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