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Winter 2013
Celebrating 65 Years
Norfolk Collegiate marks its 65th birthday with the opening of the Center for the Arts. On March 1, Norfolk Collegiate will celebrate its 65th birthday. We’ve grown in so many ways since the Carolton Oaks School was founded as a kindergarten and preschool in 1948. The years have been good to us. Norfolk Collegiate is experiencing an abundance of activity, positive energy and a well-founded optimism about what lies ahead for our students and our school. Students are deeply engaged in their learning and making the most of the varied opportunities we offer to them. Student involvement is soaring. While some institutions are reducing extracurricular offerings, we’ve expanded enrichment courses at the Lower School and completely revitalized our 2013 summer program, creating superior opportunities for students to challenge themselves. Chairman Gary D. Bonnewell, Norfolk Mayor Paul D. Fraim, and Headmaster Scott G. Kennedy break ground.
Center for the Arts progress as of July 2012
This year, Norfolk Collegiate has embraced 1:1 learning devices for their ability to increase engagement and promote communication, collaboration and creativity. We take seriously the responsibility of delivering the best education for the 21st century student, and we’re excited about expanding our use of iPads as a tool for engaging classroom learning. In a planned progression, we will expand our iPad program during the 2013-14 and 2014-15 academic years as we begin to distinguish Norfolk Collegiate as an iPad school. Amid even such positive changes, the most important part of the educational landscape remains the learning partnership between teacher and student. We still take comfort in knowing that the values that make Norfolk Collegiate a truly special place remain strong and the benefits of a Norfolk Collegiate School education remain clear. Our students are well-rounded, honorable, successful and socially responsible. As we celebrate our history, we also celebrate our future with the grand opening of the Center for the Arts on March 1. This facility will allow us to expand our performing arts program across all divisions, provide the latest technology in communication arts and house creative spaces for students to work collaboratively. We hope you will join us for the Grand Opening, and for the first theatrical production, “Little Shop of Horrors,” on April 13 and 14. This spring, students and faculty will be fully utilizing this building, bringing it to life. It’s a great time to be an Oak! Our school is strong, and our students will continue to flourish as a result of your dedication to our family.
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Construction nears completion for the Center for the Arts, January 2013.
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Sincerely, Scott G. Kennedy Headmaster
Teachers Model Lifelong Learning Professional development helps faculty and staff members better instruct, engage and inspire. Teachers in grades two through five have formed two professional learning groups to research and discuss teaching practices, instructional strategies, literacy instruction and to research and review curriculums. As a Newbery committee member, Laura Amos attended the American Library Association annual conference in Anaheim. Julie Dashiell completed Adobe Connect courses about web conferencing solutions, at Old Dominion University. Dashiell is also enrolled in a PhD course, in which she is conducting research related to preschoolers. Pam Ferguson attended the Summer Teacher Institute at the Chrysler Museum. Ashley James participated in the webinar “Using Graphic Organizers to Create Reading Mini-Lessons.” Teresa Kraft attended a technology seminar at the Sidwell Friends School and The Teachers College Reading and Writing Project in New York City. Melinda Vooss ’87 completed Creativity and Youth Engagement, a course at Thomas Nelson Community College. Jan Weintraub attended the American School Counselor Association conference in Minneapolis, Minn. Jan Weintraub and Val Ortiz attended a Virginia Diversity Network workshop at the Steward School in Richmond, Va. Kathy Windley, Julie Dashiell, Ashley James ’94, Robyn Maus and Charlene Loope visited Flint Hill School to observe
Jan Weintraub Lower School Counselor
1:1 technology use and specifically how lower school children use iPads. Debbie Meadows completed “Concussion in Sports: What You Need to Know,” a course by the National Collegiate Athletic Association and National Federation of State High School Associations. Lindsey Belle, Liz Bicehouse, Dana Carr, Lisa Lain and Alan Stell completed SMART Board certified instructor training. Anne Curtis and Dr. Chuck McCormick attended the introductory course. Monthly Middle School division faculty meetings feature curriculum/pedagogy presentations by faculty members and include such topics as instructional objectives, homework organizers, ideas for varying assessments, the use of Learning Centers and SMART Board tips. Middle School faculty members also lead workshops for Norfolk Collegiate’s professional development day. Kathy Boettcher, Anne Curtis, Julianne Hastings, Jeff Hengesbach, Scott Kennedy, Val Ortiz and Alan Stell attended the Virginia Association of Independent Schools conference. Judy Davis completed a summer course in digital photography and attended the National Council of Teachers of English annual meeting in Las Vegas, Nev.
Charlene Loope, Nance Corrieveau, Judy Davis, Blair Swoope and Adrienne Warren, traveled to the Chatham Hall School to observe its 1:1 iPad program. Lori Martinelli-Riendeau attended the FLAVA (Foreign Language Association of VA) conference in Williamsburg, Va. Mark McElhaney attended a seminar by Walsworth Publishing, which included software training to assist students in creating the yearbook. Charlene Loope attended the annual conference of the American Library Association in Anaheim, Calif. Loope is vice chair of ALA’s Intellectual Freedom Award Committee and also is serving a second appointment on the American Association of School Librarians Intellectual Freedom Committee. Matthew Robertson attended the annual conference of the Virginia Association of School Librarians in Hampton, Va.
The Upper School English department completed College Board ScoreWrite training. ScoreWrite provides graded practice for students preparing for the SAT writing test.
Debbie Meadows Lower School P.E. Teacher
Judy Davis English Department Chair
Lori Martinelli-Riendeau Spanish Teacher
Laura Amos Lower School Librarian
Teresa Kraft First Grade Teacher
Matthew Robertson Upper School Librarian
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Oak strong relationships with classmates and teachers; part of it is because we’re a small community, but also because they trust me, and I trust them.” In December, Campion came together with classmates, Julie Merryman and Rachel Swartz, to organize the “Pink with a Purpose” Fashion Show for their senior project. The show featured remarks from a breast cancer survivor and silent auction, raising more than $4,000 for Susan G. Komen for the Cure. When she thinks about her Norfolk Collegiate experiences, it’s difficult for her to narrow a list of favorites… Favorite class? “It depends on the day, but most of the time, anatomy. It’s interesting, and it’s similar to what I want to do later.”
Danielle Campion Class of 2013 13 Years as an Oak
Danielle Campion has certainly made her mark at
Norfolk Collegiate as an athlete, leader, scholar, and it has marked her for success in life. She’s a seven-year veteran of the volleyball team and four-year veteran of the crew team, has served as president of Adoris CHKD Junior Circle and of the National English Honor Society, and as vice president of the Bake Club and member of the National Honor Society.
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In addition, Campion has served four years on the Upper School Honor Council and said honor has become part of her thinking. “It [the honor code] builds a network of trust at our school. There are
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Favorite teachers? “I really love every one of my teachers and don’t know if I could pick just one as my favorite.” Favorite memory? “There’s a lot, but number bingo in Mr. Davis’s ninth grade homeroom… It got very intense!” In her final semester at Norfolk Collegiate, Campion waits with confidence to hear back from colleges and universities; in the meantime, she is looking forward to prom and graduation, and enjoying the remainder of the school year with her friends. Campion summarizes the Norfolk Collegiate experience with the word “community” and said, “I’ve always felt so comfortable, and I have really good relationships with teachers and administrators. I’ve also made best friends that I truly think I’ll stay in touch with for a long time.”
Moments Luke Siebert Class of 2014 12 Years as an Oak
Luke Siebert describes himself as funny, reserved and
smart. Exemplifying Norfolk Collegiate’s well-rounded students, he has participated in soccer and basketball, donning the Oak’s blue and white, and has played the piano since he was five years old. He’s also been part of the Interact (Rotary) Club and has served as president of the National Junior Honor Society. A member of the National Honor Society and National English Honor Society, he is paving the way for his younger siblings, in first, third and eighth grades, who also attend NCS. To the Lower and Middle School students, Siebert says, “Always do your work; enjoy the experience, and never be afraid to ask a teacher for additional help.” When it’s time for class, math is his favorite, thanks in part to his teacher, Mrs. Zborowski, “Not only does she teach math well, but she also makes learning fun.” When it’s time to cheer for the Oaks, Siebert is ready. “I love our school’s pep rallies, as they are always tons of fun, and all of the students get to show off their school spirit,” he said. And, when it’s time to take a break, Siebert heads to the Courtyard, especially in the spring and fall. “It is a nice place to relax and hang out with friends.” As he looks forward to the challenge of his senior year, the word Siebert uses to describe Norfolk Collegiate is “memorable.” “I’ve been attending NCS for my entire school career. I have known everyone in my grade since childhood, and I have made some great friends,” he said. “NCS is a very amazing, tight-knit community, and I wouldn’t have wanted to go to school anywhere else.” •
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1. Friends enjoy a beautiful day at Fall Fair 2012. 2. Soccer in action, as this Oak takes the ball downfield. 3. Students from Mrs. Marshall’s marine biology course lower spats into the river as part of the Oyster Restoration Project.
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4. Varsity and Jr. Varsity sailing teams placed third in the state sailing championship this year.
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5. Lower School students enjoy the company of their loved ones on Grandparents and Special Friends Day. 6. Middle School students create glass mosaics in art class.
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8. 7. Creating a masterpiece of a selfportrait in third grade art. 8. The jazz band performs at Harbor’s Edge.
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9. Captain Collegiate makes his debut! 10. Mrs. Purrington and son show some spirit at Teacher Appreciation Night. 11. Theater students visit New York City! 12. The Norfolk Collegiate swim team hits the pool.
13. “The Miracle Worker” is a big hit!
15. Budding reporters prepare to deliver the Lower School’s daily news.
14. Mr. Booker’s Middle School history students learn about ancient Egyptian civilizations.
16. Upper School seniors host the “Pink with a Purpose” Fashion Show to raise funds for breast cancer awareness. •
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Technology for Student-Centered Instruction W
ith rapidly advancing technologies, school supplies have changed, and educators continue to adapt to meet the needs and expectations of 21st century students. “The generation coming up is like no other we’ve seen before. A teacher is no longer the only source of information. Students today have access to information, any fact, any interest, any question… All they have to do is sit at a computer or pull a smartphone out of their pockets,” said Charlene Loope, director of technology and communications arts. “We have to transform with them.” More and more, iPads are being incorporated into the learning process and courses at Norfolk Collegiate. This year, Adrienne Warren’s AP Biology class has been part of a pilot study to explore the regular use of 1:1 technology in Upper School classrooms. For Warren’s students, iPads and applications (apps) have allowed greater access to study materials and scientific models that previously may have only been available during school hours. Even collaboration has increased through the sharing of course-related apps among students and from student to teacher. Warren said it’s synergistic when the students bring their discoveries to class, “They’re engaged and curious.” Fifth grade teacher Robyn Maus often uses iPad apps that allow students to be creative while learning curricular content. Toontastic, for example, helps students create their own cartoons. Students have used characters like an abominable snowman and a nutcracker to teach division with decimals and animated plant cells to help explain photosynthesis.
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“I like it because you can really show your imagination and creativity,” said fifth grade student Jack Hall, who explained how he’d used Toontastic to create stories about good versus evil, survival and bravery. While the iPad is an innovative tool, the traditional lessons and personal approach remain. Warren reminded, “It doesn’t make or break my teaching. It just enhances it.” Next year, Norfolk Collegiate will invest in iPads for faculty members in preparation for the 2014-15 launch of a more comprehensive iPad program as NCS begins to distinguish itself in yet another way... as an iPad school.
College-Bound Oaks
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s the end of the college application cycle and the May 1 deadline for decisions approach, colleges and universities will spend the next few months considering students’ applications. Norfolk Collegiate seniors are well on their way… By December, two-thirds of the Class of 2013 had already received at least one positive decision from a college or university! Where to? Mike Kaplan, director of college counseling, said that currently the majority of Norfolk Collegiate students apply to Virginia public schools or tend to stay on the Eastern Seaboard. How fortunate that so many top-ranked schools are in those regions. “On average, students do not travel further than 300 miles from home,” he said. “School sizes range from the small liberal arts college to the large public universities; however, about two-thirds of our students search for the medium to large schools with 15,000 or more students. For many NCS students who have been here for most of their lives, a larger school can be very attractive.” A love for Washington, D.C., is one reason Sofia Anderson selected The George Washington University. She said, “Not only is the school in the perfect location, the perfect size, and has engineering, but the passion and energy of the students really got me excited to be there.”
Alton Smith
“When I first went to the college counseling office, I knew I wanted a small liberal arts school
in the Midwest or in the Northeast,” said Alton Smith, who is heading to Oberlin College. “I chose Oberlin because a third of their student body belongs to the Conservatory of Music. I love music, and being surrounded by amazing musicians will be an experience I will never forget.” Early Decision According to Kaplan, this year, a greater number of students (nearly a quarter of the senior class) applied early decision, which means a student will withdraw applications from other schools to show their commitment to one. Anderson, Smith and classmate Arianna Gershon each decided to apply early decision to their top picks. “I applied early decision because Wake Forest has everything that I want for my next step in education – a rigorous Sofia Anderson academic curriculum, small student body, beautiful campus and opportunities to become a well-rounded individual,” Gershon said. Prepared for the Next Step These Oaks have done their homework and have applied to schools that best fit their personalities and goals. Not lost on them is the value of the Norfolk Collegiate experience. “NCS teachers really push the idea that we are responsible for our work,” said Smith. “I’ve also learned how to study appropriately in order to get the best grade I can.” Anderson said, “Being surrounded by an honor system also has prepared me
for college, where stealing, cheating and plagiarizing are absolutely unacceptable.” “I believe the curriculum has prepared me for the challenging courses to come in college,” said Gershon. Arianna Gershon “And, I hope that the sense of community that Norfolk Collegiate prides itself on is carried out in college.”
A sample of the colleges and universities to accept members of the Class of 2013: Academy of Art University Alleghany College Auburn University Christopher Newport University Colorado School of Mines College of Charleston College of William and Mary East Carolina University Ferrum College George Mason University The George Washington University Guilford College Hampden-Sydney College Indian University – Bloomington Liberty University Lynchburg College Oberlin College Old Dominion University Radford University Randolph-Macon College Roanoke College Savannah College of Art & Design Shenandoah University Tulane University University of Alabama University of Colorado – Boulder University of Georgia University of Maryland – Baltimore County University of Mary Washington University of Mississippi University of North Carolina - Wilmington University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill University of South Carolina University of Virginia Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Virginia Wesleyan College Wake Forest University West Virginia University
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Class Notes 1984 Malaika King Albrecht. Malaika’s third book, What the Trapeze Artist Trusts (Press 53), has won honorable mention in the 2013 Oscar Arnold Young Award for NC's best book of poetry. She lives in Greenville, NC with her family and teaches therapeutic horseback riding to children with disabilities. She also edits a poetry magazine, Redheaded Stepchild.
1985 Mallory Copeland Kahler. Mallory, a development manager with the City of Portsmouth’s Department of Economic Development, recently earned the designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), a national recognition that denotes a mastery of principal skills in economic development, professional attainment and a commitment to personal and professional growth. Mallory serves as Portsmouth’s Enterprise Zone Administrator and as Assistant Secretary to both the Portsmouth Economic Development Authority and the Portsmouth Port & Industrial Commission. Justin Epstein. Justin plans to publish his first book in March entitled, SUPER YOU: 7 Steps to Profound Peace & Personal Power. Justin is currently the senior minister of the Unity Center of New York City.
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1987 Randy Haddadin. Randy and his wife welcomed a new baby girl named Zein on January 3, 2013. 1989 Ronijean Horton. Ronijean celebrated his 12-year anniversary with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield on December 18, 2012. 1991 David Kazzie. David’s debut novel, The Jackpot, a crime/legal thriller, was an Amazon Kindle bestseller in 2012. It was the No. 1 legal thriller in January and February 2012, and it reached No. 34 on the overall Kindle bestseller list. David also wrote a series of animated videos that have nearly 2.5 million YouTube hits and were featured in several national publications in 2010 and 2011. David works as a lawyer for the state of Virginia and lives in Richmond with his wife and two children. 1993 Brian Bress. Brian has been selected to be an artist-in-residence at the Museum of Contemporary Art of Rome (MACRO). MACRO welcomes eight artists from around the world for two four-month sessions (August–November and February–May) that will allow them to create new site-specific projects. Each residency period will
be followed by a two-month show integrated within the Museum’s exhibition program. This is a prestigious honor that will allow him to live in Rome, Italy for four months in 2013. 1994 Tara Barto. Dr. Tara Barto is currently working as a Critical Care Pulmonologist at Baylor in Houston, Texas. 1997 Cori Davenport Duck & Michael Duck. Cori and Michael, and their son Carson welcomed twin boys into their family on June 12, 2012. Connor Michael was born at 9:58 a.m., followed by Carter Michael at 9:59 a.m. 1999 Brooke Cooper Bray. Brooke and her husband, Christopher Bray, welcomed a daughter, Avery Sterling Bray, on September 16, 2012. 2000 David J. Thomas. David lives in Philadelphia and serves as the Educational Accessibility Advisor and ADA/504 Coordinator for
the University of the Arts, where he also holds a faculty appointment as Senior Lecturer of English in the Division of Liberal Arts. He is also an ABD Ph.D. candidate in higher education at Old Dominion University, where his research focuses on self-naming, power, and the Deaf community as it relates to language policy in higher education. 2001 Gregory Barto. Greg is working in San Francisco for “Tech Crunch,” a blog for start-up businesses and a subsidiary of AOL. Robert Samuel, III. Robert recently passed the New York State Bar Exam and is an associate producer on the O’Reilly Factor on Fox News. Jerry Stephanitsis. Jerry married Erica Vaughan on September 1, 2012 in Norfolk, Va. Matthew Trogdon ’00 served as best man. 2002 Kristen Rodgers Pelosky. Kristen’s paper on squamous cell lung cancer was published in the medical journal Nature, in September 2012. Stephanie Foussekis Atkinson. Stephanie married P.J. Atkinson on April 21, 2012 in Norfolk, Va. They
honeymooned in Walt Disney World and currently live in Glen Allen, Va. 2003 Ryder Kenerson. Ryder is the chief information officer for Hanover Research in Washington, D.C. and currently resides in Charlottesville, Va. He is also working toward a master’s in the management of IT at the University of Virginia. 2004 Laura Klein. Laura was recently promoted from a national account manager to the sales trainer in the Staffing and Recruiting Group at CareerBuilder.com. Virginia Paige Walker. Paige graduated with a master’s in social work from SUNY Binghamton in May and works as the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Program Coordinator at the Southern Tier AIDS Program. 2005 Crystal Evans. Crystal graduated from the University of Virginia with a major in English and a minor in art history. She lives in Charlottesville and works as an event coordinator for a restaurant and catering company called The Local.
Ryan Samuel. Ryan graduated from Wake Forest Law School and passed the Virginia State Bar Exam. He is currently an Assistant City Attorney with the City of Chesapeake, Va. Barbie Stephanitsis. Barbie married Mark Louie on November 17, 2012 in Norfolk, Va. After a honeymoon in St. Lucia the couple now resides in Fairfax, Virginia. Barbie’s sister, Kassie ’09, served as maid of honor and her brother Jerry ’01 served as a groomsman. 2008 Cayte Merryman. Cayte is traveling the country working for her sorority, Alpha Sigma Tau. Juliana Porter. Juliana graduated from Davidson College in May and is currently working in Charlotte, N.C. She plans to enter medical school this summer. 2009 Jonathan Samuel. Jonathan is a senior at Old Dominion University and plans to enter the film industry upon graduation.
Norfolk Collegiate: A Park Family Tradition Cathy (Park) White ’87, a Norfolk Collegiate kindergarten teacher, started a trend when she entered first grade in 1975. She was followed by her sister Mary (Park) McCaffrey ’80, who started ninth grade in 1976, and Anne (Park) Curtis, sixth grade math teacher, who began her first year of teaching in 1977. Years later, Anne’s son George Curtis, V, a 2007 graduate, works in the business office and coaches varsity wrestling. George’s sister Cate is a 2009 grad and brother Nick ’13 has alumni status in his sights. Not far behind, Mary’s son Jack and Cathy’s daughters Madison, Georgia and Blair, all current NCS students, are lined up to continue the family tradition.
“The Park Family has been associated with this school for 38 years, non-stop!” Anne (Park) Curtis said. “It’s part of me, and I am part of it.”
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7336 Granby Street Norfolk, VA 23505 www.norfolkcollegiate.org
Upcoming Events March 1
May 24
Center for the Arts Grand Opening Open House from 10:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.
Graduation Congratulations Class of 2013 4 p.m. Watt-Baker Gymnasium
March 14
June 7
Open House for Grades 6-12 4:30 p.m. Middle and Upper Schools
Collegiate Cantina Join us for margaritas, Mexican fare and great music! 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
March 19
June 11
Open House for Grades K-5 9:30 a.m. Lower School
Dr. John W. Baker Memorial Golf Classic Register your team today!
April 27
June 17 to August 9
“Hats Off”Auction 2013 Support the Oaks with an evening out. 7 p.m. Center for the Arts
Summer Programs Spend your summer “Under the Oak Tree!” More information at NorfolkCollegiate.org.