A Message from the FA Board Chair


Dear Families,

The Jingle Bell Celebration is the true kick off to the Holiday Season for me.  Thanks to all of the wonderful elves in the kitchen and everywhere else who made last Thursday evening (despite the weather!) so special. It is always so heartwarming to see that ALL of the children at Frederica Academy somehow make it on the NICE list ... as we expect nothing less! They were all truly spectacular in their various musical performances. Chris Smith and Phoebe Shelton are developing a comprehensive music program which encompasses all three divisions in its scope and sequence ... and this is only the beginning of a three-year plan to fully build our band and orchestra programs in the Middle and Upper Schools.
 
As promised in my last email, here is an update about what your Board of Directors and Search Committee have been working on on behalf of Frederica Academy.  
 
First, HERE is a link to our updated Mission, Belief Statements, Strategic Plan and Philosophy.  Many people have asked me what is Frederica Academy really about?  What do we stand for?  Where are we going?  I hope that the collection of statements that have been cultivated by the Board, Leadership Team and shared with the faculty and staff will help to more clearly define these principles for you.  You will find this also posted on our website so that you may peruse it at any time. I believe these statements uphold the justification for "Why Frederica?" Belief statements are a new component to this communication and our intent is to further clarify what the guiding principles are that direct the Board and the FA Leadership in all that we do.
 
The Search Committee has been very busy the past few weeks. We have reviewed many resumes and had many conversations with a wide range of candidates. Some candidates are applying from international posts and as far away as Hawaii and the Caribbean as well as the Northeast, Northwest, and, of course, quality schools in the South. It is a fascinating exercise to see the journeys that people have made to achieve great things in Independent Schools across the country.
 
We are excited about the candidate pool and are currently completing second-round interviews the first of next week. We will then bring candidates quietly on campus for a first-hand look at Frederica Academy and to further identify and discern who represents the best matches with our school. We hope to complete this phase before the Christmas break.  We look at the campus visits in December as the opportunity to sell Frederica Academy to the semi-finalists so if you happen to see Greer Brown or me walking around with someone you don't recognize, please put your best foot forward!  We look forward to showcasing this wonderful school and community to the candidates.
 
Following the December campus visits with the semi-finalists, we will identify the finalists for the job and bring them back on campus in early January. At that time, there will be opportunities for you to meet with them and provide feedback about your encounters. You will hear more about this process as it draws closer. I promise to provide you with updates as they are available.
 
My very best wishes to you and your family for a wonderful Christmas and holiday season, filled with lots of special moments together.
 
Warmest regards,
 
Sandi Channell
Frederica Academy Board Chair



This Week at Frederica Academy



ALL WEEK
Lunch Periods Click HERE to view Cafeteria Lunch Menu (Grades 1-12).
Click HERE to view Cafeteria Lunch Menu (Grades PK + K)
Click HERE to download PK + K Lunch Order Form

Monday 

10:00 AM Upper School Assembly in the Gym

Monday
12:10 PM MS Math Team practice during lunch in the MS Academic Center

Tuesday - 
Thursday

Tuesday -
Thursday
ALL DAY


ALL DAY
US Biology + Marine Biology + Astronomy Science Fair
(Corn Hall Wet Lab)

Middle School Science Fair

(Shuman Conference Room)

Tuesday
10:00 AM Middle School Assembly in the Terry Thomas Room

Tuesday
12:10 PM Middle School Sports Club meeting in Mrs. Walbridge's Room

Wednesday -
Thursday

ALL DAY Upper School Chemistry Science Fair in Gym Lobby

Wednesday 8:30 AM
Pre-K Christmas Program Dress Rehearsal in Hamilton Hall

Wednesday
12:10 PM Middle School FCA Meeting during lunch
Speaker:  Lucas Ramirez, Executive Director of the Gathering Place

Wednesday
1:05 PM Upper School FCA CHRISTmas Party in Mrs. Graham's Room

Thursday
ALL DAY Upper School Science Fair in Gym Lobby

Thursday
ALL DAY Middle School Science Fair in Shuman Conference Room

Thursday 8:30 AM - 12:45 PM First Grade Field Trip to Jekyll Island

Thursday
8:30 AM Pre-K Christmas Program in Hamilton Hall

Thursday 9:00 AM Third + Fourth Grade Field Trip to It's A Wonderful Life Performance

Thursday
10:00 AM Middle School Locker Cleanout

Thursday
3:30 PM - 4:45 PM Upper School Model UN Meeting in Room F-8

Friday 8:00 AM Fathers, Faith, and Frederica in Athletic Conference Room

Friday

NO Lower School Morning Meeting Today!

Friday 9:30 AM Kindergarten Caroling Field Trip to Thrive at Frederica

Friday 10:00 AM Science Fair Award Presentations in the Gym

Friday
5:00 PM Apogee 2018 Enrollment Deadline

Friday
7:00 PM Benefield Society Party (By Invitation)


Middle + Upper School Exam Schedules


Review Days:  Wednesday - Friday (December 13, 14, 15)

Exam Days:  Monday - Wednesday (December 18, 19, 20)
Exam Bell Rings at 8:45 AM; Exams Start Promptly at 9:00 AM; End at 11:00 AM

Make-Up Exams:  December 18, 19, 20 (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM)


Click HERE for Middle School Exam schedule.

Click HERE for Upper School Exam schedule.


NOTE:   During exam week, breakfast will be available for purchase in Hamilton Hall from 7:30 AM to 8:45 AM each morning.  Breakfast items will include Chicken, Sausage, and Plain Biscuits; Scrambled Eggs and Boiled Eggs; Grits; Oatmeal with Toppings (Bananas and Diced Apples); French Toast Sticks; and Fruit.

 
Middle + Upper School Science Fair

It's time again for the Middle School and Upper School Science Fair!  The Science Fair will be held on Tuesday through Friday, December 12-15.

Middle School projects will be set up in the Shuman Conference Room in the Media Center.

The Biology, Marine Biology, and Astronomy projects will be set up in the Corn Hall wet lab. The Chemistry projects will be set up in the Gym lobby (not starting until Wednesday due to the Tuesday night basketball games). 
 
Parents and visitors are welcome to visit all of the exhibition areas. We will do judging on Tuesday through Thursday and an awards presentation will take place in the gym in on Friday at 10:00 a.m.
   
- Tom Willis, Science Department Chair


2017-2018 Frederica Academy Directory

Click HERE to access and download the final 2017-2018 Frederica Academy Directory. The directory can be downloaded as a pdf to your iPhone or Smartphone.

Printed copies of the directory will be mailed to those who ordered them.

Click HERE to email Brooke Ackerman should you have questions.


Friday - 2018 Apogee Enrollment Deadline


Friday is the last day
to enroll in the 
2018 Apogee Program.

Click HERE to enroll.
Click HERE for more information.




Friday - Benefield Society Party at Hoover Residence


Click HERE for information about the Annual Fund Benefield Society and the donor appreciation party  at the home of Abigail and Steve Hoover on Friday night.



Kiwanis Club Essay Contest



The Kiwanis Club of Brunswick is sponsoring its Sixth Annual Essay Contest. The contest will be divided into the following divisions: High School (Grades 9-12); Middle School (Grades 6-8); and Elementary School (Grades 4-5). The contest is open to all public school, private school, independent school, and home-school students in Glynn County.

The essay must be typed and must be original. Any work that is not the students own will be immediately disqualified. High School submissions should have no less than two-three full pages with a text font size no larger than 12. Middle School submissions should be no less than two full pages with a text font size no larger than 12. Elementary School students should feel free to handwrite their essays. These should be no less than one full page. Any submissions that do not follow these minimum guidelines will be automatically disqualified.

The deadline for the contest is February 9, 2018. Entries may be emailed to kiwanisessays@gmail.com or mailed to:

Kiwanis Club of Brunswick
Essay Contest
PO Box 2094
Brunswick, GA 31521


Division Essay Topic First Prize Second Prize
High School "What is the American Dream?" $250 $150
Middle School "What do you think about bullies and why?" $100 $75
Elementary School "What would you do if you won a million dollars?" $75 $50

 


Lower School December 20 Noon Dismissal

Lower School parents are reminded that all Lower School students will be dismissed at Noon on Wednesday, December 20, following the Giving Tree ceremony.

Extended Day will be offered on December 20; however, participating students will need to bring a healthy lunch and drink since the cafeteria will not be operating that day.


Christmas Afghanistan Care Packages


Members of the  Upper School Service Council are creating Christmas care packages for U.S. soldiers who are stationed in Afghanistan to thank them for their service.

Students are seeking donations of food and drinks, personal care items, and entertainment items. Please click HERE to view a list of specific items needed.

All donations must be received no later than Monday, December 18, in the Corn Hall Reception Office.

Click HERE to email Macall Dyer for more information.


Humane Society Teen Board Angel Trees

The Humane Society of South Coastal Georgia Teen Board has place Angel Trees in front of the main Administration Building, in the Corn Hall Reception area, and the Gym lobby. Please stop by a tree to check out what donated items would help support the Humane Society this holiday season.

For more information, please email Gigi Gerhart or Sara Seckinger.





Upper School Toys for Tots Collection Drive


Click HERE to email Anna Jane Powell for more information.



United Community Bank Junior Board Coat Drive

The United Community Bank Junior Board of Directors is collecting new or gently used coats during the month of December in partnership with Communities in Schools.  Coats should be dropped off in the box located in the Corn Hall Reception office.


Curran Squire Featured in Paisley Magazine


Click HERE to read profile.




FA Christmas Jingle Bell Celebration



Click HERE to see the video of the Jingle Bell Middle School Band performance prior to the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony last Thursday night.




Click HERE to see the video of the Jingle Bell Christmas program last Thursday night.


Click HERE to access and download photos taken during the Jingle Bell Celebration.








Photos with Santa in Hamilton Hall

Click HERE to access and download photos taken with Santa Claus in Hamilton Hall on Thursday night.







Hour of Code (4th Grade + 8th Grade)

Eighth Grade students helped facilitate the Hour of Code lesson with Fourth Grade students last week during the Global Hour of Code Week, which was celebrated by millions of students around the world.









Eighth Grade Theatre Field Trip

Eighth Grade students attended the performance of A Christmas Carol at the Ritz Theatre last week. These students are currently reading this classic in their Literature class.

Frederica students Madison Morgan and Eli Brickman are members of the production's cast.







Third Grade Holiday Fun




Last week, Third Grade students made traditional Christmas Angels as well as learned about Hanukkah.








Kindergarten Special Guest Reader: Susan Bagwell



Kindergarten was thrilled to have another special guest reader, Susan Bagwell, Corbin's grandmother. Mrs. Bagwell read Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer! Corbin's grandfather, Blanton Bagwell, and Corbin's dad, Chris Bennett, also joined in the fun. The students loved the special "pop-up" pictures in the book.  Thank you, Mrs. Bagwell!





Special Pre-K Reader:  Emerson Pickens

Third Grade student Emerson Pickens earned a Reading Award which included the opportunity for her to read to Pre-K students last week.  Well done, Emerson!




GIYO + Symphonette Chamber Ensembles

 


Frederica Academy,  the Golden Isles Youth Orchestra Chamber Ensemble, and the Symphonette
Chamber Ensemble cordially invite you, your
family and your friends to attend a free holiday
performance by the ensembles 
at The Lodge
at Sea Island Golf Club  on St. Simons Island, on
Thursday, December 21, at 7:00 pm 



December Special Event Calendar

December 18 Middle + Upper School Exams (English) / Early Dismissal

December 19 Middle + Upper School Exams (Math) / Early Dismissal

December 19
Kindergarten  Polar Express + PJ's + Hot Chocolate Celebration

December 20 Middle + Upper School Exams (Foreign Language) / Early Dismissal

December 20 Lower School Giving Tree Ceremony in Hamilton Hall

December 20 Lower School Noon Dismissal

December 21
Teacher and Staff Work Day - No Students

December 21
GIYO and Symphonette Chamber Ensembles Christmas Performance
The Lodge at 7:00 PM (free admission)

December 21 -
January 2

Student Christmas Holiday Break

December 22 FA Administration Building Holiday Hours:  10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

December 27-29 FA Administration Building Holiday Hours: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

December 29 First Semester + Q2 Report Cards Posted

January 2 FA Administration Building Holiday Hours:  10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

January 3 First Day of Second Semester


Follow FA on Social Media
 


Click HERE to follow us on Twitter

Click HERE to follow us on Facebook




Click HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on flickr

2017-2018 FA Master School Calendar

Click HERE to  access
and  download the
Frederica Academy
2017-2018  School Year
Calendar.



2017-2018 Master Calendar Updates


To offset some of the school days lost to Hurricane Irma, we've made the following adjustments to the 2017-2018 Master Calendar. Click HERE to access and download the REVISED 2017-2018 Master Calendar.
  • Wednesday, December 20 - School will be in session on Wednesday, December 20. It will be a half day for all divisions. Lower School will adjourn following the traditional Giving Tree program. It will be the last day of exams for Middle School and Upper School students. Friday, December 15, will be the last exam review day and exams will take place on December 18, 19, and 20. Thursday, December 21, will be a Teacher Work Day.
  • Wednesday, January 3 - The Second Semester will start on Wednesday, January 3, instead of Thursday, January 4. All students and teachers will return on January 3.
  • Friday, February 16 - School will be in session on Friday, February 16. We will observe Presidents' Day as a school holiday on Monday, February 19.