LETTER FROM SHARON HOLSCLAW, HEAD OF SCHOOL
Happy New Year! Welcome back to school. I hope our St. Martin’s families had a Christmas holiday filled with good cheer and love. I’m sure our students are returning to school resolved to do their best in the coming months I thank you all for spreading warmth and joy to those less fortunate at Christmastime by bringing canned goods to Chapel, by filling backpacks for the homeless, and by hanging new mittens and gifts on the “Giving Tree.” The generosity of our St. Martin’s Day School community never fails to make me feel grateful to know such wonderful families.

Please note that we are having an Open House on January 12, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Please come visit, and feel free to invite your friends who have school-age children to tour our school. Current families and prospective students and their families are all welcome. Visitors to Open House will have the opportunity to observe classes, meet teachers and students, tour our campus, and imbibe the joyful, caring atmosphere of our learning environment. We hope and expect that visitors will come away with a strong, positive impression of our small classes, attentive and nurturing teaching, mentoring discourse, the latest classroom technology, our well-stocked library, and integrated age-appropriate curriculum.

Please also mark your calendars and spread the word to your friends about our Nursery through 8th Grade School Forum Night, January 21, 7:00 p.m. The purpose of Forum Night is to acquaint parents with the classroom experience at your child’s next grade level. Parents will meet teachers, listen to brief presentations about our curriculum and values, and pose questions to teachers and staff. St. Martin’s is your children’s home away from home, so join us for a glance ahead at the near future (next September will come quickly). Since you’ll be venturing out on a cold January night, we’re intending this evening to be one of intriguing information and convivial warmth.

The Board of Trustees is looking carefully at our budget for next year. The Board is examining the needs of our growing school, intent on delivering the best educational value for the tuition dollar. The Board is cognizant of the fact that the recessionary economy, while presently showing signs of recovery, has been difficult for families. The Board is also aware of the necessity to provide adequately for our experienced teachers and our educational programs. The Board is weighing all factors and is close to a decision. Any increase will be by the slimmest possible margin, taking into account the financial position of families and our mission to provide a quality education for our students in the belief that education is the best investment for the future. The Board’s goal is to create financial parameters that are sustainable for both families and the school.

On Thursday, January 14, we will be sending home reenrollment forms for the 2010-2011 school year with our second through seventh graders. To guarantee your child’s placement for the coming year, please return the form with your registration fee as soon as possible and no later than January 29. Contracts will be sent to all families in March.

Preschool registration forms for currently enrolled children and siblings will be available in the Main Office immediately following conferences on January 25, 26, and 27. If you cannot attend conferences, please ask Vicky Walton, the Business Manager, for a registration form. Parishioner registration opens on Thursday, January 28. Alumni registration opens January 29. February 1 is the starting date for general registration.

Meanwhile, on that date, placement decisions will be made for currently enrolled students and those with younger siblings. Families are prioritized in relation to their length of association with St. Martin’s.

Please join us for the Women of the Churches (ECW) light-hearted Gifts That Keep Giving Auction on Friday, February 12, at 7:00 p.m., in the Parish Hall. Here is an opportunity to find some “treasures” and empty your house of some of yours. Please bring your regifting items to the office. Proceeds go to the Day School scholarship fund. On this fun evening, everyone benefits.

Finally, let me say that it is a privilege to join hands with you in leading and educating our young people. As we enter the new year, we at St. Martin’s-in-the-Field resolve to cherish our students as children of God, each blessed with special gifts to be sought out and encouraged. We resolve, also, to do all we can to support the families of St. Martin’s Day School, as we believe firmly that family and school, working together, create children of character. This strong link between family and school distinguishes a religious-based, independent education from a public one. That you entrust your children to St. Martin’s is a responsibility we hold dear. - SHARON HOLSCLAW