Dear Upper School Parents & Students, 

October is officially upon us! This month will be a busy one with the PSAT/NMSQT/SAT, the end of Quarter 1, Fall Break, and our traditional Halloween festivities. 

The PSAT/NMSQT/SAT is scheduled for this coming Tuesday, October 7. 

Preparation

• Students should bring
  • a fully charged device (that has Bluebook installed) with the power cord.
  • an approved calculator (if desired in addition to Desmos). 
  • a pen and/or pencil for scratchwork.
  • an outer layer (in case the room is cold).
  • snack(s) and a water bottle for the break.
• Students should not bring
  • a cell phone.
  • a smart watch.

Logistics

• Students should arrive by 8:15 AM.
  • Please plan for the unpredictable nature of traffic. If a student is running late, call the Upper School office and/or email attendance@sdsgriffin.org ASAP. The School cannot start testing until all students assigned to a testing room are present.
• Testing will begin promptly at 8:30 AM.
• Seniors who are NOT taking the SAT will participate in a college application workshop in the library from 8:30 - 11:00 AM. 
• Standard testing will conclude around 11:00 AM. Students with College Board extended time accommodations will conclude around 12:15 PM. 
• Once finished with their test, Upper Schoolers will be dismissed for the remainder of the day. 
• While afternoon classes will not meet, Upper School teachers will hold Office Hours for any student who wishes to seek extra help or make up work. Quarter 1 ends on Thursday, October 9, so this is an intentionally well-timed opportunity for students. 
• Students should sign out/in if they are coming and going from campus.
• Please fill out this short Google form to let Griffins Table know your student's lunch plans for Tuesday, Oct. 7.

Please reach out to Ms. Wesneski with any questions that you might have about the PSAT/NMSQT/SAT. 

Students have been busy with assessments, projects, and presentations as they work to wrap up the first quarter. As such, it was the perfect time to take a break and enjoy a screening of Legally Blonde–complete with copious amounts of popcorn. Thank you to Ms. Sorrenti, Ms. Sullivan, and Ms. Webster for braving the chill!

Looking forward, here’s whats on the horizon for next week…

• Sunday, October 5
  • SAT Prep from 1:00 - 3:00 PM in the Seminar Room
• Monday, October 6
  • Seniors: Herff Jones meeting during MAC in the Seminar Room
• Tuesday, October 7
  • PSAT/NMSQT/SAT Exam Administration @ 8:30 AM. Students will be dismissed after they complete their exam. 
  • Teachers will be available for Office Hours in the afternoon.
• Wednesday, October 8
  • College Application Night from 5:00 - 7:00 PM in the Seminar Room
• Thursday, October 9
  • End of Quarter 1
  • In-School Performance of Sleepy Hollow @ 11:45 AM in the Barnet Theatre
• Friday, October 10 - Monday, October 13
  • Fall Break–No School!

As always, please check the athletic team calendars for the most up-to-date information. There will also be multiple opportunities to catch a performance of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow–be sure to reserve a seat for yourself! Next week’s schedule provides very limited opportunities for College Representatives to visit campus, but we will welcome one university on Wednesday. Demonstrated interest is an important metric in the collegiate admissions process, so students should be sure to connect with representatives of interest when possible. 

I hope that everyone enjoys a restful weekend! Go Griffins!

Warmly, 

Jenny Glenn
Head of Upper School