What a fantastic week! It's been so nice to have everyone back on campus. We welcomed new students early Wednesday morning with a peer mentor breakfast in Dent 602. While our newest Griffins were settling in and making new friends, the Class of 2024 celebrated in Crowley Concourse and had their Last First Day photos taken (see senior advisory group photos above). Senior families can access individual and group pictures from the morning by logging into Vidigami, our school's photo-sharing platform. I am reposting a message from Communications Director Lee Healy for easy access and in case you need help with accessing your account. 

Vidigami is now active for the 2023-24 school year with first day of school photos ready for viewing! Vidigami is Spartanburg Day School's online photo-sharing platform, making it easy for you to view and download school images. Returning families should use their existing login to Vidigami; if you're a new family (or never activated your account) look for an email in your inbox to activate your account. If you did not receive an email or need help accessing your account, contact Director of Communications Lee Healy (lee.healy@sdsgriffin.org) for assistance.

 Here is the direct link to the Class of 2024 photo album. 

As classes get underway, please check in with your students about what materials they might need for a productive year. Teachers have shared syllabi and any class-specific supply needs. Grade deans held expectation meetings Wednesday before dismissal, so students should have a solid understanding of Upper School policies and procedures. They should see their grade-level deans for clarification if they have lingering questions. 

We look forward to settling into a routine next week. At any time, feel free to reach out with questions. A few key reminders:

• If your student is absent, needs to check out, or arrives late due to a scheduled medical or dental appointment, please communicate promptly by emailing attendance@sdsgriffin.org. Because our courses are credit-bearing, we have a responsibility to monitor attendance closely.
• We begin with Upper School Assembly in the Dent Gallery every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. The time is 8:30. Students should be seated at the start to avoid being marked tardy.
• Each Wednesday, students should report to Advisory for weekly check-ins. The start time is 8:30. 
• There are three times each day that students can seek additional help from a teacher. 
  • The morning MAC period (8:00 - 8:25) is by appointment. Students should prearrange these meetings with teachers. 
  • Midday MAC sessions (11:30 - 12:00) are also by appointment. 
  • Afternoon MAC (3:15 - 4:00) - Teachers are stationed in their rooms and available daily for students to drop by for help. MAC periods are more productive if students do the following:
    • If possible, inform the teacher beforehand that you will report for afternoon MAC.
    • Be considerate of others who also need help during this time.
    • Bring homework, quizzes, tests, or writing samples with examples of items on which you need clarification.
    • Arrive prepared with specific questions.
• Students are asked to avoid lingering in the parking lots once they arrive at school. Students should park and enter the building. 

I will close by sharing a few images from our Back-to-School assembly. The time-honored tradition of seniors being escorted by their 5K buddies is a beautiful way to begin each school year. The joy and excitement in the Webster Athletic Complex were palpable as our Head of School, Dave Skeen, addressed our community and rang in the new school year. We had the added bonus of hearing faculty voices from all three divisions sing "Consider Yourself" from the musical OLIVER!

We are tremendously excited to partner with you as we embark on a year of curiosity, growth, learning, and meaningful, fun experiences. Here's to an incredible 2023-2024 school year!

Best regards,

Paige Phillips

Important Early Event Reminders: