Upper Division Notes

UD Notes Archive

List of 31 items.

March 22

Dear Upper Division,

Welcome back from Spring Break. We hope that whether you stayed in town or traveled to a distant location you had a good rest and are ready for the remainder of the year.

You can clearly tell that we are in Spring. Students are playing in the commons. We are navigating those classic springtime dress code reminders as the weather warms. The grounds are coming alive with flowers and greenery. Sports have shifted over to our last season. And, most importantly, our seniors are delivering their “Senior Speeches.”

To preserve the moment and not to apply too much unnecessary stress, we do not record these speeches, but they are such a hallmark of the Casady experience. Full of reminiscence of capers, class time, experiences in sports or performing arts, we gather a slice from each student of what their life has been like at Casady.

There are the usual suspects among the litany of events: sports, certain classes, overnight trips, spirit week, but what comes through most brilliantly are the little things, the accidents, or what happens in between. It might be a fun dinner conversation to ask your student what speech moved them or that they found particularly funny.

In these coming weeks, time will go quickly. I encourage you to enjoy these moments and make the best of the last few months.

Sincerely,

Marc Addington
Upper Division Director
addingtonm@casady.org

11th Grade Common App Workshop
On Monday, March 23, from 1:00-4:00 p.m., Casady College Counseling will be hosting a Common App Workshop following the SAT exam. If you haven't already, please sign up for this Common App Workshop.

What if your student can't make it to the workshop? We are offering two make-up sessions on Wednesday, March 25, at 7:45 a.m. and just after school at 3:30 p.m. If your student is unable to join one of these offerings, please have them schedule a time with their college counselor directly. This session and its associated content are an essential part of the College Counseling Seminar.

Homeless Alliance PAWS of LOVE
In conjunction with Blue Week non-profit beneficiary, the Homeless Alliance, each Division will collect pet items for our homeless neighbors, many of whom find meaningful companionship with their pets. The Homeless Alliance shows the same love and care for the animals of their clients. Bring pet snacks, chew toys, and pet items from March 2-13 and place them in the receptacles in your student’s Division.

Meal Train
Upper Division English Teacher Mrs. Stephanie Crossno is currently away from Casady as she navigates ongoing health challenges. Those who know Mrs. Crossno can attest to her sincerity, compassion, deep faith, and unwavering kindness. Her presence is deeply missed on campus by colleagues and students alike.

If you would like to support Mrs. Crossno during this difficult time, we invite you to consider the following ways to help: Food, Visa or DoorDash Gift Cards, Cards of Encouragement. Deliver food and gifts to Mrs. Milligan’s front desk in the Upper Division office.
March 8
Dear Upper Division,

Blue Week is a wonderful Casady tradition begun seven years ago that focuses the attention of Upper Division on giving to a single charity. This year’s charity was The Homeless Alliance, a local, homegrown organization, founded in 2004, which supports homeless populations.

Throughout the week, students raised money by challenging their peers to donate in the hopes that they will reach certain goals. When those goals were reached, “Blue Week Dares” are uncovered. To give you an example, here is a list of their zany exploits from Blue Week 2026:
baking cookies
target for water balloons or tomatoes
egg smashed on head
pie in the face
wear 3" heels for a day
one day of wearing a bald cap
campout at Casady
sing a song in front of the whole School (Pink Pony Club, Shake it Off, California Girls, or Ice Ice Baby; vote on instagram for which song)
running laps on the track
walk from Devon Tower
slime poured on head
bedazzle his head
handcuffed together for a day
candied food shower
camp out at Crossno’s
bleached hair
walking to School with weighted backpacks
ice bath
handcuffed for a day
Meanwhile, we peppered the week with lots of fun: two pep rallies, kickball on the softball field, powder puff football, and many other capers. Events like this couldn’t come at a better time as we observe the longest stretch of School. We also hope that community philanthropic efforts such as this, where we come together to give to others, will be a lasting habit. To whom much is given, much is expected.

Sincerely,

Marc Addington
Upper Division Director
addingtonm@casady.org

Mini College Fair
Casady College Counseling is excited to host a "mini" college fair this Wednesday, March 11, at 2:00 p.m. in Cochran Library. We will have 24 colleges available until 2:30 p.m. to share about their institutions and answer your questions.

11th Grade: We have requested that your teachers allow you to join this college fair during the X50

Ninth and 10th Grade: If you have class during this time, you are welcome to ask your teacher to be excused to attend part of this fair.
We hope you will plan to join us for this opportunity!

GPACAC OKC College Fair
Please share the information below with friends and non-Casady families you think may be interested in attending!

The Great Plains Association of College Admissions Counseling (GPACAC) is hosting an Oklahoma City College Fair. They expect up to 40 colleges and universities to attend, offering information about their institutions and answering your questions.

GPACAC Oklahoma City College Fair
Tuesday, March 10
6:00-7:30 p.m.
Oklahoma City University, Meinders School of Business

Interested in attending? Pre-registration here.
If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. McQuade.

11th Grade Common App Workshop
On Monday, March 23, from 1:00-3:00 p.m., we will be hosting a Common App Workshop following the SAT exam. If you haven't already, please sign up for this Common App Workshop. All 11th grade students are required to attend this workshop, though we understand there will be conflicts.

We will be offering a makeup session for students unable to attend - if that is you, please reach out to let us know.

Homeless Alliance PAWS of LOVE
In conjunction with Blue Week non-profit beneficiary, the Homeless Alliance, each Division will collect pet items for our homeless neighbors, many of whom find meaningful companionship with their pets. The Homeless Alliance shows the same love and care for the animals of their clients. Bring pet snacks, chew toys, and pet items from March 2-13 and place them in the receptacles in your student’s Division.

Meal Train
Upper Division English Teacher Mrs. Stephanie Crossno is currently away from Casady as she navigates ongoing health challenges. Those who know Mrs. Crossno can attest to her sincerity, compassion, deep faith, and unwavering kindness. Her presence is deeply missed on campus by colleagues and students alike.

If you would like to support Mrs. Crossno during this difficult time, we invite you to consider the following ways to help: Food, Visa or DoorDash Gift Cards, Cards of Encouragement. Deliver food and gifts to Mrs. Milligan’s front desk in the Upper Division office.

Course Selection for 2026-27
Students in ninth through 11th grade need to enter their course requests for next year into MyCasady before Spring Break. They should also submit permission forms and MSON applications, if applicable. They can sign up for co-curricular activities using the Google form, sent via email. Contact your student’s advisor or Ms. Infantino if you have any questions about course selection.

March 1

Dear Upper Division,

Following Dr. Scheer’s note on character education at Casady, I would like to highlight how we attend to character development. There are many natural places for character to be grown and molded in a community like ours: academic integrity, the books we read, our commitment to athletics, holding high expectations for how we treat others, our Chapel, and advisory programs.

As we conclude our Spring conferences, our advisory program deserves a highlight. A few years ago, we made a conscious shift in how we design and run our advisory program. We protected our advisory time more closely to have more advisory time, and our new schedule will double that commitment. We added programming on resilience and decision making. Conferences shifted from being led by adults to being led by our students and centered around their goals and aspirations.

There were also more subtle changes. Instead of students choosing their advisor and by that selection homogenizing the composition of the advisory, we worked closely with our Middle Division teachers and admin to create advisories that were mixed. Thereby, students spend four years with a trusted adult and learn how to talk with, get to know, and form relationships with students and adults outside their usual circles.

Another place where we build character is through consequences. I never celebrate giving a detention or consequences to one of our students, but I believe that we shouldn’t just speak to our values, which we do in Chapel, class, studio, and on their field, but we should hold students accountable. We always strive to treat our students with dignity and respect through the disciplinary process, but from a detention based on missed class to anything larger we require students to reflect and take responsibility for their actions.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention our faculty, staff, coaches, and counselors. One of the first activities I did three years ago when I started at Casady was to ask these same individuals what they want out of their students. There were of course all the categories you think of when you consider School: writers, thinkers, readers, problem solvers. Above all these academic goals, our teachers wanted most that their students be good people. This is at the core of character education. We strive to develop a sense of honor, justice, and teamwork, but nothing beats all those moments between a young person and an adult who is invested in them. We are proud to live into this commitment not just in what we say but in the hallways, in the classroom after a tough test, or on the sideline of a hard fought game.

Sincerely,

Marc Addington
Upper Division Director
addingtonm@casady.org

Collect for the Second Week in Lent
O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Homeless Alliance PAWS of LOVE
In conjunction with Blue Week non-profit beneficiary, the Homeless Alliance, each Division will collect pet items for our homeless neighbors, many of whom find meaningful companionship with their pets. The Homeless Alliance shows the same love and care for the animals of their clients. Bring pet snacks, chew toys, and pet items from March 2-13 and place them in the receptacles in your student’s Division.

Meal Train
Upper Division English Teacher Mrs. Stephanie Crossno is currently away from Casady as she navigates ongoing health challenges. Those who know Mrs. Crossno can attest to her sincerity, compassion, deep faith, and unwavering kindness. Her presence is deeply missed on campus by colleagues and students alike.

If you would like to support Mrs. Crossno during this difficult time, we invite you to consider the following ways to help: Food, Visa or DoorDash Gift Cards, Cards of Encouragement. Deliver food and gifts to Mrs. Milligan’s front desk in the Upper Division office.

Blue Week
Our students will participate in various activities/games/challenges during BLUE WEEK, March 2-6. BLUE WEEK is our Upper Division student-driven philanthropy project. This year all proceeds will benefit the Homeless Alliance. Dress up Days and Activities are:

Date	Dress Up Day	Activity
Monday	Justice in Jammies	X50 - Opening Assembly, Bubble Soccer, and Dares
Tuesday	Dress as Your Hero	X50 - Kickball on Softball Field
Wednesday	Dynamic Duo	X50 - Jeopardy 6:00 p.m. - Powder Puff Fieldhockey
Thursday	Hoop Hero Jersey Day	X50 - 3x3 Basketball Tournament
Friday	Spirit Day	12:30 p.m. - Closing Pep Rally, Food Trucks, Dares, Basketball, Dodgeball

Course Selection for 2026-27
Students in ninth through 11th grade need to enter their course requests for next year into MyCasady before Spring Break. They should also submit permission forms and MSON applications, if applicable. They can sign up for co-curricular activities using the Google form, sent via email. Contact your student’s advisor or Ms. Infantino if you have any questions about course selection.

Feb. 22

Dear Upper Division,

On Tuesdays in Chapel we are frequently treated to a message from our counselors, Ms. Bailey and Mrs. Kobs, working under the larger topic of “Tranquil Tuesdays.” Sometimes our students are taught stress management, mindfulness, or a likewise similar topic. This past Tuesday, we viewed a message from Dr. Arthur C. Brooks, Parker Gilbert Montgomery Professor of the Practice of Public Leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School and Professor of Management Practice at the Harvard Business School. It’s worth viewing.

In short, the ubiquity of phones and the constant reach of technology in our lives prevent us from dealing with the discomfort in our lives, stymying our ability to ask the deep questions of meaning or self. The technical term would be that technology prevents us from entering a “default mode network,” where our brain is allowed to roam but only when we unplug and allow the emptiness of boredom to be explored.

What are his suggestions? Keep certain times of our daily experience free from phones: gym, driving to school or home, dinner, after 7:00 p.m. Just last week, Mr. Graham presented to our community the vast number of our students who don’t get enough sleep. As a fun/scary experiment, you might regard the screen time on your kid’s device. In preparation for writing this note, I did the same, which has guided me to take a much-needed break from social media as my Lenten observance!

I have often found the hardest part of being a parent or an educator is to make a decision in the interest of your student’s health and wellbeing that is distinctly against what we see everyday. It’s an uphill battle, but often the best education parents and schools can render is just that, faithfully and bravely

Sincerely,

Marc Addington
Upper Division Director
addingtonm@casady.org
Feb. 16

Dear Upper Division,

We hope you enjoyed the four-day weekend. February is one of those tough months as we observe the longest stretch of school without a significant break. In an attempt to lighten the mood ahead of our winter break, Mr. Crossno brought an ice cream truck a couple of weeks ago, and despite the cold weather our students (and teachers) consumed more than 300 scoops of ice cream!

Before we reach our next pause, Spring Break, we have an important milestone with parent conferences on Feb. 27. If you haven’t signed up already, here is a link to an instructional video. This conference is again student-led, with a focus on how they did with their goals from the beginning of the year and also course selection. Next year is a new world for us, eating lunch in the newly constructed Kirby Hall and living into the new schedule. With the new schedule, our students will have the ability to go deeper into Casady’s curriculum. Adding to this, our faculty has created more than ten courses to our curriculum.

Parents of seniors, we are not going to be selecting courses for college next year! Rather, we will enjoy taking a walk with you and your senior through their career here at Casady. We would love to have you back for this final conference.

Sincerely,

Marc Addington
Upper Division Director
addingtonm@casady.org

Collect for the Week of Feb. 15
O God, who before the passion of your only begotten Son revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant to us that we, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be strengthened to bear our cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Collect for Ash Wednesday into Lent
Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Winter Ball
Winter Ball has been rescheduled for Saturday, Feb. 21. The theme is “Fortune and Fame” and will come with a Red Carpet for the arrival of all of our UD celebrities. The time is 8:00-10:00 p.m. in Calvert Hall. Our CPO parents for each grade have planned great class dinners before the Ball. Please check with your CPO grade representative if you need information or details.

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased in the UD Office with cash or they may be bookbilled. Tickets at the door are $25 and can be paid with cash or card. Non-Casady guests require a Guest Registration Form, available in the UD Office or on the UD Resources page of MyCasady. Doors will open at 7:45 p.m. and close at 8:15 p.m. Doors will re-open at 9:45 p.m. Students may not leave before 9:45 p.m.

Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday on Feb. 18 is a formal dress day.

Comprehensive Survey Meeting
A meeting regarding the Comprehensive Survey will be held for parents on Feb. 19 at 6:30 p.m. in the Chapel of St. Edward the Confessor.

College Athletic Recruiting Webinar
Casady College Counseling and Holland Hall are hosting a webinar for Upper Division students and parents interested in college athletic recruiting.

College Athletic Recruiting: Trends, Tips, and Truths
Wednesday, Feb. 25
7:00-8:00 p.m.

Participants will hear from coaches and liaisons from the NCAA Division 1 to Division 3 level that will provide insight into current trends in recruiting, tips to help students stand out, and truths about the current climate of college athletics.

Registration is available here!

Parent/Student Conferences
Friday, Feb. 27

Please mark your calendars for our upcoming student-run conferences. Underclassmen will review their goals set during the Fall Conference and lead discussions about their course selections for next year, using the Time Management Worksheets to guard against over-committing and over-scheduling themselves. Seniors will review their Time worksheets to forecast their first year at college to also guard against over-committing. We are asking our Seniors to also spend a part of their Conference time reflecting on their years at Casady, highlights, challenges, and special memories. For instructions on scheduling your Conference, check the All-School note.
Feb. 8
Dear Upper Division,

I would like to return to a topic I wrote about last year. This week in advisory, we began a “time management activity” whereby students select classes but also list the many endeavors in their lives which they do on top of Casady. For example, we have many who play club sports, who serve on boards, who give their time to meaningful charities, who have private tutors for music, math, or language. We have busy little bees.

The hard part in all of this is finding balance. In this rather poignant speech, Yale Law professor Daniel Markovitz decries the meritocratic trap we often find ourselves in (minutes 5:00-6:00). While I quarrel with his overall view of testing and education, we can’t deny that it is easy to find ourselves on this treadmill. What he describes fits my own private school experience, which I naturally brought into my own life and the lives of my children. What do we do, then?

At Casady, we see an opportunity here, not a loss. The time management worksheet, pictured below, prioritizes sleep. There are also places for students to list playtime, family time, chores! Keeping cell phones on our radar, we asked our students to check their phones for how much time they spent on social media.

On a related note, last week administrators were able to preview the report from the surveys sent to parents, students, and faculty last fall (parent presentation later this month on Feb. 19). The report on sleep and homework practices were concerning:
23% of our students received less than six hours of sleep a night
14.1% slept more than eight hours
55.1% reported studying with distractions, such as social media.
In our own advisory, this simple exercise led to powerful conversations. Who had some time to spare in the day? Who had almost or no time left in the week at all? This laid bare the situation we find ourselves in sometimes. Yet, it is powerful and meaningful work to have these conversations, and we look forward to our conferences later this month, where parents, students, and advisors, can together help our young charges live lives of “balance, purpose, and joy.”

Sincerely,

Marc Addington
Upper Division Director
addingtonm@casady.org

Winter Ball
Winter Ball has been rescheduled for Saturday, Feb. 21. The theme is “Fortune and Fame” and will come with a Red Carpet for the arrival of all of our UD celebrities. The time is 8:00-10:00 p.m. in Calvert Hall. Our CPO parents for each grade have planned great class dinners before the Ball. Please check with your CPO grade representative if you need information or details.

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased in the UD Office with cash or they may be bookbilled. Tickets at the door are $25 and can be paid with cash or card. Non-Casady guests require a Guest Registration Form, available in the UD Office or on the UD Resources page of MyCasady. Doors will open at 7:45 p.m. and close at 8:15 p.m. Doors will re-open at 9:45 p.m. Students may not leave before 9:45 p.m.

Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday on Feb. 18 is a formal dress day.

College Athletic Recruiting Webinar
Casady College Counseling and Holland Hall are hosting a webinar for Upper Division students and parents interested in college athletic recruiting.

College Athletic Recruiting: Trends, Tips, and Truths
Wednesday, Feb. 25
7:00-8:00 p.m.

Participants will hear from coaches and liaisons from the NCAA Division 1 to Division 3 level that will provide insight into current trends in recruiting, tips to help students stand out, and truths about the current climate of college athletics.

Registration is available here!

Parent/Student Conferences
Friday, Feb. 27

Please mark your calendars for our upcoming student-run conferences. Underclassmen will review their goals set during the Fall Conference and lead discussions about their course selections for next year, using the Time Management Worksheets to guard against over-committing and over-scheduling themselves. Seniors will review their Time worksheets to forecast their first year at college to also guard against over-committing. We are asking our Seniors to also spend a part of their Conference time reflecting on their years at Casady, highlights, challenges, and special memories. For instructions on scheduling your Conference, check the All-School note.
Feb. 1

Dear Upper Division,

Following Mr. Sheldon and Dr. Scheer’s notes on Artificial Intelligence, I would like to highlight how our curated AI tool, FlintK12, is being used in the Upper Division. As they both pointed out, we recognize that Artificial Intelligence should never replace the opportunity for our students to learn but should instead supplement where appropriate.

This year, our teachers have used Flint both behind the scenes, for curriculum expansion and lesson planning, and in the classrooms themselves. We have learned much in this process. For example, if you are reading a book which has been read for fifty years, there are vast data sets online from which AI produces rather accurate results. Pick something written in the last ten years, and you find the most bizarre hallucinations! For our teachers, we can think of AI as a sliding scale, finding rich resources in classic texts and age-old disciplines but becoming more cautious as we explore recent discoveries and read new stories.

In math and science, we have used AI to create variation in practice sets or to provide class notes, yet, these too need to be reviewed. Sometimes, math formulas or scientific formulas will remain technically correct, but, unlike an edited textbook, will have formatting inconsistencies or use different notation. Though Flint can produce results quickly and prodigiously, we have to take care to review its output.

In French and Spanish, students have conjugated verbs, practiced writing, and tested their reading comprehension. AI can create those assessments quickly and deliver feedback, while the teacher roams the classroom. In English, students worked on creating a defensible thesis based on a variety of readings. When doing this activity, students appreciated the immediate feedback. Teachers could see that Flint was able to coach complexity of thought and lucidity of expression. Though the AI engine would confound ‘theme’ and ‘topic,’ that distinction was the perfect place for a handoff to the teacher.

Some teachers and students have used Flint to create review sessions, and college counseling has used it to help students build an activities resume. In this respect, AI becomes an assistant in low-level praxis. On their own, students have used Flint to guide their learning in preparation for exams. By uploading study guides, they have created interactive study sessions which aid review and discern where they need to focus additional study time.

There are some times when we don’t want AI to be a part of the process, for example our in-class writing assignments (ICW’s). Here, teachers are interested in the act of writing as an act of thinking. In education, we can sometimes confound product and process, the task assigned and the learning behind it. Because the process of writing is so key to the learning, we want to see how our students constructed each phrase.

As you can see, we are deep into learning about this powerful tool. Wherever you lie on the spectrum from cautious skeptic to hopeful optimistic, artificial intelligence is here to stay. It has already altered the marketplace. In education it joins technology in its double-edged nature to both interrupt and to assist learning. At Casady we aim to find that balance as we prepare students for an ever-changing world.

Sincerely,

Marc Addington
Upper Division Director
addingtonm@casady.org

Life on the Other Side
Current Casady eighth grade students will spend the beginning of the day Wednesday, Feb. 4, on the UD campus visiting with ninth grade faculty, touring buildings with junior students, and visiting with a senior panel about what life in Upper Division includes. The morning will focus on "what will be new next year" and "what will be the same next year".

Winter Ball
Winter Ball has been rescheduled for Saturday, Feb. 21. Further details will be forthcoming.
Jan. 25

Dear Upper Division,

I hope as you are reading this, your family is warm and well fed, enjoying the view of a white carpet of snow outside. It’s the perfect weather for a good read. Perhaps on your shelf lies a copy of the Iliad or the Odyssey. They are both core texts, with the Odyssey finding itself offered more often in secondary schools. That makes sense. The Odyssey has more fantastical stories, more shifts of setting to capture the attention of young readers, and cleaves closer to family values as we follow son, father, and mother anxiously striving for their reunion at the tale’s end.

Casady has been no stranger to teaching classic texts, but as happens in schools, novels come and go. When the Odyssey left our curriculum years ago, a core set of tales, mythological figures, and archetypes went missing from students’ vocabulary. It was fascinating to mark the last class who read the Odyssey go through Upper Division.

It was therefore a welcome homecoming for the Odyssey to return to our curriculum this year, and if you have a 10th grader you may have seen Emily Wilson’s translation being lugged around this summer. Professor Wilson has produced a lively translation, eschewing any attempts to write in meter or follow the precepts of Matthew Arnold or Alexander Pope in producing a stately language imitative of Homer’s Ionic dialect. Several scholars have grumbled at the variation of translation for singular, well-known epithets of the Odyssey’s heroes. “Wily” Odysseus, for example, becomes “complicated.”

Yet, this tale becomes eminently readable for our kids. Wilson's choices capture something essential: Odysseus isn't simply clever—he's morally complex, making him more accessible to teenagers navigating their own complicated choices. Wilson has also taken time to concentrate on female characters and monsters. To an ancient Greek reader, those categories could indeed blend! Despite these emphases (and deemphases), the power and the majesty of this grand tale come through. I encourage you to borrow their copy and give it a whirl.

For movie fans, we are in for a treat, with director Christopher Nolan making his own attempt to tell the tale, set for release this summer. If you have a freshman or sophomore student, that would be a fun show to see together.

Sincerely,

Marc Addington
Upper Division Director
addingtonm@casady.org

Collect for the Week of Jan. 25
Give us grace, O Lord, to answer readily the call of our Savior Jesus Christ and proclaim to all people the Good News of his salvation, that we and the whole world may perceive the glory of his marvelous works; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Winter Ball
Winter Ball has been rescheduled for Saturday, Feb. 21. Further details will be forthcoming!

Night with the Deans for 11th Grade Families
Please save the date for our upcoming Night with the Deans, part of our Dean’s Fly-In program, on Wednesday, Jan. 28, at 7:00 p.m. in the Records lobby. We are excited to host admission leaders from Colorado State University, Sewanee - The University of the South, University of Oklahoma, and Washington University in St. Louis. Each of our guests will share information about their institutions and present on topics relevant to the college search process.

This program is designed for students and parents, so please mark your calendars to attend as a family!
Jan. 18

Dear Upper Division,

Last year, I corrected a major gap in my education by reading the Bhagavad Gita, one of the sacred texts of the Hindu religion. This journey began with a simple initiative at our School. Several years ago, in an effort to build a culture of reading and spark conversation, our Faculty and Staff posted outside their offices and classrooms a laminated placard, listing their current read. When I posted the Bhagavad Gita last year, it was a wonderful gift to have several families start conversations and in the following weeks, I received several commentaries on the Bhagavad Gita and a spiritual biography. These were much needed, as I found that I was very much out of my depth.

These conversations were a reminder of the richness and depth we have in our Casady Community—a diversity that isn't incidental to our mission, but central to it. Yes, we are a Christian school, but we are proud to recognize and celebrate Diwali and Holi; Rabbi Juan Mejía has presented on several of the high holy days of the Jewish faith; we have held early morning breakfast during the fast of Ramadan. This commitment isn't unique to Casady—it's foundational to Episcopal education. In fact, plurality is a key tenet of the National Association of Episcopal Schools, which I believe distinguishes us from other Christian schools in Oklahoma City:

Episcopal schools have been established, however, not solely as communities for Christians, like a parish church, but as ecumenical and diverse ministries of educational and human formation for people of all faiths and backgrounds. Episcopal schools are populated by a rich variety of human beings, from increasingly diverse religious, cultural, and economic backgrounds. In fact, the intentional pluralism of most Episcopal schools is a hallmark of their missions. It is also a distinguishing characteristic of these schools that they seek to integrate religious and spiritual formation into the overall curriculum and life of each school community. Episcopal schools are clear, yet graceful, about how they articulate and express their basic identities, especially in their religious curricula and traditions. They invite all who attend and work in them—Episcopalians and non-Episcopalians, Christians and non-Christians, people of no faith tradition—both to seek clarity about their own beliefs and religions and to honor those traditions more fully and faithfully in their own lives.

These principles aren't merely aspirational—they call us to action in our broader community. I was recently reminded of our Episcopal tradition by the statement from the Bishop of the Oklahoma Diocese and our Board Trustee, the Rt. Rev. Poulson Reed, who stood in support of the building of a mosque:

"I am concerned about the decision last night by the Broken Arrow City Council, before an overflow crowd, to deny the zoning request and conditional use permit for a proposed mosque on Olive Avenue, despite a positive recommendation by city staff and the Broken Arrow Planning Commission. I hope that the decision was, as the council members stated, truly because of questions of land use and infrastructure, and not for religious reasons. In recent weeks, there has been an alarming amount of Islamophobia related to this proposed mosque, especially online. The Episcopal Church values our interfaith and ecumenical friendships. The freedom to worship peacefully is a bedrock value of our nation. Any violation of religious freedom, or hostility towards a group because of their religious beliefs harms us all."

We are blessed to live in the great and multifarious community of Oklahoma City, and we are proud that our families at Casady represent those cultures and religions. It makes us better; it makes our school a place that “embraces individuals regardless of belief and values an understanding of all faiths.”

Sincerely,

Marc Addington
Upper Division Director
addingtonm@casady.org

Collect for the Week of Jan. 18
Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ's glory, that he may be known, worshipped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Spring semester
The spring semester began on Tuesday, Jan. 6. The drop/add deadline for spring classes is Tuesday, Jan. 20.

Winter Ball
Winter Ball is Saturday, Jan. 24, from 8:00-10:00 p.m. in Calvert Hall. Winter Ball is our Upper Division formal and this year it will be a “Red Carpet” event. You will also be able to try your luck at the blackjack and poker tables. Tickets will be available in the UD Office beginning Wednesday, Jan. 14. Non-Casady guests must have a Guest Registration Form returned by Wednesday, Jan. 21.

Night with the Deans for 11th Grade Families
Please save the date for our upcoming Night with the Deans, part of our Dean’s Fly-In program, on Wednesday, Jan. 28, at 7:00 p.m. in the Records lobby. We are excited to host admission leaders from Colorado State University, Sewanee - The University of the South, University of Oklahoma, and Washington University in St. Louis. Each of our guests will share information about their institutions and present on topics relevant to the college search process.

This program is designed for students and parents, so please mark your calendars to attend as a family!
Jan. 11

We are off to a good start in the Upper Division. While there is a touch of travel-related illness, energy is strong. Teams are competing, our choir entered a competition, Science Olympiad is on the road, our band is participating in a clinic at OU. As I went by classrooms late in the afternoon on Thursday and Friday, there may have been some nodding here and giggly silliness - a fine way to welcome the new year.

One factor contributing to this positive start is our cell phone policy. I can report that our kids have done well. At the midyear, there is no lingering doubt about this decision. Yes, schools, districts, and even states have begun making the decision. From the principal’s perspective, there has been a precipitous drop in disciplinary action. Students are more engaged in class. (Knocking on wood) cyber-bullying has almost disappeared. There is laughter and play in the commons. Thank you for your partnerships and support.

Even as we observe this healthy corrective in schools through our lived experience, ongoing studies suggest that a particular aspect of social media, short-form videos (SFV) have a particularly harmful effect. At the end of the year, two recent summaries of research made their rounds through the news networks with astonishing results:

“The converging evidence across behavioral, academic, and neurobiological domains suggests that heavy TikTok and short-form video consumption correlates with measurable attention deficits, academic underperformance, and neurobiological alterations in users. These findings extend beyond isolated symptoms to show a pattern where platforms exploit developmental vulnerabilities through dopaminergic reward mechanisms, creating users who increasingly require constant stimulation while losing capacity for sustained cognitive engagement. The documented academic consequences, including lower GPAs, increased procrastination, and inability to engage with complex materials, suggest manifestations of deeper cognitive changes that could influence developmental trajectories, although further longitudinal research is needed.”
Head, Keith Robert Short-form video use and sustained attention: A narrative review (2019–2025) International Journal of Community Empowerment & Society Administration
Vol 2.4 Oct 2025: 60-67. Figshare. doi: 10.6084/m9.figshare.30648764

“Increased SFV use was associated with poorer cognition (moderate mean effect size, r = -.34), with attention (r = -.38) and inhibitory control (r = -.41) yielding the strongest associations. Similarly, increased SFV use was associated with poorer mental health (weak mean effect size, r = -.21), with stress (r = -.34) and anxiety (r = -.33) showing the strongest associations. These findings were consistent across youth and adult samples and across different SFV platforms.”
Nguyen L, Walters J, Paul S, Monreal Ijurco S, Rainey GE, Parekh N, Blair G, Darrah M. Feeds, feelings, and focus: A systematic review and meta-analysis examining the cognitive and mental health correlates of short-form video use. Psychol Bull. 2025 Sep;151(9):1125-1146. doi: 10.1037/bul0000498. PMID: 41231585.

The research bolsters what we have felt and known intuitively. I did notice that category from the second quote, “adult samples.” I felt it myself when I sat down to read over break - the struggle is real. Yet, every day at Casady, we choose engaged classrooms, lively music and art classrooms, and competitive sports. We choose depth over distraction; connection over siloed scrolling. Our students are meeting the challenge, and we look to them to carry these habits beyond our campus. This is what an intentional community looks like.

Sincerely,

Marc Addington
Upper Division Director
addingtonm@casady.org

Collect for the Week of January 11th
Father in heaven, who at the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit: Grant that all who are baptized into his Name may keep the covenant they have made, and boldly confess him as Lord and Savior; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

Christian Baptism and Confirmation at Casady
Casady is a Christian church-based school and we recognize that some of our families hold Casady as the source for their children's Christian spiritual formation. Because of this, an extracurricular class will be offered on Wednesday mornings at 8:00 a.m. during the season of Lent for any students in 7th-12th Grades who are interested or inquiring about Christian baptism or confirmation. This will occur at the Saturday night Easter Vigil at the Episcopal Cathedral (April 4th). These Lenten Season preparation classes follow an ancient pattern and are as follows:

Feb. 25: What is Baptism and Confirmation?
Mar. 4: Who is Jesus to a Christian?
Mar. 11: Meaning of Jesus' Death and Resurrection.
SPRING BREAK
Mar. 25: Being a “follower of Jesus.”
Apr. 1: Baptism and Confirmation Service - What to expect.
Apr. 4: EASTER Saturday Night - Service for Baptism & Confirmation at Cathedral

Classes begin February 25 at 8:00 a.m. in Middle Division BibleLand. Contact Fr. Youmans at youmansts@casady.org.

Spring semester
The spring semester began on Tuesday, January 6. The drop/add deadline for spring classes is Tuesday, January 20.

Class rings
A representative from Josten’s Graduation Services will be in the Johnston building lobby on January 14 from 1:40-2:10 p.m. to pick up class ring orders and answer any questions.

Upper Division Play - Macbeth, Auditions, January 12
Auditions Jan. 12 - Cochran Library
Callbacks Jan. 15 - Cochran Library

When three witches deliver some surprising prophecies, Macbeth hatches a plan to murder the king and claim the throne for himself. Provoked by his wife and preoccupied with greed, Macbeth begins his tragic descent into madness. Students in Macbeth should feel comfortable with stage combat and violence. Macbeth will be performed at the 2026 ISAS Festival.

Audition Packet
Audition Form

Winter Ball
Winter Ball is Saturday, Jan. 24 from 8:00-10:00 p.m. in Calvert Hall. Winter Ball is our Upper Division Formal and this year it will be a “Red Carpet” event. You will also be able to try your luck at the Blackjack and Poker tables. Tickets will be available in the UD Office beginning Wednesday, Jan. 14. Non-Casady guests must have a Guest Registration Form returned by Wednesday, Jan. 21.

Night with the Deans - January 28 (11th Grade Families)
Please save the date for our upcoming Night with the Deans, part of our Dean’s Fly-In program, on Wednesday, Jan. 28, at 7:00 p.m. in the Records lobby. We are excited to host admission leaders from Colorado State University, Sewanee - The University of the South, University of Oklahoma, and Washington University in St. Louis. Each of our guests will share information about their institutions and present on topics relevant to the college search process.

This program is designed for students and parents, so please mark your calendars to attend as a family!

SAT testing - March 23 (11th Grade Students)
Casady is offering the SAT on campus to Juniors on Monday, March 23. Registration information is coming on Tuesday!
Jan. 5

Happy New Years and a warm welcome back to school from the Upper Division.

This week’s note will be framed around our return, including logistics for add/drop procedures and a couple of changes to our report card.

Spring semester
The spring semester begins on Tuesday, Jan. 6 on an A day with schedules available on MyCasady. Students should contact Ms. Infantino ASAP if they would like to request a change. The deadline to drop or add a spring course is Tuesday, Jan. 20.

Report Card
Report cards will be released no later than Monday, January 12. You will notice that there are two changes to our report cards. We have added attendance totals and removed the term GPA.

Attendance
I thought that it is important for families to see how many absences students have for each class. These absences are a total and, as such, include legitimate absences such as illnesses and Casady activities like choir competitions or sports. The total at the top of the report card also includes study halls. Remember that report cards are not sent outside the school to colleges or universities, and therefore attendance data is not a part of our outgoing records. Again, the purpose of this report is just to let you know how many classes have been missed. This is good background information for families to know when planning elective absences. Research shows that the single most important correlator with high grades in college is attendance.

GPA
Because we assign GPA at the end of the school year, the GPA calculation made at the term will be off by a fraction when compared with the year-end GPA (the math involves using a translation table twice as opposed to once at the end of the year). This GPA is also just one of two GPA calculations that are sent to colleges, i.e., the weighted GPA (the transcript shows both weighted and unweighted). For those interested in how the soup is made, more detailed information follows.

The GPA shared on transcripts sent to colleges and universities is the cumulative weighted and unweighted GPA. This GPA is based on the year final grades for year long courses and semester grades for semester courses. Semester GPAs are used only for Honor Roll consideration and are not reported outside our institution. These snapshots of a single semester, while helpful, can be misleading about a student's overall GPA. If you are curious about your child’s GPA at the term, I encourage you to use our curriculum guide and handbook to make those calculations. Cumulative weighted and unweighted GPAs for all coursework taken at Casady since 9th Grade will be posted in Scoir and updated each semester. At the end of the year, freshmen, sophomores, and juniors will have access to their current GPA via an unofficial transcript uploaded to the Drive in our College Counseling portal, Scoir. Seniors will be able to access and download their final unofficial transcript after graduation in their Scoir Drive.

Honor roll will be presented in chapel later in January.

Sincerely,

Marc Addington
Upper Division Director
addingtonm@casady.org

Collect for the Week of January 4, Second Sunday of the Christmastide
O God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully restored, the dignity of human nature: Grant that we may share the divine life of him who humbled himself to share our humanity, your Son Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Next steps
Our first advisory task when we return is to look at the goals we set at the beginning of the year. How did we do? How should our plans shift? If we met our goals, what would be next?

Spring semester
The spring semester begins on Tuesday, January 6. It will be an A day. Students should check their spring schedules in MyCasady before the break and see their advisor or Ms. Infantino if they would like to request a change. The drop/add deadline for spring is Tuesday, January 20.

Class rings
A representative from Josten’s Graduation Services will have information on class rings in the Johnston building lobby on Thursday, January 8 from 1:30 - 2:00 p.m. for any interested students or parents. They will return on January 14 to pick up orders and answer any questions.

Upper Division Play - Macbeth, Auditions, January 12
Auditions January 12 - Cochran Library
Callbacks January 15 - Cochran Library

When three witches deliver some surprising prophecies, Macbeth hatches a plan to murder the king and claim the throne for himself. Provoked by his wife and preoccupied with greed, Macbeth begins his tragic descent into madness.

Students in Macbeth should feel comfortable with stage combat and violence. Macbeth will be performed at the 2026 ISAS Festival.

Audition Packet
Audition Form

SAT testing (March 23, 2026)
Casady is offering the SAT on campus to Juniors on Monday, March 23. Registration information will be available by January 15 but please mark your calendars and take it into consideration as you make Spring Break plans.
Dec. 14

Dear Upper Division,

This is my last note before the new year. I wish your kids the best on their exams but, most of all, a wonderful time spent together this winter. As I think about my own family, it is a new world these days as my wife and I parent adult children with their own relationships, jobs, and responsibilities. We had one of three for Thanksgiving, but will have everyone together for Christmas.

Now that they are adults, we do try to find something meaningful to do together. Years ago, I had the pleasure of serving at the North Texas Food Bank with one of my kids when he was in high school. It was a powerful experience, and one that we talk about from time to time, how to give back. I was surprised to learn that my oldest had reached out to participate in a local political campaign. We are proud that he has decided to play a role in his community.

These experiences with my own children remind me of the importance of our work at Casady. One of our strategic goals (quoted below) is building character in our students, and a primary avenue is how our students give back to our community.

Character | Culture | Community
The intersection of society and technology in today’s world creates an evolutionary change in the importance of specific skills our students need to be successful in changing college and employment landscapes. This effects a renewed emphasis on character development.

As we explore character development as a School, I go into my usual mode of having conversations and reading all I can lay my hands on. Recently, I picked up David Brooks’s "The Road to Character". He has an interesting frame to the fundamental structure of human nature through a reading of the two creation stories in Genesis:

“While Adam I wants to conquer the world, Adam II wants to obey a calling to serve the world. While Adam I is creative and savors his own accomplishments, Adam II sometimes renounces worldly success and status for the sake of some sacred purpose.” (p.xii)

Brooks develops this theme throughout that both natures are always present; we are never wholly one and not the other. Our task is to find balance. I think about Adam I, the conqueror, I recall the incredible brilliance and success of Casady’s students, past and present. There are surely those who can and do conquer the world, but our School also has a longstanding mission to serve.

Later in his book, Brooks talks about Hull House, the famous social settlement in 19th century Chicago, whose residents were dedicated to giving back to their community. Brooks asks his readers to consider their tireless service as an example of those motivated by an inner drive to do good without external recognition. He pauses with a poignant and apposite observation:

“Today, community service is sometimes used as a patch to cover over inarticulateness about the inner life. Not long ago, I asked the head of a prestigious prep school how her institution teaches its students about character. She answered by telling me how many hours of community service the students do. That is to say, when I asked her about something internal, she answered by talking about something external. Her assumption seemed to be that if you go off and tutor poor children, that makes you a good person yourself.” (p. 31)

That is a strong message. The early Christians struggled with a similar problem around works as an outward sign. Are we saved by our good works? Or are our good works the result of an inner faith?

As an educator, I choose to embrace both, knowing that the external work we do sometimes takes time to bear internal fruit. I can confidently say that we have great kids who do good in our community. At the same time, there are many that take time to grow and mature, the present writer included! Requiring our students to do community service gives them an experience of what that looks like. Our students, even if they don’t understand it now, will know that we recognize giving back is important and, in the fullness of their lives, I believe those seeds will grow.

There are many ways that our families already give back. If your charity of choice is not available for volunteer opportunities, Father Youmans, our chaplain and director of community service at Casady, has shared an opportunity to give two hours of your day to prepare and serve a midday meal at the Care Center Day Shelter. St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral in downtown is partnering with the Care Center to offer a day shelter and lunch for neighbors in need. Please contact Father Youmans if you, a group of friends, or your family is interested in serving over the break.

Sincerely,

Marc Addington
Upper Division Director
addingtonm@casady.org

Collect for the Week of Dec. 14
Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

Reading Day and 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.

Monday, Dec. 15 is Reading Day. All buildings are open and faculty are here to work with students and assist in final preparations for the exams. Attendance on Monday is optional, and while many of our students come to campus to work and study many also find it more valuable to stay home and study and prepare. Students may wear Spirit Dress for exams. No athletic wear.

Spring semester
The spring semester begins on Tuesday, Jan. 6. It will be an A day. Students should check their spring schedules in MyCasady before the break and see their advisor or Ms. Infantino if they would like to request a change. The drop/add deadline for spring is Tuesday, Jan. 20.

Class Rings
A representative from Josten’s Graduation Services will have information on class rings in the Johnston building lobby on Thursday, Jan. 8 from 1:30-2:00 p.m. for any interested students or parents. They will return on Jan. 14 to pick up orders and answer any questions.

Upper Division Play: Macbeth
Auditions: Jan. 12 in Cochran Library
Callbacks: Jan. 15 in Cochran Library

When three witches deliver some surprising prophecies, Macbeth hatches a plan to murder the king and claim the throne for himself. Provoked by his wife and preoccupied with greed, Macbeth begins his tragic descent into madness. Students in Macbeth should feel comfortable with stage combat and violence. Macbeth will be performed at the 2026 ISAS Festival.

Audition Packet
Audition Form

SAT
Casady is offering the SAT on campus to juniors on Monday, March 23. Registration information will be available in the coming months. Please mark your calendars, and take this date into consideration as you make Spring Break plans.
Dec. 7

Dear Upper Division,

When I was a young kid, my dad would often sharpen a knife in the kitchen by taking out what looked like a thick, cylindrical piece of steel. He would put the blade at an angle and it looked like he was trying to shave off pieces of the steel rod.

I learned later that this is not “sharpening” a knife but “dressing” the edge. When you dress or hone a knife, what you do is knock the little burrs off the edge. However, this process is successful only when you have already put an edge on the blade.

For four months teachers and students have been sharpening their knives, learning new material and developing skills. In the week before exams, we dress the edge of the blade. What I mean from this prolonged metaphor is that ahead of exams, some students panic. They want to study late into the night, wake up early, and spend every moment they can relearning every dot and squiggle in the curriculum. Students consume massive amounts of caffeine (and whatever chemicals lurk in those energy drinks), skip meals, and when they do eat, their meals are a get-it-done affair.

The best strategy for students to employ is to make a schedule to review, to do the best they can, and all the while to maintain a consistent sleep schedule and to eat healthy. So, as you head into exams, remember: the sharpening is done. Trust the efforts you’ve made this semester. This week is about honing, refining what you already know, not frantically trying to reforge the blade. Tend to your health, organize your review, and walk into exams sharp.

Sincerely,

Marc Addington
Upper Division Director
addingtonm@casady.org

Reading Day
Dec. 15 is our “Reading Day.” That is a day when students do not need to come to campus, but we would certainly love it if they did. Some students will use this time to study away from the distractions of home, others will meet in study groups, but a sizable number will come to campus to review with teachers.

Students may wear Spirit Dress for exams, but not athletic wear.

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.

Spring semester
The spring semester begins on Tuesday, Jan. 6. It will be an A day. Students should check their spring schedules in MyCasady before the break and see their advisor or Ms. Infantino if they would like to request a change. The drop/add deadline for spring is Tuesday, Jan. 20.

SAT
Casady is offering the SAT on campus to juniors on Monday, March 23. Registration information will be available in the coming months. Please mark your calendars, and take this date into consideration as you make Spring Break plans.
Nov. 30

Dear Upper Division,

Welcome back from Thanksgiving! I hope you had a wonderful time with friends and family. With exams two weeks away, here are some considerations for navigating the end of the semester.

Navigating the Schedule
Exam week begins Dec. 15 with our “Reading Day.” That is a day when students do not need to come to campus, but we would certainly love it if they did. Some students will use this time to study away from the distractions of home, others will meet in study groups, but a sizable number will come to review with teachers.

Plan Your Time
The week before our Thanksgiving break, I went through study halls visiting with freshmen. We showed them how to find their exam schedule in MyCasady. We also explored strategies. Which exam might require a lot of memorization? Which subject is more skill-based for which you might need to review past tests? What are going to be your harder days for which you need to start much earlier?

Missing Assignments / Revisions
Go through MyCasady to make sure that all missing assignments have been turned in. Maybe a teacher has offered that you revise a writing or visit with them concerning a recent assessment. Follow up on those requests. Use these last couple of weeks to meet with the teacher and review past work.

Gather Your Tools
At the end of this week, all teachers will have delivered exam reviews. Naturally, from teacher to teacher these products may differ widely. Take time to read over them and ask questions. Use these materials to make sure you have all the information and resources you need to study over the next couple of weeks. Some teachers keep their tests, but you are welcome to meet with them to review past assessments. Lastly, weekends are such critical times. Plan them carefully.
Remember that with our exam schedule, you might have a different schedule than your friends. For those of you wanting to study the same class, you should plan a time that works for you.

Good luck!

Sincerely,

Marc Addington
Upper Division Director
addingtonm@casady.org

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.

Monday, Dec. 15, is Reading Day. All buildings are open and faculty are here to work with students and assist in final preparations for the exams. Attendance on Monday is optional, and while many of our students come to campus to work and study, many also find it more valuable to stay home and study and prepare. Students may wear Spirit Dress for exams, but not athletic wear.

SAT
Casady is offering the SAT on campus to juniors on Monday, March 23. Registration information will be available in the coming months. Please mark your calendars and take this date into consideration as you make Spring Break plans.
Nov. 16

Dear Upper Division,

As we head into Thanksgiving, we enter a season of gratitude. As we have done the past couple of years, our students write notes in advisory. We learned a couple of years ago it was necessary to give instruction on how to address and manipulate an envelope.

Lately, our students and faculty feel particularly thankful towards our Casady Community. To the east of our Chapel, the steel has risen out of the foundation to reveal the skeleton of Kirby Family Hall. As the crews roof the structure, the outlines of our new dining and engagement center come into focus.

Buildings don’t just happen. At schools like Casady, they are the markers of the faith, trust, and beneficence of our families. Gay and Ed Kirby gave a lead gift for this $23 million project so that our current and future families will have a central hub in Upper Division. Our own Mr. Gorham, now in his 62nd year of teaching, also made a significant gift for an outdoor terrace where our community will be able to congregate. Inside, the Gaylord Student Commons will serve as a primary location for students of all ages to gather and where they will be able to find snacks and refreshments at Laura’s Cafe. The Browne Family Library will become the new study and reference area for our students, which includes the Cope Family Study Room. Much to our additional benefit, Samis Family College Counseling and Administration will be the central point for our UD administration. Even the Butterfly Garden outside the board room has been thoughtfully planned to honor the Class of 1969, which has supported a space that all divisions visit throughout the year. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the four expansive classrooms in the south wing, each named for the generosity of the Lister, Hart, Naifeh, and Huchton families. This new building will be more than just a dining hall, library, and classrooms; Kirby Family Hall will be a gathering place for our students, much-needed space for a growing division, and a beautiful place to sit and reflect on the campus around the lake.

We share with the rest of the School community the renovation and expansion of what will become the Sias Family Center for Performing Arts, which incorporates Fee Theater into a full performing arts complex. Thanks to the generosity of Alice and Phil Pippin in honor and memory of Mrs. Pippin’s parents, Jeanette and Dick Sias, our growing performing arts program will receive almost 5,200 square feet more space and a modernization to include the Wert Family Performance Hall, Dan Wert Recording Studio, and Clements Family Foyer. Just as with Kirby Family Hall, the sidewalks and exterior redesign further highlight the centerpiece of our campus. Outdoor spaces such as Ashley Hammond ’89 Memorial Garden and Walker’s Way will also be redesigned with their names preserved and memorialized.

We are also thankful for the leadership and governance of our School. When the timbers of our Chapel roof began to crack, we had the savings and maintenance programs to do necessary repairs as well as to put down new tile and refurbish the pews. Additionally, there is not a week that goes by when we don’t see a pile of food brought in by parents for students or teachers. We are thankful for volunteers in our library, those who bring food late at night for musical practice, and chaperones at our many events.

The essence of gratitude is in looking back. The service and ebullient philanthropy on the part of our Casady Community are not just adornments to our campus, they are lessons to our students. As we see so often, an education lies not just in the classroom, it finds its full expression in the countless ways, large and small, that our families give back.

In profound thanks, we wish you a happy Thanksgiving with family and friends.

Sincerely,

Marc Addington
Upper Division Director
addingtonm@casady.org

Videographers in UD on Monday
Videographers with Casady's marketing partner, High Five Media, will be on campus Monday recording media across Upper Division and athletics. Casady uses these videos for advertising, website, and marketing to showcase our School.

Senior Graduation Items
The Josten’s representative will be in the Records Lobby on Wednesday, Nov. 19, from 1:30-2:15 p.m. to pick up graduation announcements and class ring orders.

In addition, please remind your senior to complete the Google Form to order their cap and gown. Do not order them through Josten’s; Casady will order and pay for seniors' caps and gowns. Information is available in the UD office.

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.

Monday, Dec. 15, is Reading Day. All buildings are open and faculty are here to work with students and assist in final preparations for the exams. Attendance on Monday is optional, and while many of our students come to campus to work and study, many also find it more valuable to stay home and study and prepare. Students may wear Spirit Dress for exams, but not athletic wear.

SAT
Casady is offering the SAT on campus to juniors on Monday, March 23. Registration information will be available in the coming months. Please mark your calendars and take this date into consideration as you make Spring Break plans.
Nov. 9
Dear Upper Division,

Reading in a Digital Age
Over the past 20 years, there has been a steady output of articles that chart declining reading in America. This lack has struck our country from declining reading scores across our schools: NAEP test scores (National Assessment of Educational Progress) to a decline of college students choosing humanities majors (End of English major, Declining humanities at Yale).

A recent article in the Atlantic pointed to lowered standards in schools and grade inflation. While many theories have emerged, there has been no shortage of blame, especially regarding the use of devices. In a review of recent studies on these topics, Pay Attention, Kid!, professor of psychology at the University of Virginia, Daniel Willingham, gave a helpful corrective to the typical jeremiads we find in headline news.

He concludes his survey with some interesting ideas. “It’s not that students can’t pay attention, but rather that they more readily choose not to.” Well, what can we do then? We should concentrate on emphasizing the long-term benefits of study. For example, “portfolios of student work might help students see and appreciate how much progress they have made in the quality of their work throughout a school year and reflect on the necessity of hard work to access the satisfaction that progress brings.” Regarding cell phones, “it may be that, with the consistent absence of digital devices, the unconscious mind will learn that the phone is unavailable in a particular context, and so the calculation of boredom will adjust accordingly.” This is encouraging news after our School’s decision to remove cell phones from the academic day.

Beyond minimizing distractions, however, we believe that schools must actively cultivate a culture of reading—something Casady has prioritized. It is a celebrated value in our classrooms and assemblies. Alumni return to laud its benefits, and we invite authors to visit our campus from Lower Division to Upper Division. All this reinforces the long-term benefits of study in an age of distraction.

To this last point, we know that building culture requires a partnership beyond our campus. A school is only as strong as its families. I would love to share stories and ways in which our families have encouraged study and reading at home. I invite you to share your family's strategies for encouraging reading at home. What rituals, rules, or routines have worked in your household? This link will remain open through Thanksgiving to gather cultural wisdom from our Casady Community.

Sincerely,

Marc Addington
Upper Division Director
addingtonm@casady.org

Senior Graduation Information
On Monday, Nov. 10, a representative from Josten's graduation services will meet with the Seniors from 12:20-1:00 p.m. in Records Lobby. They will have ordering information for the traditional Casady graduation announcement, as well as other Class of 2026 items, for any interested families. They will return on Nov. 19 from 1:30-2:00 p.m. to collect orders and answer questions.

Seniors will also complete a Google Form to order their cap and gown. This is provided by Casady and should not be ordered through the Josten's brochure or website. Contact Ms. Infantino if you have any questions.

Collect for the Week of Nov. 9
O God, whose blessed Son came into the world that he might destroy the works of the devil and make us children of God and heirs of eternal life: Grant that, having this hope, we may purify ourselves as he is pure; that, when he comes again with power and great glory, we may be made like him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Student Support Services - 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 the week of Nov. 11 for Upper Division.
The BASC-3 Behavioral and Emotional Screening System (BESS) will be used for Middle and Upper Division and will take place during advisory.
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, our department 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.

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
Casady is offering the SAT on campus to juniors on Monday, March 23. Registration information will be available in the coming months. Please mark your calendars and take this date into consideration as you make Spring Break plans.
Nov. 2
Dear Upper Division,

So, imagine that you are a teenager in high school somewhere in the 80’s and 90’s, you might have been carefully watching the mailbox for one of these to arrive.

In the absence of ‘live’ gradebooks, who knew what those grades were going to be? Now, the time for progress reports has arrived, and this is what you need to know. We are at the halfway point of the semester, which is an opportunity to check in on student progress.
Access MyCasady to check grades. For a productive conversation, I recommend giving your kid a heads up that you are going to review grades this week. This gives your student a couple of days to look at the grades and prepare their own strategies for the rest of the semester.
Revisit those advisory goals set at the beginning of the year. How are they doing with the hopes and aims your student set at conferences?
Now that there are tests and projects in the gradebook, we have concrete data on performance. What are the next steps? While some teachers may keep physical tests, a student always has the right to meet with the teacher to review mistakes and discuss strategies.
Is organization a challenge? We have a wealth of resources at Casady:
Academic Dean Joanne Infantino
Learning Specialist Marla Linton
Dean of Student Experience Kevin Crossno
Associate Dean Valerie Russell
Remember that your first point of contact for any questions or concerns is your advisor. We are here to help.

Sincerely,

Marc Addington
Upper Division Director
addingtonm@casady.org

Collect for All Saints Week
Almighty God, you have knit together your elect in one communion and fellowship in the mystical body of your Son Christ our Lord: Give us grace so to follow your blessed saints in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to those ineffable joys that you have prepared for those who truly love you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

Student Support Services - 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 the week of Nov. 11 for Upper Division.
The BASC-3 Behavioral and Emotional Screening System (BESS) will be used for Middle and Upper Division and will take place during advisory.
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, our department 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.

Upper Division Open House
Casady School will host an Upper Division Open House on Sunday, Nov. 9, from 2:00–4:00 p.m. This come-and-go event is a wonderful opportunity for prospective families to explore campus, meet our faculty and Admission Team, and experience what makes Casady’s Upper Division so special. Please help us spread the word to friends, neighbors, and colleagues who might be interested in learning more about Casady.

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
Casady is offering the SAT on campus to juniors on Monday, March 23. Registration information will be available in the coming months. Please mark your calendars and take this date into consideration as you make Spring Break plans.
Oct. 26
Dear Upper Division,

Thank you to our parents who found time this past Wednesday to hear a presentation on next year’s schedule changes as well as to ask vital questions. By and large, feedback has been positive, especially with regard to the rhythmic pattern of the schedule and the ability for all students to have at least one study hall, one break in the sequence. To be sure, the next six months will be dedicated to “getting into the weeds” of the schedule. In the meantime, I am thankful to students, parents, and teachers for their thoughtful feedback.

An important feature of this schedule lives in the open spaces. When I visit other schools to talk about Casady or tour applicant families, a topic I lean into is the open layout of our campus, designed to mimic a college campus. Open time and space are critical for young adults to grow into. Our new schedule creates just those spaces for our students to explore, for example, a typical schedule next year will have three classes a day with a study hall.

Now, there are some students who embrace a horror vacui, a fear of emptiness, and will try to fill every minute of their free time. They can do this to some extent, but we will hold the line at allowing them to take seven out of eight classes. However, we hope some choose to explore their freedom, to visit with friends, to do homework, or to find their way into our math or writing lab. Making choices seems to be a harder and harder task for our kids these days. Over and again, they seek our approval; they want to know if we are okay with their choices. In the classroom, this is where the student wants us to approve their thesis or to assure them that an ‘A’ is guaranteed.

More recently, our students were faced with a choice of staying at School or leaving early to support our Girls’ Volleyball Team in the playoffs. Even though I addressed our students in a Chapel announcement that there were no academic consequences for attending the game, there was still consternation. I am glad that a number of our students went. At both Friday’s playoff and Saturday’s championship game, our crowd was bigger and more supportive than our opponent’s. We know that crowd energy buoys and dynamizes our athletes. Moreover, being at the game is a memory that those kids will remember and talk about at an alumni dinner years from now.

Experiences are individual and powerful, but outcomes can never be guaranteed. What our kids want from us is our approval and the assurance that their choices are consequence-free. While it’s tempting to clear the stumbling blocks from their path, that’s not the environment in which young folk grow. The harder, but more worthwhile, path is allowing them to make their own decisions and supporting them through the outcomes. It is only through this process that our students develop autonomy, transform nascent feelings into identity, and begin their journey to adulthood.

As we implement this new schedule, we should regard these ‘open spaces’ not as gaps to fill, but as opportunities for our students to practice the art of choice-making. Thank you for your partnership.

Sincerely,

Marc Addington
Upper Division Director
addingtonm@casady.org

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

Hope Is Alive Student and Parent Presentations - Hope Is Alive will be speaking with our Upper Division students this Tuesday and Wednesday about making healthy, informed choices. Research continues to show that open, ongoing conversations between parents and children are one of the most effective ways to prevent substance misuse. To help support those conversations at home, Hope Is Alive will also host an educational session for Casady parents on Tuesday, Oct. 28, at 6:00 p.m. in Records Building.

Collect for the Week of October 26
Almighty and everlasting God, increase in us the gifts of faith, hope, and charity; and, that we may obtain what you promise, make us love what you command; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Student Support Services - 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 the week of November 11 for Upper Division.
The BASC-3 Behavioral and Emotional Screening System (BESS) will be used for the Middle and Upper Divisions and will take place during advisory.
You will be notified by a member of our Student Support Services team if the results indicate that your child could benefit from school-based interventions or parental consultation. If this is the case, our department will share the overall results with you and discuss ways you can get support for your child. You will not be contacted if your child is found not to need additional support.
Please complete this Casady SEB opt-out form if you DO NOT want your child to be screened.
Reach out to Samantha Kobs with any questions (kobss@casady.org)

Upper Division Open House (November 9, 2:00-4:00 p.m.)
Casady School will host an Upper Division Open House on Sunday, Nov. 9, from 2:00–4:00 p.m. This come-and-go event is a wonderful opportunity for prospective families to explore campus, meet our faculty and Admission Team, and experience what makes Casady’s Upper Division so special. Please help us spread the word to friends, neighbors, and colleagues who might be interested in learning more about Casady.

Fall Term Exams December 16-19
Students can view their fall-term exam schedule in MyCasady by clicking on “My Day” and “Schedule” and scrolling to the week of December 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 March 23
Casady is offering the SAT on campus to Juniors on Monday, March 23. Registration information will be available in the coming months. Please mark your calendars and take this date into consideration as you make Spring Break plans.
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:
Cell phones, smart devices, and earbuds are powered down and in students' backpacks or lockers during school hours.
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:
Cell phones, smart devices, and earbuds are powered down and in the students' backpacks or lockers during school hours.
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:

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

Upper Division Notes

Stay Connected

Search

About Casady

List of 1 items.

Committed to a Deeper Level of Learning

About Admission

List of 1 items.

Your Journey Begins Today

About Academics

List of 1 items.

The Courage To Explore

About Athletics

List of 1 items.

Forever A Cyclone

About Arts

List of 1 items.

Pursuing Passions

About Advancement

List of 1 items.

Supporting the Mission

Stay Connected

Search

About Casady

List of 1 items.

Committed to a Deeper Level of Learning

About Admission

List of 1 items.

Your Journey Begins Today

About Academics

List of 1 items.

The Courage To Explore

About Athletics

List of 1 items.

Forever A Cyclone

About Arts

List of 1 items.

Pursuing Passions

About Advancement

List of 1 items.

Supporting the Mission