IMPORTANT EVENTS & DATES FOR JANUARY & FEBRUARY

Parents, please take a moment to mark your calendars. The following are important dates that you do not want to miss:

  • January 26: US Chapel – Student Center, 9:33am
  • January 26-28, February 1-3: MS Musical, The Lion King Jr.
  • February 2: US Chapel – Student Center, 9:33am
  • February 9: US Chapel – Student Center, 9:33am
  • February 9-13: US Fine Arts NYC Trip
  • February 12: Admissions Open House – 2:00pm – Invite a friend!
  • February 15: Senior Recharge – Alumni Commons, 9:30am
  • February 16: MS/US Combined Chapel – TBD, 9:33am
  • February 17: No School – Student Holiday/Teacher Workday
  • February 20: No School – Student/Teacher Holiday
  • February 23: US Chapel – Student Center, 9:33am
  • February 24: Senior Ski Trip – Required Student/Parent Meeting – Student Center, 7:00am
  • February 25: US Sadie Hawkins Dance – Natalie Thomas Gymnasium, 7:00pm

RECOGNITION

Poetry Out Loud Competition

Poetry Out Loud finalists

Pictured: Poetry Out Loud finalists – back row, left to right: Kate P, Halie B, Emelyn M, Sophia V, Alex W, Chloe T, Victor N, McKenzie V, Enzo B; front row, left to right: Sarah Beth S, Abby B, Audrey D, Grace M, Natalie W, Jessica K, Lindsey N

The Poetry Out Loud Competition took place on Thursday, January 19. Poetry Out Loud is a national poetry recitation contest; students compete at the school level, then the top student moves on to the state competition. Click here to read more about Poetry Out Loud.

Congratulations to our finalists.

Poetry Out Loud top 5

Pictured, left to right: Mr. Garry Sullivan, US Principal; Lindsey N. (10th gr-2nd place); Sophia V. (1oth grade-1st place); Grace M. (12th gr-3rd place); McKenzie V. (10th gr-5th place); Alex W. (11th gr-4th place); Mrs. Vanda Harvey, English Department Chair

NEW THIS WEEK

Alternative Lunch 2/9-2/10

Students and Parents,

We will be having an alternative lunches on Thursday, February 9th and Friday, February 10th. The Junior Class is offering an alternative lunch for students in grades 57-12 and faculty to purchase those days.  Kindergarten through 4th grade will have separate arrangements and will need to check with their teachers for information.

Thursday’s lunch will be a Chick-fil-A Sandwich with chips & a water for $5.50. Extra Sandwich for $3.50. Friday’s lunch will be two slices of cheese or pepperoni pizza and a water for $5.00. Extra slice for $2.00.

To order, please visit https://thefirstacademy.org/about/lunch/  to order this lunch if interested. Please submit your order by Tuesday, February 7th at 3pm.

When you submit your order, you should receive a confirmation page. You may need to scroll back to the top if your screen goes blank. You should also receive a confirmation email within 15 minutes from Larissa Galloway confirming receipt of payment. You do have the option of ordering for multiple students. Food distribution will be in the gym lobby.

Please remember that if you don’t like this option then you are welcome to bring something from home.

11th Grade English Honors Classes

11th grade English classes act out The Glass Menagerie. 11th gr English class acting out The Glass Menagerie

Students in Mrs. Penny’s 11th grade English Honors classes have been acting out Tennessee Williams’ play, The Glass Menagerie.  They had a great time bringing these characters to life!

College Guidance

January 2017 College Connection – Click here to check out the most recent college guidance newsletter.

PSAT Score Update

We are excited to report that the Class of 2018’s mid-ranges on the PSAT scores are up by 20-30 points per section compared to the years past!  Our overall average total scores (Evidence-Based Reading Writing & Math) has increased by 10 points.  We look forward to seeing the future SAT results for the Class of 2018 and their college plans in the next several months.

We strongly recommend for our students to take full advantage of free SAT tutoring opportunities through the Khan Academy or fee-based programs in your neighborhoods (Princeton Review, Huntington Prep, C2).  All of our Juniors are encouraged to take both the SAT and ACT at least once before the end of the Junior year!  

10th Grade (Class of 2019) Parent Coffee Meeting with College Guidance

We are meeting with all 10th graders in their English classes to discuss graduation requirements, college preparations, and training students on using great college resource tools (Collegeboard/Raise.me/Naviance) this week!

We wanted to have time with parents to go over the same information and also to answer any questions you may have in regards to the College Guidance process at The First Academy.

We will be meeting in Room 202 (second floor of the Upper School).  Please be sure to check in at the front lobby first.

Thursday, Feb. 2nd – 8:00-8:40am

Click here to sign up.

REMINDERS

MS Theatre Presents The Lion King Jr.

The Lion King, Jr. is a story of love and redemption that captivates its audience through spirited and dynamic singing and dancing – combined with heaps of laughter and vivid dramatics. The importance of family, friendship, and courage is explored with humor and emotion in this entertaining and electrifying musical. The Lion King, Jr. is perfect for families with children of all ages. Evening performances take place January 26th – 28th, and February 2nd – 3rd at 7:00pm in the Black Box Theatre. There will also be a student matinee performance on February 1st at 3:00pm. Click here to purchase tickets.

Upper School Attendance

All emails regarding attendance can be sent to our receptionist, Lyn Maxime, at usattendance@thefirstacademy.org. If your student is arriving late, will be dismissed early or absent from school, please email Lyn at usattendance@thefirstacademy.org.