STUDENT 2019-2020 INFORMATION GUIDE - First Presbyterian Day ...
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STUDENT
INFORMATION GUIDE
2019-2020
A school where the heart of your child matters.
1390 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39202
601-355-1731 office | 601-355-1739 fax
fpds.org | facebook.com/firstpds | twitter.com/firstpds
instagram/fpdscrusaders
FPDS Handbook2019-20_5.5x8.5.indd 1 5/14/19 4:30 PM
From the Head of the School
Dear Families,
Welcome! We are thrilled to have your child enrolled with
us, and we look forward to partnering with you. FPDS is a
place where the heart of every child matters, and it is our joy
to watch our students grow in both faith and wisdom. If you
have any questions about the information provided in this
guide, please feel free to contact our office.
We look forward to seeing you in August!
Brian T. Smith
Head of School
FPDS PARENTS:
Holiday Potpourri Presents the
Annual Crusader Party
Saturday, August 17, 2019, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
At the home of Kerk and Liz Mehrle
2668 Lake Circle in Eastover
Tickets are $60 per couple before August 1 ($75 after) and can be purchased
at holidaypotpourri.org.
Kick off the new school year with live music and a fabulous live auction.
Enjoy dinner catered by The Manship Wood Fired Kitchen and Apothecary at
Brent’s Drugs; desserts provided by Toni Lucas, Sweet Melissa’s Cookie Co.,
and Cakes by Iris.
fpds.org • facebook.com/firstpdfs • twitter.com/firstpds • instagram.com/fpdscrusaders | 1
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Calendar February 24-26
March 5
OLSAT Achievement Testing (2nd and 5th Grades Only)
Dismiss for Spring Break at 2:45 (Company and
*Note: On the days that school dismisses at 11 a.m., K3, K4, and K5 will Crusader Circle Open)
dismiss at 10:30. March 16 Return from Spring Break
April 10 – 13 Easter Holidays
July 29 – August 2 Camp Connect (required for all new rising first through May 8 Field Day (No Company) A parent is required to attend
fifth graders) 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Visit fpds.org/programs/ with their child(ren). Kindergarten through sixth grade
summer-camps for sign-up.) only. K3 and K4 students will NOT have school or
July 31 & August 1 Uniform Swap Shop (See page 9 for information) Crusader Circle.
August 8 Preschool Parent Orientation (K3 and K4 Parents May 12-13 Uniform Swap Shop
Only) Noon - 1 p.m. Lowe Hall *Note new time.* May 15 Kindergarten Graduation 10 a.m. (Kindergartners’
August 8 Kindergarten Parent Orientation (K5 Parents Only) last day of school)
1 - 2 p.m. (Parents will meet in classrooms first, then May 19 Sixth Grade Graduation 8:30 a.m. (Sixth graders’ last
visit Lowe Hall.) *Note new time.* day of school)
August 9 K - 6th Grade First Day of School May 20 Last Day of School Dismiss at 11:00 a.m.
Dismiss at 11:00 a.m. No Company or Crusader Circle. (No Company or Crusader Circle)
August 9 Sixth Grade Parent Orientation 8:30 a.m. June 1 – July 24, 2020 Under the Oaks Summer Program (Closed July 3)
August 12 K3 - K4 First Day of School
August 12 The Company and Crusader Circle (after school OTHER EVENTS BY GRADE
care) Begin Parents of students in the following grade levels are invited to attend the
August 17 Crusader Party at the home of Kerk and Liz Mehrle following events:
August 26 Back-To-School Night (1st – 6th Parents Only) 6 p.m. First Grade Bobbing for Apples – September 27
Miller Hall Fifth Grade Living History Museum – March 20
September 2 Labor Day Fourth Grade Mississippi Parade – May 6
September 11-13 School Picture Days Sixth Grade Trip – May 10-13
October 11 School-wide Half-Day (for teacher in-service meetings). Sixth Grade Graduation Rehearsal & Video Viewing followed by
Dismiss at 11 a.m. No Company or Crusader Circle. Sixth Grade Graduation Party – May 18
October 14 Fall Break/Columbus Day *Fifth and Sixth Grade Football and Cheerleading practice times are set by the coaches.
October 25 Holiday Potpourri
GRADE PLAYS
November 25-29 Thanksgiving Holidays Each student will participate in the play, either with a singing, dancing, or
December 9 & 10 Uniform Swap Shop speaking role. Parents are asked to refrain from eating lunch with students on
December 19 Dismiss for Christmas Holidays at 11:00 a.m. play days. Plays begin at 8:15 a.m. on both Thursday and Friday; parents will be
(No Company or Crusader Circle.) notified which day to attend with your class.
January 7 Students Return from Christmas Holidays
January 20 Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Fifth Grade Play October 17 & 18
January 22 Class Pictures Fourth Grade Play November 14 & 15
February 3-7 CTP5 Achievement Testing (2nd through 6th Grades) First Grade Play December 12 & 13
February 14 Grandparents’ Day Dismiss at 11 a.m. No Company or Third Grade Play February 28 & 28
Crusader Circle. Note: Grandparents of 4th -5th grades Second Grade Play March 26 & 27
only will participate. K3 Program April 8
February 17 President’s Day Holiday K4 Program April 9
Kindergarten Play April 30 & May 1
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Chapel
Our Chapel theme this year is ‘On Mission Together...,’ and every month we
will explore a different facet of what that means personally, corporately, and
missionally.
Letter from the Chaplain Kindergarten through sixth graders will wear required uniform dress on their
designated chapel days.
Dear FPDS Parents,
An offering will be collected during chapel for the 2019-2020 designated school-
Another school year, another opportunity to extend a WARM Mississippi wide mission project. Information regarding the selected project will be sent out
WELCOME to each of you and to the First Presbyterian Day School family! As a at the beginning of the school year.
‘kingdom’ school, not only are we committed to excellence in the classroom but we
count it a high privilege to be involved in your child’s ongoing reflection and growth
in the knowledge of our sovereign and gracious God. It is a glorious delight to delight K3 & K4: Tuesday 1st - 2nd: Tuesday
in Him! Our prayer is that FPDS will be one more means through which God molds K5: Friday 3rd - 4th: Thursday
your son or daughter spiritually and educationally. 5th - 6th: Wednesday
Since I’ve only been serving the FPDS community for one year, I thought it
appropriate to introduce myself as I serve you as the school’s chaplain: My name
is Gary Sinclair, and I am married to Petula, my bride of 20 years. The Lord has Meet Mrs. Dryden
graciously given us three children, who are all in the teenage years. As a family,
we arrived from South Africa in 2014 to Jackson, where I have been serving in the Jennifer Dryden has served FPDS as the school counselor
discipleship ministry of First Presbyterian Church. Prior to our arrival, I served for 20 years and is licensed in both professional counseling
in pastoral ministry for 12 years in a couple of pastoral roles. All this to say: it has and marriage and family therapy. She graduated from
been a wonderful journey of God’s providence that has brought us to FPDS to serve
the school staff, the learners, and their families; and we patiently pray and wait to Southern Methodist University and holds a master’s
see how the Holy Spirit will grow this community in our love for God, as we are degree in counseling from The University of Southern
changed into the likeness of Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Mississippi. Mrs. Dryden visits each first through sixth
grade classroom monthly to discuss various topics such
Very briefly, my role as a chaplain, encompasses: as wise choices, bullying, and integrity. She teaches Integrity Time in kindergarten
• Worship – to nurture spiritual growth, integrating a biblical world-and-life view.
This will be fostered through chapel services, classroom devotions, prayer, service, weekly. In addition to classroom instruction, Mrs. Dryden meets with students and
and missions. families as needed. Please feel free to contact her anytime by phone (601-355-1731)
• Spiritual Care – to pray for and visit the Day School families, as well as providing or email (jdryden@fpds.org).
a pastoral presence that serves to support the learners and the staff.
• Christian Discipleship and Missions – to encourage growth in the ways of the
kingdom, and in a knowledge of the expansion of God’s kingdom.
Tuition & Fees
I look forward to meeting many of you over the course of the year. Should you have
any queries, please don’t hesitate to contact me by email (gsinclair@fpds.org) or by The FPDS Board of Trustees has approved the following tuition for the
phone (769-798-2430); and if there is any way in which I can serve, please let me know. 2019-2020 school year:
K3 and K4 preschool: $4,600 annually.
May our merciful Savior, the Lord Jesus, strengthen and equip us!
K5 kindergarten: $7,060 annually.
Blessings in Christ, First through sixth grades: $8,490 annually.
A detailed description of all tuition and fees may be found online at fpds.org
under Admissions/Tuition and Fees. All tuition will be automatically drafted
Gary Sinclair from your FACTS account based on the selected payment plan.
4 | FPDS Student Information Guide 2019-2020 fpds.org • facebook.com/firstpdfs • twitter.com/firstpds • instagram.com/fpdscrusaders | 5
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NORTH PARKING LOT
Carpool & Safety BELHAVEN ST
C
15
15
11
11
The safety of all students is one of the most important matters pertaining
NORTH STATE ST
N. JEFFERSON ST
to school each day. As our administration is currently reviewing carpool and
safety procedures, the following information is subject to change. REF.
K
PRESCHOOL CARPOOL PINEHURST ST
Morning Carpool 8 to 8:15 a.m. SOUTH PARKING LOT
Parents should enter from the neighborhood on Belhaven Street heading TOWARD
K - 6th STUDENT DROP OFF - 7:30-8:00 AM - NO PARKING
K KINDERGARTEN PICK UP START END
North State Street (westbound). Teachers will unload children from the cars under OVERALL SITE PLAN
OVERALL SITE PLAN KINDERGARTEN - CARPOOL LINE PICK UP 12:15 PM
the covered walkway. If you wish to walk your child in before 8 a.m., please park in *CARPOOL LINE MOVES - TEACHERS ESCORT CHILD TO CAR
5th -6th ONLY - CARPOOL DROP OFF & PICK UP
the Pinehurst Street parking lot. *STUDENTS WITH 1st - 4th SIBLINGS MUST DISMISS AT PINEHURST ST
C THE COMPANY PICK UP - CLOSES 5:30PM
Afternoon Carpool Noon to 12:15 p.m. *FPDS TEACHERS ARE ON DUTY IN PARKING LOTS & ALONG PINEHURST & BELHAVEN
Parents should form a line along the curb of Belhaven Street heading TOWARD * ALL STUDENTS MAY BE DROPPED OFF ON PINEHURST ST. (5th & 6th GRADE
North State Street (westbound). Teachers will accompany children to their cars
STUDENTS MAY BE DROPPED OFF ON EITHER PINEHURST OR BELHAVEN ST)
7:30-8:00 AM
and assist with loading them in. * 1st - 6th DISMISSED AT 2:40 PM
* 1st - 4th STUDENTS DISMISS AT PINEHURST ST TO MEET PARENTS AT A DESIGNATED
**Preschool students will also have the option to be accompanied to the kindergarten
LOCATION ALONG PINEHURST OR THE SOUTH PARKING LOT.
suite at 2:40 carpool, so that parents picking up older siblings may meet them
there. Siblings are not permitted to pick up or drop off preschool students from their
REF.
K
classrooms or the kindergarten suite for morning or afternoon carpool.
Rainy Day Carpool PINEHURST ST
Because of the covered walkway at drop-off and pick-up, preschool rainy day
carpool will remain the same as usual.
KINDERGARTEN - SIXTH GRADE CARPOOL
ENLARGED PLAN
Morning Carpool 7 to 8 a.m. SOUTH PARKING LOT
SOUTH PARKING LOT
Parents should drop-off students on Pinehurst Street and Belhaven Street (fifth
and sixth grade only) next to the curb only, not into the streets. If you wish to BEFORE SCHOOL
walk your child in, please park in the Pinehurst Street parking lot. ENLARGED PLAN
SOUTHearly
Preschool room
PARKING LOT is available in the Youth House from 7:30 – 7:45 a.m. for
Kindergarten Afternoon Carpool 12:15 p.m.
no charge. A parent must walk your child into the Youth House; from 7:45 until 8
Parents should form a line along the curb of Pinehurst Street (westbound).
Teachers will accompany children to their cars. a.m. walk your child to his or her classroom. Park in the Pinehurst parking lot and
1st – 6th Grade Afternoon Carpool See Carpool Map. Please note that students enter the building by the school office.
are not allowed to walk through parking lots unattended by an adult.
***Kindergarten students have the option to be accompanied to the kindergarten Kindergarten - Sixth Grade students arriving in the mornings between 7 and
suite at 2:40 carpool, so that parents picking up older siblings may meet them 7:30 a.m. are kept under administrative supervision in the cafeteria.
there. Siblings are not permitted to pick up or drop off kindergarten students.
**Only fifth and sixth grade students may be picked up on Belhaven Street at 2:40. At 7:30, Kindergarten students are dismissed to their classrooms, and first
Rainy Day Carpool through sixth graders are dismissed to each grade’s “early room” until 7:45.
On rare occasions when tornado warnings or severe thunderstorms are present at
2:40 p.m., students will not be dismissed to stand outside in dangerous weather conditions. SECURITY
The school administration will send out a text message indicating that parents must Security guards are posted on both the Belhaven and Pinehurst Street parking
come into the building to pick up their carpools. In addition, administration will place a lots 24 hours a day. Cameras are also posted inside and outside the building. ALL
red flag outside the kindergarten entrance and on Belhaven Street. Students will remain in doors remain locked. Parents will use a code or be buzzed in at one door at the
their classrooms until 3 p.m., then be sent to Company or Late Room. Pinehurst Entrance and one door at the Belhaven Entrance.
6 | FPDS Student Information Guide 2019-2020 fpds.org • facebook.com/firstpdfs • twitter.com/firstpds • instagram.com/fpdscrusaders | 7
FPDS Handbook2019-20_5.5x8.5.indd 8-9 5/14/19 4:30 PM
Uniforms and Dress Code FIRST - SIXTH GRADE
• Only FPDS outerwear is allowed to be worn in the classrooms/ buildings and at PE/recess
during academic hours. (May be purchased through Lands’ End or BSN Team Shop.)
All approved uniforms are to be purchased from Lands’ End. Gently worn • Boys are required to wear belts with pants and shorts, with all shirts tucked in.
uniforms may also be bought at the Uniform Swap Shop in August before school • A plain, white undershirt, camisole, or long-sleeve t-shirt may be worn under shirts, but
starts. Please note that Parker Uniform products and items purchased in the former must be tucked in.
Crusader Store are approved to wear until May 2020 only. • Girls’ shirts are not tucked in.
• Jumpers, skirts, and skorts must be no more than 6 inches above the floor when kneeling.
For details on ordering uniforms and a direct link to FPDS’s Lands’ End Online Girls must wear plain, navy blue modesty shorts or leggings.
Store, visit “Uniforms” under the Parent Resources section on fpds.org. Lands’ • Shorts worn on class picnics, field trips, etc., must be modest. No holes or rips in jeans.
End also has a storefront located at 950 East County Line Road, Suite B, in Shorts must be worn over leggings.
Ridgeland. You can sign up for emails at LandsEnd.com to receive sale offers • All shoes must be closed-toe, rubber-soled, with heels no more than 2 inches and boots no
throughout the year. higher than ankles.
• All socks must be visible and must be plain white, navy blue or grey-colored. Small branding
FPDS will offer apparel for sale through “BSN Team Shop” online ordering logos are allowed as long as the socks meet the prescribed guidelines. Students may also
that the administration has approved to be worn to school as part of the wear FPDS socks sold by the school.
uniform, such as sweatshirts and outerwear. Using BSN Team Shop allows us • All hair should be neat with no extreme styles or hair colors. Boys’ haircuts must be
not to over-order and have inventory sitting idle; leaving the online shop open trimmed neatly above the eyebrows, not touching the back collar of the shirt, with sides no
only for a short while allows orders to be processed in a timely manner. We will longer than the earlobes permitted.
send out instructions and open orders via email at the end of June and in July • Uniforms, outerwear, and shoes should be in good condition (not ripped, faded, ragged, or
and August. Throughout the year we will also notify you of open ordering in with holes) and should be appropriately fitted to each child.
our weekly parent newsletters. All items will be sent to the school and delivered
home with your child. REQUIRED DRESS: KINDERGARTEN THROUGH SECOND GRADE
For chapel and school picture days, kindergarten through second grade girls are required
Lost uniform pieces are placed in the “lost and found” bin in the gym and in to wear the plaid jumper with peter pan (rounded) collared white shirt. Boys are required to
baskets at the preschool check-out station. Please label all items. wear a navy or green shirt with khaki shorts or pants.
PRESCHOOL REQUIRED DRESS: THIRD THROUGH SIXTH GRADE
• We encourage velcro, closed-toe shoes; we do not recommend boots or sandals. For chapel and school picture days, third through sixth grade girls are required to wear the
• Preschool students may wear their choice of outerwear. FPDS jackets and plaid skirt with square-collared white shirt. Boys are required to wear a navy or green shirt
sweatshirts are also available for purchase at Lands’ End or Team Shop. with khaki shorts or pants.
• Appliqued t-shirts that are approved to wear on Fridays will be sold in August.
Required dress: PRESCHOOL
For picture days, K3-K4 girls are required to wear the light blue preschool dress.
Boys are required to wear a short-sleeve or long-sleeve navy or light blue shirt (mesh
or cotton) with khaki shorts or pants.
FPDS Swap Shop JULY 31 & AUGUST 1
The FPDS Crusader Club Swap Shop provides FPDS families the opportunity to buy school
KINDERGARTEN uniforms and Crusader Club clothing items. Proceeds from Swap Shop benefit the Crusader
• We encourage closed-toe shoes; we do not recommend boots or sandals. Club and its projects to support FPDS and its students, families, and programming.
• Kindergarten students may wear their choice of outerwear. FPDS jackets and
sweatshirts are also available for purchase at Lands’ End or Team Shop. We will provide three sales this school year, in August, January, and May. The Swap Shop
operates two days. The first day is for turning in clean, size-labeled uniform items. A credit
voucher is given for accepted garments. The second day is the actual sale day, when parents
can shop for uniform items, using cash/ check or credit vouchers. We are always in need of
parent volunteers as well!
For more information about the Crusader Club Swap Shop, email Kim Robichaux
(kgriffis23@yahoo.com).
8 | FPDS Student Information Guide 2019-2020 fpds.org • facebook.com/firstpdfs • twitter.com/firstpds • instagram.com/fpdscrusaders | 9
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Under t
After-School Programs
KINDERGARTEN COMPANY
Kindergartners go directly to The Company at 12:15 p.m. Lunch will be served
Crusader Circle (K3 & K4) and The Company (kindergarten - sixth grade) are immediately. Your child may bring his lunch, purchase it in the cafeteria, or bring lunch
First Presbyterian Day School’s after-school care programs available for any currently and purchase milk and/or a dessert in the cafeteria. A snack is provided by the school for
AK
enrolled student. students staying past 3 p.m.
Extra-curricular activities are offered at an additional expense. For more information After lunch, students will participate in enrichment activities, led by kindergarten teachers,
on these activities, see page 12. including computer, art, writing, and math along with free play outside or in the gym.
The Company and Crusader Circle begin the first full day of school and are open Parents will pick up Company students at the Belhaven Street entrance at the top of
only full days when school is in session. (The Company and Crusader Circle are not the hill. Students will also have the option to be accompanied to the kindergarten suite at
SUMME R
2:40 carpool, so that parents picking up older siblings may meet them there. Siblings are
PRO
available when school dismisses for a half-day.)
not permitted to pick up kindergarten students from The Company.
Parents must fill out an online intent form each year to indicate that their child
will attend after-school care. FPDS utilizes a childcare management app and software
“We are
LATE oaks of COMPANY
righteousness, a planting o
called Kinderlime to manage our after-school programs. You will receive information FIRST - SIXTH GRADE
“ ” ” ”
ROOM AND
regarding sign-up and Kinderlime registration via email in July.
Lordgraders
First and second forgo directly
the todisplay
The Companyof Hisby teachers)
(escorted splendor.”when -Isaiah
school is dismissed at 2:40 p.m.
Hours: 12:15 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Cost: $4.75 per student per hour
(Note: A $15 per quarter hour, or any part thereof, will be charged for students picked up Third and fourth graders go to a designated “late room” until 3:30 p.m. At that time,
after 6 p.m.) the teacher will escort them to The Company.
Billing: At the end of each month, you will be billed via FACTS for the time your Fifth and sixth graders go to a designated “late room” until 4:00 p.m. At that time,
child spent on campus after regular school hours. the teacher will escort them to The Company.
A snack is provided by the school for students staying past 3 p.m.
K3 & K4 CRUSADER CIRCLE
Note that “late rooms” are considered part of The Company and also cost $4.75 per
Students who stay for Crusader Circle will have lunch at noon. Preschoolers can
hour. This is a time for students to read, study, or complete homework.
bring their own lunch or purchase a meal from the cafeteria, which will be delivered to
the preschool area.
After lunch, students will have a short rest time followed by activities and free play outside or UNDER THE OAKS SUMMER PROGRAM
in the gym. A snack is provided by the school for students staying past 3 p.m. Preschool students Under the Oaks is the summer program of FPDS,
staying for Crusader Circle will purchase a standard nap-mat ordered by the school. Loveys are available for students who have completed K3
welcome, but not required. through fifth grades. This will be a fun-filled,
interactive summer for your child. Open 7:30 – 6
In nice weather, preschool students may be outside on the playground beginning p.m. Monday through Friday, Under the Oaks is
around 3:00. Parents need to go downstairs to pick up bags and clock-out, then come up
to the playground to get your child.
available during the months of June and July with Under the
AKS
monthly, weekly, and drop-in options. For more
information and fees, visit fpds.org.
Students will also have the option to be accompanied to the kindergarten suite at 2:40 S U M M E R P RO G R A M
carpool, so that parents picking up older siblings may meet them there. Siblings are not June 1 - July 24, 2020 “We are oaks of r ighteousness, a planting of the
“”””
permitted to pick up preschool students from Crusader Circle. *closed July 3
Lord for the display of His splendor.” -Isaiah 61:3
10 | FPDS Student Information Guide 2019-2020 fpds.org • facebook.com/firstpdfs • twitter.com/firstpds • instagram.com/fpdscrusaders | 11
FPDS Handbook2019-20_5.5x8.5.indd 12-13 5/14/19 4:30 PM
Extracurricular Activities
FPDS offers many after-school activities for preschoolers, kindergartners and several for
upper grades as well. These classes may include Ballet, Bricks 4 Kidz, Drama Kids, Eye
Can Do It, Pure Energy Dance, Science Explorers, Sew Fun, Soccer Shots, Tiger-Rock
Martial Arts (Tae Kwon Do), and TOTS. Detailed registration information will be
available in August at all Parent Orientations/Back to School Nights.
Classes begin after Labor Day.
Preschool and kindergarten after-school activities are scheduled one or two per day and
end before 2:40. Extracurricular activities teachers will be responsible for escorting the
students to and from after-school care. Lunch
Valley Foods provides food service for FPDS. New students will be assigned an
School Parties and Field Trips identification number that will be the same each year. These numbers, along with
instructions on how to activate, will be sent via email prior to the first day of school.
Five parties are held throughout the year: Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, Valentine’s Instructions may also be found at www.myschoolaccount.com.
Day, and the last day of school. Room mothers are responsible for planning parties and will
coordinate with class parents to send simple refreshments with their child to school that All parents should go to the Valley website and set “low balance alerts” to ensure you do
morning. (No favors are given at the parties.) Thanksgiving, Valentine’s Day, and Easter not go into negative balances without notification.
parties are for students only; parents are invited to attend Christmas and end of the year
parties. (Please note that preschool parents are invited to all parties at each classroom A variety of food choices is offered each day with a hot lunch available for $3.25 for K3
teacher’s discretion.) Each grade level attends one or two Field Trips per year. Parents are & K4 students and $4.70 for kindergartners - sixth graders. Monthly lunch menus are
invited to help drive and/ or attend Field Trips; no siblings please. posted to fpds.org in the Parent Resources section. Please note that outside food such as
fast food or take-out from local restaurants cannot be brought to school.
School Supply List Parents are invited to have lunch with their child/children. Teachers will provide you
with their class’s lunch time for the year. However, parents of first graders are asked to
wait until October 1. Younger students and their teachers need a few weeks of transition
A link to the FPDS school supply list may be found under Parent Resources on fpds.org. without parents at school. If your child has a birthday prior to October 1, please contact
All preschool students should bring a change of clothes. Preschool students staying for your child’s teacher.
Crusader Circle will purchase a standard nap-mat ordered by the school.
**Preschool and kindergarten students will have a mid-morning snack that is provided by the
school. First through sixth grade students may bring their own snack and water bottle daily.**
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For K3, K4, and Kindergarten Parents Communications
Preschool and kindergarten students participate in fun activities that foster FPDS utilizes FACTS ParentAlert text-messaging system for emergency
friendships and enhance their classroom curriculum. Also, many weeks and/or important notifications, such as school closings or rainy weather
students will dress in simple costume for themed “Dress-Up Days” related to carpool procedures. Therefore, parents are asked to maintain current contact
the letter of the alphabet or unit they are studying. information with their child’s teacher and via ParentsWeb. Instructions for
updating information can be found under Parent Resources/ Communications
You will receive more information about these morning-time activities on fpds.org.
throughout the year from your classroom teacher, but a general list includes the
following events. Parents are not required to attend but are certainly invited to If you have a timely message for your child, please call the school office as
come and celebrate with their children. teachers are away from their computers and phone the majority of the day.
Kindergarten Fall Festival November 1 A weekly school-wide email will be sent each week on Friday morning.
A fun morning of face-painting, snacks, and games, this festival is an exciting Information to include should be sent to Meredith Johnson, director of
way to “welcome fall.” Put on by parents, this event is held in the FPDS gym, communications (mjohnson@fpds.org), no later than 3 p.m. on Tuesdays.
Company Room, and playground.
FPDS will not send emails out on behalf of parents for any non-school
K3 & K4 Muffins with Mom November 22 sponsored activity. Parents are responsible for distributing these emails to
Mothers of our preschoolers are invited to breakfast. their child’s classes or grade levels.
K3 & K4 Doughnuts with Dad February 7 A student directory is available through a RenWeb Home app downloaded free
It’s dad’s turn! Fathers of preschoolers are invited to breakfast. of charge from the Apple App store or Android Google Play store. Please note
this app and directory availability is subject to change. To download the app,
Kindergarten Mother Goose Parade March 5 search your online store for RenWeb home and use district code FP-MS.
This annual long-time tradition is planned by teachers, with parents and
friends as our guests. Students choose a Mother Goose character to dress as in If you would like a list of specific contact information, such as an entire grade
a parade on the Pinehurst Street sidewalk and around the block. level, please call the school office to make the request.
Easter Egg Hunts April 8 & 9 Student handbooks are found online under Parent Resources. Parents are
Each kindergarten class is invited to the home of a classmate for a spring Easter expected to read and abide by all information.
Egg hunt. K3 & K4 students will participate in an Egg Hunt and party at school
after their spring programs. Parents are invited to attend these special events.
Students wear play clothes and bring their Easter baskets, and parents are
asked to provide 12 candy-filled eggs.
Kindergarten Graduation May 15
Friends and family of kindergartners are invited to a ceremony at the school to
celebrate students’ graduation to “big school.” This will be the kindergarten’s
last day of school.
14 | FPDS Student Information Guide 2019-2020 fpds.org • facebook.com/firstpdfs • twitter.com/firstpds • instagram.com/fpdscrusaders | 15
FPDS Handbook2019-20_5.5x8.5.indd 16-17 5/14/19 4:30 PM
Crusader Club
Crusader Club is FPDS’ parent organization. Crusader Club officers and
chairmen help oversee several committees, including: Back to School Night, Box
Tops for Education, Caring, Cheerleader Moms, Fabulous Friends, Field Day,
Football Moms, Holiday Potpourri, Hospitality, MAIS Swim Meet, Moms in
Prayer, Room Moms, Service, and Sixth Grade Graduation.
All parents are encouraged to volunteer and be active in Crusader Club. For a list
of officers please visit the Crusader Club section on fpds.org.
The two largest school events that Crusader Club organizes are Holiday
Potpourri and Field Day. Other ways to serve are listed below.
HOLIDAY POTPOURRI
We will kick off the school year with our Crusader Party on Saturday, August 17,
at the home of Kerk and Liz Mehrle. (See page one). Then, save the date of Friday,
October 25, for Holiday Potpourri 2019!
FPDS’s only fundraiser, Holiday Potpourri generates more than $200,000
annually for educational and extra-curricular improvements to our school
without raising tuition. Sponsors, parents, and volunteers come together for this
half-day event consisting of a home and garden showcase, Bountiful Bakery,
Garden & Gift Gallery, Silent Auction, Tasting Tea, musical performances by
our own talented students, and much more. Be sure to like and follow Holiday
Potpourri on facebook and instagram.
How can families be involved in Holiday Potpourri?
• Become a Parent Patron.
Donate online at holidaypotpourri.org.
• Purchase tickets and attend the Crusader Party on Saturday, August 17.
Purchase online at holidaypotpourri.org.
• Include your business as a Corporate Sponsor.
FIELD DAY
Contact Catherine Florreich (catherine.mcneel@gmail.com).
Field Day is a fun morning for FPDS students in grades kindergarten -sixth
• Donate to Silent Auction.
grade and their families to celebrate the kick-off to summer. The event is held
Contact Jordan Yerger (joreliz86@gmail.com).
in May off-campus. Children enjoy many activities, including inflatables, face
• Volunteer before or the day of the event.
painting, a dunking booth and relay races. All students who attend are required
Watch for volunteer information coming this summer.
to have a parent or guardian in attendance, and there are many volunteer
• Sell Tickets.
opportunities. Please be sure to review all information sent prior to the event
Packets will be distributed to students in September.
for instructions and details about the morning. There will be no Company or
• Cook baked goods for Bountiful Bakery.
Crusader Circle that day. Preschoolers will not have school, but those with older
Information will be available in September.
siblings are welcome to attend Field Day with a parent or guardian.
16 | FPDS Student Information Guide 2019-2020 fpds.org • facebook.com/firstpdfs • twitter.com/firstpds • instagram.com/fpdscrusaders | 17
FPDS Handbook2019-20_5.5x8.5.indd 18-19 5/14/19 4:30 PMFPDS is Social!
FPDS Idea Lab
firstpds fpdsidealab
FABULOUS FRIENDS
The Fabulous Friends class is made up of our students with down syndrome. fpdscrusaders
Each Thursday parent volunteers spend one hour with the class doing crafts and
reading to our students. firstpds Preschool
HOSPITALITY fpdspreschool
Several times throughout the year, parents provide food and drinks for faculty
and staff to enjoy. Holiday Potpourri fpdscrusadercircle
KROGER COMMUNITY REWARDS PROGRAM
When you shop at Kroger, you can earn rewards for FPDS. There is no cost to holidaypotpourri
enroll, and enrollment will not affect your fuel points or coupon discounts.
To sign up: holidaypotpourri
1. Visit krogercommunityrewards.com.
2. Sign in to your online account, or create an account.
3. Find and select First Presbyterian Day School (or enter our NPO number
RJ402), and click “Save.”
MOMS IN PRAYER
Moms in Prayer is a group of mothers who comes together twice a month to pray.
Moms have the opportunity throughout the year to pray for each child and
family that attend FPDS. They also lift up the prayer requests of the teachers
and pray for each teacher and staff member. We invite you to join us and pray
for God’s provision and protection over FPDS. *No “skills” needed – you don’t
even have to pray aloud if you are not comfortable. Specific meeting times will
be distributed in August. “God heard them, for their prayers reached heaven.” 2
Chronicles 30:27
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• twitter.com/firstpds • firstpdstwitter.com/firstpds | 19
• facebook.com• instagram.com/fpdscrusaders 11
FPDS Handbook2019-20_5.5x8.5.indd 20-21 5/14/19 4:30 PMFPDS BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Cal Wells, Chair Hu Meena
Kirk Anderson Phillip Parker
Max Bowman Richard Russ
Jay Brown Jeff Skelton
Reid Cotten Tim Threadgill
David Elkin Will Vise
Paul Hurst Julie Wyatt
George May
ADMINISTRATION AND OFFICE
601-355-1731
Brian T. Smith, Head of School bsmith@fpds.org
Cathy Miller, Preschool Director (K3-K4) cmiller@fpds.org
Paula Clark, Assistant Head of School & Principal of Lower School (K-2nd) pclark@fpds.org
Emily Oswalt, Principal of Upper School (3rd-6th) eoswalt@fpds.org
Mindy Boyd, Student Services Director mboyd@fpds.org
Jennifer Dryden, School Counselor jdryden@fpds.org
Cheryl Gibbs, Accounting cgibbs@fpds.org
Susan Graves, Front Desk Manager sgraves@fpds.org
Meredith Johnson, Director of Marketing and Communications mjohnson@fpds.org
Amy-Allison Russ, Admissions Outreach and New Families Coordinator aaruss@fpds.org
Gary Sinclair, Chaplain gsinclair@fpds.org
Trey Tracy, Director of Technology ttracy@fpds.org
Lauren Vance, Administrative Staff Support lvance@fpds.org
Carolyn Wilkinson, Admissions Director & Office Manager cwilkinson@fpds.org
Valley Foods: Joseph Bonner, Food Service Manager
For questions about lunch accounts and balances, contact:
fpds@valleyservicesi.com.
Crusader Club: Courtney and Thomas Hewitt
chhewitt@me.com
SCHOOL HOURS
1st - 6th full day | 8 a.m. - 2:40 p.m.
K3 & K4 full day | 8:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Kindergarten full day | 8 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Half day | 8 a.m. - 11 a.m.
20 | FPDS Student Information Guide 2019-2020
FPDS Handbook2019-20_5.5x8.5.indd 22-23 5/14/19 4:30 PMMISSION STATEMENT
Believing that children are a heritage of the Lord, the mission of
First Presbyterian Day School is:
• Planting seeds of Christlikeness in the hearts of children;
• Pursuing excellence in academics;
• Preparing students for future service in God’s kingdom in
their homes, churches, and professions.
A school where the heart of your child matters.
1390 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39202
601-355-1731 office | 601-355-1739 fax
fpds.org | facebook.com/firstpds | twitter.com/firstpds
instagram/fpdscrusaders
FPDS Handbook2019-20_5.5x8.5.indd 24 5/14/19 4:30 PMYou can also read
