Primary Division Notes

List of 31 items.

• March 23

  Dear Primary Division,
  
  

  I hope you all had a safe and restful Spring Break! We are looking forward to welcoming our students back for a strong finish to a great school year. We have a few special dress days to add to your calendar:
  
  April 2 - Thunder Spirit Dress Day, Courtesy of Rhys Abla
  Show your support for our Champions! Wear your OKC Thunder gear to School.
  
  

  April 23 - Dress in your Homeroom Color
  MayBree Fitzell will be our Primary Division Director for the Day on April 23. She has decided to make the day a special out-of-uniform day where students wear the color of their homeroom. We look forward to seeing everyone show their homeroom spirit!
  
  

  Take Care,
  

  
  Clint McEwen
  Primary Division Director
  mcewenc@casady.org
  
  

  Please see the March 8 Division Note for details on our Spring Visiting Days.
  
  Visiting Author
  Local Author Tammi Sauer is promoting her newest books "Pizzasaurus" and "Amazing Augustus." She will visit Kindergarten students on May 4. Click here to order a signed copy of her books.

• March 8

  Dear Primary Division,
  
  

  We enjoyed welcoming our Primary Grandparents and Grandfriends last week! It is so much fun to see our students proudly showing off all of the things that they have been learning and practicing since the start of the year. We look forward to welcoming our Primary parents next month for a similar guided show-and-tell during our Primary Visiting Days.
  
  

  Kindergarten Visiting Day 
  April 9, 1:15-2:30 p.m.

  
  PreK Visiting Day (5-Day Only)*
  April 10, 9:15-10:30 a.m.
  
  *4-Day Visiting Days will be the morning of May 21, 2026

   

  Take Care,
  

  
  Clint McEwen
  Primary Division Director
  mcewenc@casady.org
  
  

  Visiting Author
  Local Author Tammi Sauer is promoting her newest books "Pizzasaurus" and "Amazing Augustus." She will visit Kindergarten students on May 4. Click here to order a signed copy of her books.
  
  SoulCraft

  PreK - We Feel Feelings in Our Bodies
  

  • Summary: Students are practicing identifying worry as an uncomfortable feeling. Students will practice identifying a grown-up they can talk to when they feel worried.
  • Try This at Home: Ask your student about their worries and who they can go to to talk about their worries at home and at School.

  Kindergarten - Why Kindness?
  

  • Summary: In this week’s lesson, your student will learn that kindness is a way to show people that they care and that doing kind acts can make both the giver and the receiver feel good. They’ll share personal examples and discuss how they felt when they gave or received kind acts.
  • Try This at Home: Help your student think of a kind act they can do for someone and support them in carrying it out. With your child, discuss how they think the receiver of the kind act felt. Ask your student how they felt doing a kind act for someone.

• March 1

  Dear Primary Division,
  
  

  If we have ever had the opportunity to talk about something your student may have experienced at School, chances are good that at some point you may have heard “and this is the important work of Primary Division”, which is something I find myself saying whenever discussing learning lessons related to self-regulation, peer-relationships, and understanding our feelings. These and many other topics that fall under the domain of “Social and Emotional Learning” are so foundational and interconnected to what we teach in Primary, that separating them out to spotlight feels like being asked to give a presentation about the ocean, but only talk about the water. Every minute of every day, our students and teachers live, breathe, and are surrounded by opportunities for social, emotional, and moral learning.

  
  We have phenomenal teams of teachers in Primary. Like with any team, members have their strengths, preferences, and the wonderful quirks that make us human. But our teams are able to function at such a high level because we all share the unifying philosophy of our Montessori approach. Teachers are typically drawn to Montessori when they discover that the philosophy is rooted in fostering each child's self-construction as an intellectual, spiritual, and moral being. Concepts such as empathy, compassion, responsibility, and duty are repeatedly addressed throughout the child’s development with increasing complexity as they grow. Montessori taught that the path to a better future is paved by developing children who are invested in their own moral construction and possess the tenacity and courage to become agents of positive change in the world.
  
  

  We do a great job of teaching self-care, reading, logic, and math, as well as providing exposure to global culture and the arts. This is not an accident; it is the result of our practice of self-evaluation and growth. Similarly, we are always looking for opportunities to improve all facets of our instruction, including the SEL domain. One of the exciting developments to come out of our Character Study audit is an initiative we are working on to draft language to explicitly teach core character traits and behaviors to students, paired with text for parents to read. Through this, we feel there is a strong opportunity to align our efforts between home and School to help our students internalize and construct the values and habits that will create strong, ethical leaders. We are eager to share more details about this initiative in the months ahead.
  
  

  It is a privilege to work in a Casady Community that values thoughtful reflection with the purpose of meaningful growth and durable learning. Work that focuses on the formation of traits that will prepare our students to become good adults directly connects to the aspirations that bring many of us into early childhood classrooms as educators. It is important work. It feels like Primary work, and we are excited to continue it with you all.

   

  Take Care,
  

  
  Clint McEwen
  Primary Division Director
  mcewenc@casady.org
  
  

  Grandparents' & Grandfriends' Day

  • Thursday, March 5
    • 4-Day PreK, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
    • Kindergarten 1:15-2:30 p.m.
  • Friday, March 6:
    • PreK 9:30-10:30 a.m.

  View the Grandparents' Day invitation by clicking here.
  
  We are very excited to welcome our grandparents and grandfriends! We are encouraging guests to take their students with them at the end of the visit because a mid-day separation from a loved one can be difficult for our young students to manage. For those who are not able to make arrangements, we will remain in session for the full school day. Please ensure that the person your student is leaving with knows their carpool number and checks in with their homeroom teacher. 
  
  

  In order to make our best showing for our distinguished guests on Grandparents’ and Grandfriends' Day, we will have a Dress Uniform Day on Thursday, March 5, for Kindergarten, and Friday, March 6, for PreK. You can review our dress uniform guidelines here. There will be no spirit day this week.
  
  

  For parking on Grandparents’ and Grandfriends' Day, guests should arrive on campus through the Welcome Center at the Pennsylvania entrance. They will be directed to available parking, and a shuttle bus will be available to transport guests from the lots to the Loeffler Building. If other accessibility or reserved handicap parking accommodations are needed, please email dayj@casady.org and mcewenc@casady.org.
  
  Parent Night Presentation Available
  Thank you to those of you who were able to attend our Parent night last Tuesday. After conferences, if you feel like it would be helpful to have more information on our recommendation and readiness reporting process, you can view a recording of the presentation here.

• Feb. 22

  Dear Primary Division,
  
  

  It is an exciting week, with many opportunities to reflect on and celebrate your student’s learning and growth since the beginning of school. We hope the parent reports and information night spark engaging and collaborative conversations when we meet on Friday!
  
  

  Parent Reports
  Your parent reports will be available to view through the MyCasady portal on Tuesday morning. As you read the report, consider how it can serve as a guiding document for our parent-teacher conferences. As you read through our skill ratings, remember that it is more common to have some areas where we are “Supporting” than to have all areas “On Track”. 
  
  

  Take Care,
  

  
  Clint McEwen
  Primary Division Director
  mcewenc@casady.org
  
  

  Parent Information Night: Primary Student Placement
  See Feb. 8 note archived below for details
  
  Tuesday, Feb. 24
  5:30–6:30 p.m.
  In Person, or Streaming via Google Meet
  
  

  Parent/Teacher Conferences
  Friday, Feb. 27
  No Classes
  
  Reminder- childcare is available for your conference time(s) only

  Grandparents' & Grandfriends' Day
  

  • Thursday, March 5
    • 4-Day PreK, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
    • Kindergarten 1:15-2:30 p.m.
  • Friday, March 6:
    • PreK 9:30-10:30 a.m.

  Please note: We encourage guests to take their students with them at the end of the morning visit because a mid-day separation from a loved one can be difficult for our young students
  
  Lunar New Year Celebration
  Lunar New Year is a vibrant celebration marking the arrival of spring and a fresh start based on the lunisolar calendar. 2026 welcomes the Year of the Horse. The holiday is deeply rooted in family, honoring ancestors, and wishing for collective prosperity. On Friday, our students were able to watch authentic Dragon Dancers perform on our beautiful campus. 
  We want to thank the following people for making this special celebration happen for our Lower and Primary Division students: Jennifer Nguyen, Tiffany Nguyen-Ngo, Jenny Bauer, Bowen Cao, Laura Chong, Lauren Chong, Lien Duong, Chi Kerber, Pat Nguyen, Nicole Trần, and May Wang

• Feb. 16

  Dear Primary Division,
  
  

  This week is Safety Week. As we did in the fall, Divisions across campus will participate in Fire, Tornado, and Secure Campus drills. In Primary, we will practice evacuating our building for the Fire Drill, moving to our storm shelter building (Nichols Activity Center) for the Tornado Drill, and for the Secure Campus, which we will refer to as the Inside Drill for Primary students. Announcements will be made over our loudspeaker, but there will minimal impact on students in the building. If you have any questions or concerns about your student participating in a drill, please reach out.
  
  

  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. When talking to your student 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 routines helps keep us safe at Casady.
  • If you are frightened, worried, or unsure what to do, your teacher is 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.
  • 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.

  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.

  Inside Drill (Secure Campus)
  

  • You will hear a voice over the intercom, like what we hear at carpool
  • Stop and look at your teacher, If you are outside, you will practice going inside.
  • 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
  
  

  Lunar New Year Celebration
  Our all-day students will have the chance to see a special Lunar New Year's presentation this Friday Afternoon. Traditional Dragon dancers will perform for our Primary and Lower Division students. Keep an eye on our social media channels for pictures of this exciting event! 
  
  We are not planning to have our Extended Day students attend. If you would like, you may check your student out early to attend the presentation of the dragon dancers. Please contact the Primary Division Office for details. 
  
  

  Grandparents' & Grandfriends' Day
  

  • Thursday, March 5
    • 4-Day PreK, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
    • Kindergarten 1:15-2:30 p.m.
  • Friday, March 6:
    • PreK 9:30-10:30 a.m.

  Please note: We encourage guests to take their students with them at the end of the morning visit because a mid-day separation from a loved one can be difficult for our young students
  
  Look for more information next week
  
  Parent Information Night: Primary Student Placement
  Please refer to the Feb. 8 note archived below for details.

• Feb. 8

  Dear Primary Division,
  
  

  Feb. 12 Valentine's Day and Out of Uniform
  Do’s:
  

  • Come wearing “Red and White” (that includes pink)
  • Students bring Valentines to share with each student in their homeroom class
  • Sign Valentines “From: your child’s name”

  Don’ts
  

  • Bring extra treats to share at the party
  • Address Valentines to individuals

  Homemade or store-bought cards are fine, and they may have something small attached to it (for example: stickers, temporary tattoos, pencils, etc.). During their celebration, your student will place their Valentine in a small paper sack for each one of their homeroom classmates, bags will then be sealed so that you and your student can open their Valentines together at home. To make sure that the bags can hold all of the Valentines, we ask that Valentines not be bigger than a deck of cards.
  
  

  Take Care,
  

  
  Clint McEwen
  Primary Division Director
  mcewenc@casady.org
  
  Parent Information Night: Primary Student Placement
  The Parent Information Night has been rescheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 24, from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
  
  Who should attend?
  Parents curious about how recommendations for placement the following year works in Primary. Families, particularly those who have students with late spring or summer birthdays, often benefit from extra context.
  
  This optional Parent Information Night will provide an overview of:
  

  • The differences between our Primary grade levels
  • How to use our parent reports to help inform placement decisions
  • A broad, developmental picture of “readiness” for the next grade level
  • Grade and age demographics across Casady

• Feb. 1

  Dear Primary Division,
  
  

  A Montessori-based early childhood classroom should be easily recognized: furniture made of natural materials, ample natural light, shelves filled with hands-on materials that quietly call out to the curiosity of the child. At first glance, it may not seem like a setting where we are preparing students for success in a world that is rapidly changing—especially as artificial intelligence continues to evolve and proliferate in our lives in new and increasing ways.
  
  But on the contrary, Maria Montessori was a woman of science. She valued innovation and believed deeply in the potential of technology as a force for peace, equity, and the betterment of lives around the globe. Montessori education has always been rooted in preparing the whole child— academically, spiritually, and morally—so that each child may grow into a conscientious adult who is skilled, empowered, and ready to shape the future into something more just and hopeful.
  
  The American Montessori Society has put together a fantastic resource for Montessori educators who are working to grow in their understanding of artificial intelligence and its impact on our future. I’m grateful for the ways this work is helping our community think carefully and intentionally about what lies ahead.
  
  At Casady, our Primary Division remains limited in our use of technology. We do incorporate iPads in specific and purposeful ways, particularly through Lexia, which aligns well with our Science of Reading-informed ELA instruction. This screen time is monitored closely. At the same time, we do not shy away from preparing our students for a technology-rich world.
  
  One of the driving motivations behind introducing our Block Lab last year was to create opportunities for students to develop technology-focused skills in a natural, sensory-rich environment. Skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, resilience, collaboration, and learning from mistakes are being strengthened every day throughout our Primary classrooms.
  
  Developing our own AI literacy as educators has been exciting, frightening, frustrating, and rewarding—sometimes all within the span of a few minutes. We are beginning to find ways to make our work more efficient, freeing up precious bandwidth when certain menial tasks can be responsibly handed off to digital tools.
  
  While we may not be certain what the world will look like when our Primary students one day enter the workforce, we can be confident that we are taking every opportunity now to nurture their spirit, to help them love what is just and true and good, and to equip them with the skills they will need to enact positive change in their world.
  
  

  Take Care,
  

  
  Clint McEwen
  Primary Division Director
  mcewenc@casady.org

• Jan. 25

  Dear Primary Division,
  
  Parent Information Night: Primary Student Placement
  Tuesday, Jan. 27
   5:30-6:30 p.m.
  
  As winter Parent-Teacher Conferences approach, our attention turns to planning for next year. Placement in Primary is usually straightforward, but families, particularly those with late spring or summer birthdays, sometimes benefit from additional context.
  
  This optional Parent Information Night will provide an overview of:
  

  • The differences between our Primary grade levels
  • How to use our parent reports to help inform placement decisions
  • A broad, developmental picture of “readiness” for the next grade level
  • Grade and age demographics across Casady

  If you feel this information would be helpful as you prepare for conference conversations, we hope you’ll join us. Please note that childcare will not be available for this event.
  
  We’re looking forward to a wonderful start to 2026 together and are grateful, as always, for the partnership we share with our Primary families.
  
  

  Take Care,
  

  
  Clint McEwen
  Primary Division Director
  mcewenc@casady.org
  
  Dressing for Winter Weather
  Please send your student to school dressed appropriately. Outdoor play is an important part of our day and we will continue to have recess during the winter months. If the wind chill is below 20 degrees, we require hats/hoods/earmuffs and gloves for our students to go outside. We keep our outdoor time under 20 minutes for 20 degrees or below, under 10 minutes for 10 degrees or below. We will not go outdoors if the windchill is zero or below. These guidelines were created in consultation with other independent schools and medical professionals.

• Jan. 18

  Dear Primary Division,
  
  Not many people get to experience the love you feel from reading dozens of hand made birthday cards from young children. It is truly a special thing! Thank you to everyone who took the time to make my birthday celebration so meaningful. I am grateful for the chance to share a part of your student's journey through these important years.

  Take Care,
  

  
  Clint McEwen
  Primary Division Director
  mcewenc@casady.org
  
  Carpool Reminder
  Remember to make room for two lanes during morning drop-off. Keeping the main campus road clear for moving traffic gets us all where we want to be sooner and safely. Please try to avoid blocking Division loop entrance and exit lanes. Thank you for your help!
  
  Lunar New Year Celebration
  Our all-day students will have the chance to see a special Lunar New Year's presentation on Feb.20. More details to follow.

• Jan. 11

  Illness Policy Reminder
  To help keep our community healthy, please keep your child at home if they are experiencing any of the following:

  • Fever of 100.4°F or higher
  • Sore throat or tonsillitis
  • Any unexplained rash or skin eruption
  • Nasal discharge accompanied by fever
  • A severe, productive cough
  • Gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea

  Students must be symptom-free for 24 hours without medication before returning to school. Thank you for your support in helping keep our students and staff healthy and well.
  
  Valentine’s Day Celebration & Out-of-Uniform
  Thursday, February 12
  
  We will celebrate Valentine’s Day with a Red, White, and Pink out-of-uniform day. Students are welcome to bring Valentines to share with their homeroom classmates.
  
  A few helpful guidelines:

  • Valentines should not be addressed to individual students—please include a simple “From: ___”
  • Homemade or store-bought cards are welcome
  • Small, non-food items (such as stickers, pencils, or temporary tattoos) may be included
  • Valentines should be no larger than a deck of cards

  During the celebration, students will place their Valentines into individual paper bags for each classmate. Bags will be sealed and sent home so families can open and enjoy them together.
  
  

  Illness Policy Reminder
  To help keep our community healthy, please keep your child at home if they are experiencing any of the following:

  • Fever of 100.4°F or higher
  • Sore throat or tonsillitis
  • Any unexplained rash or skin eruption
  • Nasal discharge accompanied by fever
  • A severe, productive cough
  • Gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea

  Students must be symptom-free for 24 hours without medication before returning to school. Thank you for your support in helping keep our students and staff healthy and well.
  
  Valentine’s Day Celebration & Out-of-Uniform
  Thursday, February 12
  
  We will celebrate Valentine’s Day with a Red, White, and Pink out-of-uniform day. Students are welcome to bring Valentines to share with their homeroom classmates.
  
  A few helpful guidelines:

  • Valentines should not be addressed to individual students—please include a simple “From: ___”
  • Homemade or store-bought cards are welcome
  • Small, non-food items (such as stickers, pencils, or temporary tattoos) may be included
  • Valentines should be no larger than a deck of cards

  During the celebration, students will place their Valentines into individual paper bags for each classmate. Bags will be sealed and sent home so families can open and enjoy them together.

• Jan. 5

  Dear Parents,
  
  Welcome Back & Happy New Year!
  
  We hope your break was filled with rest, joy, and time with your loved ones. As wonderful as time away can be, there is something special about welcoming the children back to school. They return a little taller, a little more confident, and ready to jump back into joyful learning and exploration.
  
  Thank you to all of the families who contributed to our holiday fund. Your generosity created a little extra holiday cheer, and our faculty and staff were truly touched by your appreciation.

   

  Take Care,
  

  
  Clint McEwen
  Primary Division Director
  mcewenc@casady.org

• Dec. 14

  Dear Parents,
  
  

  Please see last week’s Notes for important Chapel information and procedures. If you have not yet filled out this RSVP form, please do so at your earliest convenience.
  
  

  Christmas Parties Thursday
  If you have signed up as a party volunteer, please remember to stop by the Division office for a background check. It will take about two minutes, and you will need your driver's license.
  
  Please do not send any additional treats or supplies for the parties. Everything has been provided and organized by our amazing CPO!
  
  

  Take Care,
  

  
  Clint McEwen
  Primary Division Director
  mcewenc@casady.org

• Dec. 7

  Dear Parents,
  
  Primary Division Christmas Chapel
  Our annual Christmas Chapel presentation is scheduled for Dec. 19. There is no school on this day; you will arrive with your student 15 minutes before your scheduled performance time and leave with your student immediately afterward. Christmas Chapel is for 5-Day Half-Day, All-Day PreK, and Kindergarten.
  
  Chapel Times
  

  • 8:45 a.m. - Green, Silver, Yellow, Arcoiris
  • 9:30 a.m. - Blue, Gold, Red, Rainbow
  • 10:15 a.m. - Maroon, Orange
  • 11:00 a.m. - Purple, Turquoise
    
    

  Procedure
  Primary and Lower Division lots will be open for parking.
  
  Fifteen minutes before your student’s performance, please walk them to the front entrance of Nichols Activity Center. You will leave them with their teacher and be directed through the back and into Primary to await seating.
  
  Immediately following the service, you will be directed to the playground (weather permitting) or a classroom for a visit from a special Christmas visitor!
  
  If you have any questions, please contact the Primary Division office or your homeroom rep.
  
  We hope that you will enjoy this more intimate format of our Christmas service!
  
  Take Care,
  

  
  Clint McEwen
  Primary Division Director
  mcewenc@casady.org
  
  Looking Ahead
  

  • Wednesday, Dec. 17 - “Free Dress” Day
  • Thursday, Dec. 18 - Christmas-themed out-of-uniform day!
  • Friday, Dec. 19 - Dress Uniform
    • One of the following uniform options is required for all students on designated Dress Days.
      • Sailor dress OR
      • Navy polo with Casady crest, khaki pants, shorts, or skirt/skort
      • In cooler weather, a navy sweater, sweater vest, or cardigan.
      • Navy or white hair accessories only

• Nov. 30

  Dear Parents,
  
  I hope you all had a healthy and happy Thanksgiving! There is so much to be grateful for when we’re surrounded by such an engaging and supportive Casady Community. From the wonderful students you share with us each day, to our wildly talented, knowledgeable, and dedicated teachers, to our beautiful campus and the exciting changes underway—and to you, our parents, who find so many thoughtful ways to make us feel seen and appreciated. Thank you.
  
  It’s a good day to be a Cyclone!

  
  Take Care,
  

  
  Clint McEwen
  Primary Division Director
  mcewenc@casady.org
  
  
  

  Primary Christmas Chapel
  Please review our Nov. 16 Division Notes. Dec. 19 is not a regular school day. You will arrive with your student for their Christmas Chapel time only. There is no Extended Day or After Care. Please contact the Division office or your Homeroom Representative with any questions.
  
  SoulCraft
  PreK: Identifying Feelings
  

  • Summary: Students will be able to identify the feelings happy and sad when presented with physical (face or body) clues.
  • Try This at Home: Ask your student to share about a time when they felt happy or sad. Take turns and share an example of how you’ve experienced happiness or sadness.

  Kindergarten: Sometimes We Feel Sad
  

  • Summary: In this week’s lesson, your student will learn to use body language and context clues to figure out when someone feels sad. They’ll practice looking at the person’s face and body, as well as thinking about what’s going on in the situation.
  • Try This at Home: Encourage your student to notice when others around them feel sad. Have them practice using body language and context clues to figure out when family members, friends, or characters in books, movies, or on TV might be feeling sad.

• Nov. 16

  Dear Parents,
  
  

  Primary Christmas Chapel
  With the construction on campus, we will make a few adjustments to this year’s Primary Christmas Chapel. As always, families are invited to attend. Please note that the day of our services is not a regular school day—it will be a shortened day with no Extended Day or After Care.
  
  Changes for this Year
  

  • Location: Chapel services will take place in the Loeffler Primary Building, since construction and refurbishment is still going on in the Chapel.
  • Arrival: Instead of regular morning drop-off, families will arrive with their student 20 minutes before their scheduled Chapel time and will depart immediately following the service.
  • Number of Services: To give families a clearer view of their students, we will increase the number of services from two to four.

  As always, siblings may attend with parents; however, no childcare or regular classes will be available on Dec. 19.
  
  

  Tentative Service Schedule
  

  • 8:45 a.m. – Green, Silver, Yellow, Arcoiris
  • 9:30 a.m. – Blue, Gold, Red, Rainbow
  • 10:15 a.m. – Maroon, Orange
  • 11:00 a.m. – Purple, Turquoise

  Details about arrival procedures will follow.

  
  Take Care,
  

  
  Clint McEwen
  Primary Division Director
  mcewenc@casady.org

• Nov. 9

  Dear Parents,
  
  

  Our parent reports will be ready to view this coming Wednesday. You can find instructions for how to view reports here. It is our hope that these reports are successful in achieving our objectives:
  

  1. 1. To provide a clear and concise picture of where your student is at this point of the school year, and in terms of “readiness” for the next grade, based on their age, not current grade. For example, half-day students who meet the age requirements for kindergarten will be reported on readiness for kindergarten.
     2. To serve as a foundation for meaningful conversations with your student's teachers.
     3. To celebrate the growth and wonderful uniqueness of each student.

  A few things to keep in mind while reading these reports. “On Track” indicates where a typical student is in any given skill at this point in the school year. Expectations will rise as the year progresses and as we move from one grade level to the next. It would not be unexpected for a student to move from “On Track” to “Supporting” between reports. “Supporting” indicates an area of focus and growth for your student.
  
  

  Some common questions:

  • My student is “on track”, does that mean they have mastered this skill?
    • Not necessarily. It means that your student is where we would expect a student in their grade to be at this point in the school year. Some concepts may have just been introduced, and most students are just beginning to develop in this area. This would be considered “On Track”.
  • My student received several “Supporting” ratings. Should I be worried?
    • Absolutely not. We use this as a way of communicating targeted growth goals, and where we will be providing extra support. While “Supporting” does indicate an area where your student may fall outside of what is “typical”, it is atypical for a student to be “On Track” in all areas throughout the course of the year. We are in School for a reason! We are supporting all students throughout the course of the school year. In instances where we are providing more intensive support, or we have greater concern, you will have already been notified, and we will be working together towards a growth goal for your student.

   

  We hope you enjoy these reports. Reading through them, I was moved by how clear it is that our teachers know and care deeply for their students.
  
  Please reach out to me with any questions or feedback!

  
  Take Care,
  

  
  Clint McEwen
  Primary Division Director
  mcewenc@casady.org
  
  

  R.O.A.R. Program
  As part of our ongoing commitment to student safety and wellness, all PreK and Kindergarten students will once again participate in The CARE Center’s R.O.A.R. Program this year. This child abuse prevention program teaches body safety in a developmentally appropriate way and empowers children to protect themselves. Through engaging stories and activities, students meet a friendly lion named Rex, who teaches them his Rules of R.O.A.R.ing:
  
  R – Remember, privates are private
  O – Okay to say no
  A – Always talk about secrets
  R – Raise your voice and tell someone
  
  

  In this presentation, we use only the phrases “private parts” or “places covered by your swimsuit or underwear.” No other terms or specific language are introduced, and the word “abuse” is not used in the program.
  
  

  The lessons will be taught by Primary Division Counselor Emily Morris-Sill and Director of Student Support Services Samantha Kobs. After the lesson, students will bring home a Caregiver Guide for families to review together.
  
  

  To revisit last year's Parent Night and presentation slides about R.O.A.R., please visit the Student Support Services Resource Board in MyCasady or contact Samantha Kobs with any questions.

  
  Infant Crisis Family Service Event

  Primary Division families are invited to a service event with the Infant Crisis Center on the afternoon of Sunday, Nov. 16, from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Infant Crisis Services distributes kits of necessary items for their clients. Your family can donate the cost of those items, and then come as a family and help put the kits together. This is a fun way to turn service into a family activity and create some memories! For more information, email Father Youmans youmansts@casady.org or Rev. Baer at baerk@casady.org.
  
  Follow this link to donate your materials to register for the event.

• Nov. 2

  Dear Parents,
  
  Thank you to everyone who made this past week so special! From those who joined us for the parent coffee, helped with picture retakes, cheered on our little Cyclones during the costume parade, or volunteered at classroom parties, your time and energy make our community such a joyful place. We are grateful for you!

  
  

  Primary Diwali Presentation, Thursday, Nov. 7

  The question “In what ways are we the same, and in what ways are we different?” is an overarching curricular guidepost in Primary. Our annual Diwali presentation gives us the opportunity to reflect on how families celebrate. Common themes are loved ones coming together, eating lots of good food, and sharing family traditions. We look forward to learning more about Diwali from our Hindu community!
  
  

  Take Care,
  

  
  Clint McEwen
  Primary Division Director
  mcewenc@casady.org
  
  

  Infant Crisis Family Service Event

  Primary Division families are invited to a service event with the Infant Crisis Center on the afternoon of Sunday, Nov. 16, from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Infant Crisis Services distributes kits of necessary items for their clients. Your family can donate the cost of those items, and then come as a family and help put the kits together. This is a fun way to turn service into a family activity and create some memories! For more information, email Father Youmans youmansts@casady.org or Rev. Baer at baerk@casady.org.
  
  Follow this link to donate your materials to register for the event.

• Oct. 26

  Dear Parents,
  
  It’s an exciting week in Primary Division!
  
  

  Please join us for our annual Primary Division Halloween Parade! Our Halloween Parade will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 31. Our Primary students will parade around campus (route map). After the parade, your students will return to their class for a Halloween celebration and treat! Party volunteers will take class pictures of everyone in their costumes and post them in Group Me.

  
  

  Friday will be an out-of-uniform day. Please have your student dress in out-of-uniform clothes under their costumes. If clothes under their costumes do not work, please send a change of clothes for your student to change into after the parade. The easier the clothes are to put on independently the better!

  • Costumes should not have weapons, full face masks, face-paint, or be too scary or gory.
  • Parents are invited to attend the parade between 8:30-9:00 a.m.
  • Only parent volunteers will be admitted into the building after the parade.
  • Please do not send treats or party favors to School.
  • Please read our October 5, 13, and 19 Notes for additional details.

  Coffee with Mr. McEwen

  Please join us for “Coffee with Mr. McEwen” on Tuesday, Oct. 28, at 8:20 a.m. in our Loeffler Building Conference Room. This is an open format conversation, so just bring questions. I look forward to the opportunity to connect with you! 

  
  

  School Picture Retakes

  If you would like your child to retake their school pictures on Wednesday, please fill out this brief form.

  
  

  Primary Diwali Presentation, Thursday, Nov. 7

  The question “In what ways are we the same, and in what ways are we different?” is an overarching curricular guidepost in Primary. Our annual Diwali presentation gives us the opportunity to reflect on how families celebrate. Common themes are loved ones coming together, eating lots of good food, and sharing family traditions. We look forward to learning more about Diwali from our Hindu community!

  Take Care,
  

  
  Clint McEwen
  Primary Division Director
  mcewenc@casady.org
  
  

  Infant Crisis Family Service Event

  Primary Division Families are invited to a service event with the Infant Crisis Center on the afternoon of Sunday, Nov. 16, from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Infant Crisis Services distributes kits of necessary items for their clients. Your family can donate the cost of those items, and then come as a family and help put the kits together. This is a fun way to turn service into a family activity and create some memories! For more information, email Father Youmans youmansts@casady.org or Rev. Baer at baerk@casady.org. Follow the link to donate your materials to register for the event. https://infant-crisis.networkforgood.com/projects/260489-2025-blessings-bags-at-infant-crisis-services

• Oct. 19

  Dear Parents,
  
  It’s an exciting week in Primary Division!
  
  Tuesday is a OKC Thunder Spirit Day. Let’s cheer our champs on for their first game of the new season. Come to School dressed in Thunder gear or Thunder colors.
  
  Friday is our Pumpkin Patch Field Trip. RSVP for bus transportation has now closed. Buses will leave Casady at 8:30 a.m. and return at 11:30 a.m. See the Oct. 5 and Oct. 13 Division Notes for more information.
  
  Sunday, Oct. 26 is Primary and Lower Division Trunk or Treat! If you haven’t RSVP’d please do so here. We will send an estimated headcount to families hosting trunks on Wednesday, Oct. 22.
  
  

  Please join us for “Coffee with Mr. McEwen” on Tuesday, Oct. 28, at 8:20 a.m. in our Loeffler Building Primary Division Conference Room. This is an open-format conversation, so just bring questions. I look forward to the opportunity to connect with you!

  
  Universal Screeners
  Casady School will participate in universal social-emotional and behavioral (SEB) screenings as part of a larger effort to enhance the health and wellness of Casady students. Universal screening is a process for identifying strengths, needs, and useful information so that students can be better supported in interventions that prevent or reduce challenges and promote resiliency. Screenings in the school setting are not used for diagnostic purposes but will help us understand and monitor the social and emotional functioning of our students. Screenings will be completed at the end of October.
  

  • The Social Skills Improvement System (SSIS-SEL) screener will be used for Primary and Lower Divisions.
  • The screenings will be completed by the homeroom teachers.
  • You will be notified by a member of our Student Support Services Team, if the results indicate that your student could benefit from school-based interventions or parental consultation.
  • If this is the case, Samantha Kobs and/or Emily Morris-Sill will share the overall results with you and discuss ways you can get support for your student. You will not be contacted if your student is found not to need additional support.
  • Please complete this Casady SEB opt-out form if you do not want your student to be screened.

  Reach out to Samantha Kobs with any questions.
  
  

  Take Care,
  

  
  Clint McEwen
  Primary Division Director
  mcewenc@casady.org
  
  Halloween Parade and Classroom Celebrations
  Please read our Oct. 5 and Oct. 13 Notes for additional details. To maintain a secure learning environment, only parents who are volunteering for the celebrations will be permitted into the Loeffler Building after the parade. Thank you for your cooperation. The Parade Route map will be coming in next week’s Division Notes.

• Oct. 13

  Dear Primary Division Parents,
  
  Field Trip
  

  Please see our Oct. 5 Notes for full details. If you haven’t yet RSVP’d for our field trip to Parkhurst Pumpkin Patch in Arcadia, please do so here.
  
  Universal Screeners
  Casady School will participate in universal social-emotional and behavioral (SEB) screenings as part of a larger effort to enhance the health and wellness of Casady students. Universal screening is a process for identifying strengths, needs, and useful information so that students can be better supported in interventions that prevent or reduce challenges and promote resiliency. Screenings in the school setting are not used for diagnostic purposes but will help us understand and monitor the social and emotional functioning of our students. Screenings will be completed at the end of October.
  

  • The Social Skills Improvement System (SSIS-SEL) screener will be used for Primary and Lower Divisions.
  • The screenings will be completed by the homeroom teachers.
  • You will be notified by a member of our Student Support Services team, if the results indicate that your student could benefit from school-based interventions or parental consultation.
  • If this is the case, Samantha Kobs and/or Emily Morris-Sill will share the overall results with you and discuss ways you can get support for your student. You will not be contacted if your student is found not to need additional support.
  • Please complete this Casady SEB opt-out form if you do not want your student to be screened.

  Reach out to Samantha Kobs with any questions.
  
  

  Decorate a Pumpkin to Bring
  When we return on Tuesday, 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. 14-31. Pro-tip: pumpkins that your student can carry independently work best!
  
  

  Trunk or Treat
  RSVP is OPEN for Sunday, Oct. 26,  from 3:30-4:30 p.m. We can’t wait to see your best decorations and costumes, Cyclones! Please note this will not be a nut-free event, so families with food allergies should plan accordingly. 
  
  Halloween Parade and Classroom Celebrations
  I’ve had a few questions about costumes. It is impossible to give guidelines that cover every costume. We ask for no masks because we do not want our students' vision obscured during the parade. It is a long walk. Also, your student should be able to comfortably walk in their costume it for 10-15 minutes without stopping. Weapons, or anything that resembles a weapon (this includes handcuffs, lassos, etc.) do not belong at School. If you have questions about your costume, please reach out to me or your teacher. It is always difficult to tell a student on the morning of the exciting parade that we need to leave part of their costume behind. We appreciate your support!
  
  Please read our Oct. 5 Notes for additional details.

  
  Take Care,
  

  
  Clint McEwen
  Primary Division Director
  mcewenc@casady.org
  
  

  Coffee with Mr. McEwen

  Please join us for  “Coffee with Mr. McEwen” on Tuesday, Oct. 28, at 8:20 a.m. in our Loeffler Primary Division Conference Room. This is an open format conversation, so just bring questions. I look forward to the opportunity to connect with you!
  
  

  SoulCraft Update

  PreK - Self Talk

  • Summary: PreK students will learn about “self-talk” and how it helps them focus and pay attention.
  • Try This at Home: Self-talk is when you use child-friendly language to narrate what you are doing around the house. You can model this by talking about what you are touching, seeing, feeling, smelling, hearing, etc.

  Kindergarten - Mistakes Are Okay!
  

  • Summary: In this week’s lesson, your student is learning that mistakes are a natural part of the learning process. They’ll practice encouraging their classmates, and themselves, while the class learns and practices a skill together: snapping their fingers.
  • Try This at Home: Remind your student that everyone makes mistakes and that mistakes help us learn. Point out when you make mistakes or tell them a story about a time you learned something from making a mistake.

• Oct. 5

  Dear Primary Division Parents,
  
  

  We're excited to announce our upcoming Primary Division community gathering! On Friday, Oct. 24, 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 Loeffler Primary Division 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 at your earliest convenience.
  
  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 Division 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!

  
  Take Care,
  

  
  Clint McEwen
  Primary Division Director
  mcewenc@casady.org
  
  

  Decorate a Pumpkin to Bring
  Beginning Oct. 14, 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. 14-31.
  
  Pro-Tip: pumpkins that your student can carry independently work best!
  
  

  Trunk or Treat
  Mark your calendars for Sunday, Oct. 26, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. We'll be hosting our annual Trunk or Treat event on campus, welcoming both Casady 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 and Classroom Celebrations
  Additional details will follow, but here are some things to remember for Oct. 31.
  

  • All parents are invited to attend the parade. Only parent volunteers will be allowed in the building following the parade.
  • Please do not send extra treats or party favors to School. Save those for Trunk or Treat!
  • Costume guidelines
    • no weapons
    • no full face masks
    • no 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 for  “Coffee with Mr. McEwen” on Tuesday, Oct. 28, at 8:20 a.m. in our Loeffler Primary Division Conference Room. This is an open format conversation, so just bring questions. I look forward to the opportunity to connect with you!

• Sept. 28

  Dear Primary Division Parents,
  
  

  Last week, we welcomed Ms. Jahree Sadler, a student from Langston University who is completing her field experience. Ms. Sadler will observe in Primary during the next two months. We are excited about our new partnership with Langston University.

  
  

  We also welcomed two new Helpers to Primary this week. Ms. Biggerstaff ‘21 will help our PreK classes each morning. Mrs. Bennett will help us later in the afternoons and in After Care each day. We are excited to have them on our team!

  
  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
  
  

  Picture Day is Tues. Sept. 30

  For ordering information, visit jhollandphotography.com. You may pre-order at a discounted rate, or order at full price once the proofs have been uploaded. Call Johnny Holland at 405-341-5088 for ordering questions or help.

  
  

  Please remember that students are to wear their dress uniforms for photos. Please review the following guidelines for our Dress Uniform:
  
  One of the following uniform options is required for all students on designated Dress Days:

  • Sailor dress with white tie OR
  • Navy polo with Casady crest, khaki pants, shorts, or skirt/skort
  • In cooler weather, a navy sweater, sweater vest, or cardigan.
  • Navy or white hair accessories only

  No red sweaters or hair accessories, please.

• Sept. 21

  Dear Primary Division Parents,
  
  

  This week is Safety Week. All divisions across campus will be participating 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 student participating in a drill, please contact Clint McEwen.
  
  

  Drills can be an abstract concept for our young students, so we want to keep their focus on the concrete idea that grownups are here to keep us safe. When talking to your student about Safety Week, keep it simple. If they have questions, don’t lead, and 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 routines helps keep us safe at Casady.
  • If you are frightened, worried, or unsure what to do, your teacher is here to help.
  • Our teachers have a plan and know what to do to keep us safe.

  Fire Drill - Tuesday Morning
  

  • You will hear a loud buzzing noise. This noise tells us it is time to stop and look at your teacher.
  • 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.

  Tornado Drill - Wednesday Afternoon
  

  • 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, Secure Campus/Lockdown - Thursday Unannounced
  

  • You will hear a voice over the intercom, like what we hear at carpool.
  • 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 grownups 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 will be Friday, Sept. 26. 
  I often hear questions about the timing of this first conference - it seems so early to provide feedback about your students 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 but to give you some time with your teacher to ask questions, share information about life at home, and develop a good foundation for the partnership that is of the most important support structures for your student during this school year. I am sure you will enjoy this time with your teacher. We are looking forward to seeing you on Friday!
  
  

  Childcare will be available during your student’s conference time only.

• Sept. 14

  Dear Primary Divison Parents,
  
  A good night’s sleep is vital to your child’s well-being. Just as you would never deny them a meal, you should not deny them the rest that their bodies need to be healthy. Three to five-year-olds should get 10 to 13 hours each night, and six to 12-year-olds should get nine to 12 hours.
  
  Lack of sleep leads to behavior issues, difficulty with concentration, impulse control, and self-regulation. As we approach the time change this fall, this is a good opportunity to examine our bedtimes and recommit to our children’s rest. Committing to a good night’s sleep often means sacrificing extra activities, social engagements, and most difficult of all,  time spent with your child. The payoff, however, is a happy and rested child who is operating at optimal levels. Getting good rest is hard, but the results are worth it.
  
  As we establish our school year routines, it is always helpful to consider how much rest our children are getting. Sleep is fundamental to our children’s ability to focus, regulate emotions, work through challenges, and engage others with kindness.
  
  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. 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
  
  

  Vision Screenings
  Complimentary vision screenings will be held Monday. If further evaluation is recommended after the screening, you will be notified through the school nurse’s office.
  
  

  This Week In SoulCraft

  Kindergarten - Why We Pay Attention

  • Summary: In this week’s lesson, your student will learn two important reasons for paying attention: to learn and to stay safe.
  • Try This at Home: Ask your student why they think it’s important to pay attention during different activities, for example, when listening to information or instructions, when helping out with a task, or when crossing the street with you.

  PreK - Listening

  • Summary: PreK students will learn about the Listening Rules:
    • Eyes watching. Point to your eye.
    • Ears listening. Cup your ears with your hands.
    • Voice quiet. Put your finger to your lips.
    • Body calm. Hug your body with both arms.
  • Try This at Home: Ask your student to demonstrate “eyes watching, ears listening, voice quiet, and body calm”.

• Sept. 7

  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 rotate as homeroom groups through our core academic areas of Math and Sensorial, Language Arts, and Practical Life, as well as giving you an overview of our enrichment classes.
  
  

  You can view the Tuesday Evening PreK Parent Night, and the Wednesday evening Kindergarten Schedule here.
  
  

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

  Take Care,
  

  
  Clint McEwen
  Primary Division Director
  mcewenc@casady.org
  
  Gmail and Blackbaud
  

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

   

  Please click the links below to be taken to a webpage that has links to each of the School's official communications from last week.

  • Casady Connection - Sept. 4
  • Fall Parent Teacher Conferences - Sept. 3
  • Announcing Casady's Chief Development Officer - Sept. 3

  
  Athletic and After School Events
  We love our Casady Community and relish the opportunities to come together. While our beautiful campus is a wonderful place to gather, we want to remind parents that athletic events, picnics, and festivals are not supervised. Please keep an eye on your students to ensure the safety of everyone.

• Sept. 1

  Dear Primary Division Parents,
  
  

  Our weekly Primary Division Chapel begins on Friday, Sept. 5. Chapel is always held on the last day of our school week. Our Chapel service is rooted in the Episcopal tradition and is a wonderful 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 religious 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 will begin the year celebrating our Chapel services in Primary until repair and renovation work is completed in the Chapel of St. Edward the Confessor.
  
  

  Chapel is open to family members. Some students are able to handle the separation from their parents after the Chapel service better than others. Follow your student to see whether spending Chapel time together is a benefit or a stress.
  
  

  If you do attend, come to the Loeffler Primary Division Building by 10:20 a.m. We will have chairs set up in the main and Kindergarten hallways. Please find a seat and wait for the classes to be seated. Once settled, your student’s teacher will send them to you. If there is room once all classes are seated you may move your chairs forward. Keeping parents and students seated in the back allows a better view for all students and is less of a distraction during Chapel time. During Chapel, we model that it is a peaceful and quiet listening time.
  
  

  4-Day students do not attend Chapel.
  
  

  Take Care,
  

  
  Clint McEwen
  Primary Division Director
  mcewenc@casady.org
  
  

  Half-Day Families and Playground Availability
  We are fortunate to have a wonderful playground at Casady, and we love to use it! Our playground is available to families after school hours, but not during the school day. It is used by Primary and Lower Divisions, and the scheduling at times is tight. Thank you for your help!
  
  

  Parent Information Nights
  Our Parent Information Nights are coming up. Four- and Five-Day PreK will meet Tuesday, Sept. 9, at 6:00 p.m. Kindergarten will meet Wednesday, Sept. 10, at 6:00 p.m. in the Loeffler Primary Division Building. This is a great opportunity to come and hear about our curriculum. You will have a chance to hear each of your student’s teachers discuss the “how’s and why’s” of our Montessori-based education. This event is intended for parents, and childcare will not be available during these times.

• Aug. 24

  Dear Primary Division Parents,
  
  

  It has been so much fun to have our building full of students who are excited to begin their new school year! Seeing old friends and making new ones is part of what makes this time of year so special. Here are a few reminders and announcements for the week ahead:

  • Our Wednesday Schedule begins this week. We will have early care beginning at 7:30 a.m. Our regular drop-off begins at 8:45 a.m. Please try to have your student to School by 9:05 a.m.
  • Wednesday is Crazy Sock Day. Have fun showing some flair on your feet!

  
  

  Take Care,
  

  
  Clint McEwen
  Primary Division Director
  mcewenc@casady.org
  
  Lunch Reminder
  We are a “Nut Aware” school, which means we do not allow our students to bring or consume peanuts or tree nuts on campus. This includes products that “may have been manufactured in a facility with peanuts or tree nuts. Many cereal, granola, or protein bars fall into this category. Look for items labeled “school-friendly” as a safe alternative. A “school-friendly protein bars” search on Amazon will turn up lots of options. Thank you for your help in keeping all of our students safe.
  
  

  Student Support Services

  We’re excited to share that our Lower/Primary Division Counselor, Mrs. Emily Morris, welcomed a baby boy into her family over the summer! She is on maternity leave at the start of the school year and plans to return by the end of September. In her absence, we have support in place to ensure our students continue to receive the care and guidance they need. If you have any questions or need assistance during this time, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Director of Student Support Services Samantha Kobs at (405) 749-3129.
  
  

  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 student’s screening suggests a further evaluation is needed. 

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

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

• Aug. 17

  Dear Primary Division Parents,
  
  

  Our first day of school is right around the corner! We’ve been enjoying a quieter summer, preparing classrooms, organizing materials, and making sure everything is ready for your student to have a smooth and joyful start to the year.
  
  Orientation is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 20, and we can’t wait to welcome you and your student to Primary Division. Your orientation time should have been emailed to you on July 10. 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!

  
  

  Take Care,
  

  
  Clint McEwen
  Primary Division Director
  mcewenc@casady.org

• Aug. 3 - Back to School Orientation

  Dear Primary Division Parents,
  
  

  Welcome to the 2025–26 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 tomorrow, 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 student’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.
  

   

  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
  
  

  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 10 stating your orientation and “meet the teacher” times on Aug. 20. If you did not receive this email, please contact the Primary Division Office. Our first regular day of classes is Aug. 21.
  
  

  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 a.m. - see details below), and students are released at 2:55 p.m.
  
  Please make every effort to have your student 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 announce that all of our Primary Division faculty from last year will be returning in their previous roles. While losing faculty is a natural part of the life of a school, it is something to celebrate when we have all of our teachers return. Thank you for all that you do to support them.
  
  

  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.
  

  • 4-Day and 5-Day Pre-K Parent Info Night
    • Tuesday, Sept. 9 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. 
  • Kindergarten Parent Info Night
    • Wednesday, Sept. 10 from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

  Registration is still open for Casady's After School Care program. 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. 27. 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: 7:30-7:45 a.m. Arrival: 7:45-8:05 a.m. Start of Morning Group Time: 8:10 a.m.	Early Arrival drop-off period: 7:30-8:00 a.m. Arrival: 8:45-9:05 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. 

   

  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 student’s screening suggests a further evaluation is needed. 
  
  

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

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

  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 student’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 student’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 student 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 to Director of Student Support Services Samantha Kobs if you have any questions or if we can support your family in any way.

• July 15 - Mid Summer Update

  Dear Primary Division Parents,
  
  

  Happy Mid-Summer!
  
  You should have received an email this past week containing your student’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 Division School Bags
  Our school bags are provided to you each year at no cost. We ask that all students use these bags instead of other types of backpacks, etc.
  
  

  If you would like to have your student's name embroidered on their school bag for the cost of $15, please submit this form by Friday, July 18, to have it ready to be picked up at orientation. The embroidery is optional. All charges will be added to your student's book bill. Bags not embroidered will have the student's name written by their teacher. All Primary students will receive one school bag at the beginning of the year.
  
  

  Please fill out one form for each Primary Student.
  
  

  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 Casady 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 student some meals in them and have your student practice opening and closing the containers and lunch box 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 student 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 student’s peers’ needs. We will give you more information on this at orientation.
    
    

  Back to School Playdates - Casady Parents' Organization
  Aug. 16
  Primary Division Playground
  
  A casual, come-and-go event hosted by your CPO. Please join us to connect or reconnect with your peer families.
  

  • PreK: 9:00-10:00 a.m.
  • Kindergarten: 10:30-11:30 a.m.
    
    

  Take Care,
  

  
  Clint McEwen
  Primary Division Director
  mcewenc@casady.org

• June 13 - Early Summer Reminders

  Dear Primary Division Parents,
  

   

  Our incoming, or new to Primary, students will receive their class placements in July 10.
   
  There is a uniform exchange for gently used uniforms set up in the Primary Division lobby. Feel free to drop-off, swap, or pick-up uniforms during summer office hours. Thank you for your help with keeping the tables tidy and organized.

   

  Take Care,
  

  
  Clint McEwen
  Primary Division Director
  mcewenc@casady.org