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Press Releases, 2008
Famous Antigua Resort in Chesapeake Academy Auction Curtain Bluff Resort, an exclusive beachfront resort on the Caribbean island of Antigua, will be the destination for a successful bidder in the Chesapeake Academy Auction on May 3. Catering to sophisticated international travelers, Curtain Bluff blends tasteful exclusivity with casual elegance, personal service, fine dining and high quality leisure and recreational facilities. The Curtain Bluff trip includes four nights accommodation for two in a beachfront Junior Suite, three meals per day, bar drinks, afternoon tea, hors d'oeuvres at cocktail time, weekly beach party luncheon, and nightly entertainment. Also included is waterskiing, deep sea fishing, scuba diving (for certified divers), Hobie cats, sunfish, windsurfers, kayaks, snorkel trips, tennis, squash, croquet, exercise facilities and classes, internet and more. The Curtain Bluff trip is organized by Irvington based Meridian Yacht Charters, a Caribbean yacht and resort vacation specialist. Meridian frequently visits Antigua and Curtain Bluff and will provide VIP services to the winning bidder. Details and photos for the Curtain Bluff trip are posted on a special web site. Please go to http://www.meridianyachts.com/clients/ and enter “auction” for user name and “CB” for password. Call Meridian Yacht Charters for more information, 804-438-1100 or email charter@meridianyachts.com The Chesapeake Academy Auction raises funds for academic programs and financial scholarships. The Auction will be Saturday, May 3 at the Academy. For tickets and more information, please contact Catherine Emry in the Development Office at 804-438-6490. Destination Imagination at Chesapeake Academy A team of 7th grade creative problem solvers from Chesapeake Academy competed recently in a Destination ImagiNation Tidewater Regional Tournament, placing first in the Instant Challenge portion of the competition. Team members Chris Brown, Max Massaro, Andi Mayer, Nick Neal, and Nicki Stump worked with Team Manager and CA Librarian Jenna Frank for months prior, learning and practicing three critical life skills tested in the competition—creativity, teamwork, and problem solving. Destination ImagiNation is the world’s largest creative problem solving competition for kids who use talents in drama, physics, literature, and comedy to address dilemmas with great impromptu zeal and creative thinking. According Frank, who has 19 years involvement with the program as a participant and a judge, “Students take what they know and what they do well, and learn to apply it to resolve problems or challenges.” Working cooperatively in a team of up to 7 students, Destination ImagiNation participants compete in two different kinds of challenges -- Team Challenges and Instant Challenges, each with its own purpose and educational focus. “The challenges are designed to push the limits of their imagination in an attempt to best not their competition but themselves,” noted Frank. Team Challenges encourage the development of creative problem solving techniques and teamwork over a sustained period of time, usually several months, and focus on either mechanical design, architectural design, science, fine arts, improvisational techniques and /or international studies. The Destination Imagination Team Challenge the Chesapeake team faced at the Regional Tournament in Norfolk, called “Chorific!”, involved creating a six-minute improvisational skit about completing a randomly selected ordinary chore (finding a ball), with the introduction of two randomly selected obstacles (deep in the woods, a dog has the ball), and the sudden appearance of a famous figure from the past (Ghengas Khan). Using artful sound design, students had to think on their feet and work as a team to tackle a chore no longer ordinary but extraordinary. “It’s important to keep in mind that the Tournament is about the creative process, not the competition. The competitive aspect of the program is mainly to invoke risk taking in the teams and to push the students to their limits,” said Frank. “It was not at all like we expected,” commented team member Max Massaro. “It was nerve-wracking because of all the people watching you perform,” he added. During Instant Challenges, teams are asked to solve puzzles “on their feet” in a very short period of time without knowing ahead of time what the Challenge will be. “This helps students learn to solve problems using time management strategies and improvisational techniques, and to creatively manipulate materials towards a unique solution,” explained Frank. “The creative and critical thinking skills students learn by participating in both types of challenges transfers quite nicely to real life. It gives kids the tools they need to react to change, especially valuable in an ever changing world,” said Frank, adding, “I’m so proud to have Chesapeake Academy participating in this wonderful program. These kids learned a great deal about themselves, about being part of a team, and various learning styles, but mostly I think they learned that they have more skills at their disposal than they ever realized,” concluded Frank. As first place winners in the Instant Challenge division, Chesapeake Academy won a WildCard advancement to the Virginia State Finals in Charlottesville. “Having competed in the Regional Tournament, the kids knew what to expect and were able to come together and pull off an incredible Theater Arts/Improvisation solution,” noted Frank. Chesapeake Academy Auction Update Chesapeake Academy’s Annual dinner auction gala will be held on Saturday, May 3 on The Rowe Campus in Irvington. The evening begins at 5:00 pm with an Open Bar, Hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction. There will be approximately 200 items to purchase including: art, tickets to a NASCAR race, Baltimore Orioles and Ravens home games, Busch Gardens/Water Country season passes, children’s Adirondack chairs, an inflatable moon bounce, wines, local restaurant packages, “Sous Chef for a Day at The Trick Dog,” a cooking class with Hatley Bright, automotive packages, electronics, a Vermont Casting Grill, Teak steamer chairs, a hand-made, salt-treated swing set, a BaySplash ad, website design, a motorized cooler, jewelry, a Vera Bradley luggage set, sunset cruises, a one-night stay at The Inn at Perry Cabin in St. Michael’s, Maryland, an alternative health care package, one year’s worth of haircuts at Rittenhouse Salon, a Vineyard Vines shopping spree at Khaki’s, golf lessons, a family membership at The Tartan Golf Club, a turkey hunt, sports camps at Indian Creek Yacht and Country Club and Chesapeake Academy, Critter Camp and a sailing camp at Christchurch School, an ice cream maker and hand-painted bowls, a hand-painted floor cloth, a humidor, a chandelier, a designer lavatory set, handmade furniture, a game table, a pressure washer, 300 gallons of propane, and a Sunfish sailboat. This is just a small sampling of items and there is something for everyone! At 7:00 pm, guests will enter the S.S Chesapeake Academy’s dining room for a cruise ship dinner and at 8:00 pm, the raffle drawing will be held. The winner of the raffle will enjoy a two-night weekend stay at Keswick Hall in Charlottesville, Virginia. The weekend includes lodging for two with Signature accommodations, two dinners and one lunch at the 48 room, Tuscan style luxury villa. Bordered by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and situated on 600 acres in the heart of Virginia hunt country, Keswick Hall is minutes from downtown Charlottesville and historic Monticello, home of Thomas Jefferson. An intimate luxury hotel of grand style, the amenities at Keswick Hall include an 18-hole Arnold Palmer golf course, a tennis center, three pools, including an infinity edge pool, a spa and a fitness facility. The hotel stay will be based on availability and expires May 3, 2009. For more information on Keswick Hall, an Orient-Express hotel, visit their website at www.keswick.com. Proceeds from raffle ticket sales will benefit the Technology Program. Tickets are $25.00 each. The winner does not need to be present to win. After the raffle drawing, the live auction will begin at 8:15 pm with Cabell Metts, from Motley’s Auctions in Richmond as the auctioneer. Mr. Metts will be assisted by R. Lee Stephens, Jr. as the emcee. The live auction will have 32 items including weekend trips to Richmond, Washington, D.C and to The Sagamore in New York; getaways to Vail, Colorado, Isle of Palms, South Carolina, Nags Head, North Carolina, Virgin Gorda and Antigua; a South African Safari, a 2008 Autographed Super Bowl Football, a duck hunt, a dual-zone wine refrigerator stocked with 18 bottles of assorted wines, a cruise for 80 people on The Miss Ann, a fishing charter, furniture, a rug, estate jewelry, a portrait drawing and more! Special recognition will be given to the Chesapeake Academy auction sponsors, to our donors, to our advertisers and to our Honorary Chairs; Doug and Kit Monroe, Bob Lee and Suzy Stephens, Frances Simmons and Billy Rowe. This will be a wonderful celebration in honor of the students at Chesapeake Academy! Tickets are $100.00 per person and include dinner and open bar. Please contact Catherine Emry in the Development Office at 438-6490 to purchase tickets to attend the auction, for raffle tickets or for more information. Chesapeake Academy’s Auction Raffle A Weekend for two people at Keswick Hall in Charlottesville, VA
Chesapeake Academy is now selling raffle tickets in support of The Academy’s gala community auction to be held on Saturday, May 3. Proceeds from raffle ticket sales will benefit the Technology Program. The winner of the raffle will enjoy a two-night weekend stay with Signature accommodations, two dinners and one lunch at the 48 room, Tuscan style luxury villa bordered by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Situated on 600 acres in the heart of Virginia hunt country, Keswick Hall is minutes from downtown Charlottesville and historic Monticello, home of Thomas Jefferson. An intimate luxury hotel of grand style, the amenities at Keswick Hall include an 18-hole Arnold Palmer golf course, a tennis center, 3 pools, including an infinity edge pool, spa and fitness facility. The hotel stay will be based on availability and expires May 3, 2009. The raffle drawing will be held the evening of The Auction and the winner does not need to be present to win. Tickets are $25.00 and checks should be made payable to Chesapeake Academy. Please call Catherine Emry in the Development Office at 438-6490 if you would like to purchase tickets. For more information on Keswick Hall, an Orient-Express hotel, visit their website at www.keswick.com. Chesapeake Academy Auction Offers Something for Everyone
These three one-of-a-kind items have been donated by Gordon Slatford, General Manager of The Tides Inn and will be auctioned off at Chesapeake Academy’s community auction on May 3. The annual fundraiser will be held on the grounds of Chesapeake Academy beginning with the silent auction at 5:00 p.m. “We have many unique auction items this year offering something for everyone” said Kiersten Stinson, co-chair of the community event and the school’s largest fundraiser. “Chesapeake Academy has been given tremendous support by many local businesses and we are truly grateful.” There will be an abundance of trips to many unique destinations at the Chesapeake Academy auction, including a five-night stay for 2 at Bitter End Yacht Club in the British Virgin Islands and a 4-night stay for 2 at Curtain Bluff Resort in Antigua, British West Indies. Both of these fabulous, luxury packages have been donated by Nick and Jenny Trotter from Meridian Yacht Charters. There will also be a week on the slopes in Vail, Colorado donated by Mr. Tracy Forst, a week in Isle of Palms, South Carolina, by Mrs. Martha McLaughlin, a week in Nags Head, North Carolina, by Mr. and Mrs. Mercer Major, a week in Naples, Florida by Mrs. Katherine Pickle, a Bone Fishing Trip for two in Islamorada, Florida, compliments of Mark and Fred Gilman, a once-in-a-lifetime, 9-night South African safari donated by Mr. Warren Green and Mrs. Caroline Wheal, owners of Footprints Africa. The auction will also include a two-night stay at The Sagamore in the Adirondack Mountains on Lake George, New York and a one-night stay at The Inn at Perry Cabin in St. Michael’s, Maryland. There are also several interesting packages for our guests that don’t want to travel far from home. If you’d like to spend a weekend in the Washington, DC area you can enjoy a tour of The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, either in downtown Washington or at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Dulles, Virginia. This package includes four complimentary tickets to an IMAX film and a signed copy of the book written by the pilot of the Enola Gay. After your trip to the Smithsonian, you will enjoy a nice dinner for four at a Clyde’s Restaurant of your choosing, either in Northern Virginia or Georgetown. You will have complimentary lodging for a weekend at The Residence Inn in Tyson’s Corner. Another auction item, also in Washington, DC, is a tour of the United States Capitol for four people, while Congress is in session, by our local Congressman Rob Wittman. Lunch for four with Congressman Wittman at the Capitol Hill Club will be provided as part of this package. If you’d like to visit Richmond, you can spend a few hours with Delegate Albert Pollard as he gives a tour of the newly restored Virginia State Capitol. Enjoy a bite to eat with Delegate Pollard in the Capitol’s snack bar, and mingle with the other legislators while there! Then move on and enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of The Valentine Richmond History Center with the director of the Museum. Here you will be given a chance to view many rare treasures, many of which have never been displayed in public. After a busy day of sightseeing, you can rest up at The Omni Richmond Hotel for a one night stay and wake up to a complimentary breakfast for two. “All Aboard Chesapeake Academy” will also feature many items for your home. W.F. Booth’s Furniture Store in Kilmarnock has donated a Fjords 520 Alfa white contemporary chair. Chesapeake and Crescent has donated a beautiful 9’x12’ Soumak rug in your choice of color. Main Street Antiques is donating two handmade tables, a coffee table and a console table, and a beautiful oil painting. Local artist Juliette Wiebe has donated a head and shoulders portrait drawn in Conte. There will also be a Sunfish sailboat from Premier Sailing, a Vermont Casting Grill from Revere Gas, jewelry from Burke’s Jewelers and Ross’s Rings and Things, estate jewelry from Yates Miller, a one-year membership at the Tartan Golf Club, an Electric Wine Cellar, a one-year membership at the Northern Neck YMCA, dinner for 25 by Willaby’s Catering, Vera Bradley luggage from River Birch Gifts, a sunset cruise for 16 on The Faded Glory, compliments of The Hope & Glory Inn, fishing trips, a duck hunting trip, a turkey hunting trip and many more wonderful items. Each class at Chesapeake Academy has also donated an item of their choosing which will surely be a treasure to win! In addition to the wide variety off auction items that will be featured, we’d like to thank our early sponsors including Chesapeake Bank, Virginia Women’s Center, Tri-Star Supermarket Inc., David Stinson-VirginiaBay Properties, Beth Altaffer-VirginiaBay Properties, Sandra Hargett-VirginiaBay Properties, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Duvall, Ann Meekins Realtors, Bragg & Co, Wal-Mart Supercenter, R&W Marine Construction, John Paul C. Hanbury FAIA, Connemara Corporation, Fred and Maggie Gilman-Jim & Pat Carter Real Estate, Faber Orthodontics, James Insurance Agency of Virginia Inc, Northern Neck Seamless Gutters, Terri Groh- Select Properties, Crowther Heating and Air Conditioning, Bank of Lancaster, Get-n-Zip and Noblett Oil. “We are so grateful to our many sponsors for their contributions,” said Beth Altaffer, co-chair of the auction. “We could not do this without their generous support.” For more information about making a donation to the auction, becoming a sponsor or to purchase tickets, please contact Catherine Emry in the Chesapeake Academy Development Office at 804 438-6490. PHOTO ABOVE: "Kiersten Stinson, Auction Co-Chair, Gordon Slatford, General Manager of The Tides Inn, Beth Altaffer, Auction Co-Chair and Caroline Stinson, Chesapeake Academy pre-school student." Chesapeake Academy is “Outward Bound to New Orleans” Building on the theme of responsibility towards one another and the environment extolled throughout the school year, Chesapeake Academy is offering an unprecedented "Outward Bound" experience to students in the 7th and 8th grade during the week of Spring Break. Wholehearted endorsed by Head of School Debbie Cook and Board of Trustees Chair, Ron Mihills, the independent school in Irvington is sending their big blue school bus “Osprey 7" to New Orleans, Louisiana, to provide 17 students with the service learning trip of a lifetime — helping to restore the coastline of one of the country’s oldest and largest urban parks. What started as a simple "Wouldn't it be neat if..." sentence uttered by Head of School Cook has evolved into a concrete plan, resulting in a nine-day camping trip based in Bayou Segnette State Park that balances recreation, exploration, and environmental education with five consecutive mornings of manual labor donated to City Park as volunteers helping with much needed shoreline restoration. “That hurricane was really devastating,” noted 7th grader Ben May. “I really think this trip will help us better understand what people in New Orleans have been going through,” added 8th grader Alex Andersen, who likes the idea of giving a helping hand to those in need. Located in the heart of the city near Lake Pontchartain, City Park is to New Orleans what Central Park is to New York City. Acquired in 1854, it’s one of the oldest urban parks in the United States, the primary recreation area for the city, and home to a myriad of museums as well as the largest collection of mature live oaks in the world. "Hard hit by Hurricane Katrina, 90% of the park was underwater anywhere from one to eight feet," noted City Park volunteer coordinator Lisa Laraway, who will host Chesapeake's team of shoreline debris cleaners and planters. "A thousand trees were toppled and another 1000 died from saltwater saturation," she added. City Park's pre-hurricane work force of 260, reduced to just 40 following the double whammy of Katrina and Rita, is still toiling with downed debris and general park maintenance. "We can always use help... planting, painting, mulching, you name it," said Laraway, who is intending to utilize Chesapeake Academy student muscle in shoreline planting to help stem soil erosion in the lagoons and drainage canals, enabling the kids to experience first hand the Chinese Proverb — “One generation plants the trees, another gets the shade." Students and chaperones are basing themselves in Bayou Segnette Stare Park, located 25 minutes southwest of the historic French Quarter, across the Mississippi River, at the intersection of two remarkably rich wetlands— a saltwater swamp and a freshwater marsh. "The camping trip will be an experience in itself!" said trip chaperone and P.E. Coach Cynthia Walker, tasked with teaching the students the rudiments of camping etiquette as well as the pros of campsite teamwork. "There's a pretty good chance we'll encounter lots of critters at our swamp-side group camp," she added. According to State Park literature, it's not unusual to see armadillos, opossum, raccoon, nutria, alligators and fire ants amid the bayou. Fellow chaperone and Lower School Assistant Linda Gaskins will head up the camp galley, assisted by a rotating crew of 7th and 8th graders as well as School Receptionist Kim Massaro and her daughter, Nikki, a freshman at Northumberland High School, who will serve as a junior counselor-in-training during the trip, and chaperone and Business Manager, Jan Brown, who will serve as the team banker. “Outward Bound to New Orleans” student participants include 7th graders: Chris Brown, Griffin Campbell, Starke Jett, Christian Johnson, Sam Keesee, Tyler Lewis, Max Massaro, Ben May, Andi Mayer and Nikki Stump. Eighth graders include: Carter Sutton Aines, Alexander Andersen, Ricky Callis, Cyrus Jett, Zack Kahler, Emily Moore and Teddy Szyperski. “I think this trip is important because it gives me an opportunity to help my country when it really needs it,” stated 7th grader Griffin Campbell. Classmate Sam Keesee grew up in Louisiana and looks forward to witnessing firsthand the effects of Katrina on the city and surrounding parishes. “It seems like both a great adventure and a great service,” he said. “I’m really hoping I can make a difference,” added classmate Tyler Lewis, who has never been in the Deep South. After recovering from the 1,100 mile Irvington to New Orleans school bus ride, the first event on the intrepid troupe's action-packed agenda is a three-hour, narrated "Katrina Disaster Highlights” bus tour featuring an eyewitness account of the events surrounding "the most devastating natural/man-made disaster on American soil". "We figure this will help acclimate students to the current situation in New Orleans," noted Trip Coordinator and CA preschool teacher Julia Zimmerman. The Disaster Tour provides an overview of the history of the original city, why it was built at this particular location along the Mississippi River, its role in the fisheries industry, as well as the direct connection between America’s disappearing coastal wetlands, oil & gas pipelines, levee protection and hurricane destruction. “I learned first hand what it was like to have tons of trees destroyed from a hurricane when Isabel came through in 2003,” noted 8th grader Emily Moore. “I can’t wait to see the city that I’ve heard so much about and actually be a part of helping to rebuild a small part of it,” she added. To reward diligent volunteer effort, ample educational and recreational opportunities have been interwoven into the nine-day Spring Break trip. Following each 9 am to noon volunteer work session in City Park, students will venture on a variety of excursions designed to provide a big picture understandings of the uniqueness of New Orleans as both a historic port city and a Mississippi River delta wetlands environment. Afternoon excursions include: a Honey Island Swamp Tour on the least-altered river swamp in the USA; guided hikes with a ranger at the Jean Lafitte Barataria Reserve south of the Mississippi, a fine example of a natural levee and deltaic ecosystem; a street car ride to Red Fish Grill on Bourbon Street for some authentic Creole-influenced Nawlin's cuisine, a walking tour of historic Jackson Square, a ferry ride across the Mississippi to Mardi Gras World, a quick dinner at Bubba Gump's Seafood Restaurant, and a narrated History/Ghost Tour of the French Quarter; an afternoon at the Aquarium of the Americas specializing in Mississippi Delta, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean and Amazon Basin marine specimens, supplemented by the IMAX feature "Hurricane on the Bayou," which shapes its message on the effects of man-made activities on natural processes around the lives and songs of four well known New Orleans musicians. Following the last morning's work in City Park, student and chaperones will fold up the camp kitchen, unstake the tents, and pack up the buses for the return 1,100 mile trip to the Chesapeake campus in Irvington, but not before fulfilling one more important component of the trip — the planting of a well-established native species tree in the school's honor in City Park. In an attempt to purchase an oak, magnolia or bald cypress for planting (they must be mature enough to withstand harsher than normal sun exposure), students initiated a fundraising project titled "Dollars for Shade", offering fellow students, their families and folks in the community an opportunity to help replenish the urban forest of New Orleans. "The trees are $750 a piece," noted Zimmerman. "We'd really like to plant one in honor of Chesapeake Academy and be included on the donor wall for students of future generation to discover," she added. Donations to "Dollars for Shade" are being accepted at the school until the end of March. "It's really participation we're looking for. We want the students to feel the community is behind their altruistic efforts," noted Zimmerman. For additional information about Chesapeake's "Outward Bound to New Orleans" Spring Break service-learning trip or ways it can be supported, please contact Head of School Debbie Cook at 804 438-5575 or email dcook@chesapeakeacademy.org, who summarizes the trip in one simple sentence: "Some opportunities are so unique they only come around once in a lifetime." Class Gifts Highlight 2008 Auction
The fun, imaginative, and creative class projects showcase the work of Chesapeake Academy students and are always must-have auction items. Parents and community supporters can find unique, if not sentimental, keepsake treasurers as well as original gift ideas. All the classes have created out of the ordinary ways to help you relax and play, whether on the beach or in your own backyard. For example, the 6th grade class has put together a complete “Day at the Beach” kit. The fantastic Chesapeake Academy canvas tote comes complete with beach blankets, squirt guns, shovels and pails, a Bocce set, and skin care items for a day in the sun. The 6th grade students have included their own special twist to the kit—they’ve created tumblers and plate sets and added their favorite summer time recipes. Sixth grade parent Leslie Yost-Schomer says, “It’s everything you need and more for a great day at the beach!” The 5th grade class gift will help you plan your crab picking party this summer, with a basket full of crab accessories such as mallets, Old Bay seasoning, and cookbooks. The 5th grade families will even throw in the bushel of crabs to get your party started! For other edible delights, the Kindergarten class has combined a Cuisinart soft service ice cream maker with ice cream bowls hand painted by the students. Parent Jackie Willis has helped the students fire and glaze the pieces. The students have each contributed a favorite candy to top off the sweet treat! Curry and Curry Pottery has generously donated a birdbath to complete the collection of handmade stepping stones the 1st grade class has put together. Imagine walking a garden path of 15 stepping stones decorated with the children’s favorite collectibles leading to the lovely birdbath. The 7th grade class is offering some serious backyard fun with its donation of a swing set, which is sure to keep the children and grandchildren busy this summer. Playtime is definitely a hallmark of gifts created by the children. The PreSchool class has donated a large hand painted toy box featuring a circus of animals. Each student in the class has contributed an animal that parades across the box. As room parent Jackie Carrillo notes, “this is a whimsical box that can be used for toys or for organizing a kid’s room.” Game tables are perfect spots for kids and adults to enjoy board games or card games; the 2nd grade and the 4th grade classes have created tables to enhance family togetherness. The 4th grade table features a moon and stars theme, with a carved game board. The 4th grade students created original chess and checkers pieces to go with the set. In keeping with the nautical theme of the auction, the 3rd grade class has worked in conjunction with the Rappahannock Art League to create a broad canvas of life under the sea. The lucky winner of this item will take home a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. The Kindergarteners also have created a keepsake bound book outlining underwater adventures. Finally, the Pre Kindergarten class has celebrated their animal friends by creating an elevated dog bed with a Sunbrella fabric padding. Pictures of the children with their own pet or with Chester, the class hamster, add a personal touch to Fido’s bed. In addition, the class has donated an Iam’s gift basket so that Fido has all the dog biscuits he needs! Many of these items can be previewed in the coming weeks at Chesapeake Academy or online at www.chesapeakeacademy.org. PHOTO ABOVE: Chesapeake Academy Extended Day Students (left to right) John Vail, Mary Esten Brown and Katherine Thomas are excited about their class project of colorful adirondack chairs donated to the Academy's Auction. Honorary Chairs Announced for Chesapeake Academy Auction 2008 PHOTO ABOVE: Left to right, front row: Frances Simmons, Kit Monroe, back row: Billy Rowe, Doug Monroe. Bob Lee and Suzy Stephens not pictured. Chesapeake Academy Auction 2008 — “All Aboard the SS Chesapeake Academy” The annual Chesapeake Academy Auction Gala scheduled for Saturday May 3, 2008 at the school campus in Irvington will feature a luxury African safari trip valued at $17,000. Warren Green and his wife, Caroline Wheal, newcomers to the Northern Neck and owners of Footprints Africa, a travel company specializing in luxury African safaris, have donated this extraordinary trip. “We wanted to support Chesapeake Academy’s auction in this very unique way,”” Green said. Green has been involved in the safari business for 22 years in South Africa. The nine night trip for two starts in historic Cape Town at the five star Table Bay Hotel. It visits two private game reserves, the coastland Grootbos Ocean Preserve featuring horseback riding on the beach, whale watching, and Great White shark diving and the inland Sabi Sabi Preserve, which gives the lucky winners a chance to see majestic lions, elusive leopards, elephants and rhinos, as well as a wide variety of other exotic wildlife. The trip also features a two day trip on the restored Victorian Rovos Rail, touted as the “most luxurious train in the world.” The safari ends in Johannesburg at another five star resort, the Saxon Hotel. According to Footprints Africa’s catalog, “the only common thread running through this exceptional trip is unstinting luxury from start to finish.” The exotic safari is just one of the many unique items that will be featured at the community auction, chaired by Beth Altaffer and Kiersten Stinson, whose children attend Chesapeake Academy. “We are so grateful to Warren and Caroline for contributing this fabulous item,” Stinson said. The auction, the school’s largest fundraiser, has been an annual Irvington spring event since the Eighties, starting first at the Tides Inn before migrating back to the school. It will be held this year in two large tents on The Academy’s soccer field under the enormous oak tree that is one of the oldest in the state. The evening will begin at 5pm with a cocktail party and a silent auction. Dinner and the live auction will follow. A new feature in the silent auction this year will be a “Buy It Now” option like one can find on eBay. Only select items will be afforded this opportunity, so you need to come early if there is something you really want. Some of the categories of the hundreds of items being collected and donated are other getaway trips, boat and car items, art, jewelry, home, kitchen, and garden things, sport and kid stuff, health, beauty and apparel items, tickets to events, and, of course, gourmet food and wine. Donations can be made up until March 17 if you would like them to be included in the auction catalog. You may also purchase an ad in the auction catalog. If you have any questions or wish to participate in any way, contact Catherine Emry in the Chesapeake Academy Development office at 438-6490. Chesapeake Academy's Brown Bag Lunch Program While school lunch is typically a time to unwind and refuel, students participating in Chesapeake Academy’s Brown Bag Lunch Program have the twice-monthly option of dining with educational, interactive live entertainment. Designed as a learning opportunity to stimulate student interests outside the school’s classroom curriculum, the Academy’s Brown Bag Lunch Program invites volunteers from the local community as lunch time guest presenters on subjects ranging from farming, small business management, airplane piloting and golf. Now in its third successful year, the Brown Bag Lunch Program is full of surprises, which includes knowledgeable and thought-provoking presentations from farmers, musicians, designers, ballerinas, astronomers, athletes and scientists. “Keeping in line with the Academy’s dedication to differentiated instruction, the programs really enhance student learning through the retelling of first hand experiences and exploration,” noted coordinator Sandy Johnson. “It’s not surprising that students learn better when their interest is sparked,” she added. Brown Bag Lunch attendees are encouraged to expand upon the presentations by using what they’ve been exposed to or learned as topics for classroom writing assignments, reports and oral presentations. To create a compelling schedule of Brown Bag Lunch presentations, Johnson has each student complete an “interest inventory” at the beginning of the year that lists dozens of topics, covering familiar subjects like architecture, boat building, photography and military history to less common topics such as mountain climbing, pottery, viticulture and interior design. Simultaneously, parents fill out a similar form, listing professional expertise, talents, hobbies and experiences they would be comfortable demonstrating or speaking about to the students as a future Brown Bag Lunch presentation. Friends, neighbors and colleagues are encouraged to present as well. One much anticipated upcoming Brown Bag Lunch Program features a presentation from Chesapeake Academy parent Warren Green, who represents Footprints in Africa, a South Africa-based travel agency that specialize in safari and nature reserve tours. “Mr. Green is a great ad-libber on just about any subject relating to life in Africa, especially on wildlife. He’s been a game ranger for years and has a bundle of stories to share with our students,” noted Johnson. Mr. Green’s Brown Bag Lunch presentation on Africa will be enhanced by another educational outreach initiative coordinated by Johnson, the Seth W. Ahlborn Performing Arts and Lecture Series. PALS was established as a means to bring creative and educational enrichment programs to students and families in our surrounding community. “Under African Skies,” February’s presentation, will feature world class storyteller Antonio Rocha and his array of unforgettable African characters. Chesapeake Academy welcomes Brown Bag Lunch presenters from the community. If interested, please contact Sandy Johnson at 438-5575 or sjohnson@cheapeakeacademy.org.
Chesapeake Academy 8th grade student and Civil War Re-enactor William Chapman was the featured Brown Bag Lunch performer for December. Chapman spoke on his experience as a volunteer drummer with the 40th Virginia Infantry Company B and the Signal Corps of the James. 8th Grade Fundraising Spaghetti Supper Chesapeake Academy 8th grade students and their families are hosting a spaghetti supper fundraiser on Friday, January 18, 2008, at the campus in Irvington. Proceeds from the event will help offset the costs of the students’ upcoming six-night fieldtrip to the Florida Everglades and Seacamp, a marine science camp on Big Pine Key. Tickets are $8.00 for adults and $4.00 for children and include delicious and nutritious homemade spaghetti, French bread and tossed salad. The spaghetti dinner will be served by student waiters in Academy Hall from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Take out service is also available starting at 3:30 p.m. Tickets will be available in advance or at the door the afternoon and evening of the fundraising supper. If you have any questions, please contact Beth Somers at 804 438-5575. Discovery Days at Chesapeake Academy Jan Brett’s lovely book, The Mitten, will be the centerpiece at the Academy’s first Discovery Day on Saturday, January 26, 2008, from 9 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Brett’s dramatic picture books tells the story of Nikki, a young boy who has lost a mitten in the snow and the various-sized animals who try to make a home of it. Activities to reinforce the Ukranian folktale may include child-led retellings of the story with felt storyboards, theatrical reenactments, mathematical and memory games with animal sizing and ordering, cooperation games, science experiments with thawing and freezing ice, as well as habitat matching and a miniature cooking class! Discovery Days are sponsored by the Early Childhood teachers at Chesapeake Academy and are open to all families in our community. Chesapeake Academy will host a second Discovery Day on Saturday, February 23, 2008, with activities featured around the book A Story, A Story by Gail Haley, who is scheduled to be a visiting author at the school later in the year. For additional information or to reserve a space for your child to attend one or both Discovery Days, please contact Hilary Scott at 804 435-5575. Chesapeake Academy Celebrates First Settlers’ Day Chesapeake Academy’s Early Childhood Division recently celebrated First Settlers’ Day, an annual interactive history festival that features the first contact between English settlers and Algonquin Indians. The festivities joined students from Chesapeake Academy pre-kindergarten and kindergarten, their parents and teachers, and children, teachers and families from community preschools in a morning filled with learning centers, traditional feasting and period dances. The festivities began under the sprawling branches of the large willow oak tree on the campus in Irvington. Pre-kindergartners wore Indian vests and headbands hand-decorated with Native American motifs while kindergartners donned handmade vests, tri-cornered hats, aprons, and mob caps. Once attired, the children visited a variety of fun and educational hands-on learning centers designed to foster a life-long love of history and reinforce areas of the early childhood curriculum, such as patterning, labeling, counting, cooperation, creativity and journal writing. The young “Indians” and “settlers” enjoyed meeting Ms. Mei Li Beane and her daughter Eleanor costumed as settlers. They shared with the children colonial skills such as butter making, using the yolk and bucket to carry water, and other practical facets of colonial life. The children also enjoyed some messy fun with Director of Education Robert Teagle of Historic Christ Church who taught them to make bricks from scratch. Working in log carrying teams under the guidance of parent David Stinson, pre-kindergarten and kindergartners alike were able to learn first hand how the settlers relied on cooperation and ingenuity to build the structures necessary to help them survive their first years in the wilderness. The children were treated to a wonderful display of Native American tools and artifacts from local historian Sandy Sherrill, while parent guides, Diana and David Thomas, Sonja Smith and Camille Bragg helped them plant corn in a manner traditional to the 1600’s. Costumed volunteers guided students through various centers, including colonial games, beading, pictograph writing and teepee decorating. After the pre-kindergarten Indians hand-painted their teepee and the settler kindergartners made their last attempts at hauling corn and water with the yolk and bucket contraption used by early settlers, all came together for an exchange of gifts with the Algonquin pre-kindergartners receiving beaded pattern bracelets in return for their gifts of pattern necklaces for the kindergarten Virginia settlers. Sharing and working together remain as important in 2007 as it was in the 1600’s! In keeping with historical tradition, all enjoyed a welcoming fall feast of corn bread, apples, cider and popcorn. The venison donated and served with scapula deer bones by Phillip Gentry and prepared by Sandy Johnson was a huge hit kids and parent volunteers alike. Following the much anticipated feast, the pre-kindergarten Indians assembled to present to the settlers their delightful rendition of Native American songs. The kindergarten settlers responded with a hand-clapping, knee-slapping presentation of the Virginia Reel. Chesapeake Academy early childhood teachers Beth Clark, Sandy Johnson, and Karen Baker thank the parents and friends for volunteering their time and expertise and for making the festival such as success. Sixth Annual Oyster Roast Is a Success! Saturday, November 17th, over 300 people attended Chesapeake Academy’s 6th Annual Community Oyster Roast at the Rowe campus in Irvington. Started in 2002 as an alumni fall homecoming and reunion, the autumn event has become a much anticipated and well-attended celebration where local watermen, farmers, business leaders, residents and families savor the roasted, and on-the-shell oysters, clam chowder, grilled hotdogs, and music in true traditional Northern Neck fashion. Proceeds from the event benefit the Catherine E. Schroeder Scholarship Program honoring Catherine E. Schroeder, a long-time faculty member, which is awarded annually to a deserving student program as well as co-curricular programs at Chesapeake Academy.
Chesapeake Academy’s Inward Bound Program Focuses on Responsibility
Prior to meeting as an assembled group, the eighth graders were treated to a unique bonding experience while participating in the 2 ½ hour ropes course set up at camp. Challenged with two team-building elements -- “the spider web” and “over the wall”, the 8th graders were forced to combine strategy with teamwork to succeed. The students ran the course in the rain, taking into account individual heights, weights, strengths and weaknesses and relating those characteristics to the teams as a whole. Middle school head Claudia Soucek, who planned and coordinated the Inward Bound Program, proclaimed the event “a great challenge and lots of fun.” “The ropes course is a great way for the 8th graders to practice problem solving. The kids learned quickly that they not only need each other to succeed, but also that succeeding often involves finding alternative ways to communicate as well as plan,” noted Soucek. “Leaders and followers are equally necessary,” she added. Following the ropes course, the entire middle school assembled in a camp circle to begin discussions on Responsibility, the character development theme of this year’s retreat, on a personal level and as a school community member. Activities geared to challenge students to define responsibility for themselves and their place in the world culminated in the earning of individual beads that spell out the word “osprey” to be worn as a bracelet. The completed bracelets can be worn by students throughout the year as reminders of the lessons learned at Inward Bound and an outward expression of Chesapeake Academy’s commitment to character building. Mrs. Soucek organized the entire middle school student body and faculty into two teams -- blue and white, establishing a model of athletic and academic competition to continue throughout the school year. “We established the blue and white competition to promote school and team spirit,” explained Soucek. To kick-off the competition, middle schoolers engaged in a series of formidable and often hilarious events, such as the traditional sack race and balloon toss, and the not-so-traditional fireman’s clothing relay. “One of my favorite events of the day was watching the leadership of the 8th grade girls in helping the 5th and 6th graders during the Lead Frog and Toilet Paper Passing Game. It was phenomenal! They were patient yet enthusiastic,” noted middle school teacher Amy Hemingway. The highlight of the events competition ended was an all out struggle between both teams in a giant tug-of-war (of which the resident Golden Retriever took an active part in). The blue team proved victorious at the conclusion of the Inward Bound competitions. They will be rewarded with the pride of displaying at the end of the middle school hallway a “spirit stick” in their color for the time leading up to the next competition, which will revolve around the announcement of those students earning Dean’s and Headmaster’s List for the first grading period. Inward Bound evening activities included dinner and a 1960’s theme dance followed by the ever popular playing of nighttime “capture-the-flag”. The evening concluded with songs around a simulated campfire of Christmas lights (due to the very heavy rainy conditions) and performances of lighthearted plays created by the students to reinforce the lessons of the day. Head of School Debbie Cook was particularly taken by the spirit and cooperation of the entire group. Her first year at Inward Bound, Cook was enthralled by the students’ thoughtfulness, comic relief, and assorted and unexpected expressions of creativity. “The traditions carried on at Inward Bound are a great strength of program at Chesapeake,” she commented. “Throughout the activities, you can really see leaderships abilities emerging among students from every class.” On Friday morning, students gathered materials for the annual boat construction and launch, a competition encouraging student creativity. Groups of students were required to plan and build a boat out of collected onsite natural material, using only two yards of twine to bind them. The boat building part of the challenge proved to be a big success, however the launch was cancelled due to the heavy rain. The purpose of Inward Bound is for each child to better understand him or herself as an individual and to realize the impact that one has as a member of a larger group. “Our mission at Chesapeake Academy is to develop strong social skills and moral behavior while preparing our students for academic success,” commented Cook. “Inward Bound is an important part of that mission and our students’ total education,” she said. Little Known Facts About Oysters Oysters can change genders during their lifetimes and can be eaten 12 months of the year. Also, oysters are an excellent source of vitamins A, B1(thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), C ( ascorbic acid) and D (calciferol). Four or five medium size oysters supply the recommended daily allowance of iron, copper, iodine, magnesium, calcium, zinc, manganese and phosphorus. Hence, for the dietary and health benefits alone, please mark Saturday, November 17th on your calendar for Chesapeake Academy’s signature autumn event – the 6th Annual Community Oyster Roast! All you can eat succulent roasted oysters, homemade clam chowder, hotdogs, beer and wine are on the menu along with warming fire pits and music for dancing. Rain or shine, from 4:30-9 p.m., Chesapeake Academy in Irvington. Tickets are $35 per person, limited to the first 300 people to RSVP. You must be at least 21 to attend. To purchase your ticket, please call Catherine Emry at 804-438-6490 today! 6th Annual Community Oyster Roast Chesapeake Academy’s 6th Annual Community Oyster Roast will be held Saturday, November 17th on the Rowe Campus in Irvington from 4:30 – 10 pm. Proceeds from the Oyster Roast will benefit the Catherine E. Schroeder Scholarship and co-curricular programs, such as athletics, at the Academy. Six years ago, the newly formed Chesapeake Academy Alumni Association started the Oyster Roast as a fall homecoming and alumni reunion and as a way to recognize longtime faculty member, Catherine E. Schroeder. At the same time, The Catherine E. Schroeder Scholarship was initiated which is now awarded annually to a deserving student. The menu will include unlimited roasted oysters, clam chowder, hot dogs, beverages and all the fixings! Music will be available for dancing! Al Pugh Distributing will be offering beer and wine. This wonderful event will be held rain or shine! Casual dress. Bring your own oyster knife! Tickets are only $35 per person and limited to the first 300 people, so get your tickets early! You must be 21 to attend. For further information, please call the Development Office at 804.438.6490. Grandparents and Special Friends Day Chesapeake Academy held its annual Grandparents and Special Friends Day on Friday, October 19 with over 200 grandparents, great-grandparents, and special friends in attendance. Following a reception in the gymnasium hosted by parent volunteers, the honored guests were escorted to classrooms where they were entertained by teachers and students with songs, project presentations, special readings and a sampling of the subjects they study.
Grandparents and Special Friends Day is a wonderful opportunity for grandparents and special friends to participate in their grandchild’s academic life and is highly anticipated by the entire school community. Chesapeake Academy would like to add special thanks to the following individuals for their contribution to the special day: Lisa Major and Tammy Revere, Hospitality Chairs, and volunteers Becky Foster, Nancy Travers, Caroline Wheal, Lee Anne Washington, Beth Altaffer, Kay Vose and Helen Dillon; Beth Somers, Music Director; Claudia Worrell, Accompanist; Nancy O’Shaughnessy, Art Teacher; Jenna Frank, Librarian; Cynthia Walker, Athletics Director, and Catherine Emry, Development Assistant. Chesapeake Academy 5th Grade Pyramids
Constructing pyramids using modern elements turned out to be an inventive way to conclude Chesapeake Academy’s sixth grade study of Egypt. World History teacher, Claudia Soucek, instructed her students to think of themselves as ancient Egyptians and define their values in terms of what important items they’d store inside their pyramid to help them in the afterlife. Encouraged to think creatively, students were asked to sketch an interior floor plan that included a hidden sarcophagus, storage for their chosen items, and then design the external structure. Upon completion of the floor plan, students opting for extra credit created self-standing pyramids out of a variety of modern materials and presented them to their classmates. Written reports were completed by all, including the use of hieroglyphics to describe themselves and their Egyptian names, a descriptive and persuasive essay on what items they’d take into the afterlife and why, and a drawing of either a sarcophagus, door design or wall graphic. “Learning to write a sentence in hieroglyphics really brings home to my students what Egyptian scribes had to endure and how easy our English writing is in comparison,” noted Mrs. Soucek. “Just about everyone found it surprising how much material it actually takes to cover the sides of their pyramids. Construction is a lot more difficult than it looks!” she added. Chesapeake Academy Middle School Murals
Prior to designing the murals, students were instructed by art teacher Nancy O’Shaughnessy to think of the four facets of their education—academic, moral, social and physical—as four pillars that support the roof of their school. Each middle school class was assigned to choose one of these facets, combine it with their thoughts on responsibility, and create a mural with a specific style of art in mind. Students chose the following artistic styles to replicate in their murals: expressionism; realism, abstract, and pop. Fifth grade students interpreted the physical facet of their education with regard to responsibility by producing a mural that depicts an awareness of their physical environment and the need to take responsibility for its care. Borrowing from pop artist Peter Max’s well-known works “Harmony Day” and “Sunrise 2000,” students rendered their school building and surrounding waterfront community in vibrant colors and a sort of cartoon-like outlining, using a large sun as the central focal point of the mural. Sixth grade worked in the abstract, expressionist style of American artist Jasper Johns, specifically “Savarin, Monotype #6,” a still-life rendering of art tools in a coffee can, to illustrate their mural’s theme of academic responsibility. Students drew arrangements of learning tools encompassing objects representing science, sports and everything in between. “The tools included in our mural represent learning, but they are useless unless we take responsibility and use them,” explained 6th grader Reese Rogers. The objects are supported on a desk top painted with primary colors, the foundational colors of all color mixing. The 6th graders used secondary colors for the handprints surrounding the learning tools, which represents the “putting together” of ideas that occurs when students enter into the responsibility of learning. Seventh graders used Harlem Renaissance Painter Romare Bearden’s work about jazz musicians, “Jammin’ at the Savoy,” for inspiration to express their thoughts on social responsibility. Before the students began painting their mural, they listened to jazz, focusing specifically on the ways musicians work together in order to improvise. “They have to be really aware of what each other is doing to get such great harmony,” noted 7th grader Starke Jett. Using this understanding as a metaphor for social responsibility, Mrs. O’Shaughnessy encouraged her students to paint various musicians as well as other figures participating in a variety of activities. While there is a margin of disorganization about the characters in the mural, they are clearly part of a band with the same end in mind. “Our mural is about getting along with others and working cooperatively,” added classmate Chris Brown. Eighth grade students worked in the style of David Hockney, specifically “Mulholland Drive: The Road to Studio, 1980” to illustrate moral responsibility. The mural shows a single road, which is a straight, double-lined, no passing highway. “The straight road represents your childhood years, when you’re actions are largely guided by your parents,” noted 8th grader Will Perkins. Illustrated in the mural are high and low roads taken through adolescence that represent moral choices that are considered good, bad, easy and/or hard. “It was really neat to see these eighth graders work out how to illustrate the idea that right road isn’t always the easiest path,” said O’Shaughnessy. “The students have done a marvelous job of expressing their theme without using symbols or words,” she added. Chesapeake Academy Technology Lab in Full Swing Under the supervision of Librarian and Media Specialist Jenna Frank, Chesapeake Academy’s technology lab is fully operational and open for student use for grades one through eight. Consisting of 20 networked computers loaded with Microsoft Office Suite, Type to Learn 3 Keyboarding and Rosetta Stone Spanish language software, Tech Lab has been expanded this year to include 20 additional computers in a subdivision of the James Library, conveniently located at the junction of the Lower and Middle School hallways.
Students in grades one through seven attend weekly classes in Tech Lab to either enhance their keyboarding skills, conduct research, or create reports or projects to supplement curricular assignments, such as 1st grade’s “The Fun I Had Over Summer” paragraphs or 4th grade’s Virginia Presidents reports. Third grades cross-curricular focus on the writer Ronald Dahl and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was expanded in Tech Lab with a communal visit to the official Ronald Dahl website, where students practiced navigating the website for latest news tidbits, quotes, games and other publications from the prolific writer. Much of Middle School’s Tech Lab experience revolves around working with presentation software tools such as Power Point, Publisher and Excel. One new project for the 2007-2008 academic year that excites Ms. Frank is introducing website creation to her 7th grade students. “We’re going learn to write the codes that are the foundation of a website, then create sites based on areas of geography covered in the students’ study of world history,” she explained. As Chesapeake’s resident media specialist, Ms. Frank is required to wear a lot of hats when it comes to keeping the network of computers operational. In addition to Tech Lab and the satellite computer lab in the library, Academy teachers are provided with wireless networked laptops, and there are mini computer stations in each class. Staying current with hardware and software updates is a continual challenge for Ms. Frank as well as the school, as much of their equipment is acquired through donations or as refurbished CPUs from specialty companies. Tech Lab was initially funded as a specialty item at Chesapeake’s annual Auction. Attendees generously bid on making contributions to help establish and equip Tech Lab, and in return received the satisfaction of bringing this wonderful asset to the school. “It was such a boost for the program,” Frank said, noting the bank of matching Dell 12 inch flat screen monitors and keyboards that are a result of those donations. As internet users, all Chesapeake students and faculty are required to understand and sign a User Agreement, which is a code of ethics regarding responsible use of the network. Frank plans to expand this commitment by offering instruction throughout the year to students about internet safety, using “Faux Paws, the Techo Cat” to help explain to the younger students appropriate websites for learning and information that should and should not be shared on the internet. Upcoming Chesapeake Academy Osprey Cup Golf Challenge Thanks Sponsors! Chesapeake Academy’s 10th annual Osprey Cup Golf Challenge will be held Friday, October 5, 2007, at The Tartan Course in Weems. The Tournament will begin with a noon check-in with lunch and 1:00 p.m. shot gun start. Up to thirty teams of four will compete for a place on the coveted Osprey Cup trophy. First, second and third place prizes will be awarded to the top three foursomes in each flight based on a modified Captain’s Choice format. The tournament will include green fees and cart, deluxe snacks, delicious lunch, roving and spirited beverage carts, an after-tournament awards cocktail party and dinner, and contests. Also, players can expect two hole-in-one grand prizes of a vehicle from Medlin Ford as well as a boat from Pulley’s Marine. In addition, several local golf courses have donated rounds of golf as prizes to also be awarded. In addition to playing in the tournament, Sponsorships are also available at various levels that could offer promotional advertisements for your business, a tee or green sign and Chesapeake Academy shirts. Special thanks to our Sponsors to-date including Neal and Nickel Wealth Management, Chesapeake Bank, Earth Resources Inc., Robert S. Westbrook DDS, Bank of Lancaster, Kevin Aines Golf Professional – ICYCC, Rittenhouse Salon, Get & Zip Convenience Stores, Beth Altaffer Realtor – River Towne Properties, Rappahannock Rentals Inc., Breeden & Breeden, Crowther Heather & Air Conditioning, Chip Hudnall Custom Building, Christchurch School, Smokin’ Joe’s, Davenport & Co., Rappahannock Concrete, David Stinson Realtor – River Towne Properties, 2 Auto Service Inc., Kenny Kuykendall Realtor – Middle Bay Realty, R. Ann Meekins Realtor, The Shoe Store, Twice Told Tales, Nancy Keane, Country Cottage, Rappahannock Hang-ups, The Sports Centre, Kilmarnock Animal Clinic, Rappahannock Yachts, Rumsey & Bugg, T.C.H. Oil Co., Service Machine Welding Co. Inc., East Coast Boat Lifts Inc., Sevarg Pools Inc., HS Printing, Select Properties of Virginia, The Buoy, Kelsick Gardens, The Earth Store, Tideland Title Agency LLC, Dozier Auto Parts, Lee Anne Washington Attorney, Lamberth Building Materials Inc., Bragg & Co., River Birch Landscaping and Gifts, and Radio Shack. Proceeds from the Osprey Cup Golf Challenge will be used to for the school’s academic programs which include all co-curricular programs. If you would like to reserve your spot for the tournament or would like to be a Sponsor, please call Catherine Emry at Chesapeake Academy, 438-6490 or email cemry@chesapeakeacademy.org, but hurry, space is limited. Chesapeake Academy Osprey Cup Golf Challenge Chesapeake Academy’s 10th annual Osprey Cup Golf Challenge will be held Friday, October 5, 2007, at The Tartan Course in Weems. The Tournament will begin with a noon check-in including lunch and 1:00 p.m. shotgun start. Up to thirty teams of four will compete for a place on the coveted Osprey Cup trophy. First, second and third place prizes will be awarded to the top three foursomes in each flight based on a modified Captain’s Choice format. The tournament will include green fees and cart, deluxe snacks, delicious lunch, roving and spirited beverage carts, an after-tournament awards cocktail party and dinner, contests and great raffle prizes. In addition, several local golf courses have donated rounds of golf as prizes to be awarded. Osprey Cup committee members Jack Kirkmyer, Spencer Kirkmyer, Kevin Aines, Jack Neal, Jeff Curtis and Catherine Emry have been working to make this the most enjoyable and challenging tournament yet. In addition to playing in the tournament, Sponsorships are also available at various levels that could offer promotional advertisements for your business, a tee or green sign and Chesapeake Academy shirts. Proceeds from the Osprey Cup Golf Challenge will be used for the school’s academic programs which include all co-curricular programs. If you would like to reserve your spot for the tournament or want to be a Sponsor, please call Catherine Emry at Chesapeake Academy, 438.6490 or e-mail cemry@chesapeakeacademy.org, but hurry, space is limited. Chesapeake Academy Welcomes New LeaderThe public is invited to attend the formal Installation of Chesapeake Academy’s new Head of School. September 4, 2007 marks the day that Chesapeake Academy’s 10th Head of School, Deborah M. Cook, is officially welcomed to the school and the Northern Neck community. The Installation celebration is being combined with the annual Convocation welcoming both Mrs. Cook and the students to a new year of excellence for the Academy. The Installation marks a transition in leadership for the school with the entire student body, staff and faculty, parents and community leaders being involved. Ron Mihills, of Irvington, and newly elected Chair of the Board of Trustees, will open with welcoming remarks regarding the many successes of Chesapeake Academy and the new Head, Mrs. Cook’s already overwhelming success. Guest speaker, Dr. David Charlton, a former Trustee of Chesapeake Academy, President of the National Association of Episcopal Schools and President of Church Schools in the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia, will be delivering the keynote address to be followed by the official Installation of Mrs. Cook by Ron Mihills. Mrs. Cook and her husband, Ted, recently moved here from Ohio where she was Head of School of Lake Ridge Academy. “I am delighted to be joining the Chesapeake Academy community. The school’s focus on academic success and character development was what first attracted me as a Head of School candidate. In my initial research, I discovered that Chesapeake Academy is well known for its strong programs, nurturing faculty, its focus on the development of thinking and problem-solving skills, its interactive curriculum and the value it places on the importance of the arts. Chesapeake Academy is firmly rooted in its belief that a quality education requires teachers with the highest qualifications and dedication to young people. The Board clearly recognizes the need to attract and retain a faculty which not only meets the curricular needs, but does so in a manner supporting the school’s commitment to differentiated education. My educational philosophy and the mission of the school are a very strong match. I am very impressed with the professionalism of the faculty and staff. The classrooms are exciting and interactive. Each student has a voice to express his or her ideas and to question the information presented, and is encouraged to be a responsible participant in his or her education. The faculty uses creative teaching pedagogy which follows solid educational research, and each is obviously dedicated to the students of Chesapeake Academy and the school community. Most special to me is the community’s belief that individual student’s talents are valued and encouraged to develop while, at the same time, community responsibility and spirit are also expected. Chesapeake Academy students are bright, energetic, enthusiastic, and eager to talk about their experiences at Chesapeake. Their openness during our discussions and respectful responses to one another indicate this is the way they regularly interact. "I am excited to be named the tenth Head of School at Chesapeake Academy and look forward to meeting and working with all members of the school community.” Previously, Cook has been Head of School at Lake Ridge Academy in Ohio and St. Timothy’s School in Baltimore, Maryland. Cook began her tenure as Head of School on July 2nd .The Cooks reside in Irvington. They have three children and two grandchildren.
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Would you like to throw a party for 80 of your closest friends on a catered cruise on the Miss Ann? Or win a year of golf for one at the Golden Eagle Golf Course? Or invite 36 friends to your own private golf tournament at the Golden Eagle?
Highlighting the combined talents of Chesapeake Academy students, (with some help from their parents) the class gifts to the 2008 Auction truly represent the auction theme of “All Aboard the SS Chesapeake Academy.” 
“All Aboard the SS Chesapeake Academy” Auction Co-Chairs Beth Altaffer and Kiersten Stinson are pleased to announce the following Honorary Chairs: Mr. and Mrs. Douglas D. Monroe, Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Stephens, and Mrs. C. Jackson Simmons. Their insight and inspiration provided the impetus to re-establish Chesapeake Academy in Irvington in 1965, providing an excellent educational option for children in the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula. The sixth Honorary Chair, Mr. William R. Rowe, made it possible for the school to acquire the property and buildings for its campus, now known as The Rowe Campus. The Monroe, Stephens and Simmons families continue to generously support their original vision for Chesapeake Academy. “Every morning at 8:30am the school bell is rung six times in honor of our founders. Every day as I pull the bell’s rope, I say thank you to each of them. Our school continues to provide the education they envisioned 43 years ago. How fortunate our current Chesapeake Academy family is to still have them involved in the life of the school” says Debbie Cook, Head of School. The Gala Auction will be held on Chesapeake Academy’s campus on Saturday, May 3.
Looking for a creative hands-on experience for your child on a cold Saturday January morning? Chesapeake Academy is hosting two “Discovery Days” this winter as a means to bring families in our community together with enriching age-appropriate activities centered on popular children’s literature. Discovery Days are guaranteed to be a fun and memorable way to spend a winter morning with your young child in a warm classroom environment in the company of other children and families. 
Chesapeake Academy students are participating in an ongoing recycling project that not only helps raise funds for academic programs but also reduced waste in our public landfills. With success on a school-wide level, the students are now asking individuals and businesses in the community to consider participating. Driven by CAPPA, Chesapeake Academy’s Parent and Patrons Association, families are collecting empty laser and inkjet printing cartridges, old cell phones and “Box Top” labels found on various General Mills consumer products. If any individuals or businesses have any of the aforementioned recyclable items they’d like to donate, please feel free to drop them off at Chesapeake Academy at any time during school hours. Items collected are redeemed at the end of each month. Please contact CAPPA member and Chesapeake Academy grandparent Helen Dillon at 804-580-8313 for questions or additional information or go online to www.rrewards.com to learn more about the national recycling program.
Chesapeake Academy middle school students and faculty traveled this past week to the Royal Ambassador Camp in Hartfield for Inward Bound, an overnight enrichment program focusing on this year’s theme of responsibility. For two days and one night, students engaged in a series of fun and thought provoking non-stop activities and projects aimed at building responsibility for oneself and one’s actions. 
After the classroom visits, an assembly was held in the grandparent and special friends’ honor. Grandparents Mercer and Ann Major of Locust Hill were recognized for having the greatest amount of grandchildren attending Chesapeake Academy, and Grandfather Tom Groh was recognized for traveling the furthest to attend the event, having caught a red-eye flight in from Seattle, Washington that very morning. Following special announcements by Head of School Debbie Cook and the presentation of the Middle School character murals, costumed preschoolers sang “Squirrel, Squirrel”, pre-kindergartners sang “The Snail”, and kindergartners sang “Big Moon, Bright Moon.” This was followed by Grades one and two’s celebratory rendition of “A Common Bond” and third through eighth grade’s beautiful performance of “It’s a Glorious Day.” Grandparents and Special Friends were then treated to “Prancing Ponies”, a musical number from Mrs. Beth Somer’s tone chimes choir. Following closing remarks by Cook, the audience joined in for a heartfelt singing of the school’s Alma Mater. 
Working diligently since the beginning of school, Chesapeake Academy middle school art students have completed four murals for presentation at the all-school assembly on Grandparents and Special Friends Day this Friday. Designed, drawn and painted by the students to be visual statements of the Academy’s 2007-2008 character theme of “responsibility”, the murals will be hung in the middle school hallway as daily reminders of their interpretations.