News for Collegiate School Families and Friends
Holiday 2015
Lower School’s Centennial Hall Now Open for Dining and Much More …
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ith its sun-drenched spaces and views of green playing fields and Fort Cougar, Collegiate’s new Centennial Hall is a happy, bright spot on the Lower School side of campus. Completed in late September, students arrived for their first lunch in their new colorful cafeteria wide-eyed and excited. They filed through the new serving lines and took their seats at round tables that make lunchtime conversation more fun. Pointing at the pendant lamps and big windows, students were heard declaring the space to be “awesome” and “so cool.” At the official opening of the 10,000-square-foot brick building on Oct. 7, students and teachers, along with trustees and the professionals who made the building happen (architects, planners, builders, contractors, landscape architects), were on hand for the event. John O’Neill, chair of the Board of Trustees, thanked the generous donors who made the building possible, and Head of School Steve Hickman invoked a Lower School favorite — “I Am a Promise.” Students enter our Lower School filled with promise and possibilities that only grow throughout their time here. Centennial Hall also brings new promise and possibilities. Lower School Head Debbie Miller is delighted to consider what they might be — meetings of all sizes, Skype and collaborative sessions, speakers, admission events, special dinners and many more yet to be dreamed. “One of my favorite things about Centennial Hall is the siting of the building,” says Scott Carson, Collegiate’s
Board Chairman John O’Neill welcomes students to the Centennial Hall opening celebration.
Director of Facilities Management and Construction. “During the planning stage we thoroughly studied a number of locations on the Lower School side of campus as potential building (or renovation) sites, but settled on the present location for several reasons.” He mentions the building’s ability to enclose the Fort Cougar space and create a new “quadrant” on the Lower School side of campus and its proximity to the carpool drop-off, parking and Mooreland Road access as part of its appeal. “It’s a cozy location and, by using similar materials that were used for the construction of Luck and Reynolds Halls, we have created a unified, coherent
campus setting. When the building is viewed from the steps or walkway at the east side of Fort Cougar, the enclosed space feels “just right” and properly scaled. We also were given the ability to provide an outdoor dining space which has gotten quite a bit of use in the last few weeks. The kitchen space has more than doubled in area (as compared to Burke Hall) and our architects and consultants worked very closely with us to ensure that it has the most modern equipment. In addition to its beauty and functionality, Mr. Carson says various aspects of the building’s infrastructure are environmentally efficient. Practical, continued on back cover
From the Head of School Dear Collegiate School Community, We are now firmly and fully immersed in the 2015-16 school year. Classes are in full swing, and our young people are going about the business of daily school life. By almost all accounts, we are off to a great start. In the coming weeks and months, our community will experience together many traditions. In fact, we have already started … opening assemblies and town hall meetings, senior speeches, Convocation, Homecoming Pep Rally, the 5th annual International Emerging Leaders Conference (IELC), Envision Richmond, the Lewis P. Lawson Ton of Coins, etc. The list goes on and on, and there will be many more to come. Why do we care so much about traditions? As I mentioned earlier in the school year to our Upper and Middle School students, they matter. Nothing is more effective in creating a strong and resilient community than traditions.
They are powerful reminders that we are all part of something bigger than ourselves. As a colleague once said, “Traditions celebrate our identity as a group rather than our achievements as individuals.” Traditions link the past with the present, creating connections that shape the future. Perhaps most importantly, traditions help us see ourselves as valued members of a caring community. In the ensuing pages, you will learn about our new Lower School dining space, Centennial Hall. It is a beautiful and much needed facility, meeting better the nutritional needs of our 575 or so Lower School students. But Centennial Hall also stands as a visible symbol of one of our school’s most enduring traditions — philanthropy. This tradition of giving dates back to our founding. We continue to be blessed by those who believe strongly in Collegiate School and its mission and values. They invest
generously to secure and to pave the way for the next generation of Cougars. We are most grateful. Traditions impact our lives in ways that are challenging to predict. They pop up everywhere and they are with us all of the time. They are a part of our school, part of our families and part of our friendships. Traditions come in all shapes and sizes. They don’t have to be well known and they don’t have to involve many people. Traditions inspire us, they enrich us, they enlighten us and they change us. Let’s enjoy and celebrate them. Wishing all of you a Happy Thanksgiving, our senior boys a festive Feast of Juul, and our Middle and Upper School girls a happy (and loud) Brunch,
Steve Hickman Head of School
The Perfect Holiday Gift!
Collegiate: 100 Years, our Centennial book — available at the Cougar Shop!
TEDxYouth@RVA 2015 Planned by Students
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ttending a TED event is always a meaningful experience — any time you get to listen to interesting people talk about their “ideas worth spreading” you come away with insight, inspiration, understanding or a challenge to change something in yourself or impact others. Collegiate is fortunate to be hosting TEDxYouth@RVA on Saturday, Nov. 14, and our Senior Seminar class that is organizing the event has planned for an extraordinary evening. The event will start at 5 p.m. in Oates Theater with speakers from the Richmond community talking on a wide range of issues including personal branding, perseverance, preventing sexual assault, the media and body image, the future of 2 | Paw Print
food, helping survivors of human trafficking and more. One of the youngest presenters will be Collegiate 8th Grader Luke Tyson, who came up with the idea for SOS mini pillows with positive notes in them. There will be an interactive segment in the Sharp Academic Commons in addition to the speakers in Oates. “Planning this, it has been eye-opening thinking about a broad audience and what will inspire them to come to the event and leave with ideas about how our generation can impact the future,” says Madison Stewart, communications director for the event. Also in the Senior Seminar class taught by Allen Chamberlain and Rhiannon Boyd are AB Bugg, Carson Pinney, David Angstadt, Emily Erard, George Grattan, Katie Carr, Kelsey Stratford, Kyleigh Negus,
Marlyn Scott, Meg Kell, Megan Kelly, Megan Stepanian, Payton Van Winkle, Dorcas Afolayan and Will Davenport. The event is free but you must register at collegiate-va.ticketleap. com/tedxyouthrva2015.
Campus Conversation From Mike Boyd, Director of Performing Arts
Students will make snowflakes at the special holiday session of Activity Quest.
It’s the Holiday Season… …with the whoop-de-do and hickory dock and Activity Quest is planning to rock! A special holiday version of Activity Quest is being offered for students in Grades K-6. Activity options include holiday baking, a flag football bowl, making gingerbread cookies and houses, holiday floor cloths, gift making and, of course, the ever popular swimming. New this year is a Parents’ Night Out. Bring your Cougars to Activity Quest where they will be transported via bus to Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden to see the GardenFest of Lights. This holiday session will be held on Nov. 10, 12, 17 and 19 as well as Dec. 1-4, 8-11, 15-17. At Activity Quest … it truly is the most wonderful time of the year! For information, contact Carole Kahwajy at 740-6477.
Art in the Saunders Family Library Ceramics teacher Mary Arzt has lined up a year of art displays for the library — everyone is invited to come view the work and purchase as well. The following is the list of artists whose pottery will be featured: November/December: Carla Pillsbury’s simple modern functional ware January: Marti Mocahbee’s delicate Greekinspired vessels February: Jeff Vick’s personal favorites with interesting surface decoration, some porcelain, functional wares, some woodfired work sold in VMFA museum shop March: Janice Arone’s functional ware
Your Mission, Should You Choose To Accept It: Winter Party & Auction
Chaired by parents Kathryn and Jason Angus ’93 and Corbin and John Neuner, the 40th annual Winter Party & Auction, “Mission: Impossible,” will be held on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016 at The John Marshall! Bid on the silent auction from your own smartphone while enjoying cocktails with other parents in this beautiful historic landmark building. A variety of delicious food will be offered at different stations followed by the live auction and dancing to the music of The Jangling Reinharts! Proceeds will serve to enhance our Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math (STEAM) curriculum as well as to provide for a phase one upgrade to the 3rd and 4th Grade playground. Invitations will mail in early January, so don’t miss out! Contact Pam Roberts at 741-4760 or proberts@ collegiate-va.org with any questions.
Cougar Classic
Save the Date: Monday, Feb. 29, 2016 The Cougar Classic is coming! Mark your calendars and start making signs to cheer on your favorite faculty or staff member. The big game starts at 7 p.m. in Jacobs Gym. Don’t miss this high-spirited and highly competitive basketball game starring our very own faculty and staff All-Stars! Questions? Contact Maureen Stepanian (emcstep@yahoo.com) or Jen Porter (jporter.one@gmail.com).
While in Mrs. Hoffman’s JK music class recently, I had the great fortune of singing with her students about some of our favorite animals while getting a chance to jump, walk, run or move in a way that one of the students would suggest. I also joined Mrs. Tracy’s 3rd Grade music class that performed a song that showcased different rhythms requiring a sequence of patterns played with the hands, complete with crossing motions. I did not get to join the cast of Pippin, but I was able to watch some of the rehearsals for our Upper School fall musical. In each of these settings, I was reminded of how many aspects of the performing arts teach the concept of “play.” In the early years of learning, play is at the heart of teaching young students concepts in music and dance. The 3rd Grade students executed a challenging set of rhythmic patterns. The student performers in Pippin memorized lines of dialogue, multiple sets of lyrics and sophisticated choreography inspired by Bob Fosse through an intense rehearsal process. Arts faculty know the value of teaching by engaging. Call it playing, project-based learning, arts integration or rehearsing — it allows students to learn to love what they do first and foremost. Students become more confident with selfexpression, are stronger collaborators and seek feedback more willingly. When students are engaged in doing what they love, it is never going to be considered work; those students are fortunate to have discovered a passion. Creativity can be found in any subject, and sometimes the arts really allow a student to discover that creativity through play. With such an experienced faculty teaching our students the skills necessary to perform such a complex musical such as Pippin, it is important to remember that many teachers, starting as early as JK, have had a hand in the success of these student performers in their time at Collegiate. continued on page 4 Holiday 2015 | 3
Campus Conversation (cont.) IELC Host Family Recognition
This bronze sculpture on the lawn adjacent to Burke Hall in the Lower School is the gift of Mr. and Mrs. Charles S. Luck III, longtime friends of Collegiate. Created by Glenna Goodacre, the work portrays children raising the American flag and saying the Pledge of Allegiance. Says Mrs. Luck, “I’m just thrilled and so happy that they are where they really need to be,” she adds — with other children all around. Many thanks to the Luck family for this generous gift.
The 2015 International Emerging Leaders Conference was hugely successful and we have our loving Collegiate host families to thank for their gracious hospitality. Our community hosted 55 international guests from China, France, India, Italy, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, South Africa and Spain; they came to our country and to Collegiate with open hearts and minds to further their understanding of global relationships, and our host families gave them so much more than a home for the week. Our guests felt a part of our family, and that speaks volumes about the kindness and generosity displayed throughout the week. Thanks to the entire Collegiate community for being a very important part of this rewarding experience. Our families, students, faculty and staff are outstanding ambassadors for Collegiate and we are so very appreciative. “The most fascinating part about hosting [my student] this week for me was finding a best friend who lives halfway across the world and has a completely different life, yet we’re so incredibly alike.” — Sonja Kapadia, Collegiate Junior “We made a family – a new international family of leaders. We are the living proof of ‘no boundaries’ in this world.” — Fahd, George Washington Academy, Casablanca, Morocco
Two groups of 15 administrators from our partner school in China, Beijing New Oriental Foreign Language School at Yangzhou, have visited Collegiate in the last month. They spent their visits touring the school, meeting with administrators and visiting classes. They were especially interested in learning more about our curriculum, teacher evaluations, assessments and college counseling program. Here, Head of School Steve Hickman, Academic Dean Susan Droke, Mandarin teacher Mei Dong and Director of Responsible Citizenship Clare Sisisky pose for a photo with the first group of visitors outside the Saunders Family Library.
“When we touched down at the airports, I was so freaked out. What if they can’t understand me? It was really fun trying to mix with you all. You are all so different and so special.” — Baash, St. George’s Girls’ School, Panang, Malaysia
Save the Date: VGF 2016
Mark your calendars and get ready for the sweetest VGF ever on Friday, April 15, and Saturday, April 16! There will be treats, food, shopping, new rides and inflatables, and lots of FUN! If you have questions, contact the VGF co-chairs Stephanie Lansing (stephanielansing@gmail.com) or Cara Rogers (cararogers@yahoo.com). Please “like” us on Facebook: Village Green Fair-Collegiate School. Based on the premise that children who do not learn to swim by the third grade likely never will, SwimSafe is a new program which aims to help every child learn to swim by second grade. On Nov. 9, Collegiate’s entire 1st Grade class traveled to the Collegiate School Aquatics Center where they participated in individual skills assessments and a swimming safety lesson. 4 | Paw Print
Partnership with Tuckahoe Y Serves Refugees
Collegiate has partnered with Tuckahoe Family YMCA for a new Service Learning After-School Pilot Program with local youth refugees. Throughout the winter sports season, a few Collegiate juniors and seniors will participate in both the Y’s STAR program (Strengthening Teens Academically and Recreationally) and The Tutoring Club, which focuses on fitness, homework, and life skills curriculum for the growing refugee population at Byrd Middle School and at Ridge Elementary School, respectively. Our students will travel off-site MondaysThursdays from 3:30-5 p.m. and will reserve Fridays for group reflection and program planning. This partnership affords a unique service learning experience whereby our students will engage with their community in meaningful ways.
4th Grade Studies Immigration
During October several international speakers talked with students in Mrs. Villanueva’s and Mrs. Garnett’s 4th Grade classes about the experience of immigrating to the United States. These visits were part of the 4th Grade’s immigration studies. The following were welcomed on campus: Mera Sabha (Syria), mother of Zaed Karabatek (9th) Lower School French teacher Erin March (Canada) and Mandarin teacher Xin Yi Fergusson (China) Ezoza Nomazova (Uzbekistan), Collegiate Class of 2013 and VCU student Vicky Schiff (Romania), grandmother of Emma (5th) and Hannah (1st) de Witt Chase Sahingur (5th) and his father Emre Sahingur (Turkey) Farzaneh Milani (Iran), grandmother to Leila (2nd) and Luca (K) In addition, to enhance their Immigration Unit, 4th Graders interviewed Meg Billett, Youth Programs Coordinator for the Tuckahoe Family YMCA, to gain a better understanding of the needs of the local Nepali and Bhutanese immigrant population. Using what they learn, our students will design and organize a service project for the refugee community.
5th Grader Chase Sahingur and his dad Emre Sahingur talked with 4th Graders about their journey to the U.S. from Turkey.
TOP 10 REASONS To do all of your holiday shopping at the Cougar Shop 10. Collegiate sweatshirts and Columbia jackets to keep warm and cozy. 9. Winter accessories including infinity scarves, slouchy beanie hats, iText gloves and Santa hats. Ho! Ho! Ho! 8. Educational games for all ages including Tenzi, Laser Maze Jr., Carcassone, Rush Hour Shift and Tapple, perfect for family game night. 7. Collegiate’s newest must-have...the exclusive Traditions sterling silver charm bracelet! 6. Always a favorite, Lilly Pulitzer items including 1-subject notebooks, folios, pens, list pads and beach coolers. 5. Fun tested...Cougar Shop approved toys for the holidays including the Swurfer swing, yarn jewelry tree, Slackers zip line and Kan Jam. 4. Stocking stuffers-a-plenty under $15 including Nanoblocks, glow in the dark cards, selfie sticks and Cougar Shop gift certificates. 3. Last chance to purchase Centennial gifts including crystal glassware, cutting boards, League quilted blanket, the Centennial book, Collegiate: 100 Years, and The Stuffed Cougar cookbook to name a few. 2. If you can’t make it to the shop, you can shop online at: http:/cougar-shop.myshopify.com
And the number one reason... 1. All proceeds support Collegiate School! Happy Holidays! Holiday 2015 | 5
International Emerging Leaders Conference • Oct. 3-10 For the fifth year, Collegiate hosted the International Emerging Leaders Conference with 45 students from around the world gathering to work collaboratively, hear from prominent scholars and business leaders on this topic, and design innovative solutions. The conference also includes programs designed to help delegates share and learn about each other’s culture and traditions, and share with students throughout the Collegiate community. The conference was organized by Rhiannon Boyd’s Senior Seminar class with assistance from Clare Sisisky, Director of Responsible Citizenship and Strategic Planning, Anne Rusbuldt and Peg Galston. Many thanks to the host families who welcomed our student guests into their homes.
The Pac Can, an interactive receptacle for both trash and recyclables, was the winning product at the Design Pitch competition.
Students shared their group work at Westrock.
While at VCU’s DaVinci Center, students learned about innovation, design and collaboration.
Our international guests visited classes in all three school divisions.
After departing from Richmond, our visiting students and teachers traveled to Washington, DC where they did some sightseeing 6 | Paw Print
... some souvenir shopping!
VCU professors Peyton Rowe Melita ’85 (left) and Scott Sherman (right) help students come up with branding for their product prototypes.
At the Cultural Fair, each country delegation performed for students in grades 3-4.
Envision Richmond • Oct. 19-23
The week began with a raft trip on the James River that ended downtown, the territory where the students’ work was focused for the remainder of the week.
While at the Visual Arts Center, a studemt added her own thoughts to those of her group as they addressed the needs of teens with mental health concerns.
An 8th Grader met one-on-one with former POW Paul Galanti after he spoke to her group about his life. She felt a special connection with Mr. Galanti because her own father is a military judge for the US Navy. She was very moved by Mr. Galanti’s quote: “There’s no such thing as a bad day when there’s a doorknob on the other side.”
In the Ideation phase of Design Thinking, 8th Graders generated lots of ideas to solve one specific aspect of their group’s local issue.
Ted Elmore, the president of BridgePark Foundation, spoke to students about developing his idea of connecting the people of Richmond to the James River.
After two pilot years of Envision Richmond, the entire 8th Grade participated in the weeklong experience. Envision Richmond is our Capstone program for the Middle School that focuses on engagement with the city of Richmond. Middle School teacher Laurie Shadowen directs the program, making connections throughout the city to secure involvement from local organizations. Students made visits, then used design-thinking, a problem-solving strategy, to examine the issues and propose solutions to community leaders on the last day. Topics addressed included bicycling, public transportation, teens/mental health, homelessness, foster care, military, living/working and sports for people with disabilities, food deserts, health care/ pediatrics, immigration/refugees and the environment.
A team of students presented their idea for ramps that improve accessibility to the James River.
City leaders attended the 8th Grade final presentations and offered feedback.
Another team explained their idea for a homeless residence with supportive services. Holiday 2015 | 7
Thursday, Dec. 3, 4:00–8:00 p.m. With a few minutes of online shopping and a quick visit to campus, you can check items off your “To Do” list. Order online all of your Holiday Greens, Portico Gourmet Dinners, Dove Chocolates and Plantation Peanuts for easy pick up on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2015. Before or after you pick up your items, join your friends and family in our NEW Centennial Hall at the Lower School for a Family Holiday Dinner from 5:00–7:30 p.m. Musical entertainment by Con Brio and Robby Turner. This year: All orders online
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Pay by credit card
Portico Gourmet Dinners Pay by student charge
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Holiday Greens ONLINE ORDERS DUE NOV. 15 Take advantage of our online ordering for your Holiday Greens. Online Pick up your orders on Thursday, Dec. 3 from 8:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. in items to include traditional evergreen wreaths, roping, garlands, Burke Hall and then from 4:00–8:00 p.m. in Estes Building. fragrant paperwhites and elegant poinsettias. On Dec. 3, come shop To order online, go to www.collegiate-va.org/cougarholidayexpress. with us for beautiful, one of kind centerpieces, swags and holiday Questions? Contact Karen Lee (kfrmlee@yahoo.com), Rita Ryan decorations tailored on-site especially for you. Specialty items are not (ritamryan@aol.com), or Minh Coli (minhcoli@me.com) available for online orders, so come early for best selection.
PLANTATION PEANUTS
DOVE CHOCOLATES ONLINE ORDERS DUE NOV. 15 Dove Chocolate Discoveries offer a variety of gourmet chocolate Pick up your order on Thursday, Dec. 3 from 4:00–8:00 p.m. in confections. These ready-to-eat sweets are perfect for entertaining, Centennial Hall. gifting or adding a little something extra to someone’s day. Dove To order online, go to www.collegiate-va.org/cougarholidayexpress. Chocolate Discoveries are made by Mars, Inc., a company with more Questions? Contact Robin Smith (rsmith@lawyerstaffing.com) than 100 years of chocolate experience and are not available in stores. 8 | Paw Print
PLANTATION PEANUTS ONLINE ORDERS DUE NOV. 15 Plantation Peanuts, a family-owned company located in Waverly, Virginia, uses only quality Virginia peanuts — cooked one tasty batch at a time. Using a 75 year-old family recipe, Plantation Peanuts’ gourmet peanuts and nuts are sure to please everybody.
or more, please contact Robin Smith, rsmith@lawyerstaffing.com, and provide her with the brief personalized message for your order.
Personalized Holiday Labels are FREE for orders of six cans or more —the perfect holiday gift for family, friends, and business associates! • If you want to personalize your order of SIX cans
To order online, go to www.collegiate-va.org/cougarholidayexpress.
Pick up your order of Plantation Peanuts on Thursday, Dec. 3 from 4:00–8:00 p.m. in Centennial Hall.
DOVE CHOCOLATES
Questions? Contact Robin Smith (rsmith@lawyerstaffing.com)
ONLINE ORDERS DUE NOV. 15 Stock your freezer with delicious dinners compliments of the chefs at Portico Restaurant. Enjoy these delicious Italian classics that are quick to heat up and feed a family of 5. Great for late night practice, last minute guests or to take to a friend.
Pick up your order on Thursday, Dec. 3 from 4:00–8:00 p.m. in Centennial Hall.
No Grownups Allowed! Students (Grades K-6) will enjoy secret shopping for family, friends and pets while you pick up your holiday goodies. The Cub Boutique, staffed by helpful elves, will offer a variety of fun, unique, thoughtful pre-wrapped gifts priced at $10 or less. Cash will be accepted or purchases can be charged to your student’s account. Join us from 4:00–8:00 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 3 in Estes Building at the Lower School.
Pick up your previously ordered Lower School tea towel products during Cougar Holiday Express. A limited number of tea towel products may be available for purchase, so shop early if you missed the order deadline.
For more information visit www.collegiate-va.org/cougarholidayexpress.
To order online, go to www.collegiate-va.org/cougarholidayexpress. Questions? Contact Sheri Word (sheri655@msn.com).
Pick up will be in Estes Building on Thursday, Dec. 3 from 4:00–8:00 p.m. Questions? Contact Annie Benjamin (ann.m.benjamin@gmail.com) or Lauren Hepper (lhepper@gmail.com)
Questions? Contact Nicole Holland (nicoleholland@mindspring.com) or Carrie Johnstone (carrie_estes@yahoo.com).
New This Year!
REGISTER ONLINE BY TUESDAY, NOV. 24 FOR SPECIAL PRICING
Get in the holiday spirit with a gourmet pasta dinner and celebrate in our NEW Centennial Hall with Collegiate families & friends. Enjoy the holiday sounds by Con Brio and special guest Robby Turner. Yummy cakes by Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods for dessert.
Join us from 5:00–7:30 p.m. in Centennial Hall. Register online at www.collegiate-va.org/cougarholidayexpress. Questions? Contact Liane Pace (lianepace@hotmail.com) or Amanda Prusek (amananda@gmail.com) Holiday 2015 | 9
Campus Conversation (cont.) Centennial Speakers Share Personal Stories Two alums returned recently to serve as Centennial Speakers, talking to students and faculty at Middle and Upper School assemblies. Mikey Thompson ’06 shared a story of some challenging events in his life in the last few years and discussed how our ability to choose how we will react to any given circumstance is our greatest power as human beings. Murray Fisher ’93 told the story of his work with the environment and ultimate realization that the New York Harbor had all of the essential components of an education. He founded the New York Harbor School in 2003 and orchestrated its move from Brooklyn to Governor’s Island right in the middle of the New York Harbor. He recently launched the
Billion Oyster Project, an ecosystem and education project, that will help restore the New York Harbor. Up next is Janet Jarman ’85, a photo-
journalist based in Mexico, whose work helps tell stories of inequality, injustice and the environment. She will speak at Upper School assembly on Nov. 19.
Murray Fisher ’93
Mikey Thompson ’06
Upcoming School Events Thurs. Nov. 12 Instrumental Music Concert* Grades 5-12, Oates Theater, 7:00pm Sat. Nov. 14
TEDxYouth@RVA*, registration required, Oates Theater
Mon. Nov 16
Varsity/JV Winter Sports begin Fall Choral Concert* Grades 5-12, Oates Theater, 7:00pm
Wed. Nov. 18
Late Arrival
Sun. Nov. 22
Fall Varsity Athletics Awards, family welcome, Oates Theater, 7pm
*events that all are welcome to attend Thurs. Dec. 17 Kindergarten Chapel, family welcome, River Road Presbyterian, 9:00am Fri. Dec. 18
Last Day of Classes: Holiday Break (early dismissal for LS and Grades 5-7)
Mon. Jan. 4
Classes Resume
Tues. Jan. 12
Winter Concert* 5th/6th Grades, Oates Theater, 7:00pm
Wed. Jan. 13
Late Arrival
Wed. Nov 25 Brunch, girls in Grades 5-12 only, Oates Theater, 9:30am NO SCHOOL for LS, boys in Grades 5-12
Jan. 13-14
Upper School Winter Play, Oates Theater, 7:30pm
Mon. Jan. 18
SCHOOL HOLIDAY: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Mon. Nov 30 NO SCHOOL: Faculty Professional Day
Wed. Jan. 27
Upper School Winter Concert*, Hershey Center Recital Room, 7:30pm
Tues. Nov 24 Feast of Juul, senior boys and faculty only, McFall Hall, 6:30pm Brunch Dress Rehearsal, junior boys and family of junior girls welcome, Oates Theater, 7:30pm
Thurs. Jan. 28 LS Parent Conferences (no LS classes) Thurs. Dec. 3
Cougar Holiday Express*
Fri. Dec 4
Lessons & Carols, boys in Grades 5-12, Second Baptist Church, River Road, 11:30am Pageant dress rehearsals*, All Saints Church, River Road, 1:30pm (Tues. pm cast) and 2:30pm (Mon. pm cast)
Sun. Jan. 31
Upper School Mother-Son Dance, McFall Hall, 8:00pm
Mon. Feb. 1
Winter Jazz Jam*, Oates Theater, 7:30pm
Sun. Feb. 7
Honors Piano Recital*, Hershey Center Recital Room, 3:00pm
Mon. Feb. 15
STUDENT HOLIDAY: Faculty/Staff Professional Day
Fri. Feb. 19
8th Grade Play: James and the Giant Peach*, Oates Theater, 7pm
Sat. Feb. 20
8th Grade Play: James and the Giant Peach*, Oates Theater, 2pm
Sat. Feb. 27
Winter Party & Auction (ticketed)
Mon. Feb. 29
Cougar Classic Basketball Game*, Jacobs Gym/Seal Athletic Center
Mon. Dec. 14 – Exams for Grades 8-12 Fri., Dec. 18
Fri. March 4
SPRING BREAK
Wed., Dec. 16 Late Arrival
Mon. March 14 Classes Resume
Mon. Dec 7
Pageant*, girls in Grades 5-12, All Saints Church, River Road, 5:30pm
Tues. Dec 8 Pageant*, girls in Grades 5-12, All Saints Church, River Road, 5:30pm Fri. Dec. 11
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3rd Grade Concert of Carols, family welcome, River Road Presbyterian, 9:00am
From the Upper School
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s our fall activities wind down and winter seasons begin to kick off, it is an opportunity to reflect on what has been a very full and fun school year to date. My introduction to many of our traditions has continued to demonstrate our enduring values and why Collegiate School is such a special community of learners. In addition to our challenging curriculum, outstanding fine and performing arts, highly competitive athletic teams, and a multitude of service and community engagement opportunities, we have enhanced students’ learning through STEAM initiatives and through a renewed focus on advisory. STEAM education is focused on integration of skills and content areas that provide for cross-curricular and cross-divisional collaboration. From our AP Computer Science Principles class to our FIRST Robotics Team, to our Computer Science and Engineering Clubs, new Upper School opportunities are emerging for students. Daniel Bartels, the Upper and Middle School STEAM Coordinator, is leading our efforts and working with faculty and students to initiate different platforms and projects that are able to bring together problem solving and solution seeking skills
in both virtual and real-world applications. Students in our AP Computer Science Principles class have built the first of four high performance computers. The enhanced processing speed of this machine has allowed the class to explore several creative and design based applications. Along with their fellow students on the robotics team and in the engineering club, they have used computer assisted design (AutoCAD) for rapid prototyping of a practice robot and a trebuchet. The robot has been built and redesigned, and is now ready for practice driving as the students gear up for competition in March. Over two weekends in October, students and faculty collaborated to build a trebuchet that could throw a pumpkin over 200 feet. When the computer isn’t being actively used for 3D design or virtual modeling of campus facilities and robotics game fields, it is connected to a network of research computers so that its processing capacity can be used to assist in scientific research. As a result, the work of our students has had a significant impact both on campus and in the larger research community. Through the leadership of Erica Coffey, Dean of Student Life, and the Lead Advisors, Pam Sutherland, Karen Albright,
Pete Follansbee and Sally Williams, we have enhanced advisory discussions by focusing on issues of character, leadership, and responsibility. Using the Habitudes series of books and images that initiate conversation around the characteristics and qualities important to self-leadership, working with and leading others, advisors are able to get students talking about topics that are important to their growth and development. Coupled with the relationship building that occurs in advisory, these discussions will continue to enhance our students’ capacity to develop into responsible, contributing citizens who are equipped to lead from the front, middle, and back. It is such an honor to be leading the Upper School, and I am reminded every day of the awesome responsibility we have in guiding and shaping the next generation of leaders. I look forward to continuing to meet many of you at school, athletic, and artistic events.
J.P. Watson Interim Upper School Head
Whitfield Speaker Willy Vlautin Shares Stories This year’s Whitfield Speaker, novelist, musician and songwriter Willy Vlautin was on campus Oct. 14 to spend time with students and talk about his life of writing both stories and songs as well as songs that tell stories. Known for his storytelling skills and charismatic presentation, Mr. Vlautin hails from Portland, OR. He is the lead singer of Richmond Fontaine, an alt-country band he founded in 1994, and he has written four novels including The Motel Life which was made into a film in 2013. While in the Upper School, he talked with students in a special workshop organized by English teacher Dr. Bart Thornton. Mr. Vlautin and several students discussed the themes and mystery of the famous ballad by Bobbie Gentry, “Ode to Billy Joe.” He also shared details about his own experiences as a writer and
musician and the importance of having a dual career in which he can shift gears depending on his state of mind and variable success. At Upper School assembly, Dr. Thornton asked Mr. Vlautin questions about his bands, his novels and the nuances of keeping both energized. Mr. Vlautin performed several songs about subjects that have caught his attention and gotten under his skin and he talked about the experiences of growing up in Reno, NV and becoming a writer. He also answered several good questions from students. Many thanks to Mr. Vlautin for traveling from Portland to spend time with us today and to the Whitfield family for making this annual special speaker event possible.
Author, musician and songwriter Willy Vlautin talked with English teacher Dr. Bart Thornton at Upper School assembly. Holiday 2015 | 11
From the Upper School (cont.) Upcoming College Counseling Events Athletic Recruitment Information Nov. 17, 7 p.m., Craigie Boardroom in Sharp Financial Aid Information Nov. 19, 7 p.m., Craigie Boardroom in Sharp Sophomore Process for Parents
Dec. 15,
8:30 a.m., Oates Theater
Application Workshop (students/all day; parents/7 p.m. in Oates Theater), Feb. 10, 2016
Q&As for 9th Grade Parents March 16, 7 p.m.; March 18, 28, and 30, 2016 at 8:30 a.m., all in College Counseling Office These informal discussions are designed to answer a broad array of topics to help parents navigate the college counseling process in a small group setting. Registration is required since space is limited to 15 people to cultivate a casual environment and answer more specific questions than if we met in larger groups. Please register for only one Q&A. Questions? Contact Jenn Earle (jenn_earle@collegiate-va.org).
Students in Jere Williams’ advanced digital media class have taken on “clients” through RVAWorks, a local non-profit which offers services to new entrepreneurs. Five entrepreneurs visited Collegiate in September and met with Mr. Williams’ students (seen here is a student taking notes on his client’s new car repair business) to discuss their business ideas and possible logo concepts. The students sent their initial ideas to their clients in late October, are now waiting for feedback and then will fine-tune them and deliver finished logos in early December.
Parent Events Social Norms Theory
Wednesday, Dec. 10, at 7:30 p.m., in the Craigie Board Room of the Sharp Academic Commons, all US parents are invited to hear about Substance Abuse Prevention and Social Norms Theory from Renee Soulis, Prevention Specialist, FCD Educational Services.
Officer Netherland of Henrico County Tackles Issues Facing New Drivers Tuesday, Jan. 19, from 8:15-9:15 a.m., in the Craigie Board Room of the Sharp Academic Commons, all 9th and 10th Grade parents are invited to hear Officer Netherland of the Henrico County Police Department address key issues facing teen drivers and their parents.
Java with JP
All US parents are invited to get to know our Interim Head of Upper School and join a roundtable discussion on various topics on Tuesday, Jan. 26, at 8:15 a.m. in the Craigie Board Room of the Sharp Academic Commons. Coffee is provided. 12 | Paw Print
The Collegiate Players presented three shows of the musical Pippin on Oct. 29, 30 and 31. With an infectious and unforgettable score from the four-time Grammy-winner, three-time Oscar-winner, and musical theater giant Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Godspell, Children Of Eden),this stylish, tongue-in-cheek, anachronistic fairy tale captivated Broadway audiences and ours, too.
Community Engagement Week Information Meeting Tuesday, Feb. 2, 8:15 a.m., in the
Natural Highs and Healthy Choices: How to Parent Teens Using Positive Prevention
Craigie Board Room of the Sharp Academic Commons, all 9th Grade parents are invited to hear from Upper School Counselor, Andrea Miller, as she shares details about this inspirational week of community service for freshman students.
Tuesday, Feb. 9, 7:30-9:30 p.m., in the Craigie Board Room of the Sharp Academic Commons, all 10th Grade parents are invited to hear Matt Bellace, PhD., present examples of how to communicate effectively about responsibility, healthy coping skills, alcohol and other drug use, all in a humorous and engaging way.
In the Middle School
T
hree years ago, we began to explore opportunities for a capstone project for our 8th Grade students. A group of teachers led by former Director of Economic Education, Cathy Melton, and Clare Sisisky, Director of Global Education, batted around a number of ideas and ultimately created our Envision Richmond project. Piloted with smaller groups of students the past two years, we went big-time this year with all 130 8th Graders participating. The goals of Envision Richmond are to foster collaboration, empathy, creativity and problem-solving techniques within our students so that they are better equipped to improve the world around them. For one week in October, they left the traditional classroom to venture into the city and wrestle with a variety of Richmond issues that they had identified. Using design thinking, they worked in groups to develop creative solutions that will positively impact their area of focus. They presented their plans to community leaders who joined us on campus and provided feedback on the viability of their solutions. Issues addressed included transportation, pediatric medical care, food deserts, green spaces, sports for those with disabilities, homelessness, resettlement of refugees, foster care, teens and mental
health, military veterans, literacy, bikes and recreation, and work/living options for those with intellectual and or physical limitations. We are excited about the learning that took place as a result of this effort and are appreciative of the support that we have received from the greater community. Middle School teachers and Envision Richmond leaders Laurie Shadowen and Wendi Moss are to be commended as are all of the teachers involved who made this a special week for our students. We believe that Envision Richmond will serve the area and help our 8th Graders build skills and develop a life-long desire to become involved in their communities. Note: Lest you think that this is purely a theoretical exercise, several of the solutions developed in the past two years have been adopted by the agencies with which we worked. And just recently we were contacted by another of the agencies from last year’s program seeking permission to use one of the solutions developed by a student group.
Students Attend Prejudice Awareness Summit
On Thursday, Oct. 1, eight Collegiate Middle School students and two teachers attended the Prejudice Awareness Summit, offered each fall by the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities. More than 250 students from around the state attended the Summit where they participated in group discussions about prejudice and inclusion. The VCIC staff presented skits representing real situations where prejudice occurred, and the students broke into small groups and discussed challenges that they have seen or heard in their own school environments. “I was inspired by how engaged, thoughtful, invested and sincere our students were in the final group discussion where we talked about Collegiate’s issues and ideas on implementing an action plan to address them,” says Teresa Coleman, Middle School art teacher, who escorted the group along with Andrew Slater, Middle School assistant activities coordinator. Participating in the Summit were 7th Graders Bella Zeballos, Cami Villaneuva, Spencer Billings and James Kulp and 8th Graders Easton Chucker, Deven Pandya, Abby Freeman and Chandler Eddleton.
Charlie Blair Middle School Head
Middle School Parent Events Drug and Alcohol Education 101: You Should Know as Much as They Do
On Thursday, Nov. 12, 8:15-9:15 a.m., in the Reeves Center, all 5th, 6th and 7th Grade parents are invited to hear Brenda Conlan, world-renowned prevention specialist, lead a workshop on communicating the risks of alcohol and drugs to our children with her lively and honest presentation style.
Lifestyle Risk Reduction Workshop with Brenda Conlan: Conversations About Making Healthy Choices Attendance is required for all 8th Grade students and their parents. On Wednesday, Nov. 18, 7-8:45 p.m. in Oates Theater, parents and students will break into small groups designed to promote thoughtful discussions and strategies for effectively communicating with one another about the use/abuse of alcohol and other drugs during teen years.
Java with JP
All 8th Grade parents are invited to get to know our Interim Head of Upper School and join a roundtable discussion on various topics on Friday, Dec. 11, 8:15 a.m. in the Craigie Board Room of the Sharp Academic Commons. Coffee is provided.
Navigating Social Media: You Should Know What They Know
On Tuesday, Feb. 2, 7-9 p.m., in the Reed-Gumenick Library, all 5th and 6th Grade parents are invited to a discussion about guiding your children’s use of social media. Dessert and coffee will be served.
On Oct. 27, Cougar Enterprises, a merger of the Middle School Entrepreneur Club and the Golden Cougar Savings Bank, held a market day in Reed-Gumenick Library. During the Middle School lunch periods, 500 students and teachers crowded in the library to shop for delicious treats and handmade goods and play games — there were 30 vendors in all. Like any busy marketplace, the atmosphere was lively and sales were brisk. Next up will be a holiday market on Dec. 1. Holiday 2015 | 13
In the Lower School
B
usy is the main word that describes the beginning of this year in Lower School. However, the kind of “busy” I am referring to is something quite special! Not often does a school community have the opportunity to add a completely new program or grade level to its existing structure, but that is exactly what Collegiate and the Lower School has done. Our new Junior Kindergarten program is now in full and complete swing. Our three sections of JK are filled with precious children who are curious, eager to learn and excited to share! Every time I pass one of the classes on campus, visit in their classrooms, or see them walk past my office I get a hardy hello and usually a quick story about the day’s discoveries. What a wonderful way to keep me grounded in the goodness and wonder of children – a moment to enjoy for sure! Let me further explain… Below (left) you can visibly see the wonder in the children’s faces. “Students observed the clouds in the sky and determined what they saw...
some saw a plane, beach ball, a monster and the list goes on!” Purposeful play with intention is the goal for our program. The JK team of teachers focuses their time in planning developmentally appropriate experiences, which provide a path to deeper growth and understanding for the children. The areas of social/emotional development, early literacy, early math and science, and motor development are the building blocks for the JK day. How do we focus on these areas? On the playground you might see a group of boys working with big blocks to creatively build a fort as they are also developing their large muscles! (These blocks are quite heavy!) Perhaps you will see two girls following each other on the JK Trikes with sounds of joy noted in their giggles. While playing at the water table children experience the concepts of displacement and buoyancy. Seen below (right) are children conducting hands-on learning guided by teachers who provide clear explanations of concepts and at the same time
introduce scientific language into the children’s conversation. Position statements from the National Association for the Education of Young Children, NAEYC, providing developmentally appropriate practices state and we agree, “Children benefit both from opportunities to collaborate with peers gaining a sense of being part of a community and from being treated as individuals with their own strengths, interests, and needs. Our children benefit both from engaging in self-initiated, spontaneous play and from teacherplanned and structured activities, projects and experiences.” The combination of precious JK children, excited and dedicated faculty, a strong “purposeful play” curriculum along with the loving and supportive Collegiate Lower School community demonstrates how we are building our stories!
Debbie Miller Lower School Head
Parent Events Mornings with Mrs. Miller All Lower School parents are invited to get to know new Lower School Head Debbie Miller at an informal gathering where she will speak on relevant Lower School topics and take questions from parents. Friday, Nov. 20, 8:15 a.m.; Tuesday, Jan. 12, 8:15 a.m.; and Tuesday, Feb. 23, 8:15 a.m., in Centennial Hall. 14 | Paw Print
1st Graders fish with Lego rods they made as part of their engineering studies. They were given Legos, string, paper clips and paper fish, and their fishing rods had to be strong, a specified length and able to catch a fish.
Condolences PAW PRINT extends condolences to Collegiate parents, faculty and staff who have recently experienced a loss in their families and have notified the school. John R. Smith, father of Stacy Brinkley, and grandfather of Maguire ’11, Archer ’13 and Sumner Brinkley ’17, died July 16, 2015. Dorine Van De Putte, mother of Paul Van De Putte, and grandmother of Josh Van De Putte ’19, died Aug. 19, 2015.
A 2nd Grader shares her research on sea turtles with Director of Responsible Citizenship Clare Sisisky at the Ocean Showcase.
2nd Graders Explore Oceans
This fall, the 2nd Grade has been engaged in an exciting study of the world’s oceans in which they’ve studied maps, the zones of the ocean, animal adaptations in each zone, conservation, and detail about fish, sharks, whales, dolphins, etc. Engineering teacher Liz Clayton helped the students follow one drop of water from our campus all the way to the Atlantic Ocean using GoogleEarth. “The children learn that what we do to the land here, does affect the ocean,” says 2nd Grade teacher Jessica Catoggio. The project-based-learning aspect of the study has included individual research into “I wonder” questions. The children chose projects based on their interests (writing, art, technology, etc.) and many
visited a teacher different than their homeroom teacher to complete this project. On their visit to the aquarium they searched for additional information about their topics and watched an IMAX movie called “Secret Ocean” about Jean-Michel Cousteau’s discoveries about the impacts that the smallest creatures in the sea have on the ocean as a whole. It is meant to inspire “stronger desire to protect” the ocean. To wrap up their work, the 2nd Graders shared their completed projects with fellow classmates, teachers and administrators at an “Ocean Showcase” in Centennial Hall on Oct. 29. Following the showcase, the children reflected on the process.
Hubel Robins, father of Trip ’77 and Raleigh Robins ’79, and grandfather of Justin ’08, Kelsey ’10, Palmer ’15, Sarah ’19 and Will Robins ’21, died Aug. 24, 2015. Joseph Davidson, father of Jennifer Moelchert, and grandfather of Cooper ’15, Zachary ’17 and Braden Moelchert ’20, died Aug. 29, 2015. Martha Wagoner, mother of Judy Pahren, and grandmother of Matty ’17 and Becky Pahren ’21, died Aug. 31, 2015. H. Lee Green Jr., father of Lynn Haw and grandfather of George ’05 and Lindsay Haw ’07, died Sept. 11, 2015. Maureen O’Connor Anderson, mother of Julia Calamita and Victoria Riendeau, and grandmother of Reid ’14 and Will Calamita ’19, and Pearse Riendeau ’22, died Sept. 16, 2015. Dr. Clifford Sperow II, MD, father of MH Bartzen, and grandfather of Sara Bartzen ’21, died Sept. 17, 2015. Rebecca Diggs, mother of Ted Diggs, and grandmother of Bay ’15 and Lucy Diggs ’17, died Sept. 19, 2015. Gloria Burnett Kastenbaum, mother of Jane Kastenbaum Asch ’73, Bobby ’74 and Tom Kastenbaum ’77, and grandmother of John ’06, Drew ’08, and Karl Kastenbaum ’23, died Oct. 3, 2015. Bernard M. Kastenbaum, father of Jane Kastenbaum Asch ’73, Bobby ’74 and Tom ’77 Kastenbaum and grandfather of Jon ’06, Drew ’08 and Karl Kastenbaum ’23, died Oct. 26, 2015.
The Lower School gathered in October to kick off their annual drive to collect canned foods for FeedMore’s Central Virginia Food Bank. Holiday 2015 | 15
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
Steve Hickman, Head of School Phyllis Palmiero, Vice President-Finance and Administration Amanda Little Surgner ’83, Vice President-Advancement J.P. Watson, Interim Head of Upper School Charles L. Blair, Jr., Head of Middle School Debbie Miller, Head of Lower School Susan Droke, Academic Dean Karen Doxey, Director of Athletics PAW PRINT is published multiple times throughout the year. Elizabeth Cogar ’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.
Centennial Hall (cont.) energy-saving features include highly insulated glass/daylighting and indoor-outdoor visual connections, LED lighting outside and in select interior spaces, daylight and occupancy sensors for lighting control, high efficiency HVAC systems, touchless lavatories and low VOC paints. While Centennial Hall has only been open a few weeks, it has already hosted daily lunches, the International Emerging Leaders Conference welcome dinner and lots of meetings. “We are so excited to have this new space,” says Mrs. Miller, “and to think about all the ways we’re going to use it.” Students enjoy lunch in the new Centennial Hall.