welcome-family-guide-24

2023-24

Welcome NEW FAMILY

GUIDE

Photo by Marcelle McGoey Delaune ‘97

W el come to the

SISTERHOOD!

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

STEP 1: READ YOUR LETTER OF ADMISSION. STEP 2: OPEN YOUR BAG. STEP 3: THROW YOUR CONFETTI AND CELEBRATE WITH US! Be sure to tag us in your posts @ssacovdove1903 (Instagram). If your account is private, please share snapshots or video/boomerangs to behrhardt@ssacad.org.

Y ou ’ r e a D ove !

We lcome

to ST. SCHOL ASTICA ACADEMY

Welcome aboard! We are delighted to have your family with us!

Now that you and your daughter have joined the SSA family, you have also inherited the rich legacy that is 120 years old!

We hope this short guide will help you learn about some of the special events and traditions throughout the school year, as well as answer any initial questions.

SS A S tude n t H an d bo o k There will be many references to our Student Handbook in this Welcome Family Guide. This Handbook outlines in great detail all of the rules and operations of the Academy. The most upto-date version is available on Blackbaud, SSA’s communication portal, under the “Resources” tab.

1

OUR MISSION St. Scholastica Academy is a Catholic, all-girls, college-preparatory high school located in Covington, Louisiana. Founded in 1903, SSA perpetuates the Benedictine tradition of balancing prayer, work, study, and community in developing adolescent girls into Christian women grounded in the Gospel values of the Catholic faith.

How does SSA communicate?

Blackbaud is the communication portal for SSA. There you will find an event calendar and access to your daughter’s schedule, assignments, grades and teachers.

The SSA Newsletter is sent out on a bi-weekly basis and includes calendar reminders, important announcements, volunteer opportunities and student achievements. All parents and students receive the Dove Tales Newsletter, and each edition is archived on Blackbaud for your reference.

Who to

Contact?

Head of School

Sheri H. Gillio, x128

Associate Head of School

Eileen Depreo, x133

General Information/ Report an absence/Late arrival/Permission for a student check-out Ellen Goens, Receptionist, x100

Social Media has become one of our best resources for showing our community the wonderful happenings at SSA. Posts will cover your student’s daily activities, school life, athletics, special events, and more! Be sure to follow us:

Uniform/Discipline/ Student Events

Facebook: @ St.Scholastica Academy Covington, Louisiana

Jennifer Grimley Dean of Academics, x146

Instagram @ssacovdove1903

Carol Ann C. Dufrene ‘04 Dean of Students, x123

Placement/Schedule/ Course Selections

Athletics & Eligibility

Charles Richard, Athletic Director, x195

Blackbaud Login and Questions Emily Johns ‘03 Registrar, x131

General Technology Issues

Corey Ryan Director of Technology, x142

ssacad.org

Tuition/Financial Assistance

Kelly Pontiff Director of Finance, x144

Counseling/ Accommodations/ Transcripts

Your student’s counselor, Katherine Taylor, x134 or Toni Pettavino, x143

College Application Process

Caroline Capps College Advisor, x147 Admissions/Enrollment Management Lynda Ryan Director of Admissions, x104 Fundraising/Alumnae Relations/Community Events/Parent Involvement Katie Rose Norman ‘05 Director of Advancement, x109 Communications/ Marketing Brenda Ehrhardt Director of Communications, x119

If you have a question about your daughter’s performance in class please contact the teacher first before contacting an administrator or counselor.

9 8 5 . 8 9 2 . 2 5 4 03

HOW DO I INTERPRET PLACEMENT TEST SCORES? 8th and 9th grade students will find their individual test scores on the Academic Placement Sheet in this mailing. A description of these scores can be found below.

NATIONAL PERCENTILE (NP) RANK compares the performance of an individual student with that of other students nationally within the same grade level, the percentilerank scale from 1-99.

COGNITIVE SKILLS represents the scores an individual student earned on the Verbal and Quantitative (Quant) subtests as well as her total score for these two subtests combined.

BASIC SKILLS represents the scores attained by an individual student on the Reading (Read), Mathematics (Math), and Language (Lang) subtests. The scores for these three subtests are combined and reported as a total basic skills score.

COMPOSITE SCORE indicates a student’s total performance on the five subtests that comprise the HSPT battery.

PLACEMENT/SCHEDULING: A course of study is created for each incoming student.

Placement is based on the following criteria: (1) performance on the standardized test administered by the Academy, (2) standardized test scores from previous schools attended, and (3) academic grades from previous schools attended. The minimum requirements for honors placement include a consistent score of 85 percentile or greater on standardized tests and an academic grade of A in the discipline from the previous school(s) attended. Continuation in or movement between a program of studies is subject to change in accordance with student performance and/or teacher recommendation. Please contact Jennifer Grimley, Dean of Academics, at jgrimley@ ssacad.org with any questions.

NP

DOES MY DAUGHTER NEED A COMPUTER?

Yes. SSA integrates technology into all aspects of our curriculum, and students in all grades are required to bring their own device. Parents are responsible for the purchase of their daughter’s computer. To find information on the specific computer compatibility requirements, visit our website at ssacad.org/admissions/incoming-student-information or scan the QR code on the right. Information on software requirements can also be found in this location.

WHAT ARE SSA’S DINING OPTIONS?

SSA has a full-service cafeteria on campus where we offer breakfast, lunch, and “extras” or snacks. Students electing to participate in the cafeteria program are required to prepay. Students will not be allowed to charge for their purchases.

They must have money in their account to do so. Payments can be made online at www.MySchoolBucks.com or by check directly to the cafeteria. If you have any specific questions regarding your daughter’s account, please contact the cafeteria manager at StScholastica@SchoolCafe.org. If a student has special dietary requirements authorized by a physician, a request may be made for the cafeteria to meet these dietary needs. Students can also bring lunch from home.

DOES MY DAUGHTER HAVE SERVICE HOUR REQUIREMENTS?

SSA proudly serves our local community and works with several organizations to provide muchneeded services and supplies. By engaging in service to the community, SSA students not only develop gratitude for a multitude of personal blessings, but also insight into how their individual gifts make unique contributions in fulfilling the human dignity of all God’s people. Each student is required to complete a minimum of 20 service hours per year. To find specific information regarding service opportunities, visit our website ssacad.org/campus-life/service-program or scan the QR code on the right.

4

FREQUENTLY ASKED

Questions

HOW DO I REGISTER? STEP 1: Use the QR code to access the login page of the Blackbaud system or go to ssacad.org and select login.

STEP 2: Type in your login credentials you set up when you applied online.

STEP 3: Navigate to the Decision Tab and click “yes” to continue the registration process. Once you submit your decision, your Enrollment Contract will be ready to view.

STEP 4: You will see a yellow banner reading that you have 1 Enrollment Contract and 2 Forms to review (1 Demographic Form and 1 Emergency Contact Form). Please click on each form and complete.

Once you have submitted the Demographics and Emergency Contact Forms, the Enrollment Contract will take you through our Enrollment and Tuition agreement. The Registration fee is also housed within the contract.

The Registration Fee is $500 for 8th graders and $400 for grades 9-11. All registration forms, fees and the Enrollment Contract is due by Friday, March 3, 2023. The balance of your daughter’s tuition is due June 1, 2023.

If you are in need of technical assistance, please contact Emily Johns, Registrar, at 985-892-2540 ext. 131 or ejohns@ssacad.org. If you are in need of assistance paying your fees online, please contact Kelly Pontiff, Director of Finance, at 985-892-2540 x 144 or kpontiff@ssacad.org.

ACTION REQUIRED

JUNE 1, 2023

ON JUNE 1, 2023, TUITION BALANCE IS DUE. ONCE ALL REGISTRATION FORMS ARE COMPLETE, ENROLLMENT CONTRACT IS SIGNED, REGISTRATION IS PAID, AND TUITION BALANCE IS PAID. THE FOLLOWING WILL TAKE PLACE ON JUNE 7, 2023:

1. ACTIVATE STUDENT’S BLACKBAUD ACCOUNT

You will receive an email with a detailed description of how to set up and log into your Blackbaud account.

2. ORDER TEXTBOOKS ONLINE BASED ON SCHEDULE

Your daughter can access the online bookstore by logging into Blackbaud and clicking on “Order Textbooks” under the “Resources” tab. This will send your daughter to another site where she will find required books that coordinate with her schedule.

3. ACCESS SUMMER READING ASSIGNMENTS BASED ON SCHEDULE

The summer reading list is published on Blackbaud under the “Resources” tab labeled “Summer Reading.” Your daughter will choose a novel from the provided list that coordinates with her schedule. For example, if she is in English I, she would look at the list for Eng I to find the books. There is no written component over the Summer; however, upon returning to school in the Fall, her respective teacher will assign an in-class assignment based upon the book she chose to read.

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S.O.A.R.

Summer Opportunity to Arrive Ready July 31, August 1 & 2 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

S.O.A.R. is an exciting summer orientation for new students. This fun program is required of all incoming students and will include academic and spiritual components, as well as immersion into the SSA culture of the four pillars of prayer, work, study, and community. The students will spend the mornings in small group academic sessions. Teachers will facilitate discipline-specific activities and use this time to review class expectations in addition to learning about the history and culture of the Academy. Lunchtime will focus on team-building activities, and the afternoons will center on fun and on developing friendships. Incoming 8th graders will attend S.O.A.R. all three days, and our new students in 9th-12th grades will attend on August 2 only.

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In the Know...

OFFICIAL UNIFORM

At SSA, each student wears her uniform with pride and dignity, as her appearance is a reflection on the school, as well as herself.

Blouse: White collared shirt with SSA logo.

Skirt: Green and blue plaid with red and yellow threads. Skirts must be buttoned and zipped, worn at the natural waistline, and should be no shorter than three inches above the knee.

Socks: White ankle socks with SSA logo.

Shoes: Students are allowed to wear any all-white tennis shoes with laces. Our Dress Uniform shoe is the School Issue Varsity navy and white saddle oxford. The saddle oxford must be worn on designated dress uniform days.

Blazer: Navy blue blazer is required for dress uniform days.

Uniform Sweatshirt: Our official uniform sweatshirt is the Navy crewneck sweatshirt with the plaid SSA applique outlined in yellow.

P.E. Uniform: SSA P.E. t-shirt with SSA P.E. shorts.

ID and Lanyard: Each student will be issued a lanyard in their class color and an ID holder where students will carry their school-issued ID and Key Card to access our school buildings. The lanyard, ID, and key card are part of our school uniform and must be worn every day.

PLEASE REFER TO THE STUDENT HANDBOOK FOR COLD WEATHER UNIFORM OPTIONS.

WHEN ARE DRESS UNIFORM DAYS?

Students are required to wear SSA’s Dress Uniform on designated days that include Mass Days, Ceremony Days, and special assemblies.

The Dress Uniform consists of uniform shirt, skirt, blazer, and saddle oxford shoes. Dress Uniform days are listed on the Blackbaud Calendar.

WHERE TO PURCHASE UNIFORMS: • • •

Uniforms must be purchased at School Time, 12 St. Ann Drive • Suite 3, Mandeville, LA (985) 626-7335, www.schooltimeuniforms.com. Check with School Time to find discounts offered during May/June.

Dress uniform shoes must be purchased at Joe’s Shoe Store, 1814 N. Causeway Blvd Ste. 4, ​ Mandeville, LA (985) 626-5633, www.joesfamilyshoes.com.

PE uniforms must be purchased at SSA’s Doves’ Nest.

THE DOVES’ NEST: SSA’S SPIRIT STORE

The Doves’ Nest is an on-campus store operated by the SSA Athletic Association. The purpose is to promote school spirit by selling SSA items. It is located on campus and is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during lunch. You can order online by visiting our website and clicking on the Doves’ Nest tab on our home page. You will receive an email once your order is ready to be picked up. You can also swing by and do some shopping in person!

PE uniforms are sold in the Doves’ Nest, along with SSA spirit items, including sweatshirts, t-shirts, raincoats, car magnets, caps and much more!

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IN THE

Know...

WHAT IS A DOVE REDUCTION?

Each student receives 100 points at the beginning of each academic year. Throughout the year, points are deducted for misconduct or failure to abide by school policy. For every 5 Dove Reductions, students will serve one hour of detention. Detentions are held every Tuesday and Thursday morning in the library at 7 a.m. and occasionally on Saturdays.

WHAT IS THE CARPOOL ROUTE?

There is only one drop-off and pick-up route at SSA. Students are to be dropped off on Massachusetts Street in front of the gym and Wisdom Hall. Students are not allowed to be picked up or dropped off from any other location. PLEASE REFER TO THE STUDENT HANDBOOK TO SEE THE CARPOOL ROUTE MAP.

WHAT ARE THE AFTER SCHOOL OPTIONS?

Our school office is open every day from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

By 3:30 p.m., any students remaining on campus who are not participating in a supervised after school activity (athletics, clubs, student council, etc.) must report to the library for supervision.

Make up testing and assignment hall are scheduled every day after school beginning at 3:25 p.m. Parents must pick up students no later than 5 p.m.

DAILY BELL SCHEDULE 7:50 - Bell rings 7:55 - 9:05 First block 9:10 - 10:20 - Second block 10:20 - 10:50 - Study Hall 10:55 - 12:05 - Third block 12:05 - 12:45 - LUNCH 12:50 - 2:00 - Fourth block 2:05 - 3:15 - Fifth block *Special schedules will be devised as needed.

WHAT COUNSELING SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE?

Each student is assigned a school couselor who remains with the student for her duration at SSA. They assist with all social, emotional, and academic development of the student. In addition, a college advisor aids our students in navigating college applications, resumes, and scholarship offers. SSA’s college advisor also offers free ACT prep, college tours, and hosts college reps on our campus. .

WHAT ARE THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR PRAYER AND SACRAMENTAL LIFE AT SSA? Our Mother of Perpetual Help Chapel is the heart of our campus life. The altar itself is a sign of the way we offer up our prayer, work, study, and whole community to God the Father. The chapel is open to students throughout the school day as a place to pray, reconnect, and take a deep breath.

Every Tuesday, we begin with a Mass offered in our chapel at 7:20 a.m. All in the community are invited to pray with us.

Confessions are also heard each Tuesday during lunchtime in the chapel as an opportunity for our students to experience Jesus’ mercy and healing. A whole community Mass is celebrated about once a month, as well as on Holy Days so that our whole community can celebrate with the Church throughout the world. Also, in solidarity with parishes and schools around the world, we adore Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament every first Friday. Parents, grandparents, students and faculty set aside time to come before Jesus in quiet prayer.

Another key experience of Faith formation at SSA is an annual retreat experienced by both students and faculty in which our Faith comes alive both personally and as the glue of our sisterhood and mission.

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EXTRACURRICULARS:

ATHLETICS are an important part of the St. Scholastica Academy community. We believe that God has given our students many talents, and athletics are a way to share and develop those talents.

SSA provides an environment to develop the whole person through athletics to become well-rounded, happy, and successful individuals.

The SSA Athletic Department offers 14 sports: volleyball, cross country, swimming, basketball, indoor track, soccer, golf, tennis, bowling, softball, outdoor track, cheer, dance, and powerlifting.

Tryouts are announced as each season approaches. Over 65% of our students participate in at least one sport. The SSA volleyball and basketball teams practice and play home games in our gym located on campus. SSA is the only all-girls school in the state of Louisiana with an athletic complex complete with a softball field, track, and soccer field. Our athletic complex is located three miles from campus on Ronald Reagan Hwy. (16181 Hwy. 190, Covington, LA, 70433).

Upcoming Tryout Dates:

Dance and Cheer Mandatory parent/daughter meeting Thursday, March 2, 2023 5:00 p.m. - SSA Gym Dance Team Tryout - Saturday, March 4, 2023 Clinic -8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. - SSA Gym Tryout - 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. - SSA Gym Cheer Team Tryout - Saturday, March 11, 2023 Clinic - 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. - SSA Gym Tryout - 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. - SSA Gym Volleyball 8th Grade, Junior Varsity, and Varsity Tryouts TBA Dates and times will be published on our website and on social media. For additional tryout Information contact Charles Richard, Athletic Director, at crichard@ssacad.org CLUBS: SSA regards co-curricular activities as an integral part of the total educational program. SSA offers 27 Clubs: Animal Appreciation, Key Club, Doves for Life, Art Club, Wings for Doves, Debate Club, International Culinary Club, Active Minds, Dance/Fitness Club, Baking Club, Mu Alpha Theta, SADD, Benedictine Players, National English Honor Society, Sci-Fi Movie Club, CovDove Influencer Club, Color Guard, National Latin Honor Society, Stress Relief, Environmental Awareness, National Honor Society, Student Council, Foreign Language Club, National Science Honor Society, Student Ministry, Health Occupation Students of America, National Social Studies Honor Society. At the beginning of school each year, SSA hosts CLUB DAY! This is an opportunity to check out the many options and sign up.

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MARK YOUR

Calendar 2023-24 AUGUST 9 10 17 18

Media Day Classes Begin General Parent Meeting and Mini-Schedule Night Back-to-School Dance

4 15

Classes Resume MLK Holiday

SEPTEMBER

FEBRUARY

OCTOBER

MARCH

4 14

4

6 11 23

Labor Day Holiday 8th Grade Induction Mass

8th Grade Grandparents Day Mass Fall Break Holiday PSAT Testing Dove Classic Golf Tournament

6 8

8th Grade Retreat St. Scholastica Feast Day & Legacy Pinning 9-16 Mardi Gras Holidays 19 Classes Resume

16 29

Falaya Fling Gala Good Friday No Classes

NOVEMBER

APRIL

DECEMBER

MAY

18-21 Exams 22 Christmas Holidays Begin

11 Graduation 20-23 Final Exams

2 3 6

Open House Open House Holiday Faculty Retreat No Classes 20-24 Thanksgiving Holidays 27 Classes Resume

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JANUARY

1-5 8

Easter Holidays Classes Resume

IN THE

Know...

WHAT IS MEDIA DAY?

Media Day is the official start of the school year. This is a dress uniform day where all students wear full Dress Uniform, including blazers and saddle oxford shoes. Students report to the chapel for orientation with Administration and will take ID pictures. Immediately following, student athletes can undergo physicals by Tulane Medical staff.

WHAT IS MINI-SCHEDULE NIGHT?

WHAT IS THE BIG SISTER/ LITTLE SISTER PROGRAM?

Every incoming 8th grader will be paired with a senior “big sister” to serve as a mentor to help the newest members of our community feel welcomed and comfortable.

Various events are planned throughout the year to foster this relationship, including special breakfasts, lunches and holidays events.

HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED AS A PARENT?

All parents are invited to attend a general parent meeting to receive information about the upcoming school year.

Immediately following this brief session, parents will follow their daughter’s daily class schedule to meet her teachers and learn more about the courses she is taking this year.

SSA offers many opportunities to get involved through our Parents’ Club, Dads’ Club, Athletic Booster Club, and Grandparents Club. Information on how to contact these organizations will be provided in our Back-to-School Newsletter.

DO TEACHERS OFFER HELP SESSIONS OR TUTORING?

WHAT IS THE CELL PHONE POLICY?

Each teacher will be available two days a week to work with students needing additional support. Session days and times are at the discretion of the teacher and could be held before school, after school, or during the lunch period. Individual teacher help sessions are posted on Blackbaud class pages. In addition, Math tutoring is offered after school 3 times per week. Students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity.

Cell phones and smartwatches may be used outside of a building during unstructured time, such as before school and at lunch.

Cell phones and smartwatches may not be used in buildings, and must be placed in the designated cell phone pockets when entering a classroom.

FUNDRAISING EVENTS AT SSA

Our philosophy on philanthropy at Saint Scholastica Academy is rooted in our patron’s motto, “She could do more, because she loved more.” Your support through fundraising efforts provides necessary resources and new opportunities for growth and innovation in order for our students to thrive.

Our primary fundraiser is Falaya Fling, an exciting annual gala for our SSA families, alumnae, and friends to come together to celebrate our Doves, build community, and support the Academy. The evening includes delicious cuisine and live music, and offers an opportunity to support SSA through sponsorships, the purchase of tickets, and auctions. Join us for this year’s Fling: Saturday, March 18, 2023. Tickets available on the home page of our website, ssacad.org.

Another way to support the Academy is through our Annual Giving Campaign. You can show your #DOVELOVE while making a direct and tangible impact on our campus life. The campaign launches each fall, and concludes on June 30. We ask that you prayerfully consider making a gift in whatever capacity you are able.

SHARED EVENTS WITH OUR BROTHER SCHOOL , ST. PAUL’S

SPS and SSA have a unique brother/sister school relationship, and we plan many events throughout the school year to bring our communities together. Some include pep rallies, Feast Day celebrations, Mass, drama productions, dances, homecoming events, and fun competitions such as “Challenge,” where students from SSA and SPS enjoy friendly competition, games, and community building.

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Four Pillars

St. Scholastica Academy is dedicated to a reverence for life, a thirst for truth, and an appreciation of beauty. The key to SSA’s comprehensive educational program is rooted in the Benedictine pillars of prayer, work, study, and community. This rigorous program is designed to meet the academic, personal, and spiritual needs of the students. The Academy fosters a concern for both individuality and community, encourages respect for each person and that of belonging to a group. At SSA, students are encouraged to become responsible members of the community and develop positive attitudes and values, including a sense of self-discipline and respect both for themselves and others. SSA’s primary aim is to enable students to grow from adolescents to mature, Christian young women. SSA integrates faith into school life by guiding students to the realization that all of creation is sacred and that each one reflects in her person the beauty of God. Because SSA is a Catholic educational institution, the central focus is on creating an atmosphere in which Christian values are a vital part of the total educational process.

OUR BENEDICTINE PRIORITIES WORK IN WORK

I N P R AY E R

to pray as if everything depends on God. •

• • •

That God, gospel values, and the teachings of the Catholic church permeate all that we do and that we may be a witness to the larger community.

That we guide each student in developing a well-formed conscience.

That we pursue a way of life that demonstrates an active relationship with God. That we affirm that all life is created in the image and likeness of God, and that all life has value and meaning.

to work by growing and discovering our calling as children of God. • • • •

IN STUDY

IN COMMUNITY

to serve by being with and supporting others in our community.

to study in order to attain wisdom.

• • • •

• •

That we adhere to a standard of academic excellence through a rigorous and challenging curriculum.

That all in the learning community model a dedication to lifelong learning and foster that dedication in our students.

That we meet the needs of young women in a challenging, safe, and nurturing environment.

That we acknowledge each student is unique and that belief is reflected in the curriculum, discipline policies, activities, and Academy procedures.

That we model and teach ethical use of technology.

That we support and encourage critical thinking and creativity.

That we encourage the perseverance, discipline, and resilience necessary to be successful in all of our endeavors.

That we foster an appreciation for the dignity of work.

That we model and promote a balanced life of prayer and work.

That we may work together to build the Kingdom of God.

• • •

•

•

That we prepare our students to lead Christian lives of service and responsibility.

That we foster sisterhood and friendships among our students in an environment where each person is respected, valued, and cared for.

That we promote a sense of social responsibility by demonstrating ethical participation and respect for the Earth’s resources based on Catholic social teaching.

That we celebrate diversity and make deliberate efforts to diversify the school community by recruiting students of diverse races, ethnicities, backgrounds, and socio-economic strata.

That we welcome all members of the community.

St. Scholastica Feast Day

St. Scholastica’s Feast Day is February 10, and marks a day of celebration at the Academy. On Feast Day, we celebrate by hearing a historical narrative of St. Scholastica’s life and celebrating Mass as a school community. In addition, we pin our legacy students during Mass and introduce our Alumna of the Year. Following Mass, we enjoy a special lunch, activities, music, and treats!

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WHAT’S

Next?

ENROLLMENT CHECKLIST: Complete and submit online registration by March 3 Pay registration fee by March 3 Purchase laptop computer Pay tuition by June 1 Set up your daughter’s Blackbaud account View class schedule Order books online Access summer reading assignments Purchase uniforms and shoes

Not e: Sch ool suppl y l ists a re di st ri buted on the f ir st d ay of sch ool in each cl ass.