August 11, 2011

Pathfinder Families—

 

It’s hard to believe that we are closer to the end of the summer than to the beginning. Then again, summer’s a rather seamless proposition on a campus where kids and teachers roam far and wide all year long. This summer has been no exception, as our camp, under the direction of the ineffable Trisha Short, enjoyed its most successful session since the 1990s, with the camp at or near capacity for all six weeks, a long-serving, loyal, dynamite staff—including four Pathfinder faculty members and two alumni.

 

Ellen Northway has been tending to the business of the school all summer, while Bob Prentice and Jim Hale have tended to the physical health of this gorgeous campus. Leisa Hankins has completed a move to new quarters upstairs in the Forest Campus and hosted several development gatherings there. Kellie Sergent has kept the office humming and entertained everyone who’s stopped by. Our newest staff members have put in hundreds of hours already: Kate Gordon and Ivy Saur as members of the camp staff, and Caroline Kovas leading tours and visits, establishing herself in admissions, and teaching music in the camp.

 

Though summer is a busy time here, there’s nothing like those first few weeks of school for energy and, occasionally, confusion. We’re trying to reduce the mess (and resource use) by sending most of the August materials electronically. Reviewing the contents of this mailing will help make the opening of the school year as smooth as it can be. There’s something for everyone at Pathfinder, as you’ll see. Here are a few highlights.

 

New students and familiesshould be sure to review both the health forms and the various acknowledgement and permission forms. Frankly, this mailing is full to bursting with forms. Please help us get our ducks precisely in a row by returning all documents as soon as you can. Please review the checklist that Kellie has compiled below: some forms are for all families, and some are only for families new to Pathfinder.

 

In addition, the After School Enrichment program, a series of activities ranging from archery to piano to cooking classes, is thriving. A full listing of offerings will follow later this month.

 

As always, there are plenty of health forms. Be sure to fill out immunization forms. In addition, among other old favorites, you’ll see an acknowledgement form for the 2011-2012 Family Handbook. (If you would prefer to be sent a hard copy of the handbook, or of any other form attached to this e-mail, just let Kellie know.)

 

Finally, I’d like to remind everyone to look over the Calendar of Events for the school year. Mark critical dates now. The schedule is chock full of big days and good times, of course.

 

Enjoy the dog days. I can’t wait to see you in September, if not sooner: don’t hesitate to drop in.

 

 Cheers—

 Karl Sikkenga

Head of School

 

 

 

Back To School Enrollment Packet Checklist

 

Please be sure to submit the following forms for the 2011-2012 school year for your child by email, mail or dropping them off at the school by Friday, August 26^th.  If you would like a hard copy mailed to you directly, please contact Kellie Sergent in the office 995-3800 or ksergent@thepathfinderschool.org

 

 

All Students:

1. DHS Student Information Record
2. 2011-2012 Acknowledgements Form
3. Pathfinder Yellow Pages (optional)
4. Extended Day Agreement

 

1st-8^th Grade Students:

1. Computer Agreement

 

New Students:

1. Media Release Form
2. Health Appraisal Sheet
3. Immunization Waiver (optional)
4. School Records Release Form (if transferring from another school)