LETTER FROM SHARON HOLSCLAW, HEAD OF SCHOOL
Our Board of Trustees and administrative team have been strategizing and working together to overcome the challenges that this economic downturn has created. Solutions must be found that show support for our teachers and our parents and promote and sustain our school for future generations of children. I’m pleased to say that the Day School Board of Trustees met on February 25 and voted to freeze tuition for the 2010-2011 school year at the present level. The Board was very mindful of the impact of the economy on families in the school and, after careful and thorough deliberations, decided to help our families by not raising tuition. We are confident, given our excellent teaching staff, that we can continue to deliver the high quality of education that is the hallmark of St. Martin’s-in-the-Field Day School.
Our “Magic of Morocco” gala auction is rapidly approaching—March 13, at the Chartwell Country Club. Put on your fez, your veils, your flowing garments (or anything you care to wear) and join us for a Casablanca-style adventure. Be prepared to bid on the “treasures” your children’s classes have designed.
Our day school now accepts children into Nursery and Pre-Kindergarten who will be three or four years old by December 1, with the understanding that these students will be placed in a Nursery or Pre-Kindergarten program a second year—for a gift of time. In this way they will meet the state’s age requirement for Kindergarten, which is five years old by September 1. The philosophy of our school is to educate the whole child—socially, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and academically. We believe strongly that correct grade placement is crucial to your child’s success in school. If you have any questions, please call me at 410-647-7055. Please tell your friends and neighbors about this change in our age requirement and about our school. Word of mouth is our best advertisement.
Our Letters about Literature contest is back! I am thrilled to announce that this year we have six students who have advanced to state-level judging. On March 12 four students from fourth grade—Isabelle Carney, Victoria Decker, Corbett Glick, and Julia Mathews—and two from seventh grade—Casey Glick and Virginia Ritinski—will learn if they have won at the state level. Let’s wish all of them well.
Just a reminder that Grandparents and Special Friends Day is scheduled for Wednesday, April 7, and Thursday, April 8th. An invitation will be forthcoming.
I want to take this opportunity to thank Marcia Kokoski and Erin Bullock for organizing the Spaghetti Dinner and Harley Carpenter for organizing the Teacher Appreciation Luncheon. Both events were outstanding and tremendously fun. Our staff is deeply appreciative for all that our Parents’ Association does to support us and our school.