January 11, 2008
Vol I., Issue 17

  Around Campus

Welcome back! We all arrived back with a new energy. Here’s a little of what happened around here this week. Enjoy …

Don’t ya just love good surprises? Well, our third and fourth graders were treated to a doozie this morning. Sgt. Adam Robbins popped in to thank our Upper Elementary students and teachers for their support while he was deployed to Iraq. This is the second time our students have adopted Sgt. Robbins. The first time around our current seventh and eighth graders sent him letters and care packages. All and all, our students have supported eight tours. “It makes me feel extremely glad, because I know it’s made someone’s day, “ fourth grader Chloe Casey said of supporting the troops.  “They think of all the good things happening in the world instead of war.”  If you get a chance, ask one of these students what this program means to them. Their answers are quite touching.

While most of us were relaxing over the holidays, some around Parish were hard at work. Over the break, SmartBoards were added to all first grade classrooms, and two more language labs have been installed – one in the Upper School and one in the French/Latin room in the Middle School. Parlez-vous Français?

Motivational speaker Aric Bostick has been on campus for two days speaking to parents and Middle School and Upper School students. His message is simple. We need to encourage one another, show some enthusiasm for life and find what our purpose is and do it. His suggestions for the key to a successful relationship with your kids? “Love ‘em where they’re at!” A record number of parents turned out yesterday for his talk, and our students seem to be taking a lot away from his high energy, yet poignant, speech. For more information on Aric and his summer program, the “Camp of Champs”, visit www.aricbostick.com. Can I get an “OH YEAH”?

It’s just a hop, skip and a jump for our kindergartners these days as they participate in the jump rope unit of P.E. Check it out...both their athletic and artistic skills could put many an adult to shame!

Finally, congratulations to Middle School math teacher Miriam Antich. She was recognized this morning as an outstanding teacher by the Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted organization. Several of Mrs. Antich’s former students nominated her for this honor. Also, she is among 53 winners of the Edyth May Sliffe Award.  She was selected because of the outstanding performance of our top three students on the American Mathematics Contest 8 exam each of the past three years. If you have a chance, please take the time to congratulate her.

  Hot Topic

This calendar year has the makings to be among the most exciting and brightest in School history. As our school continues to grow, we are proud to report that our founding parish, The Church of the Transfiguration, continues to make forward progress as well.

Construction on the church’s long anticipated addition has officially begun. The impact to daily life on the Hillcrest Campus we hope will be minimal. However, several questions have arisen regarding pre-k through second chapel. We hope the next few paragraphs will answer them for you.

The frequency of Chapel will remain exactly the same. However, some location changes have been made. Pre-k and kindergarten classes have begun worshipping in the Hillcrest gym and will do so until the end of the school year. This decision was made because the walk to the sanctuary was becoming quite lengthy, and both teachers and members of the administrative team decided it would be best to save their little feet.

Chapel time this week has run smoothly, and thanks to some planning, the elements involved (including music) have remained unchanged.

If you talk to first and second graders, though, their experience is a little different. They are hoofing it to the sanctuary, albeit a longer, different route because some sidewalks have been removed.

We are committed to keeping you informed about any changes that will affect your children and welcome any questions you might have.

Please feel free to contact the Hillcrest office at 972-239-8011 if you have any further concerns.

Thank you for your understanding and patience as we support the Fig in its vision for the future.

  Parish PA

We’re gathering gifts and honoring our 2008 Gala sponsors!

From 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 2, please join us for hearty bites and beverages at the home of Becky and Jim Renard, 4947 Brookview Drive, Dallas, Texas, 75220.

The purpose of the evening is to select items from the Gala Wish Lists to underwrite, OR bring your own Auction donation with you (minimum $100 value, please).

Come and join in this pre-Gala celebration! RSVP by Jan. 28, to Cathy MacDowell.