DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU NEED TO HAVE READY?
PG. 3 | BACK-TO-SCHOOL RESOURCES
PG. 4 | PARENT RESOURCES
PG. 5 | EXTENDED CARE CHANGES
PGS. 6-7 | BACK-TO-SCHOOL CHECKLIST
PGS. 8-11 | ORIENTATION 101
PGS. 10-15 | ARRIVAL & DISMISSAL PROCEDURES
PG. 16 | LUNCH & PHYSICAL EDUCATION PROCEDURES
PGS. 17-20 | NEW FACES, NEW ROLES
PG. 21 | ROTATION SCHEDULE
PG. 22-23 | WAYS TO SUPPORT OUR OAKS
PG. 24-25 | IMPORTANT DATES
The Back to School resource board has loads of important items to assist our families with being prepared for the new school year, such as the communications families received over the summer break, including:
• Magnus Health application updates
• Textbooks, resources and supply information
• Summer assignments
• Student schedule information
• Printed academic calendar information
• Fall athletic information
• Parent-Student Handbook
Students are required to complete summer assignments for their upcoming year. Links for the assignments, as well as the required textbooks (if applicable) and how to order them, and supply lists by grade are available on the Back to School resource board.
Parents and students are able to access the resource board by logging into MyCollegiate at NorfolkCollegiate.org and then toggling to the “Resources” tab. The resource board is also accessible using the QR code below. If you have trouble logging in, please email MyCollegiate@norfolkcollegiate.org for assistance.
NURSE
SUSIE POTTER, Lead School Nurse Grades 6-12 spotter@norfolkcollegiate.org
MANDY MARTIN, School Nurse Pre-K-Grade 5 mmartin@norfolkcollegiate.org
LOWER SCHOOL
DR. CATHERINE THOMSON ’94, Head of Lower School cthomson@norfolkcollegiate.org 757.625.0471, ext. 1608
KATHY GARRIS, Lower School Dean kgarris@norfolkcollegiate.org 757.625.0471, ext. 1641
PANNILL TITUS, Lower & Middle School Counselor ptitus@norfolkcollegiate.org 757.480.2885, ext. 3311
MIDDLE SCHOOL
CHRIS TILLSON, Head of Middle School ctillson@norfolkcollegiate.org 757.480.2885, ext. 3307
JILL ARCHER, Middle School Dean jarcher@norfolkcollegiate.org 757.480.2885, ext. 3334
PANNILL TITUS, Lower & Middle School Counselor ptitus@norfolkcollegiate.org 757.480.2885, ext. 3311
UPPER SCHOOL
ANNE CLAYWELL ’88, Head of Upper School aclaywell@norfolkcollegiate.org 757.480.2885, ext. 2229
CJ FAYTON, Upper School Dean cfayton@norfolkcollegiate.org 757.480.2885, ext. 2219
HELEN YOUNCE, Upper School Counselor hyounce@norfolkcollegiate.org 757.480.2885, ext. 2227
ATHLETICS
JON HALL Director of Athletics jhall@norfolkcollegiate.org |
REBECCA HARTRUM, Assistant Director of Athletics rhartrum@norfolkcollegiate.org |
ANNETTE MANLEY, Assistant Director of Athletics, Operations amanley@norfolkcollegiate.org |
BUSINESS OFFICE
757.583.0919
The business office is your main point of contact for questions about financial assistance, payment plans and student accounts. Contact studentbilling@norfolkcollegiate.org for questions about student billing and student accounts. Please email financialaid@norfolkcollegiate.org with any questions or concerns regarding financial assistance.
The website serves many purposes. For current families, we offer an array of information once you log in to MyCollegiate at NorfolkCollegiate.org. There you will have access to:
• Handbooks and Guides
• Online Library Resources
• Summer Assignments
• Textbooks & School Supplies
• Student Directories
• Magnus Health
• Grow An Oak Referral Program
• Oaks Athletics
• And More!
Each division and head of school will communicate via email throughout the year. Please make sure your contact information is updated within your account in MyCollegiate.
Pre-K-Grades 12 utilize this web-based program to post grades and assignments and facilitate communication between teachers, students and families. To access MyCollegiate, visit NorfolkCollegiate.org and click the MyCollegiate button at the top of the page. For login information, questions and technical support, please contact MyCollegiate at MyCollegiate@norfolkcollegiate.org
The school uses Facebook and Instagram to promote upcoming events and share school happenings. Follow us at Facebook.com/NrflkCollegiate (note our NEW Facebook account) and Instagram.com/NrflkCollegiate.
Parent Ambassadors, PAs, are current parents who serve as liaisons and resources for a specific grade. Each grade has ambassadors who will communicate upcoming events, class activities, teacher appreciation events and more throughout the year. Be on the lookout for emails from your parent ambassadors throughout the year.
The Student Directory provides contact information for current students. This directory is available on MyCollegiate under “Directories” tab (you must be logged on to view the directory).
If the school should need to close due to inclement weather or for an unforeseen emergency, the school will communicate with families via phone, email and text (you will need to opt-in by texting “YES” to 87569), on our website and through social media. In the event of inclement weather closures, notices also will be posted on local news stations. Ensure your contact information is correct by logging into MyCollegiate and reviewing and updating, if needed, your contact information.
Please email your student’s division using the corresponding email address below:
lower.attendance@norfolkcollegiate.org
middle.attendance@norfolkcollegiate.org
upper.attendance@norfolkcollegiate.org
Norfolk Collegiate offers before and after school extended care services for our lower and middle school students and supervised care for upper school student. Below is a breakdown changes for the 2024-25 school year. For specific details, please visit the Extended Care resource board.
1. Norfolk Collegiate is using Blackbaud Tuition Management to bill families using extended care this year.
2. Once you have registered through Blackbaud, you will receive an email with instructions on how to set up your account on Brightwheel, a new app Norfolk Collegiate lower school will be utilizing for attendance purposes.
3. Each family will be charged a $60 yearly registration fee if they sign up to use the service.
4. The daily fee is $30 per student. This is only charged to your student’s account when your student uses extended care, and it’s reserved ahead of time.
5. If your family uses the drop-in service, your student account will be charged $37 per student each time this service is utilized. In this event, families will need to email lower.extendedcare@norfolkcollegiate.org to request a drop-in and await email confirmation that space is available. Students must be registered to utilize the service.
6. A late fee of $2 per minute will be applied to your tuition management account if your student(s) is not picked up by 6 p.m.
7. Questions: Email Kathy Garris, lower school dean, at kgarris@norfolkcollegiate.org or call 757.625.0471.
1. Middle School Extended Care is also using Blackbaud Tuition Management to bill utilizing extended care.
2. Each family will be charged a $60 yearly registration fee if they sign up to use the service.
3. The daily fee is $16 per student. This is only charged to your student’s account when your student uses extended care, and it’s reserved ahead of time.
4. If your family uses the drop-in service, your student account will be charged $25 per student each time this service is utilized. In this event, families will need to email middle.extendedcare@norfolkcollegiate.org to request a drop-in and await email confirmation that space is available. Students must be registered to utilize the service.
5. You will be billed only for the days that your student uses extended care.
6. A late fee of $2 per minute will be applied to your tuition management account if your student(s) is not picked up by 6 p.m.
7. Questions: Email Chrisy Cooper at ccooper@norfolkcollegiate.org or call 757.480.2885, ext. 3306.
The Upper School requires students who arrive 7:30-8 a.m. to remain in the upper school lobby. After 3:10 p.m., unless students are working with a teacher or coach, all students in Grades 9-11 on campus are required to report to the Stanton Library, which is supervised until 6 p.m., until their rides arrive.
1. All students, with the exception of those in practices, performances or contests, must be picked up no later than 6 p.m. A late fee of $2 per minute will be applied to your tuition management account if your student(s) is not picked up by 6 p.m.
Upload and complete the requirements for each student in Magnus Health before the first day of school, Aug. 22.
Purchase books (listed on Back to School Resource Board in MyCollegiate).
Label student’s name in books, calculators and clothing.
Plan to attend one of the following locker and new device set-ups: Aug. 20 from 8:3011 a.m.; Aug. 21 from 9-11 a.m.; and 3:30-5:30 p.m. Students will be able to access their lockers before school, after school and between classes.
Purchase Collegiate shorts and T-shirt from school store for PE.
Attend parent orientation on Aug. 21 from 10-10:45 a.m. This is for ALL parents of freshmen and ALL parents new to Collegiate (please see pages 8-9 for more details). Returning students in Grades 10-12 do not need to attend.
Student-Athletes: Review Athletic Handbook
Upload Athletic Physical Form to Magnus Health before first day of practice.
Check Norfolk Collegiate website for first day of athletic practice. Purchase, if needed, appropriate athletic equipment for you student’s sport.
Purchase supplies and books (listed on Back to School Resource Board in MyCollegiate).
Label student’s name in books, calculators and clothing.
Plan to attend locker and new device set-up on Aug. 21 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Students will be able to access their lockers before school, after school and between classes.
Purchase Collegiate shorts and T-shirt from school store for PE.
Complete the extended care registration form before Aug. 26.
Attend sixth grade and new grade 7 & 8 student and parent orientations on Aug. 21 from 9-11:30 a.m. This is for all parents of sixth grade students and parents new to Collegiate. Returning students and parents in grades 7 and 8 do not need to attend.
Student-Athletes: Review Athletic Handbook Upload Athletic Physical Form to Magnus Health before first day of practice.
Check Norfolk Collegiate website for first day of athletic practice. Purchase, if needed, appropriate athletic equipment for your student’s sport.
Purchase your student’s supplies (listed on Back to School Resource Board in MyCollegiate).
Complete the extended care registration form in Magnus Health before Aug. 22.
Label student’s name in books and other school materials.
New pre-K4 though Grade 5 families attend student-parent orientation from 8:30-9:30 am. on Aug. 21.
Returning pre-K4 through Grade 5 families may bring school supplies and meet your teacher from 10 a.m. to noon on Aug. 21.
Pre-K3 families attend new student-parent orientation at 10 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 23.
The new school year is here and there are a flurry of orientation events you’ll want to make sure are on your calendar. Here is your divisional breakdown to ensure a smooth orientation. As always, we are here to help you, so please reach out to the appropriate division with your questions.
All upper school students are welcome to set up lockers from 8:30-11 a.m. so they are prepared for a smooth first day of classes. All new and returning students who have purchased a new device may come in to receive assistance connecting to the school’s network in the Collegiate Cafe. This can also be done during orientation. Please note all students should have their login information for MyCollegiate as well. This is required to use a device on the school’s network.
AUG 21
PARENTS OF FRESHMEN & NEW PARENT ORIENTATION | 10-10:45 A.M.
Details | This is for ALL freshmen and ALL new parents in Grades 9-12. This will be held in the Hackney Theater in the Meredith Center for the Arts. Students are NOT required to be in school dress. At its conclusion, our athletic office, business office and other staff will be available for questions. Questions? Contact Mr. CJ Fayton, upper school dean, at cfayton@norfolkcollegiate.org
PARENTS OF FRESHMEN & NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION | 10 A.M.-12:30 P.M.
Details | This is for ALL freshmen (new and returning) and ALL new students in Grades 9-12 to Norfolk Collegiate. This session will begin in the Hackney Theater in the Meredith Center for the Arts with families and students together.
• Students are NOT required to be in school dress.
• Students are invited to set up lockers at 9 a.m.
• Students returning to Collegiate will be released at 12 p.m.
• All new students to Collegiate will end the day at 12:30 p.m. after completing email, Internet and device setup. Please be sure to bring your fully charged device.
Questions? Contact Mr. CJ Fayton, upper school dean, at cfayton@norfolkcollegiate.org
RETURNING STUDENT LOCKER AND NEW DEVICE SET-UP | 3:30-5:30 P.M.
All upper school students are welcome to set up lockers and new devices so they are prepared for a smooth first day of classes. All new and returning students who have purchased a new device may come in to receive assistance connecting to the school’s network in the Collegiate Cafe. Please note all students should have their login information for MyCollegiate as well. This is required to use a device on the school’s network.
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AUG 23
SIXTH GRADE ORIENTATION | 9-11:30 A.M.
Details | All sixth grade students (returning and new to Collegiate) should be dropped off at the middle school entrance on Suburban Parkway where they will meet their faculty advisors and classmates. The Parent Orientation session will start at 11 a.m. in the Hackney Theater.
• Students are NOT required to be in school dress for orientation.
• Students should bring their fully charged devices and any other materials for setting up their lockers.
• Students should have their MyCollegiate login information.
NEW SEVENTH & EIGHTH GRADE STUDENT ORIENTATION | 9-11:30 A.M.
Details | All new seventh and eighth grade students should be dropped off at the middle school entrance on Suburban Parkway where they will meet their faculty advisors and classmates. The Parent Orientation session will start at 11 a.m. in the Hackney Theater.
• Students are NOT required to be in school dress for orientation.
• Students should bring their fully charged devices and any other materials for setting up their lockers.
• Students should have their MyCollegiate login information
SIXTH GRADE PARENT & NEW SEVENTH & EIGHTH GRADE PARENT ORIENTATION | 11-11:30 A.M.
Details | New parents will learn about the middle school opportunities, dress code, advisory and more from the comfort of the Hackney Theater in the Meredith Center for the Arts. Contact Ms. Jill Archer, middle school dean, at jarcher@norfolkcollegiate.org
LOCKER SET-UP | 3-5:30 P.M.
Details | All middle school students are welcome to set up their lockers so they are prepared for a smooth first day of classes.
PRE-K4 GRADE 5 NEW STUDENT & PARENT ORIENTATION | 8:30-9:30 A.M.
Details | This is a wonderful opportunity for our NEW students and their parents to become more acquainted with Collegiate. Please join us for this informative time together and don’t forget to bring your school supplies. Pre-K4 and Kindergarten students will go directly to their classrooms and students in Grades 1 through 5 will go to the Spainhour Family Library. All family members will then join administrators in the auditorium.
OPEN HOUSE FOR RETURNING STUDENTS | 10 A.M.-NOON
Details | All returning students and parents are requested to join us at our Open House. This is a great time for your students to settle into their new learning environments and unpack supplies.
PRE-K3 PLAY DATE & ORIENTATION | 10-10:30 A.M.
Details | All pre-K3 students and their parents are invited to our orientation. We hope you join us and get to know your classmates at the lower school and take this opportunity to drop off supplies.
The Tidewater Drive entrance is only open from 7-8:30 a.m. and 2:30-3:30 p.m. At all other times, please use the Willow Wood Drive entrance.
Students who arrive before 7:55 a.m. will be directed to Morning Extended Care in the cafeteria. Students are to enter through the far door along the side of the school adjacent to Tidewater Drive and the fields.
1. When entering the parking lot from Tidewater Drive: Please take a right at the stop sign and follow the arrows to take a U-turn to then become parallel to the sidewalk by the side entrance (illustrated with yellow arrows above).
2. When entering the parking lot from Willow Wood Drive: Please follow the driveway towards the fields, make a U-turn, and pull over by the sidewalk by the entrance.
3. Please remain in your car until the a faculty or staff member opens the door and directs your student to the door and to the cafeteria.
Beginning at 7:55 a.m., cars will be directed to join the carpool arrival line. Please enter the lower school campus from the Tidewater Drive entrance or the Willow Wood Drive entrance and proceed to the front of the lower school.
1. Pull your car forward to the front of the drop–off area (adjacent to playground) and keep moving forward as cars leave. There are times when a faculty member or guard will ask you to move your car forward before allowing your student to leave your car.
2. Beginning at 8 a.m., a faculty or staff member will open the students’ car door and assist them to the school door. As the year progresses, a student Safety Patrol member will assist in this process.
3. Please have your students exit through the passenger side so that they may enter the building quickly and safely. This way your students will be arriving and exiting the sidewalk rather than in approaching traffic. Also, please, have your student’s book bags with them in the car rather than in the trunk.
• Pre-K students will enter through the second entrance, closest towards the playground. Pre-K students will be escorted to their classroom by an adult or fifth grade safety patrol volunteer.
• NEW THIS YEAR: Students in Kindergarten through Grades 5 may enter the building through the front entrance or through the second entrance, closest towards the playground.
4. Once you’ve dropped off your passenger, you may exit from the Tidewater Drive or the Willow Wood Drive exit.
Any student leaving school before 3 p.m. dismissal must submit a parental note to the school office or provide verbal parental permission or send an email to Debra Kraus in the front office at 757.625.0471 or dkraus@norfolkcollegiate.org Please notify the office by 2 p.m. for any dismissal changes pertaining to your student.
1. Any parents wanting to personally walk up to pick up their students may park in the side parking lot (adjacent to Tidewater Drive) and stand in the designated parent pick-up area along the sidewalk. A faculty member will send your student to that area (illustrated on map as ). Please remember to bring your dismissal placard to expedite the process and to ensure a safe dismissal process.
2. Students departing from school in cars will be dismissed at 3 p.m. in the curb area of the front entrance to the school building (adjacent to Willow Wood drive entrance).
3. Name placards will need to be visibly displayed in the passenger side window as we will be calling all students individually to the car dismissal area as cars arrive.
• Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 2 will be dismissed individually as the car approaches the second entrance (adjacent to the playground).
• Grades 3-5 will stand in the front entrance area.
4. Lower school students will stay with a teacher until dismissed to a parent. For safety reasons, no lower school student will be allowed to leave the curb side until the teacher dismisses them.
5. Pull your car forward to the front of the drop–off area (adjacent to playground) and keep moving forward as cars leave. There are times when a faculty member or guard will ask you to move your car forward before allowing your student to enter your car.
6. Please note that teachers and staff are not permitted to assist your student with car seats or seat belts at dismissal. If your student needs assistance with their seat belt, please pull all the way forward or into a parking space to assist. To maintain a safe traffic flow, please do NOT exit your car unless you are pulled into a parking space.
Lower school will be offering various enrichments both before and after school, including band, strings and various clubs, which will be communicated at a later date.
1. After school enrichments dismiss from the front entrance.
2. Parents need to show their carpool placard to the security guard or staff member on duty.
3. Pull forward to the front of the carpool area (adjacent to playground) and remain in your car until your student is escorted out.
4. Students not picked up within 5 minutes of the completion of an enrichment program will be escorted to Extended Care where they will be supervised until parents arrive. The daily extended care fee will be applied to your student account for this date.
Lower school students not picked up by 3:15 p.m. will be escorted to Extended Care where they will be supervised until parents arrive. Afternoon care students will be supervised in grade level groups and are assigned to classrooms. Students MUST be picked up by an authorized adult.
1. The Extended Care Program closes at 6 p.m. A late fee of $2 per minute will be applied to your tuition management account if your student(s) is not picked up by 6 p.m.
2. Upon arrival for pick-up, parents need to show your carpool placard to the security guard or staff member on duty.
3. Pull forward to the front of the carpool area (adjacent to playground) and remain in your car until your student is escorted out to the vehicle.
For your student’s safety, Norfolk Collegiate has blocked off certain sections of the parking lot to allow for safer drop-off and pick-up procedures. Parents should enter Suburban Parkway from Granby Street and proceed toward the middle school entrance. Please pull all the way forward when dropping off your students and picking them up in the afternoon to allow for a smoother experience for all families.
1. All middle school students should enter through the main middle school doors.
2. Students who arrive between 7:30 a.m. and 8 a.m. must go directly to the Extended/Before Care room.
3. Students arriving after 8 a.m. must go directly to their advisory for that day.
4. The strings instructor will be in touch regarding procedures for entering the building for the morning strings class. Morning strings will begin after Labor Day.
1. Students will be dismissed to the following locations:
• Carpool
• Athletics or other Extracurricular Activities
• Extended Care
2. Dismissal begins at 3:10 p.m. All students leaving at 3:10 p.m. will go directly outside to the carpool line. Families who will be waiting for their students for a prolonged period of time when picking them up from carpool, athletics or aftercare are asked to please use the parking lots to avoid blocking in other families. These lanes are for families who will be waiting briefly while their students exit the buildings. We appreciate your cooperation.
3. Students remaining at school after 3:30 p.m. will go directly to the Extended Care room unless they are working with a teacher, club or in athletics.
4. Students working with a teacher or with a club will report directly to that teacher. Students participating in athletics will go directly to practice or Extended Care room before practice or after practice while waiting for pick-up.
5. All students, with the exception of those in practices, performances or contests, must be picked up no later than 6 p.m. A late fee of $2 per minute will be applied to your tuition management account if your student(s) is not picked up by 6 p.m.
Did you know that 86% of students play at least one sport at Norfolk Collegiate?! Below is a breakdown of the athletic program at a glance.
Number of ways you can stay in the know including:
• Online athletic calendar
• Online team pages
• Twitter;
• Oaks Athletics Resource Board
• Stream home games through Hudl
Please join us in welcoming Ms. Hartrum and Ms. Manley to the Oak Athletic team.
Number of seasons students may compete throughout the year in middle and upper school. Tryouts for our teams include:
AUG. 12 | V. sports begin
AUG. 19 | JV sports begin
AUG. 26 | MS sports begin
19
Number of sports offered for Grades 6-12 including:
• Baseball
• Boys Basketball
• Girls Basketball
• Cross Country
• Cheerleading
• Crew
• Golf
• Field Hockey
• Boys Lacrosse
REBECCA HARTRUM
REBECCA HARTRUM
• Girls Lacrosse
Assistant Director of Athletics
Assistant Director of Athletics
NOV. 4 | V. & JV sports begin
NOV. 12 | MS sports begin
FEB. 18 | V. & JV sports begin
• Sailing
• Boys Soccer
• Girls Soccer
• Softball
• Swimming
• Boys Tennis
• Girls Tennis
• Girls Volleyball
ANNETTE MANLEY
ANNETTE MANLEY
FEB. 24 | MS sports begin
• Wrestling
Assistant Director of Athletics, Operations
Assistant Director of Athletics, Operations
Parents should enter the Meredith Center for the Arts parking lot from Granby Street and proceed toward the main lobby entrance near the Scribner Belltower.
ARRIVAL PROCEDURES 7:30-8 A.M.
1. The main lobby entrance will be unlocked at 7:30 a.m.
2. Students who arrive between 7:30-8 a.m. must remain in the lobby.
ARRIVAL PROCEDURES FOR MORNING BAND, CHORUS AND STRINGS
1. Band and Chorus will begin meeting after Labor Day.
2. Band students will meet in the Band Room and will enter through the upper school main lobby entrance between 7:20-7:25 a.m. Students will be greeted by upper school faculty/staff members.
3. Chorus students will meet in the chorus room in the Meredith Center for the Arts. They will enter the Meredith Center through the doors located by the chorus room between 7:20-7:25 a.m. That door is most easily accessed by entering the parking lot off of Granby Park Drive. Students will be greeted by upper school faculty/staff members.
ARRIVAL PROCEDURES BETWEEN 8-8:20 A.M.
1. Seniors will park in the lots located closest to the Watt-Baker Gymnasium and will access them through the third parking lot entrance on Granby Street; however, they are not to park in the spaces in front of the Meredith Center for the Arts. Overflow parking for seniors and other student drivers is available on both sides of Suburban Parkway and the lot next to the Mathas Family Field. We ask that students do not block the school buses when using overflow parking. They will enter through the upper school lobby doors (illustrated on the map as ).
2. Juniors may park along Suburban Parkway and the parking lot in front of the Mathas Family Field. Please note that parking by the Franklin Family Field is reserved for middle school faculty and staff only. Juniors will enter through the upper school main lobby entrance (illustrated on the map as ).
3. Sophomores and freshmen will enter through the upper school main lobby entrance (illustrated on the map as ).
ARRIVAL PROCEDURES AFTER 8:20 A.M.
1. Any student arriving on campus after 8:20 a.m. will enter through the main lobby entrance where they will sign in.
2. Any student arriving after 8:20 a.m. to class or to campus will be marked tardy.
Dismissal begins at 3:10 p.m.
1. Students are permitted to leave campus after dismissal and to return for pick-up, athletic practices or contests, play/musical practices, extra help, club meetings, etc.
2. Unless students are working with a teacher or coach, all students in Grades 9-11 on campus after 3:10 p.m. are required to report to the Stanton Library until their rides arrive.
3. All students, with the exception of those in practices, performances or contests, must be picked up no later than 6 p.m. A late fee of $2 per minute will be applied to your tuition management account if your student(s) is not picked up by 6 p.m.
FLIK Dining will provide daily food service to all students, faculty and staff for free. Chef Barry Smith serves as Norfolk Collegiate’s chef manager for FLIK. He’s classically trained in the culinary arts from Johnson & Wales University and brings extensive experience managing food service for Virginia Beach Public Schools as well as several area restaurants.
The lunch menu is online here and is broken down by division. If you have questions about FLIK Dining Services, food allergies and more, please click here.
UPPER
Grade 9 has two quarters of physical education. Uniforms should be worn in all PE classes. Blue, black or gray Norfolk Collegiate shorts can be purchased in the Collegiate Corner and may be worn with any Norfolk Collegiate T-shirt, which may also be purchased in the Collegiate Corner.
• Students will change for PE in locker rooms.
• For questions regarding PE and athletics, please contact Mr. Jon Hall, director of athletics, at jhall@norfolkcollegiate.org.
Grades 6-8 participate in physical education.
• Students will change for PE in locker rooms.
• Uniforms should be worn in all PE classes. Blue, black or gray Norfolk Collegiate shorts can be purchased in the Collegiate Corner and may be worn with any Norfolk Collegiate T-shirt, which may also be purchased in the Collegiate Corner.
• For questions regarding PE and athletics, please contact Mr. Jon Hall, director of athletics, at jhall@norfolkcollegiate.org.
Students have physical education and recess daily. These activities will be held outside, weather permitting. Our playground areas will remain open to students, but grades will continue to access these areas at separate times throughout the day in order to allow students more space to run and play. The use of hand sanitizer and/or handwashing will be enforced both before and after recess and PE.
Lower school families will be required to purchase a designated lower school field trip T-shirt to be worn on all field trips unless otherwise directed by the teacher. These T-shirts will be available for purchase in Collegiate Corner. If a student does not have the designated shirt on the day of the trip, a shirt will be provided and the student’s account will be charged.
We have several water bottle filling stations throughout the school, so don’t forget to pack your reusable water bottle each day.
Lauryn Brooks is a member of the Class of 2017, has worked in extended care at our lower school, was a substitute teacher and worked our front desk. We’re excited to welcome her as our new middle school administrative assistant. After graduating from Collegiate, she attended Virginia Commonwealth University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in English and minored in Urban and Regional Studies. While at VCU, she was a consultant at the VCU Writing Center where she worked with students to enhance their assignments. She also trained new employees and held workshops with high schoolers on how to organize their writing for college applications and more. She went on to earn her master’s degree in English from Old Dominion University. At ODU, she worked in the ODU TRIO Support Services where she assisted students with tutoring and writing sessions. She also interned with The Podium Foundation where she organized and led enrichment programs for young students.
Amy Cushman’s a familiar face, having served as our middle school administrative assistant and a long-term English substitute, in addition to being the mother to Blake ’29. Before joining Collegiate, she was the owner and managing partner of Ancora, a full-service training consulting practice. She brings a wealth of experience in organizational and leadership development, group facilitation, mentor programs and so much more. She holds a master’s degree in education and human development from George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in communication arts and psychology from James Madison University.
Colleen Durkin is joining us from Larkspur Middle School where she most recently taught sixth grade Exploratory Spanish and seventh and eighth grade Spanish I; however, she also taught MYP Spanish II and III, SL Spanish AB Initio 11 and 12, SL Spanish B 11 and 12 for the Green Run High school’s International Baccalaureate Spanish program through her six-year tenure, as well as serving as the department’s chair. She was a Social-Emotional Learning Integrational Fellow’s Cohort and holds her bachelor’s degree in Spanish and her master’s degree in pre-K-12 Education from the University of Mary Washington.
Rebecca Hartrum joins us from Christopher Newport University where she was the assistant head coach of the women’s lacrosse team for the last 10 years. However, she brings a wealth of experience in the athletics arena. Before that, she served as the assistant coach of the women’s lacrosse team at Virginia Wesleyan University and the director of coaching at Virginia Rush Athletics and as the women’s lacrosse director at United Sports Training Center in Pennsylvania. With these roles, she has managed teams, athletes, schedules, community services activities, travel schedules, athlete recruitment, social media, website and email, to name a few. She holds a bachelor’s degree in science from Old Dominion University focusing on communications.
Abigail Hecht joined the lower school mid-year last year and while she may be a familiar face to some families she may be new to some of our Oaks. She’s a member of the Class of 2019 and the daughter of the Class of 1988 alumni. In her role as extended care site supervisor, she’s responsible for maintaining and supervising the daily activities of the extended care program at the lower school. After graduating from Collegiate, she attended The George Washington University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Art History and a minor in Fine Arts.
Jessica Logan is a familiar face to some of our families having taught as a long-term substitute in our science department last year and having coached our boys and girls middle school soccer teams. Before joining Collegiate, she taught Chemistry at Bearden High School in Knoxville, Tennessee, and was a teaching assistant in the Department of Chemistry at the University of California, Los Angeles. She also was a Chemistry and Chemical Biology research student at the Department of Chemistry at Northeastern University in Boston. She holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry with a minor in mathematics from Winthrop University and a master’s degree in chemistry from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Annette Manley joined the athletic department mid-year last year and while she may be a familiar face to some of our families she may be new to some of our Oaks. Ms. Manley is in charge of ensuring the operations side of the Oaks athletics runs smoothly and that our teams arrive to and from their practices and games without issues. She also works closely with Coach Hall, Hartrum and Osby and she coached our varsity girls basketball team. Before coming to Collegiate, she was the procurement specialist for Old Dominion University (ODU) Athletics and was the office manager executive assistant to the head coach for men’s basketball at ODU. She also served as the athletic director at Ryan Academy of Norfolk. She holds a bachelor’s degree in sports management from Old Dominion University.
Emily Mistr brings 14 years of independent school experience with her, most recently from Nansemond-Suffolk Academy where she was a pre-K through Grade 5 art instructor. Previously, she was a Kindergarten through Grade 8 art instructor at the Sheridan School in Washington, D.C. She is a visionary, creator and educator who thrives in a student-centered environment and has published two collaborative books. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Ceramics from James Madison University and a master’s in Fine Arts in Ceramics from the University of Tennessee.
Dr. Madeline Monk joins us from the University of Texas where she taught Latin I from Latin 1 through Virgil and Caesar and introductory courses that surveyed Roman, Greek, Ancient Egyptian and Ancient Mesopotamian civilizations. She also served as a discussion leader and taught hybrid and online Latin courses. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Latin, English and History from Randolph-Macon College and a master’s and doctorate degrees in Classics from the University of Texas at Austin.
Michael Mulligan brings nearly 30 years of environmental experience and joins us most recently from The Hague School where he taught International Baccalaureate (IB) Science. Previously, he taught at The American School of Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo where he taught the IB MYP, The American School of Guatemala in Colegio Maya having taught AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science and Biology, and at The American School of São Paulo in Brazil where he taught middle school Science. He’s passionate about inquiry-based science and holds a bachelor’s degree in art history from Virginia Commonwealth University and a master’s degree in science education from Montana State University.
Ivonne Marie Otero joins us from Great Neck Middle School where she was the dual language Spanish teacher. She was awarded the 2023-24 Distinguished Teacher and was the sponsor of the Amigos Globales Spanish Club. Before Great Neck Middle, she worked for Christopher Farms Elementary School and several other Virginia Beach schools. She’s passionate about community-building relationships and using the Spanish language to cultivate multiculturalism, independent learners and global citizens. She holds a master’s degree in human resources from Ana G. Mendez University.
Melissa Platt brings nearly 10 years of classroom experience with her, most recently from Williamsburg Middle School in Arlington where she taught seventh grade Math, Pre-Algebra and Algebra, as well as wrote curriculum for the district. Before that, she taught sixth and seventh grade Math, Algebra 1, and English and served as a Math Department Chair at Elkins Pointe Middle School in Georgia. She’s also familiar with virtual classrooms, having taught as a virtual Algebra 1 teacher for the Fulton Virtual School in Atlanta. She holds her bachelor’s degree in Middle Grades Education and her master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from George College and State University.
Dr. Melanie Wattenbarger may be a familiar face to some students and families, seeing as she’s mother to Michael ’27 and Toby ’29. Dr. Wattenbarger brings with her a wealth of knowledge to the classroom. Most recently she taught as an adjunct English professor at Old Dominion University, and before that, she was an English and World Religion Teacher at Bishop Gorman High School. Her experience also saw her roles as editor, conference chair and graduate student chair of the South Asian Literary Association and early stage researcher at the European Union. She holds her doctorate of Philosophy in English specialized in South Asian Studies and Diaspora and Migration Studies from the University of Mumbai; her master’s degree in Liberal Arts in International Relations and Graduate Certificate in Nuclear Deterrence from Harvard University: Extension School; master’s degree in Liberal Studies specialized in South Asian Studies and Postcolonial Literature from Ohio Dominican University; and her bachelor’s degree in Humanities-Classics, Religion and Pre-Theology, minored in Sociology-Anthropology from Ohio Wesleyan University. We’re excited to have her knowledge in the classroom.
Mary Willis joins us from Larkspur Middle School where she was the Science Department Chair and taught eighth grade Science. Before that, she taught seventh grade Science at King’s Fork Middle School. She was awarded the Distinguished Teacher of the Year last year and the Rookie Teacher of the Year in 2018-19. She holds a bachelor’s degree in science in Human Biology from the University of Southern California.
Middle and Upper School Librarian Lisa Castellano will still call the Stanton Library home, but you will also be able to find her in the Design Thinking 8 classroom where she will be challenging our oldest middle school students to think critically and creatively. Mrs. Castellano joined us a few years back after most recently being a media library specialist at Larkspur Middle School in Virginia Beach and a long-term media library special at Maury High. She holds a bachelor’s degree in government/political science from Smith College and a master’s degree in education from Old Dominion University.
Another familiar face joining the lower school physical education team is Heather Holt. She recently served as our assistant director of athletics and as our middle school health and physical education teacher, as well as varsity girls lacrosse and field hockey coach. Sports and fitness is her passion, and we’re so excited to welcome her to our lower school program. She brings a plethora of experience in coaching, having served as Old Dominion University’s head women’s lacrosse coach and as the assistant women’s lacrosse coach at The College of William and Mary. She’s also a proud mother to Jackson ’23, Parker ’25 and Reece ’29. She holds a master’s degree in sports management and a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education from Old Dominion University.
Alicia Schlarb is taking the reins as our new assistant director of enrollment following a successful venture as our enrollment coordinator. She is also our World Languages teacher. She joined the advancement team in the admissions department in 2022 and brings firsthand knowledge of independent school culture. She previously taught middle school social studies at independent institutions in Virginia and West Virginia, and was looking to expand her skill set while remaining in a school setting. Alicia holds a master’s degree in Education from West Virginia University. Her hobbies include reading, cooking, golfing, attending live music events and playing with her German shepherd dog, Bud.
Middle and upper school students follow a rotating schedule, as illustrated below. The schedule is determined by the day, such as Day 1 or Day 2. These days are noted by green acorns in the printed calendar. Copies of the schedule below are provided to all middle and upper school students, as well as faculty and staff. Additional copies are available for purchase in the Collegiate Corner at the middle and upper school.
DAY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8:18–8:23 a.m. 8:27–9:27 a.m.
9:31–10:31 a.m. 10:31–10:58 a.m.
First Lunch: 11:02–11:32 a.m.
Second Lunch: 11:32 a.m.–12:02 p.m.
Third Lunch: 12:02–12:32 p.m.
Fourth Lunch: 12:32-1:02 p.m.
2:10-3:10 p.m.
Morning Chorus, Strings & Band (7:30–8:15 a.m.)
Families, grandparents, alumni, trustees, faculty and friends have generously supported Norfolk Collegiate over the years. Your support helps us today, tomorrow and beyond not only in retaining the resources to develop critical thinkers, doers and explorers but by also continuing to provide our Oaks with innovative, engaging instruction in an inclusive and supportive learning community.
Your gifts help to provide the best faculty, educational resources and facilities for the most important aspect of our school the students. Below are ways you can support Collegiate:
Volunteers are always appreciated in school store, library, field experiences and with our special events. Please contact Lil Acosta at lacosta@norfolk collegiate.org to learn more.
Maximize your investment by sponsoring an event. It’s a rewarding experience for you and our Oaks. Please contact Lil Acosta at lacosta @norfolkcollegiate.org to learn more about how you can become involved.
You LOVE Norfolk Collegiate (we do, too)! Help us spread the word by inviting families to our events and encouraging them to apply. Have them contact our admissions team at admissions@ norfolkcollegiate.org
There are several community partner programs, like Harris Teeter VIC cards and the Papa John’s code that rewards you and Collegiate when you shop. Stay tuned for other fundraisers throughout the year with local partners.
It takes more than tuition to provide a great education and an even better experience. Please donate to the Collegiate Fund. More at NorfolkCollegiate.org/ Support or contact Stacy Nixon
We love partnering our students with community members for community service, internship and career opportunities. If you would like to learn more, please contact Stacy Nixon at snixon@ norfolkcollegiate.org.
The school calendar is an excellent resource for activities and opportunities to get involved with the community. The printed calendar is being mailed to our families and is mirrored by an electronic version at NorfolkCollegiate.org/Calendar, which has additional details including specific times, locations and contact information. It’s updated throughout the year and is also available as an iCalendar online.
Throughout the year Collegiate hosts many important events to bring our community together. Below are a few of the events that you will not want to miss. On the following page are early dismissals, school closures and observed holidays. These dates are also listed on the school’s website and in the printed calendar.
This is an opportunity for our parents to hear about school-wide enhancements and have the opportunity to visit their student’s classroom and speak with teachers.
• Lower school Parents’ Night is Thursday, Aug. 29, at 6:30 p.m.
• Middle and upper school Parents’ Night is Thursday, Sept. 5, at 6:30 p.m.
Join our amazing development office and learn the ways in which you can get involved and volunteer with Norfolk Collegiate while enjoying a tasty breakfast. RSVP to Lil Acosta at lacosta@norfolkcollegiate.org
This weekend is full of school spirit, celebrating alumni, current families and faculty and staff. The festivities kick-off with a pep rally Friday the week before, followed by a week of spirit-themed school dress. Oyster Roast for parents is a fun-filled evening and it all culminates with Fall Fair and alumni reunions on Saturday.
FRIDAY: Oyster Roast • Athletic Events
SATURDAY: Athletic Events • Fall Fair • Homecoming Dance • Alumni Class Reunions
Join Norfolk Collegiate for our sixth annual Day of Giving in support of everything that makes our students exceptional! For 24 hours, parents, alumni, students, faculty, and friends of Norfolk Collegiate around the world will come together to celebrate and support the school!
The Annual Auction is Norfolk Collegiate’s largest fundraiser of the year. Grab your friends for a night of bidding, bonding and all things merry. No matter your budget, this event has something for everyone!
Below are Norfolk Collegiate’s early dismissals, holidays, conferences and days in which students will be out of school for the 2024-25 academic year. These events may be updated throughout the year. Any updates will be communicated with our community via the school’s online calendar and email.
Pre-K4-12 first day of classes
Pre-K3 first day of classes, noon dismissal
Fall middle school sports begin
Pre-K3 noon dismissal
First full day of classes for Pre-K3
Pre-K-12
Pre-K3-12 parent-teacher conferences, no classes School closed for Veterans Day (unless make-up needed)
Sixth Annual Day of Giving School closed for Thanksgiving holiday
faculty in-service
School closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Pre-K-Grade 5 parent-teacher conferences, no classes Pre-K-Grade 5, Grades 6-12 in session
Class of 2025 Baccalaureate Ceremony Class of 2025 Commencement
Pre-K3-Grade 12 no classes, faculty in-service
School closed for Memorial Day
Last attendance day for K-Grade 11 students
