|
This Week at Frederica Academy
|
|
|
|
|
Monday -
Tuesday
|
Lower School
Lunch Periods |
Click HERE to view Cafeteria Lunch Menu (Grades 1-5).
Click HERE to view Cafeteria Lunch Menu (Grades PK + K)
Click HERE to download PK + K Lunch Order Form
|
|
Monday
|
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM |
Middle + Upper School English Exams (Early Dismissal)
Click
HERE for Upper School English Exam locations.
|
|
Monday
|
9:15 AM |
Class of 2022 Parent Upper School Informational Session
Nash Academic Center (Corn Hall)
|
Monday
|
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM |
Upper School Make-Up Exams
|
|
Tuesday
|
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM |
Middle + Upper School Math Exams (Early Dismissal)
Click HERE for Upper School Math Exam locations.
|
|
Tuesday
|
Noon |
Kindergarten Polar Express + PJs
|
|
Tuesday
|
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM |
AP Exams (Comparative Government / US History / World History)
Click HERE for AP History Exam locations.
|
| Tuesday |
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM |
Middle + Upper School Make-Up Exams
|
|
Wednesday
|
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM |
Middle + Upper School Language Exams (Early Dismissal)
Click HERE for Upper School Language Exam locations.
|
|
Wednesday
|
10:45 AM - 11:45 AM |
Lower School Giving Tree Ceremony in Hamilton Hall
|
|
Wednesday
|
Noon |
Lower School Early Dismissal
|
| Wednesday |
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM |
Middle + Upper School Make-Up Exams
|
|
Thursday
|
ALL DAY |
Teacher Work Day
|
Thursday
|
|
Christmas Break Starts
|
|
Thursday
|
7:00 PM |
GIYO + Symphonette Chamber Ensembles Christmas Concert
The Lodge at Sea Island Golf Club
Sponsored by Frederica Academy (free admission)
|
|
Friday
|
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM |
Administration Building Front Office Hours
|
|
|
 The Brunswick News featured a front-page story on Saturday about Frederica Academy's beloved co-founder, Tiggie Benefield. Click
HERE and
HERE to read the article. The story acknowledges the important role she played in the genesis of our school and outlines many of her contributions over the past five decades in supporting Frederica Academy. It also recognizes Mrs. Benefield's influence in the broader community as a caring and altruistic servant leader.
Frederica Academy is honored and humbled by Mrs. Benefield's family's decision to include a statement in her obituary asking memorial gifts be donated to our school in lieu of flowers. Click
HERE to read Mrs. Benefield's obituary and
HERE if you are interested in making an online gift in her memory. Gifts can also be mailed to the Frederica Academy Advancement Office, 200 Murray Way, Saint Simons Island, Georgia, 31522.
We are grateful to Dewey Benefield and his family for supporting our enduring mission through this act of kindness and, in doing so, recognizing Tiggie Benefield's extraordinary legacy as the incubator of the idea for what we now know as Frederica Academy.
|
|
An Exam Message from Mr. Temple
|
|
 Every December, we all get excited about the Holiday Season and New Year's Celebration if we can just survive exams. The process is being played out in thousands of independent schools across our nation.
For our students, they procrastinate. They study. They complain and calculate what they need to make in order to make an "A", keep their average or what grade can they make and still pass for the semester. Students in all independent schools are convinced that their teacher is designing an exam that will crush their spirit (and GPA).
For our teachers, we procrastinate, worry about deadlines, comment due dates, comment suggestions, administrators staring at grades and requests to have it all done by 5:00 p.m. with a smile and a dash of holiday cheer. I have caught myself staring at the copy machine outside my office daring it to break. Yesterday, I threatened it with numerous polysyllabic swear words that I hope will never be caught on tape.
The parents? We just wish it would all go away.
For the record, can we look at the evolution of exams at Frederica Academy over the last seven years? In 2011-12, exams took place after the Holiday Break and after Memorial Day. Middle and Upper School returned to review days and exams. We also took two exams a day and all exams counted 25% of the overall average.
In 2012, we moved the exams to before the Holidays and Memorial Day. We adjusted our exam weights across the grades. Sixth and seventh grade exams count 10% of the overall average. Eighth grade exams count 15%. Upper School College Prep classes count 15% and all Advanced Placement exams count 20%. Lastly, we moved to a five-day exam schedule to allow our students more time to study and get rest. We lost instructional time, but we also allowed everyone to focus on one subject at a time.
In 2016, we scaled back the exams days to three and added projects for electives and classes that rotate by semester. We were responding to the academic environment on college and university campuses. We have no idea what a specific university will ask of our students, but we know we need to prepare them for all types of assessments.
Our constant search for the best practices means that we research, question and ask what other good independent schools do.
What every independent school must decide is why exams are important and then how to prepare the students in that specific culture.
For Frederica Academy, exams ask teachers to focus on the essential content and skills that is a review of a semester's worth of effort and attention. For our students, exams teach how to prioritize, synthesize and master information that goes across assessments. Exams are not about memorizing content. Exams ask if you have mastered the content and skills so that we can move on to the next level of each subject.
Exams ask us to pull it all together. Life asks us to do this and exams are just part of preparing our students for "college and adult life." Life might not be a sit-down exam every six months, but it does require us to face a variety of "tests" and "projects" in order to build a career and provide for a family. Exams are just part of the process for getting better at what the world will ask us to do and that is the mission of our school.
Some simple advice:
-
Study smart ... not for a long time.
-
School is open every day at 8:00 a.m. and exams start at 9:00 a.m.
-
Come to school early, get a study group together and collaborate on how to best answer a question.
-
The best teachers are often other students. The best review is to teach the information to someone else.
-
Review one set of content at a time, then take a break.
-
45 minutes of work earns 15 minutes on rest...rinse and repeat as needed.
Thank you for your trust,
Mike Temple
Upper School Director
|
|
Middle + Upper School Exam Schedules
|
|
Exam Days: Monday - Wednesday
Exam Bell Rings at 8:45 AM; Exams Start Promptly at 9:00 AM; End at 11:00 AM
Make-Up Exams: Monday - Wednesday (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM)
Click HERE for Middle School Exam schedule.
Click HERE for Upper School Exam schedule.
|
|
Pre-Exam Breakfast Service
|
|
D
uring 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.
|
|
Monday - Class of 2022 Parent Session
|
|
P
arents of current Eighth Grade students are invited to attend a special Class of 2022 Upper School informational session on Monday, December 18, at 9:15 a.m., in the Nash Academic Center located in Corn Hall.
Upper School Director Mike Temple and Upper School Counselor and College Counselor Laura Nevins will be present to discuss many of the educational offerings, unique opportunities, and upcoming freshman excitement that lies ahead in Upper School for our rising 9th grade students, as well as answer questions parents may have regarding Frederica Academy's Upper School division.
To attend this event, please click HERE
to email Laura Nevins with your RSVP.
|
|
Wednesday - Lower School Giving Tree Ceremony
|
|
Parents are invited to attend the Lower School Giving Tree ceremony in Hamilton Hall on Wednesday, December 20, at 10:45 a.m.
Lower School students are welcome to wear their FA uniform or they can wear holiday attire. Festive Christmas-themed headgear (Reindeer antlers, santa hats, etc.) is permissible.
Merry Christmas!
|
|
Wednesday - Lower School Noon Dismissal
|
|
Lower School parents are reminded that all Lower School students will be
dismissed at Noon on Wednesday 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.
|
|
Thursday - Christmas Ensembles Concert
|
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
Click HERE for more information.
|
|
A Message from the FA Music Department
|
|
 Happy Holidays to our Frederica Family,
As we get ready for a much deserved break, there are so many things to be thankful for at Frederica Academy. When I reflect on this past semester, I think about our Band students opening their instruments for the first time. At that point, we began by just making noise, any kind of noise at all. It worked marvelously. I was so proud of our Middle School students as they played Christmas music at the Jingle Bell Celebration.
The Upper School Ensemble began the year just by jamming and getting to know each other's musical preferences. Slowly, but surely, they began to gel and their musical style surfaced. Then our amazing Upper School Ensemble arranged and performed their music flawlessly as our Jingle Bell crowd headed for cookies. I could not be more proud of our students: Lower School, Middle School and Upper School.
They are all dedicated and know how to work hard.
As we look to the New Year, I can't help but feel that same excitement about our students as we begin working, learning new instruments, and creating relationships. The hallways of the Fine Arts Center are always decorated with beautiful artwork from Mrs. Edenfield's Art classes. We are giving these students a lifelong gift of Music and Art. A true legacy indeed.
On behalf of the Fine Arts Department, may this Holiday Season be very special for you and your family.
Sincerely,
Christopher Smith
Director of Fine Arts
|
|
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 placed 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.
|
|
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.
|
|
University of Georgia Vet Camp
|
|
Current 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students interested in learning more about UGA's Summer 2018 Vet Camp should see Mrs. Nevins for more information. The camp will take place Sunday, June 17 - Saturday, June 23, 2018.
|
|
College of Coastal Georgia Entrepreneurship Project
|
|
The College of Coastal Georgia is offering a unique opportunity to high school students in the Golden Isles!
The Coastal Entrepreneurship Project
seeks to find local students to help on a case study aimed at developing ideas to enliven historic Downtown Brunswick.
This year's study: Uses of the former Coastal Regional Commission Building next to Mary Ross Park to come to the river front.
Juniors and Seniors interested in participating should sign up on the College Counseling Center door by Tuesday, January 16, 2018, to receive an application.
Click HERE for details including key dates involved with the program.
|
|
Class of 2018 SeniorHomes Caregiver Scholarship
|
|
Seniors interested in competing for one of two $1,000 SeniorHomes Caregiver Scholarships should click
HERE for more information.
|
|
MS + US Math Teams: Save-the-Date
|
|
The 30th Annual Invitational Mathematics Tournament hosted by Georgia Southern University will take place on Saturday, February 24, 2018, in Statesboro.
Frederica Academy will send teams comprised of Middle School and Upper School students.
Click
HERE for information about the 2017 tournament. We will provide details regarding the 2018 tournament once available.
|
|
Upper School Science Fair
|
The Upper School Science Fair took place last week as a project-based assessment as part of a culmination of First Semester Science classes.
Click
HERE to see photos of each science project.
Click
HERE to see photos of the awards assembly which took place on Friday morning.
2017 Upper School Science Fair Winners:
1st Place Overall - William Brock - The Effects of Gallium on Aluminum
2nd Place Overall - The Effects of Varying Dilutions of Common Marine Pollutants on Water Quality - Zhane Waye, Arden Simmons
3rd Place Overall - Fina Dooley (8th Grade) - How Fast Can Annie Run
1st Place Astronomy - Cold Atom Laboratory - Chloe Linert
2nd Place Astronomy - Mars 2020 Rover - Ally Meacom
3rd Place Astronomy - Ion Thrust Engine - Anna Grace Rowland
1st Place Biology - Which has More Peroxide, Fruits or Vegetables - Kyler Roy, Will Counts
2nd Place Biology - Energy Drink Diffusion - Josh Elliott, Cason Cavalier
Tie - 3rd Place Biology - Temperatures Affect on Diffusion - Dylan McHugh, Clayton Moores
Tie - 3rd Place Biology - Cellular Respiration in Animals - Will Thompson, Randall Gowen
1st Place Marine Biology - The Effects of Varying Dilutions of Common Marine Pollutants on Water Quality - Zhane Waye, Arden Simmons
2nd Place Marine Biology - Fancy Bluff Creek Lab - Turner Jamieson, Trevor Moores
3rd Place Marine Biology - How Does Temperature Affect Salinity - Lee Norton, Jack O'Hara
1st Place 10th Physical Science - The Amazing Race: Anna Love, Asher Kicklighter
2nd Place 10th Physical Science - Basketball Lab: Thomas Grimm, Dawson Howard
3rd Place 10th Physical Science - Life's a Curveball: Kaitlyn Todd
1st Place Physical Science - How fast can Annie Run: Fina Dooley
2nd Place Physical Science - : Ramie Shingler, John Phillip Spiers
3rd Place Physical Science - Run Manny Run: Claire Belechak
1st Place Chemistry - How to Turn Milk into Plastic; JaShawn Sheffield
2nd Place Chemistry - Testing Teeth Whitening Products on Eggs; Lillie Frances McKeown
3rd Place Chemistry - Mentos and Coke; Patrick Brunson
1st Place Honors Chemistry - The Effects of Gallium on Aluminum, William Brock
1st Place Honors Chemistry - What Drink Affects Your Teeth the Most; Asa Fritchman
2nd Place Honors Chemistry - Are Bottled Water Companies Scamming You?; Adam Elsharkawi
2nd Place Honors Chemistry - Bath Bomb Science; Gracie Veal
3rd Place Honors Chemistry - Drying Roses; Waverly Brown
3rd place Honors Chemistry - Sugar in Soda; Sam Clark
3rd Place HOnors Chemistry - Electrolysis of Salt into Chlorine; Lucy Worthy
|
|
Middle School Science Fair
|
Click
HERE to see photos of the MIddle School Science Fair projects.
|
|
Middle School December REACH Winners
|
|
Merrill Been, Eighth Grade;
Case Harrison, Seventh Grade; and
Carley Blogg, Sixth Grade. These outstanding students were recognized at the Middle School Assembly last week.
|
|
Sixth Grade English Exam Review Exploration
|
|
During exam review, Mr. Connolly helped his sixth grade English students find connections between the real world and the novel, short stories, and poetry that they read this semester.
|
|
Pre-Kindergarten Christmas Program
|
Click
HERE
or on the following graphic link to watch a performance of the Pre-Kindergarten Christmas program.
Click
HERE to see photos taken during the program.
|
|
Fifth Grade Christmas Electric Circuit Project
|
Dottie Barrow, Technology and Media Director, worked with the Fifth Grade classes on a Christmas-themed electric circuits project last week.
|
|
Field Trip to Downtown Ritz Theatre (Grades 3 + 4)
|
Frederica Academy Third Grade and Fourth Grade Students attended a performance of It's A Wonderful Life last week at the Ritz Theatre in downtown Brunswick.
Click
HERE to see photos of the students at the performance and enjoying a picnic lunch at the downtown waterfront park.
|
|
First Grade Visits Historic Jekyll Island for Christmas
|
Click
HERE to see photos taken during the First Grade annual Christmas visit to Jekyll Island's Historic District.
|
|
First Graders Make Shelves for Their Elves
|
|
Kindergarten Visits Thrive Senior Assistance Residence
|
Kindergarten had a great opportunity to give back to others! While visiting Thrive, a local senior assistance home, the children sang Christmas carols and delivered handmade Christmas cards. The residents then gave the children candy canes decorated as reindeer. All who were in attendance were blessed by the Christmas cheer!
|
|
Kindergarten Special Reader - Margy Walker
|
Kindergarten enjoyed a special reader that coincided with one of its Very Important Kid weeks! Hadley Hart's grandmother, Margy Walker, who is also a retired librarian, shared two stories with the children that were about animals. Hadley's love for reading runs in the family!
|
|
December Christmas Break Calendar
|
| 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
|
|
and
download the
Frederica Academy
2017-2018
School Year
Calendar.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
