We are all looking forward to our annual Field Day event on Friday, May 6. A letter with information for parents was sent home on April 25. We hope that you are planning to attend! Here are some other items to keep in mind during the busy month of May:

• Along with enjoying the excitement of spring events, we also call on all our Cardinals to consolidate the learning of the year and prepare for success on end of year testing and at the next grade level. May testing dates can be found in the May calendar on the back of this letter. For a complete testing schedule, visit the Shady Grove website or the PTA website. Once again this year, each grade level will have a unique testing schedule dictated by online testing at Grades 3, 4, and 5.  

• On Saturday, May 21 at 9 AM, we will hold a special "adults only" Kindergarten Orientation for the parents of newly registered kindergarten children. Mrs. Moore, our school counselor, will offer many useful suggestions concerning ways to prepare your child for a successful start to the school year.  

• Each year we look forward to the end of the year recognition awards for the children. Parents of children new to Shady Grove and parents who have fifth graders for the first time are encouraged to review the awards criteria that are described on pp. 25-26 of the Shady Grove Parent/Student Handbook.  

• Our fabulous Shady Grove PTA has planned a school picnic for Thursday, May 19. This year the picnic will also feature a Silent Auction to benefit the PTA's Shady Grove technology fund. We thank you in advance for your interest and participation! Your support has already resulted in the purchase of a Promethean Smart Board for the library. As a result of your efforts, all the children now have access to this wonderful technology in their lessons. 

• Our cafeteria manager, Mrs. Miller, has asked me to remind you to send her a note if you wish to make exceptions to the restrictions that you have set on your child's lunch account. Our cafeteria staff always seeks to ensure that they are conforming to your wishes regarding the children's eating habits. Thank you!

Enthusiasm is high at this busy time of year as we all focus on bringing the school year to a successful conclusion. Thanks you for your support in helping your child focus on making the last quarter of the year a "high water mark" for both fun and learning. Have a "Marvelous May!"