• Order a copy of the Tempora Praeterita yearbook!

• Volunteer to be a Coordinator or Homeroom Volunteer next year!

• Look into information about summer camp! Shipley offers day camp, reading enrichment camp, various sports camps, and more.

• Update your child’s health information on Magnus for next school year.

Further information on checklist items can be found below.

4TH GRADE INDIGENOUS PEOPLE’S DAY

Friday, May 22

On the 22nd, the 4th grade will host Indigenous Peoples' Day. This special celebration connects to our study of 1800s American history and gives students the chance to explore the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of Native American communities. Through engaging activities, stories, and presentations, students will learn about the lasting impact Indigenous peoples have had on our society, from environmental stewardship to art, sport, and innovation.

MEMORIAL DAY - SCHOOL CLOSED

Monday, May 25

In observance of Memorial Day, Shipley will be closed on the 25th. Enjoy the long weekend!

2ND GRADE TRIP TO THE PHILADELPHIA ZOO

Wednesday, May 27

To cap off their studies of desert animals, the second graders will head to the Philadelphia Zoo, where they’ll be able to look around in small groups and check out various interesting exhibits.

FRED SPEERS PLAY DAY

Friday, May 29

LS Turf Field

Fred Speers Lower School Play Day will be held on Friday, May 29th! Each Lower School Shipley student will be assigned to either the Blue Team or Green Team and is encouraged to dress in their team color to show their school spirit and team support.

This beloved Shipley Lower School end-of-year tradition celebrates sportsmanship, teamwork, and fun! The event will conclude with a barbecue lunch for all attending families. We hope you will join us for a day filled with games, food, and festivities!

Schedule for PK–2

• 9:15–10:30 am — Play Day Games

• 11:00 am- BBQ Lunch

Schedule for Grades 3–5

• 10:45 am–12:00 pm — Play Day Games

• 12:30 pm -BBQ Lunch

5TH GRADE SLEEP UNDER

Friday, May 29

6:30 - 9:00 pm

On the evening of the 29th, the fifth grade will take over the Lower School for a "Sleep Under" run by Mr. Wareikis and Mr. Kellett. Students will play games, enjoy some fun treats, and bond with their classmates.

NOTES FROM THE NURSE’S OFFICE

As we enter the final stretch of the year, a few reminders: be sure to send your student with a water bottle, apply sunscreen at home before school, and check your child for ticks daily.

The Magnus Health portal is open for the 2026-27 school year. Please log in and update your student’s health history. Students are required to have a physical exam each year. Exams dated after August 1, 2025, are acceptable for the 26-27 School Year. Students in grades K/1 and 3 are required to upload a current dental exam, and any student with an action plan or daily medication form is required to upload current forms for each school year.

COORDINATORS AND HOMEROOM VOLUNTEERS

We are looking for parents and guardians interested in volunteering for the next school year! If you are interested, please fill out this form.

Grade Level Coordinators and Homeroom Volunteers will work together to coordinate parent socials, teacher needs, class events, and Lower School-wide events. Grade Level Coordinators will send out periodic grade-level communications and will lead all classroom and grade-specific initiatives. Homeroom Volunteers will support all classroom-specific initiatives and recruit other volunteers for these events. If you have any questions about the different roles and responsibilities, please contact Kelley Casper and Michele Legnini.

5TH GRADE “THINK, CARE, ACT” PROJECTS

As part of the upcoming 5th grade TCA project some of our students will be collecting items for local organizations. Our collection will run in the lobby from May 11-22. Below is a list of the organizations the children are collecting for and the requested donations:

• Treehouse Books

  • Children’s books

• Cradles to Crayons

  • Gently used clothing and shoes

  • New socks and underwear

  • New crayons, markers, and coloring books

• Neighbors Helping Neighbors & Level the Playing Field

  • Gently used or new sports equipment

• Upper Merion Area Community Cupboard

  • Food donations

• Brandywine SPCA

  • Dog and cat food and toys

  • Paper towels and old blankets

• The Wayne Center

  • New crossword puzzle and word search books

• Pennsylvania Migrant Education Program

  • Diapers and wipes

Please email Betsy Leschinsky with any questions.

SHIPLEY YEARBOOK

We are offering parents and guardians in Lower School the opportunity to purchase a copy of the 2026 Tempora Praeterita Yearbook! If you would like to reserve one, fill out the form via the link below. Upper School students work on the book throughout the year, and copies will be delivered to the Lower School in late May/early June. Please note that the cost of the yearbook is $85, and your school account will be charged in the next billing cycle. The form will remain open until Friday, May 22. Click on this link to order your copy!

LOWER SCHOOL DAY CAMP

Registration for Shipley Day Camp is open! For more information on camp - including schedule, pricing, weekly themes, and more - please refer to the Day Camp page on the Shipley website.

We are happy to offer our Reading Enrichment Camp for another season! Facilitated by Paula Farrell, Director of After School Programs, and Suzanne Mason, former Lower School Reading Specialist, this camp for students from grades K-3 will focus on strengthening literacy skills. You can find more information on the Shipley website.

Shipley also offers several different athletic camps and clinics throughout the year. For more information, please refer to the Camps & Clinics page on the Shipley website.