Upper Division Notes

Upper Division Notes

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:
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
 
 

Additional Information

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.

Upcoming Important Dates

September
  • Sept. 9: Twister Yearbook School Pictures
  • Sept. 10: 11th Grade Parent College Night
    • 7:00 p.m.
    • Records Building
  • Sept. 17: Honor Code Signing
    • Formal Dress for Students
  • Sept. 22-25: Safety Drills Week
  • Sept. 24: 9th and 10th Grade Parent College Night
    • Records Building
  • Sept. 25: 12th Grade Paying for College Event
    • 7:00 p.m.
    • Webinar
  • Sept. 26: Fall Student/Parent Conference Day
    • No Classes

UD Notes Archive

List of 6 items.

  • Sept. 1

    Dear Upper Division,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Homecoming Mums
    Casady Cheer is selling mums for Homecoming for all students in a fall sport or the pep band. Parents wear these decorative corsages during Homecoming to celebrate their student and School spirit. Each mum features personalized designs and ribbons that highlight a student’s athletic or musical talents. Proceeds support Cheer, a dedicated group of girls who cheer on our students at games, pep rallies, and other events. Mums will be book billed, one per family. Please contact Melissa Jenkins in the business office if you would like to opt out.

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

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

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

    Dietary Restrictions
    If your student has any dietary restrictions or needs a vegetarian or vegan meal, please have them contact Ms. Infantino, who will share the information with the FLIK Dining staff. You can also indicate food allergies on your medical forms.
  • Aug. 24

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

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

    How do I know my student’s schedule? We will have printed copies and maps available to pick up in the lobby of Fee Theater before our presentation. For the adventurous types, you can access your student’s profile through MyCasady, select the “SCHEDULE” tab. Blocks are referenced to the right of each class. You may have to select a preceding or following day in order to find all classes. We begin the rotation with PA+ classes, marked as an “M” on the schedule.
    • 6:30 p.m. – Opening Presentation in Fee Theater
    • 6:45 p.m. –  Warning Bell
    • 6:50-7:00 p.m. – Block M (PA+)
    • 7:05-7:15 p.m. – Block A
    • 7:20-7:30 p.m. – Block B
    • 7:35-7:45 p.m. – Block C
    • 7:50-8:00 p.m. – Block D
    • 8:05-8:15 p.m. – Block E
    • 8:20-8:30 p.m. – Block F

    Marc Addington
    Upper Division Director
    addingtonm@casady.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Dietary Restrictions
    If your student has any dietary restrictions or needs a vegetarian or vegan meal, please have them contact Ms. Infantino, who will share the information with the FLIK Dining staff. You can also indicate food allergies on your medical forms.
  • Aug. 17

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

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

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

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

    Let’s have a great year, Cyclones!

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

    Marc Addington
    Upper Division Director
    addingtonm@casady.org

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

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

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

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

    Schedules for 2025
    Students will be able to view their schedules on MyCasady today, Sunday, Aug. 17. Ms. Infantino will be available on Orientation Day to answer questions and process requests for changes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    "The Anxious Generation" Parents and Students
    Sept. 17
    GoTo Webinar for Families at 6:30 p.m.

    We are excited to welcome Zach Rausch, lead researcher for Jonathan Haidt's book "The Anxious Generation" and Zach's assistant, Jakey Lebwohl, for webinars on Sept. 17. Jakey will speak to UD students for an extended Chapel on Sept. 17, and Zach will address our families at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 17 through GoTo Webinar. An invitation with a registration link to the parent webinar and a Google Form for questions will be sent separately to parents on Sunday, Aug. 24. This webinar is open to all Casady parents and their families.

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

    Dietary Restrictions
    If your student has any dietary restrictions or needs a vegetarian or vegan meal, please have them contact Ms. Infantino, who will share the information with the FLIK Dining staff. You can also indicate food allergies on your medical forms.
  • Aug. 3 - Back to School Orientation

    Dear Upper Division,
     
    We are excited to welcome you back to Casady School for the 2025-26 school year. Our Student Council has been hard at work preparing fast-paced and fun freshman and all-school orientations (details below).

    While the steel rises for our new Kirby Family Hall, the our current Gaylord Student Center is being refitted to provide temporary space for our arts as needed during the planned Sias Family Center for Performing Arts that will begin later year, and our sophomore locker and commons area will shift to the Miller building.

    Our deans have been working with Student Council to populate the Upper Division Quad and other popular student areas with games and activities so that play returns as cell phones retreat. A few mahjong sets have also been purchased. 

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

    Marc Addington
    Upper Division Director
    addingtonm@casady.org

    First Day of Classes
    The first day of class in UD will be Wednesday, Aug. 20. Students will have all of their classes on that day. We will use a special schedule, starting at 8:25 a.m. Class meeting times will be available on MyCasady. After this first day, we will resume our regular Wednesdays with 8:55 a.m. starts (see below)
    Freshman Walk - Freshmen meet advisors at 8:00 a.m. in Bennett Athletic Center for donuts and fellowship. Advisors and administration will walk with freshmen to their first classes as a group.
     
    Freshman Orientation 
    Friday, Aug. 15
    9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
    2:00-3:00 p.m. Parent Session with the Deans in Fee Theater

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

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

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

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

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

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

    We will start this policy on the first day of school. The short version of our policy is summarized here:
    1. Cell phones, smart devices, and earbuds are powered down and in students' backpacks or lockers during school hours.
    2. Primary communication between students and families moves to email, or in the case of a more pressing issue, families should call the Upper Division office.

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

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

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

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

    Also, here is a link to the UD Audition Packet.
  • July 15 - Mid Summer Update

    Dear Upper Division,

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

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

    Therefore, Casady School is endorsing that students independently manage their cell phones. Our policy is stated below. The two greatest takeaways are:
    1. Cell phones, smart devices, and earbuds are powered down and in the students' backpacks or lockers during school hours.
    2. Primary communication between students and families moves to email or, in the case of a more pressing issue, families should call the Upper Division office.
    Thank you for your support of this policy. We are excited to bring back free play and lively conversation to our campus. 

    The School has scheduled webinars for both our parents and students with the research team for the book "The Anxious Generation" by Jonathan Haidt.

    • Zach Rausch, lead researcher, and his intern, Jakey Lebwohl, will present to students on Sept. 17 during Chapel.
    • Zach Rausch will then present in webinar format to parents on Sept. 17 at 6:30-7:30 p.m.
    There will be time for Q+A. Additional details and the official invitation and sign up will be provided in August.

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

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

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

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

    Freshman Orientation 
    Friday, Aug. 15
    9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

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

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

    Students will meet their Advisors in their rooms. Students who plan to drive should bring their current car information to receive a decal - year of car, make and model, and tag number.

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

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

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

    Wizard of Oz Auditions
    Casady Theatre will present the timeless classic, The Wizard of Oz! Follow the yellow brick road in this delightful stage adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s beloved tale, featuring the iconic musical score from the MGM film. The timeless tale, in which young Dorothy Gale travels from Kansas over the rainbow to the magical Land of Oz, continues to thrill audiences worldwide.
     
    Auditions will be Thursday, Aug. 21, 6:00-8:00 p.m. for Upper Division and 4:00-5:30 p.m. for Middle Division in Fee Theater, with callbacks on Monday, Aug. 25, 6:00-8:00 p.m. (UD) and 4:00-5:30 p.m. (MD).
     
    Performances will be Nov. 13-15 at 7:00 p.m. and Nov. 16 at 2:00 p.m.

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

    Universal Drug Testing
    As a reminder, Casady has implemented Universal/Random Drug Testing  of students for illegal drug use. The decision to begin this program in 2024-25 stems from a deep concern for the students' health and welfare and a strong desire to protect them from potentially self‐destructive behavior.

    To make sure that we are able to start school with the least amount of shift to student schedules, we will test students on August 25 and 26 during their study halls and free periods. No preparation or special care needs to be taken that day, and there should be minimal disruption to class time. Additional information about this program, including a FAQ page, can be found on our resources page of MyCasady. If you have questions about our Universal/Random Drug Testing program or the procedures please contact:

    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.
     
    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.
     
    SportCoachPractices Begin
    Cross CountryMatt PenaJuly 23
    Field HockeyTaylor SandersAug. 7
    FootballTy Prestidge
    Clif Prestidge
    Aug. 11
    SoftballKevon HoffmanJuly 15
    Boys' VolleyballJay GalleglyAug. 20
    Girls' VolleyballRachel ManriquezJuly 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

Downloads

Downloads for this week's notes can be found below.

UD Team

Marc Addington
Upper Division Director 
addingtonm@casady.org

Joanne Infantino
Academic Dean 
infantinoj@casady.org

Kevin Crossno
Dean of Student Experience
crossnok@casady.org

Valerie Russell
Associate Dean of Students
russellv@casady.org

Angie Milligan
Administrative Assistant 
milligana@casady.org
Casady School is an independent, co-educational, college preparatory, Episcopal day school serving students in pre-k-12. Educating Mind, Body, and Spirit.
Casady School is a PreK-12, independent, college preparatory Episcopal day school committed to deeper-level learning. Casady School welcomes a student body that reflects the diversity of the world around us and therefore does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, nationality, or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletics, and other school-administered programs generally accorded or made available to students at the School.