News for Collegiate School Families and Friends
Spring 2017
Eighth Annual Ethics Bowl Encourages Civil Discourse
T
wo teams of Collegiate seniors went head to head during the final round of the School’s 8th Annual Ethics Bowl in December. Prior to the finals, a total of six teams had competed in five rounds over the course of the fall semester. In the Ethics Bowl, student teams compete by presenting a position related to a real-world ethical case, with an emphasis on economics and public policy decision-making. Unlike a traditional debate, Ethics Bowl participants are not assigned opposing views; instead the competition depends on how thoughtfully teams have examined their case and how clearly they can state their position. The brainchild of Upper School Senior Seminar teacher Rhiannon Boyd, the event allows students to address difficult topics in a civil manner. “It’s all about skill building,” said Mrs. Boyd, who competed in a similar event as a college student and saw the positive impact it could have in the lives of students. As coordinator, Mrs. Boyd recruits judges who weigh in on the students’ presentation of their position. Each team chooses from a list of cases compiled by the National High School Ethics Bowl. Team A, comprised of Olivia Brown, Jack Kachel, Nick Morrison, Kyle Riopelle, Jack Sroba and Virginia Syer, tackled an issue involving contraception. Team B’s Anna Galanides, Sam Hunter, Austin Jupe, Parker Reed and Kate Surgner handled a question about tobacco use.
At the Collegiate Ethics Bowl, Team A strategizes as coordinator Rhiannon Boyd moderates from the podium.
Team B proved the winner of the competition and students from both teams represented Collegiate at the Virginia High School Ethics Bowl, held on the Collegiate campus in January. “The Ethics Bowl reflects who we say we are so fully as a School with responsible citizenship,” Mrs. Boyd said. “Listening to the ideas of others makes you better. It’s good for everybody.”
Team B emerges the Ethics Bowl winner.
From the Head of School Dear Collegiate School Community, In January, we sent out a Parents’ Survey through the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) to capture data to be used to better serve our families. I am pleased to report that we received more than 800 responses. A summary of the survey results will be shared later this spring, and I know that the input gleaned from the survey will prove invaluable as we move forward. Thank you so much for your participation in the survey. As always, your support of and commitment to Collegiate are very much appreciated.
Lower School
Steve Hickman Head of School
GRANDPARENTS and SPECIAL FRIENDS DAY
April 13, 2017
2 | Paw Print
Head of School Steve Hickman talks with Middle School students in the makerspace in Reed-Gumenick Library.
Join us on Thursday, April 13 at 1 p.m. for Grandparents and Special Friends Day in the Lower School. A special friend can be any family member, friend of the family, babysitter, godparent, etc. Questions? Please contact Lauralee Allen at 804.741.9757.
Campus Conversation afternoon extended care camps, and our vast array of morning, afternoon and all-day camps, the opportunities for a full day of fun are endless. This year, Summer Quest has gone green in publicizing our offerings. We have developed an easy camp-planning guide to use in conjunction with our new web pages, complete with each camp’s description and our registration process. Visit www .collegiate-va.org/SummerQuest. Also new this year, Summer Quest will provide robotics camps, science camps and plain old “fun-in-the-sun” camps for the full month of August. Questions? Please contact the Summer Quest office at summerquest@ collegiate-va.org or 804.665.1750.
School’s Out, Summer’s In at Summer Quest! Now in our 45th year, Summer Quest is happy to offer the Richmond community another summer filled with a variety of camps for children of all ages. From academics and the arts to enrichment and sports, there is something for everyone — preschoolers to adults. With morning and
Robotics Team Dives into Design and Building A winter snowstorm may have canceled the on-campus FIRST Robotics competition kickoff in January, but it could not keep the 45-member Collegiate robotics team from jumping into the design-and-build phase of the competition. (FIRST is an
Parents’ Association Officers Nominated On behalf of the 2017 Nominating Committee, I am pleased to present the following slate of officers to serve on the Parents’ Association Executive Committee during the 2017-18 school year. This slate will be voted on at the Parents’ Association Spring Meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, May 16, 2017, in Centennial Hall at 8:15 a.m. All parents are invited and encouraged to attend this meeting of the Parents’ Association for an overview of the year and to welcome the new officers. Refreshments will be served. Proposed Slate of Officers Vice President/President-Elect (3-yr term) – JoAnn Adrales Ruh Corresponding Secretary (1-yr term) – Jenn Cornell Recording Secretary (1-yr term) – Jeannie Schutt Upper School Coordinator (2-yr term) – Sterling Coulbourn Middle School Coordinator (2-yr term) – Callie Brackett Lower School Coordinator (2-yr term) – Anastasia Seevers Treasurer (1-yr term), serving another term – Teresa Eastep
Robotics team members gather for the virtual kickoff to the season.
acronym that means “For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology.”) The team had until Feb. 21, Stop Build Day, to perfect its robot design. Seven weeks of head-to-head competitions begin in March, leading up to the FIRST Robotics World Championship in April. Look for the spring issue of Spark (coming in March) that features a story about robotics at Collegiate.
Internet Safety Expert Katie Greer Returns Collegiate welcomes back to campus renowned internet safety expert Katie Greer to continue the School’s yearlong effort to educate students, parents and faculty about the appropriate use of social media. Ms. Greer will speak to JK-5th Grade parents on Thursday, March 23 in Centennial Hall from 8:15-9 a.m. During the school day, she will speak to 5th and 6th Grade students. That evening, Ms. Greer will talk to 6th Grade parents in a required session in Oates Theater from 7-8:30 p.m.
Officers Elected in May 2015 for Two-Year Terms Vice President/President-Elect (3 yrs) – Meg Johnson Upper School Coordinator – Rita Ryan Middle School Coordinator – Kimara Parker Lower School Coordinator – Beth Grinnan I hope to see you on May 16. Jill Mountcastle Immediate Past President, Parents’ Association Nominating Committee Chair
Katie Greer (left) talks with parents during an earlier visit to campus. Spring 2017 | 3
Campus Conversation (cont’d) Collegiate Earns Five-Year Accreditation Collegiate received its five-year accreditation from the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS), the Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS) and AdvancedED. As part of the accrediting process, the School also received SAIS’ Early Childhood Endorsement and the endorsement of the Global Education Benchmarking Group (GEBG), an organization comprised of independent schools nationwide that are committed to global education.
Winter Party & Auction: “A Night at the Museum” Join Collegiate parent event chairs Ellen ’86 and Jim Bonbright and Laura and Steve Holdych and members of the Collegiate community at the 41st annual Winter Party & Auction on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017, at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts! Bid on fabulous silent auction items from your smartphone while enjoying cocktails and live music in the Marble Hall, then head to the Cochrane Atrium for a seated dinner as auctioneer Ernie Rogers takes the stage. Can’t make it? Bid online at 501auctions.com/collegiatewinterparty. Questions? Please contact Pam Roberts at 804.741.4760 or proberts@collegiate-va.org.
Collegiate Alum and Fulbright Scholar Visits Upper School Collegiate alum Cole Phillips ’12 (above), a Fulbright Scholar currently living in Amman, Jordan, shared his perspective last January with three Upper School classes about the political climate in the Middle East. For his yearlong Fulbright grant, Cole is researching the economic problems in rural areas of Jordan and how they contribute to the political unrest in the region. Meeting with students, he talked about how participating in Collegiate’s inaugural International Emerging Leaders Conference (IELC) six years ago, and traveling abroad to Morocco as a student at Collegiate, guided him toward his current career path. “It really sparked my interest in the Middle East,” he said. Aside from his research, Cole works with Collateral Repair Project, a nonprofit organization that aids refugees from Syria, Iraq, Sudan, Yemen, Somalia and Eritrea with basic needs as they try to rebuild their lives. He teaches English classes, helps with activities for adults and children, and raises funds for the organization. At the end of his day with the students, Cole expressed how proud he was of working with refugees and how excited he is to continue doing so in the future. The students and teachers, impressed by all Cole has experienced, felt inspired by his commitment and dedication. “When alums come back to visit our school, it shows (current) students that they really can have an impact on our world,” said Erica Coffey, Director of Global Engagement and Inclusion, whose class met with him. “What Cole is doing is not typical by any means. He allows them to see that there are so many different roads to take. He is following his passion — something we hope all our students will do.”
Don’t Miss the Cougar Classic!
On Monday, Feb. 27, Collegiate’s very own faculty and staff All-Stars take the court for the legendary Cougar Classic. The game starts at 7 p.m., but knockout games for students start at 6 p.m. in Seal Athletic Center and Jacobs Gym. Questions? Please contact Raine Salhab (rainesalhab@comcast.net) or Denise Leonard (leonardva@comcast.net). 4 | Paw Print
Recent Collegiate Graduates Offer Advice
College Admission Deans Speak to Juniors
In January, more than a dozen recent Collegiate graduates (Class of 2013-16) shared with Upper School students their experiences regarding moving from high school to college. Director of College Counseling Brian Leipheimer and Associate Director of College Counseling Kim Ball facilitated the separate sessions for sophomores and juniors. Cougar alums from local universities including University of Virginia, College of William & Mary and Washington & Lee University, to those farther afield such as Yale University, Princeton University and the University of California at Berkeley, spoke frankly about their individual college searches and application processes, and how they have adjusted to college life. Acknowledging that the college selection process can be overwhelming, the recent Cougar graduates urged the students to trust their own feelings regarding their ultimate decision. “Go with your gut,” said Mark Brizzolara ’15, who now attends the University of Southern California.
The College Counseling Office hosted its annual gathering of 12 deans and directors of admission from colleges across the country to provide insight into the college search and application process to Collegiate juniors. The all-day program, which featured representatives from Bates College, Elon University, Virginia Tech, Davidson College, Miami University, University of Virginia, Washington & Lee University and University of CaliforniaBerkeley, allowed students the opportunity to get advice from the experts and ask questions about applying to college. That evening, the visitors served on a panel and spoke to parents of freshmen, sophomores and juniors.
Global Scholars Embark on Winter-Spring Trips Abroad
Global Issues Forum Features Celebrated Author
Collegiate students are traveling the world this semester on trips designed to teach them about other cultures and, in the process, more about themselves. As part of the School’s global education program, Collegiate students enjoyed (or will enjoy) opportunities to travel to Morocco, Mexico, Italy and China between January and May. Seven senior French students and their trip leaders visited Morocco from Jan. 8-15 for a weeklong language and cultural immersion experience. While in Morocco, students visited the cities of Casablanca and El Jadida, and spent time at Collegiate’s partner school, George Washington Academy, where they engaged with the students. In February, as part of Collegiate’s International Emerging Leaders - Americas program, students participated in the International Youth Symposium in Mexico with our partner school Carol Baur. In March, students will visit Collegiate’s partner school in Venice, Italy, and participate in a Model UN debate. Later in the month, students involved in the International Emerging Leaders - Asia program will travel to China.
Collegiate welcomed Kelsey Timmerman as keynote speaker for the 4th Annual Global Issues Forum in February. The celebrated author of Where are You Eating? and Where are You Wearing? discussed global poverty, slavery and child labor. Each year, the forum brings together high school students and teachers from the greater Richmond area to address ways the local community can impact global challenges. Spring 2017 | 5
Spirit Days
Join us for
Planet Cougar on April 21 and 22 The 52nd annual Village Green Fair, the Parents’ Association’s largest fundraiser, is on Earth Day this year. Our amazing and dedicated committee members have been working hard to plan all the fun that you’ve come to expect from VGF. To view what’s in store for PLANET COUGAR, visit www.collegiate-va.org/VGF. Highlights this year include performance T-shirts, in addition to traditional cotton, as well as earth-friendly reusable tumblers and decals with the first-ever Collegiate RVA logo. We’ll also offer new “Teen Scene” shopping and our revamped used clothing market — The Classy Cougar. We hope you will plan to enjoy all that Planet Cougar has to offer. On Friday, April 21, enjoy lunch and shopping and special entertainment. That evening, Upper Schoolers can have fun together during their own private inflatable time from 6-8 p.m. On Saturday, April 22 — Earth Day — the Fun Run kicks off the Fair at 8 a.m. We can’t do it without YOU, our Village! Volunteer at a game booth, bake for the Cake Walk, shop with our vendors ... come have fun! See you at Village Green Fair! – Karen Berson and Bryn Smutz 6 | Paw Print
Sunday, April 9 • Chipotle (3-9 p.m.) and Vineyard Vines (3-6 p.m.) Thursday, April 20 • California Pizza Kitchen (11 a.m.- 9:30 p.m.) and Tweed (10 a.m.- 8 p.m.) Enjoy dinner and shopping with our favorites at Stony Point Fashion Park and Short Pump. These generous retailers will give Collegiate a portion of sales on these dates. In addition, Vineyard Vines will give you a 10% discount off your purchases, and Tweed will enter Collegiate shoppers into a raffle for a gift basket filled with fabulous Tweed selections. Be sure to mention Collegiate while checking out. Thank you for supporting these events and these businesses!
Order your Planet Cougar T-shirts, Tumblers and Decals NEW this year! We are offering both performance and cotton T-shirts in a variety of colors. Choose from hot pink or gray short-sleeved performance T-shirts or white cotton long- or short-sleeved T-shirts. There is nothing more earth friendly than a reusable insulated tumbler sporting the Collegiate RVA logo! Your school spirit will SHINE on Earth Day and before if you place your orders early. T-shirts and a limited number of the RVA tumblers and new Collegiate RVA decals can be purchased at the Cougar Shop and online until Friday, April 14. www.collegiate-va.org/ VGF/tshirts; www.collegiate-va.org/VGF/tumbler; www.collegiate-va.org/VGF/decal
Upper School VGF Time Out Upper School Students: Save the date and mark your calendar for Friday, April 21 from 6-8 p.m. for a night of FUN! Grab your friends to hang out, jump, bounce and be a kid again! Entry fee is $15 per person if you register in advance and is $20 at the door. Bring money for a delicious dinner from Richmond’s favorite food trucks.
Garden Shoppe Spring and Earth Day are just around the corner! Once again, we will be offering a variety of fresh container gardens beautifully designed in timeless, high-quality pots for our pre-sale! Visit www.collegiate-va.org/VGF/ thegardenshoppe to place your order. Visit us at the Fair on Friday and Saturday to purchase a wide variety of annuals, herbs, ground covers and perennials. NEW this year — order your mulch from the VGF Garden Shoppe! A portion of sales will benefit Collegiate.
Calling all Shoppers … Support Collegiate Join us on Friday, April 21 and Saturday, April 22 in Estes and Burke Hall for Shops on the Green to find some of the best vendors from RVA and beyond selling a wide array of gift items, jewelry, clothing and more. If your VGF vendor receipts total $100 or more, you will be eligible to win an incredible gift basket! This year, we are adding Teen Scene at the Shops, featuring items that Middle and Upper School students will love! Get there early to steal the best deals from The Classy Cougar, which is filled with gently loved clothing, spirit wear, books, toys and clothes. There is no better way to support Earth Day than to come home with recycled treasures! www.collegiate-va.org/VGF/classycougar
Friday Frolic Fun
VIP Parking
Come enjoy lunch at RVA’s finest food trucks outside of Centennial Hall while enjoying entertainment by our very own Cougars from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Friday, April 21. While you’re there, check out the amazing VGF Raffle items, visit the Bake Sale and hit all the shops. www.collegiate-va.org/VGF/raffle
Avoid stress about parking and order your prime parking spot at VGF for the entire day (April 22). Come and go as you please, the spot is yours. Space is limited to 27 spaces, so order now. www.collegiate-va.org/VGF/vipparking
Tickets for our NEW Inflatables and Games Order your tickets before April 14 and save 20%! Each ticket punch card is worth 20 tickets. You won’t want to miss all the new inflatables that will be enjoyed at Planet Cougar this year! www.collegiate-va.org/VGF/tickets
Honor Signs A VGF tradition continues at Planet Cougar. Pay tribute to your special student, teacher or friend by purchasing an Honor Sign. All personalized Cougar Paws will be displayed at VGF. This would also be a special gift to a Kindergartner from their senior or for a JK pal. www.collegiate-va .org/VGF/honorsigns
Portico Gourmet Dinners and Sauces to Go! Stock the freezer for that unexpected guest or have friends over without lifting a finger by ordering from Portico’s signature favorites. Go online to see the yummy choices and to place your order! www.collegiate-va.org/VGF/portico
Fun Run Calling all Lower Schoolers, Middle Schoolers AND TEACHERS! Our popular teacher relay race will kick off race day for the second year in a row! Come early and watch your favorite teachers get started at 8 a.m. The first 250 Fun Run registrants will receive a swag bag complete with a coveted homework pass. www.collegiate-va.org/VGF/funrun
Dodgeball Calling all 3rd-12th Graders! There will be four age-appropriate divisions with teams consisting of eight players. Winning teams receive awesome prizes and bragging rights! Girls’ teams encouraged! Register online by April 14. www.collegiate-va.org/VGF/dodgeball
Lip Sync Battle Lip Sync is back! Grab a friend or shine with a solo and have fun performing. Space is limited, so sign up early and share your talent! Register online by April 14. www.collegiate-va.org/VGF/lipsync
2017 Important Dates Monday, April 3 Honor Sign Orders Due Friday, April 7 The Garden Shoppe Pre-Orders Due Portico Gourmet Dinner Orders Due Sunday, April 9 Spirit Day: Vineyard Vines and Chipotle at Stony Point Fashion Park Friday, April 14 Pre-ordered Tickets, T-Shirts, Tumblers and Decals Due Lip Sync Battle Registration Due Fun Run and Dodgeball Registration Due Thursday, April 20 Spirit Day: Tweed and California Pizza Kitchen Friday, April 21 Portico and Fun Run Packet Pickup Friday Frolic: Shops and Classy Cougar, Food Trucks Upper School Time Out
VGF Bake Sale We need you! All parents are asked to contribute to the Bake Sale. Please check your packet or the VGF website for details on what we need you to bake. Drop off is during morning carpool on Friday, April 21. www.collegiate-va.org/VGF/bakesale Spring 2017 | 7
Campus Conversation (cont’d) International Emerging Leaders - Asia Program Enters Third Year Collegiate welcomed 12 students from our partner school in Yangzhou, China, to join 11 seniors for the 3rd Annual International Emerging Leaders (IEL) - Asia program. During IEL - Asia, participants from Collegiate and from the Beijing New Oriental Foreign Language School examined the economic ties between the U.S. and China, while also exploring the two nations’ current political, cultural and ethical issues. The program took place at Collegiate in January, and from March 18-25, the Collegiate students will travel to China. The program consisted of a panel with area business leaders to discuss U.S.Chinese economic relations and a student forum, as well as presentations featuring solutions developed by students to solve economic issues facing China and the U.S. “The cross-cultural communication and collaboration skills our students gain
through this type of real-world learning are key to their future ability to thrive in the global and diverse worlds of both college and their future work
environments,” said Clare Sisisky, Collegiate’s Director of Responsible Citizenship Initiative and Director of Strategic Planning.
We Celebrate Our Behind-the-Scenes Volunteers When asked about all the volunteer work she performs at Collegiate, Katherine Adamson ’96 waves it off. The mother of Katie (6th Grade), Shepard (4th Grade) and Caroline (Kindergarten), Mrs. Adamson has served as a 1st Grade room mother, on the Admission Committee, on the Alumni Board, as an Annual Fund volunteer and Class Captain and, next year will co-chair the 2018 Village Green Fair. She wants to be involved and pitch in wherever she’s needed. “I just love the school,” she said. “It is a privilege to participate in the school community and see what your children are experiencing.” A member of a three-generation Cougar family, Mrs. Adamson’s father, Bill Thalhimer III ’64, was part of the second graduating class of boys at the School. Her sisters and many cousins also attended Collegiate. Mrs. Adamson knew that when her children began at Collegiate, she wanted to contribute in some way. Her grandfather, Billy Thalhimer Jr., taught her entire family the invaluable life lesson about philanthropy: That it is more than the investment of money; it is the investment of time, energy and passion in the community. She says she witnesses many generous Collegiate community members doing this. “I follow their lead,” she said. “Believing in the excellence of Collegiate makes it easy to give my time and energy.” Shepherd Lewis ’96, Collegiate’s Associate Director of Development, says volunteers like Mrs. Adamson don’t want to be recognized, but they deserve it. “She quietly does so much for Collegiate in so many areas, but the impact is enormous,” he said. While Collegiate values and encourages the participation of its parents, Mrs. Adamson believes she may reap more rewards by volunteering. “Being involved at Collegiate has expanded my world,” she said. “I have made connections with people that I may not have otherwise. I have gained insight into the School that only strengthens my passion for what an exceptional place it is and what a tremendous education our children receive.” 8 | Paw Print
In the Upper School Upcoming Events April 7-8
Spring Play
April 9
Dance Concert
April 12
MS/US Instrumental Concert
April 17
Art Walk
April 20
MS/US Choral Concert
April 22
Prom
April 23
Piano Recital
April 26
Guitar Concert
April 29
Dance Concert
May 1
The Meet in the Middle
May 4
MS/US Jazz Concert
June 6
Last Day of Classes
June 8
Baccalaureate
June 9
Graduation
Honors Theater Class Presents Winter Play Collegiate’s Oates Theater was transformed into a black box setting for the annual Upper School winter play. Student actors performed “Photosynthesis and Dramamine,” a collection of works by Christopher Durang and Jane Martin, on Jan. 12 and Jan. 13. The quirky pieces were connected through their comedic tone and focus on character, speaking to both the light and dark of human nature. For this production, audience members sat on the Oates Theater stage facing the house. The performance, produced by student directors Bobbie Edmunds, Anna Galanides, Olivia Laskin, Margaret Wadsworth and Michael Warker, featured Upper Schoolers onstage and behind the scenes.
College Counseling Events Parent Events Q&A for 9th Grade Parents March 15, 7-8 p.m., College Counseling South Science Building March 17, 20, 24, 27 and 29, 8:30-9:30 a.m., College Counseling - South Science Building Richmond Area Independent Schools College Fair April 27, 7-9 p.m., Seal Athletic Center and Jacobs Gym Questions? Please contact Jenn Earle at jenn_earle@collegiate-va.org or 804.741.9742.
Arming You With Info: What Parents Need to Know about Substance Abuse and Prevention This interactive program will feature a panel of leading experts in substance abuse prevention. It is designed to inform parents about current trends in alcohol and other drug use among adolescents and tell parents how they can educate their children to make healthy choices. This is a required program for 10th Grade parents. Wednesday, March 15, 7-8:30 p.m., Estes Café, Sharp Academic Commons Mornings with Mr. Loach All Upper School parents are invited to join Head of Upper School Patrick Loach in a discussion of relevant topics. Tuesday, March 21 and Tuesday, April 18, 8:15-9:15 a.m., Craigie Board Room, Sharp Academic Commons
Graduation and College Prep Details: Learn What to Expect during the Final Days at Collegiate and Beyond Come hear important details about graduation, as well as useful and meaningful guidance about preparing for the post-Collegiate world from a panel of parents who have children in college. All senior parents are encouraged to attend. Tuesday, March 28, 8:30 a.m., Craigie Board Room, Sharp Academic Commons Richmond Area Independent Schools College Fair Representatives from more than 170 colleges from across the country and around the globe will be in attendance, ready to speak with you and provide information about their schools. Junior students and their families and any interested sophomore families are welcome to attend. Thursday, April 27, 7-9 p.m. Seal Athletic Center and Jacobs Gym
Parent Event Parking Request To allow for adequate student and faculty parking, please remember to curb park in the left lane of the Loop Road/Lansing Lane behind Seal Center, Reeves Center and the science buildings between 8-8:15 a.m., after the carpool line ends. Please keep crosswalks and speed tables free from cars. Only once that lane is full should the parking spots be utilized. Thank you for your cooperation! Spring 2017 | 9
In the Middle School Upcoming Events March 23 Understanding Social Media with Katie Greer April 12
MS/US Instrumental Concert
April 17
Art Walk
April 18
5th Grade Time Out
April 20
MS/US Choral Concert
April 22
Village Green Fair
May 4
MS/US Jazz Concert
May 5
6th Grade Time Out
June 1
Last Day of Classes (6th Grade)
June 2
Last Day of Classes (7th-8th Grade)
June 8
Graduation
Middle Schoolers Perform at Chinese New Year Celebration Chinese language students at Collegiate welcomed the Year of the Rooster with the Fourth Annual Chinese New Year Celebration in January. The celebration also marked the 10th anniversary of the Chinese language program at Collegiate. Lower and Middle School students (pictured), with assistance from faculty, staff and Upper Schoolers, performed songs, dances and martial arts demonstrations integral to Chinese culture in front of more than 500 family and friends.
Parent Events Understanding Social Media at Every Age and Stage: Insight from Expert Katie Greer Collegiate will host social media and internet safety expert Katie Greer on campus to educate parents and students about age appropriate social media awareness and use. Thursday, March 23, 8:15-9 a.m., Centennial Hall (for 5th Grade parents) and 7-8:30 p.m., Oates Theater (required for 6th Grade parents).
Spelling Bee Winner In January’s epic Middle School spelling bee, Collegiate 7th Grader Amanda Tan correctly spelled “zephyr” and “hippopotamus” to emerge the victor. A week later, she won the Richmond Private School Division Spelling Bee, which included competitors from 13 schools including Fuqua School, Good Shepherd Episcopal School, Veritas School, Seven Hills School, Richmond Waldorf School, Salem Christian School, Al Madina School of Richmond and Ruldin Torah Academy. During the event, Amanda spelled words such as “cayenne” and “hypothesis.” To clinch the victory she spelled “casino” and “durability.” Congratulations, Amanda! 10 | Paw Print
Upper School Course Registration Information Meeting Parents of 8th Graders are invited to hear about the Upper School registration process and how their student will sign up for next year’s classes. Thursday, March 30, 7-8 p.m., Sharp Academic Commons and Oates Theater Cub Sports Information Session All 6th Grade parents and others new to Cub Sports are welcome to hear from Athletic Director Karen Doxey about Collegiate’s sports program for 7th and 8th Grade students. Thursday, April 13, 8:15-9:15 a.m., Reeves Center
Parenting and Transition to Upper School Social Life All 8th Grade parents are invited to hear Brenda Conlan (www.brenda conlan.com) talk about how to guide your child’s transition from Middle to Upper School social activities. Thursday, April 20, 8:15-9:15 a.m., Reeves Center What’s Next? Charlie Blair, Head of the Middle School, will discuss what Middle School parents can expect in the upcoming year. Tuesday, May 2, 8:15-9:15 a.m., Reeves Center
New Staff Maryn Massell – Senior Accountant Prior to joining the Business Office, Maryn was an Accounting Manager at Markel Corp. in Richmond. She is a CPA and graduated from James Madison University.
In the Lower School Upcoming Events March 23 Understanding Social Media with Katie Greer April 7
1st Grade Spring Play
April 13
Grandparents and Special Friends Day
April 17
Art Walk
April 22
Village Green Fair
May 20
Dance Concert
June 2
Graduation
Parent Event Understanding Social Media at Every Age and Stage: Insight from Expert Katie Greer Collegiate School will host social media and internet safety expert Katie Greer on campus to educate parents and students about age appropriate social media awareness and use. Thursday, March 23, 8:15-9 a.m., Centennial Hall (for JK-5th Grade parents)
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. Catherine S. Knebel, mother of Director of Service Learning and Civic Engagement Suzanne Fleming and grandmother of Rives Fleming ’14, Ellie Fleming ’16, Katie Fleming ’18 and Mary Grace Fleming ’20, died June 7, 2016. Shirley Anne Mays DeMarco, mother of Dominick DeMarco Jr. and grandmother of Dominick DeMarco III ’16, died Oct. 15, 2016. Dr. Bobby Glenn Holden, father of 1st Grade Assistant Teacher Beth Wilson, died Nov. 6, 2016. Bruce McKercher, father-in-law of 2nd Grade Assistant Teacher Debra McKercher, died Nov. 6, 2016. Jessica Bruch, niece of INDEX Project Manager Susan Trenkle, died Nov. 12, 2016. Clyde Bradshaw, father of English teacher and coach Weldon Bradshaw, died Nov. 19, 2016. Eugene Samuels Sr., stepfather of Head of Housekeeping Spencer Evans, died Nov. 20, 2016. Helen Voltz and Kyle Voltz, mother and nephew of Collegiate maintenance staff member Bryan Voltz, died Dec. 3, 2016. Mabel Mae Triplett Hull, mother of Collegiate parent Rita Buxbaum and grandmother of Sam Buxbaum ’19 and Cassie Buxbaum ’22, died Nov. 30, 2016. Dr. Thomas P.J. McGraw, father of Director of Auxiliary Services Christine Branin, died Dec. 9, 2016. Henry (Hank) W. Lorish, father of Junior Kindergarten associate teacher Kim Turner, grandfather of Abby Turner ’14 and Lizzie Turner ’18 and father-inlaw of Kindergarten teacher Robby Turner, died Dec. 18, 2016. Eulann English, mother-in-law of 1st Grade teacher Susie Leahy, died Dec. 31, 2016. Patrick S. Henry ’90, brother of Mike Henry ’84 and uncle of Jack Henry ’22, died Jan. 9, 2017. Bruce Parker, husband of former Lower School music teacher and current substitute Patsy Hallett, died Jan. 9, 2017. Charles F. Neurohr, father of 4th Grade teacher Kate Featherston, father-in-law of Middle School physical education teacher Trip Featherston and grandfather of Ginnie Featherston ’21 and Ellie Featherston ’25, died Jan. 11, 2017.
2nd Graders Present Annual States Fair In one of Collegiate’s most-treasured traditions, 2nd Graders donned the hats they created to represent the 50 states and paraded around the Lower School for the annual States Fair. After the parade, students displayed their hats in their classrooms, and read from the books they created and showed commercials or travel shows they produced on iPads and websites they developed on Chromebooks about their particular state. The classes then headed to Oates Theater where they performed the Fifty Nifty program, which included facts about each state presented through song and artwork.
Art Walk 2017
Monday, April 17 • 4 p.m. • Locations campus-wide
Laura Kinsman Dabney, mother of Upper School photography teacher Taylor Dabney, died Jan. 24, 2017. Dr. William Timothy Sweeney, father of Controller Jenn Quindoza and grandfather of Anne-Claire Quindoza ’19, Ian Quindoza ’22, Miles Quindoza ’29, Ellie Rogers ’21, Lila Rogers ’23, and Andrew Rogers ’29, died Jan. 28, 2017. William Miller Sr., father-in-law of Lower School Head Debbie Miller, grandfather of Director of Middle and Upper School Admission Brent Miller ’98 and great-grandfather of Annie Miller ’30, died Jan. 29, 2017. Carolyn Minor, mother of maintenance staff member Leon Brown, died Feb. 8, 2017. Nola A. DeStephen, mother-in-law of 2nd Grade teacher Samantha Price Huber ’03 and mother of Hunter Huber ’02 and Hannah Huber ’99, died Feb. 7, 2017. Addey Letebrehan, grandmother of Kindergarten Assistant Teacher Aster Kidane and great-grandmother of Destana Herring ’17, Selam Herring ’19 and Sehma Herring ’22, died Feb. 9, 2017. Spring 2017 | 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
Steve Hickman, Head of School Stacy H. Adams, Director of Communications Charlie Blair, Head of Middle School Jamie Britto, Chief Information Officer Karen Doxey, Director of Athletics Susan Droke, Academic Dean Patrick Loach, Head of Upper School Debbie Miller, Head of Lower School Phyllis Palmiero, Vice President-Finance and Administration J.P. Watson, Assistant Head of School Kristen Williams, Vice President-Development
PAW PRINT is published multiple times throughout the year. Erin Egan, editor phone: 804.741.9781 email: erin_egan@collegiate-va.org Charla Eastep and JoAnn Adrales Ruh, 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, gender, sexual orientation or national origin in the administration of its educational, admission, scholarship or employment policies, or any other programs administered by the School.
Bringing Cultural Lessons to Life
Happy New Year At the 2017 Chinese New Year celebration (see Page 10), which marked the 10th anniversary of Collegiate’s Chinese language program, seniors opened the festivities hoisting the dragon they created as 3rd Graders a decade ago.