IMPORTANT EVENTS & DATES FOR OCTOBER

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

  • October 6: No School
  • October 7: No School
  • October 8: Homecoming Dance – Student Center, 7:30pm
  • October 10: No School – Student Holiday/Teacher Workday
  • October 11: Student Portrait Retakes – bring picture packet with you

RECOGNITION

Kelsey Zeng Named to AJGA Scholastic Junior All-America Team

Congratulations to Kelsey Zeng who was named to the American Junior Golf Association Scholastic Junior All-America Team. Only 48 juniors and seniors in the country receive this honor each year (12 boys and 12 girls in each grade level). This achievement is based on a top 10 finish throughout the season, SAT and/or ACT scores, AP test scores, GPA, school leadership and community service, and writing skills.

Read more here.

Kelsey also set a tournament and school record, as well as established a new women’s record for the course, by shooting a 64 at Providence Golf Club in Davenport during a recent tournament. Read more here.

NEW THIS WEEK

PSAT Testing – Wednesday, October 19

All of our 8th and 9th graders will be taking the PSAT8/9. For more information regarding this test, please visit the following link: https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-8-9/inside-the-test

All of our 10th and 11th graders will be taking the standard PSAT/NMSQT. For more information regarding this test, please visit the following link: https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt-psat-10/inside-the-test

Here are some important reminders and tips to get ready for test day on Wednesday, October 19th:

  • Graphing and Scientific calculators are recommended for the test. A list of prohibited electronics for test day can be found at this link: https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt-psat-10/taking-the-tests/test-day-checklist/approved-calculators

  • Bring two sharpened #2 pencils for the test, an approved calculator, and your best effort!

  • Students will be given all important information such as ID numbers on test day.

  • Here is a list of what NOT to bring on test day-

    • Any devices, including smartwatches, that can be used to record, transmit, receive or play back audio, photographic, text, or video content

    • Protractors, compasses, rulers

    • Highlighters, colored pens, colored pencils

    • Pamphlets or papers of any kind

    • Dictionaries or other books. There are no exceptions, even if English is not your first language.

  • Food and drinks, including bottled water, unless approved by the College Board’s Services for Students with Disabilities.

The PSAT is a practice test for the official SAT. Please be aware that the PSAT does carry other special significance. The following things are important for each parent and student to know about the PSAT:

  • For Juniors, PSAT scores are used to determine all National Merit Semifinalists and Finalists.

  • For ALL students, the PSAT score is used in conjunction with teacher recommendations for placement in Honors and AP level courses for the following school year.

Picture Retakes – Tuesday, October 11

US students who have not had their picture taken or wish to have a retake done will be called to the gym lobby by grade level between 10:45am and 12:00pm on Tuesday, October 11.

Students must wear school uniforms and adhere to the dress code and grooming standards in the Parent Student Handbook.

For ordering, please use the information below.

Go to mylifetouch.com

Log in with your Portrait ID:

REMINDERS

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.

Upcoming College Visits

University Representatives from all over the country will be traveling to TFA to visit our 11th and 12th-grade students starting this month! College visits will be posted on Naviance, and students must sign up in Family Connection in order to attend. Meetings will be held during Upper School lunch, and the representatives will give a presentation in a teacher’s classroom, then take the time to answer any questions from students. Juniors and Seniors, be sure to sign up! Please, note, students must bring their own lunch.
Upcoming Visits

Tuesday, October 11th

University of Hawaii at Manoa

Lipscomb University

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Wofford College

Wednesday, October 12th

Clemson University

Mercer University

Thursday, October 13th

College of Charleston

Pace University, New York City

Savannah College of Art and Design

Friday, October 14th

Samford University

West Virginia Wesleyan College