Dear Fourth Grade Parents,

Though we have just started the second semester, it won’t be long until your child begins thinking more and more about Middle School life at FA. The reality is that most of the Fourth Grade students probably have already started pondering the topic.

I want to ensure that each of you have plenty of opportunities to learn about the Middle School program so that you can support your child through the next six months, and I want your child to feel confident about the transition to the “other side of campus.”  School transitions can sometimes be anxiety producing, but I have learned that proactive conversations and activities typically provide the experiences that allow Lower School students to look excitedly towards the move to Fifth Grade.

The first opportunity for Fourth Grade parents to learn about next year is scheduled for Tuesday, February 27, at 8:15 AM in the Shuman Conference Room. 

The Fourth Grade to Fifth Grade Transition Program will allow you to learn some specifics about the Middle School, meet some of the Middle School adult leaders, and ask questions.

Even if you currently have, or have had, a child in the Middle School, it may be helpful for you to attend the Transition Program on February 27.  As many of you may know, this will be my final year at FA. My wife and I need to return to Tennessee to help support her aging parents. Trey House, the current Middle School Assistant Director, will take over the MS leadership role starting in June. Trey will join me in leading the Transition meeting.  

We will begin our transition program with the Fourth Grade students later in the spring. Included in this agenda at that time will be opportunities for the students to explore the facilities, learn about the program and schedule, meet the teachers, and participate in Q & A sessions. In early August, FA will host several other events to prepare students and parents for the new school year.

It is simply a great time to be a FA Knight. There are lots of exciting changes that have already taken place all around campus or are in the planning stages. The new outdoor gathering and eating spaces as well as the additional classroom and learning spaces have already impacted student life on a daily basis. Additional facility upgrades expected to be completed in the next twelve months will only further add to the wonderful experience of our students.  

I am excited to visit with you on February 27 as we partner on your transition to the FA Middle School. If you have questions prior to the meeting, please feel free to contact me.

David Nelson

Middle School Director