Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Wild West West this week

Parents,

What an exciting week for our upper school students!    Welcome to the Wild, Wild West Homecoming.  Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are homecoming dress up days.  Students are encouraged to show their school spirit and dress up each day (within dress code regulations, of course). 



Wednesday is USA Day
Thursday is Senior Citizen Day
Friday is Wild Wild West or Spirit Day

Friday’s school-wide homecoming assembly will begin at 2:15 pm in the Hugg Gymnasium.

Friday’s game against Bauxite will begin at 7:00 pm.  Homecoming court presentation will begin around 6:40 pm.  Halftime show will include the band and spirit squads performing.

The homecoming festivities will continue on Saturday.  The Wild Night in the Wild West will be from 9 pm until midnight in the Murphy Theater and Meyer Student Pavilion Area.  We have worked hard to design a festival type atmosphere.  There will be areas for games, dancing, karaoke, and pictures with Melisa Smock.  The cost is $6 per person or $10 per couple. ALL US students are invited to attend with or without a date. 

Homecoming t-shirts are here. See a Student Council member or go to WL101. Cost is $15.00 and the supply is limited!

See you at the game on Friday night!
Alecia Castleberry

Monday, August 8, 2011

Back to School is Almost Here!

Parents,
I cannot believe how the summer has flown by!  I am so excited about seeing your kids next week.  This is my favorite time of year (except for the heat).  I love the start of a new school year.  Everyone is so excited to be back, catch up with their friends, stay on task with their homework, etc.  It’s such a fun time.  You can sense the energy and excitement in the student body those first few weeks. 
For those of you visiting my blog for the first time, you can create and Google account and become a follower.  If you don’t want to do that, you can just check the blog about once a week.  I try to post weekly. 
First let me tell you how well attended our parent informational meetings have been thus far.  I know that some of you are still on vacation, so I will be sending out grade level emails with the handouts attached.  Please reply to my email me with any questions.
Many of you have asked about school supply lists.  Our kids take so many different classes in upper school that it is hard to come up with a “grade level supply list”.  So instruct your student to bring their textbook, notebook and something to write with on the first day.  Their teachers will give them further information during the first class meeting.
This Sunday from 3-4:30 is our New Family Orientation.  I am thrilled to be welcoming so many new families and new students to our community.  Also the Monday before school, the juniors will be getting together for brunch in the Murphy Theater.  The seniors will be gathering for a lunch in the same location around noon.  Your junior or senior should be receiving notification about those events from their class officers. 
That’s all the information I have for now.  Until my next update………..
Alecia Castleberry

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

June Update

Hello Arkansas Summer and Heat!

I hope everyone is enjoying the break from school.  The rain yesterday was a nice change.  Today it is back to heat and humidity.

I don’t know about you, but I have caught up on my stack of books to read and pool time.  I wanted to mention a few things before time gets away from me. 

1.      Summer reading information is on Edline.  PLEASE don’t let that slip your student’s mind.  I know many of the kids start on their summer reading in July.  Be sure to have them check Edline for their class assignments.

2.      I have two different community service opportunities. 
a.     Pulaski Academy is Hosting a Senior High and Junior High basketball team camp July 6th , 7th and 8th. Students interested in keeping the game clock or keeping the gate and hosting visiting teams to our campus can earn community service hours. We have work times available at both gyms from 9:30am- 8pm on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Please contact Coach Brad Wood at brad.wood@pulaskiacademy.org to sign up for a time slot.

b.    The CARTI Foundation is looking for one or two students who have pretty handwriting to help hand address some invitations.  The invitations should be ready this Friday.  If anyone has some time, please email me Jennifer McConser at jmcconser@carti.com.  Please tell her that I referred your student to her.  

Talk to you soon!
Alecia Castleberry

Monday, May 23, 2011

Exam Week

Exam week is here!   We made it!  Summer is just around the corner.  Our students just need to focus for FOUR MORE DAYS. 
What an amazing soccer game on Friday.  I believe that was the wettest sporting event I have ever attended, but I loved it.  I am so proud of our girls.  Way to go Lady Bruins!
A few of you have sent me pictures of spring sports.  I am working on a slide show to put on my next blog post.  I will try to have that completed for next week.
We will have breakfast for sale the next few days.  The best way to take an exam is with a good night of sleep and a great breakfast.  See the prices and items below.  These items will be available from 9:30-10:30 am during exam days. 
Breakfast Specials @ Basketball Gym Concessions
Exam Week (May 23 – 26)

Breakfast Burrito $1.50
Scrambled Egg, Bacon and Cheddar Cheese in a Flour Tortilla

Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit $1.75

Sausage, Egg & Cheese Biscuit $1.75

Spicy Chicken Biscuit $2.00
Spicy Breaded Chicken Patty on Southern Style Biscuit

Bruin Biscuit $3.25
Sausage, Bacon, Spicy Chicken Patty & Cheese on Southern Biscuit
Add egg patty $0.75

Ham & Cheese Croissant $2.00
Deluxe Ham with American Cheese on a 3 oz Croissant

Biscuit & Jelly (or Honey) $1.00

Yogurt $1.00

Yogurt Parfait $1.50
With Fruit & Granola

Fresh Fruit $1.00
Choose from Apples, Bananas, or Oranges

Breakfast Bars $1.00
Nutri Grain, Fig Newton, Granola Bars, etc)

Milk or Juice $0.50

Bottled Water $1.00

Other drinks available (soft drinks, Lifewater, bottled Mocha, etc.)

Tune in again!
Alecia

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Review Week and Bruin Girls Soccer!

Go Bruin Girls Soccer!  State Championship Game is on Friday at 2:00 pm at the Fayetteville Soccer Stadium. 

I have some pictures of the recent games at the end of my posting for soccer and baseball compliments of Peri Gay Walker, Kevin Wood and Leslie Wiggins.    I also want to post some boys soccer and softball pictures as well.  So if you can email me those, I would really appreciate your help.

Valuable information for the game is below.
·         Upper School will dismiss at 2:40 on Thursday for a “human tunnel”.  Basically we will line the path to the bus and cheer on the girls as they load the bus.  Come join us if you can.
·         Any US student who wants to attend the soccer game on Friday needs to bring a parent permission note to the office by 8:15 am on Friday.  We will allow students to check out at 10:30 am to begin traveling to the game.  They will be excused to attend the game.  Unfortunately, we cannot provide a fan bus to the game.  So please work out the travel details with your student attending the game. 

This is review week.  All students should be actively reviewing for their exams next week.  Monday is a C day.  Exams begin on Tuesday and run through Friday.  We will follow our normal exam schedule.

Tuesday:  8:00 am to 10:00 am A1 and 10:30 am to 12:30 pm B5
Wednesday:  8:00 am to 10:00 am A2 and 10:30 am to 12:30 pm B6
Thursday:  8:00 am to 10:00 am A3 and 10:30 am to 12:30 pm B7
Friday:  8:00 am to 10:00 am A4 and 10:30 am to 12:30 pm B8

Locker cleanout is this week.  All students need to bring all their contents of their locker home Friday afternoon.  Trash receptacles will be around the hallways to help with the cleanout process.

We have an amazing graduating class for this year.  Many kids have been recognized in assemblies and in the PA Connections.  I wanted to share with you a link that a parent sent to me from AETN.  If you scroll to the second block, you can watch a clip on Lexi McClain.

I also wanted to share the link for the list of Presidential Scholars for Eric as well.  It is a HUGE honor.
So proud of all the class of 2011!
Just a few more days!  Check out the pictures below.








Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Last Week for Seniors

What a great week honoring all the academic awards.  I want to recognize three class awards that were mistakenly omitted from Honors Night.   We honored so many students that night, I want to be sure these students realize how important their contributions to their classroom as well. 

11th Grade           Katie Lants –                     Medal –               Pre-AP Spanish IV
11th Grade           Sarah Alshami –               Certificate –        Pre-AP Spanish IV
11th Grade           Drew Schmitz –                Certificate –        Pre-AP Spanish IV

12th Grade           Anna Kathleen Plyler –    Medal –             Microbiology
12th Grade           Anna Kathleen Plyler       Medal –              Government
11th Grade           Sky Shaver                         Certificate –       Microbiology
12th Grade           Bayley Gregory                 Certificate –       Government

Congratulate all the US Honors winners when you see them.  Their hard work and success is commendable.  I am so proud of all our students!

This week is a lively week at PA.


·         Mr. Topich, Mr. Musgrove and Mrs. Woody are escorting 24 students to see the Dalai Lama in Fayetteville today and tomorrow.
·         Spring Choral Concert on Tuesday evening at 7:00 pm in the CPAC.
·         Wednesday night baseball and soccer games will also be the senior night for spring sports. 
·         Spring Band Concert on Thursday evening at 7:00 pm in the CPAC.
·         Friday is Senior Signing Day at 12:30 pm.  Friday is a B7 day.  All seniors are expected to be in class getting their reviews, finishing up final work, turning in papers, etc.  Seniors will be dismissed from class at 12:15 to congregate in the upper senior lot.  Then they will do the traditional run through the halls and end up in the upper gym for signing day.  Signing day is a VERY SPECIAL EVENT!  The entire school is invited to attend.  After signing day, seniors will leave campus and go to a lunch provided by Mr. Johnson and myself at the Meyer Student Center.  Lunch is from 1 pm to 2 pm.  Seniors will be dismissed at 2:00 pm to leave.  They MUST leave campus as soon as lunch is over. 

Senior exams begin on Monday.  I know the juniors will be anxious to park in the coveted “senior lot”.  However, they must hold off the take over until all senior exams are completed.

Our soccer and baseball teams begin their state tournament games this weekend.  Soccer plays Friday and baseball plays Saturday.  Check the athletics website for game times and directions.  Go Bruins!

Also let me tell you that our MS/US parents and student drivers were awarded in the Arkansas Smart Drive Challenge for the Best Overall Seat Belt Use!  Way to be safe drivers!

Stay tuned to my next posting…..
Alecia Castleberry

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Honors Night and more

Well, May is almost here!  Wow!  The year has flown by.  I wanted to let you know about a few upcoming events.
·         First, support our PAPA by shopping at EcoFab in Chenal Promenade this weekend.  10% of our purchases go towards our parents association.

·         Next, Spring Musical begins tonight.  The Choral and Drama faculty and students have been working so hard.  I cannot wait to see the final production!  Shows are Thursday, Friday and Saturday night.


·         AP Exams begin on Monday!  If your son or daughter is taking an exam, they need plenty of rest and a hearty breakfast to tackle those exams.

·         Monday night is Honors Night.  I realize we have some conflicts with spring sports. Honors Night is always the first Monday of May.  Spring sports schedules are not set until the fall.  Unfortunately, some game times are set by the Arkansas Activities Association and weather is not always our friend.  I do apologize for the conflicts, but they cannot always be prevented.  ALL students who are being recognized will have their name called and I will make sure to let the audience know students are missing for school related events.

 Honors Night is a perfect photographic opportunity.  Please make sure your son or daughter is dressed for success for the honor recognition.  Boys are asked to wear a tie, shirt and slacks.  Girls are asked to wear a dress or nice slacks. 

·         COMMUNITY SERVICE FORMS ARE DUE MONDAY!  IT IS CRUCIAL TO TURN THESE IN ON MONDAY.  THE COMMUNITY SERVICE CREDIT GRADE  DOES APPEAR ON THE COLLEGE TRANSCRIPT.

·         Senior parents – Mrs. Watts has sent you the information she provided to the seniors for Honors Night, Signing Day, Graduation Rehearsal, Baccalaureate and Graduation. 
Enjoy the sunshine today!  It’s been a while since we have seen the sun.
Alecia Castleberry

Monday, April 18, 2011

Spring is in the air!


I was thrilled to see all the juniors and seniors Saturday night at prom. It makes me so happy to see these kids progress from new freshman to graduating seniors over four years. They have grown and matured into classy and elegant young ladies and gentlemen. Photography by Melisa was there to take formal pictures plus party pictures.  Ask your son or daughter for her business card with the link and password.


With the warmer weather here, I have received several phone calls and questions about dress code. I wanted to just remind you of what our dress code is. Help me at home by reminding your student what we expect. We want them to "dress for academic success!" I have inserted the dress code from the US handbook below.  Boys are relatively easy on dress code.  Basically, cleanly shaved and no t-shirts with words or writing.  More specifics are below.  Girls are a little harder because their shorts and skirts must be no shorter than 4 inches above the knee.  If you aren't sure, measure from the top of the knee cap.  A girl cannot bend forward and measure herself because it will appear longer.  It's easier if you measure them so they can't stand up straight and get an accurate length.  Again, more specific details are listed below.  If you have any questions, email me or call me.

Upper School Dress Code
·         Faculty will provide guidelines regarding appropriate dress for school-sponsored trips.
·         Coaches will provide guidelines regarding appropriate dress for game days.
·         Any group/club exception must be approved by the US Division Head.
·         Religious and cultural exceptions to the dress code will be considered.
·         Friday are traditionally PA Spirit Days.  On Fridays only, PA t-shirts may be worn along with pants, shorts or skirts that fall within the dress code guidelines listed below.
·         The Upper School Administration has FINAL AUTHORITY on all matters relating to the dress code which is detailed in the next section.
YOUNG WOMEN:
·         Shorts, skirts, and dresses must be no shorter than four inches above the knee.  Dresses must cover shoulder to shoulder and may not be revealing.  Undergarments should not be visible.  Leggings may only be worn under skirts and dresses that are the appropriate length.  Leggings may not be worn under shorts.  Athletic shorts are permitted only in PE classes.
·         Pants should be size appropriate and have no holes, tears, rips or patches.  Undergarments should not be visible.  Sweat pants, yoga pants, warm-ups and leggings are not permitted under the dress code. 
·         Shirts may be turtlenecks, mock turtlenecks, regular or Henley collars, plain t-shirts, crew neck or modest v-neck sweaters. Shirts with uneven bottoms must be tucked in.  Shirts, including t-shirts, with squared bottoms may be worn untucked. Shirts must cover shoulder to shoulder. Shirts must not reveal the midriff, undergarments, or cleavage.  Shirts are to have no letters or messages (small brand name logos are permitted).
·         Sweatshirts are allowed and may have college or brand names on them, but no other letters or messages.
·         Shoes should be clean and neat.  Appropriate sandals may be worn.
·         Hair should be kept clean, neat and out of the eyes.  Any hairstyle or color deemed distracting in an educational setting will not be allowed.
·         Hats are not to be worn in the building during the school day.
·         Clothing with offensive or suggestive slogans or advertisements is strictly prohibited (i.e., promoting drugs, alcohol and/or tobacco products, or those with sexual connotations).

YOUNG MEN:
·         Shorts must be neat and hemmed.  Undergarments should not be visible.  Athletic shorts are permitted only in PE classes.
·         Pants should be size appropriate and have no holes, tears, rips or patches.  Undergarments should not be visible.  Sweat pants and warm-ups are not permitted under the dress code.
·         Shirts may be turtlenecks, mock turtlenecks, regular or Henley collars, plain t-shirts, crew neck or v-neck sweaters. Shirts must have sleeves.  Shirts with uneven bottoms must be tucked in.  Shirts, including t-shirts, with squared bottoms may be worn untucked. Shirts are to have no letters or messages (small brand name logos are permitted).
·         Sweatshirts are allowed and may have college or brand names on them, but no other letters or messages.
·         Shoes should be clean and neat.  Appropriate sandals may be worn.
·         Hair should be kept clean, neat and out of the eyes.  No facial hair.  Sideburns are not to extend below the ears.  Any hairstyle or color deemed distracting in an educational setting will not be allowed.
·         Earrings may not be worn to school or to any school-sponsored activity or trip.
·         Hats are not to be worn in the build sandals may be worn during the school day.
·         Clothing with offensive or suggestive slogans or advertisements is strictly prohibited (i.e., promoting drugs, alcohol and/or tobacco products, or those with sexual connotations).

Until we talk again....
Alecia Castleberry



Wednesday, April 13, 2011

I had so much positive feedback from the first blog entry. I am thrilled that you are enjoying this format. I know that teenagers don't always share all the information you need. You can register by using the tabs at the top right and become a follower, then you will receive notification each time I post. I am only going to send emails the first few times as a reminder of what is going on. After that, I will just post directly on blogger.com. This week is prom, so this information is for Juniors and Seniors. Prom will be held at the Arts Center. We cannot decorate until late in the afternoon, so it will be a struggle for the hard working juniors to decorate, get ready, take pictures, eat and then dance. However, your dedicated prom committee will prevail. Remember, it starts at 9 pm and concludes at midnight. The breakfast will be at Brad Wolff's house from 12:30 am until 2:30 am. If you are willing to bring food, help setup or cleanup, please contact Nina Wolff. Reminder for all parents and students about the blood drive on Thursday and Friday of next week. Contact michelle.ko@pulaskiacademy.org or bailey.smith@pulaskiacademy.org if you are interested in donating blood. Sammie Mack, Jordan Hughes, Patrick Joseph and Bailey Hart have been representing PA in the Arkansas Smart Drive Challenge. They have just completed a nine week mission to educate teenagers on driving safety and good decision making while driving. They finished the challenge with a video clip called "Room to Live" and a guest speaker, David Sachar. He talked to them about Arkansas Law with cell phone use and driving. Let's set good examples for our kids! Always buckle up and put the cell phone away while driving! Don't forget the community service deadline of May 2nd! All paperwork must be turned in to Mrs. Abbott by that date. Also congratulate senior Eric Zheng and US math teacher Kim Kullander for winning the Stephens Awards this year! Thanks for your time and stay tuned for the next entry... Alecia Castleberry

Friday, April 8, 2011

Hello Parents!



This is my first attempt at blogging! I hope to begin sharing weekly events happening in the Upper School. Here we go!



We have a blood drive coming up in two weeks. It's scheduled for Thursday, 4/20, and Friday, 4/21. Michelle Ko and Bailey Smith are doing a marvelous job of coordinating the event. We are looking for parents to give blood as well. Email Michelle.ko@pulaskiacademy.org or bailey.smith@pulaskiacademy.org if you are interested in giving blood.



Also, prom is April 16th. The juniors will be hosting A Masquerade Ball for the seniors at the Arkansas Arts Center from 9 pm to midnight. The after prom breakfast will be held at Brad Wolff's house. Junior class officers will be calling this weekend for help with prom cleanup and breakfast food items. Please help make our prom night a success!



Attendance and tardies - We are trying to finish the year strong. Help us to help your kids get the best out of their year. We need your students to be here every day and on time! Our teachers still have exciting lessons to teach. So make sure your son or daughter is here to reap the full benefit of our education. If your student is tardy to any class during the day, they will receive tardy dhall that afternoon. I notify them and you both with text messages and emails so everyone knows what to expect.



Softball, soccer, baseball and track are in full swing. If you have time, come support your teams on these beautiful afternoons. The schedule is on the PA website under athletics.



Please remind your son or daughter that community service forms are due by May 2nd. Extra forms are available outside the US office. Numerous community service opportunities are announced each week.



Thanks and enjoy the weekend!


Alecia Castleberry