public schools
Head Start
March is recruitment month for Head Start's preschool program. This federal program serves children from low-income families who turn 3 or 4 before Sept. 30. They are now accepting applications for the next school year. Call 540/368-2559 for more information.
Tax assistance is available at Head Start every Friday from 9 a.m. to noon. No appointment is necessary. Parents should contact their Family Service Worker for more information at 540/368-2559.
Students attending kindergarten at Moncure Elementary in the fall will tour the school tomorrow at 10 a.m. Parents are invited to attend, but must meet at the elementary school. The Policy Council will meet at 11:30 a.m. tomorrow and, at 2:15 p.m., the Daisy Girl Scouts are scheduled to meet.
On Thursday at 2 p.m. a Health Advisory meeting is scheduled.
The men's event for March will be a Kite Day, "Let's Go Fly a Kite." The event is March 18 at 10 a.m. at Brooks Park on Butler Road. Dads, grandfathers, brothers, uncles and other important men in the family are welcome to attend. For details, call Ellen Burgess at 540/368-2559.
The next Family Literacy Night is Monday at 5 p.m. A light dinner will be served at 6 p.m.
A parent workshop on depression is scheduled for March 21 at 9 a.m. The theme will be "Feeding the Blues."
Students of The Week were: Jaden Cooley, Dilleon Buenauentaura, Esmael Akbary, Motolani Ajayi, James Anderson, Ayanna Baldwin, Kyleigh Ash, Daniel Alvarenga-Martinez, Megan Shelton, Olivia Farley and Erika Amaya-Acosta.
--Alice Thompson
Kate Waller Barrett Elementary
Our school is fourth in earnings out of 2,201 schools for the Box Tops for Education fundraiser. We have earned $1,864.60. Continue to send in box tops because every little bit counts. Our Box Top winners for February are: Kathy Evans' kindergarten class; Susan Keys' first-grade class; Christine Elder's second-grade class; Theresa Marvinny's third-grade class; Becky Clark's fourth-grade class; and Ann Kingman's fifth-grade class.
--Carmen Healy
Margaret Brent Elementary
On March 4, Margaret Brent sent two teams to the Regional Odyssey of the Mind Competition at Atlee High School. Competing in "The Great Parade," Division I, were team members Alex Martinich, Lalena Janke, Rachel Van Fleet, Shelby Reynolds, Hunter Madden, Drew Madden and Kennedy Worth. The Great Parade problem required team members to design build and drive a vehicle to be used as three different floats in a parade. The vehicle could be propelled using only hand power. One of the floats had a technical feature and the parade concluded with a "Spectacular Celebration," which also included a technical feature. The team created a theme for its parade and included a featured character in its presentation. The team, coached by Debby Martinich, took first place with a perfect score of 350 and will be moving on to the state competition in Newport News on April 8.
The second team, coached by Ruth Villarreal and Robin Wisner, chose the classics problem "Ancient Egypt," which had so many entries that a second division was created for this challenge. Team members Nico Villarreal, Billy Wisner, Ethan Tulloh, Carmen Martinich, Tori Thornton and Raymond Cao performed well, taking fourth place in their division. In the ancient Egypt problem, teams created and presented an original performance that included a scene that takes place in ancient Egypt. The presentation included an Egyptian pharaoh, king, or queen, and ancient Egyptian works of art/artifacts created by the team. The performance also included an explanation about the construction of an ancient Egyptian architectural structure and a plot twist.
The fifth-grade athletes of the month for March are Emily Driscoll and Matthew Hayden.
Students recognized for outstanding effort during the second-quarter awards ceremony are: Alyshia Graham, McKayla Buckland, Paige Nageotte-Taylor, James Lee, Peggy Huff, Jason Tolson, Shawn Long, Sammie Segrest, Daniel Elliott, Cassidy Schmitz, Joseph Rohal, Jacob Smith, Nikki German, Justin Bitsie, Daren McCormick, Barbara Scheid, Taylor Levesque, Tommy Wahlin, Kelsey Lee, Ian Hodge, Micah Heyward, Lynsey Tolson, Tess Snider, Zachary Weaver, Lauren Marcinowski, Emily Hutcherson, Rachel Bellamy, Diana Simpson, Kati Lloyd, Rhys Thornton, Paige Hollis, Kincaid Lane, Carola Cruz, Shane Pitts, Dustin Smith, Zach Clark, Danielle Felsted, John-Kirby Colson, Christian Trout, Landon McLeod, Ryan Hebert, Jamie Homan, Jake Snider, Lauren Sisson, Annie Davis, Mallory David, Molly Hampel, Bryan Shira, Ashley Rohal, Tyler Seal, Felix Maldonado, Katie Vacher, Christina Carter and Iyana Monagan.
--Kimberly Scott
Conway Elementary
Conway's Odyssey of the Mind team finished in second place at the Rappahannock Regional Tournament. Team members are Kerry Reichhardt, Phillip Yelverton, Sam Churchill, Maurice Gentry, Thomas Raddatz, Layna Lowe and William Margwarth. Their problem was for "The Jungle Bloke!" The performance included an original song and dance. The judges were particularly impressed by the use of original poetry inspired by a classroom lesson on couplets. Third-graders are getting a taste of technology while learning about explorers: Christopher Columbus, Jacques Cartier, Christopher Newport and Juan Ponce de Leon. Teacher Lisa Bornholtz collaborated with technology resource teacher Gail Wiltshire, to develop a start-to-finish technology infused Explorer Unit. Students used the Internet to complete a research activity on their assigned explorer. As a group, students designed PowerPoint slides to explain various SOL-related information regarding their explorer. Next, students presented the PowerPoint to their classmates and other grade-level classes. Parents and school administration were pres-ent for some of the presentations. Students rounded out the unit by taking their final assessment using the Classroom Performance System (aka "clickers"). The CPS units provided immediate feedback to the classroom teacher regarding student performance.
Fourth-grade students participated in Metric Olympics. Olympic activities included: paper plate discus, paper straw javelin, cotton-ball shot put, right handed marble grab and left-handed sponge squeeze. Five groups from five different countries were represented. The kids estimated in centimeters how far the items would go; then they did the actual competition. Each rotation occurred every eight minutes so all kids could compete. The students researched their country online using countryreports.org prior to the Olympic competition. Each group made a flag to carry into the Olympics, with all the information of the country on the back of the flag. All fourth-grade students at Conway rotated through the mini-metric Olympics.
The Cat in the Hat was seen in kindergarten and fourth-grade classes. Teachers and students celebrated Read Across America Day by paying a special tribute to Dr. Seuss. Students participated in reading activities related to Dr. Seuss books. Some classes created Seuss hats, painted their faces to resemble a cat, and a couple of classes were actually taught by the Cat in the Hat herself. In Laurel Booth's kindergarten class, The Cat in the Hat shared a favorite Dr. Seuss book with a small group of students. Students in Booth's class also heard guest parent readers share a favorite Seuss story. Two very special guests speakers joined the class early in the morning. Principal Roxie Cooper and Robin Lloyd, shared a reading of "Green Eggs and Ham." Patricia Robert's fourth-grade class enjoyed a day of teaching by the Cat. Someone saw their weekly assessment being given by the Cat in the Hat. This wiry cat also was seen in the computer lab, instructing students while using technology.
Fourth-grade students are ready to participate in Walk Smart Virginia. During physical education classes last week, students used the iBook computers to register themselves for the program. Students will wear pedometers and log the number of steps they have walked. Students have various routes across Virginia that they can explore.
--Gail Wiltshire
Falmouth Elementary
Falmouth students enjoyed the "Read Across America Day" celebrating the birthday of Dr. Seuss with guest readers from the Stafford County schools.
The Falmouth PTO held a Basket Bingo fundraiser to help provide financial support for the educational programs at Falmouth.
--Doris Rutherford
Ferry Farm Elementary
On Wednesday, Ferry Farm will hold its annual Science Fair. Fair set up will be 5-7 p.m. on March 14. Judging will start on Wednesday morning with an Open House for parents and siblings from 6 to 7:30 p.m. that evening. On March 17, there will be an awards assembly in the morning.
The school kicked off Reading Month with celebrating Dr. Seuss' birthday on March 2 with various activities. A mystery reader read a short story on morning announcements. Students wore red, white, and blue to school, with some sporting a Dr. Seuss hat. Brooke Point High School's Learn & Serve students performed a short play on the book "Oh, The Places You Will Go" for the kindergarten classes and Becky Kucala's second-graders. School Superintendent Jean Murray read a story about Abraham Lincoln to Scott Belako's fifth-graders later in the day. Other parents, grandparents and neighbors came to read to classes throughout the day. At 3 p.m., all students and faculty were to "Stop, Drop and Read" for 20 minutes. Ferry Farm is also participating again this year in WBQB's March Madness Reading Contest. Students keep track of minutes read at home and hopefully the school can win a DJ for a party with "Buzzy Bee." If the students meet their school goal, then Principal Ann Lewis will dress up in NASCAR clothing and ride in a race car.
--Janet Smoot
Garrisonville Elementary
The Spring fundraiser featuring Gianni's Pizzas and dessert items is under way. Please share the brochures with your family and friends. Order forms and money are due by Monday. All money earned will help buy new projectors for the Computer Lab.
Make your gator decorating plans because Gator Week, March 20-24, is rapidly approaching. The Gator Patrol will be out in the neighborhoods writing down addresses of decorated homes.
Nominations are currently being accepted for the GES PTO executive board for 2006-07. For details, contact Judy Blackerby at 540/288-0896.
--Kim Gilby
Grafton Village Elementary
The kindergarten, first- and second-grade classes loved the Jungle Book program performed by Theater IV.
Students had great fun last week kicking off the Grafton Reading Olympics. Brooke Point High School's Learn & Serve students performed "Oh the Places You'll Go" for the third-, fourth- and some of the fifth-graders. Some of the classes enjoyed a visit by Cat in the Hat, Thing 1 and Thing 2. Cat in the Hat came back for the Family Reading Night activities and brought some more friends with him. The students had a great time eating pizza, visiting the book fair, getting autographs, hearing stories, making crafts and playing games.
Jump Rope for Heart will be held on Friday from 1:30 to 3 p.m.
Ed White, author of "Foxy's Tale" is visiting the first- through fourth-graders on March 22. The students will have an opportunity to purchase his book after the program for $9.95 and White will autograph it.
--Kellie Lights
Hartwood Elementary
More than 600 students, former students and special guests attended the third annual Multicultural Fair. Each team represented a country and had crafts, displays, games and food. The foreign language teachers had a special station with food from several different countries. Many parents donated food, time and talents. There was also an evening performance by African drummer Darrell Rose, who had played for the students in an afternoon assembly.
Class standings for Reading Counts have been posted. Kathy Williams' class is in first place in fifth grade; Ali Graham's is in first place in fourth grade; Stephanie Hensen's is in first place in third; and Heather Howe's is in first place in second. Top-ranked students by grade include Lyndsey King in fifth with 175 points, Casey Titlow in fourth with 236 points, Audrina Surman in third with 353 points and Brook Hensen in second with 400 points.
Trista Wickline and Michael Campbell demonstrated the mystery BoysTown skill on the announcements.
Many wonderful activities werer centered on Dr. Seuss and his recent birthday. Many teachers shared their favorite Dr. Seuss stories and Andre White and Ronnie Shepherd talked about theirs on the announcements.
--Marilyn Thompson
Moncure Elementary
Below are the names of the citizens of the month for the month of February. The word of the month was Respect: Xavier Colbert, Francisco Rosas-Diaz, Lindsay Cunningham, Kevin Garcia, Kaleigh Bradshaw, Mark Edwards, Simon Johnson, Thomas Cho, Paula Saravo, Shayla Davidson, Priyanka Pattni, Mikayla Sullivan, Amanda Clevenger, Alison Vongxay, Monique Chellis, Eugenie de Silva, Lyra Wilson, Brian Villalobos, Tim Nichols, Corey Stoneman, Bobi White, Jovan Alexander, Mike Roos, Tamia Williams, Vilma Ayala, Emma Hall, Courtland Thompson, Emily Roberts and Eric Strong.
A new club has started at school. The 24 Game Club is for grades three through five. Playing the 24 game exercises your brain and helps you concentrate. The club meets before school on Wednesday and/or Friday mornings, starting at 7:45. For details, contact Susan Kutt, math specialist at 540/658-6300 or
Email: skutt@staffordschools.net
The PTO has set up the Moncure Giving Tree outside the main office for anyone to donate items on teachers' classroom supply wish lists.
The Annual Spring Children's Clothing, Toy, and Book Sale will be held at the school on April 1 from 8 a.m. to noon. Sellers must bring their items to the school on March 31 between 5-6:30 p.m. Sellers do not have to be present for the sale. For details, visit the Web site at: pen.k12.va.us/Div/Stafford/mes or call Julie at 540/720-7773.
Yearbook order forms are due back Monday with payment. For details, e-ail Katherine at aquia
Email: house@yahoo.com
The classrooms are working on designing collection boxes for the Box Tops for Education. Please collect and turn in box tops through March 24. The Web site lists all participating brands: boxtopsforeducation.com. Some examples are General Mills cereals, Pillsbury, Betty Crocker, Nature Valley and Kleenex.
The Art Department is looking for helpers to prepare student work for the Stafford County Fine Art Festival on April 29-30.
--Marie Roberson
Park Ridge Elementary
Ten students from Park Ridge participated with 16 other elementary schools in the second Annual Virginia Music Educators All-District XV Elementary Chorus last month. Participating schools could bring 10 fifth-grade student representatives. They rehearsed with guest director Joy Anderson, assistant director of the Shenandoah Valley Children's Choir. The students had a little time to change into their concert attire and to rest for only a moment or two before getting back on stage to present the culminating concert. The concert was superb and was the perfect ending to such a special day.
--Sharon Bennett
Rockhill Elementary
Students of the Month recognized for demonstrating "respect" include Emily Abramaitys, Michael Altemose, Marco Alvarez, Mario Alvarez, Emily Archer, Tivon Battle, John Bernard, Maame-Owuashua Boateng, Ronnie Bono, Madeline Brence, James Brown, Laura Buffa, Alex Calderon, Nicholas Carpenter, Jacob Clark, Jeremy Clark, Caitlin Colie, Sterling Collins, Grayson Cordova, Kim Cramer, Drew Deramus, Erin Dunahoe, James Erickson, Jon-Paul Erickson, Megan Flood, Vanessa Geyser, Martin Gomez, Kyle Gregory, Ariel Hernandez, Gabby Hersey, Nicholas Hilden, Jairus Hudson, Ayub Jemal, Jenna Jerrell, Chester Karalis, Alex Knoedler, Erik Kvenlog, Sean Leeks, D.J. Lemons, Laura Lester, Chandler Loving, Steven Mai, Nikita Newman, Alyssa Nghiem, Kyle Nguyen, Cory Norman, Cian O'Driscoll, Amy Padilla, Kelsin Perdomo, Elisa Pharo, Evan Present, Alejandra Reinaga, Jake Rippetoe, Kaelen Rodgers, Ryan Rojas, Andre Saunders, Hope Simmons, Zack Smith, Jessica Spranger, Leanna Tarr, Janae Tondreau, Rachel Valentine, Joshua Walker, Cheyanne White, Caroline Weeks, Brandon Williams, Bridgette Williams, Janaea Willis, Riley Wilson, Alex Windsor, Gregory Wright and Ava Zendek.
--Marilyn Butters
Rocky Run Elementary
In honor of the Winter Olympics, Leslie Nozum's reading class took the challenge of reading 20 books during the month of February. Each child was given a skier-shaped marker, and for each book they read, they moved the skier through a gate. The goal was to reach the bottom of the mountain. The following children earned gold medals and were treated to a pizza party: Julianna Ianuzi, Ashley Overton, Joshuah Junkins, Destiny Litton, Madeline Deveney, T.J. Scott, Ashley Batitto, Joey Belcher and Christopher Rowe.
Rocky Run families have collected many boxes of food during the monthly SCA food drives. Dot Tiedeman organizes the event with her SCA students. The food drive for this month will be March 30.
Students are keeping track of their reading minutes for the WBQB reading contest. As of last Wednesday, Rocky Run students have read a total of 26,782 minutes at home. Keep reading, and turn in the minutes every Tuesday in the month of March.
--Lisa Moyer
Stafford Elementary
Good News winners are Melissa Deel, Katelyn Thacker, Kelly Ryan, Erik Fleming, Terrance Thomas, Sydni Olbon, Jessica Kroeger, Zoe Krause, Maya Camacho, Amber Kohl, Isaiah Wallace, Micaela Stafford, Rodney Clark, Derek Grene, Analise Pfister, Orlando Levins, Ian Ector, Luke Greene, Philomena Wankenge and Jose Jiminez.
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital needs the school's help. Each year they raise money to help children who are suffering from really bad diseases like cancer. You can help the hospital by participating in the Math-a-Thon through April 7. If you are interested, talk to your parents and get their permission. Next ask for donations from family, friends, relatives and neghbors. Then work the math problems in the workbook or CD you'll receive. Finally, turn in the money and wait to find out how much students raised. For more information go to mathathon.org.
--Ruth Guckian
Widewater Elementary
Two of the Odyssey of the Mind teams representing WES competed in the Regionals on March 4. The fifth-grade team took third place in the area of Ancient Egypt Division 1. They were able to place out of nine school districts that were competing and a total of some 144 teams. Members of the fifth-grade team are Miles Nowak, J.D. Vera Cruz, Madison Davis, Megan Weitekamp, Nicholas Kaim and Forrest Deal. The younger team participated in the Jungle Bloke problem and team members included: Zachary Nowak, Noah Golmant, J.J. Fillis, Travis Byram, Isabella Hergenrother and Andrew Greehalgh. These students and coaches have spent the last few months preparing and working hard for this competition. Anna Clemens and Nicholas Kaim scored a perfect 6 on the fifth-grade Math Problem Solving contest in February. Other high scorers were Keshana Pablo, Katie Beiswinger, Miles Nowak, J.D.Cruz, Ryan Smith, Brian Mekhail, Madison Davis and Gabriella Gomez.
Two Wildcats were left off the list of those recognized for their academics and honor roll status: fifth-graders Nicholas Kaim and Megan Weitikamp.
March is Reading Madness month at WES. Students and Staff kicked off the month with "Read Across America" on March 2 celebrating the birthday of Dr. Seuss. Classrooms attending library have been learning all kinds of trivia with the Dr. Seuss bingo. The library collection of Dr. Seuss videos were played all day for classrooms to tune in. It was also favorite book character dress up day. Debbie Kidwell's kindergarten class celebrated with real birthday cake. WES will be joining other schools in the area by participating in the WBQB's Reading Madness contest. Calendars have been sent home with students provided by Jennifer Blecha and the Reading Center. Students will record the number of minutes read weekly at home and turn in totals every Monday. The school with the highest average of minutes read per student wins a party from the radio station. A paper chain has begun in the hallways around the school with titles of books students have completed by reading. The goal is to wrap the school in one large paper chain during reading month.
Second-graders had a field trip to the Formosa Restaurant here in Stafford. The students sampled all different sorts of Chinese foods such as sweet and sour chicken, spring rolls and rice. Jenny of the Formosa restaurant, shared a short presentation about the Chinese culture. She described how the Chinese write using calligraphy brushes dipped in ink. Wildcats learned to say "Happy new year" in Chinese--"Gung hay fat choy." Students were told about the Chinese calendar and that their year is based on the moon. The group attempted to eat with chopsticks and that was tough. This trip goes along with their classroom studies of China.
--Nancy Brothers
H. H. Poole Middle
Eighth-grade geography class held a European food feast. The students completed a project on a European country and then brought in a food that represented their country. The class also enjoyed a guest speaker. Juan Sanchis spoke about his native country, Spain. In addition, he shared information about Korea where he lived for more than 15 years. Sanchis has a son, Choongwon, who is on the Viking Team.
The drama and chorus departments are hard at work rehearsing for the musical, "Annie." Danielle Schneider and Norma Jean Ogden are collaborating to present this delightful musical June 3 and 4. Warren Hamblet's technology classes will be building the sets for the musical. The cast includes the following students: Brielle Abblitt, Ashlyn Bradley, Matthew Carlstrom, Ben Conley, Brianna DeWulf, Ashley Dudek, Chris Embrey, Rachel Gangwere, Geoffrey Geberth, Sarah Homet, Kristin House, Mailise Johnson, Mariah Longmore, Renee Mahon, Hadiya Manners, Robin Mossowd, Amanda Nazario, Tereza Nichols, Cassie O'Brien, Nick Offerjost, Chelsea Palys, Amber Papas, Madison Parkyn, Taylor Plummer, Marki Riccio, Kelsey Sasportas, Delaney Sheire, Sydney Slabaian, Nevada Smith, Hannah Sweeney, Julie Swing, Austin Tate, Natalie Tyer, Nicole Wedge, Carissa Vaccaro and Olivia Virga.
Students celebrated Read Across America and the anniversary of Dr. Seuss' birth with weeklong events. On Monday, students had a chance to enter the Dr. Seuss trivia quiz. The winner of the quiz, Ryan Marks, won a "Cat in the Hat" hat. On Tuesday, students were encouraged to wear crazy socks in honor of Dr. Seuss' book "Fox in Socks." Wednesday was "Green Eggs and Ham" day with students wearing green. On Thursday, students honored "The Cat in the Hat" by wearing red, black and white. Friday was crazy hat day to honor "The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins." Each day, the homeroom classes with the greatest participation won a treat. Leslie Melillo's sixth-grade homeroom distinguished itself by having 100 percent participation every day. In addition to these daily activities, all students participated in 15 minutes of silent reading time on Thursday. Also, on Thursday, the second Read-In of the year was held. A Read-In is an after-school reading party. Eighty students attended the Read-In, participating in several Dr. Seuss-themed reading games and activities. Students also had a chance to win a variety of prizes and enjoyed pizza, soft drinks, and Dr. Seuss birthday cupcakes.
--Marilyn Dunn
Stafford Middle
The following students were nominated for the February Citizen of the Month characteristic, respect, award: Michael Bell, Alex Bertelli, Alexis Chamberlin, Khiry Clinton, Brenan Elliott, Ellie Hardy, Kimberly Langford, Michael Tucker and Ally Varmette.
Billie Jo Baucom, Dwight Reed, and Blaine Vipperman were nominated for the February most improved student award.
Track and field practice begins March 27. An informational meeting for the girl's team will be held on March 21 after school. The boys team meeting will be announced.
A meeting for seventh- and eighth-grade girls interested in softball takes place on March 21.
--Liz Featherstone
Brooke Point High
The following students auditioned at James Madison University and were selected for the Virginia All-State Band: Amber Irvin, Evan Elmore and Ashleigh Bell. Mike Kuntz was selected as first alternate.
The Brooke Point High School Learn & Serve classes participated in Dr. Seuss' birthday in a big way. On March 2, they read and performed "The Places You'll Go" at 11 of the 16 schools in the county and have two more dates scheduled for schools with conflicts on that day.
Students in Brooke Point's Health & Medical Sciences celebrated Career and Technical Education Week, Feb. 12-18. A number of students displayed professionalism by dressing for success and health assistant students designed posters that illustrated the many career opportunities in the health care industry. Heidi Baitis, a 1999 Brooke Point graduate, made a presentation on the many facets of veterinary medicine. Baitis is a third-year student at Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. She shared information about career opportunities in veterinary medicine and how to best prepare for veterinary or medical school.
The following students will be representing Brooke Point at the Health Occupations Students of America State Leadership Conference in Roanoke on March 16-19: Jasmine Bell, Darbey Cunningham, April Fields, Alyssa Heider, Matthew Kim, Stephanie Lamb, Laura Laperle, Samantha Mullins, Jarryd Mushatt-Valrie, Samantha Plunkett, Jennalee Shumate, Kristen Troyer and Sunnan Yoon. These students will be competing against more than 800 other Health and Medical Sciences students from across the state. In addition, students will be serving as voting delegates and attending various leadership workshops.
The following students took part in Student Government Day on March 7: Melissa Angelsey, Jeremy Caufield, Matt Cavalier, Christina Davis, Emily Eskew, Patrick McGlade, Meghan Hadlock, Morgan Dibert-Lacey, Kelly Lanata, Kristen Lucia, Jerrell Maple, Ian Smith-Christmas, Jonathan Spears and Casey Thomas. The students were among approximately 70 students from four of the high schools who spent the day learning about local government and participating in a mock Board of Supervisors meeting.
On March 3, Nicole Murphy, Nathaniel Pinero, Mike Palmer, and Cierra Hardin competed in the Lifesmarts Challenge at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. This competition is designed to test the areas of Finance, Consumerism, Technology, Health and Safety, and Environment. The Brooke Point High School team placed in the top 11.
--Tom Coen
Colonial Forge High
The Forensics Team placed third in the Commonwealth District Competition. Allie Ast, Jonathan Clancy, Patrick Crosson, Kevin Connell, Anna Dillion, Brian Kitta, Maral Noori, Alana Thomas, Randi Whitley and DeAnna Will did a fantastic job presenting their selections. Alexandra Ast came in first place in original oratory.
Two CFHS video broadcasting students, David Wehle and Nate Mollick, participated in a film festival at King George High School. Nate Mollick won first place for "The Mollicks." David Wehle's "The Emo Kid" won second place. Matt Stokes achieved best actor for "The Emo Kid."
The following members of the CFHS Percussion Ensemble performed on the Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center on March 7: Joseph Brooks, Caroline Cata, Kelli Clark, Kevin Connell, Nathan Garrison, Matt Grigsby, Ryan Harvey, Melanie Horn, Sonny Jewett, Mark Kline, Courtney Martin, Annie Mauldin, Trevor Muhler, Scott Rodgers, Meghan Rowley, Stephanie Seay, Kevin Shira and Beth Thompson. Their concert was broadcast live via the internet that same evening.
Art teacher Anita Adams has been appointed examiner of the visual arts by the International Baccalaureate Organization. She will be functioning as a reader, traveling to the schools and evaluating student work according to the IBO standards. She will then recommend a grade for the course of study.
--Kerri McClafferty
Mountain View High
Health Occupations Students of America students recently installed their newly elected officers with a candlelight ceremony. Officers are as follows: Bridget Phelan, president; Amy Rojo, vice-president; Catherine Poss, secretary; Samantha Mitchell, treasurer; Kristen Olbetter, parliamentarian; and Shaquinn Clark as the historian.
Ninety-one students participated in 57th Annual American Mathematics Competition in February. Competition is divided into two categories. The top three winners in the AMC-12 make up the school's team. The three winners were all juniors: Brody Black, first; Daniel McCarron, second; and Lindsay Kooiman, third.
All-State band in Virginia is recognized nationally as one of the top two high school honor bands in the country. Students achieving this level of performance have the opportunity to gather with other talented, hard-working high school musicians for three days of rehearsals and performance in early April where they work under nationally recognized guest conductors. Three students have been selected to audition for this prestigious group. They are Jonathan Leonard, Stefanie Higgins and Ryan Stones.
The Marching band will travel to Orlando, Fla., to perform in The Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World March 22-25. For details, contact Douglas Armstrong, director of bands.
--Nikki Eshelman
Stafford High
The following students made All A's during the second marking period: Brittany N. Bascore, David N. Colon, Blake A. Grasso, Hayden G. Johnson, Todd H. Repass III, Lysuelle M. Slaughter, Brian A. Smith, Kaitlyn G. Wilshire, Emily C. Alberto, Richard C. Alt II, Margaret E. Beckwith, Aaron P. Bowers, Maria A. Buser, Ashley N. Carmichael, Katherine Cooke, Lauren N. Henderson, Jason B. Jones, Sarah J. Kunkler, Aaron M. O'Connell, Rebekah C. Rochte, Heather A. Bartholomew, Miranda K. Becker, Lindsay L. Cain, Joshua M. Caron, Andrew M. Cross, Margaret E. Evans, Justin L. Harding, Kara L. Hunt, Ka Yeong Kim, Kristin E. Lawlor, Lauren N. Mervine, Emily C. Mikkelson, Christina L. Millson, Jessica L. Moore, Radha A. Patel, John S. Rossi II, Brandon J. Schroth, Allison L. Stallings, Jasmin G. Taylor, Laura A. Ward, Marie L. Williams, Lauren K. Elstein, Laura E. Howard, Sabrina D. Johnson, Ji Yeong Kim, Barbara A. Luckett, Christina L. Moore and Mary E. Parks.
The Stafford Debate Team successfully defended its Commonwealth District Title on March 7 at Stafford High. The following students will be advancing to Regionals at North Stafford on March 24:
Lincoln-Douglass Debate--Gabriella March, captain, first; Elizabeth Ferrantino, second; and Mary Greeson, third.
Classic Policy--Natalie Rothman and Kat Gubser, captains, second; and Courtney Buzzard and Karole Gubser, third.
Contemporary Policy--Bethany Littlejohn and Nathaniel Mack, first; and Gillan Ludlow and Jessica Byl, second.
The following students will be participating at regionals in Student Congress: Richard Alt, Chris Sloan, Frank Zarzour, Adrianna Gonzalez, Madison Jonas and Matthew Rocholl.
The following students will also compete in the Washington-Arlington Catholic Forensic League Metrofinal Championships during the next two weekends: Gabriella March, Mary Greeson, Natalie Rothman, Kat Gubser and Chris Sloan.
The 11th Annual Teen Art Show runs through March 29 at the Central Rappahannock Regional Headquarters Library in The Atrium Gallery. Jessica Tait won second place for her color-pencil work titled "My Family's Garden." She also won an Honorable Mention for her charcoal mixed-media piece titled "Swatch." Barbie Broome won an Honorable Mention for her mixed media work titled "Grave Portrait." Visit The Atrium Gallery on the Web and view some of the award winning work at artspoint.org/atrium/index.asp.
--Suzanne Gill
private schools
Fredericksburg Academy
Thursday is the last day of the third marking period. Parents are reminded that Friday is a faculty work day; there will be no classes that day.
The Parent-Faculty Association will hold a general membership meeting at 7 p.m. tonight in the Middle School Commons. The Parent-Faculty Association also will sponsor a cookie sale fundraiser tomorrow. Freshly baked sugar and chocolate chip cookies will be sold during lunch periods for 50 cents each.
Students have been enjoying Foreign Language Week all week in the Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools. Activities have included an international cafe, puppet shows and contests inspired by other cultures. The week will conclude with the Foreign Language Dinner at 6:30 p.m. Thursday. Students are asked to bring a dish from a country in which the language they study is spoken.
Today, the third grade will take a field trip to the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington.
Also today, an information session will be held for Middle and Upper School students interested in participating in a new strings ensemble at the Academy. The information session, which will include demonstrations of various instruments, will be held at 1 p.m. in the Middle School Commons. The strings program will begin on March 20 at 7:15 a.m. in the band room of the Arts and Sciences building. Parents should contact Head of Middle School Karen Moschetto with questions.
The first-grade classes have been learning about different countries and will display their new knowledge in a cultural fair next week. The students will create exhibits on the food, clothing and customs of the countries they have studied.
Several students have recently been recognized for their academic and artistic talent. Eleventh-grader Michael Weaver qualified for the American Invitational Mathematics Exam by scoring more than 100 on the American Mathematics Competition 12 exam. FA Geography Bee champion, eighth-grader Trent Butterworth, qualified for the National Geographic Society's Virginia Geographic Bee. He will compete in the statewide bee on March 31 at Old Dominion University.
Also, ninth-grader Lydia Hendricks earned first place in the seventh- through ninth-grade division of the Central Rappahannock Regional Library's teen art show for her drawing, "A Portrait of a Dancer." Seventh-grader Emily Hendricks earned an honorable mention for her work, "The Eye of the Lion."
--Beth Hunley
Fredericksburg Christian Schools
Ferry Farm preschool will have chapel on Thursday at 8:45 a.m. and on Monday class pictures will be taken at 8:30 a.m.
At the preschool in Stafford, chapel will be held tomorrow at 8:45 a.m. in Room 10. Also, picture day will be March 21 at the Stafford campus.
FCS elementary campus in Fredericksburg will have picture day on March 21. Also, on March 24 the third grade will share in chapel at 8:40 a.m. The student art show is fast approaching so check the newsletter for specific guidelines.
At FCS elementary in Stafford there will be chapel tomorrow and the second grades will share. Then on Thursday the first grade classes will visit the Science Museum in Richmond. Picture day will be on March 21 for this campus.
The upper elementary campus in Fredericksburg will have picture day on March 21. Chapel will be held on March 22 at 10:15 a.m. Also, the upper elementary and middle school campus will be the host for the ACSI District Math Olympics for grades three to eight on March 31. Since it will be held at the Highway campus, the middle school and the upper elementary will not be holding classes on March 31. The school needs the classrooms and the staff to assist with the Olympics as they open the doors to other schools that will be attending.
FCS middle school will be collecting new books during the month of March to send to schools in the hurricane-damaged Gulf Coast. For other ways to help go justonebook.net or contact the school.
The Scripp National Spelling Bee will be held at Fredericksburg Academy on Sunday at 2 p.m. where some of the students will participate. Then on Monday the sixth grade will have the Science Fair. Spring pictures will be on March 21 for middle-schoolers.
FCS high school students will have class pictures on March 21. There will be a teacher in-service day on Friday so there will be no school for all FCS students. Regency Park is joining the Rappahannock Swim League this summer and is looking for swimmers. For more information call Regency Park Sports at 540/786-8688.
Fredericksburg Christian Schools will hold its annual auction at Holiday Inn Select in Fredericksburg on the evening of March 24. The event will begin with the silent auction where many local businesses and individuals have generously donated various goods and services. Following the silent auction, dinner will be served. The live auction will conclude the evening with vacation packages, sports items, classroom gifts and other exciting items available for purchase. All the proceeds will benefit a fund for FCS teachers' salaries. If you would like ticket information, please call the development office at FCS at 540/373-5355.
--Julie Shaeffer
Holy Cross Academy
On Feb. 25, the second-graders experienced their first sacramental encounter with God's unconditional forgiveness, mercy and love when they received the Sacrament of First Reconciliation at St. Mary Church. It was a wonderful celebration and service and a moment of great sacramental grace for the students and entire parish. They are so proud of the children for their preparation and participation and would like to thank their parents and teachers, JoAnn James, Marti West and Debbie Arquiette, who helped them prepare so beautifully for this very important sacrament of forgiveness. Penitants included: Allison Alvarez, Alexandria Annunziato, Claire Bereit, Dominic Berenotto, Rachel Blackmon, Taylor Boruch, Isaiah Bratton, Elizabeth Britton, Matthew Byram, Nicholas Caiafa, Kara Cervetti, Erica Chuang, Sarah Crasco, Angela Crockett, Jennifer Crowell, Brent Curtis, Brian and Kevin Darling, Lane David, Stephanie Davis, Kathryn Dobyns, Bryan Frasher, Elizabeth Giambra, Jimmy Greaser, Joseph Green, Andrew Hall, Corbin Harmon, Garrett Hawley, Bradley Hoffman, Victoria Larimer, Chloe Leach, Sarah Link, David Martinez, Giavante Mathieu, Jacob McCabe, Brendan McDonough, Mary Grace McGregor, Ashley McVicker, Jack Miller, Brendan Murphy, Julian Ngoh, Angela Pak, Jonathan Paquette, Gretchen Pickerel, Nathan Revor, Brandon Ryzewic, Olivia Saunders, Jeffrey Shelton, Aislinn Shofi, Jacob Sininger, Katelyn Skinner, Kaitlyn Weekman, Stephen West and Sabrina Wright.
From an article in "The Word Among Us" by the Rev. Alfredo Hernandez, he writes that, "Children who see that their parents are able to apologize for the little and big hurts of daily life; children who learn, by watching their parents, how to give and receive forgiveness--these are the children who are most likely to appreciate what the Sacrament of Reconciliation means. And chances are they will be excited about celebrating it." They hope that as a Catholic community, they can all be positive role models for the youngest members. Please continue to remember them in prayer as they prepare for their First Holy Communion.
--Betsy Moran
St. William of York
Students receiving the Principal's Honor Roll by achieving straight A's in the second quarter are fourth-graders Anna Harter and Carmela McCleary; fifth-grader Ashley Driscoll; sixth-graders Kevin Driscoll, Ricky Johnson, Colin Comp and Jennifer Morgan; and seventh-graders Caroline Jansen and Becky Walker.
Caroline Jansen represented St. William of York in the diocesan Spelling Bee on March 4. She was eliminated in the third round. The school is proud of her.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars and its Ladies Auxiliary sponsored the Patriot's Pen Youth Essay Competition. "Who Are Today's Patriots?" was the theme of the essay which was open to middle-school students at four schools. Four of the five winners were St. William students. Eighth-grader Deborah Roets earned $300 by coming in first place locally and sixth place in the district. Will Connolly won $200 for second place. Caroline Jansen earned $50 for fourth place and Elizabeth Flood got $25 for fifth place. Matt Schultz, Andrew Jaskot and Becky Walker received certificates for participation.
Karen Fahand's first-grade class won the participation banner for having the most parents in attendance at the PTO meeting.
--Kathy Walker