THE GUIDE TO THE LAMPLIGHTER SCHOOL 2026 | 2027
thelamplighterschool.org
THE GUIDE 2026 | 2027
TABLE OF CONTENTS Welcome to Lamplighter
2
Lamplighter Facts
3
Vision, Mission, and Values
4
Statement of Inclusion
5
Whom to Call
6
Leadership
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Student Services & Liaisons 10 School Traditions 12 School Day 14 Senior Year 17 Programs 18 Communications 19 Lamplighter Parents’ Association 20 Frequently Asked Questions 26 Campus Map 28 2026-2027 Calendar At-A-Glance 31 School Song 33
WELCOME Welcome to Lamplighter! The years between three and ten shape a child more than any other stretch of life. This is when curiosity takes root, when a sense of self grows steady, and when the habits of a lifelong learner are formed. For more than 70 years, Lamplighter has given those years everything they deserve. Generations of children have made the Lamplighter journey. A child who begins here as a three year old and walks across the stage at Senior Graduation carries something rare into the world. They leave as confident readers, curious thinkers, and kind human beings, shaped by traditions like Hootenannies and square dancing and by the daily experience of being deeply known. That journey is the gift of a Lamplighter education, and it is one our alumni carry with them for a lifetime. When you entrust your child to Lamplighter, you place their safety, wellbeing, and growth in our hands. We honor that trust in everything we do. Schools are wonderfully complex places, and this Guide exists to help us all understand the people, programs, and traditions that bring the Lamplighter experience to life. In these pages you will find the faces and names behind our community, our signature traditions, the rhythm of the school day, and answers to the questions new and returning families ask most. This Guide works hand in hand with our Family Handbook and Directory, which details the policies and procedures that keep our students safe and our school running smoothly. Together, these two resources support the systems and processes in place for our students, teachers, staff, and families to create the most extraordinary learning environment for each child at Lamplighter. As questions arise in the coming months, keep both close at hand. Our community is strong and supportive, and we are so glad your family is part of it. I look forward to meeting you and learning your family’s story. In Lamplighter Spirit, Michael Johnson, PhD Catherine M. Rose Head of School 2 GUIDE
THE LAMPLIGHTER SCHOOL The Lamplighter School is an independent, co-educational day school founded in 1953, serving students in Pre-K through fourth grade. Founders Natalie Murray and Marieta “Sandy” Swain envisioned a school that would celebrate children, their individuality, and their myriad gifts. In keeping with the founders’ vision, a Lamplighter education enables children to create lives in which learning matters. At Lamplighter, we know that ages three through ten are the most critical years of a child’s development. Focusing on early childhood and lower school education allows our community to serve as a foundation for growth in the lives of our students and an entrance to lifelong learning.
LAMPLIGHTER FACTS
1953 YEAR FOUNDED
452 CURRENT ENROLLMENT
53%
FULL-TIME FACULTY WITH ADVANCED DEGREES
15 AVERAGE YEARS OF TEACHING EXPERIENCE
32% STUDENTS OF COLOR
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GREATER DALLAS ZIP CODES REPRESENTED
SCHOOL MOTTO
A student is not a vessel to be filled, but a lamp to be lighted.
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VISION, MISSION, & VALUES VISION The Lamplighter School lights lamps that light the world. We nurture in all members of our community a deep love of learning, a strong social-emotional foundation, and a commitment to caring for others and the community. We prepare our students to thrive academically and socially as they contribute as leaders at their next schools and beyond. We strive for Lamplighter to be a magnet for exceptional teachers, a community where all are connected and know that they belong, and a school enriched and elevated by robust community partnerships that enhance all aspects of the Lamplighter experience.
MISSION Dedicated to igniting the potential of each child, Lamplighter engages children in the joy of learning through intellectual discovery in a creative, inclusive, and collaborative environment.
VALUES Excellence We strive to reach our fullest potential in all we do. Curiosity We approach our world and our work with a sense of discovery and thoughtful exploration. Interplay of Innovation & Tradition We are a community strengthened by traditions and propelled by innovation. Collaboration We do our best work together, listening to each other, and incorporating the richness of our diversity to create deeper learning, understanding, and belonging for all. Joy We value joy as inherent to our culture and a core condition for sustaining a thriving, cohesive community. 4 GUIDE
STATEMENT OF INCLUSION DEFINITION: In support of The Lamplighter School’s mission
to encourage all children to reach their potential, we commit to sustaining and growing an intentionally inclusive community where all members are treated with dignity and respect.
PURPOSE: In line with our value of collaboration, we understand the practice of inclusivity to be an essential responsibility. Understanding and respecting differences inspires compassion and empathy, and fosters intellectual curiosity and creativity.
ACTION: Inspiring students to seek a broader understanding of the world, we celebrate the many positive experiences and viewpoints that diversity, in all its forms, brings to our school community. The School’s commitment to inclusivity is reflected in our curriculum, collections, programming and services, manner of instruction, and in the physical and virtual spaces we provide. Members of our community are charged with the responsibility to act with integrity, empathy, honesty, and compassion, ensuring that all constituents feel welcomed, accepted, respected, and valued.
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WHOM TO CALL Academic Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pre-K, Kindergarten, and T1 Early Childhood, Linda Hang, ext. 373 lhang@thelamplighterschool.org Grades 1–4 Lower School, Stephen Scott, ext. 338 sscott@thelamplighterschool.org Advancement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elizabeth L. Selzer, ext. 365 eselzer@thelamplighterschool.org Alumni Relations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christine Heskes, ext. 354 cheskes@thelamplighterschool.org Annual Giving. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christine Heskes, ext. 354 cheskes@thelamplighterschool.org Calendar & Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sydney Allen, ext. 337 sallen@thelamplighterschool.org Carpool (SchoolPass). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sydney Allen, ext. 337 sallen@thelamplighterschool.org Counselor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ext. 346 Enrollment Management. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Becky Walker, ext. 345 bwalker@thelamplighterschool.org Erik Jonsson Media Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jody Stout, ext. 336 jstout@thelamplighterschool.org Extended Day Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shari Krage, ext. 387 skrage@thelamplighterschool.org Financial Aid. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kemberly Merritt, ext. 344 kmerritt@thelamplighterschool.org Grandparents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Erin Turner, ext. 367 eturner@thelamplighterschool.org Lamplighter Parents’ Association (LPA). . . . . . . . . . Erin Turner, ext. 367 eturner@thelamplighterschool.org
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MAIN NUMBER 214.369.9201 Lost and Found. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Helen Skalniak, ext. 300 hskalniak@thelamplighterschool.org Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sydney Allen, ext. 337 sallen@thelamplighterschool.org NightLight Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shari Krage, ext. 387 skrage@thelamplighterschool.org Nurse. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jennifer Shah, ext. 351 jshah@thelamplighterschool.org Parent Portal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sydney Allen, ext. 337 sallen@thelamplighterschool.org Publications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Landy Fox, ext. 353 lfox@thelamplighterschool.org Receptionist. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Helen Skalniak, ext. 300 hskalniak@thelamplighterschool.org Safety & Security. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sydney Allen, ext. 337 sallen@thelamplighterschool.org Summer Programs FunCamp – Pre-K & K. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Laura Lavender, ext. 412 llavender@thelamplighterschool.org Camp Lamplighter – Grades T1–4. . . . . . . . Shari Krage, ext. 387 skrage@thelamplighterschool.org Tuition Payments Blackbaud Tuition Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nivea Leite, ext. 380 nleite@thelamplighterschool.org Website. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Landy Fox, ext. 353 lfox@thelamplighterschool.org
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LAMPLIGHTER LEADERSHIP
Thomas Morton Chair, Board of Trustees thomas.m.morton@gmail.com
Michael Johnson, PhD Catherine M. Rose Head of School mjohnson@thelamplighterschool.org | Ext. 340
Sydney Allen Chief Operations Officer sallen@thelamplighterschool.org | Ext. 337
Landy Fox Director of Marketing & Communications lfox@thelamplighterschool.org | Ext. 353
Dr. Linda Hang Assistant Head for Teaching & Learning Early Childhood (Pre-K, Kindergarten, T1) lhang@thelamplighterschool.org | Ext. 373 8 GUIDE
Kemberly Merritt Chief Financial Officer kmerritt@thelamplighterschool.org | Ext. 344
Stephen Scott Assistant Head for Teaching & Learning Lower School (Grades 1-4) sscott@thelamplighterschool.org | Ext. 338
Elizabeth L. Selzer Chief Advancement Officer eselzer@thelamplighterschool.org | Ext. 365
Becky Walker Director of Enrollment Management bwalker@thelamplighterschool.org | Ext. 345
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WHO’S WHO STUDENT SERVICES
Shari Krage Associate Director of Auxiliary Programs skrage@thelamplighterschool.org | Ext. 387
Jennifer Shah School Nurse jshah@thelamplighterschool.org | Ext. 351
Helen Skalniak Administrative Assistant & Receptionist hskalniak@thelamplighterschool.org | Ext. 300
Julie Vaughn Academic Assistant jvaughn@thelamplighterschool.org | Ext. 372
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LIAISONS Catherine M. Rose Head of School & Board of Trustees
Maritza Fox Assistant to the Catherine M. Rose Head of School & Board Liaison mfox@thelamplighterschool.org | Ext. 341
Annual Giving, Alumni Relations
Christine Heskes Associate Director of Advancement cheskes@thelamplighterschool.org | Ext. 354
Lamplighter Parents’ Association, Grandparents
Erin Turner Assistant Director of Advancement eturner@thelamplighterschool.org | Ext. 367
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SCHOOL TRADITIONS
There are many traditions at Lamplighter. These are some of our signature traditions that are celebrated each year. All School Program
In December before Winter Break, all Lamplighter students participate in the All School Program. The program is a culmination of learning activities demonstrated in an imaginative performance. Everyone participates by singing new songs created around a central theme. Participants are divided into one of three performance groups and parents will be informed of which performance their child(ren) will be in before the event. Teachers also communicate about wardrobe requirements.
Alumni Days
This tradition connects students directly with alumni through classroom or grade-level visits. These special visits allow Lamplighter alumni to share their careers, hobbies, and passions with current students in a fun and interactive manner. Alumni Days also offers a time for alumni to share their favorite Lamplighter memories.
Grandest Friends’ Days
Grandest Friends’ Days are an opportunity for students to bring a grandparent, another family member, or special adult friend to Lamplighter to spend a morning or an afternoon on campus. Parents should check with the Advancement Office to ensure an invitation will be sent to their child’s grandparent(s) or special guest.
Halloween Parade and Picnic
A colorful parade of Halloween characters is an eagerly anticipated event for Lamplighter students. Students wear or bring costumes to school. Parents line the Murray Swain Ring Road on campus to enjoy the festive parade. The parade is followed by a family picnic. 12 GUIDE
Hootenanny
Hootenannies are one of Lamplighter’s oldest traditions. Regularly, the entire school comes together in the Klyde Warren Auditorium to sing favorite Lamplighter songs. • Parents of children in each grade level are invited to attend one assigned Hootenanny per child. • Hootenannies begin on time and last 30 minutes. • Doors open 15 minutes before every Hootenanny begins. There is space for every parent to see, hear, and photograph their favorite Hootenanny singer.
Square Dancing
Square dancing is Lamplighter’s oldest and most beloved tradition! The Kindergarten students learn to swing their partners and square dance throughout the year. In the spring, the students dress up in Western attire and perform their dances for their parents.
Spirit Award
In 2003, the Lamplighter Spirit Award was established during the School’s 50th anniversary to recognize individuals who embody the spirit of Lamplighter. The award is presented by the Lamplighter Alumni Association.
Young Alumni Car Wash
Established in 2011 by Lamplighter alumna Kate Mosle Bender ’04, the Young Alumni Car Wash brings alumni in grades 5-12 back to campus to raise funds for the Alumni Faculty Salary Support Endowed Fund. GUIDE
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SCHOOL DAY Before School Extended Day
The Before School Extended Day program offers supervised care to students from 7:00 a.m. to 7:55 a.m. each school day. Registration is required, but there is no fee for this service. Registration link can be found on the Parent Portal under Extended Day Programs.
Conferences
Conferences provide a meaningful one-on-one opportunity for parents and teachers to review a student’s progress through Developmental Records—a detailed account of a student’s academic and social expectations for each grade level. There are four scheduled conferences in a school year. Parents will schedule all conferences via an online system called PTC Wizard, which is accessible through the Parent Portal. Childcare is available during some conference sessions for Lamplighter students; pre-registration is required, but there is no fee for this service.
Intake Conferences
Intake Conferences occur in August before the school year begins. It is a scheduled time to meet teachers, ask questions, and share concerns. During Intake Conferences, parents also have the opportunity to visit LPA event and program tables in Cook Gym to gather information, sign up to volunteer, and make purchases for the coming year.
LunchLink
LunchLink is an option which allows Lamplighter families to purchase lunch online for their children Monday through Thursday. This is not a fundraiser, but rather a service for our families.
NightLight
NightLight is Lamplighter’s after-school enrichment program which is offered all school year, Monday through Friday, from 3:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. Parents may register their child(ren) for a variety of classes, including art, drama, music, dance, world languages, STEM, and sports. Registration is available online and classes run for a full semester.
Observations
Observations provide a unique opportunity for parents to see, hear, and understand their child’s activity in the classroom. To protect the integrity of the event, parents are asked to refrain from discussing observations with their child(ren). Students are unaware they are being observed. Parents will be notified via email as to when their child’s observation will be held. Depending on the grade level, 14
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parents may have more than one opportunity to observe their child at school. Observations typically occur before conferences, allowing time for questions or concerns parents may have after observing their child. Parents are requested to make childcare arrangements for younger siblings. Make-up observations are not offered.
Playground Visits
Parents are invited to join Pre-K, Kindergarten, and T1 students for recess on assigned days. Parents are encouraged to wear comfortable “play” clothes and shoes as children enjoy running around the playground together. If parents are unable to attend, Lamplighter suggests they consider asking a family member or friend to come play with their child on their assigned day.
SATs
SATs stands for Special Area Teachers. The term refers to classes that Lamplighter students take in addition to their math, literacy, and social studies curricula. Lamplighter has a robust SATs offering including: Art, Drama, Environmental Science, Innovative Projects, Media Center, Music, P.E., Science, Spanish, Technology, and Woodworking.
SchoolPass
SchoolPass is a software program that manages and automates dismissal of students. Carpool changes, absences, late arrivals, and early pick-ups are recorded online by parents. The login information for SchoolPass can be found on the Parent Portal. GUIDE
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Six-Day Rotation / Color Day
Classroom schedules are based on the numbers one to six instead of Monday through Friday. Each day of the six-day rotation has a color designation which can be easier for young students to remember.
Spirit Day
Every Friday is Spirit Day! Lamplighter students, teachers, and staff wear red and white Lamplighter spirit wear on Spirit Day and on field trips. The LPA Spirit Store has options available for purchase.
Teamtime
Lower School students enjoy a 30-minute lunch and a 30-minute recess in the middle of each school day. This hour is referred to as Teamtime.
Transitional First (T1)
Transitional First Grade is available to families with children who have a birthday during spring or summer and who would benefit from the gift of an additional year before first grade to grow and mature. T1 has its own unique curriculum and field trips that differ from the Kindergarten program. T1 provides the opportunity for children to find their social/emotional fit while building confidence and securing their academic success.
YMCA After-School Program
The YMCA After-School Program offers an extension to the school day. Provided by the YMCA, this program runs from 3:15 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. each school day on Lamplighter’s campus. Register directly through the Semones Family YMCA at www.ymcadallas.org. Information can be accessed through the Parent Portal. 16 GUIDE
SENIOR YEAR (FOURTH GRADE) Austin Trip
Lamplighter fourth grade Seniors participate in an annual trip to Austin, Texas. This trip is an opportunity for Seniors to see and explore some historically significant sites in Texas.
Flash
Flash is a live, student-run news broadcast that highlights the amazing things going on within the Lamplighter community. Seniors write, direct, and produce the broadcast and go “on air” approximately six times per month.
Lamplighter Layers
Lamplighter Layers is a chicken-raising and egg-selling business founded in 1970 and operated by the Seniors. As part of the entrepreneurial program, students elect officers and serve each week as crew members responsible for the care of the chickens and the selling of eggs at carpool.
Last “Hug ’Em In”
The Last Hug ’Em In occurs during morning carpool, the day after Senior Graduation. Parents drop off Seniors on their final day of school and students enter the building through a line of faculty and staff members who cheer and hug them in one last time.
Senior Luncheon & Jacket Ceremony
The Senior Luncheon is an annual gathering of fourth grade students, their parents, and teachers. During the luncheon, students also receive their personalized Senior jackets. Lamplighter young alumni (middle and high school students) are invited to serve as guest speakers.
Senior Opera
Since 1991, the Lamplighter Seniors have written and performed original operas. The Senior Opera is the capstone project for the Seniors and is performed in the spring.
Senior Parade
Seniors enjoy one last celebration after Graduation in a parade for the Lamplighter community. Parents decorate cars and parade around with the new graduates who are cheered on by current students, faculty, and staff lining the Murray Swain Ring Road.
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PROGRAMS Camp Lamplighter
Camp Lamplighter offers one-week or two-week sessions during the summer for rising Transitional First (T1) through fifth grade students. Camp classes are taught on a wide variety of subjects, from cooking to world languages to sports and games. Camp offerings are published on Lamplighter’s website in mid-February.
FunCamp
FunCamp is Lamplighter’s Early Childhood summer camp for Pre-K and Kindergarten students. There are two sessions offered, each for two weeks, Monday - Friday mornings. Each session consists of projects and activities related to a theme.
Green Team
The mission of the team is to raise awareness of our present consumption, educate our community about growing environmental challenges facing our Earth, and inspire all members to take action to reduce our collective individual carbon footprints. Formed in 2008, the Green Team consists of faculty representatives from each grade level, the Lamplighter Layers Vice President, and staff members.
Lamplighter Fund
The Lamplighter Fund is the School’s annual fundraising effort. Unlike tuition, contributions to the Lamplighter Fund are tax-deductible. All constituencies are asked to support the Lamplighter Fund, which benefits all students and teachers. The Lamplighter Fund supports Lamplighter’s mission of igniting the potential of each child.
Parent Ambassadors for Lamplighter (PALs)
PALs are parents who volunteer to host and assist with tours of the School for prospective Lamplighter parents. The Office of Admission is proud to work with current parents who volunteer their time to lead campus visits.
Parent Perks
Parent Perks is a parent education series featuring educators, psychologists, and authors who speak to the Lamplighter parent community about important trends in the education world and topics that reflect the mission of the School. The series hosts several events each year. Some events are offered virtually.
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COMMUNICATIONS Barn & Gardens
Barn & Gardens is a student-created literary magazine entirely produced, photographed, and designed by Lamplighter Seniors. The magazine is published twice a year and distributed to all current students.
eNews
eNews is the weekly electronic newsletter sent via email to the Lamplighter community from the School’s Office of Communications. It contains information regarding upcoming events, LPA activities, volunteer opportunities, and the school calendar.
LampPost
LampPost is the School’s magazine which highlights activities and events in the classroom and around campus for members of the Lamplighter community including parents, grandparents, and alumni. LampPost is published and mailed twice a year.
The Light Year
The Light Year is Lamplighter’s yearbook that is produced as a keepsake for all students. The first half of the yearbook highlights students, events, and everyday life at the School. The second half of the yearbook honors members of the Senior class and their iconic fourth grade year at Lamplighter. The Light Year is published during the summer and distributed at Intake Conferences in August.
Parent Portal
The Parent Portal is a useful online tool that helps parents access links and important resources. It has the most up-to-date information for families. Parents can access this tool by clicking LOGIN on the home page of The Lamplighter School website.
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LPA
LAMPLIGHTER PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION (LPA) The LPA plans, executes, and funds numerous activities and services throughout the year that benefit Lamplighter students and the community. The LPA is managed by the LPA Board, and has several opportunities for engagement during the year.
lpa@thelamplighterschool.org
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Abby Hoak-Morton
Leah Sultan
LPA President abbyhoak@gmail.com
LPA President-Elect leah.l.herman@gmail.com
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NEW FAMILY COORDINATORS New Family Coordinators facilitate the integration of new families into the Lamplighter parent and student community. They reach out to new families periodically to check-in and answer questions. Jennifer Bovard
Shawn Klein
New Family Coordinator jenniferlbovard@gmail.com
New Family Coordinator salhadef@gmail.com
Lindsay Shipp
New Family Coordinator lshipp@capitolpeakventures.com
STUDENT ACTIVITIES COORDINATOR Judy Kim
Student Activities Coordinator judypykim@gmail.com
The Student Activities Coordinator organizes players and coaches for YMCA sports in Pre-K, Kindergarten, and T1, and connects parents with Scout leaders to help form troops or add students to existing troops in Kindergarten and T1. *Lower School families should reach out to their Grade Level Coordinator for team information. GUIDE
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GRADE LEVEL COORDINATORS (GLC) A parent volunteer serves as the grade level point person by organizing classroom activities and sharing pertinent information to parents on a weekly basis.
Lauren Pollon
Pre-K AM Grade Level Coordinator laurenlillback@gmail.com
Lori Gilbert
Rainbow Lin
Pre-K PM Grade Level Coordinator loriwgilbert@gmail.com
Pre-K All Day 3s Grade Level Coordinator rwong527@gmail.com
Kelsey Shimek
Beth Huddleston
Pre-K All Day 4s Grade Level Coordinator kjames3800@gmail.com
Kindergarten Grade Level Coordinator elizabeth.huddleston@gmail.com
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LPA Camner Rubin
Kimberly Stone
Transitional First (T1) Grade Level Coordinator camner.rubin@gmail.com
First Grade Grade Level Coordinator krosestone@icloud.com
Lauren Brown
Lauren Feiler
Second Grade Grade Level Coordinator mrs.laurenlbrown@gmail.com
Third Grade Grade Level Coordinator laurencfeiler@gmail.com
Barrell Jones
Brinkley Schneider
Fourth Grade Grade Level Coordinator barrelljones@gmail.com
Fourth Grade Grade Level Coordinator brinkley.schneider@gmail.com GUIDE
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LAMPLIGHTER PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION Auction & Auction Socials
The Auction is hosted by the Lamplighter Parents’ Association (LPA) as the Association’s largest fundraising effort benefiting the School. Auction is usually held during the second semester. Auction Socials are special events held throughout the year for the Lamplighter community in support of Auction.
Carnival
Since 1969, Lamplighter’s Carnival has been a fun-filled event for current families, grandparents, and alumni. The afternoon is filled with games, attractions, food, and music. The event, held each fall, is organized by the LPA and staffed by parent and alumni volunteers.
Donuts with Dads and Muffins with Moms
These events give parents or a student’s special grown-up a dedicated time to visit campus and have fun with their students. They are held on the playground before school starts for the full day and Pre-K AM programs (7:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.), and before school ends for the Pre-K PM program (2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.).
Erik Jonsson Media Center Open House (MCOH)
Media Center Open House is a school fundraiser that specifically supports the Erik Jonsson Media Center. During this holiday event, the Lamplighter community is invited to purchase selected books for the Media Center in honor of their child’s teacher or a Lamplighter staff member. Children have the opportunity to sign book plates to be placed on the inside cover of the donated book. The books are presented to the honorees before being placed on the Media Center bookshelves.
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LPA
Friday Lunch
Friday Lunch is an LPA fundraiser for the School which pays for a delivered lunch, usually pizza, to students each Friday. It is a treat for students and their lunch-packing parents. Most full-day Lamplighter students participate in the Friday Lunch program. Parents can purchase a year’s worth of Friday lunches online via the LPA Online Store. Options are available for students with food allergies.
International Night
International Night is an LPA-sponsored event held every spring that allows families to “tour” the world, sample food from cultures around the globe, participate in craft projects, and enjoy live entertainment.
New Families
A new family is considered to be any family with a child beginning their first year at Lamplighter, including those with other students already enrolled at the School. The new family events are a great time for the children and parents to meet their new friends. New Family Coordinators are listed on page 21.
Spirit Store
The Spirit Store is an online shop where parents can purchase a variety of Lamplighter spirit wear items. Parents place orders online and are encouraged to purchase at least one Lamplighter spirit shirt for their child. The Spirit Store can be accessed via the Parent Portal or the Lamplighter website.
Sports Teams
While Lamplighter does not organize or sponsor sports teams, parents can organize and coach teams. Interested parents should contact the LPA Student Activities Coordinator if they are looking to join a team. Please see page 21 for contact information.
Volunteering
There are many volunteer opportunities at Lamplighter. The website, eNews, Parent Portal, and Sunday emails from the Grade Level Coordinators contain the most comprehensive information regarding volunteering. GUIDE
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FAQS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What is the safety and security protocol at Lamplighter?
All exterior doors to the School are locked at all times. Guests must enter through the front entrance and check in with the receptionist. All visitors must present a valid form of identification. Occasionally, parents are provided instructions for alternative check-in options.
When is it necessary to use SchoolPass?
SchoolPass is used to record absences, late arrivals, early pickups, and carpool changes. Parents should also use SchoolPass to notify the School of medical appointments. We encourage families/parents to attend the Zoom training in August.
What is the absence policy at Lamplighter?
Classroom instruction begins promptly at 8:15 a.m. A record is kept of student absences, excused or unexcused, and is part of students’ permanent file.
How are parents notified about observation dates and times?
All families are notified via email approximately one month prior to the observations, and “important date” reminder emails are sent to parents throughout the school year. Academic Assistant Julie Vaughn can answer any further questions parents might have at jvaughn@thelamplighterschool.org.
Whom should parents contact to change their parent/teacher conference?
Parents should use PTC Wizard to edit conference meeting times. For questions about conference sign up, contact Academic Assistant Julie Vaughn at jvaughn@thelamplighterschool.org.
What time does my child eat lunch? Pre-K All Day Kindergarten and T1 First Grade Second Grade Third Grade Fourth Grade
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11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.
ARRIVAL | DISMISSAL TIMES Pre-K AM: 8:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. (carpool begins at 7:55 a.m.) Pre-K PM: 12:15 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. (carpool begins at 12:00 p.m.) Pre-K All Day through Fourth Grade: 8:15 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. (carpool begins at 7:55 a.m.) The school day ends at 3:15 p.m. Early pickup is strongly discouraged. Arrange after-school activities after dismissal. If your child must leave early, please enter that information in SchoolPass by 2:30 p.m. Afternoon carpool ends at 3:40 p.m. and students must be picked up promptly. Students must also be picked up promptly once NightLight classes end. NightLight carpool runs from 4:45 - 5:00 p.m. Parents walking children into the building must park in visitor parking and come through the front entrance.
CARPOOL INFORMATION All carpool changes should be made on SchoolPass, the School’s carpool system software. Changes can be made up until 2:30 p.m. SchoolPass will email the School directly with any changes. An app is available. Our school code is 2928.
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CARPOOL TRAFFIC FLOW
28
GUIDE
Forest Lane Gate South Carpool EXIT
s
Kly d Au e Wa dito rre rium n
Jonsson Garden
24
26
3rd
20
16
Spanish
Art Room
17
27 15
ELEVATOR
14
G
30
SH FLA
Lear Family
orld Languages Classroom
6
28
21
18
de Gra
Early Childhood Library
IN HW
T1 29
Music
19
34
EAST WING
1 2
d Roa in Ring Murray-Swa
4th Grade Ginsburg
Clinic
4
3
Inwood Road Inwood Road
31
22
H RT NO ING W
9
33
25
de Gra 2nd
T OU Pre-K
32
North Gate North Carpool Gate North North Carpool EXIT EXIT
Kindergarten
23
ab
North to to North Forest Lane Lane Forest
Eri Medk Jons ia C son ent er
13
de Gra 1st i& mn Alu
s ice erv S t den Stu
South Gate North Gate + South South Carpool North + Entrance South Carpool Entrance
Visitor Parking
South Carpool
North Carpool
30
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2026 – 2027 CALENDAR AT-A-GLANCE August 19 24
First Day of School Fall NightLight classes begin
September 7 14-18 21
Labor Day Student/Class Picture Days Yom Kippur
Fall Break Carnival Halloween Parade & Picnic
Faculty & Staff In-Service School Resumes for Students Spring NightLight classes begin Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Admission Playdate (No Early Childhood Classes Pre-K, K, and T1)
12-15 27
March
Winter Break LPA Auction
Spring Break Good Friday
Thanksgiving Break
December 18 19
18 19
15-19 26
November 23-27
4 5
February
October 9-12 16 30
January
April 1
All School Program Holiday Break Begins
2 16
May 24 26 31
Grandest Friends’ Day — Early Childhood Grandest Friends’ Day — Lower School Faculty & Staff In-Service
Senior Graduation Last Day of School Memorial Day
Dates are subject to change. Please visit the Parent Portal online for the most up-to-date version of the school calendar. GUIDE
31
32
GUIDE
SCHOOL SONG
Lamplighter Spirit Lamplighter Spirit, glows with love and light, Burning forever in children’s faces bright. Learning and growing, hearts aflame with joy, Lamplighter Spirit in every girl and boy.
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33
11611 Inwood Road | Dallas, Texas 75229
www.thelamplighterschool.org 214.369.9201