Parents visiting school for Open House or other times in the last month may have noticed a change in the first grade classrooms. Thanks to the funds raised through Charleston Wrap, organized by the Parents' Association, the school purchased $18,000 in new furniture for the first grade classrooms. We replaced desks with six-pointed tables, and all the chairs for the students are new and allow for movement. The classrooms also have new soft seating. The new furniture allows teachers to reconfigure spaces easily and quickly accommodate different lessons during the day. This is just a start of what's to come for the renovations this summer as part of the Building a Bright Future campaign.

We commend Mary Westerwal and her Sodexo staff for earning perfect scores twice this year from the Hamilton County Health Department. Auditors check that all health and safety guidelines are followed, and they awarded 100s in both categories for the dining hall twice this year. Great job!

Stock up on used uniforms this Wednesday, May 8. This big sale will be 7:15 a.m. to noon in the Treehouse.

Also, the lost and found bin will be emptied today. Unclaimed items will be donated.

The annual Bright School Picnic is May 17. There is no school that day. Instead, students of all grades and their families spend the morning at Cross Creek Farm in Ringgold, Georgia, for fun games, races, and food. It is always a favorite day for students! The action begins at 9 a.m., so please arrive between 8:30 and 9 a.m. to get a good spot along the race area. Bring chairs, blankets and cold water, if you like. Lunch will be served after the races. Tickets are complimentary for fifth graders, and their families. Otherwise, it is $5 a person, paid by May 10. Please see this information sheet and payment form.

We're putting together the 2018-19 yearbook, and now it's time for you to reserve your copy. Order now by going online. Click here or on the box.

Yearbooks are $35 each. They will be available for pick up for rising grades PK-4 at next year's Registration Day. Current fifth graders will receive their yearbooks at a special gathering in the fall.

Weeks are filling up for this summer! Bright Days is open to girls and boys age 3 (by August 1) through rising third graders. For all the details, visit the Bright Days website.