September 21, 2007
Vol I., Issue 4

 Around Campus

We’ve knocked out a month of school. We hope things are sunny for you in the Parish Universe. Here’s a ray or two of what’s going on. Enjoy …

College prep is serious business. The proof was in our hallways last weekend when thousands turned out to College Preview. Our seniors are getting a little (actually, A LOT) of help from their friends, though. College counselors Ann Harris and Leigh Barnett are helping students who have already narrowed their college search get out the first wave of applications. They are outlining the way for the rest to get to that point. Good luck, seniors!

It was all about hands-on learning in the Middle School. Seventh graders began science labs designed to teach observation processes, and sixth graders threw it back to prehistoric times when they turned their social studies classroom into a cave through paleographic drawings. Now that’s something to write home about!

Fourth graders reviewed reflection scrapbooks completed over summer break. The books answered and illustrated literary element questions on the summer reading title “Shiloh” by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor. Ask your children about how this book explores the best and worst of human nature. Their answers just might surprise you!

Work really IS play for our pre-k II students. Each day they are assigned a different “Daily Helper” duty, which our 4-year-olds don’t take lightly. Whether it’s Line Leader, Door Holder or Napkin Helper, these young students are eager to perform the task at hand. Next time you see one of our youngest students, ask them what they helped out with today. Their bright eyes, cheerful voices and explanation can make your day!

  Weekend Update

There is no excuse to be bored this weekend. If you just can’t find a thing to do, catch one of the 19 sporting events Parish is participating in this weekend. The action kicks off tonight at 7:30, Loos Stadium, with varsity football vs. North Dallas High School.

If sports aren’t your thing, maybe fashion is! The PA Fall Fashion show hosted by Stanley Korshak is 11:30 a.m., Saturday, at 500 Cresent Court. The highlight – the models are Parish moms and students! Call Ann-Shannon Hassell at 972-473-9367 for your reservation.

  Hot Topic

In any institution’s life, a change of guard is inevitable. We at Parish are fortunate that Mrs. Gloria Snyder has dedicated her expertise, talents, passion for young people and more than 25 years of her life to this School.

Mrs. Snyder has announced that at the end of the 2008-2009 school year, she will retire as Head of School. She has previously said this timeframe was chosen because Parish should be fully reaccredited and the School’s current strategic plan should be implemented. Yes, she still has a ton of work to finish up in the next two years!

While she is working away, however, the Board of Trustees will be as well. Harold MacDowell is the chairman of the Head of School search committee, which will be representative of all of our constituencies. This is intended to be a thoughtful, well-planned search for our next great leader. We intend to be transparent about the process and to give the community regular updates.

Here’s the first one. The Board of Trustees work day last weekend moved to place the Head of School search on the agenda. This agenda item will be moved forward each month until a new Head of School is selected. The goal of the search committee is to make a recommendation to the Board by early 2009.

Thank you for choosing to be a part of the Parish Community at this exciting time, and don’t forget to give Mrs. Snyder a pat on the back for all she has done for Parish!

  PESPA

Thank you, teachers! Members of the Parents Association couldn’t wait another minute to express their gratitude to Parish faculty and staff for all they do for our children. This week teachers enjoyed a moment of relaxation and fabulous food in a luau themed luncheon getaway at each campus. We would like to thank all of our hard working volunteers as well.

If you would like to help with future Teacher Appreciation events, contact Traci Good at tbgood@sbcglobal.net.