Fork Union Military Academy Middle School Volume 18, Issue 1 Sept./ Oct. 2012
The President’s Message
What a terrific start we’ve had to the school year. One of my favorite activities again this year was the Ice Cream Social to start the school year…there is always a good reason to have ice cream…and my first opportunity to address the Middle School. I am always impressed by the attentiveness of our MS
cadets, and this year they also asked many questions. Their questions were quite challenging this year, requiring me to “think on my feet.” Yesterday, when a member of our Board of Trustees came to visit, it was an 8th grade cadet who most impressed him that day. This young man greeted him with a hearty “Good Morning, Sir!” and had an expression on his face that would lift up anyone’s day. The entire campus is focusing on Respect, Communications, and Setting an
Inside this issue: Example this year… and by all accounts it seems to be working. I ask that you continue to pray for the faculty and staff as we lead these young men. We will continue to pray for your sons, as we educate, develop, and inspire them.
Now that you are fully aware of our expectations, we expect to see even more determined effort in all areas of cadet life as we enter the second grading period of the year. We expect to see greater selfcontrol, higher grades, and a greater willingness to accept responsibility. As a faculty and staff, we commit to doing our best to help you, but know
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Leadership Training
Go FUMA!
Highlight: Serving to Protect our Freedom
J. Scott Burhoe
Classroom Spotlight: CPT Smith
President, Fork Union Military Academy
Ask the B. C.
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FUMA Man
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A Day in the Life of Ms. Fick, Housemother
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History of the Middle School
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Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Retired www.forkunion.com
A Message from the Headmaster LTC Feathers Congratulations on your completion of the first grading period of this school session. For many of you, this is the longest period of time you have ever been away from home. We are proud of your hard work and perseverance, as you have proven to yourself that you can handle responsibilities that may have seemed impossible at the beginning of the school year.
Commandant’s Message
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Librarian’s Corner
that you have a huge stake in your success at FUMA. Work hard and commit to doing your best!
Sports Jr. Prep Football Roster Swimming Roster
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Soccer
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Orienteering
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Cross Country
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Intramurals
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VMI-Navy Game
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Question of the Month
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Eagle Eyrie Trip
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The Bayonet
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From the Commandant’s Desk LTC Blanchetti
Fall is always such a welcome sight, especially after such a long, hot and humid summer. The change in the leaves and the cooler weather always reminds me of the positive subtle changes taking place daily in our young men. Cadets are transitioning into a new way of life and learning the FUMA way. There is so much opportunity and everything seems so new. We have had a solid start to the 2012-2013 school
year. The officers are responding well to the challenges and pressures of their positions. The new cadets have assimilated into the rigors of our daily life. Every drill period is a parade, every meal is a banquet, and each allowance is a fortune. While we still have a long road ahead of us until that magical day in May, I feel very optimistic with the group of young men we have here. Parents’
Weekend is but the first in a set of steps towards the summer of 2013. It is my hope that the Corps is able to carry the enthusiasm and energy that they have now through the end of the school year. LTC Blanchetti
Leadership Training By David Signoretti
During the course of the year, cadets who get good grades, behave, and show leadership capabilities are chosen to come early the following year to train to become officers. This year, I and nine fellow classmates were chosen. We arrived at noon on a Wednesday. LTC Blanchetti (Middle School Commandant, who chose us to come) was waiting for us. He had the week perfectly planned out. We did a good amount of reading and studying, marching, and talking to our fellow classmates. He taught me a load of helpful advice I would not only need for the following year, but as an everyday tip. During the week, we on a field trip to an amusement park right beside King’s Dominion.
This park taught you to trust your comrades and to push away your fear. There was some wild stuff there. I am not really afraid of heights if I know I’m safe, but I have to admit, I was scared. This course taught me to not only put a determined step forward, but to take a leap towards my fear. I was scared, but I believe I did fairly well. The last day of training was a special and exiting one. It was the day we would receive our rank. I was dazed the whole time. Afterwards, the buzz of excitement grew until we could finally open our bags and put on our rank. We prepared for the following day when the new cadets would arrive. I worked hard for my rank, but I have to give credit to
my parents. I would not be the person I am now if it wasn’t for them.
Cadet leaders 2012-13: From left, front: Fowler , Yescas, Signoretti, Miller, Snow , Ilori Back: LTC Feathers, Buchholz, Hegler, Maryk, Coley-Trice Admiral Burhoe, Bonner, LTC Blanchetti,
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Highlight: Serving to Protect Our Freedom Seventh grader Daniel Kiddy is one of several FUMA Middle School cadets with family members serving to protect our country. Daniel’s father, Jonathan Kiddy, served in the Navy for 14 years. He now works in Afghanistan for Lockheed Martin, a government contractor. As Daniel describes, his father works on the Persistent Threat Detection System. Daniel talked about what it is like to have a parent in harm’s way. “You worry a lot, and hope he’s going to be fine, that he’s wearing
enough body armor. I know it is hard for him to be away, and that he isn’t around to talk to me about decisions.” Daniel says his dad is good with electronics and building models, and used to work on F18 and F14 jets. “I hope to go into the military some day and fly planes. Almost everybody in my family has been in the military, my uncles, my grandfather, even my grandmother.” Daniel says his dad likes what he does, but that
doesn’t make it any easier to be away. Whenever possible, they talk on Skype. “My dad was part of the decision for me to come here [FUMA].” As Daniel says, part of why his dad is overseas is so that Daniel can have the opportunity to come to Fork Union. “He has goals for me: to have good grades, focus on my academics, and build good habits.”
Classroom Spotlight: CPT Smith Recently, I reinforced what my sixth graders learned about the scientific method by placing them in groups and having them work on a SpongeBob worksheet. In this activity, they were allowed to utilize their classroom notes, textbooks, and one another to solve problems concerning SpongeBob Squarepants and his Bikini Bottom friends. I guided the students through the first problem set by reading it aloud and calling upon them individually to answer questions pertaining to elements of the scientific method: hypothesis, control, independent variable, dependent variable, and conclusion. After having guided the cadets through the first problem, I allowed them to work in pre-
assigned groups no larger than three students to complete three other problem sets. It was interesting to watch them complete this task, as they needed to recall information that they learned from the textbook and classroom lesson about the scientific method. After the students completed the assignment and I collected it, I began to verbally assess their understanding of each problem set. In general, they worked well in their small groups on the questions, though a few “trick” questions provided more of a challenge for them. It was apparent that they enjoyed the activity and
were sincerely making an effort to remember previous information necessary for answering the questions. It is extremely rewarding for a teacher to observe students enjoying themselves in such activities, while simultaneously demonstrating comprehension of the information previously learned.
Cadet Kiddy with his father
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Dear Battalion Commander, What is your best advice to new cadets? Cadet Robel Dear Cadet Robel, My advice to new cadets is to just do what your authorities ask; also hang out with the correct group of cadets. Be sure to mind the small, seemingly petty things such as keeping a clean room and not talking in a Corps meeting. If you want to get rank and awards, be sure to not only keep good conduct and keep good grades, but join some extracurricular activities such as Laundry, or Dillard Guard. JD Buchholz,
B. C.
Battalion Commander Dear Battalion Commander, Do you enjoy being in charge of the whole Middle School Corps of Cadets, or is it too much responsibility? Cadet Justice Dear Cadet Justice, Well, it has its ups and downs, but overall it is good. I think last year was the worst due to the fact that I was younger than the 8th graders. Now people listen a lot more, but you still have to deal with people who love to get on your nerves. The responsibilities are a lot easier than I thought they would be, but it’s still pretty difficult. You just have to be dedicated to your job. B. C.
Dear Battalion Commander, What conduct do you have to be on to get rank? When do conduct levels come out? Anonymous Dear Anonymous, Conduct levels come out at the end of the grading period, and each level holds different amounts of privilege and punishment. The lower the demerits, the higher the conduct level, and the higher the conduct level, the more privileges you receive. The highest conduct level with the most privileges is Excellent; it is also the only conduct that you can get rank on. Remember, it’s just as easy to get a low conduct level as it is to get a high one, so be careful. B. C.
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Volume 18, Issue 1
Originial artwork by Daniel Kiddy, 7th grade 2012
Introducing……
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“A Day in the Life” of Ms. Fick Middle School Housemother and Activities Coordinator Why did you decide to become a housemother? I’m a real-estate broker, and the market was going way down, and I heard about this job. So I looked into it, and I thought: Oh my gosh, this is me. The job description just hit me. What is the job description? To live in the barracks; to be the person that is there for emergencies; to encourage and mother; just being the surrogate mother on board to look after the boys. Since I raised four sons and a daughter, I was an empty-nester. And I have a place in my heart for kids this age, especially. It filled a need for me, and I feel like it filled a need for them as well. I feel like it is more a ministry than a job. I am in the place God wants me to be. Every day is new and exciting. I love spending time with the boys. But it can be hard to have any down time, and they still knock, knock, knock on my door! What is your schedule? I am the weekend housemother, so I have the permanent Friday afternoon duty; I come on at 3pm and then I will not go to bed until about 11pm at night. Then I sleep in the barracks and if there is an emergency the kids can come to me at night. I am also on Saturday through Tuesday nights, and I wake them up in the mornings and get them to breakfast and to the morning meeting. What are some of the typical things kids come to you for? ‘I have a headache.’ ‘My stomach hurts.’ ‘I can’t sleep.’ And my answer for the ‘I can’t sleep’ is, ‘Because you are standing here talking to me. Try closing your eyes and getting some rest!’ They laugh because I try to say things that are funny to them. Do you think they always have a headache? Why do you think they come to you? No they don’t always have a headache. They just want to talk. Especially at the beginning they miss home. They miss their parents, sibling, their friends. They miss their pets. And I have a dog for that very reason. He is a Golden Retriever. His name is Sunny. The boys love him and he loves them. He can bring a smile to their faces when they are really down. Walk me through an average evening. I come down at about 8pm, and I sit down in Center Barracks on the couch. That’s my command post. All the boys know that’s where they can find me if they need me. Sometimes I’ll have one or two or three or four kids there talking. They get ready for bed. At taps, they go on to bed. At 9:25 they have to be in their rooms. And then I patrol the halls until 11 at night, and lock up the building. The kids will hear me on the halls, and say ‘Ms. Fick Ms. Fick. Could you have a prayer with me tonight?’ Or they need a cough drop or a hug. The same kind of things that parents deal with at home when their child won’t go to sleep. In a sentence or two, what are some of the harder things about the job? When I can’t fix their hurt. If they have issues that are really bothering them, and all I can do is just be there for them, pray for them, try to love them through the time. I’m a fixer. When I can’t fix things it is hard for me. In a sentence or two, what are some of your favorite parts of the job? To see the kids enjoying themselves. I love to see them smiling, actually laughing and having a good time together. It is just fun to see them smile.
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A Brief History of the Middle School The Middle School, formerly the Junior School, was founded by Dr. John J. Wicker in 1930. The original Junior School building was located directly behind the Alumni Gymnasium, and was used for classrooms, student housing, and various student activities. In 1940, the current Middle School Barracks was built, but was originally constructed with only one wing of dorm rooms, what is now the “Alpha” side, and the current “Center Barracks”. The build-
ing was expanded in 1942, adding the “Bravo” Company wing. Two years later, in 1944, the building was again expanded to its current size, adding rooms for tactical officers and house mothers. The building has remained relatively unchanged since then. Last spring, the building’s façade was repainted, replacing the traditional olive-drab with a new off-white look with white trim.
Middle School Barracks, 1940
CPT Keithley’s Resource Tip: Before reading a section in your textbook, scan through the section. Read the titles, subtitles, bold or highlighted words, and look at any maps and pictures. Then read the questions at the end. You’ll have an idea of the bigger picture and what the author is telling you is most important.
The Librarian’s Corner Dystopian fiction….it’s what’s hot right now! If you’ve never heard the word “dystopian” before, you are not alone! Dystopian refers to a genre of fiction set in the future, in a society in ruins. Generally, utopian ideas have brought about changes with unforeseen results. Everything should be perfect, but instead, everything is a mess. The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins is a popular example of dystopian fiction. Libraries often have waiting lists for this
book….FUMA’s library is no exception! The most requested series by Middle School cadets are: The Hunger Games (Collins) Maximusm Ride (Patterson)
penseful, and exciting! Treat yourself to a good book. Mrs. Linkous or Mrs. Armstrong can point you in the right direction!
Gone (Grant)
Homelanders (Klavan) The first three are dystopian. Young adult fiction has come a long way in the past several years. It’s edgy, sus
Cover from Amazon.com
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Middle School cadets are expected to participate in a sport each season. Sports offered for the fall include Jr. Prep Football, Middle School Soccer, Orienteering, and Cross Country. Intramurals are also offered as a choice for cadets who are not interested in one of the team offerings. A complete roster for each activity follows. Be sure to attend as many sporting events as you can and cheer on your fellow cadets!!
J. D. Buchholz Jonathan Hegler Khari Coley-Trice Jonathan Walker
Nick Orsa Christiaan Williams Nathan LeVan
Zhane Nelson Scott Robel
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Soccer By Ben Chiovaro As a third-year soccer player, I notice changes on each year’s team. This year, unlike my other years, we are an evenly distributed team. We don’t necessarily have any star players, but honestly, we don’t really need a star player. All of us working together like a well-oiled machine makes us act like one star team. We have different talent on each team, but this year we have an exceptional goalie, Cadet Han. Our first game of the year he was the MVP of the game. We also have a new assistant coach, CPT Gottschalk. He is a great coach and teacher, and I look forward to getting to know him more. He has been a great addition, working with our head coach, CPT Butt. I believe this year the team has promise, and I hope we can win some games in the future. -Ben Chiovaro
Matt Arnold
Peter Cagnina
Ben Chiovaro
Alec Durr
Cole Gallaudet
Jack Greenspon
NelsonGriffin
Geon-Woo Han
Landen Hawkins
Denzel Hunter-Shaw
Jonathan Ilori
Shane Maryk
Bryce Mitchell
Kayode Osunkoya
Sam Pierce
Paul Pittman
Antonio Puaauli-Pelham
Mical Ramos
David Signoretti
Cameron Smith
Thomas Snow
Steven Tidman
Julian Yescas
FUMA Middle School Soccer Team 2012
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Orienteering By Zac Miller Orienteering is a sport where you run through all types of terrain with a map, looking for orange bags called Points. During practice we run a lot, and learn how to improve our skills on the course. So far we have been to three events. The first was the Fork Union Cross –Country meet, where we did very well. The next was the Fork Union Four Miler, where Olympian Lopez Lomong started the race. The last event was a meet in Lorton,VA, where our team did very well. Orienteering is a very exciting sport, and open to anyone who likes to run through the woods.
Middle School Orienteers, Fall 2012 Zack Bender Benjamin Gary Micah Giszack Zac Miller Thomas Snow Ben Chiovaro
Andrew Estes, Jared Giszack Chase Kaufman Timi Osunkoya Julian Yescas
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Cross-Country By Will Thompson I have been running Cross-Country for two seasons, and I’m actually surprised how much it has changed for me through the years. My first year I knew I had to run . . . a lot! Obviously, since the sport is running, you are going to run a lot, but now it doesn’t seem so hard. The team is a family. Coach Brown is the father, stern but loving, and your teammates are your brothers. So far this year I have been doing well. I am the top runner in the Middle School, and run a lot with the Upper School cadets. We had a strong race at the FUMA Invitational Meet, and I can already see improvements in the Middle School crew. I am excited to see what we can pull off this season.
Trip Brewer Steele Smith Dalton Fowler James McMurtrie
Scott Meadows Will Thompson Jacob Holsapple
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For cadets not interested in one of the fall sports offered, the intramural program is designed to insure that cadets remain physically active. Activity varies by the day, but may include kickball, wiffle ball, football, or Frisbee. Sportsmanship is a key component of the intramural program.
Oshari Baldwin
Danny Kiddy
Travis Cambric
Nathan LeVan
John Davis
Isaiah Shaw
Anthony Desiderio
Clyde Sinkler
Larry Elder
Diaz Tompkins
Alex Jenkins
Johnny Vacca Jerry Wu
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Game Day, Baby! Game Day! On Saturday, September 22, ten cadets from the Fork Union Military Academy’s Middle School and two cadets from the upper school attended the NCAA football game between the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) and the United States Naval Academy (Navy) played at the Naval Academy’s own Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, MD. On that day, the weather at Navy was ideal. The numerous Midshipmen from Navy, dressed in blinding white uniforms, made a positive impression on all as they marched into the stadium and filled up the entire football field with their unwavering presence. The lively spirit of the corps of cadets from VMI was also impressive as they cheered loudly for their Keydet football team throughout the game. Fork Union Military Academy was well represented by the young men who attended this event. Other fans in attendance seated among the Fork Union cadets shared several positive remarks about FUMA and the Fork Union cadets they met during the game. CPT Greenspon, who led this trip, was pleased to hear the positive feedback. VMI scored the first points of the contest in the opening quarter with a successful field goal. Navy soon answered and they were ahead 10 to 3 going into half time. The second half was not to be an easy one for the Keydets as the scores for Navy continued to mount. In the end, the final score was Navy 41, VMI 3. Despite the lopsided victory for Navy, a great time was had by all. Several of the Middle School cadets indicated an interest in possibly attending the Naval Academy themselves in the future. The two Upper School cadets in attendance have high hopes of attending VMI next year.
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Question of the Issue: Describe your ideal October day. I would wake up at 12:00pm and eat candy for breakfast, then watch ESPN from 1:00-2:00pm. After that, I would play Madden NFL 13 for an hour, and read my Bible for 30 minutes. Next, I would go to the mall to hang out with my friends, and buy about 50 pairs of shoes. Finally, I would come home and play outside during the evening, and sleep Saturday night for about 14 hours. Cadet Hunter-Shaw, 8th grade
I wake up to the smell of fresh bacon cooking and sit down with my wife and the boys to a nice big country breakfast. Upon finishing the breakfast cleanup, the two boys and I load all our hunting rifles to head to my Dad’s for a day, zeroing our guns in preparation for hunting season. Of course this would not be an ideal Saturday unless my older brother and his two boys were there as well. At the close of the evening, our wives join us at my Dad's for a nice sit-down meal. During these moments we bore those not interested with plans for the quickly approaching hunting season. I can smell hunting season in the air. CPT Carter
I would wake up and hop in the car with my family and drive to Short Pump. On the way, I’d go to Starbucks and grab a white mocha. Then, when I got there, I would go with my Dad to see a movie, while everyone else would go to the mall. Afterwards, we would go to lunch, and then walk around the mall. Cadet Micah Giszack, 8th grade
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Volume 18, Issue 1
Eagle Eyrie Junior High Weekend A group of Middle School cadets, along with LTC Feathers and LTC Giszack, enjoyed an uplifting weekend in the mountains of Lynchburg, VA, during an annual Junior High Weekend retreat at the Eagle Eyrie Baptist Retreat Center. This retreat, held Oct. 12 - 14, was also attended by over 600 other Middle School students and youth leaders from churches across the state. Encouraging messages were presented through the weekend by the Youth Pastor of Peace Baptist Church in Decatur, GA, Jeffrey Wallace, and music was provided by Soulstice, an energetic praise and worship band. Breakout sessions involving topics such as listening for God’s voice and dealing with peer pressure were popular with our cadets. Free time on Saturday afternoon was spent hiking, playing sports, and making new friends. The group returned to campus tired, but spiritually renewed and refreshed.
Eagle Eyrie group 2012
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