public schools
Head Start
Free Adult Basic Education/GED test preparation classes are offered at Head Start in the mornings and evenings. For more information, call 368-2559. The annual Thanksgiving family dinner was a huge success. The men's event for December will be bowling at Liberty Lanes Dec. 7 at 6 p.m. Grandfathers, dads, uncles, brothers and other significant male family members are invited to attend. Parents are invited to attend our Smart Money workshop Dec. 8 at 10 a.m. The following program assessment meetings have been scheduled. On Dec. 9 at 10 a.m. the Family Partnership PRISM meeting will take place. The Mental Health PRISM will meet Dec. 12 at 10 a.m. and Dec. 13 at 1 p.m. the Child Health & Development PRISM has been scheduled. The classes of Sue Shafferman, Tina Barnett, Rebecca Feldman and Vanessa Esposito will visit the Rappahannock Regional Library Dec. 12 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. On Dec. 13 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. the classes of Helain Nicholson, Trudy Johnson-Kay, Robin Migaleddi and Amanda Allison will visit the library. The next Foods and Skills meeting will be Dec. 13 at 9 a.m. They will be recognizing holiday traditions. Parents are invited to share some of their family holiday traditions at the meeting.
Students of The Week were--Alvin Gibbs, Shanice Johnson, Abigail Jackson, Avery Johnson, Jade Johnson, De'Jour Johnson, Mya Johnson, Jamdy Gonzalez, Adam Fadda, Tyriq Hughes, Rose Halloway and Hannah Margwarth.
Children Recognized for character education, honesty, for November were Kyneesha Young, Layla Harris, Saeda Stone, Jada Swader, Jayvon Thomas and Mya Johnson.
--Alice Thompson
Kate Waller Barrett Elementary
Students who won the Art award are Issaih Dockery, Dinah Fields, Carlos Vences, Pedro Cuevas, Kylie Finnegan, Sergio Lizama, Bryson Townsend, Jonathan Membreno, Isaiah Kerley, Abagail Stohler, Miguel Serpas, Gerson Vences and Ragan Daniels.
Students who won the Citizenship award are Shannon Gressly, Fatin Iftikhar, Kevin Campos, Steven Garcia, Leonor Rodriguez, Afina Curtusan, Jacob Bolden, Mina Sollars, Kamarie Mims, LaQzaria Boney, Rachel Brown, Angelique McComber, Trevor Watkins and Jasmin Charles.
Students who won the Computer award are Christopher Crum and David Amaya.
The Drama award was won by Chase Portell.
Students who won the Language Arts award are Alvaro Membreno, Kiara Villafuerte, Ashley White, Terrell Brandmeier, Darius Olds, Michael Bonito, Sara Boyd, Mary Jane Titus, Kyle Kline and Jacob Pollock.
Students who won the Math award are Madison Fernandez, Joey Rainey, Kenny Vukmanic, Johan Bragado, Sophia Wortmann, Davon Olds, Tyler Phillip, Kaley Quinn, Chip Patton, Jordan Adkins, Meghan Cole, Zafrullah Malik, Nathan Russell, Tomekia Waller, Nicholas LaGamma, Cole Bailey, Nicholai Trouerbach and Matthew Bowen.
Students who won the Outstanding Achievement award are Cougar Conley, Kirstie Villafuerte, Rayne Peskie, Blain Boggs, Ebonie Hicks, Niara Thom and Karen Me.
Students who won the Principal's Award are Donald Dinsey, Ambria Jennings, Umu Jawara, Jenna Gressly and Keymia Todd.
Students who won the Reading award are Raheem Houston, Caitlyn Roderick, C.J. Thomas , Lauryn Ghee, Micayah Upshaw, Sara Debab, Emily Smith, Amal Sagal, Roma Wade, Shaina Sullivan, Robert Spinner, Sarah Gordon, Taylor Rhame, Monique Blanchard, Elizabeth Guevara, Faith Bloom, Sara Kuzemchak, Julia Arrington and Samantha Telford.
Brittany McCane won the Safety award.
Students who won the Science award are Jordan Lusk, Jasmine Anthony, Kaitlyn Partanen, Ryan Fellion, Jazmin Andrews, Cindy Vences, Kayla Gudiness and Katrina Carosi.
Students who won the Service award are Malik Brodie, T.J. Lower, Dedric Robertson, Tabitha Ngo, Antonyio Harden, Crystal Crum, Becky Pilkington, Chad Melichar and Irving Vazquez.
Students who won the Spelling award are Christian Thomas, Deandre Stinson, Haylee Edwards, Brittani Hill, Kyle Phillip, Branden Smith, Kaitlyn Daniels, Austin Horton, Maria Iftikhar, Dylan Johnson, Kelvin Wilson and Nichaolas Lusk.
Students who won the Social Studies award are Tiana Wink, Andrew Spinner, Larissa Gregory, Amber Bowers, Rodrigo Alegre, Jordan Serraro and Tyler Bailey.
Students of the Month are Zachary Horton, Tori Wolfe, Hanna Evangelisto, Shiquadrou Malloy, Madison Sparks, Ashley Hawthorne, Caleb Van Deusen, Chris Williams, Deja Grice, Matthew Vukmanic, Kamili Thom and Shannon Anderson.
Austin Portell won the Technology Award.
--Carmen Healy
Margaret Brent Elementary
Through Adopt-a-Classroom, First Command Financial Planning, a full-service financial planning firm located on Garrisonville Road, has adopted Leslie Martin at Margaret Brent Elementary for two years in a row. In addition to sponsoring Martin, the financial advisors from First Command have adopted six other classrooms in Stafford County.
Several other classrooms have been adopted so far this year. Kindergarten teacher Liz Maren has been adopted by Elizabeth Attredd, DDS. Reading specialist Susan Matthews has been adopted by Tammy DeSanto. Speech pathologist Amy Pawlak has been adopted by Wayne Martin. Fifth-grade teacher Lisa Thornton has been adopted by Hurd & Obenchain Inc.
The following kindergarten to grade five students were recognized at the first-quarter awards ceremony for showing Outstanding Academic Achievement: Jackson Schwab, James McCulloch, Charlotte Hazard, Chloe Stamper, Madison Dahlke, Daniel Rozzel, Brooke Lyles, Garrett Stockham, Lauren Morgan, Jerod Singer, Matthew Scott, Rileigh Ecker, Zachary Schaffer, Rachel Cregier, Emma Herdegen, Cameron Jones, Isabel Wildgen, Jackson Davis, Shelby Slotter, Ryan McAuliffe, Zachary Phillips, Ane Hewitt, Leila Chang, Billy Sebastian, Tori Thornton, Amelia-Rose Scarpulla, Kyle Dyess, Abby Carbone, Alexander Bunn, Steven Thomas, Christen White, Kyle Wilson, Rebecca Smoot, David Maby, Gus Stevens, Shelby Reynolds, Erin Girven, Megan San Pietro, Alex Martinich, Michael Sease, Sydney Stamper, Luis Torres-Alvarez, Sean Morgan, Preston Thatcher, Heather Taylor, Naomi Cassell, Annie Davis, Rannell Kauffman, Ashley Laney and Christian Davis.
The top two finishers in the Chess Tournament were:
Kindergarten--Jackson Schwab, first place; Sierra Villarreal, second place.
First grade--Hunter Schwab, first place; Sammie Segrest, second place.
Second grade--Ethan Tulloh, first place; Justin Schneider, second place.
Third grade--Jacob Flett, first place; Jeffrey Phannenstein, second place.
Fourth grade--Emily Harrison, first place; Eric Stewart, second place.
Fifth grade--Kyle Murray, first place; Seth Rapkins, second place.
The PTO has organized several Holiday Celebration for the month of December. This week, the Holiday Shoppe will be open for children to purchase gifts for their families. Today from 4 to 5 p.m. is the Children's Jingle Bell Jog followed by cookies and milk. Tomorrow from 6:30 to 8 p.m. is Holiday Crafts for children to make and gift shopping.
The PTO has collected more than 100 pounds of Macaroni and Cheese for the local food bank. The Mac and cheese was collected during the child care that was provided by the PTO during parent conference days and Back-to-School Nights.
--Kimberly Scott
Falmouth Elementary
Principal's Honor Roll for All A's:
Fourth grade--Natalie Bohmke, Alyssa Guthrie, Ana Nosal and Christian Wiskur.
Fifth-grade--Nicole T. Carwile, Elizabeth Chase, Andrew Lassman, Anthony Neis, Amy Wood and Alyssa Young.
Our Chorus and Orff concert is on Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. It will be a multi-cultural extravaganza. At the concert, canned good will be collected to support the Student Council Association's food drive, which takes place through Dec. 16.
The SCA also will be selling candy grams through Friday and again on Dec. 13 at the chorus concert. The candy grams can be given to any student or staff member at Falmouth Elementary.
The next PTO meeting is tonight at 6:45 p.m. All parents are welcome to attend.
--Doris Rutherford
Ferry Farm Elementary
The following students achieved All A Honor Roll this first nine week grading period.
Fourth grade--Katie Brandon, Teresa Francom, Jackson McIntyre, Taylor Sumner, Tanner Wendlandt and Emily Wittig.
Fifth grade--Scott Allison, Amber Dupke, Liam Gail, DaeSean Hamilton, Samantha Ibinson, Dana Lee, Harper Lovegrove, Rebecca Maurer, Laura Poe, Allison Ricigliano, Lucas Tickel, Shane Van Hoy, Megan Walton and Kendall Wilkerson.
--Janet Smoot
Garrisonville Elementary
Everyone placing a $35 Market Day order by Thursday will be entered into a drawing for a basket full of Market Day holiday products.
The school is once again participating in the American Legion Food Drive to help those less fortunate in Stafford. Each classroom is collecting canned and other nonperishable food items as well as new or used books. Send donations in by Dec. 15.
The Book Buddy Program is still in need of volunteers, who can devote 45 minutes on Tuesday and Thursday mornings until the end of the school year, to work with our first-graders who need extra reading support. For details, contact Lynn Kempfer at 658-6260.
--Kim Gilby
Grafton Village Elementary
The next PTA general membership meeting is Thursday at 6:30 p.m. The winners of the Reflections contest will be announced at this time.
--Kellie Lights
Hampton Oaks Elementary
The final fall FLEX before school class will be Friday, from 7:45-8:30 a.m.
--Susan Combs
Hartwood Elementary
Rebecca Dixon and Corey Walker demonstrated the Boys Town skill of the week on the morning announcements. Colton Muller in Ali Graham's fourth-grade class won the holiday card contest. Colton's card will be copied and sent to employees and others. Honor Roll students were honored at a recent breakfast reception. Receiving all As in fourth grade were: Rachel Carr, Chelsea Fedowitz, Joshua Goldsmith, Madeline McMurray, Caitlin Middlekauff, Amanda Miller, Ziyad Moussa, Colton Muller and Breyana Stilts. Fifth-graders with all As were: Bryce Barnes, Stephanie Carl, Jessamen Harrison, Jeffrey Jaime, Cody King, Sabrina Richards, Suzi Richards, Hailey Riggleman, Kristen Steele, William Trout, Jessica Visone and Courtney Whitt.
--Marilyn Thompson
Park Ridge Elementary
Fifth-graders who received top scores in November's math contest are Erin Carcel, Jamie Smith, Sarah Harker, Anna Kim and Cosette Moore.
On Oct. 29, 19 students who had read Boxes for Katje played games from the Netherlands and ate Belgium waffles. They listened while parent Jennifer Turner displayed items from and talked about customs in Iraq. Then the students packed four large boxes of essentials to be sent to a Marine unit in Iraq.
Third-graders completed their monthly community challenge by filling 20 bags of food for the local food bank. They were able to donate 208 pounds of food.
--Sherry Hall
Rockhill Elementary
The top scorers of the most recent Fifth Grade Math Problem Solving Contest include Michael Ackley, who finished in first; Erik Kvenlog, who finished second; Tim McVicker, who finished third and Kaitlin Davis, Monica Brito, Martin Gomez, Asia Harris, Scott Knapp, Sean Lawson-Pirtle, Ricky Sweeney and Raeleen Yingling. The school Book Fair will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. this week including special evening hours on Thursday.
Special education teacher Pam Kantor was awarded a Building Bright Futures Grant for the "Kantor Architectural Firm" which will be "hiring" fourth- and fifth-grade learning-disabled students to design the perfect school. The students will be using geometry and writing skills, and will go through the steps of locating a site, designing a playground, and the perfect school. They will take a trip to a local business to learn about construction materials and will build models of their designs at home with parents or guardians. They will also learn about career advancement by promotion to higher level positions in the firm and getting new "job" assignments each week.
--Marilyn Butters
Rocky Run Elementary
Students enjoyed a wonderful production put on by the Blue Sky Puppet Theatre. The theme of the show was acting unselfishly. Puppets brought to life some very real struggles that all children go through and gave insight into how to handle various situations.
The very first "Fowl" shot contest at Rocky Run was held Nov. 21. The contest consisted of a parent/child team shooting 10 free throws each. The team that made the most baskets won a turkey for Thanksgiving. The winners were:
Kindergartner PJ Schoolfield with 11 out of 20.
First-grader Jordan Scott with 9 out of 20.
Second-grader TeKeyra Brown with 9 out of 20.
Third-grader Nate Ferrell with 10 out of 20.
Fourth-grader Hailey Cooper with a school record of 17 out of 20.
Fifth-grader Kenny Nestor with 14 out of 20.
The first Wordmasters analogy challenge was held on Nov. 21. The top 10 scorers were:
In third grade--Alexandra Barry, Patrick Grayson, Riley White, Omar Hanley, Jonah Philippon, Liam Chapin, Randii Cavanaugh, Sarah Huynh, Sydney Overton and Katie Thomas.
In fourth grade--Arthur Pawlica, Bryan Kiel, Dylan Cloyd, Haley Cooper, Sarina Colburn, Julianne Jones, Maya McCallum, Megan Conrad, Megan Wright and Oren Ackerson.
In fifth grade--Kyle Smith, Tori Baldassari, Adam Muang, Ethan Zwerg, Mark Kaminski, Madeleine Magnani, Paul Manes, Rachel Coleman, Sami Pyne and Tanner Greathouse.
--Lisa Moyer
Stafford Elementary
Fourth-graders who received all A's this marking period are Yousra Neberai, Christian Krawczyk, Andrew Freidman, Joseph Grant, Tristan Sines, Lucas Artze-Detoledo, Jasmyn Abrams, Samantha DeAngelo, Michael Green, Ryan Reynolds, Haley Roberts, Sammy Schaidhammer, Angela Rios, Darien LaPorta, Shelby Karr and Robert Walker.
Most Improved students are Dominique Spradley, Alease Clinton, Sarah Houk, Tyler Terry, Abriel Maldonado, Brittany Leonard, Jacob Vipperman, John Fritz, Arizona Ritchie, Taylor Perry, Rusten King, Jacob Infanti, Yanixa Mejia-Zuaso, Jacob Bouchard, Steffany Lopez, Alex Bradford, Katie Gerke Potts, Katherine Martinez-Weaver, Joshua Grimes, Ian Brown, Emily Bohr, Tatyana Gardner, Ana Kramer, Alexandra Posey, Adrianna Garcia, Aminata Bangura, Christopher Bonvillain, Nicole Milleson, Oleg Rumble and Keri Stone.
Students who set a good example for others and have earned the Citizenship Award are Joseph Grant, Tristan Sines, Rusty Dixon, Kaitlin Brady, Sara Caron, Kate Hampton, Kristen Clark, Christian Montgomery, Hayden Pope, Allyssa Lauly, Billy Jasswein, Brock Ann Brauer, Jehki Corbin, Alexander Szlucha, Joey Heindrichs, Amanda Marshall, Madison Powers, Joseph Knight, Stephanie Jacobsen, Courtney Thacker, Cynthia Jesswein, Annessa Coleman, Claire Haas, Malik Haley, Brittany Brown, Bryce Thomas, Megan Beckman, Mary Bordeaux, Caylyn Newcomb, Makela Staten, Haley Lee, Matthew Heindrichs, Hayley Bennett and Sam Bowers.
Students who demonstrated the word of the month honesty and earned the Character Award are Christian Krawczyk, Marshal White, Samantha DeAngelo, Ryan Reynolds, Mark Habel, Madison Robinson, Austin Otto, Haley Dorman, Spencer Evans, Emma Hammond, Tyren Clark, Annalisa Dick, Emma McElwain, Kyle Johnsen, Elizabeth Evans, Wayne Boykin, Ashley Kohl, Lauren Butler, Austun Colby, Caleb Reynolds, Harrison Weinfeld, Kaitlyn Rose, Rebecca Chisholm, Sabrina Sammel, Jack Monaghan, Ravyn Wilson and Ricky Garcia.
--Ruth Guckian
Widewater Elementary
The school is participating in the National Geographic Bee for the first time this year. Students who scored highest in the preliminary round and will represent their classes in the Bee on Jan. 6 are Eric Coppenrath, Jake Larsen, Rikki Watlington, Mason Ballard, Carmine Mancini, Madison Davis, Joe Graziano, Trey Corbitt, Alex Coldwell, Raquel Davidson, Aurora Morrison, Andrew Greehalgh, Manuel Reyes, Rachel Strong, Nick Carillo, Lauren Rush, Elizabeth Riley, Joshua Patishnock and Hailey Harris.
The character word for October was responsibility. The following students were caught being good examples and putting the word responsibility into action:
Kindergartners Gregory Cornwall and Ryan Davis.
First-graders Carl Lewis, Maren Larsen and Jason Seelye.
Second-graders Mary Passley, Lindsay Tarr and Emilee Walls.
Third-graders Nine Poppe, Billy Reich and James Kerr.
Fourth-graders Breanna Irr, Jose Llamas and Emily Brodie.
Fifth-graders Britney Sapp, Caitlin Marsh, Katie Grass, Miles Nowak, Catherline Reid and Megan Weitekamp.
The Book Fair is in full swing at the library. The last day for the event is Dec. 15. Shopping hours at the book fair are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. A percentage of the profits comes back the library for new books and equipment. Teachers have their classroom wish lists on display.
--Nancy Brothers
Winding Creek Elementary
The Winding Creek Television Station crew members include Clay Herring and Jessica Homet running the video board. Siobhan Bernard handles the outside weather camera. Capt. Adam Loop is in charge of the main camera and cueing the anchors. Zack Santulli produces the WCES-7 news each morning.
--Martha Ross
Drew Middle
Select Chorus auditions will be on Dec. 12 after school by appointment. Select chorus will be open to any student who meets the requirements in auditions. Sign up on the list outside the chorus room door.
The sixth-grade chorus, strings, and band will be presenting a winter music assembly for all sixth-graders on Dec. 13 during second period.
The seventh- and eighth-grade music groups will be presenting an assembly on Dec. 15.
The Scholastic Book Fair will run through Friday at noon. Eighth-grade teachers challenged the eighth-grade students to a dodge ball match the day before Thanksgiving break. Each physical education class played the teachers twice and at the end of the day, the teachers had played 18 games, while each student had played two games. The final score at the end of the day was Students 9, Teachers 9.
Students who exemplify the word of the month, "Honesty", are Ashleigh Bruce, Katey Smith, Keli Sanford, Zach Griffith, Chris Sullivan-Sanchez, Kristen Donnelly, Jasmine Johnson, Lindsay LaFratta, Michelle Bondeson, Josh Sheats, Alexandra Marsh and Michelle Amezquita.
--Jan Dowling
H. H. Poole Middle
The counseling center has named students who will serve as Mustang Ambassadors. The ambassadors are students who assist new students who enter H.H. Poole Middle School during the year. One male and one female ambassador was chosen as representatives from each homeroom. Congratulations to all the ambassadors.
The following boys are on this year's basketball team: Deshawn Acker, Andre Austin, David Christansen, Dante Dennis, Cortez Diaz, Ryan Dolinger, Aarin Foye, Brandon Hare, Anthony Kay, Phillip Me, Ken O'Brien, Brian Peele, Stephon Robinson, Brandon Tharpe, Matt Troy and Blake Washburn. Managers are: Kaitlyn McDonough, Ashley Hilsinger, Callie Weztelberger and KaylaHeinzman.
The following students are member's of this year's wrestling team: Devon Barber, Colin Bellios, Michael Bill, Thomas Brandon, Dak'rai Brown, Kevin Burton, Ben Connally, Chris Costello, Alex Doria, David Evans, Jacob Garcia, Jose Gonzales, Stefan Haas, Chris Hall, Ervin Hall, Chris Hamilton, Jakeb Haven, Jordan Hicks, Seth Hill, Matt Hokana, Dylan Jaramillo, James Keller, Dustin Lace, Courtney Lakes, Jacob Lee, Sylvius Lungocia, Kenneth Luong, Brandon Mainster, Nick Martinez, Jake Morgan, Marcus Morrast, Ryan O'Connor, Cody Oldroyd, Taylor Plummer, Tyler Portell, Andrew Purinton, Elan Redmon, Scott Reilly, Kris Richardson, Tito Rodriquez, Connor Sullivan, Dakota Thompson, Andre Vega and Justin Woodard.
--Marilyn Dunn
Stafford Middle
The following are members of the Spartan basketball team: Conner Blake, Johnny Daugherty, David Dilegge, Jeffery Fleeton, Bryan Greenhow, Phillip Holmes, Alan Jones, Zachary Karr, Taevon Palmer, Garison Pisall, Joseph Quispe, Kendall Rivers, El Smiling, Brandon Speed and Jordan Stone. Managers are Casey Vicari, Caroline Athing and Samantha Edwards.
Yearbook staff includes Kendall Gosney, Michael Martin, Katelyn Marrill, Jillian Oliver, Brittany Shaw, Bethany Quintana, Jacob Bagdon, Jasmine Parsels, Samantha Edwards, Aly Brahe, Kristen Olson, Kellie Hall, Shannon Boyle, Becky Reinboldt, Kaety Ritchie, Ariel Brown, Sarah Garrison and Cody Blackburn.
--Liz Featherstone
Thompson Middle
Will Wallace, Stefan Spriggs, Brooke Norton, Heather Taylor, Hannah Kenoyer, Reynnna Harper, Reid Pinder, Jake Bumbrey, Shai Enne Haynes, Trish Foley, Kerwin Thomas, Ashley Scalph, Abriana Donald, Zachary Ashburn, Meagan Tirado, Kalli Wilson, Ryan Stevenson and James Johnson enjoyed a limo ride to Cici's Pizza last week. These students won this opportunity through their participation in the PTO fundraiser.
--Stephanie Pettengill
A. G. Wright Middle
Barbara Heath, a reading resource specialist, named the following students "Star Readers:" Abby Neesen, Kaniesha Winn, Joseph Keene, Brittany Bran, Alexander Skavdahl and Logan O'Baker for achieving the status of star reader.
--Norma McCoy
Brooke Point High
At the Virginia Junior Classical League Convention on Nov. 21 in Richmond, Aubrey Mathews placed eighth on the poetry test.
THE Interact club did a terrific job of decorating a tree for the Festival of Trees. Trees are sold at silent auction and funds raised go to the Hope House. They won Best International Tree in the show.
The Business Management classes starting in last year's trial run are developing a business plan for creating a new or on-going business. Through this course-long activity they learn management issues and the in's and out's of opening and operating a business. It is done within a team environment complete with company name and logo. The teams must face off in a competitive presentation of their business concept to a small group of community judges, including a representative from Apple Credit Union. It is a unique way to learn about business and management. In presenting a business concept, students are learning how to present their own personal skills to an employer.
One team from last year's class took their business concept to a competitive level within the DECA organization.
--Tom Coen
Mountain View High
The school's first class officers were elected this past month. The following students will be leading their classes and the student government. New student government officers are Mike Kennedy, president; Jake Easter, vice president; Jenny White, secretary; Kyle Baker, treasurer and Kristin Olbeter, publicity.
Freshman class officers are Abie Kamara, president; Aly Brinza, vice president; Todd Staton, secretary and Eddie Spinella, treasurer.
Sophomore class officers are Natalie DiLisio, president; Samantha Snow, vice president; Tori Berry, secretary and Catharine Skavdahl, treasurer.
Junior class officers are Chelsea Estes, president; Hannah Glasgow, vice president; Jason Cizdziel, secretary and Mandi Allen, treasurer.
Student leaders hosted the Autumn Enchantment Dance in lieu of Homecoming. Leaders decided to elect a court, but not a king or queen. They decided to crown the first queen and king next year as seniors.
Members of the Mountain View Autumn Enchantment Court representing the freshmen class:
Freshmen--Rachael Glasgow escorted by Nick Kime and Kaitlyn Smith escorted by Matt Kratzer.
Sophomores--Destin Johnson escorted by Josh Ordonez and Heather Lambert escorted by Malcolm Roach.
Juniors--Hannah Glasgow escorted by Michael Kennedy; Jillian Brinza escorted by Jacob Easter and Sarah Schaefer escorted by Beau Banglesdorf.
More than 50 members of the Spanish Club recently held the First Fiesta Hispana. The fiesta highlighted food, dance, and culture. The club is open to everyone.
--Tammy Houk
private schools
Fredericksburg Academy
The Academy's Upper School Chorus and Middle and Upper School bands will present a concert at 7 p.m. tomorrow in the Theater.
On Thursday, the second grade will take a field trip to Riverside Center Theater.
In recognition of the upcoming holidays, the first grade has started its unit on "The Polar Express." The students will study the holiday traditions of different countries each day.
To celebrate the holidays and the end of the second quarter, the Upper School Student Life Committee will sponsor a dance in the Upper School Commons this Friday evening.
Friday is the last day of the second marking period for Middle and Upper School classes with midterm exams. Monday is an exam review day for classes with exams. Eighth-graders and Upper School students will take exams Dec. 13-16. All students will be dismissed at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 16 for holiday break.
--Beth Hunley
Fredericksburg Christian Schools
Fredericksburg Christian School Ferry Farm Preschool will have chapel on Dec. 7 at 8:45 a.m. The Stafford Preschool will have chapel on Dec. 8 at 8:45 a.m.
At the Middle School the following students received all A's for the first quarter: Regina Bill, Chelsea Bryant, Taylor Campbell, Rebecca Copeland, Sydney Cowley, Michael Devers, Lydia Dunn, Shelby Edmisten, Kalista Farmer, Mikenna Fidgeon, Isaac Geisler, Rachel Haynes, Zachary Hodson, Carolyn Jensen, Alexandra Kuske, Ashley Leupold, Lauren Leupold, Carolyn Lindsey, Amber Lockwood, Kelsey Lucas, Paige Marple, Colin Maurer, Brittany McCray, Maggie McKneely, Alexandra Morgan, Hannah Parsons, Lauren Powell, Jessica Revely, Rachel Sansone, Elizabeth Steigerwald, Erin Storms, Elizabeth Sullivan, Jenna Sullivan, Taylor Thompson-Turner, Carly Woodard, Hannah Woods, Kelsey Woods, and Caitlyn Woodward.
The high school Christmas Party will be Saturday at Riverside Center Dinner Theater.
--Julie Shaeffer
Holy Cross Academy
Young Catholics for Change recently sponsored a canned and nonperishable food drive to benefit the Fredericksburg Food Bank. They also challenged each class's competitive spirit by promising an ice cream party to the group who donated the most items. The Fredericksburg Food Bank received more than a thousand items. Mary McBroom and Mary Ann Martin's first- and fifth-grade classes for each contributing 270 cans and boxes.
Donna Lang's fifth-graders were very busy sponsoring the sale of Thank You grams and organizing the enormously exhilarating, stuffed with spirit, Thanksgiving Turkey Trot on Nov. 23. Pizza parties were awarded to Mary Sue Kosky's third-grade gobblers for having the most student sign ups and for displaying the most Thanksgiving Spirit. Sister Frances Carol's fourth-graders had the most parents and guests participate. A $1,000 will be sent to the Oblate Sisters of Saint Francis de Sales' Koelenhof R C Primary School in South Africa. Funds will be used to purchase much needed food and school supplies.
Everyone is invited Thursday to the 8:30 a.m. school Mass for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
--Betsy Moran
Merit School of Stafford
The winter holiday season begins with the upcoming Winter Music program on Thursday. Laurie Karr's second- and third-grade students will perform as trees or elves, and are asked to dress accordingly.
Students in Laurie Karr's second- and third-grade class have adopted a little boy for Christmas. Students are encouraged to help brighten the 3 year old's holiday by purchasing new clothing and toys. Gifts should be sent to the classroom unwrapped, by Dec. 12. The children look forward to this activity, and to the wrapping party they will have--complete with hot chocolate and Christmas cookies.
Remember to bring in gifts for your adopted angel tree child by Dec. 12. Listen to radio station 95.9 FM for the Merit School Singers' version of "Oh Christmas Tree."
With a twinkle in his eye, Santa greeted children at the annual PATS sponsored Breakfast with Santa. Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves held court in Santa's workshop handing out candy canes and gifts while parents dined on a hearty breakfast.
--Anne Pickle
St. William of York
Rosemary Moretti and Lydia. Lang's kindergarten class have been working on a Little Acts of Kindness Tree. They have been doing acts of kindness for their families and friends. They have filled a tree with autumn leaves each containing the different kindnesses they performed. They are a wonderful and caring group of children.
The basketball teams played their first games of the season on Nov. 29 against Colonial Beach high school. The girls' varsity team won 24-10. The girls' junior-varsity and the boys teams played well against the high school teams. The next games will be at Linton Hall on Thursday: girls at 4 p.m. and boys at 5:15 p.m.
Diana Roets and Mary-Ellen Samuelsen organized Santa's Secret workshop in which the students were able to buy good gifts at low prices for their family members. Any items left over will be available for sale at Breakfast with Baby Jesus on Dec. 10.
--Kathy Walker