Return to story

School News

March 10, 2004 1:09 am

city schools

Hugh Mercer Elementary will participate in the World's Largest Concert tomorrow. The concert will be shown worldwide on public broadcasting stations beginning at 1 p.m. Parents are encouraged to download the musical scores for this concert from the Web site: menc.org/guides/wlc/wlcorches tral.html.

--Michele Phillips

The Walker-Grant Middle School Committee will meet tomorrow at 7 p.m.

Fifth-graders will be taking the Writing Prompt of the SOL tests March 17.

Walker-Grant students participate in a motivational reading program called Reading Counts by reading books and passing quizzes on those books. The following students earned the most reading counts points during the second nine weeks:

Fourth grade--Samual Anderson, Teresa Gutierrez, Alexander Augstell, Benyam Adera and Diego Flores.

Fifth grade--Kaleeb Adera, Elizabeth Smith, Montana Dreisbach, Tylanna Stewart and Ryan Haynes.

Sixth grade--Tabitha Brooks, Simon Watts, Kelly Wharton, Dixon Christmas and James Paulose.

Seventh grade--Tiffany Navas, John Grinnan, Edward Olivares, Rachel Horne and Wo Chan.

--Valerie L. Morgan

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid document has arrived. FAFSA applications for the academic year July 1, 2004-June 30, 2005, have been distributed to all seniors. If you have questions about this application, or for more information on eligibility requirements, and the U.S. Department of Education's student aid programs, go to the Internet at studentaid.ed.gov. You can also call 800/4-FED-AID. Submit your application as early as possible.

The counseling center will offer Smart Moves for the Future, a program for parents and guardians of tenth-graders, Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the library. The program's focus is preparing for college and topics include the following: academic preparation, GPA, SATs, college options and selections, admissions procedures, and costs and financial aid. Attendees will develop a check list, or time table, to serve as a guide through the student's senior year of high school. Please make plans to attend and call the school at 372-1100 to reserve your space in the program.

Students need to register for the SATs. The following are the upcoming dates:

March 27, at James Monroe, SAT I only.

May 1, at James Monroe, SAT I/II.

June 5, elsewhere, SAT I/II.

Seniors must remember that all completed applications need to be in guidance at least one week in advance of a college's due date so that Mrs. Ripley and the counselor can process data. If community leaders and teachers are providing recommendation letters, please give them this deadline. We do not like to hold a completed application in our department. Colleges will not review your application if you are late. Please remember also that the time of mail delivery varies.

The academic quiz team won third in the state competition. All eight team members contributed to the win. Zach Bailey and Will Seaver were selected for First Team all Region during the Regional Championship, and Huyen Nguyen was named Second Team All Region. Coach Bob Blackburn was named Region A "Coach of the Year."

In April, the Key Club will sponsor a spring egg hunt for the kindergarten students at Hugh Mercer Elementary School.

The National Honor Society will send Katherine Harris, Megan Harrison, Julie Kim and Hayley Orcutt to the Leadership Experience and Development Conference March 12-14 in Williamsburg.

The following students will travel to Norfolk March 19-21 to compete in the State Distributive Education clubs of America Leadership Conference: Kathryn Betz, Kim Hunter, Jessica Barnwell, Krysten Grymes, Krystal Jones and Dakota Brown.

The Future Business Leaders of America participated in Professional Dress Day in recognition of National FBLA week. Members also prepared promotional candy bags for teachers Feb. 17. Winners of the FBLA questions-of-the-day were Jeff Scott and Shiann Robinson.

--Heidi Miller

county schools

The next Title 1 Parent Workshop will be held at Berkeley on March 25 at 9:30 a.m.

The following students were named to the honor roll:

Fourth grade--Victoria Angold, Chelsea Brooks, Rebekah Crosby, Spencer Dewispelaere, Misty Galan, Scott Garretson, Austin Hamilton, Matthew Jeffries, Dakota Shifflett, Chardonney Ware, Stephan Ennis, Kayla Kruckenberg, Dana Livesay, Jordan Massey, Aubrey McGuire, Danielle Ware, Alan Bosworth, Tommy Houck, Christopher Oakes, Eric Raines, Travis Waterman, Candice Marbaker, Jordan McLeod, Brittany Riddle and Laura Smith.

Fifth grade--Alysia Awlase-wicz, Emily Banocy, Ashleigh Crips, Cyndi Orrock, Kaitie Seay, Sulina Phoutachack, Brooke McNeil, Spencer Hockaday, Brittany Johnson, Devonte Thompson, Anthony Awlasewicz, Kanesha Woolfolk, Richard Mills, Emily Petrie, Amber Collins, Kirsten Brock, Richard Humphries, Grace Purvis, Timothy Bostic, Latoya Anderson and Devon Dye.

--Tammy Jones

Show your school spirit by dressing for Country and Western Day on Friday.

The fifth-grade writing SOL will be administered March 16 and 17.

The following fourth-graders received all As for the third six weeks: Lauren Thresher, Nicole Rauer, Caitlyn Powers, T.W. Baker, Christopher Jones and Christian Riffee.

The following students' art is on display in the showcase at Brock Road:

Fifth grade: Patti Cotton, Lauren Luttrell, Katherine Johnson, James Backer, Loren Pennock, Karissa Woznick, Taylor Sullivan and Zakiya Cummings.

Second grade: Emily Regan, Kayla Brooks, Rebecca Statler, Angela Montoya, Meghan Pattillo, Gabby Ferrell, Andrew Bradfield and Karlye Gayle.

Third grade: Logan Benshoff, Shelley Lyons, Lauren Ricks and Brett Handy.

Kool Kindergarten Kids who displayed fairness during the third six weeks are as follows: Shane Stone, Aaron Judkins, Marcus McCall, Ali Blount, Garrett Minter, Brandon McCall, James Mayer, Allessandra DiNardo, Damen Pitt, Chasidy Rogers, Isaiah Barrett, Gregory Fleck, Summer Hall, Colleen Seidel, Katlyn Pritchett, Brittany Knicely, Jason McDonough, Caroline DiRusso, Kayla Reibsome, Heaven Green, Brandon Koch and Andrew Dople.

--Cheryl Gallello

The Chess Club now has 50 students playing chess every Tuesday afternoon in the cafeteria. The plans for the spring are to continue learning the game of kings, prepare for the wizards chess exhibition, and possibly host a tournament at the end of the school year.

The following students have achieved Level 1 performance in the game of chess: Alex Bussan, Andrea McEnaney, Andrew Lutterloh, Brittany Beaty, Colin Minor, Daniel Sequeira, Danny Prentner, David Dargan, Garrett Cropp, Hunter Bailey, Justin Platt, Kayla Hord, Lindsey Goddard, Marissa Veilleux, Meghan Leaf, Paul White, Tommy Whited and Tyler Jones.

The following students have achieved Level 2 performance in the game of chess: Allison Tkac, Ashley Vines, Bobby Ulrich, Brandon J. Williams, Christina White, Devin Fortune, Elyse Ridder, Eric Savaria, Ethan Donohue, Harrison Montgomery, Inez Lieber, Kelsey Wiseman, Luke Mello, Morgan Rasmussen, Preston Bahmer, Rachael Leaf, Rachel Balderson, Ryan Koontz, Scott Miller, Scott Szabo, Sean Hroncich and Steven Caylor.

The following students have achieved Level 3 performance in the game of chess: Austin Andrews, Colin O'Neill, Daniel Arens, Jacob Seibert, Jimmy Maynor, Joey Maynor, Joanna Colon, Matthew A. Farmer and Petie Prentner

--Jeanne Grab

The following students were chosen as Cardinal of the Week for the week of March 1:

First Grade--Kylee Carney, Raven Zuccari, Darius Thomas, Andrew Brown and Alyssa Washington.

Second Grade--Takeia Grimes, Logan Jackson, Isaiah Johnson, James Davis and Joey Ierardi.

Students in Virginia Czarnecki's class practiced many valuable skills as they participated in a cooking activity which culminated in a delicious cherry coffee cake. The following students were the chief chefs: Alyssa Chew, Diamond Daniel, Daniel French, Antwan Jones, Gabby Mateos, Torri Randle and Peter Streilein.

--Susan Debus

The following students in Wendy Fletcher's second-grade class met their reading goal for February: Daniel Green, Devon Lacey, Jake Hoppel, Anna Gallup, Caitlin Goss, Emily Hybil, Haley Kersse, Josie Tybill and Maeleigh Ferlet.

Fifth-graders will be receiving the last of the Hepatitis B immunizations in April. All students entering sixth grade in Virginia must receive the hepatitis B series of three immunizations before admission.

Be sure to stop by the main office and pick up your kindergarten registration packet.

Courtland Elementary staff thanks Martha Light for her Thursday treats.

Friday is early dismissal day. It is also pajama day sponsored by the SCA.

Cora Kindred's and Renee Magee's kindergarten classes have learned how to type a sentence and insert a picture in a word document.

In honor of the 100th day of school, the following second-graders in Wendy Fletcher's class gave 100 hugs: Anna Gallup, Caitlin Goss, Jake Hoppel, Haley Kersse, Josie Till, Monika Willging, Michael Windsor, Shelby Wright. Michael Windsor even took the initiative to visit Spotsylvania Mall with his mother, Cathy Windsor and present hugs to many people. He had 102 hugs and learned that "a simple thing like a hug can brighten someone's day."

Report cards go home March 18.

Buzzy the Bee, from 101.5, visited Courtland Elementary to kick off the Read Across America celebration. Each grade level has a goal to reach by the end of March.

--Billie Rae Drake

These students were chosen as Superstars: Henry Basilica, Aimee Pesti, Emily Moore, Samuel Frields, India Jackson, Rasaan Simmons, Kyle Roberts, Michael Goulet, Warren Ball, Denia Saravia, Kurtis Dodd, Kyle Ray, Courtney Duquette, Hannah Cox, Michael Andrello, Katelyn Honaker, Tyler Dunnells, Kyal Curry, Seth Ramirez, Jenny Thomas, Elijah Enriquez, Patrick Herring, Dylan Pesti, Meghan Marsh, Lauren Silverman, Deanna Johnson, Stephanie Jones, Ruben Rodriquez, Vincent Barrow, Cassandra Gleich, Jared Jones, Alexis Coles and Joshua Kaopua.

--Donna Pirnat

Tomorrow marks the end of the fourth grading period.

The SCA will sponsor a "twin day" tomorrow. Grab your friends and have fun dressing alike.

There will be an early dismissal day Friday March 12, so please mark your calendars.

The fifth-grade classes will be taking their SOL writing tests March 16 and March 17.

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, March 17, we encourage everyone to wear your most wonderful shade of green.

--Shelly Weaver

Sandy Koch's fifth-grade class participated in the annual Free Lance-Star Super Bowl Playoffs. Aaron Blizzard, Dylan Wheeler, Nancy Camacho and Chelsea Roles were captains ringing in the Pigskin Geography Knowledge.

Christal Perez in Sandy Koch's class earned the Super Writer award for her "Lucious Lollipop" story.

Super Writer awards earned by Mary Flint's class for their D.A.R.E. essays are: Taylor Cooper and John Looney. Adriana Bailey earned a Super Writer award for her poem selected for publication in the Children's Poetry Anthology.

The following students attended a special luncheon in their honor for being in school all day, everyday for the first semester: Chantz Ballard, Ryan Brooks, Holly Brown, Arman Cagle, Sandra Camacho, Michael Conquy, Katelyn Grahman, Donald Gruentzel, Hunter Hatcher, Jenna Hatcher, Ashley Keating, Brandon Keating, Robert Keating, Stephanie Lewis, Aubrey Limerick, John Looney, Paul Looney, Matthew Miller, Joseph Norris, Miles Norris, William Norris, James Oesterheld, Victoria Reynolds, James Roles, Samantha Roles, Michael Silver, Margaret Steckler, Brooklyn Thompson, Abby Wood and Shannon Wratchford.

Norma Strum, kindergarten teacher; Dawn Green, second grade teacher; and Margaret Mahoney, interim assistant principal, also attended the luncheon for their outstanding attendance.

--Teresa Baxter

The tentative date for the Parkside Elementary Family Night Dinner/Dance is March 26.

Parkside student banking days are March 10 and 24.

--Bill Beck

There will be an early dismissal on Friday, March 12 for a teacher workday.

Fifth grade will be having SOL Writing March 16-17.

There will be a SCOPE parent meeting March 18 at 6:30 p.m. The focus will be an "Invention Convention" and "Showcase of Projects."

--Nancy Burger

Fifth-graders Allie Kirsch and Sheree Humphrey will be mistresses of ceremonies at the annual student variety show March 11 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

--Rita Caruth

The robotics team participated at the state competition in Blacksburg Feb. 22. They placed 15 out of 37 teams in their division. Team members include: Kyle Pfaff, Sandy Epling, Chris Fennell, Amanda Proctor, Nick Zaccagnino, Jimmy McClain, Brandon Bates, and Aaron Onks.

The James Farmer Scholars hosted an exhibit on Black History Month Feb. 29 at the Marshall Center in Spotsylvania. The school is very proud of these students and the work of sponsor Kimberly Tate in making this exhibit a success.

The following students produced winning science fair projects: Christopher Balian, Brendan Black, Carrie Buchanan, Kinsey Hartmann, Ehren Koontz, Michelle Woods, Sandy Epling, Christopher Fennell, Rebecca Hall, Jessica Miller, Kyle Pfaff, Brittany Stone, Justin Bishop, Brian Cannavo, Daniel Flood, Kim VanRenan and Jared Zelman. These students will be attending the Piedmont Regional Science Fair in Charlottesville Monday.

On Tuesday, eighth-graders will be taking the SOL multiple choice writing test; on March 17 they will be taking the SOL direct writing exam. Makeups will be March 18 and 19.

--Angie Branham

The James Farmer Scholars' eighth annual Battle of the Brain competition was held last Thursday evening. Questions were based on Farmer's accomplishments in life. The school was well represented by Tenisha Minor and Briana Sam, members of the A team. The A team went on to win with a grand total of 540 points.

The SOL Multiple Choice Writing test will be Tuesday and the SOL Direct Writing test will be Wednesday, immediately following homeroom. Please be sure students arrive at school on time and avoid scheduling any appointments for those days.

The following homerooms received certificates for outstanding attendance for the month of January: Meaghan Crowell's sixth grade, 100 percent; Vicky Nesbitt's seventh grade, 96.8 percent and Joyce Edward's eighth grade, 96.7 percent. The homerooms will also receive free ice cream courtesy of the SCA.

The sixth-grade Sharks team participated in Read Across America Day March 2. Students dressed in red and white, enjoyed a long sustained silent reading time and watched a biography on the life and accomplishments of Theodore Geisel.

--Lisa Simmermon

Eighth-grade students of the week for the week of March 1-5 are Erin Buhmann and Teddy Gregson.

Attention seventh- and eighth- grade students: boys and girls track tryouts begin April 5. You must have a completed physical to try out. If you need a form or have questions, see Coach Shields, or Coach McNamee.

The National Junior Honor Society appreciates all of your help with bringing in shoe boxes for the "Love in a Box" they are sponsoring. Now it is time to bring in supplies. Gum, trail mix, nuts, AA batteries, chips, hard candy, baby wipes, chap stick and cards of gratitude, are all things needed overseas, but remember there are also women over there too, so things like nail files and hairbrushes are also nice. Please no chocolate or things that will perish. Turn in all of your supplies to Room 208.

David Myers will represent Thornburg Middle School at the state level in the National Geography Bee competition. This is the second year in a row that David has achieved this high honor.

The school library celebrated "Read Across America," which is on the anniversary of Dr. Seuss' birthday, by sponsoring several activities. The library was decorated commemorating "Read Across America" and Dr. Seuss' birthday. Reading classes listened to a biography of Dr. Seuss and then played a trivia game about his life. Winners received a prize.

In celebration of Youth Art Month the following students have art work on display for the month of March at the Spotsylvania School Board Office: John Ludden, Chris Johnson, Ginny Elliott and Nikki McCutcheon. These eighth-graders are in the Introduction to Art class, which is a yearlong art class.

The seventh-grade Lions team held mock Super Tuesday Elections, complete with candidate speeches. In the mock Democratic primary, John Kerry was portrayed by Mike Barnes; John Edwards was portrayed by Megan Ponikvar; and Howard Dean was portrayed by Brandon Ames.

In the Third Party Special Election was Colleen Hunter of the Save Our Species Party; Emily Serrett of the Flamingo Party; Dorsey Bumbrey of the Forces Party and Harmony Brunson of the Elf Party

--Vicky Bowens

The dates for the eighth-grade SOL writing test have been changed to March 16 and 17, due to inclement weather. Parents are asked to please make every effort to have children in school on time on those dates.

The following students performed in the All County Orchestra Feb. 21 at Courtland High School: Whitney Lane, Rebecca Carneal, Branden Moore, Brandon Wickline, and Morgann Hines. John J. Wright Middle School's orchestra is directed by Theresa Moyers.

The following students were selected as students of the month for February:

Sixth grade--Brooke Comfort, Kyle Thompson, Jamila Ribeiro and Joey Gassaway.

Seventh grade--Megan Hesse, Alex Wanner, Branden Moore and Tiffany Hare.

Eighth grade--Chelsea Brooks, Matt Russnak, Tina Drury, Andrew Lee and Shawn Thompson.

PE teachers selected Kayla Durrette, Tiffany Hare and Aaron Kinard as students of the month.

Exploratory students of the month include Sophia Daniels, Whitney Lane and Amanda Williams.

Charlotte Hartman, John J. Wright club coordinator, invites students to join spring clubs. Clubs meet on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday of each week. From 2:55 to 3:55 p.m., students attend Homework Hour or SOL Prep Clubs, and from 3:55 to 5 p.m., clubs meet. Clubs offered for the first time this year include Fashion Club, Cross Stitch Club and Chess and Checkers Club, all meeting on Monday. On Tuesday the Environmental Club and the Tuesday Step Club meets. On Thursday, the Dance Fever Club and Kick Butts (cigarette) Club meets. SOL Prep Clubs, Board Games Club and Drama Club are yearlong clubs continuing from the fall semester.

The school offers clubs as a result of grants from the VCU-JJW Partnership to Prevent Youth Violence and Safe and Drug Free Schools Grants. Students must complete a permission slip signed by their parents and submit it to Hartman for approval prior to joining a club.

The school welcomes Cheryl Menotti, algebra readiness teacher, and Byron Jones, world history teacher.

--Helen S. Cielakie

The following students placed first in the Skills U.S.A Contest:

Auto Maintenance--Justin Andrews.

Computer Maintenance--Andy Smith.

Related Technical Math--Kevin Sheets.

Spelling--Lacey Tibbits.

Occupied Scrapbook--Jessica Ashton.

Prepared Speech--Shane Lupo.

Senior cap and gown pictures will be taken March 17. Sign up for these pictures in government class or Room 330. There is no sitting fee.

Senior caps, gown, announcements or anything else ordered from Herff-Jones for graduation will be delivered today and tomorrow. Pick up the order during lunch in the auditorium.

--Carolyn Libby

private schools

Two productions this week showcased the talents of the middle and upper school drama students. Students, under the direction of drama teacher Sarah Harrison, created works that showcased scenes from Shakespeare's plays.

The upper school production included scenes from "As You Like It," "Romeo and Juliet," "Twelfth Night" and "Othello." The middle school production included scenes from "Macbeth," "Comedy of Errors," "Much Ado about Nothing," "Romeo and Juliet" and "A Midsummer Night's Dream."

Students chose the scenes to be depicted, directed, choreographed, costumed and designed the productions, so they are different from the "usual" Shakespeare. There were 34 students in 18 scenes, enacting 85 characters in all.

Actors in the upper school performance were Todd Canape, Scott Campbell, Caitlin Dungan, Tiffany Granell, Patrick Buono, Latera Jenkins, John Sprow, Laura Honsinger, Eric Ventura, Rachel Parker, Alex Cooper, Lexie Hamon, Caitlin Hamon, Danielle Burton, Tony Warner and Ashley McNabb.

Actors in the middle school performance were Michael Weaver, Joe Martin, Michael Scott, Becca Arnold, Jessica Buono, Danielle Burton, Alix Jacobson, Brittany McNabb, Ayla Morris, Melanie Newby, Kelly Penick, Hetal Patel, Jamie Pollnow, Cassie Rose, Nyemah Scott, Stephanie Seller, Kelsey Walsh and Caitlin Weinstein.

Fifth-grade students will demonstrate the work they have done in their study of the Rain Forest today during their second annual Rain Forest Fest. The event, to be held in the lower school multi-purpose room from 1 to 3 p.m. and will feature research students have done, exhibit products of the rain forest and give students an opportunity to respond to questions from visitors about their studies. Students throughout the school and parents and guests are welcome.

This is Foreign Language Week, and a number of activities have been planned to recognize the school's commitment to the study of foreign languages. Fourth- and fifth-grade students will present to their lower school colleagues a number of brief vignettes: the Pledge of Allegiance and a skit in Spanish, and a song and fables in French. Middle and upper school students will enjoy a Foreign Language Dinner on Thursday evening at 6:30 p.m. Other activities will be enjoyed during the week.

In Lower School, this week is designated as "No TV Week." Students who choose to do so will forego watching any TV for a full seven days in order to appreciate the other activities that are available to them as entertainment. Those who successfully complete the seven days without TV will be recognized at an assembly.

To emphasize one of those special forms of entertainment, we will celebrate "Read Across America" today. Students will "Drop Everything and Read," share stories with older children and enjoy temporarily "bedding down" in the library with a favorite book.

Sixth-grade drama students, under the direction of drama teacher Laurie Calloway, will present the play, "Fairy Tale Bits and Bytes" tomorrow at 8:15 a.m. Cast members are Bobby Abilmona, Jordan Banez, Trent Butterworth, Hannah Cooper, Chelsea Edwards, Lucy Hazel, Derrik Holladay, Meredith Jackson, Mackenzie Jackson, Rachael Jacobsen, Olivia Janney, Jacqueline King, Deirdre Klima, Shannon Lee, Casey Lynch, Jon Magrini, Claudia Pare, Emily Schulz, Anne Marie Steeves and Cole Doss.

Friday is a teacher work day. There will be no school for students, but day care will be provided.

The Comprehensive Testing Program of the Education Research Bureau will be administered to students in grades two through six and eight on the mornings of March 15-18.

--Liz Barnes

March 26 will be a full day of school, not a half-day as originally scheduled.

Standardized testing will take place from March 22 to April 2. Parents will receive details from the school on which grades will be tested on which dates.

March 18 is class picture day.

March 26 is a full day of school, not a half-day as originally planned.

The library is looking for a volunteer to process the Campbell's soup labels which are collected as part of a school fund-raising program. The work can be done at home. Call Sharee Skinner or Karen Tate at 786-4196 for more information.

The first-grade class needs plastic container lids of all sizes for a school project. Save the type used on coffee cans, margarine tubs, whipped topping containers and similar containers and send them into school. Eileen Pettit's second-grade class needs old neckties for a project--the crazier the better.

Parents who have provided refreshments to the Bible X-treme Club this year have been a great help. Volunteers are needed to provide snacks and drinks at future meetings, enough for 30 children. Call Chris Zimmerman if you can help.

The following students are competing in the Math Olympics.

Fourth grade:

Computation--Shelby Edmisten, Paige Marple, Brittany McCray and Kristen Morrison, alternate.

Reasoning--Darien Buchanan, Gavan Duffy, Carley Woodward and Evan McCann, alternate.

Fifth-grade:

Computation--Rob Frejd, Kelsey Lucas, Meghan McConnell and Hannah Hayes, alternate.

Reasoning--Cody Lucas, Brain Marple, Amanda Stamper and Joey Hinnefeld, alternate.

Seventh graders will be going to the Science Museum on Monday.

March 18 is class picture day.

Verna Whetzel is selling grocery cards on Friday morning. The sale raises cash for the school's use.

The swim team competed in the state championships on Feb. 26-28 and placed 12 out of 40 teams. The girls medley relay paced 12 out of 52, Keri Jones placed 4 out of 81 swimmers in the 50-yard freestyle and 10 out of 64 in the 100-yard freestyle.

Students taking part in the Northern Appalachia Missions Trip during spring break will need to attend training on March 13, 20 and 27 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Monday, the Interact Club will induct new freshmen at 6:30 p.m. in the Commons. The National Honor Society will follow at 7:30 p.m. in the gym.

Plan to attend the FCS auction benefiting teacher's salaries on March 26 at Crystal Reflections. Make your reservation now.

The Script Program has been improved. This program allows the school to earn money while you shop at your favorite stores. For more information, call Cindy Gossett at 373-5355.

Using gift cards to buy your groceries helps support the school. They are on sale in the school offices for use at Food Lion, Shoppers and Giant. Also, save your Ukrop's receipts and turn them into the school regularly. The Development Office can use receipts dated from Sept. 29 to Mar. 27. Ukrop's makes donations to the school based on the receipt totals.

--Cindy Gossett

--Lee Berry

Lent is a time of spiritual renewal, personal sacrifice and prayerful reflection. To assist students in understanding and participating more fully in the Mass and in parish life, each class will attend a 9 a.m. Mass at Saint Mary on particular dates throughout the month. Eighth-graders attended a Diocesan wide Vocations Mass celebrated by Paul Loverde at Holy Spirit Church on March 8.

The "Box Tops" contest produced remarkable results and rich rewards. Linda Peterson, Susie Lockard and Frances Carol's first-, third- and fourth-grade box top saving students made great contributions. More than 1,000 box tops were collected from each classroom and a pizza party is headed their way. The school earned more than $950 from General Mills in this one contest alone.

Art teacher Mary Jane Bohlen recently presented the artwork of fourth-graders Cassandra Burns, Christopher Caporali, Erin Dyer, Eilish O'Neill, Oscar Ramos and Ryan Tharp to the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra for possible selection in the 2003-04 Children's Art Festival. The children created individual pieces while listening to conductor John Williams' soundtrack from Harry Potter. This year's theme was entitled, "Where does the music take you?"

Come and let God surprise you by joining Stefan Starzynski for a Mass and Healing service tomorrow at 7 p.m.

--Betsy Moran

Last week, Debbie Buck's art students enjoyed creating fantasy hats on "Cat in the Hat Day" to celebrate Dr. Seuss' 100th birthday. Students were allowed to use any of the many art mediums available and created hats with sequins, feathers, beads and flowers. Creations ranged from gladiator hats to "high tea" hats. Target department store also donated "Cat in the Hat" buttons and bookmarks for every student.

Art students of the Week were: Kyle Morton in the pre-kindergarten class, Alliya Mathwin in kindergarten, Mackenna Shorter in first grade, Caty-Scarlett Coleman in second grade, Walker Janney in fourth grade and Kelsey Emond in fifth grade.

Pam Karr's Music Makers of the Week were: Maxwell Buck in pre-kindergarten, Nicole Jenkins in kindergarten, Cameron Jones in first grade, Caty-Scarlett Coleman in second grade and Nick Mueda in third grade.

Madame Coleman's French Students of the Week were: Kyle Morton in pre-kindergarten, Natalie Hanson in kindergarten, Bruce Garth in first grade, Megan Wyrick in second grade and Ty Cooley in third grade. French students are enjoying their French pronunciation CDs, and even teaching French at home to their parents.

March 17 is St. Patrick's Day, and the school will celebrate with a "Wear Green Day." Students may either wear their uniforms or green clothes of their choice. Students in various grades will enjoy green art projects, snacks, science projects and games.

March 18 is the Science Fair. Parents are requested to visit their child's class at the following times to view projects.

Kindergarten and first grade: 10:30-11:15 a.m.

Pre-kindergarten: 12:30-1 p.m.

Second through fifth grades: 1:15-2 p.m.

From 1:30-2 p.m., parents with more than one child in the school may visit other classrooms.

March 19 will be a teacher workday with no school for the students. Tammy Jones, a teacher from Spotsylvania County Schools, will present a "Writing Workshop" for the teachers.

The results are in from the "Current Catalog" fund-raiser. The top sellers in each grade were:

Pre-kindergarten--Marie Freemyers.

Kindergarten--Nicole Jenkins and Alliya Mathwin tied for first place.

First grade--Cameron Jones and Mackenna Shorter tied for first pace.

Second grade--Mandi Anderson.

Third grade--Nick Mueda and Ty Cooley tied for first.

Fourth and fifth grade--Kelsey Emond.

Kelsey Emond was also the top seller in the school. First-grade teacher Pam Karr was the top selling teacher. All of the these students won gift certificates to Wal-Mart. Parents who helped with the fund raiser, and especially family members who gave generously and wish to remain anonymous--your kindness is appreciated. All proceeds from this sale go directly to purchase classroom "wish list" items.

--Pam Soper

A general PTO meeting will be held this evening at 7 p.m. at the school. All parents are invited to attend.

Fund-raising efforts continue for the school. Starting today and continuing for two weeks, there is a Tupperware fund-raiser. St. Patrick will profit 50 percent from all sales of the products. A Tupperware representative will be on hand at the PTO meeting this evening; however, if you cannot attend, be sure to check your child's communications folder for a catalog and ordering information.

The St. Patrick girls basketball team will be playing in the third annual Girls Basketball Tournament Saturday, March 13 at Massaponax High School. All are invited to come out and cheer the Knights to victory.

St. Patrick will be host to 55 school principals from throughout the Diocese of Arlington on St. Patrick's Day, March 17. We look forward to welcoming those individuals who direct the Catholic schools in our region. In addition, students and teachers will celebrate the Feast of St. Patrick with a special Mass at 1:30 p.m. in the church.

--Marcus and Theresa Vivona