CITY SCHOOLS
Hugh Mercer Elementary
First-grade spelling bee winners are Claire Lacy, first place; Drew Withers, second place; and Clare Kingsley, third place.
Second-grade spelling bee winners are Emily Barron, first place; Heaven Wilson, second place; and Raphael Sangil, third place.
The following students' Green and Clean Commission posters are on display at the Central Rappahannock Regional library through Sunday: Melissa Lopez, Julia Foss, Emma Taylor, Biance Vallebrignoni, Heaven Wilson, Torjhae Ferguson, Quinn Bonney, Virginia Howard, Ben Fidler, Emily Barron, Debra Crummett, James Chambers, Alycia Wynn-Coleman, Jonathan Garzon, Ariana Garcia, Francisco Morales Hilario, Shannon Teri, Peyton King, Sloane Hedgepath, Rainey O'Malley, Rahkiya Lane, Bailey Thompkins, Rhianon Lott, Emily Kabza, Mac Holland, Jack Hardy, Rachel Russell, Flor Machado-Franco, Herri Bautista, Chloe Hansen, Jenna Cook, Richard Johnson, Leonard Pratt, Sarah Miller-Richards, Jonathan Murgittroyd, Raphael Sangil and Joanna Manna-Rae.
The Jamestown/Yorktown Foundation is bringing a presentation to second-graders today through Thursday.
Report cards go home Friday.
Rainbow Recess, sponsored by Wegmans, is being held Friday to reward good attendance.
--Cindy Hurley
Lafayette Upper Elementary
Second quarter report cards go home Friday.
Honor roll assemblies for the second quarter are Feb. 11 at the following times: Third grade, 8:45 a.m.; fourth grade, 9:45 a.m.; fifth grade, 1:45 p.m.
"Healthy Heart Day" is Feb. 12. Students will participate in Jump Rope for Heart during grade level specials and enjoy their classroom celebrations at the end of the day.
Tryouts for the SCA Student Variety Show will be held 3:15-4:15 p.m. on the following days: Third grade, today; fourth grade, Wednesday; and fifth grade, Thursday. The performance is Feb. 25 at 1 and 7 p.m. in the cafetorium.
In honor of Black History Month in February, the school is having a writing contest. Students are encouraged to write about a famous African American. Entries are due Feb. 17.
Odyssey of the Mind teams are having a "Spirit Rally" Feb. 15-26. They are competing against Walker-Grant Middle School. Visit Chick-fil-A in Central Park to vote for your school and place your receipt in the appropriate bucket. A percentage of the proceeds will support the Odyssey of the Mind teams.
Adam Smith, a junior at Virginia Wesleyan College, was a featured speaker for Patricia Lynch's fifth-grade classes. As a biology major, he provided an introduction to ocean diversity and the efforts to protect this incredible environment.
--Valerie L. Morgan
Walker-Grant Middle
The Counseling Department and exploratory teachers are hosting a fair for all fifth- through seventh-graders Feb. 9, 5-6 p.m. Parents and students will have a chance to take an in-depth look at what each exploratory class has to offer, which will help them select courses for the next year.
Eighth-grade physical science classes participated in the Virginia Demonstration Project with the Naval Surface Warfare Center at Dahlgren and the College of William and Mary. This project uses Lego NXT robotics kits to introduce the students to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics careers and provide the opportunity to work hands-on with robotics and programming to solve real-world type problems. This two-week exercise is structured to provide the students with a number of scenarios dealing with mine removal from a river in Cambodia.
--Renee Embrey
COUNTY SCHOOLS
Head Start and VPI
The Head Start Policy Council meeting is Feb. 9, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Feb. 12 is now a regular school day. This is a make-up day for the snow day on Jan. 8.
The Family Nutrition and Parent Education Program is at John J. Wright on Feb. 16, 9-11 a.m.
Feb. 18 is Head Start and VPI "Parent as Educational Partners" Night. The topic is health and first aid.
Head Start will be conducting parent and teacher conferences throughout February. Teachers will send information home.
--Kathy Hayden
Battlefield Elementary
The following students were winners in the Math Problem of the Week challenge: Laura Brooks, Madeline Kenerly, Sandra Timraz, Ashley Steele and Jeffrey Bartolucci.
The following students were recognized for being trustworthy the second nine weeks:
Kindergarten--Kieran Pinney, Sean Ludwick, Lily Martinez, Ehliyus Jackson, Tamer Timraz, Ellie Byram, Neal Dorrian, Ariel Goodrich, Kylie Watkins, Ella Newman
First grade--Emily Sirio, Victor Kriska Talon Bleacher, Esther Park, Halla Hurry, Jose Medrano, Samuel Ross, Maverick Hayes, Kate Tharp, Sidney Chesley.
Second grade--Laura Dorrian, Elijah Campbell, Ashley Mata-Medrano, Grey Aycock, Rebecca Rudder, Grace Figueroa, Brianna Jackson, Preston Roe.
Third grade--Jacob Peterson, Cole Taylor, Will Stack, Gwynne Symons Buxton, Sarah Ludwick, Emily Hastings, Alexandru Denes, Heaven Delaney-Russell
Fourth grade--Karen Inga, Christopher Vandegrift, Bryanna Beach, Jared Bouches, Logan Kniebbe
Fifth grade--Jeffrey Bartolucci, Stephanie Rodriguez, Jordan Rodick, Sarah Kreider, Kylie Fields, Tyler Garwood, Zachary O'Neal, Madelyn Allen, Bryce Sheetz.
Sandy Decatur's fifth-grade class participated in a mock debate on the causes of the Revolutionary War with Peggy Taft's fifth-grade class at Smith Station Elementary. Using the Tandberg, students were able to see one another as they debated the issues.
Friday is the next Spirit Day. Wear your favorite sports team apparel.
--Sandra Decatur
Brock Road Elementary
Kindergartners in Tracey DeMarco's class have been learning about maps and globes. They identified differences between the two, made comparisons in size and shape, identified land and water, recognized how things look different from a birds-eye view, and took a quiz about the globe. They have also begun reading out loud to their peers.
Rachel Witt's kindergarteners are learning how to measure with nonstandard units such as their hands, feet and paper clips. They have done several science experiments where they had to predict the length and measure to find out if they were correct.
Jan Oliver's second-graders are learning about matter: liquids, solids and gases. The students had to search magazines and newspapers to find examples of each of these. They are learning a song about matter and participating in many other activities. Also, the students have begun their study of ancient China by locating China on a map, discussing the Gobi Desert, Mount Everest, Plateau of Tibet, Great Wall and giant panda habitats.
Dr. Robert Charette presented a lesson to the students in Andrea Johnson and Jenneth Zimmermann's first-grade classes about day and night and how the Earth's orbit and rotation affect us.
--Melinda Dulaney
Cedar Forest Elementary
The following students will receive the "I Never Miss" award at awards assemblies in the next weeks. This attendance award is given to students who are at school the entire day without a tardy slip or an early out:
Kindergarten--Cadence Allen, Christian Baker, Tomas Blackmon, Carmen Montijo, Peter Chrabot, Raine Goodwin, Dallas Rollins, Kaedyn Schofield, Francisca Garcia, Megan LaRose, Cameron Andrews, Natalie Fielding, Joy Wei, Isaiah Williams
First grade--Sharid Ayala, Hannah Caleron, Isaac Hamm, Meleah Kirtner, Danielle Callahan, Ayarri Minor, Madison Bender, Edwin Garnica, Kyle Butler, Lukas Motheral, Samantha Patrick, Peregrine Westermeyer, Javaun Williams, Thomas Evans, Jewel Hayden, Raygen Wilcox, Vezhon Carter, Amari Grant, Jenna Grey, Sarah Blackburn, James Livesay
Second grade--Alexis Chrabot, Adam Grempler, Darren Rushin, Lucias Taylor, Alex Ellis, William Hagmann, Erinson Romero-Archila, Diana Smith, Keegan Brown, Edison Niyilema, Kallahn Thornton, Lance Hill, Trevis Sanginthirath, Jan Arregin-Orellana, La'Schae George, Joselyn Madrigal
Third grade--Austin Rowley, Mason Wandrick, Sean Nefferdorf, Leroy Poteat, Kyle Baker, Cameron Bridges, John Zemites, Ajaea Grant, Eddie Perez, Kelly Bray, Nicholas Fielding, Naomi Kynaston, Steven Morgan
Fourth grade--Chanel Coleman, Syera McCormick, devin Rollins, Jordan Rose, Gregory Andrews, Kasey Baker, Toussant Fryer, Katelyn Hartless, Racheal Markham, Victoria Westermeyer, Klarissa Cone, Timothy Jameson, Abigail O'Neill, Jade Rodriguez, Luke Autrey, Gina Morgan, Dalton Rowley, Bretton Self, Rayvon Johnson, Zachary Neer, Diane Niyonsaba, Rachel Pellegreen, Kiara Toler
Fifth grade--Faith Autrey, Ashley Laflower, Grant Seaton, Ashleigh Christopher, Quatasha Hill, Trace Rowley, Theraphanh Sanginthirath, Emily Anderson, Adrian Brown, Jonathan Morris, Jessica Grempler, Rachel Kuney, Laily Qasimi, Patchaneeda Sanginthirath, Willam Sielski, Garreth Smith, Leah Howard, Pamela Jones.
--Amy Lutz
Chancellor Elementary
The following newest revved-up readers are: Tyler Tarbet, Daphne Corso, Helen Wang, Pressley Everett and Mark Jockin.
The PTA Chili Cook-Off is tonight. Entries are due at 5:30 p.m., followed by a brief PTA meeting at 6 p.m., where winners will be announced. Families are encouraged to stay and sample chili and enjoy Math Curriculum Night.
Sysop Karen Fontenot is Chancellor's Superstar.
Students and families raised more than $1,200 for Haiti.
There was a four-way tie in the schoolwide second nine weeks checkered flag contest. The winning classrooms were: Crystal Zaegel's first grade, Sandy Azzarelli's third grade, Kim Barnett's fourth grade, and Marsha Winebarger's fourth grade.
--Amy Clodius
Courthouse Road Elementary
The following students received all A's for the second nine weeks:
Third grade
Rose Allensworth's class--Emily Affeldt, Mason Eubank, Sydney Hayden, Luke Herring, Connor Hyldahl, Kira Lloyd, Alexandra Saathoff, Barrett Sullivan, William Wonsik
Evelyn Amato's class--Alex Anderson, Ryan Boyette, Jonathan Lewis, Ky-Long Nguyen, Cassidy Pruitt, Kaitlyn Setera
Christine Chandler's class--Bryan Bennett, Ethan Critz, Hanna Douglas, Connor Dymon, Lauren Michaud, Jeremy Tinker, Madison Waltman, Christian Ware
Jill Jensen's class--Alyssa Dolan, Taylor Menck, Estefania Morales-Nazario, Karrie Stu-chell, Jenna Taylor
Julie Snyder's class--Sydney Coffman, Trevor Ferares, Dominick LaLena, Caelan Shepard, Elise Taylor
Rebecca Toda's class--Carlos Avilez Medina, Hayleigh Burket, Dalton Flippo, Luke Gebhart, Kaitlyn Hunt, Dominique Jones, Ella Labarge, Maria Valasco-Rodriguez, Starr Webster.
Fourth grade
Sara Muscato's class--Zoe Brown-Frenk, Keith Cooley, Meghan Gates, Quinn Harker, Patrick Kelley, Christina Slick
Branda Nettles' class--Ryan Armel, Madison Durner, Tiffany Fitton, Madison Hatcher, Emmalee Iversen, Christine Johnson, George Jones, Joseph Lauro, Dylan Scordellis
Michelle Sims' class--Molly Clark, Kailey Dildine, Heather Malloy, Laura Mason, William Rodriguez
Gretchen Stott's class--Rebecca Aversa, Gabrielle Bozeman, Hannah Dyer, Hannah Goodrum, Kody Scordellis
Beth Watts' class--Kylie Altman, Daniel Brick, Erin Flamm, Peyton Oakes.
Fifth grade
Don Clayton's class--Lauren Barnebee, Rebecca Caceres, Wade Hall, Benjamin Harris, Alicia Jacobs, Jay Padgett, Jake Petry
Maria Coleman's class--Chloe Conway, Maeve Reilly
Judith Goodrum's class--Adelaide Burgess, Damien Douglas, Kayla Sisco, Christian White, Shania Yates
Anthony Naccarato's class
Natalie Warren's class--Kristen Bray, Gloria Brizuela, Nicole Concepcion, Benjamin Jones, Hunter Rankin.
--Susan Debus
Courtland Elementary
The following fifth-graders are serving as safety patrols during January and February: Randy Hitt, DeShawna Williams, Dayshaun McKenney, Taylor McCabe, Tuck Vance, Nick Baumgartner, Nathan Neunsinger, Danny Wilson, Renee Pugh, Tim Marlowe, Alex Hipner, Spencer Mahon, Alex Bickerstaff, Bailey Rose, Nia Lewis, Alana Frum, Skyler Bailey, Byron DeLeon, Gary Costen and Morgan Turner.
The following classes won the "Green Stick Award" for good behavior and participation in Debra Lipscomb's music classes for January:
Kindergarten--Marcy Mabry's class
First grade--Diane Britt's class
Second grade--Tina Mathhews' class
Third grade--Andrea Jones' class
Fourth grade--Jennifer Lapic's class
Fifth grade--Billie Rae Drake's class.
The following classes won the award in Dana Houck's P.E. classes for earning the most P.E. points during January:
Kindergarten--Amy Vollbrecht's class
First grade--Diane Britt's class
Second grade--Diane Patterson's and Katie Cavanaugh's classes, tied
Third grade--Kellie Kissler's class
Fourth grade--Becky Murray's class
Fifth grade--Billie Rae Drake's class.
Patricia McDougal is Courtland's 2010 Superstar.
The PTO sponsored a fundraiser pasta dinner to aid kindergarten teacher Cora Kindred as she battles a health problem and raised more than $12,500.
The SCA is collecting donations for Haiti. Each class has a collection jar.
The faculty and staff collected $166 for juvenile diabetes research during their January "Jeans for Charity" project.
--Becky Murray
Lee Hill Elementary
This week is Principal Appreciation Week. Lee Hill recognizes principal Darnella Cunningham and assistant principal Jennifer Belako.
A bus evacuation drill will be held Friday.
A snow day make-up day for December's missed day will be held Feb. 12.
--Robin Thompson
Riverview Elementary
The Panther News Crew for last week was Scot Surkosky, Anna Connor, Vincent Mallardi, Catie Adams, Sydney Jones, Jeremy Squires, Justin Phillips and Ashley Laurinaitis.
The Principal's Class of the Week is Kirsten Slade's kindergarten class. Bus of the Week is number 290, driven by Melvonda Pendleton.
The student awards assemblies are Thursday and Friday. On Thursday, awards will be presented to kindergarten at 9:30 a.m.; fifth grade at 1:30 p.m.; and third grade at 2:30 p.m. On Friday, awards will be presented to second grade at 9:30 a.m.; fourth grade at 1:30 p.m.; and first grade at 2:30 p.m. Family members are welcome.
If weather permits, there will be a bus evacuation drill Friday morning. The alternate day is Monday.
Benchmark testing runs through Friday.
--Pat Cory
Robert E. Lee Elementary
The following were recently chosen students of the week: Destiny Mendoza, Kalijah Gay, Christian Carter and Madison Wheeler.
Perfect attendance winners were Madison Wheeler, Briana Brady, Christopher Durrette, Jonah Ferber, Max Harper, C. Michael McLaughlin, Iyana Lewis, Antonio Vaughn and Brent Wyant.
--Darnell Dillard
Smith Station Elementary
Students of the Week who were recognized Jan. 19 were:
Fifth grade--Ryan Collier, Kyle Mason, Courtney Hitt, Gavin Luketic
Fourth grade--Hunter Eiben, Riannon Lopez, Sarah Scott, Chandler Einhorn
Third grade--Makayla Castro, Landon Taylor, C.J. Thompson, Emily Clemson
Second grade--Antonio Medrano, Imani Lee, Tubba Noor, Nicholas Breeden, Eveline Hernandez
First grade--Kaleikaumaka Grebin, Chase Fisk, Cole Hudak, Michaela Fox
Kindergarten--Kevin Register, Landon Falls, Natalie Johnson, Jayden Hill-Jiggetts.
Parents are invited to a discussion and question-and-answer session with Principal Michelle Colbert on Thursday 9-10:30 a.m.
--Cassie Stock
Spotswood Elementary
The Winter Writer's Cafe is Feb. 9, 6:30-8 p.m. Students will share their writing and explain the writing process. Light refreshments will be served at 7:30 p.m.
--Devra Pickett
Wilderness Elementary
The following students received straight A's for the second marking period.
Third grade--Abigail Beach, Jacob Gearhardt, Andrew Letellier, Megan McCoy, Mia McGill, Logan Snellings, Tanner Hull, Cassy King, Jonathan Olsberg, Madeline Slunt, Katrina Yankovich, Jalen Atkins, Teagan McDonald, Sarah-Marie Pates, Riley Phillips, Carl Stadtler, Jordan Green
Fourth grade--Austin Byrd, Dylan Lewis, Joe McLaughlin, Peyton Manfre, Brandon Teague, Kylee Bliss, Maceo Christmas, Andrew Joyce
Fifth grade--Alec Dolieslager, Dylan Letellier, Allyson Miller, Skyler Moon, Alex Asimacopoulos, Anna Balgoyen, Emma Hebertson, Morgan Johns, Haydon Harmon, Viktoria Scholles, C.J. Beckett.
Spirit Night is Thursday, 5-8 p.m., at Chick-fil-A on State Route 3.
Family Movie Night is scheduled for Feb. 19. The whole school gets to vote on their favorite from three movies.
--Jennifer Eckhart
Battlefield Middle
Art open house is Thursday, 5-8:30 p.m., featuring the work of students.
On Thursday, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., prior to parent-teacher conferences, the guidance department will host "Sneak Peak at High School," an informal question-and-answer session regarding eighth-graders' transition to high school. The session will take place in the school library.
The following school organizations are doing their part to help Haiti:
The SCA has teamed up with Bloomers and Mary Washington Gifts and Floral to put together the "Reach Out & Show Them You Care" program. Students are encouraged to donate a dollar to the Red Cross, and have the option to send a flower with a note to a friend in the school. The flowers will be delivered just before Valentine's Day.
The library will be sponsoring "Hearts for Haiti." Students may make a donation to the Red Cross and then write a message to a friend or teacher on a heart that will be displayed. Students may also earn the right to wear a hat of their choice in school on Friday.
The library is sponsoring a dance on Friday, 3-5 p.m. Admission is $5 and includes a slice of pizza and a drink. Students must have a note to stay after school.
The following students were selected to participate in All-District Band: Scott Grim, trumpet; and Emily Kilpatrick, clarinet. First alternate is Greg Smetek, trumpet. The concert is Feb. 13 at 2 p.m. at Mountain View High School.
--Vicki Ullrich
Freedom Middle
Any seventh-grader interested in applying for National Junior Honor Society can attend a meeting Thursday 3-4 p.m. Parents, guardians and students are welcome. E-mail Krista Colvin at
Email: kcolvin@ms.spotsyl
Eighth-grader Hannah Cannon won the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Medal for honor, service, courage, leadership and patriotism.
--Melinda Olsberg
Ni River Middle
Bring empty ink jet and toner cartridges to Patty Dye for recycling.
Commonwealth Governor's School applications are due to Tracie Short on Feb. 11.
The National Junior Honor Society is collecting items for the Jared Box Project. Bring items, such as bibs, rattles, soft books, teething rings, booties, pacifiers, sippy cups, bottles, electronic games, word search and crossword puzzle books, books, game cards, craft kits, brainteasers, art supplies, journals, nail polish, stress balls and travel-size board games for critically ill children to Tracie Short.
Zachary Sims and Charis Veney will compete in the James Farmer Scholars Battle of the Brains competition Feb. 25.
-- Barbara McWhirt
Post Oak Middle
Dalton Williams is the winner of the local WrestleMania Reading Contest. He's in the running for a three-day trip to Phoenix and ring-side seats to WrestleMania.
"A Time for Sharing," a compilation of recipes from Post Oak music students and their families and staff, is on sale for $10. Call Donna Jacobs, 540/582-7517
Lindsey Smith, seventh-grade flute player, made District XV Junior All-District Band. A free concert will be held at 2 p.m. Feb. 13 at Mountain View High School in Stafford County.
The National Junior Honor Society will be raising money for the Red Cross for Haiti through Friday. Students will put money in jars based on which team they want to win the Super Bowl. This will be a competition between each grade level.
The National Junior Honor Society will hold a fundraiser to encourage school spirit by selling "Love Beads" the week before Valentines Day. Students can purchase beads for other students for $1.
The eighth-grade Latin Certamen team has won two third-place trophies this year. Morgan Bland, Heather Bowman, Collin Mason and David Weaver each won the third-place trophy at the St. Stephen's and St. Agnes Certamen Competition. Morgan Bland and Caroline Crossman each won the third-place trophy at the Flint Hill Certamen Competition.
--Michelle Spina
Spotsylvania Middle
The cast for the spring play, "Willy Wonka Jr." includes Aisiah Duke, Alexis Coulibaly, Alexis Defrancisco, Alli Traber, Andrew O'Neil, Carter Koch, Catie Tate, Colby Freeman, Courtney King, Cydialia Santos, Destinei Stowe, Desyree Anderson, Eddie Banks, Emily Hybl, Emmarae Gunia, Gabby Carper, Gabe Delossantoscoy, Hailey Broyles, Hannah McClain, Hannah Soto, Jordon Sperry, Kaitlynn Moore, Kendall Courtney, Kristen Gonzalez, Leah Dyer, Leah Jackson, Madison Maddux, Matt Hoffman, McKenzie Bradley, Megan Polonosky, Rachel Hess, Savannah Jolley, Shaina Barr, Shelby Russell, Sophia Shepard, Taylor Montgomery, Tim Hares.
--Sharon Glad
Courtland High
CHCORI battalion JROTC drill team competed in the 20th Martin Luther King Drill Meet and received trophies in the following events:
First place, Armed Platoon Drill, commanded by Cadet Evan Bezeredi, Chancellor High School
First place, Unarmed Platoon, commanded by Cadet Eugenia Korzeniowski, Courtland High School
Fourth place, Platoon Inspection, commanded by Cadet Evan Bezeredi, Chancellor High School.
A local Cub Scout pack needs volunteers to help with a pot luck dinner Feb. 27, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Wilderness Community Church, 10501 Plank Road. See Joe Fillare in the counseling office for information.
Seniors can have cap and gown portraits taken after school Thursday and Friday. These pictures are optional, but this will be the only chance to have them taken. Caps and gowns are provided, and appointment cards are in the mail. See Anne-Marie Mastin in room 361 with questions.
--Angie Branham
Spotsylvania High
A Knight in the Spotlight Talent Show will be held Friday at 7 p.m. in the auditorium. Tickets are $3 per person or two for $5 at the door.
Spotsylvania County is adopting new social studies textbooks for the 2010-2011 school year. Parent and student input is needed. If you are interested in helping evaluate textbooks, contact Susan Robinson, 540/582-3882. ext. 2209 or srobinso
Parent-teacher conferences are Wednesday, 6-8 p.m. Call 540/ 582-3882, ext. 5489, to schedule an appointment.
The PTSO meets Feb. 11 at 6 p.m. in the library.
--Deborah Todd
PRIVATE SCHOOLS
Children's House of Old Town
Students learned about Jackson Pollock with art teacher Shari Pastore. Nearly every child was skeptical about painting without a brush, but once they started, they didn't want to stop. They created Pollock-like masterpieces using syringes, forks, chopsticks and whisks to splatter paint on their paper. The Pollock masterpieces join the class' growing art collection, which includes "floaty people" inspired by Marc Chagall and color collages inspired by Henri Matisse.
The board of directors approved the addition of a three-day preschool program, Monday/Wednesday/Friday, for 2010-2011. For more information, call 540/373-0093.
--Carol Yeh
Fredericksburg Academy
The middle school, with a few special cast members from the lower and upper schools, will present "Annie" this weekend in the Reed Theater. Performances, which are free and open to the public, will take place Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.
All three school divisions have been raising money for earthquake relief in Haiti. In the first week alone, the lower school donated $765. All of the money will be donated to the American Red Cross.
All three divisions are also participating in the Green Schools Alliance's Green Cup Challenge. Students are dedicating themselves to reducing the school's energy consumption throughout the month.
Fifth-grader Sara D'Addio won the spelling bee last week. She will compete in The Free Lance-Star's regional bee.
Sophomore Jonathan Gibson was selected to play percussion for the Concert Band of the All-District XV High School Band. He will perform in a concert at King George High School at 4 p.m. Saturday.
The school's youngest students will celebrate the 100th day of school on Friday.
Prospective students and families are invited to a PK-12 Admission Open House Feb. 9, 9 to 11 a.m.
--Beth Hunley
Fredericksburg Christian Schools
Raising money for Haiti was very successful this week. Students who donated funds were allowed a jeans day. Lower school and Stafford campus students held special chapel services to help students understand what is happening in Haiti and to pray for children affected by the disaster. Several parents are directly involved in rescue and medical assistance in Haiti.
The annual Chili Cook-off is Feb. 9 at 5 p.m. In addition to great chili, boys JV and varsity basketball teams will play Highland School.
Grade-level spelling bees were held last week, and top students will advance to the ACSI district bees. The first- through fourth-grade ACSI bee is at the Stafford campus on Feb. 26. The fifth- through eighth-grade bee is March 5 in Ashburn. Students also competed recently for a spot to attend the Scripps National Spelling Bee.
Family Fun Day is Feb. 20, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the upper school. It is open to the public and includes a huge yard sale, used book sale, cake walk, moon bounce, car bash, games, music, vendors and concessions.
The varsity swim team girls relay team qualified for the state champion meet in three events: 200 free relay, 200 medley relay, and 400 free relay. Members are Cassie Eagal, Jennifer Lambertson, Kaley Pleban and Abby Swauger.
--Lori Ann Rutherford,
Grace Preparatory
The following students made A Honor Roll for the first semester:
Grade 12--Becky Dean, Chrissie Gross, John Marc Jacobs, Joshua Rothfeld
Grade 11--Bethany Conway
Grade 10--Jeremy Jensen, Melody Nordberg, Charity Rupert, Maggie Turner
Grade nine--Timothy Bloom, Megan Hess, Morgan Reimink, Claire Waugh
Grade eight--Cullen Moore, Emily Nordberg, Molly Nordberg, Aaron Underwood
Grade seven--Madisyn Horton.
--Linda Ellenwood
Grymes Memorial
First-graders created artwork inspired by stories read to them in class. They were able to experiment with new techniques and learn about different cultures. They painted a bird's eye view of a Japanese koi pond, based on the story, "One Leaf Rides the Wind," using markers and watercolor, created holiday clay ornaments, drew and outlined an African landscape with white cray-pa and then painted it, after listening to "Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears," and they learned about Egyptian art and made falcon pectorals. They outlined them with glue and added color with pastels.
Second-graders learned about design. They focused on complementary colors, line, shape, texture and form. The class painted frames for their adopted grandparents and parents, created holiday ornaments out of clay, stained paper with complementary colors and then drew a line study on the paper. They learned about diagonal, vertical, horizontal and parallel lines, painted paper using primary and secondary colors, then added different textures and designs to each section. The final touch was to cut their painting into different sections and glue it to a matte board, making a 3-D paper sculpture.
In celebration of Black History Month the students listened to the story "Tar Beach," which was written by African-American author Faith Ringgold. They drew their own cityscape based on New York City, complete with the George Washington Bridge in the background.
Third-graders continue to study different cultures. They drew Native American figures wearing a traditional Navajo blanket watching a sunset. They reviewed the three parts of a landscape painting and painted the background. They drew and colored Mayan polychrome vases. The students made holiday ornaments out of clay. Using scratch-art paper they drew and etched molas, inspired by the Cuna Indians of Central America.
Fourth-graders studied art of the 20th century. They painted abstract maps based on the work of American artist Jasper Johns, painted a fluorescent landscape inspired by Peter Max, created clay holiday ornaments and clay suns, began a unit on the French artist Henri Matisse. Their first project focused on his Fauvist portraits. They will continue to study Matisse during the next semester.
Fifth-graders completed a focus on Greek art, which coincides with their history curriculum. The students took turns modeling for their classmates. The class focused on proportion in the human figure and completed quick contour drawings. They used their proportion study to draw Greek caryatids. The lesson focused on showing a variety of values and proportion. The students chose one of the three types of Greek capitals to draw and then paint.
The sixth-grade art class crosses the curriculum with their study of European History. During their study of Russia, they drew and colored Russian cathedrals, focusing on details that make this style of architecture unique. Moving on to Asia, they experimented with a Japanese brush technique and painted watercolor pictures based on this technique.
Seventh-graders completed their first sketchbook assignments. They also painted a still life, using an encaustic technique, painting with melted crayon on matte board. These pictures are displayed on a bulletin board.
The eighth-grade class drew self-portraits with pencil, focusing on showing values and placement of facial features and created an abstract watercolor painting on a textured background.
--Lee Berry
Holy Cross Academy
Seventh-grader Megan Hellmann will once again represent the school at The Free Lance-Star's Regional Spelling Bee March 14 at James Monroe High School. Megan won second place at regional last year.
Eighth-grade trombonist Steven Miller was named to the top band in the District Band tryouts.
--Beth Loveless
St. Michael the Archangel High
This is Catholic Schools Week, and St. Michael's has activities planned. Each day, students are invited to dress down for $1, or one or more cans or packages of nonperishable food items, with proceeds to benefit various local charities.
The college and career fair is Thursday, featuring Catholic colleges and universities in Maryland and Virginia, followed by a schoolwide Mass and assembly on Friday, featuring Shaun Kenny of the American Life League.
The winners of the first Catholic Schools Week Essay Contest will be honored Friday afternoon during half-time of the boys basketball game versus New Heights Christian Academy.
Open house is Feb. 21, noon-4 p.m., for students and their families interested in learning more about St. Michael the Archangel High School. Visit saintmichaelhs.org for additional information and directions to the campus.
"Warrior for a Day" shadow program is March 12. Students in grades six through 11 who are interested in experiencing a day in the life of a St. Michael's student can attend classes and enjoy a complimentary hot lunch. For additional information, or to reserve a space, call or visit saintmichaelhs.org, and click on "Warrior for a Day" on the homepage.
--Theresa M. Vivona
St. Patrick
The Catholic Schools Week theme is "Building Our Future One Brick at a Time through Faith, Knowledge, Morals and Discipline." This weeklong celebration includes a luncheon with family members on Wednesday, spelling bees Thursday and Friday, a guest speaker for middle school students, and an ice cream social at the end of the week.
School registration packets are available for 2010-2011. Call 540/786-2277 for information.
The PTO's annual Spaghetti Dinner is Friday at 6 p.m.
The Battle of the Books team is meeting each Wednesday after school in preparation for their competition in Northern Virginia this spring.
--Mary Kay Wheeler
HOME-SCHOOLERS
REACH
Students were chosen for the Stafford County Orchestra and Spotsylvania District Bands. In addition, a student will have her story on Doris Brinker Tanner, a World War II W.A.S.P, included in this year's American Veteran Project publication. Current opportunities with REACH include forensics lessons, beginning guitar lessons and a teen creative writing group. The group will attend the 2010 Virginia Homeschoolers Conference and Resource Fair March 12-13 at the Cultural Arts Center in Glen Allen. REACH is having a canned food drive in conjunction with Fudge Factory cooking classes to benefit the area food bank.
--Wanda Sloper