We’ve been quite busy since we announced the name of the new STEM-focused Ferdinand T. Day Elementary School Back in February. Here’s an update on what’s been happening since then and what is to come.
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We’ve been conducting student focus groups and parent and community meetings, planning for the playground and buying supplies and materials.
We’ve also met with Gwen Fuller, Mr. Day’s daughter, and his longtime friend Jim Henson to discuss the character traits that we’d like students to exemplify based on the school’s namesake and his contributions to Alexandria. They have also shared stories from Mr. Day’s life that can be incorporated into the spirit and design of the school. And, we’ve been hiring the critical staff needed to open the school and are currently staffed at 90 percent.
In the coming months, in addition to working on the building – including the interior design and playground development – we’ll also be refining the aspects of the school that will bring it to life, such as the mission, vision, culture and environment. And, we’ll hire remaining staff, hold more parent and community meetings and much more as we work hard toward opening this fall.
After School Options and Transportation This Fall
For the 2018-19 school year, Ferdinand T. Day students will have the option of attending Campanga Kids or Alexandria Department of Parks and Recreation after school programs at John Adams or William Ramsay elementary schools. Letters regarding transportation will be sent out soon.
Parent and Community Meetings
If you’d like to stay current on happenings with the new school, please join us at an upcoming parent and community meeting where we will share information, gather input and answer questions.
All meetings will be held at the Morgan Center Pavilion/Mark Center Community Center at 5708 Merton Court.
- Monday, May 21, 6-8 p.m.
- Tuesday, May 22, 8-10 a.m.
- Thursday, June 14, 6-8 p.m.
- Friday, June 15, 8-10 a.m.
- Thursday, Aug. 9, 6-8 p.m.
Bottle Cap Collection for School Mosaic Art
If you’d like to contribute to the new school in a fun an easy way, you can contribute to our bottle cap collection drive. We’re collecting caps from milk and juice containers and water bottles to be used in a community art project to create a mosaic for the new school. Caps can be dropped off at John Adams, James K. Polk and William Ramsay elementary schools or sent to these schools with students.
Connect with Us Online
As we continue to make progress in bringing Ferdinand T. Day to life, here is how you can stay informed:
- Visit the school website
- Sign up for the school newsletter
- Like the school on Facebook
- Follow the school on Twitter at @FerdinandTDayES
- Follow Principal Rachael Dischner on Twitter at @FDayPrincipal