Dear SUA Community,

Several times last week I witnessed a group of seniors helping freshmen find their classrooms when they seemed uncertain about where to go.  These small, seemingly simple acts capture the spirit of the first week of school:  looking out for one another, stepping into leadership, and creating a sisterhood where everyone belongs.  

It is exciting to see how the routines of the year are already starting to take place.  Teachers have carefully designed opening lessons to build community in their classrooms and introduce students to the subject matter in engaging ways.  Dawg Day was the perfect reminder of how quickly our students build community together when given the opportunity to work, laugh, and lead together.  I was so impressed with the warmth and welcoming that our senior Ambassadors extended to the over 200 grade school girls who joined us on Dawg Day.  Students leading us in prayer at Friday’s Mass embodied the heart of our mission.  These early glimpses of faith, learning, and leadership give me great confidence for the year ahead.

One feature of the new schedule that students experienced this week for the first time was WIN time.  WIN stands for “What I Need.”  It is time set aside for students to prepare for their day and week, and it occurs several times each week in our new schedule.  All teachers have “office hours” during WIN time, meaning that all teachers are in their classrooms, ready to help students.  There are no other activities or club/organization meetings planned during this time.  This week’s Sunday Message to students reminded them that asking specific questions and seeking help with particular concepts is the best way to take advantage of these office hours. We love that our new schedule allows time within the school day for the students to have one-on-one support from their teachers while also developing self-advocacy skills that will be beneficial for them in college and life.  

With only a few days of experience with our new schedule, students are still finding their way and figuring it out - with the support of their teachers, counselors, and each other.  We knew that a significant change like this one would require some extra patience until new routines become familiar.  Please keep encouraging your daughter to take the proverbial “deep breath” and be patient with herself.  These routines will fall into place with more time and experience.  If she is experiencing any challenges that seem like more than the typical learning curve, please guide her to her counselor.  Our amazing Counseling Department can help provide some individualized coaching and caring to smooth the way for her.  

This Week at SUA:  Reminders and tips to help your Bulldog in the week ahead

• Welcome Week continues until Friday, August 22.  You will be seeing a lot of themed spirit days!  Students can be out of uniform all week if they are dressed in the theme of the day
• Thursday, August 21:  Senior off-campus lunch - first one of the year!
• Friday, August 22:  Late start - classes start at 8:45 am as teachers and staff have professional development.  Just in case you are interested, this year we are focusing on instructional strategies that meet the needs of all learners, including differentiating instruction, experiential learning, equitable practices, and global perspectives.
• Looking ahead:
  • Thursday, August 28, 6-8 pm, Senior College Night, virtual:  This event will provide information specific to the college application process here at SUA for you and your parent/guardian. More details and registration can be found in the COUNSELING section of this Parent Bulletin.
  • Thursday, September 11, 6-7:30 pm, Meet and Greet Night:  This evening is a great opportunity to walk your daughter’s schedule, meet her teachers, learn more about our curricula, and receive a blessing for parents in the Chapel.  More details will follow.  Please put this date on your calendar and plan to attend.

Go Bulldogs!

Kathy