News

Congratulations to Lower Elementary students Jeremy, Soham and Wilder on collaboratively creating the winning entry in this year's Yearbook Cover Art Contest. Choosing just one of the many exceptional artworks submitted was challenging for the judges! Three runner-ups were also chosen - kudos to Isaac, Juliet and Nollaig.

Thanks in part to the efforts of Springmont students, those less fortunate also enjoyed a delicious, hot meal on Thanksgiving day. Each class, Toddler through Middle School, made a side dish or bread which was delivered to the Sandy Springs United Methodist Church and served as part of their Thanksgiving Community Meal. 

Academic Fair is an opportunity for parents to see the work their children have been doing in class as well as what lies ahead at their child's next academic level. Toddler, Primary and Lower Elementary students will share current work and offer their parents a lesson, after which we encourage families to visit the Upper Elementary and Middle School classrooms to see their projects and presentations.  And, you won't want to miss the Art Show in the Media Center! 

In January 2018, Springmont will administer the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) to Lower and Upper Elementary children who are at least age 8 by September 1, 2017.  While Springmont has been using the ITBS standardized test for a number of years, this will be the first time we will be administering the updated Form E.   Form E subtests have been aligned with current curricular expectations and the norms have been updated.  According to test publisher, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, schools adopting Form E should expect student scores lower than seen on previous forms; this is typical when norms are updated. The new test does assess knowledge differently; questions have been formulated with increased emphasis on higher level thinking skills. 

To prepare students, the Elementary faculty began orienting to the new form last spring and have worked in conjunction with the Associate Head and outgoing Elementary Division Head to craft the appropriate practice materials.  Upper Elementary students will experience new and different practice materials from November through January.  The test will be administered in January. 

The ITBS will continue to be the only standardized test administered at Springmont.  Typically, students welcome the new experience and are also happy to get back to “real school work” when the test concludes in January.  Scores are provided at the spring conference to parents who are encouraged to maintain confidentiality.  The cumulative school scores are shared with the school community each spring.  Click here for ITBS FAQ’s. 

It is with mixed emotions that we let you know that Pearl, our pig, will be leaving campus during the Thanksgiving break. Part of the responsibility of having animals on campus is recognizing when their needs have changed. Pearl’s recent behavior indicates that she is lonely and in need of pig companionship. Her next home will be a friendly farm with several pig friends where she will receive excellent care and plenty of attention. Michelle and the classroom Teachers have discussed her relocation with Elementary students, and we invite you to stop by to say your good-byes this week. Knowing that we can visit Pearl and that she will be happier is helping us all adjust to her departure next week.

On behalf of the students, faculty, staff and board of Springmont, thank you for supporting a successful 2017-18 Springmont Fund. We concluded our second, thirty-day campaign, still favored by parents, with 74% parent participation and over $124,000 raised in conjunction with the board, faculty and staff.  

Later in the year, appeals will be made to alumni families and grandparents rounding out this year’s annual fund season and positioning the school to continue its commitment to enhanced outdoor learning opportunities for our students.  Of primary consideration for this year’s funds is Phase II of the Playground renovation, bringing the complete area up to current safety standards and reflecting the most contemporary research in outdoor play.  Funds will also be considered for enhancement for the Outdoor Science Education Program such as outdoor seating for group lessons and animal life observation.  Springmont Fund dollars are used for planned initiatives and are typically invested in projects the following year, but we always consider more immediate projects when possible - none of which would be possible without your generous support.  The distinctions of the Springmont campus and learning experience are the legacy of the fund, and that’s a history of which we can all be proud.  Thank you to Allison and Hank Meisinger, this year’s parent chairs, for being leaders in this important facet of our school community.  Thank you to Gabe Steagall, chair of the Development Committee, to Lauren, our in-house cheerleader, and to all of the volunteers who shared their own personal messages of contribution in support of this year’s efforts.  It wouldn’t have been a success without you!  Thank you.