May 30, 2008
Vol I., Issue 36

  Around Campus

Well, folks, it’s all over but the walkin’. Enjoy…

Commencement exercises are tomorrow at 7 p.m. in the Midway gym, but tons has gone on before this closing event. Let’s start with the seniors. Last night Baccalaureate was held at The Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration. The ceremony was a fitting service that reinforced what a faith-based education is all about. Let’s all wish them well as they continue to blaze their own trails.

Similarly, the 8th graders “moved up” with festivity and fanfare yesterday morning. The Fig hosted the big event, and a reception followed. Awards were passed out to the 8th graders during Moving Up, while 5th through 7th graders received their goodies and props on Wednesday morning before dismissal for the summer. Here’s a list of all Middle School honors that were bestowed this week. And, while we’re at it, big congratulations are in order for our 5th and 6th baseball teams who were crowned DPL runners-up and champions, respectively, last night. WAY TO GO PANTHERS!!!

Upper Elementary had its hands full, too. First, 4th graders moseyed on out to Texpert Trail Days where they cooked out and recognized the cowboy heritage in this great state. Then 3rd graders were busy electing a Looney Toons president and vice president. Seriously! Miss Bell and Mrs. Stevenson’s students “ran” for president, and then their classmates voted on who they wanted to be their leaders. And the winners were… Yosemite Sam (president) and Road Runner (V.P.) for Miss Bell’s class and Elmer Fudd (president) and Speedy Gonzalez (V.P.) for Mrs. Stevenson’s class. Following this fun week, the 3rd and 4th graders were ready to say, “That’s all folks!”

First graders were busy yesterday packing up their “stuff” to take home. However, they were excited about the change they are sending to Happy Homes preschool as well. Since last fall, they have been bringing in coins that have been used in counting exercises throughout the year. And boy did this small change add up! Now, they are sending about $475 to South Africa to help out with operation costs at the school. Please join us in thanking these students for their generosity.

  Hot Topic

Remember, there’s still time to sign up for Parish summer classes and camps, and school begins again August 26, 2008.

Have an excellent, relaxing and safe summer!!!

  Parish PA

The PA celebrates our wonderful teachers as another fabulous academic year winds to a close.

Led by Traci Good and supported by the efforts of Debbie McGuire, Barbra Applebaum and Mary Reilly at Midway and Teresa Huddleston, Holly Callis and Hilary Rydell at Hillcrest, these dedicated moms organized three wonderful events to honor our teachers.

The Teacher Appreciation program began last September with a “kick off” luncheon for the faculty and staff. A big “thank you” gift and elegant luncheon was provided at Christmas. The PA pulled out all the stops in May, as we honored our hard-working teachers with a week full of treats and fun!

In Early Childhood, homeroom doors were decorated to greet teachers on Monday morning. Upper Elementary, Middle School and Upper School teachers found banners and pictures and student notes of thanks adorning the halls.

During appreciation week, all faculty members started the week with yummy breakfast treats. The PA presented checks honoring the dedication and excellence of our teachers. The Appreciation Luncheon occurred mid-week offering a delicious array of barbecue favorites. The pampering continued during “Spa Day” as teachers and staff took advantage of on-site professional massages. The week closed with a bang: take home gourmet dinners! It is with pride and gratitude that the PA honors and thanks its wonderful teachers!