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Dear St. Andrew's Family,

The saying that time seems to go by faster the older you get is certainly true for me.  Where did the summer go?  Even though it has been so short, every summer as always has highlights usually having something to do with fishing and my grandsons.  This summer we had our first experience with fly fishing in the San Miguel River in Telluride.  Standing in waders in the freezing cold water looking up at the beautiful mountains was a picture I will never forget.  No fish, but memories that will last a lifetime.

There were two other highlights of my summer.  One was getting the news that our St. Andrew’s Certamen team won the National Championship at the National Latin convention. Our team represented the State of Texas and defeated teams from Wisconsin and Florida in the finals.

The other outstanding memory was of a totally different nature, but none the less representative of our life at St. Andrew’s. In late June one of our graduates, Grant Wilson, was in a jet ski accident on the lake and was air flighted to Brackenridge Hospital.  He arrived there unconscious and remained so for a week.  Friends and family members gathered at the Upper School Chapel during this time for a service of healing and Holy Communion. The chapel was full and we sang all of Grant’s favorite hymns. Someone said this was St. Andrew’s at its best.  It indeed was and I know God was with us there in a very special way. Days later while I was in Colorado, I received word that Grant had opened his eyes and spoken to his family. He is now in rehab in Dallas and on his way to a full recovery. Thanks be to God.

The 2010-2011 year will be a busy one as usual at St. Andrew’s. The faculty, staff, board and many parents will be involved in a self study leading up to our accreditation visit by the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest (ISAS) and the Southwestern Association of Episcopal Schools (SAES) in February 2012. Our theme for the year will be 'What it Means to be an Episcopal School.'  We will focus on three aspects of being an Episcopal School—Diversity (Inclusivity), Reason and Faith.

Please mark your calendar for some important events early in the school year.  Our first community worship and picnic will be Sunday, August 22 at 5:30 p.m. at the Upper School Chapel.  A hot dog supper will follow the service.  Invite your mentor families and join us as we begin the year together asking God's blessing on us and on our school.  Our first Speaker Series will be Ashley Merryman who coauthored Nurture Shock with Po Bronson. This is a wonderful opportunity for us on October 26 at 7:00 p.m. on the 31st street campus.

I look forward to seeing you at all of these events and many many more.

Faithfully,
Lucy

Reminders:
Back to School Nights
US—Wednesday, September 15 at 7:00
MS—Tuesday, September 14 at 7:00
LS—Thursday, September 16 at 7:00