Upper Division Notes
Upper Division Notes
Dear Upper Division,
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:
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:
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Cell phones, smart devices, and earbuds are powered down and in the students' backpacks or lockers during school hours.
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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.
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
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:
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.
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:
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!
Additional Information
Upcoming Important Dates
UD Notes Archive
List of 1 items.
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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: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 StudentsThis 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 InformationIf 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 PrestidgeAug. 11 Softball Kevon Hoffman July 15 Boys' Volleyball Jay Gallegly Aug. 20 Girls' Volleyball Rachel Manriquez July 21 Fall Theatre AuditionsCasady 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
Upper Division Director
addingtonm@casady.org - UD Resources
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Downloads
Downloads for this week's notes can be found below.
UD Team
Casady School is an independent, co-educational, college preparatory, Episcopal day school serving students in pre-k-12. Educating Mind, Body, and Spirit.
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Casady School is a PreK-12, independent, college preparatory Episcopal day school committed to deeper-level learning. Casady School welcomes a student body that reflects the diversity of the world around us and therefore does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, nationality, or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletics, and other school-administered programs generally accorded or made available to students at the School.