Greetings Parkside Families!  This is your proud principal, Teresa Caswell, writing with some thanks, reminders and a few updates.  Can you believe it is already April? Our Sandpiper home is coming along quite nicely and major construction is set to complete June 15th! At that time all the furniture and technology will be moved in/installed.  I anticipate that we will have limited occupancy granted just before July 1^st (for staff only) and full occupancy by our meet the teacher date of July 8^th. I cannot wait to see all the little Pipers on the grounds, in the collaboration spaces, and through the halls.  Our first day, July 9th, will be here before we know it!

Thank You!

I would like to extend my gratitude to all those that were able to attend our first PTA meeting where our President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer were voted into office as our Executive Board. Stay tuned for information on how to be a PTA member (SO important to Parkside’s success!) and volunteer, chair a committee, or simply provide support.  We are a school family and together will Pave the Way!

Reminders:

TOMORROW - April 13^th – 10:30am Grades 1 and 2 and 11:30 am Grades 3, 4, and 5 – Principal Caswell read aloud at West Regional Library

Updates:

Track Assignments – I have been working hard on everyone’s track assignments and currently have over 90% receiving their first or second choice!  Reminder that track placement notification will be sent by mail April 18^th.  Please realize there are over 700 students I am placing, reviewing, cross-checking, and communicating with the middle school about.  I am certain I will miss a sibling – If this accident happens to you, please realize it was not intentional and that ALL siblings attending a year-round school WILL have the same track.  Just reach out and I will fix any errors.  Also, please accept my sincerest thanks for understanding that the process is meant to fill our school efficiently and equitably.  I take pride in balancing tracks and know that it will result in the phenomenal Parkside experience we are all hoping for, full of Proud Pipers!

Before and After Care – Before care will be provided by Parkside staff – we are in the process of setting that up with WCPSS.  Registration will be by track in June – more information is forthcoming.  After care will be provided by the YMCA – registration is now open and can be accessed at the following link: https://www.ymcatriangle.org/programs-services/childcare/after-school/northwest-cary-ymca/northwest-cary-ymca-%E2%80%93-after-school

Walk Zone – My meeting with the Morrisville Police Chief went wonderfully!  We have a recommendation for three crossing guards to ensure a safe walk zone from every angle! Wake County transportation is reviewing the distance and pathways for students to get from school to home to ensure the safest, timely routes.  I am meeting with transportation next week and hope to have a finalized, safe, walk zone shared by the end of the month.

Upcoming Events:

April 27^th – 10:30am Kindergarten – Principal Caswell read aloud at W. Regional Library

May 11^th – Saturday – 11am – Band Show and Tell (rising 3^rd through 5^th graders can elect to be a part of the Piper Band taught and directed by Summerglen Music’s Christina Thompson and Andrew Munger.  Band sessions will run on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:00-5:00pm. This is a pay-for program.

June 1^st – Saturday 1pm – Second opportunity to see and review band instrument choices.

Save the Date:

May 8^th at 11:30 and 2:00

Kindergarten Orientation – at the YMCA:  Parents of incoming kindergarten students are encouraged to join us to hear from Kindergarten teachers, our counselor, WCPSS transportation, and support staff on all things Kindergarten!

Other event dates to be determined/finalized:

May (Sunday, May 19^th, 1pm – Rain Date: Sunday June 2^nd)

2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th grades – Picnic with the Principal – Pullen Park: Bring your sandpipers and lunch and meet me at Pullen Park one Saturday to enjoy the weather, have lunch (bring your own), play and get to know each other as a school-family.

June:

Kinder and First grade- popsicles with the principal (Saturday at one of the sending school playgrounds– tentatively 2pm - Saturday June 8^th).

5^th Grade BBQ (Tentatively, 6pm - Saturday June 8^th, location to be determined.  Rain date: Thursday June 13^th) – All incoming 5^th graders, and their parents, along with Parkside administrators, teachers, and other support staff (specials, counselors, etc.)… join us for an evening just for those who will be the first 5^th grade class of Parkside Pipers!

July:

July 8^th – Save the Date!  Tracks 1, 2, and 3 Teacher Meet and Mingle in the combined gym/café (times TBD) and view the school (assuming full occupancy). Track 4 will just view the school; Track 4 Meet and Mingle will be July 26^th in the combined gym/café.

April is moving quickly and positively – I cannot wait to see what May will bring!  Please let me know if I can help you in anyway as we move closer to our new year together.