March 15, 2021
What you need to know this week:
  • Message from Mr. Morgan: Looking back over the last year and how far we have come.
  • Track meets begin next Monday; see information about Bright Afternoons pick-ups.
  • Register now for spring after school classes.
  • Bright Days summer program registration is open.
  • Sign up for PA volunteer opportunities.
  • Order your 2020-21 yearbook during the month of March.
  • Read! Read! Read! Mr. Morgan's Read a Million Minutes continues.
  • Cadek's spring B term is open. Register now for private lessons.
From Mr. Morgan: Looking Back Over the Last Year
As I’ve told folks numerous times, just before this time last year I was expecting to “coast” into retirement. On this very day in March of 2020, however, the growing pandemic forced us to close our doors and move into the new virtual world of education. Little did we know then just how long we’d be confined to our homes and how much the crisis would turn our lives upside down. Retirement quickly became an afterthought.

But the Bright School community met the challenge in heroic fashion. One of the most powerful memories I will carry with me after I leave the school in June is the devotion, determination, and sacrifice that our board of trustees, my administrative team, our custodians, our teachers, our families, and our students shared in making sure that we would prevail. The pandemic is not over, obviously, which means we must stay vigilant. But, what an amazing accomplishment this has been for all of us, one that I’m sure will resonate loudly in the history of the school. I couldn’t be more proud of everyone.

Most importantly, of course, even in the most trying of circumstances, our children have been able to continue their important Bright School education, make friends, share in the joy of learning with their teachers, and have some fun together. Each day as I see them arrive and watch them as they depart, I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity we all still have to make a difference in their lives.

Great job, everybody!
Track Meets on Mondays and Changes to Bright Afternoons Pick-ups
Track meets will be taking place select Monday afternoons during the months of March and April. The dates are March 22, April 12, April 19 and April 26. Due to these meets, this will impact our normal Bright Afternoons pick-up routine.

On the days of track meets, Bright Afternoons pick-ups will be at the concourse. When you pull down the drive, please go down in front of the concourse area with your green name sign visible on your dashboard. Also, please be ready to inform our Bright School parking officer of your need to pick up from Bright Afternoons. Our Bright Afternoons staff will call for your child and sign them out as they enter your car.

There will be no parking available on campus during track meets, so plan to stay in the car as you drive up. 
Register Now for Spring After School Classes
We have a new slate of after school classes that begin after spring break. Some winter classes ended last week, and some end this week.

Check the Bright Afternoons website for a schedule of spring classes.

Check with your child's teacher if you are unsure when the winter class ends.

Click here to register for spring classes.
Register Now for Bright Days
Plan your summer now! Registration is now open for Bright Days summer program for early learners. Bright Days is open to age 3 (by August 1) through rising third graders.

The first week of Bright Days is June 7-11. All the details and the registration link are on the website. If you are new to Bright Days, you will need to create a new login to register.
Be a PA Volunteer
Here is your chance to participate in the Parents' Association for the 2021-22 school year. There are many ways for you to contribute your energy, talents and interests.

Download this form that includes all the descriptions of the chairs and committee roles. Return the sign-up form to Kim Brown in the office by 3 p.m. on Tuesday, March 23. Questions? Contact Kim Brown at [email protected].
Order Yearbooks in March
March is the month to order your 2020-21 yearbook. These yearbooks will be distributed to families in August. Yearbooks are $35 each. Every student is in the yearbook! Orders may only be placed online through Walsworth.
Click below to order yours now! When you get to the Walsworth page, click on the big yellow box that says 2020-21. In the order information, put your child's current grade. For JPK and PK, select Preschool, and then add the grade (JPK or PK) in the box with the teacher's name. You should receive a confirmation email for your order from [email protected]. If you have any questions, please contact Elizabeth Davis at [email protected].
Read a Million Minutes!
Keep reading! Our students love to read in their classrooms and at home, and many families are sending in their reading minutes, too.
Cadek Private Lessons
Join Cadek for our 8-week spring B Term session, which begins March 8 and runs through May 7. We offer private and small-group instruction on campus at GPS, The Bright School, and McCallie. If you’ve already confirmed your teacher and time, register now to reserve your spot.
Apply now for scholarship auditions! Auditions are April 17-18, and the deadline to apply is March 20. Details at Cadek.org/Scholarship. Students may apply to audition in one of two categories: Incentive for beginner and intermediate students and Achievement for intermediate to advanced students. Awards range from partial to full scholarships for the upcoming year, 2021-22. 

We’re happy to answer any questions and help you through the process—contact Cadek Coordinator Mark Krawczyk at [email protected] or 423.634.7694. 
Order Items from the Bookstore
Please use the order form available on the bookstore website. Forms should be sent to school with payment. Orders will be filled and send home on Fridays. The bookstore is not open for in-person shopping. Check Instagram @1913brightbookstore for more items like this new sweatshirt!
Email the bookstore at [email protected] for all questions.
March 15
We're celebrating Pi Day!
March 19
Bright School T-shirt Day
March 26
Bright School T-shirt Day

Early Dismissal: Spring Break begins
11:30 a.m.
Bright Scene
Looking for a four-leaf clover! Mrs. Katie's kindergarten class looked in the grass beside the track for a lucky clover.
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