Primary Division Notes

List of 10 items.

• Oct. 4

  Dear Primary Division Parents,
  
  

  Our field trip to Parkhust Pumpkin Patch is Thursday. If you are meeting us at Parkhurst, it is located here.
  
  

  Our goal is to arrive by 9:15 a.m. Buses will leave Primary at 8:30 a.m. If you plan to drop off your child to ride the bus on Thursday and follow us out, keep in mind that parking on campus is limited and traffic is heavy through 8:10 a.m. It is better to be at Parkhurst when the buses arrive.
  
  

  If you are meeting your child at Parkhurst, wait by the buses. Your child’s teacher will unload the class as a group and keep them together until they can release each child to their guest adult.
  
  If your child is not returning to School, they will be signed out for the day once your teacher hands them off to you. If your child is returning to School on the bus, please deliver them directly to your teacher before leaving. For questions about coordinating pick-up or drop-off, please contact your homeroom teacher.
  
  

  You will receive confirmation of transportation arrangements by Wednesday.
  
  

  Take care, 
  
  

  Clint McEwen
  Primary Division Director
  mcewenc@casady.org
  
  

  Reminders for the good of our Casady Community and learning environment:

  • Primary Pumpkin Patch: Bring a decorated, uncarved pumpkin anytime Oct. 5-30. Smaller pumpkins students can carry independently work best.
  • Trunk or Treat: Sunday, Oct. 25
    • 3:30-4:30 p.m.
    • Open to Primary and Lower Division families. This is not a nut-free event.
  • Coffee with Mr. McEwen: Tuesday, Oct. 27
    • 8:20 a.m.
    • Primary Conference Room.
  • 4-Day Halloween Parade: Thursday, Oct. 29
    • immediately after drop-off.
  • Halloween Parade: Friday, Oct. 30.
    • All parents are welcome for the parade; only parent volunteers may enter classrooms afterward.
  • Costumes: No weapons, full-face masks, or scary/gory themes. Students will change out of costumes after the parade. Out-of-uniform day.
  • Please do not send extra treats or party favors to school.

• Sept. 27

  Dear Primary Division Parents,
  
  

  It is always a treat to visit with families on conference day. I hope you all enjoyed the time to talk with your teacher, get some questions answered and help give insights into what you are seeing and hearing at home. Establishing a strong line of communication between School and home is a foundational component of our partnership. And our conversations do not have to end on conference day. Please feel free to reach out anytime you have questions, new needs arise, or if there are any “life” events you all are dealing with as a family. We are here for you!
  
  

  Take care, 
  
  

  Clint McEwen
  Primary Division Director
  mcewenc@casady.org
  
  

  Halloween Festivities Ahead

  Decorate a Pumpkin to Bring to School
  Beginning Oct. 5, we invite your student to decorate a pumpkin for our “Primary Pumpkin Patch”. Paint, stickers, and glued on items make great decorations. Carved pumpkins attract critters and don’t last very long. You can bring your pumpkin with you at drop-off between Oct. 5-30. You will receive a small pumpkin as a part of your admission to the pumpkin patch. Pro-tip: pumpkins that your student can carry independently work best!
  
  

  Trunk or Treat
  Mark your calendars for Sunday, Oct. 25, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. We'll be hosting our annual Trunk or Treat event on campus, welcoming both Primary and Lower Division families. Whether you'd like to participate in the walk-through, set up a themed "trunk" to distribute treats, or enjoy both activities - all are welcome! Please note this will not be a nut-free event, so families with food allergies should plan accordingly. Watch for the participation form and RSVP details in upcoming Division Notes!
  
  Halloween Parade & Classroom Celebrations
  Additional details will follow, but here some things to remember:
  

  • Friday, Oct. 30: All parents are invited to attend the parade. Only parent volunteers will be allowed in the building following the parade.
  • 4-Day parade will happen on Thursday, Oct. 29, right after drop-off
  • Please do not send extra treats or party favors to School; save those for Trunk or Treat!
  • Costume guidelines: no weapons, full face masks, or scary/gory themes please
  • Students will wear costumes to School for our Halloween Parade and then change out of costumes following the parade (this will be an out-of-uniform day)
    
    

  Coffee with Mr. McEwen
  Please join us “Coffee with Mr. McEwen” on Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 8:20 a.m. in our Primary Conference Room. This is an open format conversation, so just bring questions. I look forward to the opportunity to connect with you!
  
  

  Reminders for the good of our Casady Community and learning environment:

  • If your child wears a skirt or dress to school, please have them wear shorts underneath. Primary Division is an active place!
  • Please do not park in spaces designated for visitors in the Annex lot. These are held for prospective families with scheduled tours. You may use them for drop-off, but they need to be empty by 8:15 a.m.

• Sept. 20

  Dear Primary Division Parents,
  
  

  This week is Safety Week. Divisions across campus will participate in Fire, Tornado, and Secure Campus drills.
  
  In Primary, 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 Lockdown Drill, which we will refer to as a Listening Drill for Primary students, announcements will be made over our loudspeaker, but there will be minimal impact on students in the building.
  
  If you have any questions or concerns about your child participating in a drill, please contact Clint McEwen or Samantha Kobs.
  
  Drills can be an abstract concept for our young students, so we want to minimize worry and emphasize that we have a plan and grown-ups are here to help keep them safe. When talking to your child about Safety Week, keep it simple. If they have questions, don’t lead; let their questions guide the information you share. Be honest when answering questions, but do not offer more information than they are asking for.
  
  Teachers will use the following talking points to help prepare our students. You can use them as guiding language.
  
  General Talking Points
  

  • Practicing these plans helps keep us safe at Casady.
  • If you are frightened, worried, or unsure what to do, look for a teacher, They are always here to help.
  • Our teachers have a plan and know what to do to keep us safe.

  Fire Drill
  

  • You will hear a loud buzzing noise. This noise tells us it is time to stop and look at our teacher.
  • If it helps, you may cover your ears and keep your eyes on your teacher.
  • You will leave your things just as they are and follow your teacher out of the building.
  • It is important that you stay with the teacher you are with.
  • When practice is over, our day will continue as normal.

  Tornado Drill
  

  • You will hear an announcement over the intercom, like what we hear at carpool.
  • Your teacher will lead your class to a room that keeps us safe in storms.
  • You can leave your things just as they are and follow your teacher out of the building.
  • It is important that you stay with the teacher you are with.
  • When practice is over, our day will continue as normal.

  Listening Drill (Lockdown)
  

  • You will hear a voice over the intercom, like what we hear at carpool.
  • If you are outside, everyone will line up and come inside.
  • Stop and look at your teacher. They may ask you to sit with them and listen to a story.
  • This practice is to help us remember that listening to our grown-ups will keep us safe.

  As always, if you have any questions or need any further resources, please let me know.
  
  

  Take care, 
  
  

  Clint McEwen
  Primary Division Director
  mcewenc@casady.org
  
  

  Parent Conference Day
  Friday, Sept. 25.
  
  I often hear questions about the timing of this first conference—it seems so early to provide feedback about your student at School when so many are still settling into their new routines. While your teachers may share some initial observations, the primary goal of this conference is not to deliver an in-depth report on your student. Instead, it is an opportunity to spend some time with your teacher, ask questions, share information about life at home, and develop a good foundation for the partnership that will be one of the most important support structures for your student during this school year.
  
  If you are a returning family and have questions about why your teacher may highlight an area for growth when your child received an “On Track” marking on their parent report, remember that our parent reports are meant to indicate readiness for the next grade based on observations conducted during that marking period. As grade levels change, expectations rise. Summer months, peer development, and adjusting to new routines and expectations can all lead to some natural regression. These are the things that we will partner with you to support as we work toward the growth and success of your child.
  I am sure you will enjoy this time with your teacher. We are looking forward to seeing you on Friday!
  
  

  Reminders for the good of our Casady Community and learning environment:
  

  • If your child needs a seat on the return bus from our field trip please complete this form by Monday, Sept. 21, if you need to secure a seat.
  • No classes on Friday, Sept. 25, for Conference Day
  • Childcare on conference Day is during your conference time(s) only.
  • Please do not park in spaces designated for visitors in the Annex lot. These are held for prospective families with scheduled tours. You may use them for drop-off, but they need to be empty by 8:15 a.m.

• Sept. 13

  Dear Primary Division Parents,

   

  First Chapel this Friday
  
  Our first Primary Division Chapel will be held on Friday, Sept. 18. Chapel is always held on the last morning of our school week at 10:25 a.m.* Our Chapel service is rooted in the Episcopal tradition and is a beautiful age-appropriate exercise in calming the soul and entering a worshipful space of mind, body, and spirit. While it is a service with an Anglican foundation, it is our intent that the service is respectful of students and families from all traditions. In Chapel our students listen to stories from the Bible in order to help us think about ways to better love ourselves, better love one another, and better love God. Music, storytelling, and prayer are the primary components of our Chapel time.
  
  

  We are excited to return to the Chapel of St. Edward the Confessor after a year of gathering in Primary. Parents are welcome to attend. For a smooth transition please pay close attention to the following details:

  • Parking will be available in the Chapel and Kirby lots. Gates will be monitored starting at 10:15 a.m. Please have your decal displayed.
  • Parents wait for their students near the front steps of the chapel.
  • Wait for your child’s class to enter the Chapel, joining their line through the Chapel doors.
  • We ask that parents sit in the back of the Chapel with their children to leave room and clear views for other students up front.
  • Teachers are talking to their students about having peaceful bodies and quiet voices in the chapel. Please help by modeling this reverence.
  • Plan on saying goodbye and separating from your child in the Chapel, let them leave with their class rather than you leaving them after.
  • Classes will file out from the front to the back. When your child’s class passes, send your child back to their teacher as they exit.
  • Some children handle the mid-day separation better than others. If this is hard on your child, it is ok to take a break and try again later in the year.
  • We love to welcome families to our chapel service and most families are not able to attend, particularly every week.

  In case of inclement weather, Chapel will be held in Primary Division. We will send out a communication by 9:00 a.m. when our location moves from the Chapel of St. Edward the Confessor.
  
  Plan on parking, meeting, and separating from your child at the chapel, not walking with the class to and from Primary, as it is something that would not be sustainable with larger crowds.  We appreciate your cooperation!
  
  

  *10:25 a.m. is our aspiration. We are moving over 150, three to six year olds across campus. Actual start time is subject to any one of these precious variables!

  
  Take care, 
  
  

  Clint McEwen
  Primary Division Director
  mcewenc@casady.org
  
  Reminders for the good of our community and learning environment:
  

  • Picture Day is Tuesday. Please send your child in Dress Uniform.
    
    

  Primary Division Field Trip
  We're excited to announce our upcoming Primary Division community gathering! On Thursday, Oct. 8, our Primary Division will be visiting Parkhurst Pumpkin Patch in Arcadia from 9:00-11:00 a.m. Families will have the option to sign their student out for the day directly from the pumpkin patch. While our buses will return to Primary for lunch, the facilities at Parkhurst will be available for families who wish to extend their visit.
  
  Bus transportation will be provided for our 5-Day Half-Day, All Day PreK, and Kindergarten students. To ensure we have accurate numbers for bus planning, please complete this form by Monday, Sept. 21, if you need to secure a return seat for your on the bus after the field trip. 
  
  We warmly invite our 4-Day, Lavender, and Lilac students to join the festivities, though transportation will not be provided for these programs. Please note that 4-Day students attending the pumpkin patch must be accompanied by an adult chaperone.
  
  Upon arrival, every Primary student will receive two complimentary admission tickets - one for the student and one for an adult guest. Additional guest tickets may be purchased at the gate if needed.
  
  We can't wait to see everyone at the pumpkin patch!

• Sept. 6

  Dear Primary Division Parents,

   

  Parent Information Night
  Please join us for an informative evening focusing on the practice and pedagogy of our Montessori-based instruction. The evening is designed for you to give you an overview of our core academic areas of Math & Sensorial, Language Arts, and Practical Life, as well as a better understanding of our schedule and rotations.

  • Tuesday, Sept. 8 - 4 and 5-Day PreK Parent Info Night
    • 6:00-7:15 p.m. 
  • Wednesday, Sept. 9 - Kindergarten Parent Info Night
    • 6:00-7:15 p.m. 

  Parent nights are not intended for students. We will have no childcare available.
  

  
  First Chapel Service
  Our first chapel service will be on Friday, Sept. 18. Look for details in next week’s Division Note.

  
  Take care, 
  
  

  Clint McEwen
  Primary Division Director
  mcewenc@casady.org
  
  Reminders for the good of our community and learning environment:
  

  • Please leave toys and “stuffies” at home. Even when they stay in our bags, they can remain a distraction throughout the day. Books from home to share with friends are always welcome!
  • At pickup, only enter the carpool line from the Britton Road entrance. Entering from the opposite direction congests the exits and is unfair to those queued up on Britton.

• Aug. 30

  Dear Primary Division Parents,

   

  By the end of the first full week of school, everyone is usually feeling it. New routines, earlier mornings, busier days, and the effort of adjusting to a new school year takes a lot out of children—and out of their grownups, too! Parenting is hard work, and getting everyone back into a healthy school rhythm can take some time. Hopefully, this weekend gave your family a chance to recharge a bit.
  
  One of the most important ways we can support children as they settle into school is by protecting their sleep. Well-rested children are better able to focus, manage frustration, solve problems, and navigate the social demands of the day. Sleep does not magically make every morning easy, but it gives children a much stronger foundation for the learning, independence, and relationships we are asking them to build.
  
  Here are the most recent recommendations for sleep based on age. Getting the full amount of rest can be challenging to work into our busy schedules, particularly when we want those precious extra hours to spend with our children. However, just as we would not dream of denying our children food or water, we cannot deprive them of sleep. Their health, well-being, and success at School depends on proper rest. If you find your child is having trouble going to sleep or staying asleep, here are some tips for good sleep hygiene.
  
  

  Please let us know if you would like some additional information or support to help your child (and you) sleep better. A fully rested child is a game changer.

  
  Take care, 
  
  

  Clint McEwen
  Primary Division Director
  mcewenc@casady.org
  
  

  Uniform Reminder
  Shoes should always be weather-appropriate and safe for running and climbing, including spirit and out of uniform days. It is strongly encouraged that children be able to fasten their shoes. Blinking lights, sounds, or wheels are prohibited.
  
  Carpool Reminders and Clarifications

  • Always keep lot and driveway entries and exits clear. We have to keep traffic moving!
  • Parking in the annex lot is limited. Nichols Activity Center or Lower Division lots may work better, particularly if you are walking students to Lower and Primary.
  • Please stop at crosswalk when pedestrians are present.
  • If your child is scheduled to go to After Care, please email extendedprograms@casady.org by 2:00 p.m., or use the walk-up line if you wish to pick up during carpool. Otherwise, you may be asked to park and wait so that we can keep our line moving.
  • At pickup, only enter the carpool line from the Britton Road entrance.
  • When exiting onto Britton, right turn only. The Village police will ticket you for tuning left!

   

  Save the Dates/ Work Day Considerations
  Our goal is to get any dates that may impact your work day on your calendar as early as possible. We will let you know of any changes should they come about:

  • Parent Teacher Conferences: Sept. 25 and Feb. 26.
    • No classes
    • Conference times scheduled by parents
  • Pumpkin Patch Field Trip: Oct. 8
    • 8:30-11:30 a.m.
    • Parents encouraged to attend
  • Coffee with Mr. McEwen: Oct. 27
    • 8:20-9:20 a.m.
    • Open format Q&A in Primary Division Conference Room
  • Halloween Parade Friday: Oct. 30
    • 8:30-9:00 a.m.
    • Parents encouraged to attend
  • Primary Christmas Chapel: Dec. 18
    • No classes
    • Christmas Chapel Schedules TBA
    • Parents encouraged to attend
  • Kindergarten Visiting Day: April 8
    • 1:30-2:30 p.m.
    • Parents encouraged to attend
  • PreK Visiting Day: April 9
    • 1:30-2:30 p.m.
    • Parents encouraged to attend
  • 4-Day PreK Visiting Day: May 27
    • No 4-Day PreK Classes
    • Parents encouraged to attend

• Aug. 23

  Dear Primary Division Parents,

   

  What a first week back! The excitement and anticipation leading up to our “opening day” culminated in a joyful return of our students to Primary! The proud smiles on the faces of our students as they enter the building, the enthusiastic embrace from a child seeing a former teacher, these are the things that fill our bucket. We are so fortunate to get to work with your kids in this environment of our Casady Community.
  
  

  There is a lot to be done in the coming weeks! New routines to establish, adjustments to be made, and shrugging off the summer rust to regain the stamina needed to tackle a busy day. Everyone who exits our doors at the end of the day over the next few weeks will be feeling that exhausted satisfaction that only comes with a job well done- students and teachers alike! 
  
  

  I have to brag on our teachers. We had an issue with our carpool app on the first day of pick up. Even after testing to make sure the system was working smoothly, we did not realize until after “go time” that a handful of carpool numbers did not load properly on the back end. As I ran back inside to correct the issue, our team instantly and seamlessly stepped in where needed to communicate with each other and keep things moving, in 108 degree heat. This sort of thing happens all the time, and it is an amazing thing to get to be a part of.
  
  

  I am looking forward to greeting you all in the morning!

  
  Take care, 
  
  

  Clint McEwen
  Primary Division Director
  mcewenc@casady.org
  
  

  Wednesday Schedule
  Wednesday Schedule begins this week. There are no changes to Primary Division's drop off procedures. Doors will open at 7:30 a.m., and the Instructional Day begins at 9:00 a.m.
  
  

  Orientation Slide Deck
  There was a lot to go over and process during our orientation. If you missed any details in our slide deck, you can view it using this link.
  
  Texting Teachers During the School Day
  New this year, is we have asked our teachers not to respond to texts from parents during the school day. Here is a bit on the “why” behind that decision.
  
  Each summer, our faculty reads and reflects together; this year, "Implementing the Montessori Method" prompted great discussion about the teacher’s multifaceted role—not only preparing the environment, but also cultivating and protecting classroom culture. Central to that work is protecting children’s concentration. When children are deeply engaged, they are constructing knowledge, independence, and an understanding of themselves, while teachers are carefully observing and planning the next steps in their learning. Even small interruptions can derail that delicate process- especially when multiplied by the number of students in the room.
  
  As we also focus Schoolwide on character—how we think, act, and feel in ways that benefit ourselves and others—we want adults to model presence and attentiveness. In the spirit of trust, clarity, and connection, I have asked teachers not to respond to texts during the school day, and we ask families to avoid unplanned classroom drop-ins, including to deliver forgotten items. Our goal is not less communication, but clearer boundaries that allow teachers to be fully present with children. For time-sensitive needs, please contact the Primary Division office. As always, we welcome any questions or further discussion.

   

  Save the Dates/ Work Day Considerations
  Our goal is to get any dates that may impact your work day on your calendar as early as possible. We will let you know of any changes should they come about:

  • Parent Teacher Conferences: Sept. 25 and Feb. 26.
    • No classes
    • Conference times scheduled by parents
  • Pumpkin Patch Field Trip: Oct. 8
    • 8:30-11:30 a.m.
    • Parents encouraged to attend
  • Coffee with Mr. McEwen: Oct. 27
    • 8:20-9:20 a.m.
    • Open format Q&A in Primary Division Conference Room
  • Halloween Parade Friday: Oct. 30
    • 8:30-9:00 a.m.
    • Parents encouraged to attend
  • Primary Christmas Chapel: Dec. 18
    • No classes
    • Christmas Chapel Schedules TBA
    • Parents encouraged to attend
  • Kindergarten Visiting Day: April 8
    • 1:30-2:30 p.m.
    • Parents encouraged to attend
  • PreK Visiting Day: April 9
    • 1:30-2:30 p.m.
    • Parents encouraged to attend
  • 4-Day PreK Visiting Day: May 27
    • No 4-Day PreK Classes
    • Parents encouraged to attend

• Aug. 16

  Dear Primary Division Parents,

   

  Our first day of school is right around the corner! It’s been an exciting week in Primary having all of our teachers back, putting the final touches on our classrooms, and plans for the new school year. In the life of a teacher, back to school is much more significant than turning the calendar from December to January. So from all of us, “Happy New Year!”
  
  Orientation is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 19. Your orientation time should have been emailed to you on July 9. If you did not receive your “Welcome to…” email, please contact the Primary Division office. 
  
  Orientation is for both you and your student, and we ask that students come in uniform. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone and beginning another wonderful school year together!
  
  Here is a full orientation schedule with times listed by homeroom:
  
  Aug. 19 - PD Parent/Student Orientation
  

  • Rainbow & Arcoiris
    • 8:15-9:15 a.m.
  • 4-Day Lavender and Lilac, Group A
    • 9:00-9:45 a.m.
  • Yellow, Green, and Gold Pre-K
    • 9:30-10:30 a.m.
  • 4-Day Lavender and Lilac, Group B
    • 10:30-11:15 a.m.
  • Red, Silver, and Blue Pre-K
    • 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
  • Turquoise and Maroon Kindergarten
    • 12:45-1:45 p.m.
  • Purple and Orange Kindergarten
    • 2:15-3:15 p.m.

  Please note that due to our All School Chapel on Wednesday, traffic on our campus road will be closed to allow for student crossing for 5-10 minutes at approximately 9:40 a.m. and 10:25 a.m.
  
  Take care, 
  
  

  Clint McEwen
  Primary Division Director
  mcewenc@casady.org
  
  

  Morning Drop-Off and Afternoon Pick-Up
  We will discuss this in detail during our orientation. Here is a brief overview of our carpool procedures to familiarize yourself with and prepare any questions ahead of orientation. Our carpool motto is “Safety first, efficiency a distant second.” Please keep all devices out of hand when driving on campus. 
  
  

  Unsure what to do? Don’t worry, somebody will be nearby to assist!

   

  Morning Drop Off
  
  

  To keep the main roadway clear, we need to have two lines running parallel to the Primary lot. A driver starting the second line is not cutting you, but following procedures. We will “zipper-merge” (think Chick-fil-A) before the final turn in front of Primary.
  
  Try to have your student unbuckled and ready to exit the vehicle before the final turn if possible. If your student has trouble keeping their head, and limbs inside the car after unbuckling, we would rather they stay buckled.

  
  Afternoon Pick Up
  
  

   

  Our two-lane formation will begin once you enter campus from Britton Road.
  
  If you are using the drive-up option, remember to pull all the way forward if you need to buckle your student before turning onto the north/south campus road.
  
  

  Summer/Back to School Communication
  We are always looking for ways to improve our communication with families. If there was information you needed to feel ready for the first day that could have been clearer, shared earlier or later, or presented differently, please share your feedback with your CPO homeroom representative or Division Director.
  
  

  Primary Pumpkin Patch Field Trip

  The date of the Parkhurst Pumpkin Patch trip has been moved to the morning of Oct. 8. Parents are encouraged to attend. More details to come.

• Back to School

  Dear Primary Division Parents,

   

  Welcome to the 2026–27 school year! I hope you found some joy, got some rest, and made special memories with your families. Here at school, we’ve taken this quieter season to reflect, prepare our environments, and plan for the year ahead. As our preparations shift into full gear, we’re feeling a renewed sense of purpose and anticipation. If you have any questions as we approach the start of the year, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we are here to support you. On behalf of our dedicated faculty, we are excited to partner with you in your child’s journey and to begin another wonderful chapter together!

  
  

  If you haven’t already, please log into your MyCasady account to see if you have any notifications to complete forms before the start of school. Forms can be accessed by selecting the "PD Forms and Resources" icon on the Resource Board. If you have difficulty completing forms or have questions, call our Administrative Assistant, Ms. Dillier, at 405.749.3148.

  
  

  While you are on MyCasady please review The Primary Division Parent and Student Handbook. After reviewing, please share this information with your student and other family members. This informative booklet covers procedures for most of our School activities. If you have any questions concerning a topic, please feel free to call the Primary Division office. Also, please review the School Uniform Information. We will continue Spirit Wear Fridays and have fun socks/leggings on Wednesdays.

  
  

  Automobile Identification

  Parents, students with cars, and faculty will receive a vehicle decal on Orientation Day. Cars displaying decals on the lower driver's-side portion of their windshield will be admitted through our Welcome Center at all times. Cars without decals will be asked to stop and check in with Security.

  
  

  Loeffler Primary Division Building Security

  Our exterior doors are locked during school and after school hours. All faculty have ID badges that include functionality to unlock access-controlled doors. All visitors must enter through the main doors and check-in with Ms. Dillier. 

  
  

  Orientation and First Day of School

  You should have received my email on July 9 stating your orientation and “meet the teacher” times on August 19. If you did not receive this email, please contact the Primary Division Office. Our first regular day of classes is August 20.

  
  

  At our orientation meeting, we will cover:

  Carpool Procedures

  Classroom Procedures from Homeroom Teachers

  Casady Parents’ Organization (CPO) Information

  Big picture overview of the school year

  Time for Q&A

   

  During the school year, our doors open for Early Care at 7:30 a.m. Our school day begins at 8:10 a.m. (Wednesdays 9:10 am- see details below), and students are released at 2:55 p.m. Please make every effort to have your child at school no later than 8:10 a.m. so that they can be prepared for their classes. More information about arrival and dismissal procedures will be provided at Orientation.

  
  

  I am excited to welcome Mollie LeRoi to our Primary Division team. Mrs. LeRoi has been a Lower Division teacher for the past four years. She has long held a passion for Montessori education and we are grateful that the time is right for her to begin her journey as a Montessori teacher. She will be teaching Kindergarten Language. Laurie Way, who has been a Lower Division teacher and a Primary Division Teacher Assistant, will be moving to a full-time role in our 4-Day program in the mornings and Kindergarten Art & Cooking in the afternoons.

  
  

  We will have a Parent Information Night to give you all a chance to hear from all of your teachers and get an understanding of the “How’s and Why’s” behind our Montessori-Based Instruction.
  
  

  Parent Info Night (4-Day and 5-Day Pre-K) - Tuesday, September 8th from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

  Parent Info Night (Kindergarten) - Wednesday, September 9th from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. 

  
  

  Registration is still open for Casady's After School Care program and Cyclone Express bus service. Cyclone Express registration is scheduled to close August 1, and After School Care registration is open year-round. To register, please log into your MyCasady account and locate the Extended Program Registration tile on the Resource Board. If you have questions or would like additional information about Casady's Extended Programs, please visit the extended programs page on our website or contact Extended Programs Manager Joella Pearson.

  
  

  Wednesday Schedule

  As a reminder, there is a Wednesday schedule we will follow every Wednesday starting Aug. 26. We hope you can take advantage of the late start on Wednesday to spend some time with your students or simply let them sleep a bit longer. However, if you find that it is best to drop them off at their regular times, we will have early drop-off for your students.

  
  

  Regular Schedule	Wednesday Schedule
  Early Care:  7:30 a.m.-7:45 a.m. Arrival:  7:45 a.m.-8:05 a.m. Start of Morning Group Time: 8:10 a.m.	Early Arrival drop-off period:  7:30 a.m.-8:00 a.m. Arrival:  8:45 a.m.-9:05 a.m. Start of Morning Group Time: 9:10 a.m.

  
  

  Every Wednesday except the first day of school, the beginning of school day activities will shift back an hour. Wednesday arrival/carpool time begins at 8:45 a.m., with school starting at 9:05 a.m. Families are encouraged to take advantage of the extra hour of time in the mornings when they are able. If your student receives outside services, this would be a great time to schedule it.

  
  

  However, we know that some families may still need to drop off their students during their regular arrival time on Wednesdays. Students needing to arrive during this regular 7:30-8:00 a.m. window are welcome to do so. They will spend that time in monitored classrooms at no extra cost for families.

  
  Health or Dietary Needs/Medication
  

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

  
  

  Speech, Language, and Hearing Screenings

  We are pleased to offer an opportunity for all Primary Division students to be screened for any speech, language, fluency, and hearing development. The speech, language, and hearing screenings will be provided by Sensational Kids, Inc. at no charge to you starting the month of September. Parents will be notified if their child’s screening suggests a further evaluation is needed. 

  
  

  **If you DO NOT wish to have this screening, please fill out this form**

   

  If there are questions about this service, please feel free to contact Samantha Kobs, Director of Student Support Services, at kobss@casady.org

  
  

  First Day of School Jitters

  As we prepare for the start of a new school year, it’s natural for some children to experience a few nerves, especially when it comes to separating from caregivers. Whether this is your child’s first time in a school setting or they’re transitioning into a new grade level, these feelings are completely normal. To help support your child’s emotional confidence and ease the transition, Student Support Services has put together a resource guide with simple, age-appropriate strategies for managing separation anxiety. From goodbye rituals to calming tools, these ideas are meant to equip both you and your child with helpful ways to approach the first few days of school. You can view or download the resource here. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or if we can support your family in any way - Samantha Kobs, Director of Student Support Services, at kobss@casady.org 

  
  

  So many hours of thought and hard work have gone into getting us ready for this school year! Casady is a special place, and it is our community that truly makes for the Casady experience. 

   

  Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. We want to ensure you and your student feel welcome and prepared for the start of school.
  
  

  Take care, 

  Clint McEwen
  Primary Division Director
  mcewenc@casady.org

• Mid Summer Update

  Happy Mid-Summer!
  
  You should have received an email on July 9 from Clint McEwen with the subject line “Welcome to…” containing your child’s placement and orientation times. If you have any questions about this, or did not receive the email, please contact our Division Office at 405-749-3148 or dillierk@casady.org

  
  We hope you are having a wonderful summer and are as excited as we are about the start of a fantastic school year!

  
  Casady Primary School Bags
  Our school bags are provided to you each year and will be added to your bookbill. We ask that all students use these bags instead of other types of backpacks, etc. All Primary students will receive their school bag at orientation.

  
  Bag information:

  • The bag is considered part of the school uniform. Please keep them free of patches, decorations, key chains, etc. They are a distraction to students.
  • Bags are spot clean/ hand-wash recommended. Machine wash can lead to shrinking and fading.
  • Replacement or extra bags can be purchased through The Cupboard.

  Lunch Boxes
  Students may choose their own lunch boxes. Here are a few things to know about school lunches. We will be able to answer more detailed questions at orientation.

  • We cannot refrigerate or heat items packed in lunch boxes.
  • We want our students to be able to manage their containers independently. It’s a good idea to purchase the containers this summer. Serve your child some meals in them and have them practice opening and closing them on their own. Some can be tricky and require strong hands! This is great for developing those fine motor skills. Of course, we will help, but as with all things in Primary, our goal is independence.
  • We ask each child to bring a placemat from home to keep their food on while we eat. The ideal size is smaller than 12”x18” to accommodate all students at the table. Cloth napkins work great for this purpose.
  • We are a “nut aware” campus. We ask that you do not send any nut products to school. Accidents do happen, so if you forget, we will contain any nut products and send them home. We may request that you label other allergens depending on your child’s peers’ needs. We will give you more information on this at orientation.

  Back to School Playdates
  August 15th
  Primary Division Playground
  
  A casual, come-and-go event hosted by your CPO. Please join us to connect or reconnect with your peer families.
  Kindergarten 8:30-9:30 AM
  PreK 10:00-11:00 AM

  
  Take Care,
  
  Clint McEwen
  Primary Division Director
  mcewenc@casady.org