Middle Division Notes

List of 10 items.

• Oct. 4

  Middle Division Families, 
  
  

  We passed the six week mark last Wednesday, and like always, Fall Break comes at just the right moment! For our students, the focus in their classes has shifted from review to learning and practicing new skills and knowledge. They’ve navigated preparing for and taking the first tests or major assessments of the year. It’s also possible they’ve done poorly on one of those assessments or forgotten a homework assignment. These are good, early opportunities to reflect on what’s working and what systems or practices need tweaking. 
  
  

  While they may feel more comfortable with the rhythms and routines of the school day, they may also be experiencing more of the discomfort that naturally comes when they are faced with meeting a new expectation or challenge. 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, so it’s good to have these breaks to rest and reflect. 
  
  

  Here’s to a short week, and Happy OU-TX Weekend to all those who celebrate!

   

  In This together,
  
  

  Sara Zedlitz Middle Division Director zedlitzs@casady.org

  Jake Staats Middle Division Assistant Director staatsj@casady.org

  
  Sixth Grade Retreat
  

  Sixth grade is excited about our annual retreat to Goddard Youth Camp! Camp Goddard, a National Environmental Education Landmark, is located in Sulphur, Oklahoma. Feel free to explore their website
  
  The sixth grade will leave on the morning of Oct. 7 and return the afternoon of Oct. 8 in time for regular dismissal. We are looking forward to time in the gorgeous Arbuckle Wilderness with canoeing, fishing, hiking, playing, stargazing, and more!
  
  "Junie B. Jones Jr., The Musical"
  Come join Junie B. for her first day of first grade! Tickets for the Middle Division Musical "Junie B. Jones Jr." are now available. Performances will be from Oct. 15-17 in Cochran Center (formerly Cochran Library) on the Upper Division campus. Tickets are $5, and more information about the show and where to purchase tickets can be found here.
  
  Beanstack Readers
  

  Congratulations to our readers! We’re excited to share that Casady School has been named an Honorable Mention for Beanstack’s 2026 Summer Reading Challenge. Casady readers brought fantastic energy to the challenge, and we’ve been recognized with a $100 THNKS gift card. Mrs. Kendall will use this gift card to purchase more books for the library.

  
  Winning schools were selected by Beanstack based on several factors, including overall participation relative to community size, total reading logged, and community engagement throughout the challenge.

  
  Thank you to everyone who participated in the Beanstack summer challenge. Don’t forget a new challenge for Casady students posted Oct. 1. Log into Beanstack for more details. We are so proud of everything our readers accomplished!
  
  

  Carpool Reminders 
  Thank you for adhering to these community guidelines. 
  
  Please remember that the delivery gate that exits onto Nichols Road is open for morning and afternoon carpool. To help improve traffic flow and hopefully make a quicker exit from campus, you can turn left (north) at the T-junction between Middle and Lower Division parking lots and leave through the Nichols Rd gate.
  

  1. Regardless of the weather, pull all the way up to the Casady crest by the 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. Stay off 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 - Regular Uniform
  • Tuesday - Regular Uniform
  • Wednesday - Regular Uniform
  • Thursday - Spirit Day

• Sept. 27

  Ahoy Middle Division Families, 
  
  

  In a former life, I was a preschool teacher. From my time working in Middle Division, despite the differences in size, smell, and communication skills, I've noticed that these two age groups are in strikingly similar developmental phases. Many educators refer to this period as the 2nd Adolescence, as their brains and bodies are undergoing significant rewiring. You might recognize some of preschool-era behaviors at home once again:

  • The Hangry Threshold - From melting down because their snack was not cut or organized correctly to eating an entire box of cereal and complaining there is “no food in the house.”
  • The Nap Denial - From "I’m not tired" tantrums and falling asleep 30 seconds later to "I’m not tired" and then sleeping for 12 hours straight. 
  • Fashion Sense (Lack of) - From deciding to wear rain boots, a cape, and a Spider-Man mask everywhere they go to insisting on wearing a hoodie in 100-degree weather because it’s a “vibe.”
  • The Imaginary Audience - From believing the entire world is watching them do everything because they are awesome to believing the entire world is watching them, except they are mortified by it. 

  As your patience and sanity are being tested, remember, like the preschool years, that this too shall pass. They aren't trying to be difficult—they're just overwhelmed by their own upgraded hardware. Hold the boundaries, keep the pantry stocked, show them unconditional love, and wait for the storm to pass.
  
  

  In This together,
  
  

  Jake Staats Middle Division Assistant Director staatsj@casady.org

  Sara Zedlitz Middle Division Director zedlitzs@casady.org

  
  

  A Note to Fifth Grade Families
  As of Monday, your child's class averages will be visible. We’ve used this time to help acclimate our youngest Middle Division students to the cadence, responsibilities, and expectations of Middle Division. Grades provide insight and data into their work in progress. Provide a space where they can do their work and have conversations about what they’re doing to keep track of their assignments. It’s helpful to set a time, two or three times a week, to sit together and review assignments and grades. Learning to use their resources and see grades as information can reduce anxiety and develop a sense of ownership in students. If you have questions about MyCasady or your students' assignments, please reach out to their teachers or advisor.
  
  Lower Division STEAM Night Volunteers

  It's that time of year again. The annual LD STEAM Night is scheduled for Oct. 1 from 5:30-7:00 p.m. This year's theme is Space!
  
  

  Any Middle Division students who would like to volunteer need to contact Mrs. Mayernik or fill out this form.
  
  Sixth Grade Retreat
  

  Sixth grade is excited about our annual retreat to Goddard Youth Camp! Camp Goddard, a National Environmental Education Landmark, is located in Sulphur, Oklahoma. Feel free to explore their websiteThe sixth grade will leave on the morning of Oct. 7 and return the afternoon of Oct. 8 in time for regular dismissal. We are looking forward to time in the gorgeous Arbuckle Wilderness with canoeing, fishing, hiking, playing, stargazing, and more!
  
  

  SOS/Mental Health Awareness

  As part of our ongoing commitment to student health and wellness, Student Support Services will implement our annual mental health awareness programming this month using the evidence-based Signs of Suicide (SOS) curriculum. This program helps students build emotional resilience, understand the importance of positive mental health, and recognize when they or a friend might need extra support. 

   

  Led by our Casady School Counselors, these classroom-based lessons empower students with practical tools to care for their emotional well-being. This year, our seventh and eighth grade students will participate in the “SOS for Middle School” program, which focuses on identifying trusted adults and knowing how to support a peer in distress.

   

  Lesson Schedule

  • Seventh Grade: Tuesday, Sept. 29
  • Eighth Grade: Thursday, Oct. 1 

  Family Resources: To help you support these conversations at home, we encourage you to explore the SOS for Parents and Caregivers portal. You will find practical guides on youth mental wellness, key lesson takeaways, and warning signs to watch for. We have also provided the following materials:

  • Recorded Parent Information Session
  • Parent Presentation Slides
  • ACT (Acknowledge, Care, Tell) Parent Infographic

  Thank you for partnering with us to foster a safe, supportive environment for our students. If you have any questions or would like to discuss the curriculum further, please feel free to reach out to us or visit the Student Support Services Resource Board.

• Sept. 20

  Middle Division Families, 
  
  

  We look forward to seeing you all this Friday, Sept. 25, for our Student-Led Conferences. Students will lead these meetings as they reflect on their work in progress 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 messy, and opportunities like this strengthen 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. 

  
  Additionally, this week is Safety Week on our Campus. All Divisions will participate in Fire, Tornado, and Secure drills. In Middle, we will practice evacuating our building for the Fire Drill and moving to our storm shelter building at 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. 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

  
  

  Lower Division STEAM Night Volunteers

  It's that time of year again. The annual LD STEAM Night is scheduled for Oct. 1 from 5:30-7:00 p.m. This year's theme is Space!
  
  

  Any Middle Division students who would like to volunteer need to contact Mrs. Mayernik or fill out this form.
  
  Sixth Grade Retreat
  

  We are planning our trip to Goddard Youth Camp for our annual sixth grade retreat! Camp Goddard, a National Environmental Education Landmark, is located in Sulphur, Oklahoma, on the Lake of the Arbuckles. Feel free to explore their website.

  
  The sixth grade will leave on the morning of Oct. 7 and return the afternoon of Oct. 8 in time for regular dismissal. It is a wonderful two days and one night in the gorgeous Arbuckle Wilderness! Canoeing, fishing, hiking, playing, stargazing, and more make it a truly memorable trip.

  
  Beanstack Reading Challenge
  The Beanstack September challenge continues. Log into Beanstack, join the September challenge, and log at least 300 pages during the month of September to earn a back to school pencil and eraser.

  
  Here is a tutorial to help you get started with Beanstack. If you have any questions, please reach out to our librarian, Mrs. Kendall
  
  

  Gradebook and MyCasady Reminders
  You can view your child’s overall progress by navigating to “Progress.” To see each class in more detail, scroll down and click on each class. Be sure that you have selected both Fall Semester and Fall Trimester. 
  
  When looking at your child’s gradebook, you might see that an assignment is labeled “overdue.” Don’t worry; this doesn’t mean the assignment has not been submitted. Teachers will use ‘M/0’ for missing and ‘L’ for late work.
  
  Carpool Reminders 
  Thank you for adhering to these community guidelines. 
  
  Please remember that the delivery gate that exits onto Nichols Road is open for morning and afternoon carpool. To help improve traffic flow and hopefully make a quicker exit from campus, you can turn left (north) at the T-junction between Middle and Lower Division parking lots and leave through the Nichols Rd gate.
  

  1. Regardless of the weather, pull all the way up to the Casady crest by the 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. Stay off 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 - Regular Uniform
  • Tuesday - Regular Uniform
  • Wednesday - Regular Uniform
  • Thursday - Privilege Day
  • Friday - Student-Led Teacher Conferences

• Sept. 13

  Middle Division Families, 
  
  

  Strong parent-teacher partnerships are part of what makes our Casady Community so special. Thank you for joining us at our Middle Division Meet and Greet last week. We hope that you enjoyed visiting with your child’s teachers, seeing their classrooms and shared spaces, and are excited about their year ahead. We look forward to seeing you again soon at our Student-Led Conferences on Sept. 25! 

  
  Additionally, last week, we kicked off our annual Soulcraft program. Each year, Student Support Services collaborates with our chaplains 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

  
  

  Beanstack Reading Challenge
  The Beanstack September challenge has launched. Log into Beanstack, join the September challenge, and log at least 300 pages during the month of September to earn a back to school pencil and eraser.

  
  Here is a tutorial to help you get started with Beanstack. If you have any questions, please reach out to our librarian, Mrs. Kendall
  
  

  Carpool
  Please remember that the delivery gate that exits onto Nichols Road is open for morning and afternoon carpool. To help improve traffic flow and hopefully make a quicker exit from campus, you can turn left (north) at the T junction between Middle and Lower Division parking lots and leave through the Nichols Road gate. 
  
  Gradebook, MyCasady, and Eligibility
  You can view your child’s overall progress by navigating to “Progress.” To see each class in more detail, scroll down and click on each class. Be sure that you have selected both Fall Semester and Fall Trimester. 

  
  When looking at your child’s gradebook, you might see that an assignment is labeled “overdue.” Don’t worry; this doesn’t mean the assignment has not been submitted. Teachers will use ‘M/0’ for missing and ‘L’ for late work. 
  
  For seventh and eighth graders, eligibility will begin on Monday, Sept. 21. As a reminder, students must be eligible (passing all classes with a 60% or better) to participate in all sports, performances, and events. If students are not passing a course, they will be placed on probation for one week. While on probation, students may compete in all activities. If students continue to fail a course into a second week, they will be placed on the ineligible list. 

  
  Attendance Reminder
  Please enter absences, illness, or late arrivals through the MyCasady portal. You can find the attendance tile on the resource board. Any additional attendance information or early pick-up information should be emailed to mdattendance@casady.org.

  
  

  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 - Casady Spirit

• Sept. 6

  Ahoy Middle Division Families, 
  
  

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

  Let the Games Begin!
  The Hat has spoken; the Houses are sorted! Now that all new students and faculty are sorted, we will begin our first round of competitions. Houses earn points through competition, displays of good character, and involvement in service activities. Our Leadership Council (Lead Co.) is 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 Lead Co sponsors, Señorita Bertels, Mrs. Staats, and Mrs. Jones, for all their hard work in this process. 

  
  School Picture Day
  School Picture Day is happening this Wednesday! Picture packets were sent home last week and should be returned if you'd like to order photos. Alternatively, you can purchase your child's school photos online through J. Holland Photography. If your child is unwell or unable to take their photo on this day, a retake day is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 10. 

  
  Meet-and-Greet Evening
  On Thursday, Middle Division will host a Meet-and-Greet. This is a wonderful opportunity to see our building and classrooms and meet your child’s advisor and teachers in an open-house format. Doors will open at the end of the school day and remain open until 5:00 p.m. After the Meet-and-Greet, we hope you will head to Bennett Athletic Center to enjoy the CPO Fall Tailgate and stay to cheer on our Varsity Football and Volleyball teams as they competes against Greenhill!
  
  

  We look forward to a fantastic September and can't wait to see you next week!
  
  

  Cyclone Proud,
  
  

  Jake Staats Middle Division Assistant Director staatsj@casady.org

  Sara Zedlitz Middle Division Director zedlitzs@casady.org

  
  

  Circle the State with Song Auditions for Fifth and Sixth Grade

  Auditions for Circle the State With Song for fifth and sixth graders will be on Tuesday, Sept. 8. Rehearsals will begin Sept. 22. Please contact Mrs. Knous if you have questions.
  

  
  

  Beanstack Reading Challenge
  The Beanstack September challenge has launched. Log into Beanstack, join the September challenge, and log at least 300 pages during the month of September to earn a back to school pencil and eraser.

  
  Here is a tutorial to help you get started with Beanstack. If you have any questions, please reach out to our librarian, Mrs. Kendall

  
  

  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 - Casady Spirit
    

  
  

  2026-27 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.
  
  Gradebook and MyCasady Reminders
  You can view your child’s overall progress by navigating to “Progress.” To see each class in more detail, scroll down and click on each class. Be sure that you have selected both Fall Semester and Fall Trimester. 

  
  When looking at your child’s gradebook, you might see that an assignment is labeled “overdue.” Don’t worry; this doesn’t mean the assignment has not been submitted. Teachers will use ‘M/0’ for missing and ‘L’ for late work. 

  
  Attendance Reminder
  Please enter absences, illness, or late arrivals through the MyCasady portal. You can find the attendance tile on the resource board. Any additional attendance information or early pick-up information should be emailed to mdattendance@casady.org.
  
  Carpool Reminder
  Please remember that the delivery gate that exits onto Nichols Road is open for morning and afternoon carpool. To help improve traffic flow and hopefully make a quicker exit from campus, you can turn left (north) at the T junction between Middle and Lower Division parking lots and leave through the Nichols Road gate. 
  
  The safety of our children is our first priority. For this reason, please do not ask your children to get out of the car in the middle lane or cross the carpool circle without using the crosswalk. Additionally, please do not use the middle lane to cut into the carpool circle ahead of other cars. 
  

   

  Thank you for adhering to these community guidelines. 

  1. Regardless of the weather, pull all the way up to the Casady crest by the 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. 

• Aug. 30

  Dear Middle Division Families, 
  
  

  Last week, I had the opportunity to talk with our students about our Middle Division Commitment to Integrity.
  
  

  I commit to my growth as a person and student. I am worth my best efforts; therefore, I strive to exercise personal and academic integrity in all that I do as a member of the Casady Community. 
  
  

  In Middle Division, as you know, we are dedicated to the care and education of the whole child. What I love about our Commitment to Integrity statement is that it underscores this dedication by emphasizing both the reality that they are works in progress, growing each day and the importance of personal and academic honesty. When I asked our students last week to explain what integrity meant to them, many raised their hand and offered answers like having morals or values, being fair, honest, or true; some said “doing the right thing even when no one is watching.” Working with your Middle Division children gives me hope! We also talked about why integrity matters in a Casady Community and what kind of a place we want to create for ourselves through this commitment. A place where we believe that each of us is necessary and worth the work of becoming a faithful and honest contributor; where we can engage in learning, make mistakes, and be encouraged to grow and improve.

  
  

  In This together,
  
  

  Sara Zedlitz Middle Division Director zedlitzs@casady.org

  Jake Staats Middle Division Assistant Director staatsj@casady.org

  
  
  Carpool 
  Please remember that the delivery gate that exits onto Nichols Road is open for morning and afternoon carpool. To help improve traffic flow and hopefully make a quicker exit from campus, you can turn left (north) at the T junction between Middle and Lower Division parking lots and leave through the Nichols Road gate. 
  
  The safety of our children is our first priority. For this reason, please do not ask your children to get out of the car in the middle lane or cross the carpool circle without using the crosswalk. Additionally, please do not use the middle lane to cut into the carpool circle ahead of other cars. 
  
  

  Gradebook and MyCasady Reminders
  You can view your child’s overall progress by navigating to “Progress.” To see each class in more detail, scroll down and click on each class. Be sure that you have selected both Fall Semester and Fall Trimester. 

  
  When looking at your child’s gradebook, you might see that an assignment is labeled “overdue.” Don’t worry; this doesn’t mean the assignment has not been submitted. Teachers will use ‘M/0’ for missing and ‘L’ for late work. 

  
  Parent Information Session - Defense against Deepfakes
  We hope that you will make time to attend our Parent Information Session, Defense Against Deepfakes: How to Keep Your Kids Safe. Our children’s safety is the highest priority. Just as we make thoughtful and careful decisions about where they can go and when it’s appropriate to leave them home alone or let them stay out overnight, we need to also be vigilant about what we’re allowing them access to when we give them access to the internet. This is a presentation and panel discussion exploring what deepfakes are, how to spot them, the dangers they pose, what to do if someone is targeted, and the laws in place to help protect our children and prevent deepfake abuse.
  

  • Sept. 2
  • 6:00–7:30 p.m.
  • Chapel of St. Edward the Confessor, Casady School

  Featuring Evan Harris, Elliston Berry, Anna McAdams, Holly Sapp, LPC, and a local law enforcement agent.
  
  

  Circle the State with Song Auditions for Fifth and Sixth Grade

  Auditions for Circle the State With Song for fifth and sixth graders will be on Tuesday, Sept. 8. Rehearsals will begin Sept. 22. Please contact Mrs. Knous if you have questions.
  

   

  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
    • For returning students, please wear House Spirit.
    • New students will be sorted into a house and should wear Casady Spirit wear.
      
      

  Summer Reading Update
  This week in Chapel, we celebrated our Beanstack summer challenge readers. Middle Division logged over 33,000 pages this summer. Way to go! We want to acknowledge the highest page logger in each grade level:

  • Fifth Grade: Lily Riaz, 4,432 pages read
  • Sixth Grade: Krisha Patel, 8,721 pages read
  • Seventh Grade: Lillian Nyalala, 4,334 pages read
  • Eighth Grade: Grace Pardue, 720 pages read

  All students who completed the summer reading challenge on Beanstack received an "I Love Reading" bracelet, a patriotic pencil, and a sticker. In addition, four lucky winners won the drawing for a $25 Target gift card. Check out Beanstack for a new challenge in September and to log pages read. As always, please reach out to our librarian, Mrs. Kendall, if you have any questions.

   

  Click here for audiobooks or eBooks. Using a smart phone or tablet?
  
  Download the new SORA app and add Casady School to access our eBook and eAudiobook collections. Login with your Casady Library Card Number.
  
  Contact our librarian if you need your library card number.
  
  Here's a quick tutorial on how to download, install and check out books using SORA from Overdrive.
  
  We are excited to offer eBooks and audio books through Overdrive Digital Media, the same provider used by our public library system. You can add the Metro Library to the SORA app, but you can't add Casady to the Libby app. Apps are available for smart phones and tablets through iTunes or other sources.

• Aug. 23

  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. We’re all working together to get used to the new features of our schedule, namely two lunches and afternoon Chapel. As we get back into the school year groove, we’d like to remind you of a few important practices and policies. 
  
  

  Early Care 
  The building will be locked until 7:30 a.m. We have two faculty members who provide early care supervision starting at 7:30 a.m. Fifth and sixth graders should report to the Benson Choir Room (formerly known as the Benson Community Room) and seventh and eighth graders should go to RM 212. 
  
  Early care during late start Wednesdays will be in the circle, as usual, starting at 7:30 p.m. Students should go to Calvert.
  
  

  Tardies & Absences
  Our MD Handbook outlines the following philosophy and expectations regarding student absences and tardies:

   

  Our program is holistic. 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 Division students. 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. 

   

  Students are expected to be in school by 8:00 a.m. As late arrivals are disruptive and create extra challenges for your child; every effort should be made to arrive at School on time. If you arrive after 8:00 a.m., your child will be noted as “Tardy” in our records; please park in one of the nearby lots and bring your child to sign-in at the front office. Each semester, at three unexcused tardies, students may lose privileges; at six, consequences may include a parent conference and serving an afternoon detention; at nine, consequences may include in-school suspension. 

  
  We understand that there may be extenuating circumstances surrounding morning carpool. Thank you for communicating proactively with us so we can best support your student. 

  
  If you are planning trips outside of our calendared breaks, it’s important to understand that this will 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 mdattendance@casady.org will help us support your student. 

  
  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. Thank you for your support and cooperation in keeping our School a safe environment for everyone!
  
  

  Lastly, here are the slides from the Orientation Presentation in case you were not able to attend or would like to review them again. 
  
  

  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

  
  
  

  Junie B. Jones Auditions
  Join Junie B. on her first day of first grade, where many changes are in store: Junie's best friend Lucille has found new best friends— and Junie B. makes friends with Herb, the new kid at school. While in Mr. Scary's class, Junie has trouble reading the blackboard — and she may need glasses. Add in a friendly cafeteria lady, an intense kickball tournament, and a "Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal," and first grade has never been more exciting!

  
  Audition packets should be filled out by 4:00 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21, while auditions will be from 4:00-5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 25, in Middle Division. If you have any questions, please reach out to Mr. Joe Bonfiglio.

  
  Circle the State with Song Auditions for Fifth and Sixth Grade
  Auditions for Circle the State With Song for fifth and sixth graders will be on Tuesday, Sept. 8. Rehearsals will begin Sept. 22. Please contact Mrs. Knous if you have questions.
  
  Parent Information Meeting for Eighth Grade D.C. Trip
  Please join us Tuesday, Aug. 25, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in Chapel 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. 

  
  2026-27 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. Please make sure that your student has reviewed the Uniform Guide and is in compliance with the Privilege Dress guidelines.

• Aug. 16

  Dear Middle Division Families, 
  
  

  Welcome to the 2026-27 school year! 

  
  We all have a lot of feelings about School, and Middle Division in particular. Everyone has a story about a moment, a friend, or a teacher that shaped them in some way. 

  
  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 and appropriate to feel anxiety or stress about change or a new experience. The right kind of stress or anxiety is situational; it helps keep us alert and gives us an edge as we move into a test or a challenging moment. Taking the time to talk to our kids about going back to school, getting their supplies, preparing a workspace, establishing routines and wake-up times, 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 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, time to read, 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

  
  
  

  Attendance Reminder
  Please enter absences, illness, or late arrivals through the MyCasady portal. You can find the attendance tile on the resource board. Any additional attendance information or early pick-up information should be emailed to mdattendance@casady.org.

  
  Junie B. Jones Auditions
  Join Junie B. on her first day of first grade, where many changes are in store: Junie's best friend Lucille has found new best friends— and Junie B. makes friends with Herb, the new kid at school. While in Mr. Scary's class, Junie has trouble reading the blackboard — and she may need glasses. Add in a friendly cafeteria lady, an intense kickball tournament, and a "Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal," and first grade has never been more exciting!

  
  Audition packets should be filled out by 4:00 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21, while auditions will be from 4:00-5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 25, in Middle Division. If you have any questions, please reach out to Mr. Joe Bonfiglio.

  
  Back to School Information and Orientation
  Orientation Day for all grades will be tomorrow, Monday, Aug. 17. 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. Please make sure to park in the Middle Division lots and walk to Chapel. There will not be any parking at Kirby Family Hall. 
  
  

  Orientation Times
  

  • Fifth Grade
    • 8:30-10:30 a.m.
    • Parents and Students will begin in the Chapel.
  • Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Grade
    • 12:15-1:30 p.m.
    • Parents only in Chapel.
      
      

  Eighth Grade Community Building Activity
  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.
  
  Buses will leave at 9:30 a.m. from the MD Circle. They will return to campus for lunch and locker setup. Please contact Fiona Vincent-Diaz or Elizabeth Bertels with any questions. 
  

  
  Parent Information Meeting for Eighth Grade D.C. Trip
  Please join us Tuesday, Aug. 25, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in Chapel 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. 

  
  2026-27 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) - Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Grade - 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. 

• Back to School

  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 tab. 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 Resources page on MyCasady. 

  
  

  2. Summer Reading: We hope our students have enjoyed lots of good reading this summer! At a minimum, they should be reading their Summer Reading books. Remind your students to log their reading in Beanstack! The “Find Your Summer Reading Joy” challenge ended on July 31st.  If you forgot to log, you may backdate as long as you enter it by July 31. Here is a link to a Beanstack tutorial: Beanstack tutorial.  After July 31, you may continue logging reading in the 7,000-page reader challenge. 

   

  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 directly to your home. 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 through your student’s account in MyCasady. Note: Some resources, like novels for English or history, are handed out 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--come on by! The Athletic Department hands out PE uniforms on the first day of school.

  
  

  6. Casady Cupboard: The Cupboard is online and open in Calvert. This is the place to buy PE Uniforms, Casady spirit wear, and other branded items. It will be open during Orientation, 8 a.m.- 4 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. 

  
  

  8. Middle Division Family Handbook: Please review this document with your student.  It outlines and explains most of our school and division programming, procedures, and policies.   
     
     
     Back-to-School Information and Orientation

  Orientation Day for all grades will be Monday, Aug. 17.

  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.

  
  

  Fifth Grade Orientation Session

  • 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 am; St. Edward’s Chapel; parents and students begin together, and then students will leave with teachers for separate programming. 

  Sixth, Seventh, & Eighth Grade Student & Parent Orientation Session

  • Parents: 12:15 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.; St. Edward’s Chapel
  • Students: 12:15 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.; McClendon 

  Eighth Grade Student Orientation & Team Building Session

  Eighth graders will participate in a team-building activity at Threshold Climbing and have lunch on campus. They will be done around 1:30 pm. Please watch for an email with more details and a waiver. 

  • Drop-off: 9:30 a.m. at McClendon
  • Pick-up at 1:30 p.m. (lunch provided)

  Please note that the campus will be busy with Orientation sessions in multiple divisions. Parking for MD activities is in the MD Tennis Court lots. Plan to drop your child’s supplies at McClendon before making your way to St. Edward’s Chapel. 
  
  
  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 smart device-free building. Constant social media, text, and email notifications are distracting and create additional anxiety for students and parents; 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. 

  
  

  Morning Drop-Off, Afternoon Carpool, and After School

  Morning Drop-Off

  Students should arrive between 7:40 a.m. - 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 a.m. - 8:55 a.m. Early care is provided to families between 7:30 a.m. - 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 p.m. - 3:55 p.m.

  
  

  AfterCare Program

  We provide supervised after-care from 3:50 p.m.- 6:00 p.m. If you are picking up between 3:50 p.m. - to 4:50 p.m., students will be in Calvert. At 4:50 p.m., students remaining in the Middle Division will be walked to the 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 is closed. Please contact Joella Pearson if you have questions about transportation for your student.

  
  

  Health or Dietary Needs/Medication

  Students requiring medication administration during school, prescription or over-the-counter (OTC), must complete a medication administration form. This form is available through the August Schools Health Enrollment portal on the MD Resource pages. Unless declined, OTC medication is based on standard practice as needed: acetaminophen, antacids, ibuprofen, Benadryl, Zyrtec, Sunscreen, Lubricating Eye Drops, and throat lozenges. Please update all health information in August Schools before the start of this school year, August 17th. If you have any questions, please contact our School Nurse, Keema Kinchen. 

  
  

  Flik Dining
  Parents who have students with special dietary needs to make an appointment with or inform Robin Preuss @ preussr@casady.org. You may also reach her at 749-3156. Please also alert our School Nurse, Keema Kinchen, by August 7th. Menu items are available on MyCasady.

  
  

  Middle Division Events 

  Please make a habit of reading the Sunday Division Notes. We include important division information as well as details concerning all division events. The main calendar on MyCasady will also be updated with important Middle Division dates. 

   

  Save the Date! 

  • MD Musical Auditions | Tuesday, August 25, 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
  • 8th Grade Washington DC Trip Parent Information Session | August 25th at 5:30 p.m.
  • Labor Day - No School | Monday, September 7th. 
  • School Picture Day | Wednesday, September 9th.
  • Middle Division Meet & Greet | September 10 at 5:00 p.m.
  • Student-Led Conference Day | Friday, September 25th
  • Sixth Grade Retreat to Camp Goddard | Wednesday, October 7th - Thursday, October 8th
  • Fall Break | Friday, October 9th - Monday, October 12th 
  • Homecoming | Friday, October 23rd 
  • Fall Fest! | November 6th at 5:00 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: Rachel Huchton, rchuchton@gmail.com

  5th Grade: Katherine Regens, kregens@gmail.com

  6th Grade: Alex Edwards, alexandraknightedwards@gmail.com

  7th Grade: Janea Skinner, Janeaskinner@gmail.com

  8th Grade: Sezin Kadioglu, skadioglu@uco.edu

   

  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

• Mid Summer Update

  Dear Middle Division Families, 

  
  I can’t believe it's the middle of July already. Every year, we look forward to summer with delight and great expectations; I hope these sun-filled days have been restful, restorative, and filled with good memories. With time yet ahead of us, I want to remind our students of the Summer To-Do’s I gave them in May:

  1. Get Outside, Be Active. (Don’t forget the sunscreen!)
  2. Read. (Read anything, and try to read something that asks you to sustain focus across chapters, not just swipes!)
  3. Find a Way to be Useful. (Being useful reminds us that we’re necessary and capable.) 
  4. Sleep. (Regular sleep helps us recover, combats anxiety, and keeps us kind.)
  5. Rewire your brain to look for Miracles. (This connects us to our humanity and helps build a habit of gratitude!)

  
  

  See below for some initial Back to School information. We’ll include these details and more closer to August.  In the meantime, enjoy your July! 

  
  

  Orientation. August 17th 

  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. More information to follow in August! 

  
  Fifth Grade Orientation Session

  • 8:30 - 10:30 am; St. Edward’s Chapel; parents and students begin together, and then students will leave with teachers for separate programming. 

  Sixth, Seventh, & Eighth Grade Student & Parent Orientation Session

  • Parents:12:15 - 1:30 pm; St. Edward’s Chapel
  • Students: 12:15 - 1:30; McClendon 

  Eighth Grade Student Orientation & Team Building Session

  • Drop-off: 9:30 at McClendon
  • Pick-up at 1:30 pm (lunch provided)

  Junie B. Jones Jr. Auditions

  Get ready to bring everyone's favorite first-grader to life! Casady Middle Division is thrilled to announce auditions for this year's musical, Junie B. Jones Jr. — a hilarious and heartwarming show full of big personalities, catchy songs, and lots of laughs!

   

  Auditions will be held on August 25 from 4:00–5:30 PM in the Benson Community Room. The audition packet contains all necessary information, including the audition form, which must be completed before the audition. Click here

  
  New Information Regarding Casady PE Uniforms
  All 5th and 6th grade students are required to have one Casady PE t-shirt and one pair of Casady PE shorts. Parents may choose to purchase additional uniforms for convenience throughout the week.

  
  This year, Middle Division families can purchase their PE uniforms from the Casady Cupboard. Follow this link to purchase through the PE preorder. You'll receive an email when your order is ready for pickup. The deadline for pre-orders is Wednesday, July 22nd. There will be a limited supply of uniforms available for purchase at Orientation, but families are encouraged to use the pre-order option to ensure that their student is ready to go for the first day of school! 

  
  Please note that girls should purchase the Heather Grey PE tops, while boys should purchase the Navy PE tops. Hoodies, joggers, pants, and PE bags are optional and available for added comfort. All items can be worn as spirit wear throughout the school year.

  
  Uniforms & School Supplies

  If you were not able to order your school supplies from 1st Day School Supply before the July 1 deadline, please remember to purchase your student's supplies before Orientation. Lists are available on the MD Resource Board.  Additionally, we still have some wooden locker mates that were donated by the departing 8th grade students. Feel free to come grab one! Lastly, there are lots of gently used uniform tops and skirts on our exchange tables in the foyer of McClendon; please feel free to pop in and help yourself! 

  
  We look forward to seeing you soon!

  
  In this together,

  Sara Zedlitz Middle Division Director zedlitzs@casady.org

  Jake Staats Middle Division Assistant Director staatsj@casady.org