Dr. Amy Alsip, Head of Upper School

Upper School Families, 

In the spirit of Halloween this week, I’d like to begin with a quote from Monsters, Inc. “Kids these days. They just don't get scared like they used to.” This is so true in our time of social media and other distractions, but deep down just because Upper School students look all grown up, they are still kids at heart! This was evident the past two weeks as I watched our Seniors and the 1st graders during our Trick or Treat event, and how I’ve also witnessed all of our students getting excited about pumpkin painting and cookie decorating. 

Please don’t forget that due to SPC and the large number of students participating in athletic events the Upper School will not have classes on Friday, November 7.

Cooler Weather Dress Code- Now that the cooler weather had descended here are a few reminders about our US Dress Code:

• Collared uniform shirts are required Monday-Thursday. No exceptions.
• Tights may be worn under skirts but must be navy blue, black, or white (opaque or cable- not sheer).
• All outerwear (including Spirit Days) must be purchased from the school’s approved uniform vendor or the Owl’s Landing Spirit Store. (sweatshirts, fleece zip up, sweaters, sweater vests)
• Sweatshirt may not be longer than the skirt or short
• Blankets may not be used as jackets (i.e. worn as capes)

Attendance: If your student participates in an extracurricular activity (drum line, sports, fine arts, choir, orchestra, etc) he or she MUST be present in 2 of the 4 academic blocks in order to practice, perform or compete in their activity. This is in our family handbook, and we will be following this policy more closely this school year. Also please remember that all students must be picked up from school no later than 5:30 pm unless they are at athletic practice, games, or attending a school event. 

Academic Lunches: We started our academic lunches this week for any student who was failing a course at the grade check last Friday. As students improve grades to pass they will not be required to attend these lunches. Students are expected to also attend a minimum of one office hour session per week until all grades are passing. Any student who does not fulfill these requirements will be assigned a lunch detention. Many students have already raised their grades which is the goal!

Semester Exam information: Dec. 15 - Normal full school day (A)

• Semester Exams (½ day early dismissal Tue-Fri for US students)
• Dec. 16- 3rd and 6th
• Dec. 17-5th and 1st
• Dec. 18- 7th and 4th 
• Dec. 19- 8th and 2nd 
• Make up exams will take place in January.

Please click here to see the Senior Final Exam Exemption Contract. There are deadlines, attendance and grade expectations, along with conduct expectations.

All my best,

Dr. Amy Alsip
Head of Upper School