I hope this finds you and your family well, enjoying the summer and one another! I love the relaxed, warm, albeit a bit rainy, long summer days. It’s a wonderful time to build family memories and have fun in the process!
I believe that a great education is one that educates both students and families, and works in partnership with families to develop students to their potential academically, in character development, in creativity and social-emotional areas, as well as spiritually. Teachers and families, working in tandem, create the best arena for student growth and development.
That being said, one area I would like your feedback and input on is student health and fitness. We are establishing a “Health and Fitness” committee, which will address food policies and fitness opportunities at HDS. We already have several members: a registered dietician, a physician’s assistant and our P.E. department. If you are interested in being a part of this effort, please email me at lindajohnson@HendricksDaySchool.org.
In addition, Shane Tripp and I are very receptive to your feedback about your family’s experience at HDS. We would very much appreciate knowing your opinions, thoughts, suggestions and ideas as they can help us to better educate your child. Please email, call or make an appointment. We really want to talk with you.
We are hard at work at Hendricks getting everything ready for your return in August. A few updates:
- In an effort to expand our resource offerings and the space needed for them, we are building out new classrooms in the gym area and are getting bids on updating the administration building and the newly purchased building. We’ll keep you updated on the progress.
- You should have received an email providing a link to the Net Classroom Portal to Blackbaud, our student data, finance and development system which will allow you to view your monthly statement. Please contact technology@HendricksDaySchool.org if you have not received an email or have any questions.
- We are working on the HDS branding process so everyone in Jacksonville will know who we are and what a wonderful education we offer. Look for our new logo and branding materials coming in the Fall!
- Our new website is currently being built. It is clean, efficient and easy to navigate. Look for it in the Fall as well.
- The HDS Preschool and YMCA Summer Camp Programs will be running on campus now through August 10th. Sign up for a week, a month, or the whole summer! This is a great way for your student to get to know other HDS students and become comfortable on campus. If you would like more information about the summer camp programs, click on the links below:
HDS Preschool Summer Camp
YMCA Summer Camp
- As cost and textbook availability are currently issues, we will make the iPad program a reality for the 2013-2014 school year. We will determine the specifics of this program early next year so parents and students will know exactly what to expect regarding curriculum, appropriate usage and planning for purchasing. We feel strongly that a tablet program will augment our already strong curriculum and help to better prepare students for their future.
Again, please take the time to communicate with us. As a team, with your information and perception available to us, we can make Hendricks the best school ever. Enjoy your summer and look for another blog update in July!
Fondly,
Linda