December 14, 2007
Vol I., Issue 15

  Around Campus

One more week to go until Christmas break, but we aren’t slowing down yet. Enjoy …

Our Upper School students loaded the truck Monday to deliver all of the gifts our community gathered for those who most needed our help. Thank you all for your caring spirit.

Upper Schoolers were also busy in the classroom. Mr. Hanson’s geometry students were in the atrium, mirrors and measuring sticks in tow, to estimate the height of the four-story, red pillars. How? They used physics and similar triangles. Our eyes might glass over at the thought, but the sophomores seemed to have it all figured out.

The Middle School Multicultural Studies class has established pen pals with students from the United Methodist School in Sierra Leone. Our kids are finishing up their second letter today. You should ask some of these students about their pen pal’s hobbies, studies and family. It is really quite interesting.

The third grade Spanish class turned the first floor computer lab into a language learning machine when students “played” a computer game designed to teach them common words in Spanish. Their pronunciation was outstanding!

The fourth grade didn’t miss out on the learning fun. Today is Shop ‘til You Drop Day. Students dress like their favorite store and are charged with “spending” exactly $100 on gifts during math class. Talk about making math practical!

If you are a Hillcrest parent, check out the library bulletin board. Chances are you will see your child living in a winter wonderland! Pictures of our students have been used as “characters” to create a snowy picture.

  Hot Topic

The Parish Universe is busy preparing for the Christmas Holiday. We’re rushing to finish up last minute items in anticipation of a well deserved break.

Part of the last minute push at Parish this year is to prepare for an important foundation grant proposal we are submitting in early 2008. On January 11, Gloria Snyder, Head of School will go before the E.E. Ford Foundation to present a case for helping to fund a permanent space for our Child Development Center.

This center is meaningful to the community in that it provides a safe, age-appropriate environment for faculty and staff children. This, in turn, gives them the piece of mind to focus their attention on the classroom and on your children.

One of the questions Mrs. Snyder will be asked during her presentation is “What is the level of philanthropic support within your own community.” And more specifically, “What is your current level of participation among faculty/staff and parents?” The E.E. Ford Foundation looks closely at these numbers because it is most interested in supporting independent schools that already have a significant level of support from within their stakeholders.

Currently our faculty/staff participation is at 98 percent, and 58 percent of our parents have pledged or made a gift to this year’s Annual Fund.

Please help us put our best foot forward by making your gift or pledge today.  You can give online, or call Vickie Ramsey, Director of Annual Giving, at 972-852-2773.

  Parish PA

Holiday Cheer was abundant at both campuses last week when the Parents Association celebrated, honored and thanked our wonderful faculty and staff at the annual APPRECIATION luncheon. The celebration featured a delicious Luna de Noche lunch (compliments of David and Brigitte Kimichik), door prizes, a Christmas surprise for each honored guest, and the amazing musical talent of Mike and Teresa Huddleston and Pam Musgrove. Kudos to the MANY parents who planned, organized, served and donated to this splendid event!

As we count our blessings this holiday season, remember to include our faculty and staff. These unsung heroes give their best every day as they teach, guide, encourage, praise, correct and watch over our children.