The Knightly News: July 24, 2025

Contents

Featured Items

Supplies, Uniforms,
 Lunch, After-School, 
& More 

NEW!  
Download the
CCS App

First Week    
of School Events   
August 4 – 8

Let Us Pray for Teachers, Administrators, & Staff  

Dear God, we pray for our teachers, school administrators, and staff as they prepare for the new school year. Thank you for the men and women who have dedicated their careers to teaching and leading. May they all have energy, creativity, and compassion. Protect their mental and physical health as they work hard to create safe places of learning. We pray that the classrooms and school buildings can be a place where love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control flourish. Amen.

– ReFrame Ministries, Emily Vanden Heuvel (adapted)

School-Wide Information

We are getting ready to kick off the 2025-26 school year! 

Welcoming New Staff and Faculty – Click here to meet the new members of our team.

Communication

Communication is the key to a strong partnership at Cary Christian School. Behind each technology used for efficiency, there is always administration, faculty, and staff who are available and eager to communicate with you.   

CCS App – This is the gateway to all CCS Communication. Search for “Cary Christian School” in the App Store on your phone, then download. 

  • Portal – K-12 Parents and 6-12 Students can readily access our main hub of information for their household and the whole school. 
    • Click here to access your portal. Each parent has a login. Students (Grades 6-12) will use their CCS email to login.
    • Parents – Reset Password – All parents will be prompted to reset their passwords at login. Too many students were using parent login/passwords last year.

PORTAL DASHBOARD

Announcements: These are school-wide or custom to your household. Currently, we are featuring Back to School information, including the supply lists and uniform links:

Communications

    • Calendar:  
      • Subscribe to the live school calendars. Click on the Calendar icon then “Subscribe” to choose the calendars of interest and how to connect them to your own calendar.
      • NOTE: Sports practice schedules can only be accessed through each team’s group in ParentSquare.
      • Academic Year (downloadable PDF)
      • Quarter 1 Events (downloadable PDF)
    • The Knightly News – This is an e-newsletter that provides a 2-week bulletin of upcoming events and information throughout the school year. New for this year is a fresh design!
    • ParentSquare/StudentSquare – K-12 Parents and 6-12 Students have access to our in-house communication tool for school-wide news, grade-level information, athletics (games and practices), clubs, and community groups such as the Buy/Sell/Trade. To learn more about this, or get logged in for the first time, click here then on the ParentSquare icon. Lower School Room Parents and Upper School Grade-Level Parents use this for classroom and grade-level communications.

Department Pages:  These represent each major area of the school: Lower School, Logic School, Rhetoric School, Athletics, Fine Arts, College Counseling, Capital Campaign

Quick Links:

    • Submit Student Attendance – Absences, delayed arrival, etc.
    • Order Lunch – Order and pay online through YayLunch.com, our new lunch vendor. Click here for more information.
    • View/Pay Invoices
    • Update Household Information
    • Health Portal – Click here for information about getting started with Magnus Health.
    • After-School Care – New this year: Students must be registered before they attend After-School Care. All K-5 students who are not involved in an after-school activity must register through the portal for After-School Care if they are not picked up or in an official after-school activity by 3:00 p.m. Click here for information about this program.
    • Directories – Employees and enrolled families
    • School Policies and Information – Policies, handbook, tuition schedule, Getting Started on ParentSquare 

FAQs:

    • Starting/Dismissal Times
    • Logic/Rhetoric Bell Schedule
    • Uniform Guidelines
    • Lunch
    • Absence Guidelines 
    • Approved Tutor List (to be published)
    • Spirit Store – The online Spirit Store has new items available for purchase. The on-campus Spirit Store is open on Wednesdays, 1:30-2:45 p.m. in the Main Lobby, and will have new t-shirts and classroom-approved clothing for youth and adults. If you are interested in volunteering at our weekly on-campus Spirit Store, signup through ParentSquare (in the tab for SignUps and RSVPs).
    • Admissions
    • Help – Where to find assistance

Top Menu Bar:

    • My Children – Class schedules, assignments, and more 
    • Corporation – Board meeting minutes, Firm Foundation classes for parents, and more
    • This Side of the Oak Tree (Headmaster’s newsletter)
    • Donate – Support the school financially.

Uniform Updates

Uniform Updates – New for 2025-2026 School Year:

Only Flynn O’Hara or approved online Spirit Store clothing may be worn during the school day.

  • Hoodies are no longer approved in the K-12 classrooms as an approved daily uniform layering option.
  • Layering color options are navy, hunter green, and white (K-12). No gray.
  • Belt colors are brown or navy (K-12).
  • Dress Uniform:
    • Girls Socks/Tights (K-5) – white knee socks or no-show socks; only white tights; no leggings
    • Girls Socks/Tights (6-12) – no-show socks, navy tights, nude or navy pantyhose; no leggings
    • Boys Socks – tan/khaki
  • Spirit Wear – The online Spirit Store has new items available for purchase. Look for the “Classroom Approved” label for school day attire.
  • Reminders:
    • As the first day of school begins soon, make sure your children have properly fitting uniform attire (not too short, too tight, or too baggy).
    • No smart watches (K-8); 9-12 has same expectations as phone usage
    • Dress Uniform Days require dress shoes; no tennis shoes
    • Any “Senior/Class of…..” gear does not transfer to siblings.
    • As always, refer to the Parent-Student Handbook (starting on page 35) for uniform guidelines and purchasing information. 

Health & Safety

Medicine Disbursement Policy* – CCS follows NC laws with the disbursement of both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications. Furthermore, these policies differ between Lower School and Upper School. Review these policies:

  • Lower School students (Grades K-5) are NOT permitted to have over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medications on them at school unless medically necessary and with approved documentation. This includes cough drops. If a Lower School student requires medication (OTC or prescribed) during school hours, it must be brought to the Health Office in its original packaging with instructions for administration.
  • Upper School students (Grades 6-12) may carry a single daily dose of an over-the-counter medication (OTC) if the medication is properly labeled and in its original container.
    • They may NOT self-carry any prescription medications without completion of the proper forms and approved documentation from the Health Office. These forms are available through the Magnus Health Portal. They must be completed and signed by a parent, then reviewed by a CCS Health Office staff member prior to a medication being sent to school. 

* No loose medications are permitted regardless of type per the CCS Health & Safety policy.

*If unidentified or unauthorized medications are found, they will be collected and discarded.

*It is also against school policy for a student to distribute medications to a classmate or other student.

*Refer to Medication Disbursement Policy in Parent-Student Handbook.

For further questions contact Amber Boger, Medical Wellness Director.

Medication Drop-Off – Parents or Guardians may drop off all medications required for administration at school (including EpiPens, inhalers, etc.) with Mrs. Blondin, at the front desk downstairs, or to Mrs. Boger or Mrs. Edwards in the Health Office from August 5-6, or any day soon thereafter.

Note: No prescription medications will be administered without proper labeling, instruction, and parental consent.

Important Dates

Monday, August 4 – New Family Picnic – New families, bring a picnic dinner to enjoy on the third-fifth grade playground. We are looking forward to welcoming you into the CCS family. Drinks will be provided. 

  • When: 5:30–6:00 p.m. 
  • Where: 3-5 Playground 

Monday, August 4 – Family Ice Cream Social – All families are invited to a time of fellowship to kick-off the school year! We will have lawn games and ice cream. We can’t wait to see you! 

  • When: 6:00–7:30 p.m. 
  • Where: 3-5 Playground 

Tuesday, August 12 – Monthly Board Meeting

  • When: 5:30 p.m. 
  • Where: Theater 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

2025-26 Sponsorship Opportunities – Interested in advertising your business to the CCS community while benefiting the school’s budget for community development? Click here to learn about these opportunities.

SAVE THE DATE! – Friday, September 26 – Homecoming Festivities – You won’t want to miss this year’s annual Homecoming event!  Get ready to cheer on the Knights, enjoy food trucks, games for younger kids, and the alumni tent. If you would like to volunteer, contact Ellen Wentz. Stay tuned for additional information. 

SAVE THE DATE! – Monday, October 27 – 25th Annual CCS Golf Classic – Each year, friends of CCS lace up their spikes for a fun day on the links to support our amazing school! If you would like to be contacted in August regarding limited sponsorship opportunities, contact Ellen Wentz.

Lower School (K-5)

Important Dates

TODAY! – Thursday, July 24 – Class Assignments Available – Parents, you may log onto your Parent Portal to see who your Lower School child(ren)’s teachers are! On August 1, you may expect a formal welcome letter from them. They are so excited to see you! If you cannot access your Parent Portal, please click here to email our help desk.

Monday, August 4 – Kindergarten Meet & Greet – We are excited to invite our Kindergarten families to come and enjoy meeting their teachers and classmates. Parents will walk to the classrooms with their kindergartner, drop off their supplies, and then head to the playground for some fun! 

  • When: 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. 
  • Where: Kindergarten Classrooms & K-2 Playground 

Tuesday, August 5 – Meet the Teacher Day for Grades 1-5 – Families can stop by anytime between 8:00–11:00 a.m. to drop off school supplies and meet your children’s teachers. We look forward to greeting you and welcoming you to your new class!

Teachers will have two identical welcome sessions in their classrooms at 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. and will make the information available in a handout on the first day of school.  No uniforms required. 

  • When: 8:00–11:00 a.m. (Session One: 8:30 a.m./Session Two: 9:30 a.m.) 
  • Where: Lower School Classrooms 

Wednesday, August 6 – First Day of School– Welcome new students and welcome back returning students! We are excited for you to be here! Remember to wear your dress uniform. Start times: 

  • Kindergarten – 9:15 a.m. (First day only) 
  • 1st-5th Grade – 8:15 a.m. 

Wednesday, August 6 – Kindergarten Kiss & Cry – Following drop-off, kindergarten parents are invited to join us for coffee, conversation, and to hear from Mrs. Kelly Gardner, Lower School Dean. Give your little one a kiss at their classroom door, shed a few tears, then join us for a sweet time of first-day fellowship. (Tissues provided.) 

  • When: 9:00-10:00 a.m.
  • Where: Gym

Wednesday, August 6 – Kindergarten Proof of Immunizations Due – If you have not submitted your kindergartner’s immunization information (including religious or medical exemptions) before this date, you will have 30 days to become compliant according to NC law.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

K-5 CO-CURRICULARS

Lower School Offerings – We will be offering various Lower School sports and arts clinics during the fall. Look for more information in the Monday folders once school begins. Most programming will begin in late August.

Upper School (6-12)

Important Dates

TODAY! – Thursday, July 24 – Logic School (Grades 6-8) Student Schedules* are posted on the Parent and Student Portals. 

Friday, August 1 – Rhetoric School (Grades 9-12) Student Schedules* will be posted on the Parent and Student Portals.

* Additional details:

  • If you notice an error, email our Dean of Academics, Mr. Kevin Seitz (kseitz@carychristianschool.org) and our Registrar, Mrs. Jessica Stewart (jstewart@carychristianschool.org). 
  • Elective change requests will be accepted, starting on Monday, August 4 until Tuesday, August 12. To make elective changes, you can talk with Mrs. Stewart at Meet the Teacher Day (Commons Area) or submit the form with a parent’s signature. Forms can be found on the portal or picked up at the Upper School front desk.

Monday, August 4 – Meet the Teacher Day – Grade 6 Parents and Students –Families can stop by anytime between 9:00–10:30 a.m. to drop off school supplies, set up your lockers, and meet your children’s teachers. We look forward to greeting you and welcoming you to your new class! No uniforms required. 

  • When: 9:00–10:30 a.m. 
  • Where: Sixth Grade Classrooms 
  • Note: Arrive with a printed copy of your student’s schedule. 

Tuesday, August 5 – Meet the Teacher Day for Grades 7-12 – Families can stop by anytime between 8:00–11:00 a.m. to drop off school supplies, set up your lockers, and meet your children’s teachers. We look forward to greeting you and welcoming you to your new class! No uniforms required. 

  • When: 8:00–11:00 a.m.
  • Where: CCS Campus  
  • Note: Arrive with a printed copy of your student’s schedule. 

Tuesday, August 5 – Senior Dinner and Parking Space Decorating – We are excited for this tradition of reconnecting and kicking off the senior year! Seniors who plan to drive this upcoming year are assigned a parking space. Students can get creative and have fun by decorating their parking space or the parking lot area with sidewalk chalk (provided by CCS). Bring your own chairs.  

  • When: 6:00–7:30 p.m. 
  • Where: K-2 Playground & Student Parking Lot  

Wednesday, August 6 – Senior Breakfast – Seniors arrive early, park in their newly decorated parking spaces, and gather for grab-and-go breakfast food and photo fun. 

  • When: 7:00–7:45 a.m. (Class photo will be taken at 7:30 a.m.) 
  • Where: East Portico (near the 3-5 Playground)

Wednesday, August 6 – First Day of School – Welcome new students and welcome back returning students! We are excited for you to be here! Remember to wear your dress uniform.

  • When: 8:00 a.m. (6th-12th Grade) 

Wednesday, August 6 – All 7th and 12th Grade Students Proof of Immunizations Are Due. If you have not submitted your child’s immunization information (including religious or medical exemptions) before this date, you will have 30 days to become compliant according to NC law.

Wednesday, August 13 – Friday, August 15 – Rhetoric School Retreat at Camp Sea Gull – Information will be emailed the first week of school directly to those who registered. As a reminder, all consent forms for the retreat must be signed in Magnus by Friday, August 8.

Friday, August 22 – Eighth Grade Retreat at Camp Royall – Information will be emailed the second week of school directly to those who registered. As a reminder, all consent forms for the retreat must be signed in Magnus by Friday, August 8.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Student Engagement (Click here.) – Learn about the Upper School Student Leadership Program and our 2025-2026 student leaders. 

Senior Parent Letter – We are excited for a great year with the Class of 2026! Please check your inbox today for a letter sent specifically to senior parents.

Student Parking – In order for a student to park on campus, a signed form from both parent and student must be on file.

  • Seniors & Juniors: The process is two steps: parents will complete this form on their Parent Portal  and then students will sign a hard copy form to receive their permit. 

If you are interested in a parking permit for this school year, you must have a current driver’s license or anticipate getting one before the end of the school year. Parent forms must be completed by Friday, August 1, to guarantee your parking space; student forms can be turned in starting on Tuesday, August 5 at Meet the Teacher Day.

  • Sophomores: No sophomores are permitted to park on campus until further notice. We will assess parking during August and then determine in September if spaces are available for sophomores. You will be contacted at that time if space is available. 

Off-Campus Lunch – Only juniors and seniors have the privilege of leaving campus for lunch with parent permission. If your student is allowed to go off campus for lunch, fill out this form. 

Classical Learning Test (CLT) – Results are in.

  • For the CLT 6/7/8 (current 7th, 8th, and 9th grade students): If you are interested in seeing the results, contact Kevin Seitz and he will email you the results.  
  • For the CLT 9/10 (current 10th and 11th grade students) administered in April, log into Classic Learning Test (CLT) – Alternative College Entrance Exam – Online (cltexam.com). Use your child’s school email address as the username. If your child does not know his/her password or forgot the password, reset the password. The reset will be sent through an email to your child’s school email address. Once the username and password are set, you will be directed to the results. 
  • For the CLT 3/4/5 (current 4th, 5th, and 6th grade): If you are interested in having the results from this test that was administered in May, email Kelly Gardner and she will email the results to you. 

College Counseling

Important Dates

Monday, August 11 – Senior Parent Meeting – Ms. Laura Smith, Director of College Counseling, will cover pertinent information for parents of seniors as they navigate the college admissions process. Ms. Smith will meet with the Seniors during Rhetoric class on Friday, August 8, and Tuesday, August 12.  

  • When: 7:00–8:15 p.m. 
  • Where: Theater 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Parent and Student Portals – We are continuing to provide important information on our Department Page on the Veracross Portals. We have designed the College Counseling pages to give you pertinent information regarding college counseling activities throughout the year. We will update them regularly and encourage you to bookmark these useful resources.

Rhetoric Students, the College Counseling Department looks forward to working with you this year!

Co-Curriculars

ARTS

UPPER SCHOOL ATHLETICS

Athletics Department Page – Included on this page in Veracross are our Sports Information Guide, medical forms, athletic reminders, upcoming events, and a link to the Spirit Store. You will also find links to our calendars and to the livestream service for home games in the gym and the field.

Fall Sports Information – Click here for the full Sports Information Guide.

  • Physicals Required – Students are required to have a preparticipation physical before starting practice on July 28 if playing a fall sport. CCS does not offer on-campus physicals.
    • Make sure you select ATHLETE in Magnus for your student.
    • Upload this form into the Veracross/Magnus system.
  • Preseason Practices Began in May – Teams have practiced through the summer. If you are new and have not been a part of these practices, email Jeff Poore for information for how to begin working with a team.
  • Monday, July 28 – Daily Practices Officially Begin for Logic School and Rhetoric School
    • Logic School Practices: 2:40 p.m. 
    • Rhetoric School Practices: 4:00 p.m. or 4:15 p.m. (Check with the coach. Some Gold practices end at 4:00 p.m. and some at 4:15 p.m.)
  • Friday, August 8 – Final Rosters Communicated via ParentSquare or Individual Email – Decisions will be made no later than August 8. Roster decisions are based on skill assessments in May and practice attendance over the summer. Cuts are possible if a student is not ready to compete at the appropriate level and/or if the number of students is too large for our roster to manage. This varies by sport.
  • Weather Monitoring – We will monitor the weather daily to determine if we need to adjust practices. Communication will be through ParentSquare/StudentSquare.
    • We may look at doing later practices for teams during the hottest time of the year.
    • We may cancel or truncate practices due to storms.
  • Uniforms – Athletes will be given uniforms the week of August 11
  • Wednesday, August 20 – Athletic Picture Day – Parents may purchase individual and team pictures. A link will be sent to you in ParentSquare for you to make purchases. Senior banner pictures will also be taken this day.
  • Sports Fees – The sports fee auto draft will be on or about September 1 for fall sports. There is a $300 athletic fee for each sport. Some sports may have higher fees in addition due to specific approved team camps or social budgets (meals).
  • Team Gear – Teams will have the opportunity to purchase team gear. This information will be communicated in ParentSquare/StudentSquare. Sport specific t-shirts and sweatshirts, as well as embroidered items, are always available on the Spirit Store online site.
  • Sports schedules are available for download to your phone or computer with this link. Please do not print this schedule as dates and times may change due to weather or other school requests.

Communication Channels

Knightly News
Editions
ParentSquare /
StudentSquare
CCS
Portal