PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Head Start
The Head Start/Virginia Preschool Initiative Program is recruiting for two new 4-year-old classes to begin in January. The child must have turned 4 by Sept. 30. For more information about qualifications, call 540/368-2559.
Head Start will be closed tomorrow through Friday for Thanksgiving.
A storyteller from the Central Rappahannock Regional Library will visit Nov 30. and Dec. 1, 9:30-11 a.m.
Family Literacy Night is Nov. 30 at 5 p.m., with a light dinner at 6 p.m.
The Program Governance PRISM is Dec. 1 at 10 a.m.
Students of the Week were Angelina Leput, Kera Halstead, Jenea Hamdan, Leilani Dudley, Paula Garcia-Capo, Steven Goins, Naiymia Hamdan, Oscar Cubias-Alvarado, Jayson Lewis, Christian Hosford, Dylan Green, Sebastian Hernandez, Jayden Holmes and Precious Fagbenro.
--Alice Thompson
Kate Waller Barrett Elementary
The Fit for Fun White Tiger Run was a success, with more than 100 participants. There were four heats for ages 6-12 along with a 300-meter race for ages 5 and younger. The following were the top scores:
Boys 10-12
First, Kade McDonald; second, Cole Quinn; third, Hunter Wilfong
Girls 10-12
First, Madison Failor; second, Ashley Fabela; third, Alicia Jacobs
Boys 8-9
First, Matthew Ubiles; second, DeAndre Hansberry; third, Benjamin Tivin
Girls, 8-9
First, Emily Webb; second, Victoria Ubiles; third, Sydney Hewitt
Boys 6-7
First, Asher Ardron; second, Jacob VanDeusen; third, Damon McGee Jr.
Girls 6-7
First, Riley Beane; second, Daya McGee; third, Brenna Futrell.
--Carmen Healy
Falmouth Elementary
First-grade teacher Michele Repass was chosen Teacher of the Year. She has taught at Falmouth for five years and also spent two years at Conway Elementary.
The annual Elf Shop will be stocked with handmade crafts, and everything will cost $1. The Elf Shop will be open Nov. 30-Dec. 4 during school hours, and parent "elf" volunteers are needed to assist the students in their shopping. The Elf Shop also will also be open Dec. 5 during the PTO pancake breakfast, 8-11 a.m. in the school cafeteria.
--Mary Garrett
Ferry Farm Elementary
The Top 10 readers in the fall Accelerated Reader contest are Sean Mcosker, Skylar Keys, Shane Daveler, Bryce Hogue, Sean McGraw, Aaron Dubois, Diana Bloom, Justin Wright, Emma Bathke and Alexandra Mcosker. Fifth-grade teacher Sarah Durkin is Teacher of the Year.
--Laura A. Noel
Garrisonville Elementary
Every month six students display art that features a Stafford County Word of the Month at the Stafford Courthouse. In November, pictures about honesty were selected from Catherine Lamczyk's third-grade class.
Garrisonville held a schoolwide food drive to fill Thanksgiving baskets for area families.
Assistant principal Kathy Carpenter's fifth-grade reading students met for the first time this week. Twelve fifth-graders attended. The group is reading "Love, Ruby Lavender" by Debbie Wiles. The reading group meets once a month, 8-8:30 a.m., and is open to all fifth-graders.
Chick-fil-A Spirit Night is tonight, 5-8 p.m. Mention Garrisonville when using the drive-through so the school gets credit.
--Amy English
Moncure Elementary
Second-grade teacher Lianne Lewis and fourth-grade teacher Lauren Burdette each taught a math lesson during "Be Excited About Math Day." Parents were able to observe and discuss the lessons with each teacher and math specialist Susan Kutt.
During the CiCi's Pizza spirit night, staff members helped serve pizza. Spirit night was sponsored by the PTO.
The students had a contest to decide whose artwork would be on the yearbook cover. The winners were T.J. Miller for the front cover and Gracie Byrd for the back cover. Both students are in Dorian Leaman's fifth-grade class.
--Diane Morris
Park Ridge Elementary
Third-, fourth- and fifth-graders are participating in monthly problem solving contests. After one month of competition the leaders are:
Third grade
First place--Nathan Zimmerman
Second place--Joshua Sarratt, Sam Lightfoot, Adriana Talkington, Mark Postma, Mackenzie Torres, James Connally
Fourth grade
First place--Issac Grab, Sophia Ellia, Camden Middlekauff
Second place--Ashley Bellamy, Thomas VanOpdorp, Jonathan Wells
Third place--Elizabeth Schmitt, Austin Weaver, Sydney Casey, Timothy Morgan, Savannah Moore, Tyler Danzig, Jazlyn Nguyen
Fifth grade
First place--Megan Unrath, Katelyn Hall
Second place--Dillon Mun-gle, Nathan Zappe, Mikayla Carrington, Kevin Zhu.
--Sharon Bennett
Rockhill Elementary
The following fifth-graders earned all A's during the first nine weeks: Kirsten DeZeeuw, Connor Duffy, Faith Falco, Megan Flood, Luis Rovira, Thomas Stewart, Allison Stout and and Savanna Taylor.
Fifth-grade Math Problem Solving Challenge winners for October are Aaron Reid and Luis Rovira, first place; Megan Fouch, Corie Maguigad, Eric Rosales, and Allison Stout, second place; B.J. Harvin, Emily Johnson, Sam Lichtman, Kinsley Rigsbey, Thomas Stewart and Ethan Thayer, third place.
Fourth-grade Math Problem Solving top finishers are: Ryan Cunningham, first place; Jon-athon Sharp, second place; Jose Acosta, Joshua Bellville, Madeline Brence, Angelyse Cardona, Cole La Bass, Aishah Collison-Cofie, Sallie Cramer, Laurajane Curry, Shyanne Michael, Leanna Tarr, Brandon Thompson and Amanda Wyche, third place.
Tables are available for rent for the PTO Craft Fair Dec. 5, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Call Teresa Padgett, 540/720-2955.
School is closed Wednesday through Friday.
The PTO Holiday Secret Shop will be open Dec. 1-3. Students in grades three through five will shop on Tuesday and students in kindergarten through grade two will shop on Wednesday. The shop is being coordinated by parent Heather Stefl. All items have been handmade by parents.
--Marilyn Butters
Rocky Run Elementary
The school met its reading goal of 300,000 minutes. Principal JoAnne Baker and assistant principal Keana Butler had a scooter race as a celebration.
The classes that read the most on each grade level are:
Kindergarten--Dolores Franco's class
First grade--Kathy Kiel's class
Second grade--Wendi Urbanic's class
Third grade--Sandra Kelish's class
Fourth grade--Astrid Ab-raham's class
Fifth grade--Vicki Talcott's class.
Second-graders performed their musical. "Weather the Weather." The songs explored weather in a fun and informative way. The play included a giant television and weather reporters from all over the country.
--Kathy Mimm
Widewater Elementary
Third-grade teacher Cindy Giffin and art teacher Miracle Snyder head the Recycle Club. Student members are Delaney McFaden, Shamarrie Johnson, Rachel Harris, Abigail Chambers, Josephine Burke, Elly Ramierez, Ashley Terczak, Madeline Reyes, Josie Burggraf, Brandon Friend, Leah Spearman, Amaya Estrada, Jacob Frederickson, Isabella Garcia, Alessi Reiter, Kayla Fewox, Jake Nelson, Katie Zalar, Jasmine Aldridge and Mark Stephens.
The county has challenged the schools to recycle, and each school's recycled trash is weighed, with the percentages compared with other schools in the county. The Recycling Club will present "The Oscar Award" to a class each month that demonstrates recycling at its best.
Some of the Recycling Club members will go around and talk to younger students about recycling.
Widewater is a member of the Terracycle Recycling Bridgade. This year the school is recycling juice pouches, Lay's chip bags, and Oreo and Chips Ahoy wrappers. Collection boxes are in the cafeteria.
The collected items will be sent to a company that turns them into new products such as backpacks, folders and shower curtains.
Cavalier Skate Night is tonight, 5-8 p.m., sponsored by the PTO.
Spirit wear and fall fundraiser orders are expected to arrive before Thanksgiving vacation.
The fifth-grade class of Rachel Clement and the kindergarten class of Debbie Kidwell are buddying up for a Thanksgiving feast. Students are making table decorations and donating food.
Clement's class had social studies rotations where they made clay pots like the Pueblo Indians, tepees like the Plains and totem poles like the Kwakiutl tribe.
There is no school Wednesday through Friday for Thanksgiving break.
Librarian Angela Hopkins announced that Bonnie Cox' kindergarten class swept the Shelf Elf award last week for their exemplary behavior during their time in the library.
Fourth- and fifth-graders participating in Chess Club will be meeting on Thursdays after Thanksgiving.
Gayle Middle
Andrew Liang will attend Virginia Band and Orchestra Junior Regional Festival. He finished eighth out of 120 violinists.
The 19th annual Middle School Debate Forum was held at Shirley Heim Middle School. Gayle students who participated were John Shin, Fred Zhao, Arthur Pawlica, Chelsea Fedowitz, Killian Hull, Shelby Clutter, Andrew Liang, Alisa Chance, Rachel Carr and Caroline Whitehouse.
The following boys were selected for the basketball team: Zach Toombs, Ryan Burns, Christian Wiskur, Brock Jordan, TC Burton, Andrew Jean-Charles, Travis Williamson, Luke Adams, Don Gatanis, Isiah Williams, Michael Savoy, Romel Melendez and T.J. Flood.
Chick-fil-A Spirit Night was held last week, with a principal and coach jail break involving physical fitness competition and school spirit. Principal Don Upperco and football coach Jim Carter were locked in jail at the U.S. 17 Chick-fil-A. The students shot basketball free throws and shot at archery targets for one hour to see which man was to be freed from jail. The archers won 90-84 and Upperco was set free.
--Bet Fitzgerald
H. H. Poole Middle
The Media Center had a drawing for a lunch sponsored by Chick-fil-A for students who met their reading goals this quarter. The students whose names were drawn were Jacob Greer, Bennie Dadzie, Jordan Abelard, Liesel Witzman, Shawn Hank, Kaiden Lewis, Vivian Pope, Vanessa Byrne, Eli Smith, Olivia VanVranken, Jennia Harris, Matt Pessolano, Jake Pryor, Jonathan Fralen, Nathan Lan-zieri, Hannah Portell, Cameron Brackmann, Jenna Pryor and Brenna Singer.
The 12th Annual P.E. Fun Run took place Nov. 14.
The wellness committee won a Governor's Bronze Award for Best Practices in Nutrition and Physical Education banner for a great food service system.
The following were all-county orchestra audition winners:
Seventh grade--Michael Hamilton; Samantha Hunt, alternate; Mason Cuffie, alternate
Eighth grade--Stacie Higgins.
--Julia Goll
A. G. Wright Middle
The following eighth-graders made the All-A Honor Roll: Ashton Banglesdorf, Sarah Belton, Joey Bessette, Jennifer Blair, Madison Bunderson, Kyla Calhoun, Naomi Cassell, Catheryn Castelli, Marina Castro-Meir-elles, Margaret Cherry, Yui Clifford, Ian Collins, Remy Croce, Hannah Czarnaski, Annie Davis, Austin Dickerson, Michael Digiacomo, Rachel Flood, Antania Garibaldi, Amy Hastings, Meg-ann Herdegen, Kassandra Hosenfeld, Sarah Houk, Christina Ivy, Megan Jensen, Matthew Kenkel, Jessica King, Madison Lucas, Connor Maenz, Carri Marcolini, Torii Masinsin, Alyssa Nghiem, Jasmin Nguyen, Kenny Nguyen, Jessica Park, Tiffani Phillips, Abby Poff, Amber Polly, Sarah Rippetoe, Tyler Roehl, Benjamin Sanford, Andrew Shiraishi, Bradley St. Amour, Jordan Stewart, Mally Torres, Miriam Trepatschko, Paula Vargas, Chandler Vercher, Anja Whiteacre, Emily Wood and Zachary Yacone.
Seventh-graders with all A's are Kaylynne Anderson, Brannon Angers, Jordan Angers, Indigo Ballister, John Barry, Taylor Braney, Laura Buffa, Kira Caple, Alexis Davis, Jacob Fehrman, Afreen Haq, Journey Haven, Erynn Hayward, Migel Juarez, Lauren Kahle, Carson King, Kamila Latson, Yuna Lee, Savannah Leeah, Nicole Monroe, Brooke Noeska, Jordan Pavie, Shelby Pedigo, Darren Robinson, Nicollette Sanford, Michelle Staggers, Lorelei Wismer and Rebecca Woodford.
Sixth-graders with straight A's are: Dominic Castelli, Riana Miren Chan, Matthew Coakley, Brighton Croce, Sarah Dipardo, Ashley Dougherty, James Ehr-mann, Samuel Flett, Tanner Givler, Sofia Gomez, Claire Haas, Bregan Hanna, Micah Harris, Molly Hawkins, Anne Hewitt, Claire Johnson, Nicole Kamel, Kyle Mann, Regina Maze, Gabriela Murphy, Taylor Pedigo, Lixlia Perez-Planell, Hannah Porter, John Ramirez, Jakob Saliceti, Caleb Schmitt, Megan Sharp, Tara Truax, Cody Weinberger and Carissa Wort-ham.
--Bridgett Roos
Brooke Point High
The Learn and Serve class held their fifth annual Hawk-N-Lotta turkey drive, where students and staff are encouraged to donate turkeys for the Fredericksburg Area Food Bank. Students who donated had the opportunity to be selected to throw pies in the face teachers and administrators who volunteered. The drive collected 77 birds, weighing 1,470 pounds.
The 12th Annual Renaissance Feaste is Dec. 12-13 at 5 p.m.. Imagine a Medieval hall live with courtiers, minstrels and a delicious five-course meal. Your table will be serenaded by the Madrigals and Chamber Choir, you will see a short comedic play prepared by jesters, all done in period costume. Tickets are $25.
--Tom Coen
PRIVATE SCHOOLS
Blake Farm Dayschool
In Immersion, Lauren Bevard's class made their own quills and practiced calligraphy. Chanthon Swart's class is learning about apothecaries. They made medical charms and scented wipes to ward off headaches. Grace Cellucci's class is studying blacksmithing and made tools.
Chanthon Swart's five-day preschool class is working on building their longhouse and made Native American jewelry.
Report cards came out last Thursday. Check your e-mail for them.
The school has started a Feed the Homeless campaign. Classes will take turns preparing a meal for 10 people at the ACTS Homeless Shelter in Triangle each month. The students are responsible for creating nutritionally balanced and budget-conscious menus. Parents will be asked to donate food to prepare the meals.
The school is collecting canned and nonperishable food for the local food bank. Collection boxes are in the foyer and in each classroom. This project will run for the remainder of the school year.
The Adopt-a-Family Snow-flake Campaign begins Monday.
The Gingerbread Shoppe will be open Dec. 8-10. Donations of handcrafted gifts to sell are needed.
The Holiday Program is Dec. 17 at 5:30 p.m.
--Susie Hawk
Fredericksburg Academy
The cast and crew of the upper school production of "Fiddler on the Roof" is getting some well-deserved rest this week after three outstanding performances over the weekend.
First-graders are performing the annual "Thank You, Indians, Thank You, Pilgrims" this week. Each first-grader has a role in the musical production depicting the first Thanksgiving. Last week, pre-kindergarten classes marked Thanksgiving with a feast of students' favorite foods, and kindergarten classes held their annual "Stone Soup" luncheon.
Community service activities abound in all grades. The middle school will make dog and cat treats and toys to benefit the SPCA during its annual Community Service Day this week. The students will sell their creations at the Fredericksburg SPCA Open House Dec. 12. The upper school's service organization has organized a toy drive for families served by the Spotsylvania Emergency Concerns Association. Each lower school grade has chosen a community service focus for the year, and causes include Thurman Brisben Center, Fredericksburg Area Food Bank, United Nations World Food Program and the environment.
Upper school English teacher and director of college counseling Susanne Nobles' article, "Writing that Excites and Educates: A Class Novel" was published in the November issue of The English Journal.
--Beth Hunley
Fredericksburg Christian Schools
For the second year in a row, senior Laura Long won the best actress award at the Virginia Theatre Association's one-act play competition. Last year she won the award for her role as a lobster. This year, she played Clara Manners, a young woman attending a ball at a lunatic asylum, who mistakes a young man as a "guest," who in turn mistakes her as a "guest."
The Literary Club is accepting submissions for the Upper School Literary Journal, to be published in April. Seventh- through 12th-graders may submit poetry, short stories, artwork and photography.
The Fall Athletics Awards Banquet was Nov. 17. The following athletes received awards:
JV boys soccer--Tim Wiedenhoeft, "Nehemiah" Champion of Excellence; Calvin Northrop, "Timothy" Coachable; Michael Gustavson, "Paul" Intensity; Bryan Tucker, "Daniel" Spiritual Leader; Chris Hughes, "David" Sportsmanship; Andrew Brown, "Barnabas" Team Player; Eric Higgins, "Joshua" Best Defense
JV girls volleyball--Elizabeth Steigerwald, "Elizabeth" Champion of Excellence; Savannah Scott, "Deborah" Best Defense; Breshena Crosby, "Hannah" Spiritual Leader; Carley Woodard, "Mary" Sportsmanship
Middle school boys soccer--Ian Woods, "Nehemiah" Champion of Excellence; Jared Steigerwald, "Timothy" Coachable; Ben Kelly, "Paul" Intensity; Chris Cheatham, "Daniel" Spiritual Leader; Jeremy Tuggle, "David" Sportsmanship; Brandon Chang, "Barnabas" Team Player; Brandon Chenault, "Joshua" Best Defense
Middle school girls volleyball--Emily Frank, "Elizabeth" Champion of Excellence; Jordan Devers, "Ruth" Coachable; Alexis Williams, "Esther" Intensity; Jesilyn Brown, "Mary" Sportsmanship
Varsity girls cheerleading--Tara Meehan, "Ruth" Coachable; Desiree Hall, "Esther" Intensity; Kelsey Woods, "Mary" Sportsmanship
Varsity coed cross-country--Elizabeth Wollan, "Elizabeth" Champion of Excellence; Josiah Manry, "Nehemiah" Champion of Excellence; Teresa Tripodi, "Esther" Intensity; Sam Brad, "Daniel" Spiritual Leader
Varsity girls field hockey--Samantha Monroe, "Elizabeth" Champion of Excellence; Sang Ah Lee, "Ruth" Coachable; Brianna Hales, "Esther" Intensity; Amanda Degen, "Mary" Sportsmanship; Abigail Swauger, "Hannah" Spiritual Leader; Rachel Ledden, "Priscilla" Team Player; Hillary Janiec, "Deborah" Best Defense
Varsity boys football--Landon Sharp, "B.A.M." Award, Impact, Giving It His All; Hunter Griffis, "Nehemiah" Champion of Excellence; Gavan Duffy, "Timothy" Coachable; Bret Barham, "Paul" Intensity; Marshall Williams, "Daniel" Spiritual Leader; Nathan Storms, "David" Sportsmanship; Chris Barlow, "Barnabas" Team Player; Ben White, "Joshua" Best Defense
Varsity boys golf--Ryan McDonnell, "Nehemiah" Champion of Excellence; Ryan Prokop, "Timothy" Coachable; Alex Ledoux, "Paul" Intensity; Taylor Spruill, "David" Sportsmanship
Varsity boys soccer--Sam Maginnis, "Nehemiah" Champion of Excellence; Alex Garner, "Timothy" Coachable; Patrick Flinn, "Paul" Intensity; Zachary Ash, "Daniel" Spiritual Leader; Chase Vess, "David" Sportsmanship; Colin Maurer, "Barnabas" Team Player; Jason Diehl, "Joshua" Best Defense; Robbie Frejd and Will Strand, "James and John" Sons of Thunder
Varsity girls volleyball--Lauren Kranyak, "Elizabeth" Champion of Excellence; Kelsey Dix, "Deborah" Best Defense; Amber Lockwood, "Priscilla" Team Player; Allison Janiec, "Esther" Intensity.
--Jill Shigley
South Stafford Christian School
The Thanksgiving feast is today at 11:30 a.m. School is closed Wednesday through Friday. Wednesday is a teacher workday.
--Kimberly Horn
St. Michael the Archangel High
Twenty-one students were named to the honor roll during the first quarter, including 11 who earned first honors, while 13 additional students earned honorable mention for their efforts. The students earning first honors were:
Ninth grade--Katherine Britton, Michaela Brown, Maria Camarca, Danielle Cordle, Drea Rich
11th grade--Emily Brown, Luke Cassidy, Caroline Ford, Megan Pitts, Jon Van Deusen.
The boys and girls cross country teams wrapped up a successful season under the leadership of Beth Van Deusen Nov. 13 at the 2009 VISAA Cross Country State Championship at Woodberry Forest. Of the 231 runners in the boys race, junior Jon Van Deusen finished in 52nd with a time of 20:34:14. Freshman Maggie Van Deusen led the girls, finishing 61st in a field of 157 runners, with a time of 25:20:10.
The boys basketball team will kick off its season Dec. 3 at Fredericksburg Academy. The girls' season startswith a home game against Holy Family Academy Dec. 9.
--Theresa M. Vivona