Lower School Newsletter from Wade Putnal

November 30, 2017

Our mission at First Presbyterian Day School is to educate and equip students

to change the world for God’s glory.

The Elementary Christmas program is Thursday, Dec.7^th at 1:00 and 7:00 pm. The title of this year’s program is “ The Wonder of Christmas.” All children in 1^st - 4^th grade, as well as 5^th grade Chorus members, will dress in dressy Christmas wear. No jeans.

5^th Grade Band: Boys: Long-sleeved shirt (any color), tie, dress pants/slacks, dark shoes, socks (NO SNEAKERS). Girls: Full-length dress, ankle-length skirt, or slacks with top (no open back or sleeveless tops; no short skirts), dress shoes. Christmas colors are fine.

**The 1:00 pm performance will be live streamed for grandparents and friends to

 view from afar J. https://livestream.com/fpdmacon/events/7959970

DRESS DOWN- Friday, December 8^th- $1 Donations for local Mentor’s Project

Elementary students may wear a Christmas sweater/shirt or Viking spirit shirt and jeans for $1 donations.

Upcoming Lower School Chapels:

Special Chapel on Thursday, December 14^th  @12:05- 4^th grade will present.

December 15^th – Elementary Christmas Sing-a-Long @ 10:30 am.

Parents are always welcome to join us in the Clark Fine Arts Center.

BACKPACK MINISTRIES: The local food bank is low, so please send Vienna sausages, applesauce, and juice boxes. Thanks for helping as we minister to needy children in our community.

Please label all jackets, coats, sweaters, hats, mittens, lunchboxes, etc. All unclaimed/unlabeled items will be removed during the Christmas holidays. Please check the Lost & Found rack for missing items.

Christmas is coming and The Viking Store has all sorts of items for any-age Viking, including “Viking Bucks” gift cards available in any amount! Get ready for cooler weather with uniform-approved outerwear and scarves. We have so many new products including Viking room decorations, mirrored car tags, Christmas ornaments, jewelry and stuffed bears wearing a cheerleading uniform or letterman’s jacket. We have lots of stocking stuffers too!  Visit us at www.fpdmacon.org/tvs and “like us” on Facebook @ FPD-The Viking Store. Open school days 7:45am- 3:30pm. Located in the MAC near the cafeteria. We are open during most home Varsity basketball games. We accept credit cards except American Express.

The Viking Store will be open until 3:30pm on Tuesday, Dec. 13^th, during the Elementary Christmas music program. This is a great time for parents and grandparents to shop!

LOOKING for a great gift…. Books! Children that are read to and read with on a daily basis have a marked increase in their literacy, writing, and comprehension skills.

READING to and with your child every chance you get is one of the greatest gifts you can give them! We encourage students to always have a book in their book-bag. Electronics are not allowed during school unless for instruction (as per our Elementary Handbook.) A great time for AR reading is before or after school.

DRESS CODE Reminders: Socks, tights, and leggings should be solid red, white, black or gray. All accessories (hairbows, headbands, etc) should also be school approved colors. Boys hair should not cover ears or eyes and should not touch collar.

Class Photographers: If you have photos of your child’s field trips and other school-related activities to share, please send to your child’s teacher throughout the year. Thanks so much!

LUNCH PLAN: If your child is not on a 3-day or 5-day dining plan, and they eat in the lunchroom at any time, please email Carrie.Rogers@fpdmacon.org or send a note to the Elementary Office to let us know so that we may add this charge to your billing statement.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR:

·         Thursday, December 14^th is a full day for 3K- 5^th grade.

·         Christmas Sing-a-Long for Lower School (3K- 5^th grade)- Friday, December 15th @ 10:30 am

·         Last Day of School for 3K- 5^th grade – Friday, December 15th -12 noon dismissal.

 No lunch served. Extended Day is available Friday, December 15^th until 6pm. Please contact Lauren Wrabel if your child will attend.

·         Christmas Holidays for Lower School (3K- 5^th grade)- December 18- January 3^rd

·         First Day of School in 2018 – Thursday, January 4, 2018

·         MLK Holiday – Monday, January 15^th, 2018– No School 

·         Please invite your friends to our upcoming FPD PREVIEW DAY for Prospective Families:

FPD Open House, 3K-12th grade, Sunday, January 28th, 2018, from 3:00 to 5:00 pm in the Clark Fine Arts Center lobby. If you know anyone that you’d like us to contact, email: admissions@fpdmacon.org

1^st Annual Dick Frame 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run to Benefit ALS

Saturday, January 6^th, 2018

Dick Frame Track and Field Complex

For more information, visit our website at www.framefunrun.com

Lower School Newsletter from Wade Putnal

November 16, 2017

Our mission at First Presbyterian Day School is to educate and equip students

to change the world for God’s glory.

DRESS DOWN DAY: Friday, November 17th, Wear jeans and a FPD spirit t-shirt OR favorite college team t-shirt. The students got to watch videos and hear a presentation on Casa Hogar during chapel. $1 donations collected will be sent to help buy washing machines for the orphanage.

The Elementary Christmas program: The Wonder of Christmas. All children in 1^st - 4^th grade, as well as 5^th grade Chorus members, will dress in dressy Christmas wear. No jeans.

5^th Grade Band: Boys: Long-sleeved shirt (any color), tie, dress pants/slacks, dark shoes, socks (NO SNEAKERS). Girls: Full-length dress, ankle-length skirt, or slacks with top (no open back or sleeveless tops; no short skirts), dress shoes. Christmas colors are fine.

**The 1:00 pm performance will be live streamed for grandparents and friends to view from afar J.

Upcoming Elementary Chapel -Thursday, Dec. 14^th (4^th grade leads) at 12:05 in the Fine Arts Auditorium. Please join us!

BREAKFAST:

On Wednesday late start days, breakfast is available in the MAC Lobby from 7-8:45a.  They have a great selection of delicious breakfast items including an omelet bar.

LUNCH PLAN: If your child is not on a 3-day or 5-day dining plan, and they eat in the lunchroom at any time, please email Carrie.Rogers@fpdmacon.org or send a note to the Elementary Office to let us know so that we may add this charge to your billing statement. You may add your child the 3 or 5 day plan at any time by emailing: cindy.martin@fpdmacon.org

LATE ARRIVALS reminder: If your child arrives to school after 8:15 am (8:50 am on late-start Wednesdays) they should enter school at the front Elementary office, and they need to sign in as well. Thank you.

Used Clothing/Uniforms: Please do not donate FPD monogrammed/printed items to local charities due to security issues.  Gently used items can be donated to the school at any time during the year or sold at the annual consignment sale at school year end.  Even though Sunshine items are still approved uniform wear they cannot be sold at the consignment sale, however they can be donated at The Viking Store. Look for more information for the consignment sale later.

 Winter Sale begins the day we return from Thanksgiving holidays.  Select apparel is 20% off – a few exclusions apply.  Let Santa know that every Viking loves a Viking Bucks card to be used exclusively in The Viking Store.  Come see us for all your Viking Christmas gifts.  We are open school days from 7:45a-3:30p and located just inside the MAC Lobby.  Check our website for store hours during the Christmas holidays. 

The Viking Store has a large inventory of Viking cheerleading uniforms.  Also, we now have toddler size short sleeve and long sleeve shirts.

BACKPACK MINISTRY needs… peanut butter crackers, jello/pudding cups, tuna packets and Vienna sausages. THANK YOU!

Please…  label all things that your child brings to school - water bottles, coats, jackets, sweaters lunchboxes, hats, book bags, and all! Please check the Lost and Found rack in the elementary hallway if you are missing items.

Class Photographers: If you have photos of your child’s field trips and other school-related activities to share, please send to your child’s teacher throughout the year. Thanks so much!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR:

 “FALL into the Holidays 3”… upcoming dance production by The Madison Studio.  Two shows will be performed at FPD’s Clark Fine Arts Auditorium, Saturday, November 18^th @ 2pm and 7pm.

J November 30^th- Books with Buddies ..9:30am in the library. This month come and  enjoy story time and music for children 3k,, PK and K.

    *****OPEN HOUSE – Drop-In Tours…9:30-11:30 3K- 5^th grade****

·         Thanksgiving Holidays: November 20^th– 24th (Offices closed 22^nd -24^th)

·         December 7^th – Elementary Christmas Program (grades 1-5), 1pm & 7pm, in the Clark Fine Arts Auditorium. 5^th Grade Chorus and Band will also perform.

·         Upcoming Elementary Chapel -Thursday, Dec. 14^th (4^th grade leads) at 12:05 in the Fine Arts Auditorium. Please join us!

·         Christmas Sing-a-Long: Friday, December 15^th, 10:30 am; Early Dismissal for 3K-5^{th .}    Dismissal 12 noon.

·         Christmas Holidays: December 18th- January 3^rd, 2018 (3k- 5^th)First Day of school in 2018: January 4^th

                                                       

We are so thankful for the families, students, and staff at our school.

Treasure the moments as you make memories with family and friends over the coming holidays!  May God continue to bless you and your family. May FPD continue to be a place where we all have an opportunity to show God’s love each and every day.

With a grateful heart,

Wade Putnal

Lower School Newsletter from Wade Putnal

November 2, 2017

Our mission at First Presbyterian Day School is to educate and equip students

to change the world for God’s glory.

Upcoming Elementary Chapel dates are Tuesday, Nov. 14^th and Thursday, Dec. 14^th (4^th grade leads) at 12:05 in the Fine Arts Auditorium. Please join us!

The Elementary Christmas program time will be here before we know it!  All children in 1^st - 4^th grade, as well as 5^th grade Chorus members, will dress in dressy Christmas wear. No jeans.

5^th Grade Band: Boys: Long-sleeved shirt (any color), tie, dress pants/slacks, dark shoes, socks (NO SNEAKERS). Girls: Full-length dress, ankle-length skirt, or slacks with top (no open back or sleeveless tops; no short skirts), dress shoes. Christmas colors are fine.

BACKPACK MINISTRY needs… peanut butter crackers, jello/pudding cups, tuna packets and Vienna sausages. THANK YOU!

DRESS DOWN DAY: Friday, November 17th, Wear jeans and a FPD spirit t-shirt.

 $1 donations will go to Casa Hogar. Project LEAD high school students will share about Casa Hogar during our chapel on November 14^th.

Class Photographers: If you have photos of your child’s field trips and other school-related activities to share, please send to your child’s teacher throughout the year. Thanks so much!

LUNCH PLAN: If your child is not on a 3-day or 5-day dining plan, and they eat in the lunchroom at any time, please email Carrie.Rogers@fpdmacon.org or send a note to the Elementary Office to let us know so that we may add this charge to your billing statement. You may add your child the 3 or 5 day plan at any time by emailing: cindy.martin@fpdmacon.org

LATE ARRIVALS reminder: If your child arrives to school after 8:15 am (8:50 am on late-start Wednesdays) they should enter school at the front Elementary office, and they need to sign in as well. Thank you.

Christmas is coming! The Viking Store has tons of gift ideas and stocking stuffers - including “Viking Bucks” $$ cards! Don’t fight the crowds on Black Friday when you can get it all done here!  You won’t believe our gift wall: Room decorations, car plates, key chains, scarves and much more. We have many uniform-approved outerwear options and always carry short-sleeved Lands’ End polo shirts. Always a great selection of spirit t-shirts and men’s polo shirts.  We even carry Tall sizes for men. Check out our page on Facebook: FPD-The Viking Store or www.fpdmacon.org/TheVikingStore. Open 7:30a -3:30p in the MAC.

COUNSELOR CAUSEY’s Corner… Every other week throughout the month you will receive an informative “parent read” article written by our school counselor, Susan Causey. Your child is blessed to receive monthly lessons from Counselor Causey. The topics she writes on are being addressed due both from student and parent concerns identified at school.

With cooler weather, please label all things that your child brings to school - water bottles, coats, jackets, sweaters lunchboxes, hats, book bags, and all! Please check the Lost and Found rack in the elementary hallway if you are missing items.

“FALL into the Holidays 3”… upcoming dance production by The Madison Studio.  Two shows will be performed at FPD’s Clark Fine Arts Auditorium, Saturday, November 18^th @ 2pm and 7pm.

 J!! Katelyn Jones, FPD PreK student in Mrs. Carol Adams’ class will be performingJ

MARK YOUR CALENDAR:

J November 30^th- Books with Buddies ..9:30am in the library. This month come and  enjoy story time and music for children 3k. PK and K.

    *****OPEN HOUSE – Drop-In Tours…9:30-11:30 3K- 5^th grade****

·         Thanksgiving Holidays: November 20^th– 24th (Offices closed 22^nd -24^th)

·         December 7^th – Elementary Christmas Program (grades 1-5), 1pm & 7pm, in the Clark Fine Arts Auditorium. 5^th Grade Chorus and Band will also perform.

·         Christmas Sing-a-Long: Friday, December 15^th, 10:30 am; Early Dismissal for 3K-5th

·         Christmas Holidays: December 18th- January 3^rd (3k- 5^th)

·         First Day of school in 2018: January 4^th

Color Mixing!

We used yellow and blue to make these cute green monsters from the book, Go Away, Big Green Monster!

We mixed red and blue to make purple bats.

And yellow and red to make orange pumpkins.

We also mixed red, yellow, and blue to make the brown centers for our sunflowers.

"Eggsperiment"

We enjoyed investing eggs in science.  We observed, made predictions, and recorded our observations.  One of our eggs even had two yolks!

Chapel

Yesterday, we had a wonderful chapel led by Dr. Chase and the 5th grade chorus.  Dr. Chase shared with us three things he tries to do everyday:  Ask Jesus to help him in whatever he does, say "thank you" and show appreciation to anyone that does something kind for him, and to ask for forgiveness for anything he might do to hurt someone.  These are simple truths that I believe even our young children can understand and practice daily. 

We also enjoyed singing "The Fruit of the Spirit" and "Waterfall."

The Fruit of the Spirit

Waterfall by Chris Tomlin

Fall Planting

Today we cleaned out our planters and planted fall vegetables: broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots.

We also found 3 toads hiding in the planters.

Chapel - Pray for your Pastor

Today in Chapel, Dr. Chase spoke to us about the importance of praying for our pastors.  In Ephesians, even the apostle Paul asks for prayers:

19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

Dr. Chase asked us to specifically pray for our pastors in two ways: to pray that he sleeps well and that he teaches his congregation well.  He also asked us to tell our pastors that we are praying for them.

We also sang two songs:
Big House
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrzG0qyp_rI

1 Timothy 4:12
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HI-P0uRIcPQ

Red, Blue, & Yellow

In art we met Red Fred, Bobby Blue, and Yellow Fred.  We learned that these are special colors called Primary Colors.  We used these primary colors to create a class painting.

Doggie Day

We finished up Dd week by dressing like doggies and eating "dog food" for snack.

LOWER SCHOOL NEWSLETTER from Wade Putnal

September 21, 2017

        Our mission at First Presbyterian Day School is to educate and equip students

        to change the world for God’s glory.

“Elementary Gardens Clean Out & Campus Clean Up” Day

 Friday, September 22, 2017

Students may wear jeans and spirit tops. It would be a good idea for them

to wear old tennis shoes. Students will be involved in either cleaning out the garden or helping clean up a campus area.

“Mr. Toad’s Mad Adventures” will be performed Sept. 26^th at 7pm; Sept. 27^th at 1pm; and Sept. 28^h at 7pm in the Clark Fine Arts Auditorium. Come enjoy this show brought to life by a grand group of 3^rd-5^th grade students. Adult admission is $5; all students free. Great fun! Bring a friend. For all ages!

BIRTHDAY SNACKS: If you would like to send a snack on your child’s birthday, please FIRST contact your teacher several days in advance. You may then either send the snack in the morning with your child or drop it off at the elementary office. We love celebrating with our students!

Library News… Thank you for participating in our annual Birthday Book Club and adding more than 100 books to our collection. This year students will receive their chosen books during the first week of October. During this week, different groups of students will be called at the end of the school day to receive a treat and get their books to bring home to enjoy with their families before returning them to the library. Look for those special books coming home in October.

FPD’s ANNUAL FUND>>> We are proud to recognize that our Elementary staff has already donated and are 100% in participation and support of this year’s annual fund. We hope to soon be able to say our elementary parents are 100% also. THANK YOU for giving if you have already. Please think about giving if you have not. Any amount is appreciated and recognized as participation! The teachers believe in offering our students the very best experiences and opportunities… just like you! With this being said, the challenge is on…make a donation of any amount and you count!! J

DID YOU KNOW ?. . .Last year the graduating class at FPD had 87 seniors.

49 of the students were members of the National Honor Society and 48 were Honor students. We had a record high of 51 AP scholars! 82% of the students were HOPE eligible. The class included 8 athletes planning to play sports in college. These graduates are attending 31 different schools in 10 different states and in one foreign country.

31% will attend college out of state. WAY to go VIKINGS!!

Coming up in Center for Discovery: *LEGO WeDo (Grades 1-3), Hop* Skip* Jump Gymnastics (PreK- 2^nd), Rising Star Tennis Camp (2^nd – 5^th), Tie Dye Extravaganza (2^nd-5^th).

FOR ADULTS:  BODY BOOST, Morning Yoga Strength for Women

View brochure and register online, at www.fpdmacon.org/center-for-discovery. Invite a friend to sign up with you!

*** Mark Your Calendar ***

·         Lower School Chapel - Tuesday, September 26^th, 12:05-12:30pm. Parents are always welcome!

·         BOOKS with BUDDIES- 9:30- 10:15 Preschool visitors are welcomed to join in a library time activity on campus. Please encourage friends with preschoolers and preschool age homeschoolers to comeJ

We will have a BOOKS with BUDDIES event the last Thursday of: Sept., Oct., Nov., Jan., Feb., and April.  Each month will be different as our visitors get to meet and have a mini lesson with FPD’s art, library, music, science, and Spanish teachers. Mark your calendars to bring your little ones and their friends. A great way for parents and future Wee Vikings to have an on campus peek at what our students receive in their weekly experiences and meet some outstanding members of our faculty.

·         FPD HOMECOMING- September 29^th- Pep Rally 9:50, Football game at 7:30pm

·         Student Holidays – Monday and Tuesday- October 9^th and 10^th. Enjoy family time.

Elementary Newsletter

Lower School Newsletter from Wade Putnal

August 31, 2017

SAFETY for your children is a top prioirty at FPD. 

Each year drills are practiced with the students. Scheduled, announced, and unannounced fire, safety, and severe weather drills are practiced. It is important for faculty, staff, and students to know the protocol and precautions for each. Practicing drills helps all know the plan and feel more secure should such a situation arise. We want parents to know that administration works with local law enforcement and area fire and weather officials to revise and update plans on a regular basis. Thank you for sharing your precious blessings with us and know that their safety and care is at the very top of our list!

NEWS FROM THE LIBRARY:  Thank you to so many for participating in the Birthday Book Club sale at Open House!  What a great response!  Didn’t have time to stop by?  It’s NOT too late to participate.  We still have plenty of books to choose from in the library and will have them available for another week.  The children LOVE being the first ones to check out “their” books and read them with their names on the nameplates inside.  Watch for the new Birthday Book Club books to come home the first week of October.  Many, many thanks!

Fall Classes: Check out all the great offerings for children and adults through our FPD Center for Discovery!  Starting in September. Sign up now!!

Gymnastics, soccer, chess, tennis, EV3 robotics, DUPPLO Fun (3K-K), LEGO WE DO (1^st-3^rd), music lessons, ballet, sewing, tie-dye, quilting– and many more! View brochure and register online, at www.fpdmacon.org/centerfordiscovery Invite a friend to sign up with you!

NEW for 3^rd-5^th graders … join The VIKING CREW afterschool program. Brand new room and new activities. Schedule provides snack, homework session, and activities geared toward our upper elementary. Grab a friend and come after school. Register and sign up by contacting Lauren Wrabel, FPD Extended Day Director at lauren.wrabel@fpdmacon.org or call 478-474-7321.

LADIES: Join us for a Morning Yoga Class designed for busy women, which includes a combination of yoga and strength training for maximum strength and flexibility. Bring a mat and hand weights if desired. Certified yoga instructor, April Kitchell, will lead this class at Central City Church, next door to FPD, on Foster Road. Classes are Tuesdays/Thursdays, 8:30am to 9:30 am, beginning September 5. Cost is $40 per month. Bring a friend! For more info or to register, visit: www.fpdmacon.org/centerfordiscovery

Our first Lower School Chapel is Tuesday, Sept. 12^h from 12:05-12:25pm. Parents are always welcome to come join us in the Clark Fine Arts Center as we worship together. Our school chaplain, Dr. Charley Chase will deliver the message.  

THANK YOU for dropping off and picking up your children in the designated carpool areas. THANK YOU for having your carpool card in the front windshield area of your car. This is the best help is making carpool run efficiently and smoothly.                                   

The Viking Store has Lands’ End short sleeve polo shirts in stock! We also have a great selection of spirit T-shirts for Fridays (must be worn with uniform bottoms.) You can see these designs and more on Facebook at FPD-The Viking Store. We have a huge selection of new novelty items such as VIKINGNATION street signs, wall decorations, automobile vanity plates, and key chains. Open M-F, 7:45 am - 3:30 pm next to the cafeteria in the MAC. Also, visit us at home football games at our remote location.

NOT ON THE LUNCH PLAN?  Your child can still eat in the lunchroom any day. Just email carrie.rogers@fpdmacon.org or send a note to the office and your account will be billed $7. (Visitors are still welcome and may pay with cash or check if needed)

 *** Mark Your Calendar ***

·         Labor Day Holiday – Monday, Sept. 4^th – no school/offices closed

·         FPD Football Friday Night – Sept. 1^st against Brookstone. Kickoff at 7:30pm

·         Elementary School pictures, Thursday, Sept. 14^th

·         New Family Dinner Sept.15 6:30pm

·         Dress Down Day for Jay’s Hope is Friday, Sept. 15^th. For a $1 donation, students may wear FPD spirit tops, jeans, and hats.

·         Elementary Play, “Mr. Toad’s Mad Adventures” performed by 3^rd-5^th graders, is Sept. 26-28th. Don’t miss this! We are so proud of our 3^rd-5^th actresses and actors. What a great opportunity to be directed by Dr. Andrew Strickland!