to log their reading in Beanstack!
    3. School Supplies: Each grade’s supply list is posted on the MyCasady “MD Forms and Resources” Board. Pre-ordered supply kits will be delivered to the pods by Orientation on August 18. As your student shops for locker decorations and supplies. Keep in mind that our lockers are wooden, and students may not use adhesives to attach decorations to their lockers.
    4. School Books: Middle Division textbooks are available from the online bookstore and accessed from the MyCasady “MD Forms and Resources” Board. Note: Some resources, like novels for English, will be given to the students during the school year and book-billed.
    5. Uniforms: Uniforms are available for purchase through Flynn O’Hara. We appreciate you taking the time to read and review the Uniform Guidelines with your student. We also have some gently used uniforms in the MD office, so come on by! The Athletic Department hands out PE uniforms on the first day of school.
    6. Casady Cupboard: Casady Cupboard is online and open in Calvert. This is the place to buy Casady spirit wear and other branded items. It will be open in Calvert Hall during Orientation, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
    7. MyCasady: Double-check that you and your student can log in to MyCasady. This will give you access to a variety of resources, and, once school starts, your student's academic information and progress. Email helpdesk@casady.org with any questions. 

    Back-to-School Information and Orientation
    Orientation Day for all grades will be Monday, Aug. 18.

    Middle Division Orientations are information sessions for both parents and students, followed by student-only programming led by grade-level teams. Students will meet their advisors, set up their lockers, get their schedules, and have the opportunity to reconnect with their peers and ask questions about the upcoming year.

    Orientation Times
    • Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Grade: 8:15-9:45 a.m.; parents should plan to be in Fee from 8:15-9:30 a.m.
      • Eighth graders will participate in a team-building activity at Threshold Climbing and have lunch on campus. They will be done around 1:00 p.m. Please watch for an email with more details and a waiver.
    • Fifth Grade: 1:00-3:00 p.m.; parents should plan to be in Fee from 1:00-2:30 p.m.

    CPO Representatives
    We are very thankful for the volunteer service of our grade-level CPO representatives. We meet together regularly, and they are an excellent resource for you throughout the year. Watch for their emails. Please feel free to contact your grade rep if you have any “Back to School” questions.
      
    Middle Division Chair: Amy Fischer

    Enjoy your final days of summer; we look forward to seeing you in the carpool line! 

    In this together,

    Sara Zedlitz
    Middle Division Director
    zedlitzs@casady.org    		Jake Staats
    Middle Division Assistant Director
    staatsj@casady.org


    School Day: Introductory Information
    Smart Devices
    To protect our students' attention and focus, encourage community, and foster a culture of play and connection, our Middle Division is a cellphone/smartwatch-free building. Constant social media, text, and email notifications are distracting and have the potential to create additional anxiety; therefore, students may not use or wear smartwatches or smartphones. All smart devices, including smartwatches, must remain off and in backpacks during the Middle Division day. Students will only be allowed to use their devices after 4:00 p.m. to facilitate pickup. If a student is using a device outside of the approved times, it will be held in the office until the end of the day. We expect and appreciate parent support in this important matter. 

    McClendon Building Security
    Each day, our exterior doors are locked intermittently during peak capacity times. Faculty use ID badges to unlock all doors. All visitors are required to check in at the Welcome Center and gain entrance through the main doors, and check in with Mrs. Goodwin. 
     
    Vehicle Identification for Controlled Access to Campus
    Casady School has a vehicle identification system, and decals are available at the Welcome Center or division offices. All vehicles must display a school-issued front windshield decal when coming on campus. Visitors must 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. 

    Morning Drop-Off, Afternoon Carpool, and After School
    Morning Drop-Off
    Students should arrive between 7:40-7:55 a.m. Early care starts at 7:30 a.m. Please do not drop off students before 7:30 a.m. as the building is closed and there is no supervision for students. 

    On Wednesdays, students should arrive between 8:40-8:55 a.m. Early care is provided to families between 7:30-8:00 a.m. Early care is in Calvert Dining Hall and will be monitored by a faculty or staff member. Please do not drop off students before 7:30 a.m. 
     
    Dismissal: Traffic and Carpool Plan
    Please plan to use the MD carpool circle for all pick-ups. Middle Division students may not be picked up at Bennett or the UD campus. Thank you for your cooperation, patience, and flexibility!
    • Fifth and sixth graders are dismissed at 3:40 p.m.
    • Seventh and eighth graders are dismissed immediately after sports between 3:45-3:55 p.m.
    AfterCare Program
    We provide supervised AfterCare from 4:00-6:00 p.m., beginning in Middle Division. At 4:50 p.m., students remaining in Middle Division will be walked to Nichols Activity Center. Students must be picked up from After School Care no later than 6:00 p.m. There will be a $1.00 per minute late fee charged to your account for any pickups occurring after 6:00 p.m. The late fee will be billed to your Blackbaud account and added to your next monthly payment. Registration will be through the Extended Programs portal on the MyCasady Resource Board. Registration is now open.

    Cyclone Express
    Cyclone Express uses the same Extended Programs Registration platform as all After School programs. Registration for the Cyclone Express closed on Aug. 1. Please contact Joella Pearson if you have questions about transportation for your student.

    For further details regarding Middle Division policies and guidelines, please review our Middle Division Parent and Student Handbook with your student. 

  • July 15 - Mid Summer Update

    Dear Middle Division Families,

    MD Orientation Day: Aug. 18
    Middle Division Orientations begin with an information session for both parents and students, followed by student-only programming led by grade-level teams. Students will meet their advisors, set up their lockers, get their schedules, and have the opportunity to reconnect with their peers and ask questions about the upcoming year.
    • Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Grade Orientation
      • Parent Orientation Session
        • 8:30-9:30 a.m.
        • Fee Theater
      • Sixth and Seventh Grade Student Orientation Session
        • 8:30-10:00 a.m.
        • Fee Theater, then grade level locations
      • Eighth Grade Student Orientation & Team Building Session
        • 8:30-1:30 p.m.
        • Fee Theater, then grade level locations
    • Fifth Grade Orientation
      • Parent Orientation Session
        • 1:00-2:00 p.m.
        • Fee Theater
      • Fifth Grade Student Orientation Session
        • 1:00-3:00 p.m.
        • Fee Theater, then grade level location

    Technology OnBoarding Session
    All rising fifth graders and new students must participate Technology OnBoarding sessions. If you’ve not done so already, please follow this link to sign up for a session. In the session, students will be introduced to their Chromebooks and learn how to responsibly navigate key tools such as Google Drive, Gmail, and other School-supported platforms. We’ll also emphasize digital citizenship—helping students understand how to communicate effectively, stay safe online, and use technology in meaningful ways. This onboarding ensures your student starts the year with confidence and the skills needed for success in a tech-integrated environment. There is no charge for this session.

    If you have not previously registered for any of the School’s Extended Programs, this step-by-step guide will assist you in creating an account. 

    Wizard of Oz Auditions
    Casady Theatre will present the timeless classic, The Wizard of Oz! Follow the yellow brick road in this delightful stage adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s beloved tale, featuring the iconic musical score from the MGM film. The timeless tale, in which young Dorothy Gale travels from Kansas over the rainbow to the magical Land of Oz, continues to thrill audiences worldwide.
     
    Auditions will be Thursday, Aug. 21, 6:00-8:00 p.m. for Upper Division and 4:00-5:30 p.m. for Middle Division in Fee Theater, with callbacks on Monday, Aug. 25, 6:00-8:00 p.m. (UD) and 4:00-5:30 pm (MD).
     
    Here is a link to the MD Audition Packet!
     
    Performances are Nov. 13-15 at 7:00 p.m. and Nov. 16 at 2:00 p.m.

    Calendar
    Here is the 2025-26 Academic Calendar. We will use the Sunday Division Notes to communicate grade level and building wide details throughout the year. 
     
    Summer Reading
    All MD students have required Summer Reading activities. The summer reading can be found on the Middle Division Resource Board.
     
    School Supplies
    If you were not able to order your school supplies via 1st Day School Supply before the deadline on July 1, please remember to purchase your student's school supplies before Orientation. Lists are available on the MD Resource Board.  Please note: there are a few items that you will also need to purchase independently (e.g locker mates).
     
    In this together,

    Sara Zedlitz
    Middle Division Director
    zedlitzs@casady.org    		Jake Staats
    Middle Division Assistant Director
    staatsj@casady.org

  • June 13 - Early Summer Reminders

    Dear Middle Division Families,

    Calendar
    Here is the 2025-26 Academic Calendar. We will use the Sunday note to communicate grade level and building wide details throughout the year. 
     
    Technology On Boarding Session
    In Middle Division, technology is an essential part of their learning journey. In this session, students will be introduced to their Chromebooks and learn how to responsibly navigate key tools such as Google Drive, Gmail, and other School-supported platforms. We’ll also emphasize digital citizenship—helping students understand how to communicate effectively, stay safe online, and use technology in meaningful ways. This onboarding ensures your student starts the year with confidence and the skills needed for success in a tech-integrated environment. 

    All new students and rising fifth graders should sign up for this session. Please follow this link to sign up. There is no charge for this session. If you have not previously registered for any of the School’s Extended Programs, this step-by-step guide will assist you in creating an account. 
     
    Summer Reading
    All MD students have required Summer Reading activities. The summer reading can be found on the Middle Division Resource Board.
     
    School Supplies
    If you want to order your school supplies via 1st Day School Supply, here is the link. The deadline to order them through 1st Day is July 1. Please note: there are a few items that you will need to purchase independently (e.g locker mates). To buy school supplies yourself, lists are available on the MD Resource Board.  
     
    In this together,

    Sara Zedlitz
    Middle Division Director
    zedlitzs@casady.org    		Jake Staats
    Middle Division Assistant Director
    staatsj@casady.org

Links

Downloads

Downloads for this week's notes can be found below.
9500 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73120     |     Phone: (405) 749-3100
Casady School is an independent, co-educational, college preparatory, Episcopal day school serving students in pre-k-12. Educating Mind, Body, and Spirit.
Casady School is a PreK-12, independent, college preparatory Episcopal day school committed to deeper-level learning. Casady School welcomes a student body that reflects the diversity of the world around us and therefore does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, nationality, or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletics, and other school-administered programs generally accorded or made available to students at the School.