Welcome back from a restful and refreshing summer break! I hope this email finds you well and filled with excitement as we experience the beginning of the new school year! Whether you're returning families or joining us for the first time, we are thrilled to have you as part of our vibrant and creative community for SY24-25.It is an exciting time as we celebrate 50 years of nurturing the next generation of scholar-artists and change makers with our 50th anniversary. We we will also host the National Art School Network during October, where the most prestigious art schools around the country will come to celebrate the excellence of Duke Ellington. As we gear up for another exciting year of learning and growth, I want to extend a warm welcome to all returning students, families, and staff and a special welcome to those new to our school community. This year, we have a lot to look forward to. Our dedicated team of educators have been working diligently to prepare engaging and enriching experiences that will inspire and challenge our students.
We are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where students feel valued and motivated to reach their full potential.
As always, communication between home and school is vital to our students' success. Please feel free to contact any of our staff members if you have any questions or concerns throughout the year.
I am excited to see what this new school year will bring and look forward to working together to make it successful and memorable for all our students.
We appreciate your continued support and partnership.
We are a truly mission-driven organization, and through our mission, our goal is to nurture, inspire, ensure, and prepare each student to be global artists citizens while developing responsible, caring, and high-achieving students.
At Ellington, our CREED is as follows: Commitment, Responsibility, Empowerment, Empathy, and Dignity.
As we gear up for another year of growth, learning, and artistic exploration, I'd like to share some valuable tips to help your family start the school year off right:
First Week Schedule
Our daily schedule is 8:30 a.m. - 4:55 p.m. Please make every effort to report on time every day. Students will receive the bell schedule during Orientation and see it reflected in Aspen.
Establish a Consistent Routine
A consistent daily routine helps students adjust to school life smoothly. Encourage your child to wake up and go to bed at the same time each day, creating a stable foundation for academic and artistic success.
Encourage Time Management
Teach your child effective time management skills. Balancing their artistic pursuits, academics, and extracurricular activities requires planning and prioritization.
Course Schedules
School counselors Ms. Reavis and Mr. Davis have spent a tremendous amount of time developing student schedules and determining student placement. Careful consideration was taken from students, families, and staff to determine a rigorous program on both the academic and arts side. Student schedules will be populated a week prior to the start of school on August 28, 2023. If you have any scheduling questions, please reach out to the school counselors below:
Communication is key to a successful school year. We believe that a strong partnership between school and home contributes to a student's success. Each weekend we send out our school newsletter entitled the “Ellington Express”. It’s our way of communicating about student life and culture, updates from the administration, opportunities for students, resources for families, and student highlights and achievements. You can find regular updates on our website atEllingtonArts.org.
We are committed to providing your child with a safe, nurturing, and inspiring environment that supports their artistic and academic growth. Together, we can make this school year an unforgettable journey of learning, creativity, and achievement.
In the upcoming weeks, we will send out more emails with important dates and notifications for new and returning families. Thank you for entrusting us with your child's education. I am eagerly looking forward to a year filled with artistic exploration, academic excellence, and meaningful connections. Let's embark on this journey together!