August 27, 2021

Greetings from the Upper School!

This week’s pictures come from AP Human Geography, AP Calculus AB, senior college application workshop, lunch, recess, the library, and the Senior Lounge. Our first full week has allowed students and faculty to settle into the A/E Day rotation, midday MAC schedule, and Tuesday/Thursday assemblies.

Grade deans held meetings with their respective class to highlight school expectations regarding respectful technology use, dress code, attendance, and make-up/late work as noted in the Upper School Handbook. This coming Wednesday, we will host our annual Honor Code Speaker, Rhonda Mingo, who serves as Dean of Students at Converse College. Following Ms. Mingo’s address, all students will sign the Honor Code, agreeing to the following:

As a member of the Spartanburg Day School community, I agree that I must demonstrate respect for myself and for every other member of the community. An important aspect of demonstrating respect is that I will not lie, cheat, or steal. I commit myself to promoting behaviors that are valued within our community, and I will encourage others to do so.

For our students, the developmental milestone of the Honor Code rests not in avoidance but in action. That is, they know not to lie, cheat, or steal; however, to promote behaviors that are valued is more challenging, though often more rewarding. To reflect respect for our guest speaker and the importance of the Honor Code, we are asking students to dress up for Wednesday’s assembly (i.e. button-up shirt and tie, dresses, etc. are appropriate).

On Wednesday evening, we will host Upper School Parents Night (schedule below) beginning in Presnell at 6:30 pm. As a precaution, we must limit attendance to one parent per student, and parents will be required to wear a face covering. We will forego gathering for an introduction and start the evening with parents attending their child’s A Block class. (Student schedules are available in RenWeb, though we will have copies of your child’s schedule available that evening).   

We look forward to seeing you next week!

Go, Griffins!

Kevin Weatherill

Kevin.weatherill@sdsgriffin.org

 

Upper School Parents Night Schedule

A Block     6:30-6:37

B Block     6:40-6:47

C Block     6:50-6:57

D Block     7:00-7:07

E Block     7:10-7:17

F Block     7:20-7:27

G Block     7:30-7:37

H Block     7:40-7:47

 

Save the Date: Caffeinated Conversations! September 15^th, 8:00 am

Upper School parents are invited to September’s coffee talk with school counselor and licensed psychologist, Dr. Cabe Loring. Dr. Loring will present on the topics of executive functioning, organization, and anxiety. One of the key factors in student success at the Day School is the capacity of students to develop a productive approach to schoolwork, to maintain a system of organization, and to manage and cope with healthy stress. We look forward to seeing you in the Dent Gallery at 8:00 am on Wednesday, September 15^th.

 

 The Week Ahead…

Monday, August 30

*E Day

11:25   Mid-Day MAC Academic Support

            9^th and 11^th grades: Math, English, Fine Arts

            10^th and 12 grades: Science, History, World Languages

Tuesday, August 31

*A Day

8:30     Upper School Assembly (Stone Gym)

11:25   Advisory (all grades, students meet in advisor’s room)

4:30     Varsity Girls Tennis vs Chapman @ SDS

Wednesday, September 1

*E Day

11:25   Mid-Day MAC: Honor Code Speaker and Signing (Stone Gym)

            *Students are asked to dress up this day.

Thursday, September 2

*A Day

8:30     Upper School Assembly (Stone Gym)

11:25   Mid-Day MAC: Club Meetings: Publications

4:30     Varsity Girls Tennis at Cardinal Newman (Dismissal: 12:00)

Friday, September 3

*E Day

11:25   Mid-Day MAC: Recess

Saturday, September 4

Swimming @ SCA Invitational (Middle Tyger YMCA)

Cross Country @ Eye Opener Invitational (Milliken Arboretum)

 

Key Dates

August 30       Katherine Rausch Art Exhibit Opens (Dent, through Oct. 7)

September 1    Upper School Parents Night (6:30, Begin with A Block)

September 6    Labor Day (School Holiday)

September 7    Picture Day

September 8    Drop/Add Period Closes

September 9    Katherine Rausch Art Reception (5:00, Dent)

September 17  Early Dismissal (12:15, Faculty Professional Development)

September 17  First Quarter Progress Reports Available

October 2        SAT (National Testing Date)

October 7        Early Dismissal (12:15, Faculty Professional Development)

October 8        Fall Break (Faculty Professional Development)

October 11      Fall Break (School Holiday)

October 13      PSAT and SAT, School Day Testing; College Essay Workshop

October 15      End of First Quarter