Tiger Tales September 2013

STUDENT LIFE AT WOODBERRY FOREST SCHOOL • SEPTEMBER 2013

Welcome

Woodberry Forest Celebrates 125 Years THE 2013–14 STUDENT BODY CONTINUES TIGER TRADITIONS

New Boys

oodberry Forest’s 125th academic session officially W kicked off on September 8, 2013, with the arrival of 129 new boys on campus. Opening day also launched a year-long anniversary celebration for the school, which was founded in 1889 when Captain and Mrs. Robert Walker hired a tutor to educate their six sons at home and invited boys from neighboring farms to join them.

This year’s group of new boys — incoming new students — had plenty to keep them busy during the first week of school. During orientation they met their roommates, made new friends, and were introduced to their teachers, classes, and Woodberry’s many traditions. On hand to help were returning students, called old boys — who remember what it’s like to be new boys — as well as teachers, their families, and the staff, all of whom eagerly welcomed the community’s newest members.

As they learn the ropes and grow comfortable with a full schedule of classes, athletics, dorm living, seated meals, chapel, and study hall, Woodberry’s 125th group of Tigers are taking the first steps in becoming a part of a long and honored tradition.

CONSTRUCTION AT THE FOREST

For many schools, summertime can mean cleaning up and clearing out. But this summer, Woodberry took that idea to extremes — demolishing its Gray Building to make room for a spectacular three-story, 66,000-squarefoot structure that will house the school’s math department, computer science program, kitchen, and dining room.

The giant claw of a concrete crusher made quick work of the 1970s-era building, knocking down old walls and clearing debris to make way for the foundation of the new building.

Math classes have taken up temporary residence in other academic buildings until the new facility opens in 2015.

Welcome to the Forest!

Training on the Trail

Out with the Old, In with the New

FAST FACT

Woodberry’s seven-mile Perimeter Trail may be just steps from the center of campus, but it felt miles away this past summer, when six faculty members used it to act out a wilderness rescue scenario with help from a search-and-rescue expert. Not only did they learn to think fast in an emergency — fashioning camping equipment into a leg splint to help the “injured” — they also earned their Wilderness First Aid certification.

WOODBERRY FOREST SCHOOL

TIGER TALES • SEPTEMBER 2013 • 1

above: right :

Teaching elementary students in Nicaragua Punting on the Cherwell River

Study Abroad

TIGERS TRAVEL THE GLOBE

casa TEACHER FEATURE

Andrew Handelsman Andrew Handelsman earned his bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth University and his master’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. A ten-year member of the faculty, he teaches Spanish and coaches baseball and basketball. He also co-directs the Woodberry in Spain summer program. Andrew and his wife, Melanie, have two young sons, Tommy and Robbie: “We like to recreate Woodberry Sports Camp when we have free time — we spend the day hitting the fields, gyms, and swimming pool.”

What got you interested in the Spanish language?

When I was studying geography at Dartmouth, I took a school-sponsored trip to Mexico. I fell in love with the country’s people, culture, and language. I had only studied French before that — my love of Spanish came from travel and meeting people, not grammar and vocabulary.

How do you get boys excited about Spanish culture and language?

I get students involved by showing Spanish-language movies and reading short stories. I try to help them have conversations with Spanish speakers so they can feel proud of what they’ve accomplished in class. And, of course, Woodberry in Spain is a big part of that.

Nine novice Spanish students traveled to Nicaragua for three weeks of service and language learning through Woodberry’s Central American Study Abroad (CASA) program. The boys lived with local families, attended Spanish classes, taught and coached at a local elementary school, and participated in a rainforest canopy zip line tour in Managua and cliff diving at Somoto.

oxford

Through Woodberry in Oxford, eleven boys studied naturalist Charles Darwin and World War II code breaking. Based at Brasenose College, the students attended morning classes and took afternoon field trips to London and nearby historic sites. They toured Blenheim Palace, punted on the Cherwell River, visited the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition, cheered at a Tottenham vs. Swindon preseason soccer game, and enjoyed the play One Man, Two Guvnors.

scotland

The eight boys and eight girls who participated in Woodberry in Scotland, the school's only coeducational summer abroad program, visited cities from the Borders region to the Highlands, learning Scots history in the castles and countryside where events occurred. The students earned a trimester's history credit while enjoying activities like cruising Loch Ness, taking a guided hike in Glencoe, and putting on the Himalayas Course in St Andrews.

spain

Participants in the Woodberry in Spain program were immersed in Spanish culture as they stayed with local families and toured the countryside. They heard tips from a sociologist on how to talk to Spanish girls, saw a performance by — and met with — a Flamenco singer, and practiced cooking paella. They also enjoyed excellent meals.

Each boy took his turn in the “silla caliente,” the hot seat, where he shared his experiences and answered questions posed by the rest of the boys — all en español.

What makes the Woodberry in Spain program stand out?

We live the language of Spain. I bring in Spanish experts to teach the boys. They meet bullfighters, chefs, musicians, artists, and people in sports and government. And, they get to try out new skills like fighting a young bull or preparing and eating traditional foods.

I do everything I can to help students get as much as they can from their time in Spain. It’s like the Spanish say about an excellent meal: ¡Es chuparse los dedos! (“Finger-licking good!”)

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above:

Viewing art at La Hospital de la Caridad left : Golfing at St Andrews

WOODBERRY FOREST SCHOOL

Summer at the Forest CAMPS OFFER FUN IN THE SUN

It’s never too early to experience Woodberry Forest.

That’s what more than 600 campers discovered last summer at the school’s athletic camps, where they were guided by Woodberry’s expert coaches — and the fun never stopped!

father–son weekend

Boys as young as five joined their dads playing sports, paddling canoes on Robertson Lake, and even performing exciting experiments in the new Manning Family Science Building.

sports camp

This three-week camp fills up months in advance, and this year, as always, boys played sports all day long — everything from basketball to hockey, and from lacrosse to football. Their counselors, recent Woodberry graduates and current students, were all too happy to introduce them to life at the Forest.

STUDENT SNAPSHOT

Luke Merrick

football camp

Luke Merrick ’14 came to Woodberry from Charlottesville, Virginia. A top scholar, he is involved in a variety of activities. Last spring, he won the Princeton Book Award for his outstanding leadership and academic capabilities within and beyond Woodberry. This summer, Luke spent five weeks in Japan improving his language skills, learning about Japanese culture, and volunteering on an organic farm.

New this year, the three-day Football Camp focused on improving each boy's technique. The campers participated in ballistic stretching, weight lifting, and drills — experiencing what it might be like to play for the Tigers!

basketball camp

Woodberry’s three-day Basketball Camp used warm-ups, drills, and 3 vs. 3 and 5 vs. 5 matchups to improve each boy's game. With plenty of court time in the Barbee Center, the boys got pointers from expert coaches and six current Tiger players.

Why did you choose Woodberry Forest?

I was looking for a more academically rigorous school where I could take honors classes. From my earliest visit I was amazed at how friendly the entire community is. There is a tremendous sense of camaraderie among the students.

squash camp

Woodberry’s four-day Squash Camp brought players to campus for speed and agility training, fitness exercises, and one-on-one training under the guidance of coaches and a world top-twenty professional squash player. In the evening, campers relaxed with bowling and movies.

What is your favorite class?

In Research Physics, I was the only junior on the Woodberry physics team to compete in the annual International Young Physicists Tournament. It’s been a great experience to work with my friends, tackling a bunch of open-ended problems and presenting solutions in a physics debate.

lacrosse camp

Woodberry’s three-day Lacrosse Camp offered two sessions each day focused on skill-building and technique — followed by evening games where campers could put their skills to use, with help from seasoned coaches and players.

Getting Things Done

What are some highlights from your time in Japan?

STUDY TIP

To-do lists can seem overwhelming, but here’s a way to keep yours under control. Focus on your two most important tasks each day — those that require the most attention — and take care of them first.

For more tips, go to the Academic Development Center blog at www.wfsstudyskills.org.

WOODBERRY FOREST SCHOOL

In Kyoto, I was amazed by Sanjusangendo, Japan's longest wooden building. It is filled with 1,001 statues of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy, covered in gold leaf and carved from Japanese cypress. And, to mark my last day on the farm in Takayama, my host family surprised me with a traditional — and delicious — barbecue.

What else are you involved in?

I participate in cycling, swimming, and PF (physical fitness). I write and edit for the Oracle, the school newspaper. I also play the violin in the String Ensemble, where I’ve developed steadily after coming in with almost no experience.

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TRAVELING TO THE FOREST

Woodberry Forest School is located in central Virginia, a short drive to major metropolitan areas, international and regional airports, and train stations.

Charlottesville–Albemarle Airport (CHO) Dulles International Airport (IAD) Reagan National Airport (DCA) Richmond International Airport (RIC) Baltimore–Washington International Airport (BWI) Culpeper Amtrak (CLP) Fredericksburg Amtrak (FBG)

ADMISSIONS CHECKLIST Tour campus and spend the night Interview Take the SSATs (or TOEFL) Complete and submit the application (including recommendations and transcripts) before February 1st (Instructions, directions, and more information can be found at www.woodberry.org/admissions)

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UPCOMING ADMISSIONS RECEPTIONS!

CONTACT 888-798-9371 WFS.ADMISSIONS@WOODBERRY.ORG Woodberry Forest admits students of any race, color, sexual orientation, disability, and national or ethnic origin to all of the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sexual orientation, disability, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic or other school-administered programs.

This school is authorized under federal law to enroll nonimmigrant students.