CDA Summer Buzz

Dear CDA Families,

I hope you and your family are enjoying a wonderful summer break filled with relaxation, joy, and opportunities to create lasting memories with your scholar. While this time is designed for rest and rejuvenation, we also want to keep you informed as we prepare for an exciting and successful 2026–2027 school year.

The purpose of this communication is to share important reminders, updates, and back-to-school preparations to help ensure a smooth transition for all CDA scholars and families. You will recieve information regarding enrollment, school uniforms, school supplies, orientation, important dates, upcoming events, and other preparations for the new school year.

As we look ahead, we are excited to embrace this year’s school mantra:

“One School. One Mission. Unlimited Potential.”

Together, we will continue building a strong school community where every scholar is supported, challenged, and empowered to reach their fullest potential.

Enjoy the remainder of your summer, stay safe, and we look forward to welcoming our CDA scholars back for another amazing year!

Yours in edcuation,

Dr. Johnson

Executive School Director

Elementary School (K4–5th Grade)

1. School hours are 7:30 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. Please ensure your child arrives on time each day. After 8:00 a.m. scholars MUST be signed in by an adult.

2. Students must be in full uniform daily.

3. The car line begins on Hagood Street, proceeds down Line Street, and ends on President Street. Please do not make U-turns in the street for safety reasons.

4. Parents should remain in their vehicles unless they have a scheduled meeting at the school. Students’ numbers will not be called if the driver approaches the door.

5. Early dismissals end at 2:30 p.m. Students will not be released after this time.

Middle School (6th–8th Grade)

1. School hours are 7:30 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. Please arrive on time. After 8:00 a.m. scholars MUST be signed in by an adult.

2. Students must be in full uniform daily. Non-uniform sweaters or jackets are not permitted.

3. The car line begins on Cannon Street, proceeds down St. Philip Street, and ends on Morris Street. Please do not make U-turns in the street.

4. Parents should remain in their vehicles unless they have a scheduled meeting at the school. Students’ numbers will not be called if the driver approaches the door.

5. Early dismissals end at 2:45 p.m. Students will not be released after this time.

Uniform Policy & Dress Code Reminders

Scholars are required to be in full school uniform every day. To maintain a focused learning environment, please note the following policy constraints regarding outerwear:

• Not Allowed: Hoodies, outside sweaters, and jackets featuring writing, graphics, or large logos are strictly prohibited inside the building.

• Approved Outerwear: Only solid, school-approved sweaters or lightweight jackets without writing may be worn over the uniform polo.

For a complete breakdown of acceptable uniform colors, pieces, and footwear guidelines, please refer to the CDA Student Handbook. Thank you for your partnership in keeping our campus looking sharp and professional!

We are thrilled to welcome all new scholars entering grades 6–8 to Charleston Development Academy! Orientation is a vital step in helping your scholar transition smoothly, build confidence, and get ready for an amazing year.

📅 Event Details

• Date: Friday, August 7, 2026

• Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM (Doors open for check-in at 9:45 AM)

• Location: Starts and ends in the Multipurpose Room (CDA Middle)

• Who Should Attend: All incoming middle school scholars (Grades 6–8) who are brand new to CDA for the 2026–2027 school year.

⚠️ Important Note: This is a structured, start-to-finish program, not a drop-in event. Scholars must arrive on time and stay for the entire hour to receive all necessary information and schedules.

🎒 What to Expect

For Scholars: Our new Eagles will participate in a guided program designed to help them get familiar with the campus, learn school routines and expectations, and receive their class schedules.

For Parents & Guardians: While scholars are in their breakout sessions, parents and guardians will remain in the Multipurpose Room.

• Meet the Team: This is a great opportunity to meet our administrative team, front office staff, and the school nurse.

• Teacher Introductions: While brief teacher introductions will happen at the very beginning of the event, parents will not be visiting classrooms or meeting with teachers individually during this hour.

• Note: CDA will host a full "Meet the Teacher Night" later in August for detailed teacher-parent interactions.

🚗 Parking & Logistics

• Parking is available on school property.

• Please enter through the main doors and you will be directed to the Multipurpose Room

If you have any questions before the event, please do not hesitate to reach out to the front office. We can’t wait to officially welcome your family to the CDA family!

On the first day of school, scholars should arrive fully in uniform and bring only the following immediate essentials:

• Backpack

• Water bottle

• Notebook paper

• Writing utensils (pencils/pens)

Note: To make the first morning easier, the remaining items on the grade-level supply lists below do not need to be brought on day one. You may send those in anytime during the first week of school.

Cell phones are NOT permitted to be used at any time during the school day. While we understand that students may need a phone to communicate with parents after dismissal, we require strict adherence to the following security procedure:

• Power Off: All cell phones brought to campus must be turned completely off upon arrival.

• Secure Storage: Phones must be turned in immediately to the front office, where they will be safely stored in the school's secure lockbox for the duration of the day.

For details on policy violations and device confiscation procedures, please refer to the CDA Student Handbook. Thank you for helping us maintain a distraction-free environment focused on learning!

• You are now part of our Calling Post. In the event of an emergency or schedule change, you will receive a call from an Oklahoma number—please answer.

• Stay connected by subscribing to our Facebook page and School Website for the latest news and events.

• Please review the student handbook with your scholar to ensure understanding of expectations and policies.

Please review the attached Technology Acceptable Use Policy , Chromebook Policy Handbook, and Technology Fee information for the Chromebook. A copy of these forms will also be sent home with your student. Please note that a Chromebook will not be assigned to any student until the Chromebook Policy Handbook Sign-Off Form has been signed and returned by both the parent/guardian and the scholar.

Parents of students in K5–8th grade may use the following link to pay the Technology Fee:
Pay Technology Fee via Givelify

Thank you for your cooperation and support.

(Middle School) Kids on Point Program

Looking for an exciting after-school opportunity for your scholar? Kids on Point offers FREE homework assistance and squash instruction for middle school students!

Scholars can participate in after-school academic support and learn the sport of squash Monday through Thursday at the College of Charleston.

For more information or to enroll your scholar, please contact Dylan Woodward at dylan@kidsonpoint.org

(Elementary School) Wings for Kids Afterschool Program

Wings for Kids is a specialized afterschool program based in Charleston, South Carolina, dedicated to helping students develop important social and emotional learning (SEL) skills that support success in school and life.

The WINGS Afterschool Program serves students in Kindergarten through 5th grade and operates daily from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM at select Title I elementary schools. The program is provided at no cost to families; however, students are expected to attend on a full-time, daily basis.

For more information about the Wings for Kids Afterschool Program, please contact:

Warlon Mack
📧 warlon@wingsforkids.org