News for Collegiate School Families and Friends
Holiday 2012
Coming Up: Construction Dust and Detours That Will Yield Spectacular Results
T
ake a moment and imagine a transformed Middle and Upper School side of campus—a new Academic Commons with café, Upper School library and creative, flexible study areas for collaboration and quiet time; a new Hershey Center arts wing with bright studio space; refurbished Middle and Upper School classrooms (and building swap) and a library dedicated just to Middle Schoolers … plus a landscaped walkway that will link it all together. This vision will be the outcome of our current construction on the north side of campus, and it will all be complete by next August. As we move forward in the coming weeks, things will change—mostly walkways around buildings and relocations of building contents. Here, we give you a heads up about what will be happening and a reminder to keep your eyes on the outcome: a spectacular new constellation of academic buildings that will facilitate lively teaching and learning.
1
To improve cooling capability in buildings on the north side of campus, renovation on the chiller plant will begin after Thanksgiving. The steps and walkway that lead from the loop road/drop-off area, beside the Student Activities Center (SAC) and to the main walkway will be closed through April 2013. Students will be directed to access campus via the walkway between the two science buildings and through those buildings.
Construction Map
2
3
To renovate the Reed-Gumenick Library and convert it into a space designed for Middle School students, the library’s collections, offices, teaching and meeting spaces will relocate in December to two modular units on the lawn between the North Science Building and the Loop Road drop-off area.
With the library building closed and limited space in the modular units, seniors who spend time in the library during free periods will be offered a variety of places to gather.
4
Walking traffic along the main walkway that stretches from SAC north to the Academic Commons worksite will be redirected to sidewalks around the library (renovations will be taking place only inside) and covered canopies. See map (above) for details. These passages will be fenced, with gates for construction traffic, and will be manned by campus security staff.
While the next phase that begins in June will not affect students because they will be on summer break, they will continued on page 11
From the Head of School
I
n a recent chat at the Robins Campus with a young alum, I was reminded how Collegiate understands its history in broad, sweeping themes, but our students experience that same history in vivid, microscopic detail. In this case, we were admiring our expanse of healthy green Bermuda grass when the alum recalled, “I used to pick up rocks on those fields.” Indeed, there was a time shortly after the purchase of what became the Robins Campus that “rock duty” was a standard pre-practice activity. Parents got in on the action from time to time too, and there are even a few rock-pickers who remember a full bucket as the penalty for a variety of misdemeanors. For most, a nose full of dust and a vague sense of futility were often the only rewards for the effort. I suppose healthy ankles at the end of practice should count for something as well. The fields in Goochland were developed in the midst of an emergency. At the time, we practiced on several off-campus sites, but because of an unusual set of coincidences, we lost access to all of them at once. So, despite the construction of a new Lower School in full swing and Middle and Upper School science buildings
Campus Conversation
coming out of the ground, we laid out the fields as efficiently as possible and then figuratively searched between the couch cushions for money to pay for it all. It did not help that we had no reliable irrigation and had to establish grass in a summer drought. We definitely had some rocks and some holes and some bumps. But we also had a vision for what this new property could be and how it could unlock large pieces of real estate on Mooreland Road. We also had coaches, athletes and parents determined to make the best of it and pitch in (literally, when it came to rock buckets) to make it work. The generations of rock-pickers were thankfully few as truckloads of sod soon rolled in. Most alums of this brief era remember it with a smile and an appreciation for what followed. No one claims to have enjoyed filling the buckets, but all take pride in knowing that they were a part of their alma mater’s growing pains. Our emerging Academic Commons, new art studios and the other changes described in this Paw Print’s cover story are a far cry from rock-picking in Goochland. But they are all part of a single story of Collegiate’s past and
future. The anticipated—and dramatic— revitalization of the Middle and Upper School campus is made possible by all that we now know as the Robins Campus. Parking lots, courts and fields have swapped places between our two homes in a multi-year chess match that has brought us to this first culminating moment. When we open school for the 2013-14 year, we will inhabit exciting new spaces that will transform how we teach and learn. Between now and then, some new version of rock-picking may emerge. In the second semester, we will be building in the core of our campus as we continue to go about our regular routines, much as we did with the Lower School and science building projects over a decade ago. While it may not always be pretty, any disruption will be short-lived and ultimately in support of the transformation first imagined nearly a decade ago. And someday, our students will come back as alums with a story to tell.
Follow Us! You can find us online in these places.... Website: www.collegiate-va.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/ collegiateschool Twitter: @collegiaterva for general info, @cougarsrva for sports scores Coming soon ... Collegiate Pinterest boards!
Walter George Receives Veteran Commendation
Lower School Chinese teacher Xin-Yi Fergusson (right) welcomed Changzhou guests to her Chinese language class.
Partner School Visits Our Campus
Keith Evans Head of School
Sneak Peek! Are you curious about the construction behind the Oates Theater and Hershey Center? Come take a hard hat tour of our two new projects under way—the Academic Commons and the Arts Wing, both due to be completed next year. Find out where the café and fireplace will be as well as the archives, octagonal study space, woodworking shop and ceramics studio. No reservation necessary.
February Tuesday, Feb. 12 at 8:15 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 14 at 2:30 p.m.
Note: Please utilize the Visitor Parking in front of the Cougar Shop. We will meet in front of Jacobs Gym. The Hard Hat Tours are designed to be 30 minutes from start to finish.
3
Cum Laude Seniors Recognized
December Tuesday, Dec. 4 at 9:00 a.m. – After Bagels with Ben (Upper School) Wednesday, Dec. 5 at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13 at 8:15 a.m. January Tuesday, Jan. 22 at 9:00 a.m. – Late Arrival morning 2 | Paw Print
|
On Nov. 7-8 Collegiate hosted a delegation of visiting faculty members from our partner school Changzhou Senior High School in Changzhou, China. Teachers in the disciplines of English language, Chinese literature, mathematics, and technology observed classes including English 9 and AP Calculus BC, and engaged in discussions about the use of technology at both schools. They visited with Chinese language students and Director of International Education, Clare Sisisky, continuing to strengthen our Newsletter school partnership.
The Upper School construction site, facing south with the Hershey Center Arts Wing on the right and Academic Commons on the left
Collegiate recognizes seniors for academic excellence at Cum Laude Society induction ceremonies twice a year. The fall inductees were recently announced. The Cum Laude mission statement is as follows: The Cum Laude Society recognizes academic achievement in secondary schools for the purpose of promoting excellence (Areté), justice (Diké) and honor (Timé). Congratulations to the following students—a special assembly with guest
speaker will be held in the spring. Congrats to Rachel Barbieri, Nicole Christian, Sarah Clark, Kayla Cross, Caroline Meyer, Hannah Myers, Olivia Negus, Kyle Pate, Michael Perel, Hans Prakash, Sarah Richardson, Jacob Salomon, Jeremy Sims and Sarah Towler.
Season’s Greetings from the Cougar Shop! Check your list and visit the Cougar Shop for all of your holiday shopping! We are excited to introduce Patagonia men’s and women’s outerwear, Vera Bradley lunch bags, all new Tervis tumblers including the Tervis water bottle (right), Silipints and Collegiate sportulas for the grilling aficionados. Need stocking stuffers for your little cougar? We have a variety of toys, art supplies, and treats for under $10. Stop by the Cougar Shop soon or visit us at the Holiday Boutique on Saturday, Dec. 8 from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Walter George, a member of our Physical Plant staff, was honored at the 2012 Congressional Veteran Commendation Presentation Ceremony in Richmond on Nov. 12. Congressman Eric Cantor, a 1981 Collegiate graduate, presented Mr. George with a Veteran Commendation plaque and took time to talk to family members and Collegiate friends who were in attendance. Mr. George was a sergeant in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, serving in the 3rd Infantry Division, 64th Heavy Tank Battalion, 4th Platoon. Awards he received for service include a Good Conduct Medal, Army of Occupation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal and United Nations Service Medal. Congratulations to Mr. George and thanks to Middle School teacher and coach Weldon Bradshaw for contacting Congressman Cantor’s office on his behalf.
Collegiate staff member Walter George (left) talks with Congressman Eric Cantor at the Nov. 12 Congressional Veteran Commendation Presentation Ceremony. Holiday 2012 | 3
The Collegiate Parents’ Association invites you to join us at
Everything you need to make your home festive for the holidays! Order first, and then drop in and create something unique with our in-house designers. Pre-sale pick up and shop on Friday, Dec. 7, 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. inside SAC (Student Activities Center). Shop on Saturday, Dec. 8, 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. in West Gym.
Get ready to get some gifts crossed off your list at this year’s Holiday Boutique! Both West Gym and Estes Multi-Purpose Room will be filled with all kinds of unique and exciting gift ideas for everyone! For a complete list of vendors, please visit www.collegiate-va.org/tistheseason/holidayboutique. Hours of the Holiday Boutique are Saturday, Dec. 8, 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
First Seating: 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Second Seating: 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Third Seating: 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 8 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Lower School Campus ’Tis the Season… to join us for this wonderful holiday tradition at Collegiate! This year, the Parents’ Association invites you to help us kick off the holiday season on Saturday, Dec. 8, from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. on the Lower School campus. There is something for everyone at this year’s ’Tis the Season…! Everything from shopping at the Holiday Boutique, holiday décor at Holiday Greens and the “kid only zone” for shopping at Cub Boutique, where elves will help your child find the perfect presents for family and friends (for grades K-6). The Cub Boutique will be held again in Nunnally Hall, which offers shoppers a great one-way traffic flow—enter through the Library end and exit next to Burke Hall. Throughout the day we are going to be selling coffee and refreshments, as well as Chick-fil-A food around lunchtime, so you can keep up your shopping energy! Don’t forget to make your reservations early for Jingle Mingle. The first seating at 8:30 a.m. features the always popular, Robby Turner. Our second seating at 10:30 a.m. stars the Lower School Cantorian. Then bring the kids back at 1 p.m. for the third seating to let them watch a family holiday movie and enjoy popcorn, under our watchful eyes while you shop ALONE! A lot of excitement has been buzzing around our handmade, handcrafted NEW ITEMS being offered through Holiday Greens this year! Order new items and perennial favorites that are offered in the Holiday packet. Quantities are limited so don’t delay. We have it all—from wreaths and roping, to tabletop, mantel, hearth and front porch décor. Let one of our personal shoppers assist you with your holiday decorating. Whether it’s the addition of containers, ornaments, or bows, we are here to help. Look for more information about this and other ’Tis the Season… activities in your packet or online at www.collegiate-va.org/tistheseason. 4 | Paw Print
The holiday hot spot for family fun! Come join us in Burke Hall where we will be encouraging culinary creativity, listening to beautiful live music and/or watching a fun holiday movie. The first and second seatings feature “Decorate your own waffle” stations for the entire family. While enjoying your waffles, let the musicality of Robby Turner (first seating) or the Lower School Cantorian (second seating) get you into the holiday spirit with their lively and entertaining performances. There will also be a third seating—this one is a movie time for kids only! Drop off your kids in Burke Hall from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. and go shop. We will be serving popcorn and drinks while your children watch a fun holiday movie. Children must be at least 4 years old to participate. Each seating is $5/person. Reservations are due by Tuesday, Dec. 4. Please make reservations through the ’Tis the Season… packet, or online at: www.collegiate-va.org/tistheseason/jinglemingle.
8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. • Nunnally Hall “Kids only” private shopping for grades K-6. Elves will be there to assist your child in picking out the perfect gifts for family, friends and pets. All gifts are $10 or less. Cash as well as student charges are accepted—gift-wrapping is included! Get the sign up form and shopping list at www.collegiate-va.org/tistheseason/ cubboutique.
Holiday Happenings 11/21/12 Brunch
12/7/12
Lessons and Carols
12/7/12
’Tis the Season... Pre-Order Pick Up
What better way to be ready for the most hectic time of the year! Enjoy these delicious Italian classics that feed a family of five. Just reheat and serve these sauces that can be the start to an amazing “home cooked” meal. No one else needs to know ... your secret is safe with us! Pick up orders on Friday, Dec. 7, 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. behind SAC.
Family-owned and located in Waverly, Va., Plantation Peanuts uses a 75-year-old family recipe to provide top quality Virginia peanuts that are sure to please everyone on your gift list. Orders of six or more cans receive free personalized holiday labels! Pick up orders on Friday, Dec. 7, 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. behind SAC.
OUR TASTIEST TRADITION The Stuffed Cougar and The Stuffed Cougar, Too are our Collegiate family’s favorite cookbooks. They are collections of recipes for delicious and festive foods for family meals, parties, and gifts. Many of us were raised on them and know them by heart! The cookbooks make a perfect gift for newto-Collegiate families, alumni brides and grooms, and recent college grads setting up their first kitchens.
12/8/12
’Tis the Season...
12/10/12–12/11/12
Christmas Pageant
12/14/12
3rd Grade Concert of Carols
12/20/12 Kindergarten Chapel
Cookbooks are $14.95 and the proceeds go to the Parents’ Association which helps fund Collegiate programs. To order, visit http://www.collegiate-va.org/cookbook. The cookbooks are also available at The Cougar Shop on campus. Holiday 2012 | 5
Winter Upper School Parent Events 11/29/12
What’s Really Going On? Results from the 2012-13 Upper School Survey
12/4/12
Bagels with Ben
12/7/12
Lessons and Carols
12/8/12
’Tis the Season
12/10/12–12/11/12
Christmas Pageant
1/17/13
Parent Education: Driving Issues with Officer Netherland of Henrico County (for 9th and 10th Grade parents)
1/17/13–1/18/13
Upper School Winter Plays
1/24/13
Upper School Music Recital
1/29/13
Brown Bag with Ben
2/4/13
Upper School Winter Jazz Jam
2/5/13
Freshman Service Week Information Meeting
2/10/13
Honors Piano Recital
2/11/13
Parent Education: You Are the Key Health Educator of Your Children and They Are Listening! (for 10th Grade parents)
2/13/13
Parent Education: What You Need to Know: Preparing Yourself and Your Graduate for College (for 12th Grade parents)
2/21/13
Parent Academy
2/27/13
Bagels with Ben
This info may change. Check the Calendar on our website for most current details on date and time. 6 | Paw Print
From the Upper School
H
ere are two seemingly unrelated facts, both of which make me a little sad. First, two weeks ago I learned that Newsweek magazine— one of my favorite cover to cover reads over the last 25 years—is selling their last print issue on Dec. 31 before going to a 100% digital format. Second, my right elbow has been getting sore. Let’s start with the second. I have changed in the last few months, and now find myself reading in bed at night. OK, that’s not new, but this tidbit is: I have been reading almost exclusively on my phone. Not emails and text messages mind you, but news and information from articles, newspapers and various websites. It’s not as nice as a book or magazine, but as my phone is also my alarm clock, watch, and self-contained bed lamp, it is convenient and good enough. And, as I hold my phone above my head each night scrolling through articles, my elbow is getting sore and Newsweek is disappearing from newsstands precisely because of people like me. So this is where I could make the point lamenting the speed with which our world turns, telling a misty eyed story about never again curling-up on the couch with my Newsweek magazine, and then admonish the bottom line driven culture that makes Newsweek abandon the expense of print for the allure of the digital medium. But that’s not really the point. The point is that I am a little sad Newsweek is going away because it’s a familiar thread and constant in my life. I’m wistful because my weekly Newsweek subscription has been with me longer than most things in my life. I have never lived in one home as long, or one city as long, and excepting my siblings and parents, have not had a sustained relationship lasting as long as the weekly Newsweek delivery to my door. And yes, I like the familiar feel of holding it when I read. On the surface it’s disruptive, but underneath, little has changed. I still read about the world every week—and in fact read more—I just do it differently. I still think carefully about the things I
read—who is writing, what is the source— but now find myself more easily able to access further information on a topic than in the past. And when I abandon the phone and read on the computer, this depth and ease of investigation and reflection only magnifies. As someone who works with your kids in an ever faster-paced world, as someone who wrestles with the nuance and impact of our B.Y.O.D (bring your own device) Upper School technology policy on the classrooms and hallways of Collegiate, and as someone who thinks seriously about when, if and how we should be bringing digital textbooks into our school, I find it helpful at times to step back from all of the noise around technology and innovation and remember that at its root, education has not changed all that much. Delivery systems are different, and the means of delivery may continue to alter quickly, but the fundamental skills of written expression, analytical thinking, creative analysis, clear presentation of ideas, higher level problem solving and character development are timeless. Whether picked out of a book, a laptop, a magazine, a phone, or a set of Google glasses, great education and great learning has never really been exclusively about how the stuff is delivered to the student. It has always been about what the student is taught to do with the stuff before them. Collegiate has thrived at this task for almost a hundred years, producing leaders and thinkers of high intellect and higher character, and I, for one, see no reason why the superficial means of delivery will have any impact on the deep connections and substance that has always defined, and will always define, a Collegiate education. I would, however, like to keep my Newsweek in print.
US Parents, Mark Your Calendars for Parent Academy 2013! The Parents’ Association is pleased to announce that Collegiate’s own Alex Peavey will be speaking about Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Parent Academy this year. Alex, an US counselor, teacher, varsity basketball and lacrosse coach, will base his talk on his personal experiences working with our students as well as his intensive study and research on the effects of stress on our lives. His unique mindful approach to dealing with stress is based on groundbreaking research originating at medical schools
across the country. This research has shown there is a significant correlation between mindful practices and positive physical and mental health outcomes. Please join us Thursday, Feb. 21, from 8:00–11:30 a.m. in SAC 1. Through presentation, interactive practices, and group discussion, Alex will help explain why we tend to react to stress the way we do, what makes our kids reactions to stress so unique, and what the most recent research says. He will also provide practical tips and examples of things we can do to help
alleviate our negative reactions to daily stressors and help us to focus on cultivating a happy, healthy family in the midst of stressful times. Ask your children who have taken his class, they say it is amazing, insightful and life-changing. For more information about Mindfulness, visit http://bit.ly/apeaveymindful. Online registration begins in January. $5 per person. Refreshments will be provided. Questions? Contact Laura Bland (lbland@bbprintnet.com). THIS FILLS UP QUICKLY SO REGISTER EARLY!
Freshmen Sleuths Use Forensics to Solve Case
On the Upper School student retreat day in October, our 9th Grade class learned about forensics and how the science can be used to solve crimes. Coordinated by science teachers Susan Fourness-Ewell and Alice Dixon who set up a simulated crime scene, the experience included lessons about fingerprinting, paper chromatography, microscopy, hair and fiber, blood spatter and osteology in the morgue. Dr. Kevin Whaley (above), from the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office at the Virginia Department of Health, showed students real human bones from crime victims and explained how to tell the race and approximate age using skeletal indicators. Students were able to go into a City of Richmond Crime Scene Lab van and talk with a detective who processes crime scenes, and they also learned how to put out a fire. “It was a busy, educational, and very fun day for all involved,” says Ms. Dixon.
Ben Rein Upper School Head
The Upper School held a pool party in September at our new Collegiate School Aquatics Center. Our teams have started practicing in the Olympic pool and their first home meet will be held Friday, Nov. 30 vs. Norfolk Academy and Seton School. Come out and see the new pool and cheer our teams on!
On Oct. 16, Outreach (our 9th & 10th Grade service organization) sponsored a trip to the Pumpkin Patch at Gallmeyer Farms for the children who are part of CHAT (Church Hill Activities and Tutoring). The afternoon included taking a hayride through fields and a haunted shed, finding their way through hay maze, and of course, finding beautiful pumpkins!
This year’s Upper School Whitfield speaker was two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Gene Weingarten, humor columnist and feature writer for the Washington Post. Here, Mr. Weingarten chats with English teacher Vlastik Svab and senior Emma Brown after conducting a writing workshop with students on Nov. 14. He also spoke at Upper School assembly about the craft of writing and his experiences working as a journalist for the last 30 years. Holiday 2012 | 7
Winter Middle School Parent Events 11/21/12 Brunch
12/7/12
Lessons and Carols
12/8/12
’Tis the Season
12/10/12–12/11/12
Christmas Pageant
12/18/12
5th and 6th Grade Instrumental Concert
1/17/13
6th Grade Parent Discussion Dinner
1/23/13
Dads and Doughnuts
1/30/13
5th and 6th Grade Choral Concert
In the Middle School
E
ighth Grade history teacher Dave Fuller is what I like to call an agitator when it comes to his teaching. I use the term in complimentary fashion meaning that Dave is always agitating about how to modify his classes to make them the best learning experience possible for his students. He especially loves to challenge his students to think as opposed to completing rote tasks so the direction of his search for better pedagogical models invariably focuses on higher order learning. He also wants there to be relevance in what he asks of them, so it came as no surprise when he described to me the new unit on geo–history that he is initiating this year. The idea was spawned by a presentation he attended at a conference of the National Council for the Social Studies last spring and adapted and developed over the summer. His goals for the unit include the use of local historical sites to encourage better knowledge of our community, linking the past to the present through the use of technology, and civic outreach to the community. Implementation began early in the semester when Dave and his students began researching old postcards of Richmond found through digital resources. Seeking what he called “hidden gems” rather than the obvious (i.e. Tredegar Iron Works, the White House of the Confederacy…) the students compiled a list of almost 80 relevant historical sites around town. Each student then chose one of the sites and wrote a persuasive paper on why it was a hidden gem and should be remembered for posterity. In the second phase, Dave placed the students in groups of four where each presented his or her paper and the group
Mobile Site Reminder
then determined which of the four had the most merit and would be the focus of their group work going forward. The next phase, to get underway in the coming weeks, will be for each group to put together a storyboard and script that will ultimately be used to make either an audio or video clip of the site to be shared with the community. The data shared will be vetted by local historians for accuracy and then made available to others, hopefully using QR codes placed at the sites. This last step will be a challenge, but Dave is optimistic that the community will embrace the idea once he and his students make the case. Dave’s students have been challenged by both the complexity of the assignment and the higher order thinking skills required in the analysis of the research, the synthesis of ideas, and the evaluation and promotion of the end product. His innovative twists on a local history project are indicative of the ways that teaching and learning are evolving. And speaking of evolving, Dave is already looking into expanding the search for hidden gems into the surrounding counties for next year’s 8th Graders and across the state for the following class. I would also be willing to bet that things like how the research is conducted, how students make decisions, and how and what technology is used will also evolve. Teachers like Dave don’t sit still for long.
The Middle School held their own Presidential election using the Youth Leadership Initiative Mock Election program developed by Larry Sabato at the University of Virginia Center for Politics. The results they received showed numbers for schools nationwide and in Virginia (Obama won in both categories) and for our 8th Grade voters (Romney won). As part of their history curriculum, 8th Grade teams presented to younger students their stances on issues such as the economy, the environment, education and foreign policy.
Check Out the New Parent Resource Page The new Parent Resource Page is located on the Collegiate website under the Parents tab. You’ll find links to teen driving regulations, stress management ideas, the health and wellness program, the Student Support Team and Faculty Health Team. The Parent Resource Page is eye-opening!
Earn Money for Collegiate When You Shop!
2/22/13–2/23/13
This info may change. Check the Calendar on our website for most current details on date and time.
All you have to do is take a minute to designate Collegiate for your School Rewards either online or on your next visit to the store and you’ll start earning money for our school every time you shop. It’s so easy! Go to this link for the simple steps to register your cards today: www.collegiate-va.org/EarnMoneyForCollegiate.
8 | Paw Print
Election 2012
Charlie Blair Middle School Head
If you have a Target RedCard, Martin’s BonusCard, or Kroger Plus Card, your everyday purchases can earn School Rewards dollars for Collegiate!
8th Grade Play
Don’t forget that you can access Collegiate info on your phone! Just use your phone’s browser and search for our website (http://www.collegiate-va.org) and the mobile site will automatically load. When you bookmark it, you’ll have the option to save it onto your phone’s desktop...then you can quickly click on the Collegiate icon when needed. The mobile site offers you quick access to Calendar, News, Athletics, Media Gallery
Middle School boys try out an “egg” cushion chair, one of many seating options being considered for the new library.
www.collegiate-va.org/parentresources
and, if you sign in using the same user name and password that you use for the website, you can search the Collegiate directory for phone numbers and addresses.
Village Green Fair 2013 Is Coming! Mark your calendars for Friday, April 19th and Saturday, April 20th, 2013 when we will be “Going for Gold at the Village Green.” Join us for games, rides, food, shopping, and FUN!! Co-chairs, Beth Fallon and Maureen Stepanian, along with their VGF committees want your involvement, too!! Want to volunteer? Want to sponsor? Want to donate a product or service? Email Beth, fallonva@aol.com or Maureen, emcstep@yahoo.com and let them know how YOU can help! Cleaning out before the holidays?? Bring your used books, gently loved toys, and gently worn kids’ clothing (sizes 5-16) anytime during school hours to the basement of the business office. These items will be sold at the VGF Cougar Market with 100% of the proceeds going directly to the Parents’ Association!! With your support, VGF 2013 will be a GOLD WINNER!! Holiday 2012 | 9
Winter Lower School Parent Events 11/20/12
1st Grade Pow Wow
11/28/12
Parent Education Program Mindful Living
11/29/12
Parent Education Program Math Game Night
Fall 2011 | 97
12/14/12 3rd Grade Concert of Carols
12/20/12 Kindergarten Chapel
1/30/13
In the Lower School
W
hat do flour, salt, sugar, vegetable oil, hobby motors and LEDs have in common? 4th Graders recently discovered the answer. The students first used what they knew about conversions and measurement to re-write formulas (recipes) for conductive and non-conductive goo (dough). After measuring and mixing their own dough, the students were challenged to make electric circuits that could light up LEDs and run motors. The students also determined whether salt dough or sugar dough is the better conductor. Other 4th Graders spent four weeks this fall learning a programming language called Scratch. Created at MIT, Scratch offers an intuitive “drag and drop” programming environment. While students believe that they created interactive games with characters, scoring, backgrounds and sound, they were actually being introduced to the programming concepts of sequences, conditionals, and iteration. Another class studied architectural features such as pediments, domes, columns and palladian windows seen at
Dust and Detours (cont.)
the State Capitol and then used Legos, marshmallows, toothpicks, tissue paper and tape to recreate those same features. They worked in small groups for three hours doing research before they started construction. Their products were all different. This is just a flavor of new things happening this year in our Lower School classes. By incorporating science, math, engineering, technology and architecture we are finding new ways to “Engineer Your Curiosity.” The chair of the School of Engineering at VCU told us that you need to “hook” an engineer by 6th Grade in order for them to get turned on to engineering and its related disciplines. That is exactly what we are seeing this year in the Lower School, and it is truly exciting! Finally, ask your Lower School child about Sir Isaac Newton’s visit and a hovercraft moving just above the floor in Burke Hall!
reap the benefits when they return in August. Included in this project is a building swap (Middle School will move to Upper School building and vice versa), updates to all of our classrooms, office and common space changes, and other improvements to the appearance and functionality of our interior spaces. These buildings as well as Memorial Hall will be closed until mid-August.
Key Campus Construction Dates:
As part of the Junior Lego League, one of many Lower School afternoon activities, 2nd Grade students created projects around the theme of helping senior citizens with daily tasks. These students built a model of a lift that could help seniors retrieve hard-to-reach items.
Early December ’12
Pedestrian access via SAC’s side steps closes
Mid-December ’12
Reed-Gumenick Library collections move from to modular units
Late January ’13
Temporary passageways are installed on main walkway
April ’13
Art Wing at Hershey Center and chiller plant renovations completed
June ’13
Middle and Upper School switch and building renovations begin
July ’13
Reed-Gumenick Library renovation completed
Early August ’13
Main walkway completed
Mid-August ’13
Academic Commons completed Middle and Upper School renovations completed
August 27, 2013
Classes begin for the 2013-2014 year
Condolences
Jill Hunter Lower School Head
Chat ’n Chew Session
Dr. John Joseph McGovern, Jr., father of Katie Lareau, grandfather of Eva ’23 and Claire Lareau ’25, father of Megan Anderson and grandfather of Rhett Anderson ’25, died July 1, 2012.
2/6/13
David R. Hensley, Jr., father of Beth Gordon and grandfather of Max Gordon ’14, died August 24, 2012.
Chat ’n Chew Session
Cynthia Coleman Schuler, mother of Mary Beth Baber and grandmother of Caroline Baber ’18, died August 30, 2012.
2/8/13 2nd Grade States Fair
Joseph J. DiSalvo, father of Jennifer Cornell and grandfather of Drew ’15, Brad ’18, and Grace Cornell ’21, died Sept. 6, 2012.
2/12/13
Sidney Lewis Bloom, father of Susie Hudgins and grandfather of Houlder Hudgins ’14, Dell ’15, and Porter ’24 died Sept. 13, 2012.
Lower School Piano Recital
Dennis Gallagher, father of Kelly Armstrong and grandfather of Charles ’19, Grant ’22, and Anna Armstrong ’23, died Sept. 23, 2012
2/13/13
Robbie Loretta Thompson, mother of Gena Burr and grandmother of Gerald Burr ’25, died Sept. 23, 2012.
Chat ’n Chew Session
2/26/13
Parent Education Program The Birds and the Bees This info may change. Check the Calendar on our website for most current details on date and time. 10 | Paw Print
Based on an ancient folk story and an award-winning children’s book called Stone Soup, Lower Schoolers demonstrated how each community member giving a little can produce a lot. Kindergarteners through 4th Graders proudly delivered canned goods to designated locations in Estes, then listened attentively to words of wisdom from Lower School Head Dr. Jill Hunter. Fletcher Johnston thanked students for their generosity on behalf of Freedom House, the local homeless services organization that received the donations. He told students that he now works for Freedom House, but at one time was a resident, in need of the food they provided. Our students in all grades continue the work for Freedom House throughout the year by making lunches that are delivered to the facility.
Thanks to all wearing costumes as well as those who weren’t for contributions to the Interact Club’s Ton of Coins bathtub on Halloween. All Lower and Middle Schoolers visited the tub, located in the front hall of the Upper School, to dump coins in throughout the day. The proceeds go to a scholarship fund for a Collegiate student. “Thanks to your generosity and support, this year we broke—no smashed—all records!,” said Interact faculty sponsor Lewis Lawson. “We topped out at over $12,000. Thank you for making Collegiate special, the caring and sharing place that it truly is.”
Mary Jane Todd Hyman, mother of Chris Hyman ’79 and grandmother of Toddy ’14, Emma ’17, Stewart ’18, and Christian Hyman ’21, died Sept. 25, 2012. Frank A. Schuler III, father of Mary Beth Baber and grandfather of Caroline Baber ’18, died Oct. 6, 2012. Madeline Alexander, mother of Darrell Alexander and grandmother of Catherine ’18, Libbie ’18, and Heth Alexander ’21, died Oct. 20, 2012. Philip Ray Hart, father of Steve Hart ’78 and grandfather of Sam Hart ’20, died Nov. 3, 2012. Holiday 2012 | 11
103 North Mooreland Road • Richmond, Virginia 23229 (804) 740-7077 Fax (804) 741-9797 www.collegiate-va.org
103 North Mooreland Road Richmond, Virginia 23229 www.collegiate-va.org
Keith A. Evans, Head of School Lindy M. Williams, Associate Head of School Phyllis Palmiero, Vice President-Finance Amanda Little Surgner ’83, Vice President-Advancement Ben Rein, Head of Upper School Charles L. Blair, Jr., Head of Middle School Dr. Jill Hunter, Head of Lower School David Colón, Academic Dean Charles L. McFall and Karen Doxey, Co-Directors of Athletics PAW PRINT is published multiple times throughout the year. Elizabeth Cogar Batty ’77, editor phone : 741-9781 e-mail : ecogar@collegiate-va.org Beth Flippo Hutchins ’88 and Marguerite Bostic, Parents’ Association Correspondents PAW PRINT may be read online at www.collegiate-va.org Collegiate School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or national origin in the administration of its educational, admission, scholarship or employment policies, or any other programs administered by the school.
Happening Around Campus
The Upper School’s Model United Nations club is growing at a tremendous rate, and as more and more students are eager to participate and debate with each other, some students are also venturing overseas to test their skills in a global setting. This year 14 students from Collegiate will return to Colegio Carol Baur’s International Model United Nations program in Mexico in January. Students will also stay in the homes of their peers and continue to strengthen our long-standing relationship with this fascinating school (last year’s conference in photo). This year six Collegiate students were also chosen by Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service to participate in their Model UN program at their campus in Doha, Qatar. The six students will travel to the Middle East in February to meet and deliberate with students from top Model UN programs from around the world.
Considered one of Washington’s hardest working reporters, Mike Allen, chief political correspondent at Politico, took time out from his schedule to come to Collegiate and visit AP History class and Upper School assembly on Oct. 3. Mr. Allen opened up the hour with a few facts and observations regarding the Obama and Romney campaigns. In particular, he emphasized the “swing state” position of Virginia and how fortunate we are to have such a key role in the election. He then took a seat with a student panel and answered questions from them and others in the audience. Asked about the nature of his typical day, and he shared that he is up by 3 a.m. daily to write and email his Politico Playbook which many who work on the Hill consider essential reading material before they start their days.