A Note from the Head of School

Dear Parents,

Here at Shipley, we are off to an excellent start, with positive energy among colleagues and students alike. In the wider world, however, it has been more challenging, with two school shootings in recent weeks and the recent shooting at Utah Valley University.  It's difficult to know how—or even if—to talk to children about such significant issues, so I wanted to provide some resources should your child need them now or at any point in the future.

You can always alert your child’s teacher or advisor if they seem to be struggling. We have an excellent counseling and student support team:

• Upper School – Kira White (kwhite@shipleyschool.org)

• Middle School – Lindsey Fick (lfick@shipleyschool.org)

• Lower School – Catherine Mallam (cmallam@shipleyschool.org)

As a school, when events such as these occur, we keep a close eye on the emotional health and well-being of our children, especially those who may have particular ties.

The images on social media and different news outlets can be especially graphic. While it’s difficult to constantly monitor these sources, we will strive to do so and remain mindful of the effect this exposure can have on children.

If recent events come up organically—or even intentionally, as in the case of history classes—we will support students in making sense of something that is incredibly difficult to understand.  History classes are the most likely forum for such discussions, and teachers will be thoughtful about leading conversations in the most age-appropriate way.

I have included a few resources below for parents, should they be helpful.

As always, feel free to reach out to me with any thoughts or questions.

Sincerely,

Ian Craig

Helping Your Children Manage Distress in the Aftermath of a Shooting

Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Families and Educators

15 Tips for Talking With Children About Violence

Caring for Students in the Wake of a Traumatic News Event 

TO-DO ITEMS

Update your emergency contact information.

Donate a bottle to the Fall Fest Liquor Locker.

Join the Secret Gardens Committee.

RSVP for the first Parent Book Club meeting of the year.

Join Blooms Crew for Fall Planting.

Learn about the helpful features in our All School Calendar.

SUPER SATURDAY

Saturday, September 27
10:00 am - 12:30 pm – Carnival & Karaoke
11:30 am - 1:30 pm – Community BBQ

Join us on Super Saturday for a day of endless fun! The excitement kicks off at 10:00 a.m. with a kids' carnival, a free community barbecue, athletic events, and more. We’re happy to offer this event free of charge to all community members – opportunities for philanthropic support of Shipley’s sister school in Uganda, The Brain Tree Primary School will be available at the event. Get a detailed schedule and learn more about Super Saturday.

JOIN THE SECRET GARDENS COMMITTEE

Tuesday, September 16
8:15 am, Beechwood House
Interested in joining the Secret Gardens Committee? Whether you’re a returning member or new to the group, we warmly invite you to our first gathering for coffee, pastries, and conversation before we begin at 8:30. It’s a great chance to connect, learn more about the committee, and hear how you can get involved this year! Please reach out to Sara Goldstein if you’d like to attend or if you have any questions.

FREE SQUASH CLINICS

For Adult Women
Wednesday, September 17

9:00 - 10:00 am

For Girls Grades 4-12

Friday, September 19

3:30 -4:30 pm

In support of US Squash’s Women’s Squash Week, Shipley’s Squash Academy is celebrating the incredible women and girls in the sport by hosting free clinics. On Wednesday morning, Squash Coach Mihiliya Kalahe welcomes women of all levels to join this fun and welcoming session.

On Friday afternoon, girls in grades 4 through 12 are invited to try squash and enjoy some fun match play together. For both sessions, all levels are welcome, and all equipment will be provided.

PARENT BOOK CLUB

Friday, September 26

8:30 am, LARC

Join the Parent Book Club in the LARC (the Upper Campus Library) for our first meeting of the year as we discuss My Friends, by Fredrick Backman. This is a great opportunity to connect with fellow parents and engage in meaningful conversation about nature, belief, and the surprising wisdom of owls.

RSVP here if you would like to attend. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Jenn Phiambolis.

BlOOMS CREW FALL PLANTING

Thursday, September 25

8:30 - 10:00 am

Join Shipley’s Blooms Crew as we update the seasonal planters around campus to celebrate autumn and the start of the school year! Please fill out this brief form if you plan to attend – all experience levels are welcome!

Questions about this planting or Blooms Crew in general? Please reach out to Sarah Sterling.

DIVISIONAL PARENT/GUARDIAN COFFEE GATHERINGS
Start your morning with coffee, pastries, and good company! These divisional gatherings are a wonderful chance to connect with fellow parents and guardians, share conversation, and build community as we kick off the school year. Each division will gather on the Upper Campus in the Avery Silverman Dining Hall, located in Piltch Commons:

• Middle School: Monday, September 15, 8:15 am

• Lower School: Monday, September 22, 8:15 am

• Upper School: Monday, September 29, 8:15 am

Don’t miss other opportunities to connect - be sure to check out our listing of fall calendar events and reach out to Sara Goldstein with any questions. 

TEST OF EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM

Wednesday, September 17

7:00 pm

Please ensure that your emergency contact information is up-to-date and complete. We encourage you to add phone, text, AND email contacts for each parent and guardian to ensure delivery of emergency notifications if one form of contact fails. (You may also add your student’s contact information if you would like them to receive these notifications.)

1. Log in to ShipleyNet

2. Go to the family resource board

3. Click “Emergency Alerts – Update Your Emergency Contacts”

4. Review/update your contact information, including all phone numbers and emails where you would like to receive emergency alerts

5. Click “Apply” to Save Changes

ALL SCHOOL CALENDAR TIPS

Shipley’s All School Calendar offers many helpful features to help you stay organized and informed about everything happening at Shipley, including:

• Filtering by category

• Syncing to your personal calendar

• Receiving text or email reminders about specific events.

Learn more and access instructions on how to use of these helpful features.