Upper Division Notes

List of 13 items.

• Oct. 19

  Dear Upper Division,

  
  

  This past Thursday we welcomed a luminary onto our campus, the renowned author Dr. Chitra Divakaruni. She was as kind and gracious as she is talented. Our students were gifted three sessions with our guest. In the morning, she met with a group of students who were interested in a creative writing session. Not only did Professor Divakaruni share her own struggles and methods, but she quickly switched into teacher mode, allowing us a glimpse of what it means to sit in a graduate seminar under the Gene and Betty McDavid Professor of Creative Writing, where she teaches at the University of Houston. As the students delved into one of her short stories, “Mrs. Dutta Writes a Letter,” she introduced the students to Freytag’s Pyramid, opening the curtain to how an author creates tension in a story without losing the reader.
  
  

  In the late morning, all students gathered in Fee Theater to hear a presentation on the book our juniors and seniors read, "One Amazing Thing." Professor Divakaruni began with the impactful experience of how her family fled from Hurricane Rita and quickly became stuck in traffic outside of Houston. In those trying circumstances, she saw how adversity creates an opportunity for character, as grown men and women split into two groups: those who literally became embroiled in fits of anger and even physical altercations, and those who demonstrated the most incredible acts of grace and charity, sharing food and precious reserves of water. This experience was the inspiration for the setting for our summer read, in which a diverse group of individuals becomes trapped in a building during an earthquake. What an experience for our teachers and students to hear about an author’s process!

  
  In the afternoon, parents and teachers were treated to a luncheon with our guest. Many of our parents were long fans and had read far beyond "One Amazing Thing." It was a rare treat to ask questions and join in laughter together. To conclude her visit, Professor Divakaruni met with sophomores, who were able to ask pointed questions about her short story.

  
  I am thankful to Head of School Nathan Sheldon for allowing us the resources to bring this author to campus. There were also so many of our faculty and staff who played critical roles in making our author feel warm and welcome, but most especially our English teachers, who prepared lessons, and our English Department Chair, Stephanie Crossno. 

  
  Sincerely,
  
  Marc Addington
  Upper Division Director
  addingtonm@casady.org
  
  

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

  
  Chapel Collect for Week of Oct. 19
  Almighty and everlasting God, in Christ you have revealed your glory among the nations: Preserve the works of your mercy, that your Church throughout the world may persevere with steadfast faith in the confession of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

  
  

  PSAT and Practice ACT Testing

  On Wednesday, October 22 at 9:00 a.m. all freshmen and juniors will take the PSAT and all sophomores will take a practice ACT.

   

  Please note that juniors testing with extended time will begin at 8:30 a.m.

   

  Room assignments will be posted in the buildings on Tuesday. Students should report to their testing rooms at 8:45 a.m. Remember to plan accordingly for the Wednesday schedule drop-off. You may wear spirit dress for testing. 
  
  

  There are no classes that day so students are dismissed upon completion of their test. This should be around 11:30 a.m. for PSAT and 12:15 p.m. for PreACT. However, teams will have practice; contact the coach for specific details.
  
  

  The practice ACT is a traditional paper-and-pencil test, so no special setup is required. Sophomores should bring sharpened pencils and a calculator.
  
  

  The PSAT/NMSQT for juniors, and the PSAT 8/9 for freshmen, are digital. We have met with most of them more than once to get the BlueBook testing program loaded and ready on their devices. If your student still needs to install the program and/or run a readiness check on their device, have them see Ms. Infantino ASAP.
  
  

  Some final suggestions for PSAT takers:
  

  • Familiarize yourself with the testing program by selecting “Test Preview” on the BlueBook home page.
  • Make sure your computer is fully charged before the test. We strongly suggest you bring a power cord and/or charger just in case you need to plug in, especially if you will be using extra time.
  • If you need to pick up a computer from the IT Department you should get here at 8:30 a.m.
  • Bring a pencil or pen for scratch work and a calculator. There is a graphing calculator built into the testing app if you don’t have one.
  • Finally, see Ms. Infantino or Ms. Kisselle if you have any questions. For help with setting up your computer you can see Mr. King in the IT Office, located in Blaik Hall.

  
  12th Grade College Application Workshop
  On Wednesday, Oct. 22, from 9:00 a.m. to Noon we will be offering a chance for seniors to work on their applications with the college counseling team off-campus on the second floor of Uptown Grocery.
  
  Please see the email we sent last Thursday for more details about Oct. 22!
  
  

  Fall-Term Exams

  Students can view their fall-term exam schedule in MyCasady by clicking on “My Day” and “Schedule” and scrolling to the week of Dec. 15. Art and computer classes, debate, and, of course, study halls do not have exams. Please make a note of this schedule before making travel arrangements.
  
  

  SAT Testing

  Casady is offering the SAT on campus to juniors on Monday, March 23. Registration information will be available in the coming months, but please mark your calendars and take this date into consideration as you make Spring Break plans. 

• Oct. 13

  Dear Upper Division,

  
  

  As you know from Mr. Sheldon’s communication last year, we are reexamining how we use time in the Upper Division. This is a healthy activity for schools to do from time to time. We review our current practices, what works and what doesn’t. What are the changing needs of our students? What does the state of the art research say about the most effective way for students to learn and teachers to deliver? How are our students thriving (or not) in the current structure? Most importantly, the goal of Upper Division is to develop in our students the skills and independence to thrive on college campuses. Are we accomplishing that goal?

  
  A few weeks ago, we underwent a micro-experiment. For those of you who are unfamiliar with our schedule, we have a “waterfall” schedule, which means we rotate our classes. If today I start with math, tomorrow math will be my second class and I will start with English, and so on. We don’t have all of our classes everyday. In practice, for every six days of school, each class meets four 50-minute periods. Lastly, to allow us flexibility in how we use time and to allow our faculty to learn how to teach in a longer block, the designers of our current schedule created “flex” periods. Once every six school days, a teacher can either extend a class 20 minutes in the x20 or add a 50-minute class into the six day cycle. That choice also means that when a teacher doesn’t take one of those flex periods, students have free time. Phew! If you are still reading, thank you.

  
  Our experiment was to remove teacher choice for the flex periods, forcing them all to take the x50 for a full cycle (6 days). This allowed our School to maintain the regular shape of the schedule but to have class meetings, pep rallies, and more advisory time in the x20 period. We were therefore able to coordinate programming without running special schedules or removing advisory.

  
  On the other hand, it was clear that for teachers and students, the rhythm was off. Some students, who don’t have off periods, regularly capitalized on having either the x20 or x50 to study or knock out some homework. That was sorely missed. Even though we communicated early and clearly, it was a tough shift for everyone. In summary, even the best conceived scheduling change is still a *change*. It requires different muscles and thinking to arrive at a new normal. We must keep this lesson foremost in our mind as we move forward.

  
  Sincerely,
  
  Marc Addington
  Upper Division Director
  addingtonm@casady.org
  
  

  UD Yearbook Photos
  Upper Division families who purchased physical yearbook photos may not have received their photo packets on Thursday. To ensure that families have adequate time to review photos, Upper Division's picture retake day has been moved to Tuesday, Oct. 21.

  
  UD families who purchased digital photos should have received an email from J. Holland Photography. For families who have not yet purchased yearbook photos, but would like to review photos, please contact J. Holland Photography.

  
  Chapel Collect for Week of October 12
  Lord, we pray that your grace may always precede and follow us, that we may continually be given to good works; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

  
  

  PSAT and Practice ACT Testing

  Freshmen and juniors will take the PSAT on Wednesday, Oct. 22, at 9:00 a.m. Students who did not complete last week’s digital readiness check or who had technical problems need to see Ms. Infantino ASAP. Contact Ms. Infantino or Mr. King in IT if you have any questions. You will receive further details from College Counseling.
  
  

  Casady will offer a practice ACT to all sophomores on Wednesday, Oct. 22, at 9:00 a.m. We partner with Compass Education Group each year to provide this opportunity free of charge. All students have already been registered, and you should expect to receive some email communication from Compass prior to the test. If you have any questions about the practice ACT, please email Ms. Kisselle.
  
  Note: there are no classes on Oct. 22. Students are dismissed upon completion of their test - PSAT around 11:30 a.m. and PreACT around 12:15 p.m. Lunch will not be served. Student-athletes should check with their coach for practice information.
  
  12th Grade College Application Workshop
  On Wednesday, Oct. 22, from 9:00 a.m. to Noon we will be offering a chance for seniors to work on their applications with the college counseling team off-campus on the second floor of Uptown Grocery.
  
  Please see the email we sent last Thursday for more details about Oct. 22!

  Fall-Term Exams

  Students can view their fall-term exam schedule in MyCasady by clicking on “My Day” and “Schedule” and scrolling to the week of Dec. 15. Art and computer classes, debate, and, of course, study halls do not have exams. Please make a note of this schedule before making travel arrangements.
  
  

  SAT Testing

  Casady is offering the SAT on campus to juniors on Monday, March 23. Registration information will be available in the coming months but please mark your calendars and take this date into consideration as you make Spring Break plans. 

• Oct. 5

  Dear Upper Division,

  
  

  There is nothing like Homecoming at Casady. There are games, events, revelry, dress-up days, and just a lot of fun. Students come together in the most interesting ways. Below was an impromptu group of gentlemen on our “4th of July” dress-up day, marching in linked arms. 

   

  Spirit was high throughout the week. Yes, there was still learning, tests, and quizzes, but over half the class was out for Thursday’s Night Rally, casting powder at each other and dancing the night away. Apparently, Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry, and Lady Gaga are still a part of the high school dance curriculum.
  
  

  Homecoming wouldn’t be homecoming without alumni. As I write this on a Friday, we are anticipating what recent and distant graduates will come for the pep rally and football game. This past Thursday, we were treated to a conversation with two distinguished graduates, Mark McCubbin ’74, recipient of this year’s Distinguished Graduate Award, and Patrick Wert '09, recipient of the Young Alumni Achievement Award.

  
  Both men felt well prepared for their college journeys. In comparison to their peers, they were composed and able to meet the demands of their higher education at Dartmouth and Boston University. Mr. McCubbin reflected on his sophomore and junior English teacher, Margaret Tuck, who could be rather intimidating and even frightful. As he navigated her class, the realization came that what she was doing was to be uncompromising about his effort, “failure was actually acceptable; mediocrity and anything less than your best effort was not.” That lesson stayed with him well beyond Casady.

  
  When asked about the challenges, both alumni recognized how tough the curriculum was, but social interactions could often rival academic preoccupation. For Mr. Wert, “pressure makes a diamond.” For his father, also a graduate, the present investment in challenge paid dividends down the road. Mr. McCubbin saw in retrospect that social interactions were not just difficult for him, but for everyone else. You just didn’t always see it. Yet, we made it through and grew from the experience.

  
  As we close this week, we are thankful for the joy and spirit we hold for each other and this School. Moreover, we are thankful for the many returns from our alumni, our students, and our families. Most importantly, we are reminded of the great resource we have in our community, which at the same time challenges, supports, and nurtures.

  
  Sincerely,
  
  Marc Addington
  Upper Division Director
  addingtonm@casady.org
  
  

  Collect for Week of Oct. 5

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

  PSAT testing - Oct. 22

  Ms. Infantino and Ms. Russell will complete a PSAT digital readiness check with the Freshmen this week. Please make sure your student brings their laptop and remembers the user ID and password for their College Board account. They should also have the Bluebook testing program installed on their device. Contact Ms. Infantino or Mr. King in IT if you have any questions.
  
  

  Fall-Term Exams

  Students can view their fall-term exam schedule in MyCasady by clicking on “My Day” and “Schedule” and scrolling to the week of Dec. 15. Art and computer classes, debate, and, of course, study halls do not have exams. Please make a note of this schedule before making travel arrangements.
  
  

  SAT Testing

  Casady is offering the SAT on campus to juniors on Monday, March 23. Registration information will be available in the coming months but please mark your calendars and take this date into consideration as you make Spring Break plans. 

• Sept. 28

  Dear Upper Division,

  
  

  In anticipation of Brene Brown’s newly released book, "Strong Ground," I have been listening to a few interviews. In a recent conversation with Lulu Garcia-Navarro from the New York Times, Dr. Brown spoke about the advantages of leading with vulnerability at work.

  
  

  As usual, there were several points, which easily carry over to schools and education: how important it is for leaders to have courageous, hard conversations; how lifeless work can be under someone you don’t respect; the instability of the marketplace.

  
  

  Most critically for us as parents and teachers, there were several insights into Gen Z. Staying on brand, Dr. Brown leaned into vulnerability. As Gen X parents seeking to protect our kids from the traumatic experiences we had, along the way we confused adversity with trauma. In doing so, our kids missed out on healthy adversity, which is so important for growth, maturity, and resilience.

  
  

  In a related way, Dr. Brown recognized an accompanying shift in workplace behaviors between Gen X and Gen Z. While in some ways they lack experience with adversity, in others they show remarkable resistance to fear or command. When a boss asked us to do something, we were used to saying “yes!” “I’m on that.” Gen Z needs the ‘why.’ In order to get what you need out of Gen Z employees (and, for teachers, our students), we have to lead from the purpose or end goal. When you utilize those levers, not only do we have forward movement, but we leave room for our young charges to carry the mission forward.

   

  As we go this week, I challenge us all to pause before our instinctive 'just do it' responses. Instead, let's lead with purpose, share the 'why,' and create space for our students not just to follow our mission, but to make it their own. After all, our goal isn't to train obeisance—it's to instill character in young persons who can carry our values forward long after they leave our halls.

  
  Sincerely,
  
  Marc Addington
  Upper Division Director
  
  

  Homecoming Schedule
  

  • Monday, Sept. 29, is Christmas Morning theme. Students can wear their pajamas to School. Grades will compete in Class Feud at 6:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Sept. 30, is 4th of July. Students should wear their most patriotic Red, White, and Blue. Tuesday evening will be Powder Puff Field Hockey on Gibson Football Field at 6:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Oct. 1, is World Cup Day. Students can wear their favorite sports jersey.
  • Thursday, Oct. 2 is Music Festival Day. Students may wear their favorite artist, genre, or concert tee. Night Rally starts with Food trucks at 6:00 p.m. followed by Capture the Flag, Color Wars, and Silent Disco on the Athletics Plaza. Evening activities end at 9:00 p.m.
  • Friday, Oct. 3, is Spirit Day with the All School Pep Rally at 2:00 p.m. Field Hockey hosts Hockaday at 3:30 p.m. CPO Tailgate begins at 5:30 p.m., and Cyclone Football hosts Newkirk at 7:00 p.m. 
  • Saturday, Oct. 4, is the Homecoming UD Dance to be held on the McClendon Lawn at 8:00-10:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person.

  
  

  PSAT testing (October 22)

  Juniors will complete a digital readiness check for the PSAT during Advisory on Wednesday, Oct. 1. Ms. Infantino and Mrs. Russell will complete the check with the Freshmen on October 6 and 7. Please make sure your student brings their laptop and remembers the user ID and password for their College Board account.
  
  They should also have the Bluebook testing program installed on their device.
  
  Contact Ms. Infantino infantinoj@casady.org or Mr. King in IT at helpdesk@casady.org if you have any questions.
  
  

  Collect for September 28-Oct 4

  O God, you declare your almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity: Grant us the fullness of your grace, that we, running to obtain your promises, may become partakers of your heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

• Sept. 21

  Dear Upper Division,

  
  

  This week I want to highlight a tradition set in place in the 1980s by Casady students, the signing of the honor code. As I understand it, our students felt that signing the honor code in Chapel witnessed by their peers and teachers did two important things. The public signing recognized that honor was a community value. Moreover, signing the honor code in Chapel elevated the commitment to honor as sacred.

  
  Earlier this week, Fr. Youmans framed the ceremony with the words of the prophet Ezekiel:

  
  And he said to me, “Son of man, feed your belly with this scroll that I give you and fill your stomach with it.” Then I ate it, and it was in my mouth as sweet as honey. Ezekiel 3:3 (ESV)

  
  When we take something we value and not attend to the outward forms but rather we put those values inside us, our actions follow our heart.

  
  I recognize that our students have a different environment than we had. Attention is divided incredibly by the cell phone and social media. Access to information is, for good or ill, at our fingertips. AI allows anyone to easily replicate human thought. It is therefore still important, vitally so, that we emphasize the sacred nature of our honor code, and what it means for students to authentically and openly present themselves.

  
  On a final note, students who signed the honor code were invited to eat cake in our transept as a nice ring composition from the scriptural reference to “feed your belly with this scroll.”
  
  Sincerly,
  
  Marc Addington
  Upper Division Director
  
  

  Ninth and 10th Grade Parent College Night
  Sept. 24, 7:00 p.m. 
  Records Building
  
  

  During this event for parents and guardians of ninth and 10th grade students, our team will provide an overview of the Upper Division journey through college counseling and the services we offer. We will also discuss our philosophy, the national landscape, recent changes to the process, and what your students can be doing now to prepare. 
  
  

  We look forward to seeing you on Sept. 24!
  
  

  Paying for College Webinar
  Sept. 25, 7:00 p.m.
  
  

  We are excited to be partnering again with Dean of Admission at Texas Christian University Mandy Castro to host our annual Paying for College Webinar. While this session is targeted toward 12th grade families, we invite any Upper Division family interested in learning more about the financial aid and scholarship process to join us for this one hour webinar. We will cover the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the CSS Profile, and scholarships to allow you to explore your options to help pay for college. 
  
  

  You can join the webinar on Thursday evening here.

  
  PSAT Testing

  All freshmen and juniors will take a PSAT on Oct. 22. This test is online so they need to have a laptop and a College Board account. Students created/checked their accounts and installed the BlueBook testing program during class meetings last week.
  
  Instructions for students who missed it can be found here. Students should contact Ms. Infantino ASAP if they are unable to complete this setup or need a device for testing.

• Sept. 14

  Dear Upper Division,

  
  

  When teachers are surveyed about what they want to teach or impart to their students, there are some typical answers. Of course, we want to teach our subject, the content and skills, but more importantly, we want to help our students be better people, to find purpose in their lives, and to thrive. Character education is a big part of this. This principle of developing resilience through challenge is beautifully illustrated by Julie Lythcott-Haims, author of "How to Raise an Adult," who strongly recommends us to develop self-efficacy in our children: “to try, learn, grow, persevere, achieve.”

  
  I was reminded of this while listening to an interview with the famous literary critic and professor of comparative literature, George Steiner. He recalled a formative experience in his education, when he learned to meet challenges head-on. Born with a withered arm, he struggled to use his right hand, but his mother had other plans. Else Steiner was a grand dame of the early twentieth century Viennese society. With ample means at hand, she easily afforded the best medical care available, but her approach went beyond medical treatment. Her mantra in parenting was to regard self-pity as “nauseating.” For her, his physical handicap would be regarded as a privilege.

  
  Professor Steiner recalled a vivid memory of being frustrated that his mother bought him shoes with laces, even though, back in prewar Austria, they could easily afford shoes with zippers and he was handicapped. The daily struggle to put on and remove his shoes was a terrible trial. Yet, it drove home two important lessons that stayed with him his long life. One, was that handicaps could be seen as a privilege. As it turned out, his condition made him ineligible for military service in prewar Europe. Secondly, when handicaps, setbacks, or deficiencies were seen as privileges and met with zest, what was a difficulty might even blossom into a lifelong pleasure through perseverance. This took incredible resolve and an uncompromising will from the parent, but it imparted the resolve for the child to overcome obstacles on his own.

  
  As teachers and parents, the more we can help our students have a healthy perspective around deficiencies, the more we open them to resilience, and fundamentally change how students view setbacks.

  
  

  Freshmen Road Trip

  Casady freshmen may road trip to Mount St. Mary’s Football on Friday, Sept. 19. Buses will leave campus at 5:30 p.m. to go to the game and return back to campus with an ETA of 10:15 p.m. There is no cost for the bus, game tickets are $5. Students will need to sign up in the UD office by Thursday, Sept. 18. This is a great opportunity for the Class of 2029 to work as a class and show that Cyclone Spirit at an away game. 

  
  PSAT Tech Setup

  All freshmen and juniors will take a PSAT on Oct. 22. This test is completely online so they need to have a laptop and a College Board account. If your junior does not have one they should create one through this link: CB Account. They must use their full legal first and last name; we suggest they not use a middle initial. If they already have an account they should make sure they remember their user ID and password, as they will need it to access the PSAT testing software and the actual test.
  
  

  Administration will help the freshmen create College Board accounts and download the testing software onto their device during a class meeting on Monday, Sept. 15. Juniors will meet on Tuesday, Sept. 16. Please remind your student to bring their charged testing device with them on Monday or Tuesday!

  
  Ninth and 10th Grade Parent College Night
  Sept. 24, 7:00 p.m. 
  Records Building
  
  

  During this event for parents and guardians of ninth and 10th grade students, our team will provide an overview of the Upper Division journey through college counseling and the services we offer. We will also discuss our philosophy, the national landscape, recent changes to the process, and what your students can be doing now to prepare. 
  
  

  We look forward to seeing you on Sept. 24!
  
  

  Paying for College Webinar
  Sept. 25, 7:00 p.m.
  
  

  We are excited to be partnering again with Dean of Admission at Texas Christian University Mandy Castro to host our annual Paying for College Webinar. While this session is targeted toward 12th grade families, we invite any Upper Division family interested in learning more about the financial aid and scholarship process to join us for this one hour webinar. We will cover the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the CSS Profile, and scholarships to allow you to explore your options to help pay for college. 
  
  

  Registration details are forthcoming.
  
  

  Homecoming Mums
  Casady Cheer is selling mums for Homecoming for all students in a fall sport or the pep band. Parents wear these decorative corsages during Homecoming to celebrate their student and School spirit. Each mum features personalized designs and ribbons that highlight a student’s athletic or musical talents. Mums will be book billed, one per family. Please contact Melissa Jenkins in the Business Office if you would like to opt out.
  
  

  Honor Code Signing 

  All freshmen and new students will sign the Casady Honor Code on Wednesday, Sept. 17 during Upper Division Chapel. Because of limited space in The Chapel of St. Edward the Confessor, this service is restricted to students and faculty. All students will be in Formal Dress for the day.
  
  

  OSSAA Eligibility Rule Regarding Class Changes

  As your student lives their class schedule for the first few weeks, please be aware of the following policy. A student who drops a class after the first three weeks without replacing it with another class in the same department will be ineligible for athletics and activities for a period of three weeks. Your student should reach out to their advisor if they are considering a schedule change.

• Sept. 7

  Dear Upper Division,

  
  

  As part of our ongoing commitment to student health and wellness, we will be implementing our annual mental health awareness education over the next month. In recognition of September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, Upper Division students will participate in the Signs of Suicide (SOS) program.

  
  These SOS lessons help students understand the importance of mental health and teach them how to recognize warning signs and seek help if they are ever concerned about themselves or a friend. Each lesson will be taught in a classroom setting and led by one of our Casady School counselors.

   

  Sept. 9 - Ninth Grade
  Sept. 15 - 10th Grade
  Nov. 6 - 11th Grade
  April Date TBD - 12th Grade

   

  Freshmen will receive the full high school training lesson. Our sophomores, juniors, and seniors will receive a refresher SOS lesson with an emphasis on mental health and coping skills. We intentionally schedule the 12th grade lesson for the spring semester, as its content places a special emphasis on finding support and accessing resources after high school. We believe this timing allows the information to feel most relevant and useful as seniors prepare for their transition.

  
  We are including:

  • A direct link to the recording of the SOS parent training from September 2022
  • The SOS Parent Presentation Slides
  • An infographic for you to reinforce the ACT message at home - ACT for Parents

  We believe these conversations are an important step in promoting resilience, reducing stigma, and ensuring our students know they are never alone in facing challenges. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out or visit our Student Support Services Resource Board. 

  
  With gratitude,

   

  Samantha Kobs, LPC Director of Student Support Services kobss@casady.org 405-749-3129

  Candice Bailey, LPC UD Counselor baileyc@casady.org 405-749-3189

   

  11th Grade Parent College Night
  Sept. 10, 7:00 p.m.
  Records Building
  
  

  Parents and guardians of 11th grade students are invited to attend 11th Grade Parent College Night. This one hour presentation will focus on the college application, search, and selection process. This parents-only event will be held in Records Lobby on Wednesday, Sept. 10 from 7:00-8:00 p.m. If you have any questions, please contact our Associate Director of College Counseling and Registrar Amy McQuade at (405) 749-3177.
  
  

  Ninth and 10th Grade Parent College Night
  Sept. 24, 7:00 p.m. 
  Records Building
  
  

  During this event for parents and guardians of ninth and 10th grade students, our team will provide an overview of the Upper Division journey through college counseling and the services we offer. We will also discuss our philosophy, the national landscape, recent changes to the process, and what your students can be doing now to prepare. 
  
  

  We look forward to seeing you on Sept. 24!
  
  

  Paying for College Webinar
  Sept. 25, 7:00 p.m.
  
  

  We are excited to be partnering again with Dean of Admission at Texas Christian University Mandy Castro to host our annual Paying for College Webinar. While this session is targeted toward 12th grade families, we invite any Upper Division family interested in learning more about the financial aid and scholarship process to join us for this one hour webinar. We will cover the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the CSS Profile, and scholarships to allow you to explore your options to help pay for college. 
  
  

  Registration details are forthcoming.
  
  

  Upper Division Twister Yearbook Picture Day

  Individual school photos will be taken on Tuesday, Sept. 9, in the Student Center 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. All underclassmen need to make time during the day to have their picture taken. These photos will be used in the 2025-26 Casady Twister Yearbook. If you would like to purchase copies of your student’s school picture, purchase packets are available in the Upper Division office to be picked up by students or parents. Payments may be made online or sent on Tuesday.
  
  12th grade photos are taken by J. Holland Photography in their studio and will be provided to the school for the Twister Yearbook.

  
  Homecoming Mums
  Casady Cheer is selling mums for Homecoming for all students in a fall sport or the pep band. Parents wear these decorative corsages during Homecoming to celebrate their student and School spirit. Each mum features personalized designs and ribbons that highlight a student’s athletic or musical talents. Mums will be book billed, one per family. Please contact Melissa Jenkins in the Business Office if you would like to opt out.
  
  

  PSAT testing

  All freshmen and juniors will take a PSAT on Oct. 22. This test is only online so students need to have a laptop and a College Board account. If your student does not have an online account they can create one through this link: CB Account. If they already have an account they should make sure they remember their user ID and password. UD Administration will help freshmen create accounts and download the testing software onto their device during a class meeting on Sept. 15. You will receive more information about this testing later in the fall.
  
  

  UD Off-Campus Lunches

  Juniors have their first off-campus lunch on Thursday, Sept. 11. Students in good standing may leave campus during their lunch period on their scheduled days. These days are listed on the MyCasady calendar. Students may always remain on campus and eat lunch in Calvert on an off-campus day.

  
  OSSAA Eligibility Rule Regarding Class Changes

  As your student lives their class schedule for the first few weeks, please be aware of the following policy. A student who drops a class after the first three weeks without replacing it with another class in the same department will be ineligible for athletics and activities for a period of three weeks. Your student should reach out to their advisor if they are considering a schedule change.

• Sept. 1

  Dear Upper Division,

  
  

  Thank you for visiting campus this past Thursday. It was a pleasure for us to show off our classes and the newest members of our faculty. In this week’s Division Note, I wanted to expand on what removing cell phones has done for our community. 

  
  At Thursday night’s presentation, we saw some pictures of renewed life in the commons areas, where students were at play and having conversations. It truly has been wonderful to see the return of an older rhythm of doing School. Both students and teachers have also reported invigorated classrooms. 

  
  Yet, as with all shifts in a school community, we are not fully there. The UD Administrative Team is exploring incorporating office runners to more easily get notes to students. Additionally, with the return of play, students are asking for quiet spaces for study, as they should. This gives us wonderful new problems to explore, and our students have already stepped up to make suggestions.

  
  Lastly, this policy has shifted how adults are using their cell phones. I regularly pick my cell phone up throughout the day to find my next meeting, but it would be rather disingenuous for us to ask students to remove cell phones and us not to at least diminish our own use. Recently, I have copied the practice of a former Head of School who wrote his schedule on a note card, which he carried in the front pocket. It works. It also keeps my head up and my focus in meetings, not worrying about what emails may roll through. At the end of the day, all members of our community have moved forward.

   

  Marc Addington
  Upper Division Director
  addingtonm@casady.org
  
  

  12th Grade Parent College Night
  Sept. 3, 7:00 p.m.
  Records Building
  
  

  Our College Counseling Team will walk 12th grade parents through what to expect this year in regards to the college application process and beyond. Even if you may have guided an older child to college already, the admission process continues to change beneath our feet. This began as universities attempted to navigate COVID-19 by changing attitudes towards standardized testing. Yet, even those measures have been revisited. This September, two members of our team will travel to Columbus, Ohio, for the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) Conference where they will visit college campuses, network with colleagues from high school and college admission offices, and learn more about the most recent research and trends. You are in great hands with this team!
  
  

  11th Grade Parent College Night
  Sept. 10, 7:00 p.m.
  Records Building
  
  

  Parents and guardians of 11th grade students are invited to attend 11th Grade Parent College Night. This one hour presentation will focus on the college application, search, and selection process. This parents-only event will be held in Records Lobby on Wednesday, Sept. 10 from 7:00-8:00 p.m. If you have any questions, please contact our Associate Director of College Counseling and Registrar Amy McQuade at (405) 749-3177.
  
  Homecoming Mums
  Casady Cheer is selling mums for Homecoming for all students in a fall sport or the pep band. Parents wear these decorative corsages during Homecoming to celebrate their student and School spirit. Each mum features personalized designs and ribbons that highlight a student’s athletic or musical talents. Proceeds support Cheer, a dedicated group of girls who cheer on our students at games, pep rallies, and other events. Mums will be book billed, one per family. Please contact Melissa Jenkins in the business office if you would like to opt out.
  
  

  PSAT testing

  All freshmen and juniors will take a PSAT on Oct. 22. This test is completely online so they need to have a laptop and a College Board account. If your student does not have one they can create one through this link: CB Account. If they already have an account they should make sure they remember their user ID and password. Administration will help freshmen create accounts and download the testing software onto their device during a class meeting on Sept. 15. You will receive more information about this testing later in the fall.
  
  

  UD Off-Campus Lunches

  Starting Tuesday, Sept. 2, we will begin Off Campus Lunch Privileges. Students in good standing may leave campus during their lunch period on their scheduled days. These days are listed on the myCasady calendar. Students may always remain on campus and eat lunch in Calvert on an Off Campus day.

  
  OSSAA Eligibility Rule Regarding Class Changes

  As your student lives their class schedule for the first few weeks, please be aware of the following policy. A student who drops a class after the first three weeks without replacing it with another class in the same department will be ineligible for athletics and activities for a period of three weeks. Your student should reach out to their advisor if they are considering a schedule change.
  
  

  Dietary Restrictions

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

• Aug. 24

  Dear Upper Division,

   

  We have had a great start to the year, and it has been wonderful to see our students back on campus. Please come visit us this Thursday, Aug. 28, for Upper Division Parent Information Night. We will begin at 6:30 p.m. in Fee Theater and have you heading to your first class at 6:45 p.m.

  
  The time you spend in each class is short but designed for you to get a sense of the teacher and the goals of the course. Please do ask questions. When there is a study hall or no class, join us in the Records Building for refreshments and conversation. There you will find our Upper Division Administration along with representatives from College Counseling, Athletics, Student Support, Libraries, and Community Service. 

  
  How do I know my student’s schedule? We will have printed copies and maps available to pick up in the lobby of Fee Theater before our presentation. For the adventurous types, you can access your student’s profile through MyCasady, select the “SCHEDULE” tab. Blocks are referenced to the right of each class. You may have to select a preceding or following day in order to find all classes. We begin the rotation with PA+ classes, marked as an “M” on the schedule.

  • 6:30 p.m. – Opening Presentation in Fee Theater
  • 6:45 p.m. –  Warning Bell
  • 6:50-7:00 p.m. – Block M (PA+)
  • 7:05-7:15 p.m. – Block A
  • 7:20-7:30 p.m. – Block B
  • 7:35-7:45 p.m. – Block C
  • 7:50-8:00 p.m. – Block D
  • 8:05-8:15 p.m. – Block E
  • 8:20-8:30 p.m. – Block F
    
    

  Marc Addington
  Upper Division Director
  addingtonm@casady.org
  
  

  AP Students

  All students taking AP classes need to have a College Board account. If your student does not have one they can create one through this link: CB Account. If they already have an account they should make sure they remember their user ID and password. Students will need to access it during the first week of school, when their teacher will have them sign on to their “AP Classroom” page. AP Classroom contains review and study materials, practice exam questions, and more.
  
  

  Universal Drug Testing

  This year we continue our Universal/Random Drug Testing program. As a reminder, Casady made the decision to implement universal and random testing of students for illegal drug use from a deep concern for their health and welfare and a strong desire to protect them from potentially self‐destructive behavior. To make sure that we start school with the least amount of shift to student schedules, we will test students on August 25 and 26 during their study halls and free periods. No preparation or special care needs to be taken that day, and there should be minimal disruption to class time. Additional information about this program can be found on the Resources page on MyCasady and Frequently Asked Questions can be found on this link.
  
  

  Wednesdays

  On each Wednesday this year, UD classes begin at 8:55 a.m. rather than 8:25 a.m. Students will then follow their regular schedule for that Wednesday’s letter day. The end of the academic day will not change on Wednesdays. Athletics will also be unchanged on Wednesdays. The students arriving before 8:45 a.m. will report to Cochran Library.

  
  Ninth-12th Grade Parent Information Night
  Aug. 28, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
  Fee Theater
  
  

  The evening is designed so that parents can spend time with each teacher their student will have. We would love for you to hear what your students will learn and get to know the men and women who will be spending time with your students. Parents can expect a summary of how each course works, expectations, how they can best support their student, as well as an opportunity to ask questions. Please come join us this evening!
  
  

  12th Grade Parent College Night
  Sept. 3, 7:00 p.m.
  Records Building
  
  

  Our College Counseling Team will walk 12th grade parents through what to expect this year in regards to the college application process and beyond. Even if you may have guided an older child to college already, the admission process continues to change beneath our feet. This began as universities attempted to navigate COVID-19 by changing attitudes towards standardized testing. Yet, even those measures have been revisited. This September, two members of our team will travel to Columbus, Ohio, for the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) Conference where they will visit college campuses, network with colleagues from high school and college admission offices, and learn more about the most recent research and trends. You are in great hands with this team!
  
  

  11th Grade Parent College Night
  Sept. 10, 7:00 p.m.
  Records Building
  
  

  Parents and guardians of 11th grade students are invited to attend 11th Grade Parent College Night. This one hour presentation will focus on the college application, search, and selection process. This parents-only event will be held in Records Lobby on Wednesday, Sept. 10 from 7:00-8:00 p.m. If you have any questions, please contact our Associate Director of College Counseling and Registrar Amy McQuade at (405) 749-3177.

  
  OSSAA Eligibility Rule Regarding Class Changes

  As your student lives their class schedule for the first few weeks, please be aware of the following policy. A student who drops a class after the first three weeks without replacing it with another class in the same department will be ineligible for athletics and activities for a period of three weeks. Your student should reach out to their advisor if they are considering a schedule change.
  
  

  Dietary Restrictions

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

• Aug. 17

  Dear Upper Division,

   

  As summer comes to an end, I find myself with a strong sense of gratitude and anticipation for the coming year. These past weeks, energy is building around campus. Students are trickling in for practicse, meeting with teachers, and preparing for the coming year.

  
  For those of you who have visited recently, you may have noticed the hum of diesel engines and pouring of concrete from our construction sites. These are signs that Casady is a growing community, and a powerful one, too. In the coming months we will lean on this spirit to navigate changes, recognizing that we are creating a future for our beloved School.
  
  

  To foster a culture of conversation and interpersonal connection, we are implementing a new cell phone free campus policy, whereby those devices no longer interrupt learning but, more importantly, leave room for and encourage play among our kids. Our Student Council has provided great advice to our admin team on what might engage our students, and now there are chess sets, games, and other devices to encourage interaction. Students, we hope that you will make the most of this opportunity.
  
  

  To our seniors, this is your year. You are the leaders who will guide us in a period of transition and set the tone for a new culture. In some sense, our campus will always be a place of evolution and growth. Healthy schools and organizations have that in their DNA. What marks Casady as a special place is that change and growth are rooted in tradition. And so, as you make your own contributions this year, you weave the tapestry of our School’s proud legacy.
  
  

  Let’s have a great year, Cyclones!
  
  

  Please see below for the many events that open the school year.

  
  Marc Addington
  Upper Division Director
  addingtonm@casady.org
  
  

  UD Orientation and Registration
  Aug. 18, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
  Advisors’ Rooms
  
  

  Students will meet their Advisors in their rooms to turn in Student Registration Forms and get to know their Advisor. After those forms are completed, students in 10th-12th grades will select their lockers and pick up car decals if they drive to School.
  
  

  Sophomores should arrive at 9:00 a.m., juniors at 9:30 a.m., and seniors at 10:00 a.m. Freshmen come to St. Edward’s Chapel at 10:30 a.m. to join the upperclassmen to meet the new faculty and staff and hear about plans and changes for the 2025-26 school year. Immediately following, all students are invited to join us for the Back-to-School Cookout in the Upper Division Quad hosted by Student Council.
  
  

  All students are welcome to move into their lockers on Monday afternoon or Tuesday to be ready for the first day of classes on Wednesday, Aug. 20. 

  
  Schedules for 2025

  Students will be able to view their schedules on MyCasady today, Sunday, Aug. 17. Ms. Infantino will be available on Orientation Day to answer questions and process requests for changes.
  
  

  UD Classes Begin
  Aug. 20, 8:25 a.m. 
  
  

  The first day of class in Upper Division will be Wednesday, Aug. 20. Students will have all of their classes on that day. We will use a special schedule, starting at 8:25 a.m. Class meeting times will be available on MyCasady. After this first day, we will resume our regular Wednesday Schedule with 8:55 a.m. starts.
  
  

  Freshmen meet advisors at 8:00 a.m. on Aug. 20 in Bennett Athletic Center for donuts and fellowship. Advisors and administration will walk with freshmen to their first classes as a group.
  
  

  Fall Theatre Auditions

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

  
  Auditions will be Thursday, Aug. 21, 6:00–8:00 p.m. for Upper Division and 4:00–5:30 p.m. for Middle Division in Fee Theater, with callbacks on Monday, Aug. 25, 6:00-8:00 p.m. for UD and 4:00–5:30 p.m. for MD.

  
  The performances will be Nov. 13, 14, and 15 at 7:00 p.m. and Nov. 16 at 2:00 p.m.
  
  

  Also, here is a link to the UD Audition Packet.
  
  

  AP Students

  All students taking AP classes need to have a College Board account. If your student does not have one they can create one through this link: CB Account. If they already have an account they should make sure they remember their user ID and password. Students will need to access it during the first week of school, when their teacher will have them sign on to their “AP Classroom” page. AP Classroom contains review and study materials, practice exam questions, and more.
  
  

  Universal Drug Testing

  This year we continue our Universal/Random Drug Testing program. As a reminder, Casady made the decision to implement universal and random testing of students for illegal drug use from a deep concern for their health and welfare and a strong desire to protect them from potentially self‐destructive behavior. To make sure that we start school with the least amount of shift to student schedules, we will test students on August 25 and 26 during their study halls and free periods. No preparation or special care needs to be taken that day, and there should be minimal disruption to class time. Additional information about this program can be found on the Resources page on MyCasady and Frequently Asked Questions can be found on this link.
  
  

  Wednesdays

  On each Wednesday this year, other than the first day of School, UD classes begin at 8:55 a.m. rather than 8:25 a.m. Students will then follow their regular schedule for that Wednesday’s letter day. The end of the academic day will not change on Wednesdays. Athletics will also be unchanged on Wednesdays. The students arriving before 8:45 a.m. will report to Cochran Library.
  
  

  If you have any questions as the school year approaches, please don’t hesitate to contact any one of us. See you soon!

  
  Ninth-12th Grade Parent Information Night
  Aug. 28, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
  Fee Theater
  
  

  The evening is designed so that parents can spend time with each teacher their student will have. We would love for you to hear what your students will learn and get to know the men and women who will be spending time with your students. Parents can expect a summary of how each course works, expectations, how they can best support their student, as well as an opportunity to ask questions. Please come join us this evening!
  
  

  12th Grade Parent College Night
  Sept. 3, 7:00 p.m.
  Records Building
  
  

  Our College Counseling Team will walk 12th grade parents through what to expect this year in regards to the college application process and beyond. Even if you may have guided an older child to college already, the admission process continues to change beneath our feet. This began as universities attempted to navigate COVID-19 by changing attitudes towards standardized testing. Yet, even those measures have been revisited. This September, two members of our team will travel to Columbus, Ohio, for the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) Conference where they will visit college campuses, network with colleagues from high school and college admission offices, and learn more about the most recent research and trends. You are in great hands with this team!
  
  "The Anxious Generation" Parents and Students
  Sept. 17
  GoTo Webinar for Families at 6:30 p.m.
  
  We are excited to welcome Zach Rausch, lead researcher for Jonathan Haidt's book "The Anxious Generation" and Zach's assistant, Jakey Lebwohl, for webinars on Sept. 17. Jakey will speak to UD students for an extended Chapel on Sept. 17, and Zach will address our families at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 17 through GoTo Webinar. An invitation with a registration link to the parent webinar and a Google Form for questions will be sent separately to parents on Sunday, Aug. 24. This webinar is open to all Casady parents and their families.
  
  

  OSSAA Eligibility Rule Regarding Class Changes

  As your student lives their class schedule for the first few weeks, please be aware of the following policy. A student who drops a class after the first three weeks without replacing it with another class in the same department will be ineligible for athletics and activities for a period of three weeks. Your student should reach out to their advisor if they are considering a schedule change.
  
  

  Dietary Restrictions

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

• Aug. 3 - Back to School Orientation

  Dear Upper Division,

   

  We are excited to welcome you back to Casady School for the 2025-26 school year. Our Student Council has been hard at work preparing fast-paced and fun freshman and all-school orientations (details below).
  
  While the steel rises for our new Kirby Family Hall, the our current Gaylord Student Center is being refitted to provide temporary space for our arts as needed during the planned Sias Family Center for Performing Arts that will begin later year, and our sophomore locker and commons area will shift to the Miller building.
  
  Our deans have been working with Student Council to populate the Upper Division Quad and other popular student areas with games and activities so that play returns as cell phones retreat. A few mahjong sets have also been purchased. 
  
  

  We are proud to welcome several special guests to our Upper Division this year. Please look for upcoming communication and mark your calendars.

  • Sept. 17: Zach Rausch, lead researcher for the “Anxious Generation” and associate research scientist at NYU-Stern School of Business, will deliver a webinar at 6:30 p.m. for our entire parent community, PreK-12.
    • This special webinar is connected to our decision to eliminate the use of cell phones in Upper Division during the school day. It's also part of our ongoing commitment to creating an environment that promotes meaningful connections, focus, and well-being for every student.
  • Oct. 16: Author and Professor Chitra Divarakuruni will visit Casady School to discuss her book "One Amazing Thing" with juniors and seniors. We are also planning a luncheon with interested parents and a creative writing session for our community.
    • "One Amazing Thing" explores identity, resilience, and human connection—core themes that resonate with students navigating their own stories. Our students have a rare opportunity to meet a literary figure of warmth, wisdom, and insight through this author visit.
  • Jan. (TBD): Night with the Deans. Four college deans of admissions give talks and workshops to junior families. Date to be announced.
    • This signature annual program by our College Counseling Team is an opportunity for our juniors and their parents to learn more about the college admission process.

  Please see below for important information on starting the year.

  
  Marc Addington
  Upper Division Director
  addingtonm@casady.org
  
  

  First Day of Classes

  The first day of class in UD will be Wednesday, Aug. 20. Students will have all of their classes on that day. We will use a special schedule, starting at 8:25 a.m. Class meeting times will be available on MyCasady. After this first day, we will resume our regular Wednesdays with 8:55 a.m. starts (see below)

  Freshman Walk - Freshmen meet advisors at 8:00 a.m. in Bennett Athletic Center for donuts and fellowship. Advisors and administration will walk with freshmen to their first classes as a group.

   

  Freshman Orientation 
  Friday, Aug. 15
  9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
  2:00-3:00 p.m. Parent Session with the Deans in Fee Theater
  
  

  Students will check in at Fee Theater, meet their Advisors, get their schedules and locker assignments, and meet Student Council Officers. Freshmen spend the afternoon learning about many of Upper Division’s procedures and having opportunities to ask questions about the Honor Code, Dress Guidelines, Privileges, and resources available to Upper Division students. Please RSVP to crossnok@casady.org, if you will not be able to attend. 
  
  

  UD Orientation, All Grades
  Monday, Aug. 18
  9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
  
  

  Students will meet their Advisors in the Advisors' rooms. Those locations will be posted around campus and communicated by your Advisor. Students who plan to drive must bring current vehicle information to receive a decal: year of car, make and model, and license plate information.
  
  

  Sophomores should arrive at 9:00 a.m., Juniors at 9:30 a.m., and Seniors at 10:00 a.m. Freshmen come to Fee Theater at 11:00 a.m. to join the upperclassmen, meet the new faculty and staff, and hear about plans and changes for the 2025-26 school year. Immediately following, all students are invited to join us for the Back-to-School Cookout in the Upper Division Quad hosted by the Student Council. 
  
  

  All students are welcome to move into their lockers on Monday afternoon or Tuesday to be ready for the first day of classes on Wednesday, Aug. 20.
  
  

  Cell Phone Policy

  In the time between publishing our policy and today, the Oklahoma State legislature is figuring out how best to remove cell phones from our learning environments, much like Casady. Casady’s policy can be found here.
  
  

  We will start this policy on the first day of school. The short version of our policy is summarized here:

  1. Cell phones, smart devices, and earbuds are powered down and in students' backpacks or lockers during school hours.
  2. Primary communication between students and families moves to email, or in the case of a more pressing issue, families should call the Upper Division office.
     
     

  Universal Drug Screening

  This year we continue the Universal/Random Drug Testing program. We will test students on Aug. 25 and 26 during their study halls and free periods. No preparation or special care needs to be taken. Additional information about this program, including an FAQ page, can be found on UD Resources page of MyCasady. If you have questions about our Universal/Random Drug Testing program or the procedures, please contact: kobss@casady.org, crossnok@casady.org, or addingtonm@casady.org.

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

  
  Auditions will be Thursday, Aug. 21, 6:00-8:00 p.m. for Upper Division and 4:00-5:30 p.m. for Middle Division in Fee Theater, with callbacks on Monday, Aug. 25, 6:00-8:00 p.m. for UD and 4:00-5:30 p.m. for MD.

  
  The performances will be Nov. 13, 14, and 15 at 7:00 p.m. and Nov. 16 at 2:00 p.m.
  
  

  Also, here is a link to the UD Audition Packet.

• July 15 - Mid Summer Update

  Dear Upper Division,
  
  

  UD Cell Phone Policy

  Here you will find a copy of our new cell phone policy. In designing these guidelines, our process began with the vision of our Head of School Nathan Sheldon to continue our “ongoing commitment to creating an environment that promotes meaningful connections, focus, and well-being for every student.” The Upper Division Admin Team met with Student Council members, a student advisory board, and faculty members throughout the spring. We also reviewed policies of schools that had made the change years ago or were just going through their first year.

  
  

  The most significant decision to be made was whether to use a mechanism, such as a pouch or locker, or to ask the students to independently manage their devices. In reflecting on our Portrait of a Graduate, we decided that “I THRIVE, I live a life of balance, purpose, and joy” was of critical importance. If we are to expect our teenagers and young adults to manage these devices independently at college or the workplace, we should begin now. When our students learn to manage these devices on their own, they can live fuller lives of engagement with their community. As we go through the year, we may further modify our policy. This is where we will start, in a place of trust. 

  
  

  Therefore, Casady School is endorsing that students independently manage their cell phones. Our policy is stated below. The two greatest takeaways are:

  1. Cell phones, smart devices, and earbuds are powered down and in the students' backpacks or lockers during school hours.
  2. Primary communication between students and families moves to email or, in the case of a more pressing issue, families should call the Upper Division office.

  Thank you for your support of this policy. We are excited to bring back free play and lively conversation to our campus. 
  
  The School has scheduled webinars for both our parents and students with the research team for the book "The Anxious Generation" by Jonathan Haidt.
  
  

  • Zach Rausch, lead researcher, and his intern, Jakey Lebwohl, will present to students on Sept. 17 during Chapel.
  • Zach Rausch will then present in webinar format to parents on Sept. 17 at 6:30-7:30 p.m.

  There will be time for Q+A. Additional details and the official invitation and sign up will be provided in August.
  
  Course Lists and Books

  You should have received a list of your student’s courses by email via Official Notes. This list provides enough information for you to order their textbooks via eCampus. 

  
  

  If you have not received a list of your student’s courses, or if you have any questions or change requests, please contact Ms. Infantino as soon as possible. Changes can be difficult to accommodate on Orientation Day.

  
  

  First Day of Classes

  The first day of class in UD will be Wednesday, Aug. 20. Students will have all of their classes on that day. We will use a special schedule, starting at 8:25 a.m. Class meeting times will be available on MyCasady. After this first day, we will resume our regular Wednesdays with 8:55 a.m. starts (see below).

  
  

  Freshman Walk

  Freshmen meet advisors at 8:00 a.m. in Bennett Athletic Center for donuts and fellowship. Advisors and administration will walk with freshmen to their first classes as a group.

  
  

  Freshman Orientation 

  Friday, Aug. 15

  9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

  
  

  Students will check in at Fee Auditorium, meet their Advisors, get their locker assignments, and meet many of the Student Council Officers. Freshmen will spend the afternoon learning about many of the Upper Division’s procedures and have opportunities to ask questions about the Honor Code, Dress Guidelines, Privileges, and resources available to Upper Division students. Please RSVP to crossnok@casady.org if your student is not be able to attend. 

  
  

  UD Orientation (All Grades)
  Monday, Aug. 18
  9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
  
  Students will meet their Advisors in their rooms. Students who plan to drive should bring their current car information to receive a decal - year of car, make and model, and tag number.
  
  Individual Grades Arrival Time to Orientation:
  

  • Sophomores at 9:00 a.m.
  • Juniors at 9:30 a.m.
  • Seniors at 10:00 a.m.
  • Freshmen come to Fee Theater at 11:00 a.m. to join the upperclassmen to meet the new faculty and staff and hear about plans and changes for the 2025-26 school year.

  Immediately following, all students are invited to join us for the Back-to-School Cookout in the Upper Division Quad hosted by Student Council. 

  
  

  All students are welcome to move into their lockers on Monday afternoon or Tuesday to be ready for the first day of classes on Wednesday, Aug. 20.

  
  

  Schedules

  Students will be able to view their schedules in MyCasady on Sunday, Aug. 17. Ms. Infantino will be available on Orientation Day to answer questions and process requests for changes.

  
  

  Wizard of Oz Auditions

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

   

  Auditions will be Thursday, Aug. 21, 6:00-8:00 p.m. for Upper Division and 4:00-5:30 p.m. for Middle Division in Fee Theater, with callbacks on Monday, Aug. 25, 6:00-8:00 p.m. (UD) and 4:00-5:30 p.m. (MD).

   

  Performances will be Nov. 13-15 at 7:00 p.m. and Nov. 16 at 2:00 p.m.

  
  

  Also, here is a link to the UD Audition Packet.

  
  

  Universal Drug Testing

  As a reminder, Casady has implemented Universal/Random Drug Testing  of students for illegal drug use. The decision to begin this program in 2024-25 stems from a deep concern for the students' health and welfare and a strong desire to protect them from potentially self‐destructive behavior.
  
  To make sure that we are able to start school with the least amount of shift to student schedules, we will test students on August 25 and 26 during their study halls and free periods. No preparation or special care needs to be taken that day, and there should be minimal disruption to class time. Additional information about this program, including a FAQ page, can be found on our resources page of MyCasady. If you have questions about our Universal/Random Drug Testing program or the procedures please contact:
  

  • kobbss@casady.org
  • crossnok@casady.org
  • addingtonm@casady.org

  
  

  Wednesdays

  On each Wednesday this year (other than the first day of School) UD classes will begin at 8:55 a.m. rather than 8:25 a.m. Students will then follow their regular schedule for that Wednesday’s letter day. The end of the academic day will not change on Wednesdays. Athletics will also be unchanged on Wednesdays. The students arriving before 8:45 a.m. will report to either the Student Center (9th and 10th grades) or Cochran Library (11th and 12th grades).

  
  

  If you have any questions as the school year approaches, please don’t hesitate to contact any one of us. See you soon!

  
  Marc Addington
  Upper Division Director
  addingtonm@casady.org

• June 13 - Early Summer Reminders

  Dear Upper Division,
  
  

  This is a quick note to review all that is going on over the summer, to list key dates up to the first day of school, and to forecast future communication. 
  
  Here are our most requested links:

  • Summer Reading
  • 2025-26 Academic Calendar
  • Cyclone Express Bus Sign-Up Information

  Please note that our UD Resources page has been updated and expanded. Universal Drug Testing will be scheduled Aug. 25 and 26, during study halls and before or after school. Details will follow after scheduling for 2025-26 has been completed.

   

  New Students and All Ninth Grade Students

  This is just a reminder that you can access our portal with the same credentials by which you applied to our community. If you need help, please contact Mr. Craft.

  • UD Resources
    • Summer Resources
    • Required forms for OSSAA and first day of school
  • Dress Code
  • What computer will my student need? (BYOD policy)
  • College Counseling four year plan
  • Supplies - students do not have a supply list to buy in the summer.

   

  Fall Sports Information

  If you are a new student or have not been contacted by our coaches, please reach out to Athletic Director Mike Shepherd for more information.

   

  Sport	Coach	Practices Begin
  Cross Country	Matt Pena	July 23
  Field Hockey	Taylor Sanders	Aug. 7
  Football	Ty Prestidge Clif Prestidge	Aug. 11
  Softball	Kevon Hoffman	July 15
  Boys' Volleyball	Jay Gallegly	Aug. 20
  Girls' Volleyball	Rachel Manriquez	July 21

   

  Fall Theatre Auditions

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

   

  Auditions will be Thursday, Aug. 21, at 6:00-8:00 p.m. for Upper Division and at 4:00-5:30 p.m. for Middle Division in Fee Theater, with callbacks on Monday, Aug. 25, at 6:00-8:00 p.m. (UD) and at 4:00-5:30pm (MD).

   

  Performances will be Nov. 13, 14, and 15 at 7:00 p.m. and Nov. 16 at 2:00 p.m.

   

  Important Note: This is a large and involved production. Interested students may be better suited concentrating on the musical as their main endeavor for the fall. The roles of Dorothy, Glinda, and the Wicked Witch will especially require a significant commitment in time and preparation. 

   

  Text “@casadyfee” to 81010 for more information! 

   

  Orientation Dates and First Day of School

  • Freshman Orientation - Aug. 15
  • All Grades UD Orientation and Back to School Cookout - Aug. 18
  • Classes Begin - Aug. 20

  
  Upcoming summer communication

  • UD Note, July 11
    • New Cell Phone policy
    • Universal Drug Testing Schedule
    • Updates
  • Official Note, Second Week of July
    • Ms. Infantino sends course lists
    • Link and invitation to purchase books
  • UD Note, Aug. 4
    • Updated handbook
    • Details on construction
    • First day schedule
    • Orientation details

  Marc Addington
  Upper Division Director
  addingtonm@casady.org