Paw Print Holiday 2013

News for Collegiate School Families and Friends

Holiday 2013

The New Reed-Gumenick Library Makes Room for Middle Schoolers

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hen school started back in August, the spotlight was shining on our new Sharp Academic Commons and H2L2 Studios which were opening their doors for the first time to students and faculty. Just down the walkway, however, construction was continuing on another building that is nestled in the center of the north side of campus in such a way that it could have been missed by visitors – the ReedGumenick Library.

Built in 1960 to serve as a common resource for the Middle and Upper Schools, this library evolved over the decades from a pin-drop silent study space to an overcrowded, often noisy, place for reading, group study, watching films, socializing, creating with our Makerbot, Skyping and research. The opening of Sharp, with the Saunders Family Library for Upper School students, afforded the Middle School the chance to remake Reed-Gumenick into a space of its very own. Construction was complete in late September and students and faculty have already found the bright, versatile space to be perfect for all kinds of academic pursuits.

Reflecting the way libraries function today, there are areas for conversation, mid-level noise and quiet study. There is a fully equipped tech space for Skyping and film viewing, and a flex classroom with a north-facing wall of glass that offers a sunny view of the central walkway connecting Upper and Middle Schools. Additional features include a special room for the Makerbot (our popular 3-D printer), movable seating and plenty of computer access.

The south side of Reed-Gumenick Library faces a new outdoor theater often used for Middle School activities.

With laptops that are available for student use in the library, Mr. Dave Fuller’s 8th Grade history class works on a project involving the creation of fictional candidates.

Librarian Carolyn LaMontagne says the real value lies in “the difference with Middle Schoolers having their own space.

When we were sharing space with Upper School, there was sometimes an

intimidation factor for the younger kids, and now there is none of that. Our circulations are up, and we get a lot of continued on back cover

From the Head of School

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ollegiate has always burst out of the gates for a new school year but 2013-14 has been particularly exciting—and for good reasons.

The dramatic changes to our campus geography, physical spaces and daily patterns have revealed longstanding truths about our school community that have manifested in new ways. The writer of Ecclesiastes may have been correct when he wrote, “There is nothing new under the sun.” However, occasionally we need a few chances to see what is right under our noses. Here’s what I have observed (again) this fall:

1. Our students always get there first.

Throughout the design process for the Sharp Academic Commons, the fully renovated Reed-Gumenick Library and the refurbished Middle and Upper School classrooms, we wondered (and fretted) about how students would use these new collaborative work spaces. They were already there. Practically from the first day, our students moved in and created new patterns of working and interacting as if they had occupied these spaces forever.

Likewise, when we changed the curriculum of the International Emerging Leaders Conference to an emphasis on design thinking, or launched a pilot Envision Richmond program with a group

of 8th Graders focused on engaging real issues in Richmond, our students not only embraced the challenges but exceeded our expectations.

The lesson: Be observant. The signals for new ways of teaching and learning are all around us in the patterns and habits of our students.

2. The world is still full of incredible opportunity.

Change on campus has also meant an uptick in connections and reconnections with longtime friends of Collegiate, young alums, our growing group of global partners and the Richmond business and not-for-profit communities. The headlines can be discouraging with news of a wobbly economy and dysfunctional political process. But the individual experiences of people who have been drawn to our campus this fall tells another story.

For the motivated, creative, strategic initiators, the world still responds to a good idea with loads of opportunity. I’ve heard it from alums in college and those fresh out, from principals of partner schools, executives in downtown headquarters, from leaders of local nonprofits—the opportunities are abundant for those ready to see old problems in new ways and drive innovation.

For those searching for a way to “fit in” to the status quo, the climb is much steeper.

Clearly our job is to graduate dynamic, confidence-inspiring thinkers. We are hard at work on exactly that each day.

3. Gratitude inspires in a way that want never can.

We started 2013-14 focused on how amazingly fortunate we are to benefit from the generosity of so many who have made our new facilities possible. While there is considerable distance to travel before the campus vision is fully realized, our glass is way beyond “half full” and a sense of gratitude has permeated the student body, faculty and staff. With gratitude comes the realization that we all have something to live up to. Generous supporters have invested precious resources in our school with the understanding that we will give it our best each day and pay it forward. That challenge is both motivating and rewarding.

Cicero said it best a long time ago, “Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.”

That’s a perfect parting thought for the fall and the upcoming season of thanks.

Keith Evans Head of School

From the Cougar Shop …

Cozy up this holiday season with all things warm and super soft from the Cougar Shop! We have the most comfortable sweatshirts and 1/4 zip pullovers from Under Armour and League, sweatpants, Snuggies, Boxercraft PJ bottoms, fuzzy socks and a wide assortment of hats, gloves and scarves.

Looking for the latest and greatest toy or game for your child for the holidays?

We are excited to offer the new WordARound game, Living Sand toy, magic milk straws, dancing water speakers and Bike Brightz lights for your bike!

New stainless steel tumblers, Tervis drink ware, Santa hats, candy ornaments and Lilly Pulitzer accessories are always great gifts for your special someone.

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Need a little help with gift ideas? New this year, students can fill out a “wish list” that we’ll share with parents. Short on time? Give us a call or email us; we can have the gift of your choice wrapped and ready to go. Don’t forget that we have gift certificates, too! For more information on upcoming events, gift ideas and images of merchandise, please visit our website: http://www. collegiate-va.org/cougarshop.

The Cougar Shop is open from 7:45am 4:00pm Monday through Thursday and 7:45am - 3:00pm on Friday.

The Cougar Shop will also have a booth at ’Tis the Season … on Dec. 7 from 8:30am - 2:30pm on the Lower School campus.

Campus Conversation Photo by Susan Wermus, SPARC

Save the Date: Winter Party & Auction

Collegiate students rehearse with Live Art students for an upcoming performance.

LIVE ART and Cougars Partner for Performance Since January of 2013, the Collegiate campus has been host to some very special classes on Mondays and Wednesdays that will continue through December. These classes have been part of an initiative called LIVE ART, which is the creation of SPARC’s Erin ThomasFoley. On the SPARC website, the following description of Live Art is listed: As a unique, multi-disciplinary, inclusive educational program, LIVE ART is building relationships among arts organizations, educators and artists to expand arts opportunities for students with developmental disabilities and typically developing students alike. LIVE ART is at the leading edge of arts education, integrating performing arts curriculum with special education.

As a partner in this endeavor, Collegiate is not only providing spaces for these classes to take place, but also has several students that are active members. Students Charlotte Adams, Gillian Laming, Elizabeth Howell, Kate Partlow, Zach Molechert and Jess Speight are working on a performance piece with a group of Faison School for Autism students. Ben Kelly and Danton Wein are members of the Chamber Ensemble which will serve as a featured musical group in the performance. All of these Collegiate students are helping to serve as mentors and guides to the other

members of these groups. Very special moments are happening in the classrooms every week as our students are helping others in the community build skills in the arts and in daily life.

The culmination of this event will be a public concert on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013 featuring LIVE ART students alongside national artists k.d. Lang, Jason Mraz, Christina Perri and regional artists such as Robbin Thompson, Susan Greenbaum, Jesse Harper and Rene Marie. Tickets have sold quickly, but there are some left for what promises to be a very special night of the arts in action.

To purchase tickets, please visit: http://www.sparconline.org/liveart/.

— Mike Boyd, Director of Performing Arts

Chaired by parents Laura and Michael Bland ’83, this year’s Winter Party & Auction will put you in a New York state of mind! Mark your calendars for Saturday, Feb. 22 at the Westin Hotel and make this another successful event for Collegiate School! Browse our famous silent auction and bid from your cellphone or a provided handheld device while sipping cocktails and catching up with your friends. A seated dinner and live auction featuring the alwaysentertaining Mark Motley will follow. A portion of the proceeds will support the Centennial Campaign.

Again this year, we will be offering a select number of items for bidding online from Feb. 1-10, 2014. Our “Best of Live” Raffle will offer 100 tickets @ $100 each for your choice of any live auction item!

Visit www.collegiate-va.org/ winterparty for more information and to preview items. Remember, you are not only bidding to win these fun and unique items, but you will also be supporting Collegiate School!

— Pam Robers, Auction Coordinator

A highlight of this year’s International Emerging Leaders Conference was the DesignPitch event where teams of students presented solutions to environmental issues worldwide. Here, students from India, Morocco, Collegiate, Malaysia, and Spain discuss their innovative idea for a bacteria-eating device that could be used to clean water.

Holiday 2013 | 3

Campus Conversation (cont.)

Meet Christine Branin, Director of Auxiliary Services

2014 Registration opens Feb. 1!

We look forward to seeing you and your children on campus for Summer Quest 2014. This summer will be full of new offerings as well as traditional favorites for more than 130 camp and class opportunities! Our brochures will be mailed to all Collegiate families and past participants in late January. Please contact us with any questions! 741-9714 or summerquest@collegiate-va.org.

Village Green Fair 2014 is Coming!!

Join us Friday, Apr. 11 and Saturday, Apr. 12 for rides, games, shopping, food and FUN! Co-Chairs Jeannie Schutt and Sterling Coulbourn along with their VGF committee chairs want your involvement, too!! Do you want to volunteer? Be a sponsor? Or donate a product or service?

Please email Jeannie, theschutts@ verizon.net, or Sterling, coulbourns@ verizon.net, to let them know how YOU can HELP!!

Cleaning out before the holidays??

Bring your used books, almost new toys, and gently worn children’s clothing (sizes 5-16) anytime during school hours to the basement of the Business Office. These items will be sold at the VGF Cougar Market with 100% of the proceeds going to the Parents’ Association. With your support VGF 2014 will be a HUGE SUCCESS!

Auxilawho? You are the new director of what? What is an auxiliary and why does Collegiate have auxiliaries? All really good questions and here are the answers.

Auxiliary Services, by definition, are a group of marketing, promotional and revenue-generating services provided by an entity for its community. In the case of Collegiate, these services are offered to support the mission of the school while enhancing the experience of our students, parents, faculty, staff, and alumni. In many cases, Collegiate’s auxiliaries leverage our already existing resources to everyone’s benefit. Some might say that auxiliary services can run counter to the focus of an educational institution. However, at Collegiate, we are very cognizant of this and work to partner with and support all of our constituents. Collegiate’s Auxiliary Services include: • Cougar Care (pre-school childcare) • Cougar Quest (afternoon childcare for K-6) • Cougar Quest PLUS (afternoon enrichment activities for K-6)

• Summer Quest camps and classes • The Cougar Shop • Food and catering services • Cougar Zone youth sports • Facility rentals • Textbooks • Private music lessons • Vending and concessions Collegiate offers auxiliary services because in today’s economy, revenuegenerating opportunities are now more important than ever. The net revenue generated by our auxiliaries helps to offset the operational costs of the school.

During the 2012-2013 school year,

Collegiate’s Auxiliaries contributed nearly $1 million in net revenue to operations. To continually improve our auxiliary offerings and better meet the needs of our community, we regularly review and evaluate our programs. To this end, we welcome your input and would appreciate when asked to fill out a survey, that you please take the time to let us know what you think.

We encourage and thank you for your participation, ideas and constructive feedback.

So next time you need that perfect gift, custom t-shirt or athletic gear, think of the Cougar Shop. If you are hosting a special event on or off campus and need a boxed lunch for a meeting, think of Andy Harrison and his Aladdin team. If the convenience of private music lessons on campus is appealing, sign-up for lessons with one of our musical wizards. Looking to keep your kids busy this summer, check our Summer Quest camps. For those in the public or private sector looking for a unique place to hold meetings, consider using spaces here on campus. If a safe, enriching educational environment is what you want for your child, consider our after-school and enrichment offerings at Cougar Quest and/or PLUS programs.

And finally, take a look at our youth sports programs in the Cougar Zone as you won’t find more qualified, passionate coaches anywhere else! By supporting Collegiate’s Auxiliaries, you are supporting our school and ultimately, our children.

Check Out the Parent Resource Page

The Parent Resource Page is located on the Collegiate website under the Parents tab.

You will find links to health and wellness program, stress management ideas, teen driving regulations, the Student Support Team and Faculty Health Team. The Parent Resource Page is eye-opening! www.collegiate-va.org/parentresources 4 | Paw Print

Upcoming Events

This is not a comprehensive calendar, and dates are subject to change.

Please go to www.collegiate-va.org/today for an up-to-date calendar of events.

11/20/13 LS

12/13/13 LS

Parent Education Program: Navigating the Social Scene with Lower School counselor Marella Gregory. Luck Hall, Rm. 100, 8:15am.

11/20/13 ALL

SuperStars Spirit Night: Get your dinner from SuperStars (5700 Patterson Ave.) and a percentage of their proceeds will benefit Collegiate.

11/26/13 LS

1st Grade Pow Wow: The entire grade level performs Native American traditional dances as a culmination of their unit study across curriculum.

Parents invited. Estes Multipurpose Bldg., 2pm.

11/26/13 US

Feast of Juul: Senior boys and Upper School faculty enjoy a dinner, music and toasts in McFall Hall, 6:30pm.

11/27/13 MS US

Brunch: Holiday skit and songs performed by the junior girls in honor of the senior girls, attended by girls in grades 5-12, 9:30am, Oates Theater (no actual brunch is involved… the original tradition included a meal)

12/2/14 ALL

STUDENT HOLIDAY: Faculty Professional Day

12/6/13 ALL

Holiday Greens Sale: The Parents’ Association offers wreaths, planted pots and other handmade decor, 8:30am-2pm, Luck Hall (this is a NEW location). Pick up all pre-orders here, too.

12/6/13 MS US

Lessons & Carols: Holiday celebration, attended by boys in grades 5-12, parents in 5th and 12th Grades are welcome, Second Baptist Church, River and Gaskins roads, 11:30am-12:30pm

12/7/13 ALL

’Tis the Season… : Our big holiday event! (pg. 6)

12/9/13 – 12/10/13 ALL

Christmas Pageant: Tradition dating back to early girls-only days of Collegiate, girls in grades 5-12 play all parts and sing (no speaking roles), All Saints Episcopal Church, River Rd., 5:30-6:30pm (get there early to save a seat)

12/11/13 and 1/23/14 US

Bagels with Ben: Informal meeting with Head of Upper School Ben Rein to chat about issues specific to the student experience in grades 9-12, Board Room in Sharp Academic Commons, 8-9am

3rd Grade Concert of Carols: 3rd Graders tell the Christmas story through music and nativity for family and special friends, River Road Presbyterian Church, 9am.

12/18/13 ALL

LATE ARRIVAL

12/19/13 LS

Kindergarten Chapel: Kindergarteners perform seasonal music for family and special friends, River Road Presbyterian Church, 9am.

12/20/14 ALL

SCHOOL CLOSES FOR WINTER BREAK

1/6/14 ALL

CLASSES RESUME

1/14/14 MS

5th & 6th Grade Instrumental Concert, Oates Theater, 7-9pm

1/17/14 ALL

STUDENT HOLIDAY: Faculty Professional Day

1/20/14 ALL

SCHOOL HOLIDAY: Martin Luther King Day

1/22/14 MS

Dads and Donuts: Fathers of Middle School students are invited to enjoy coffee and donuts, SAC, 7-8am.

1/29/14 LS

2/4/14 US

Freshman Service Week Information Meeting: Parents of 9th Graders are invited to learn about Freshman Service Week, Sharp Academic Commons, Craigie Board Room, 8am.

2/7/14 LS

2nd Grade States Fair: A hat parade at the Lower School (8:20am) and performance in Oates Theater (9:30am) for guests (family and special friends) highlighting the Fifty Nifty United States.

2/9/14 US

Mother-Son Dance: Boys in grades 9-12 escort their mothers to the Sharp Academic Commons, 8-10pm.

2/10/14 US

Freshman Service Week: All 9th Graders volunteer at service agencies around Richmond.

2/11/14 LS

Lower School Piano Recital: 4, 5:15pm in Recital Room, Hershey Center for the Arts.

2/12/14 US

Parent Education: Leaving the Nest – How to Effectively Help Your Senior Transition to College for parents of seniors, with speaker Linda Hancock. Sharp Academic Commons, Craigie Board Room, 7:30pm.

2/13/14 LS

Parent Education: The Blessing of Boredom … the resourceful, inventive, creative child with Janet Carter, for all Lower School parents, 8:15am, Burke Hall.

3rd/4th Grade Chat ’n Chew Session: Lower School parent and student participants eat lunch and talk about the book they’re reading together.

Burke Hall, 11:30am.

2/17/14 ALL

1/29/14 US

Chipotle Spirit Night: Eat at Chipotle at Stony Point Fashion Park, mention Collegiate when you order and 50% of all sales will go to the Parents’ Association.

1/30/14 US

2/20/14 US

Upper School Music Recital, Hershey Center Choral Room, 7:30pm.

Parent Education: Driving Issues with Officer Netherland of Henrico County (for 9th and 10th Grade parents), Sharp Academic Commons, Craigie Board Room, 7:30pm.

2/3/14 ALL

Winter Jazz Jam with the Jazz Band, Oates Theater, 7:30pm.

2/6/14 MS

Spaghetti Dinner and Roundtable: 5th and 6th Grade parents learn about social media kids are using, with a panel of US students. McFall Hall, 6:30pm.

STUDENT HOLIDAY: Faculty Professional Day

2/17/14 ALL

Parent Academy Wellness Symposium (P.A.W.S).

2/21/14 – 2/22/14 ALL

8th Grade Play: Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jr. on Feb. 21 at 7pm and Feb. 22 at 2pm in Oates Theater.

2/22/14 ALL

Collegiate Winter Party & Auction: New York, New York! at the Westin Hotel.

2/27/14 ALL

Cougar Classic: The faculty takes on the staff in this annual basketball competition preceded by some student games and pizza dinner, Jacobs Gym Holiday 2013 | 5

SPIRIT NIGHT The Collegiate Parents’ Association invites you to join us for

Saturday, Dec. 7

8:30am - 2:30pm, Lower School Campus

Holiday Greens Sale, Friday, Dec. 6

8:30am - 2:00pm, 100 Luck Hall (New Location)

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

This is a Collegiate tradition you don’t want to miss.

There’s nothing like good pizza and subs to get you in the holiday spirit! Join your Collegiate friends at SuperStars (5700 Patterson Ave.) on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 4-9pm. Call ahead and take-n-bake your pizza at home if you are in a rush (673-3663). A percentage of all sales go back to Collegiate.

Take advantage of the easiest way to buy your holiday greenery including classic wreaths and roping, fragrant paperwhites, and flashy poinsettias. Quantities of some items are limited so pre-order to ensure you can get your favorite. All sales benefit the Parents’ Association.

Pre-sale pick up and shop on Friday, Dec. 6, 8:30am - 2pm in 100 Luck Hall Shop on Saturday, Dec. 7, 8:30am- 2:30pm in 100 Luck Hall

NEW THIS YEAR: HOLLY BALL FLOWERS

Join us for a day of fun for the entire family including shopping, entertainment for the kids, music and food.

Sponsored by the Parents’ Association, the proceeds from this event go back to Collegiate to fund programs and projects that directly benefit the entire Collegiate community.

Attention Middle School cotillion families … Order your Holly Ball flowers ONLINE and benefit Collegiate at the same time. Since the Holly Ball falls on Friday, Dec. 6, you can come pick up your pre-ordered Holly Ball Flowers and shop the Holiday Greens Sale at the same time!

Order online at www.collegiate-va.org/tistheseason/hollyball.

There is something for everyone at this year’s

Pre-sale pick up and shop on Friday, Dec. 6, 8:30am - 2pm in 100 Luck Hall

w Holiday Boutique: Specialty shopping! w Holiday Greens: Deck your halls! w Cub Boutique: K-6 “kids only” shopping! w Jingle Mingle: Family fun entertainment! w Portico Gourmet Dinners w Plantation Peanuts

Stock your freezer with delicious dinners compliments of the chefs at Portico Restaurant, formerly known as Franco’s Frozen Foods. Enjoy these delicious Italian classics that feed a family of five. Simply reheat and serve. To order online go to www.collegiate-va.org/ tistheseason/portico.

Plus a festive atmosphere complete with music, food and fun!

New in 2013 … w SuperStars Spirit Night: Wednesday, Nov. 20 w Holly Ball Flowers: available on Friday, Dec. 6 w Online ordering is fast and easy Thank you for your support! For more information, visit www.collegiate-va.org/tistheseason 6 | Paw Print

Pick up orders on Friday, Dec. 6, 8-10am in the South parking lot of the Business Office.

Plantation Peanuts of Wakefield offers a variety of gourmet peanut products cooked to perfection in small batches. A great gift idea for family, neighbors and business associates! To order online go to www. collegiate-va.org/tistheseason/peanuts.

Pick up orders on Friday, Dec. 6, 8-10am in the South parking lot of the Business Office.

Reynolds Hall and the Estes Wing will be filled with all kinds of unique and exciting gifts for everyone! You might even finish your holiday shopping while contributing 15% of your purchase back to Collegiate. For a list of vendors, please visit our website at www.collegiateva.org/tistheseason/holidayboutique.

Shop on Saturday, Dec. 7, 8:30am-2:30pm in the Estes Multi-Purpose Room in Reynolds Hall.

First Seating: 8:30am - 9:30am Second Seating: 10:30am - 11:30am Third Seating: 1pm - 2:30pm Jingle Mingle is the holiday hot spot for family fun!

Join us in Burke Hall where we will be encouraging culinary creativity, listening to beautiful live music or watching a fun holiday movie.

First Seating: “Decorate your own waffle” stations are waiting for the entire family. While enjoying your waffles, listen to a musical performance by our very own Robby Turner.

Second Seating: The Lower School Cantorian is sure to pack the house again with their beautiful holiday music. “Decorate your own waffle” stations will still be in business for this seating.

SCHEDULE AT-A-GLANCE Superstars Spirit Night Wednesday, Nov. 20, 4-9pm

Form Deadlines

w Nov. 22 Plantation Peanuts Orders w Nov. 22 Portico Gourmet Dinners Orders w Dec. 3 Jingle Mingle Reservations Pick Up Friday, Dec. 6, 8-10am Portico Gourmet Dinners and Plantation Peanuts – South Business Office parking lot

Pre-Sale Pick Up and Shop Friday, Dec. 6, 8:30am - 2pm Holiday Greens – 100 Luck Hall

Saturday, Dec. 7 8:30am – 2:30pm Cub Boutique – Nunnally Hall

Third Seating: Popcorn and drinks will be served while your children watch a fun holiday movie and you shop BY YOURSELF! Children must be at least 4 years old to participate.

Jingle Mingle – Burke Hall

Each seating is $5 per person. Please make reservations through the ’Tis the Season… packet, or online at www.collegiate-va.org/tistheseason/jinglemingle. Reservations are due

by Tuesday, Dec. 3.

Holiday Greens Sale – 100 Luck Hall

Holiday Boutique – Estes Wing, Reynolds Hall Grab a Bite – Food for the kids (and grownups too!) available all day. Delicious donuts, coffee, drinks and other food offerings available for purchase throughout the day.

No grownups allowed! Kindergarten - 6th Grade kids will enjoy secret shopping for family, friends and pets! Elves will be there to assist your child.

All gifts are $10 or less. Gift-wrapping is included. Print the sign-up form and shopping list at www.collegiate-va.org/tistheseason/cubboutique.

Shop on Saturday, Dec. 7, 8:30am-2:30pm in Nunnally Hall

COOKBOOKS – Our Tastiest Tradition The Stuffed Cougar and The Stuffed Cougar, Too are Collegiate families’ favorite cookbooks.

They are collections of recipes of delicious and festive foods for family meals, parties, and gifts. Current Cougar great-grandparents and grandparents contributed to the original The Stuffed Cougar, published in the 1970s and The Stuffed Cougar, Too published in the 1990s by the Parents’ Association.

The original cookbook, The Stuffed Cougar, is currently sold out. However, we continue to sell The Stuffed Cougar, Too. Cookbooks are $14.95 and proceeds help fund Parents’ Association programs that directly benefit our children. To order, visit www.collegiate-va.org/cookbook. The cookbooks are also available at The Cougar Shop on campus.

Holiday Happenings 11/26/13

Feast of Juul

11/27/13

Brunch

12/6/13

Lessons and Carols

12/6/13

Holiday Greens Sale and Pre-Sale Pick Up

12/7/13

’Tis the Season...

12/9-10/13

Christmas Pageant

12/13/13

3rd Grade Concert of Carols

12/19/13

Kindergarten Chapel Holiday 2013 | 7

From the Upper School

W

hat is the value of an education?

It’s an interesting question to consider, and while “cost” is easy to calculate, “value,” well, that’s trickier. Whether the answer is easy to provide or not, I do know the question of value is very much on the minds of parents sending their kids to college these days – and probably on the minds of many Collegiate families too. In fact, the New York Times recently ran a front page article suggesting that the fastest growing sector of the college ranking industry is analytically calculated lists that tie bottom line cost to value. They are exploding in popularity from on-line ranking sites to US News and World Report, the Princeton Review and even Forbes Magazine. Everyone has a “best value” list to share.

There is only one problem. Nobody can agree on how to measure value, or even what value actually means in the first place.

Does social mobility represent value?

How about salary out of school? Or should it be salary 20 years out of school?

What about happiness as an adult, does that count? Or schools that send large percentages of graduates into the social services like teaching, nursing or civic institutions. Is that value? And what about good old-fashioned academic achievement and intellectual curiosity—learning for learning’s sake—isn’t that the point of higher education? What about prestige and networking history, cost, global internship opportunities? It’s hard to stop.

So if the colleges can’t define value, how can we, a “college prep” institution, make the case for value? In many ways, I think it’s easier to do, because while undoubtedly people send their kids through the Collegiate Upper School in part for our college matriculation lists, AP test scores, top rate faculty and spectacular facilities, they keep them here because of the intangibles. Students are happy and parents are satisfied because in addition to all of the things that can be quantified, analyzed and calculated to prove Collegiate’s worth, we have never lost sight of the most important piece of the educational puzzle—the person being educated.

Kids who graduate from Collegiate can all write, think analytically and critically, 8 | Paw Print

work collaboratively and under pressure, and carry themselves with sophistication and poise in an every expanding global society. These are important traits. But most importantly, and as has been the case since the founding of the school, Collegiate graduates are good people.

They are kind, thoughtful, sincere and reflective. They will reach down to someone in need instead of stepping over them, and they will measure the worth of a friend through their character and integrity above all else.

So what is the value of an education?

It’s many things, but most importantly at Collegiate, it’s the educators working with our students understanding that even with all of the bells and whistles at our disposal today, if we do not send the best people into the world, then we have offered little value at all.

Ben Rein Upper School Head

Emmy Award-winning journalist Roberta Oster discussed important international stories, like the plight of women and girls in Afghanistan and Pakistan, with Upper School students in the Sandbox in the Sharp Academic Commons.

New Global Dialogues Take Place Collegiate’s Global Education program is sponsoring a new initiative this year that offers Upper School students opportunities to learn more about the world around them. Programming for the initiative, which is called Global Dialogues, is being stewarded by a Leadership Council comprised of Upper School students Paris Hanon-Bogosh, Custis Coleman and Vivien Fergusson.

Global Dialogues includes a speaker series through which area residents with global ties talk with students about this year’s theme, “Youth action on global issues.” The first speaker, journalist and filmmaker Roberta Oster, visited the Upper School in late October. She encouraged students to learn about human rights issues affecting people around the world and take steps to raise awareness about them.

A forum will take place on campus in late February that will feature a keynote speaker and workshops led by students from area public and independent schools

in which they share ideas on how to become more involved in global issues.

“Our students want to know more about what’s going on in the world,” says Clare Sisisky, Collegiate’s Director of Global Education. “This is a partnership with students who are looking for more discussion and dialogue, and a partnership with our community resources to bring that discussion to a higher level.”

US Parents, Mark Your Calendar for Parent Academy 2014!

Calling all Upper School Parents!

Middle-age aches and pains, insomnia, parenting teenagers and caring for aging parents can leave us physically tired and emotionally drained. Sound familiar? We can help!

Join us for the 2014 Parent Academy “P.A.W.S.” – Parents’ Association Wellness Symposium—a day of continued on page 11

In the Middle School

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e had our first Middle School Festival this past week, and, judging by its success, it won’t be the last. The motives behind the festival were to celebrate the move to Flippen Hall, all of the great outdoor learning spaces, and many of the terrific programs and activities that are ongoing in the Middle School.

Debbie Hailes and Cathy Melton took the lead and put together a wonderful event that exceeded our high expectations.

Spread about “our end” of the center walkway that stretches from the Sharp Academic Commons to Jacobs Gym, it felt much like a street festival as our students made their way among the performers, displays and vendors. Our cafeteria staff provided a cookout in Fry Court that both whet and satisfied our appetites with the smells and tastes of foods from the grill.

Student groups of drummers, strings, band, and guitar alternated throughout

the hour playing their music in the outdoor theater. Faculty joined in and shared their talents as well. There were art displays along the sidewalk between the South Science Building and ReedGumenick Library.

In other areas, world language classes shared recent projects including a visit from Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI (thanks Mesdames Benson and Johnston) and the mad scientist, Mr. Lupini, demonstrated several experiments, most of which included fire. Drama and dance students performed improvisation and movement exercises to the delight of their classmates, and our Entrepreneur Club members, supported by the Golden Cougar Bank, sold their wares including jewelry, locker organizers, iPad holders, cookies, and other treats. The sunshine and 70-degree temperature were gifts on this late October day of friendship, collaboration, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Any observer would have commented on the joy evident in our students. You could see it in their smiles as they took in everything the festival offered. And as if that were not enough, multiple teachers commented on how many students came to them to share their appreciation for the event. It was a feel good time for the Middle School that speaks to the sense of community to which we aspire.

Yes, all of us in the Middle School have much for which to be thankful. The festival was a way to highlight our good fortune. Stay tuned for more!

Charlie Blair Middle School Head

8th Graders Learn to Take Action Through Envision Richmond 2022 Cathy Melton, Collegiate’s Director of Economics Education, and Middle School Humanities teacher Laurie Shadowen are leading a group of 8th Graders through an economics education capstone experience that is helping them learn more about the Richmond metro area and how each of them has the power to make a difference in the region in which they live.

Envision Richmond 2022 (named for the year current 8th Graders will graduate from college) is being piloted with about 20 students, with plans to expand the program grade-wide during the next academic school year. The experience is designed to give 8th Graders time to be curious and the freedom to take risks while confronting a real world problem, Mrs. Melton said.

Students participating in this year’s inaugural program took part in a two-day program in October that gave them a perspective of Richmond from the water and land. They spent a morning rafting the James River with Riverside Outfitters, ate lunch on the rocks, and documented their experience through photographs and journaling. Venture Richmond then led them on a tour to

view the river from the city.

The following day, the students met in Collegiate’s newly-renovated ReedGumenick Library to reflect on their first-day retreat experiences and hear from local experts about economic, environmental, public policy, legal and marketing issues facing Richmond and the James River.

Speakers included Nathan Burrell, manager of James River Park; Bill Street, Executive Director of the James River Association; Paul Calamita, a water

rights attorney and Collegiate parent; Mark Olinger, Director of Planning & Development and the Riverfront Planning Commission; Bob Steidel, Director of Public Utilities; and Megan Schultz from SportsBackers.

Next March, the students will spend a week using design thinking skills to find a solution for a problem facing the city that they, as a group, choose to tackle.

They will present their ideas to local community leaders. continued on page 11

A group of 8th Graders rafted on the James River as part of their Envision Richmond 2022 retreat.

Holiday 2013 | 9

In the Lower School

W

hen we talk about Collegiate traditions we often think about events that take place annually. But recently, I had an “aha” moment as I realized that the biggest Collegiate tradition is not an event at all. It has to do with the all important quality of character and how we go about developing that.

Our students are shown time and again what it means to have a strong character and we help to highlight that with our young children in the Lower School. At this level, it is often concrete and very intentional. We use those wonderful “teachable moments” each day.

As I walk around the Lower School I see it play out with students. Earlier in October, the 4th Grade Cantorion sang Happy Birthday to Ann Lee Saunders Brown who was 95 years young. She was so excited and talked about what she loved when she was a Collegiate student.

She also shared a Winnie the Pooh story.

When they finished singing, a number of students gathered round her to chat.

As they got ready to leave, one girl spontaneously leaned over, hugged Mrs. Brown and said, “thank you for all that you do for Collegiate.”

Every year in October, I hide pumpkins around the Lower School, and the students search for them. Finders bring the pumpkins to me and may borrow a book from my personal library. A 4th Grader was heard to say when he found a Hunter pumpkin that he was going to give it to his Kindergarten buddy.

Stone Soup celebrated its tenth year this month. Students brought canned vegetables, and we all gathered to deliver the cans and sing together in Estes.

This food will go to FeedMore where it is helping many. Each week a different class makes lunches that go to the Salvation Army. The parents leading that experience spend time talking to each group about why they are doing this and who benefits from it.

Finally, the Order of the Golden Paw is awarded at each Town Meeting to 4th Grade Campus Cubs who go above and beyond in their duties. Each month, we get nominations for students who deserve this award. One Cub saw a Kindergartener who had a “flat tire” with 10 | Paw Print

his sneaker on the walk to Middle School, patiently helped him put his shoe back on while holding his backpack so that the boy could cross the bridge without losing his shoe. When a 4th Grader’s name is called, the child sprints to the front of the room, getting cheers and high fives from the younger children. It makes an indelible impression.

It is said that one’s true character is revealed by what you do when no one is looking. We wish for that strength of character in our Collegiate students and we see glimpses of it each and every day in our Lower School.

Jill Hunter Lower School Head

At the annual Stone Soup event, Lower Schoolers donated canned goods to FeedMore which provides food to those in need, including students who are part of their backpack program (students are given backpacks of food to have over weekends at home).

Allison Moyer, Collegiate’s grounds manager, recently met with 2nd Graders to explain the different ways that she and her staff work to reduce water run-off into our creek. Ms. Moyer explains: “One strategy is the use of filterra trees which are planted in the storm drain in special medium to absorb pollutants that run off of parking lots before emptying into creeks. Collegiate has 24. They absorb nitrogen, phosphorus, oil/grease, silt/suspended solids, bacteria, etc. http://www.filterra.com/.

“Buffer zones are sections of vegetation that border creeks, streams, ponds, rivers, etc. to absorb harmful pollutants before entering the water. At Collegiate, we are using wildflowers as our buffer zones at the retention ponds by the Business Office and the edge of loop road. It is amazing how many ‘harmful’ things plants can absorb before they have the opportunity to reach the creek.

“Run-off is when excess nutrients or pollutants like oil from cars, silt or dirt from construction sites runs off of land during a rain event and into creeks, streams, rivers, ponds, the bay, etc. As a whole city (Richmond), this adds up to a lot of bad stuff that runs into our waters. Collegiate is trying to reduce the amount of bad stuff that runs off our parking lots and grounds to do our part to help the environment.”

Upper School (cont.)

Middle School (cont.)

wellness on Feb. 20, 2014, to be held in the new Sharp Academic Commons. We will be exploring many topics of wellness at this stage in our lives (nutrition, mindfulness, exercise, sleep, and much more), as well as providing some useful information and tools to help guide us through the endless sea of healthy choices. The highly entertaining and renowned sleep specialist, Dr. Chris Winter, will be on campus all day and will be presenting at P.A.W.S. Don’t miss it!

Sign up information is coming soon, but remember space is limited and it fills up early.

Questions? Contact Lynn Melnick (lyngirlmel@aol.com) or Martha Speight (mirthspeight@me.com).

“The students were able to engage in critical and creative thinking outside of the walls of a classroom. One of the 8th Graders said that he felt that he was part of a ‘think tank,’” said Mrs. Melton, Director of Economics Education. “Not only did the students learn about our city (one commented that all he knew about downtown before was that his father worked downtown) and our river, but they learned that their voice could potentially change the way community leaders think about solutions. The students also learned about themselves as they met with local professionals to ask questions and reflect on the issues facing our river.”

Condolences Rita M. Strniste, mother of Elaine DeMarco, and grandmother of Nick DeMarco ’16, died April 24, 2013.

Charles E. Newton, father of Melissa Newton, and grandfather of Sean Conner ’24, died July 2, 2013.

Albert A. Moretti, father of Dr. Joy Moretti, and grandfather of Josh Neighbors ’15, died July 24, 2013.

Dr. Joseph Ascoli, father of Paul Ascoli, and grandfather of Joseph ’20 and Andrew Ascoli ’24, died August 11, 2013.

Martha Laverne Marchetti, mother of Bobby Marchetti, and grandmother of Jacqui ’17, Robert ’19 and Grace Marchetti ’22, died August 27, 2013.

Otis Patterson, father of Susan Patterson Robins and David Lee Patterson, and grandfather of Charlotte ’12 and Rebecca Robins ’18, and Daniel ’18, James ’21 and Henry Patterson ’23, died Sept. 26, 2013.

Marie Ann Maddi, mother of Nancy Taylor, and grandmother of Evie Taylor ’16, died Sept. 28, 2013.

Dr. Wei-ling Wu, teacher of Advanced Chinese Methodology at the Steinhardt School of New York University, visited campus to work with our three Chinese language instructors on K-12 curriculum articulation so that we have a more coherent approach to our program. Dr. Wu also worked on developing ways of showing our community the benefits of having a Chinese program as well as ways of promoting it among community members. Pictured above (l to r) are Mei Dong (Middle School), Xin-yi Fergusson (Lower School), Dr. Wu, and Zhangyi Shi (Upper/Middle School).

Lucile “Bobbie” Wrenn, mother of Robert Wrenn ’78 and Susan Wrenn Lindeman ’81, mother-in-law of Middle School faculty member Kathy Wrenn, and grandmother of Tucker ’10 and Jordan Wrenn ’13, died Oct. 1, 2013.

Frances Bryant, mother of Lorrie White, and grandmother of Emma ’11, Ellie ’15, Gracie ’20, and Johnny White ’20, died Oct. 12, 2013.

James P. Massie, Jr. father of Jimmie Massie ’76, Alex Massie ’79, and Sara Massie Grattan ’83, and grandfather of Jimmie ’04, William ’06, Becky ’10, Brown ’10, Emma ’11, John ’12, and Olivia Massie ’15, and Frances ’11, Ellie ’12, and George Grattan ’16, died Oct. 14, 2013.

Susan Young, mother of Frank ’79 and Moncure Geho ’83, and grandmother of Franklin ’09, Ellen ’11, Harrison ’14, Berkeley ’17, James ’18, and Charles Geho ’20, died Oct. 25, 2013.

8th Grade All Year Drama students are working on a film project about Hollywood Cemetery. The student-written film is being developed with Middle School drama teacher Jenny Hundley and technology teacher Dan Bell. The short film will be presented in late May.

Robert “Scotty” McCracken, father of Anne McCracken Rogers ’75, Scott McCracken ’78, Chris McCracken ’79, and Waller McCracken ’82 and grandfather of Jack McCracken ’16, and Scotty McCracken ’17, died Nov. 2, 2013.

Holiday 2013 | 11

103 North Mooreland Road • Richmond, Virginia 23229 (804) 740-7077 Fax (804) 741-9797 www.collegiate-va.org

103 North Mooreland Road Richmond, Virginia 23229 www.collegiate-va.org

Keith A. Evans, Head of School Phyllis Palmiero, Vice President-Finance Amanda Little Surgner ’83, Vice President-Advancement Ben Rein, Head of Upper School Charles L. Blair, Jr., Head of Middle School Dr. Jill Hunter, Head of Lower School David Colón, Academic Dean Karen Doxey, Director of Athletics PAW PRINT is published multiple times throughout the year.

Elizabeth Cogar ’77, editor phone : 741-9781 e-mail : ecogar@collegiate-va.org Beth Flippo Hutchins ’88 and Marguerite Bostic, Parents’ Association Correspondents PAW PRINT may be read online at www.collegiate-va.org Collegiate School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or national origin in the administration of its educational, admission, scholarship or employment policies, or any other programs administered by the school.

Reed-Gumenick Library (cont.) activity during help time and study halls with students coming to get pleasure reading books or use resources. We also have Middle School classes regularly coming to do research, and the space allows us to have a librarian do instruction and then also work one-on-one over the next several days with students who need help finding resources or information. We have also had a class come in to use the bigger space for an activity building board games, and another for class presentations about Civil War battles. We hold grade level meetings for faculty in the flex classroom and will have a storyteller for 5th and 6th Graders in the main library area in a few weeks. It feels like the possibilities are endless! I get several emails a day from folks wanting to book spaces within the building, for a variety of activities.”

Middle School math teacher Laurie Goode works with boys in Reed-Gumenick’s flex classroom where the projection system allows students to see a teacher’s lesson up close.

RAVE REVIEWS “ Mrs. Cunningham and I are thrilled to meet with both the 5/6 and 7/8 Mosaic groups in the new RGL! Close to the cafeteria, the students bring their lunches to the library for our Mosaic meetings. The moveable furniture and open space allow us to shift easily between large group discussion, small group work, and games which involve movement.”

– Sally Chambers, Middle School Guidance “ I’m using the new areas in the ReedGumenick Library for the collaborative learning space and the convenient access to Chromebooks. The boys are excited to move our math classroom into this newly renovated structure.”

– Laurie Shadowen, 5th Grade teacher

“ The Chromebooks are one of the technological tools providing access to the online textbook. The “Dash” allows students to organize and store notes and homework answers directly on the e-pages in their individual accounts (it turns the textbook into a virtual workbook). Virtual tools and activities are also available through the site. The library offers the space for the boys to interact with this new online adventure.”

– Laurie Goode, Middle School Math

A 5th Grader works on a Macintosh during a free moment.