Welcome New Ospreys!

Chesapeake Academy Director of Admission, Ms. Sonja Smith is delighted to announce that Chesapeake Academy welcomes twenty-eight new students for the 2024-25 school year. Chesapeake Academy's pre-kindergarten 3&4 class welcomes Brynn Burgess, daughter of Mary Spires and William Burgess; Wilder James, son of Brittany Ashburn and Leland James; Ayla Meredith, daughter of Saleena and Michael Meredith; Stella Myers, daughter of Carter and Travis Myers; Chloe Rittenhouse, daughter of Virginia Rittenhouse; Finnegan Roberts, son of Ame and Brendan Roberts; Emilia Roman, daughter of Lisa and Alberto Roman; Atticus Salatino, son of Brie and Silas Salatino; Isabelle Spore, daughter of Amy Poole and Jordan Spore; and Blaine Teagle, son of Emily and James Teagle.

Kindergarten welcomes Dior Muse, son of CaTonya Muse; Finnegan Gough, son of Caitln Hall and Stuart Gough; Walker Jones, son of Kimberly and Matthew Jones; Annistyn Ritenour daughter of Aubrey and Chris Ritenour; and William Ridgely, son of Emily and Nicholas Ridgely.

First grade is joined by Rune Cotter, son of Kristy Santelli Cotter and Evan Cotter: Sienna Miller, daughter of Lindsay and Michael Miller; and Belle Perez, daughter of Rosalie and Mark Ward.

Second grade is tickled to have Connor Brooks, son of Lindsey Brooks and Camdyn Ritenour, daughter of Aubrey and Chris Ritenour.

In the fourth grade, Joelle Blizzard, daughter of Jocelyn and Linwood Blizzard completes the class.

Fifth grade welcomes Janelle Birdlow, daughter of Tameka and Bobby Birdlow and Savannah Shade, daughter of Brittney Shade and James Oaks.

Sixth grade welcomes Mason Jones, son of Kimberly and Matthew Jones; Jamie Lang, son of Whitney and Jamie Lang; and Orla Watts, daughter of Margaret and Brian Watts.

Seventh grade welcomes Callum Watts, son of Margaret and Brian Watts.

Growing Butterflies Delights Pre-Kindergarten Enthusiasts!

Munch, munch, munch, morph! Hungry caterpillars (both Monarch and Swallowtail) are chowing down in pre-kindergarten 3 & 4. CA's pre-k is learning about life cycles, geography, patterns, and metamorphosis as they observe these critters grow, change, and hatch! They even know a thing or two about searching for escapees!

With any luck, the class hopes to hatch three Monarchs and three Swallowtails! Stay tuned!

Leaping Legacies!

Chesapeake Academy Interim Head of School Catherine Emery declares, "If they didn't like us, they would not keep coming back! The number of Chesapeake Academy legacy students is a compelling statement on the vitality of our school community. While practices and strategies change to keep our students well prepared for their futures, the primary focus on each student's optimal growth endures."  

Legacy students pictured left to right on the front row include: Tillie and Taylor Rowe, daughter and son of the late Chas Rowe, '89; Olivia Dawson, daughter of Morgan Bishop, '03; Mae Ramsay Hollingsworth, daughter of Mark Hollingsworth '90; Stella Myers, daughter of Carter Clark Myers, '08; Nora Charlton, daughter of Charlotte Cornwell Charlton '98; and Wilder James, son of Leland James, '06. On the second row, Lillie Grace Ruddock, daughter of former Osprey Stephen Ruddock; June Nichols, daughter of David R. Nichols '94; Isaac Charlton, son of Charlotte Cornwell Charlton '98; Mason Dawson, son of Morgan Bishop, '03; Penn Charlton, son of Charlotte Cornwell Charlton '98; Eden Ginsberg, daughter of former Osprey Eva Able. Holding the line on the rear are Emory Simmons, daughter of Susan Faulkner Simmons '87 and James Rawleigh Simmons '76; Jamie Lang, son of Arthur Lang '99 ; Colin Campbell, son of Latane Campbell ‘77; MacKenzie Ruddock, daughter of former Osprey Stephen Ruddock; Merritt Kelley, son Jennifer Harris Kelley, '82 and former Osprey Hurst Kelley; and Quinn Stewart, daughter of former Osprey Brooks Vickery Stewart. Not pictured are Alec and Elise Sterrett, grandchildren of Gayle Haynie Sterrett, '71.

Chesapeake Academy Welcomes a New Class of Trustees!

"Chesapeake Academy is fortunate to enjoy the collective wisdom and experience of a multi-talented and well-seasoned Board, and this class of Trustees adds to that deep wealth of perspective," explains John Clair, Chair of Chesapeake Academy's Board. "In addition, this class of Trustees brings palpable energy and enthusiasm for supporting the CA community."

Todd Patterson was born and raised on the waters around Cape Cod and the Islands. A graduate of Hobart College with a BA degree, Todd is a serial entrepreneur who started his first business right out of college in 2003. Todd had a number of businesses in the British Virgin Islands and met his wife Kara while living there. In 2022, Todd and Kara bought Yankee Point Marina which brought their sons Zach (kindergarten) and Luke (pre-k) to Chesapeake Academy. Todd’s hobbies include both near-shore and off-shore competitive sailing, skiing, traveling, and service work. 

Lisa McLaughlin and her husband, Sean, have two children at Chesapeake Academy (Daniella in fifth grade and Gavin in fourth grade), and she is the owner of The Bookshelf on Church in Kilmarnock. An East Coast transplant originally from California, McLaughlin loves living in a small town and being in the special community that is CA. She brings a background in creative business, project management, and community boards to her CA Trustee role. She also sits on the Lancaster Economic Development Authority (EDA) Board and the Irvington Business Association (IVBA) Board. McLaughlin holds a BA in International Affairs and Italian from the University of San Diego and a MA in Security Policy Studies from George Washington University.

Patricia “Trish” Mayhew has worked in the commercial real estate investment and development arena for over 20 years, and she now serves as Executive Vice President and Partner of New York based Tritec Development Group. Ms. Mayhew holds a Master of Science degree from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, specializing in Infrastructure and Commercial Real Estate and is a graduate of Bentley University in Waltham, Massachusetts holding a Bachelor of Science degree specializing in Economics and Finance. Trish and her husband, Tom, are the parents of Amellia (grade five) and Hazel (grade two) and Chesapeake Academy alumna and Christchurch School sophomore, Estella Mayhew. 

Becca Sterrett is the School Psychologist for Lancaster County Public Schools. She also teaches psychology courses for Rappahannock Community College on a part-time basis and is currently working on her Ed.D. in K-12 Educational Leadership through the College of WIlliam and Mary. Becca and her husband Nick are parents to Alec (grade four) and Elise (grade seven). Sterrett has served on the Chesapeake Academy Parents and Patrons Association (CAPPA) as Vice-President since 2020, and this will be her first year serving as CAPPA President, and in an ex officio capacity on CA's Board of Trustees.

Lorraine Trollip's remarkable history in international hospitality and resort management has provided her not only a wide array of management and logistics skills but also a forum for talents in brand expansion and workforce development. She is the current Resort/Hotel Manager of The Tides Inn in Irvington. She and her husband Jason are parents to Rachel (fifth grade) and Lily (seventh grade). Trollip holds a diploma in Advanced Gordon Bleu Cooking and a diploma in Food Preparation and Cooking (Culinary Arts); she is passionate about sustainable development and conservation; and she enjoys travel, sport, food and wine.

The Book Fair is Coming Soon!



Check out this web link to find out all about it!

Book Fair Web Page

Tonya Carter Debuts New Program in First Grade!

The Motheread/Fatheread program includes research-supported lessons that help to enhance literacy skills in four key areas: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Lessons emphasize the importance of continuing to read regularly to and with children.

Students learn how to share stories and themes with one another in engaging ways that will enhance their vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking. Motheread/Fatheread lessons use children’s books as well as referencing adult literature to encourage teachers and children to make connections between stories and their own experiences. Thank you, Ms Tonya, Children's Librarian at Lancaster Community Library, for sharing your love of reading with first grade.

Tackling STEM Challenges in Third Grade

STEM challenges help grow critical thinkers who can navigate the design loop with ease. Osprey Kai Spore surveys the card tower he has built. The challenge was to build the tallest free standing tower in 30 minutes, using only cards and tape. The design loop promotes a growth mindset by analyzing both failures and successes to see what can be improved.

Honor Code Signing

The Chesapeake Academy Honor Code is designed to promote honesty, respect, citizenship, and integrity within the student community. This code of honor serves as the underlying ethical benchmark which all Academy students are expected to observe and respect. An Honor Code Signing Ceremony is held at the beginning of each school year for all Middle School students. 

At the recent ceremony in Chesapeake Academy's middle school, students solemnly pledged on their honor to uphold the Chesapeake Academy Honor Code as they publicly signed the Honor Board. The Student Council is responsible for promoting and explaining the Honor Code to the student body, as well as modeling the code in everyday practice. 

Oh, the Places Fifth Grade Will Go!

After reviewing the parts of a map in Geography class, fifth graders created their very own maps to show off their knowledge. Students enjoyed making maps of their favorite places around the world, or dreamed up original locations to design and chart. From South Africa and California to "Duck Island" and "Pizza Land," fifth graders found fun (and learning) along their journeys!

Thank You, Early Oyster Roast Sponsors and Donors!



From Stream to Stroll in Seventh Grade!

Sponsored by the York River State Park, "From Stream to Stroll" explores four aquatic ecosystems: swamp, pond, marsh, and beach; compares tidal and non-tidal wetlands, noting the differences in brackish and fresh water systems; measures and compares salinity; and compares the organisms that live in each. Students love this hands-on field study and it prepares them well for future field studies.

Student Council Update

Congratulations to new student council officers for this year! Pictured left to right are Miriam Sisson, president; Kathryn Kenner, treasurer; Fin Burke, secretary; Charley Manetz, vice president. Elections for class representatives took place this week as well. Congratulations to Weston Kenner from fifth grade; Lucas Rafael from sixth grade; Kailyn Allen from seventh grade; and Hudson Metsala from eighth grade.Thank you to all who stepped up to run for leadership roles

Coach's Corner

As the weather is starting to cool down a bit and our student-athletes are about a month into the new school year, we are excited to kick off another season of Osprey Athletics. If the first few weeks are any indicator, we are ready for an action-packed fall filled with teamwork, sportsmanship, and growth.

This fall, we have a diverse range of sports available for Ospreys, including soccer, volleyball, and cross country. Each sport offers unique opportunities for physical development, skill-building, and team camaraderie. Our dedicated coaching staff is committed to fostering a positive and supportive environment where every student-athlete can thrive!

Once again, soccer is off to a great start. With 23 players between JV and Varsity, many of whom are experienced, athletes have truly hit the ground running and are already seeing success. The Varsity team opened with a big win against Ware Academy. V Soccer also secured wins in two tight matches against Lancaster Middle School (LMS) and Rappahannock Middle School (RMS). It might be early in the season, but I know you won't be disappointed when you show up for a game! 

Volleyball has almost doubled in size as we have 15 Ospreys who decided to play this season! With a good combination of experienced and new players, it's been fun seeing how the team improves each time they step onto the court. Despite losing our opener to Ware Academy, the team had a great showing! Just a few days later they traveled to LMS where they picked up a 3 set win, and they grew as a team. The team then lost a tough match against RMS after winning the first set, but, instead of being discouraged, this group was excited about their continued growth! If you're able to make it to a game this season, you'll be impressed with this team's work ethic and ability to play together--plus you'll be in for some guaranteed excitement and fun! 

Cross Country has just started practices, but things are off to a good start! This group of runners is developing endurance and continues to push themselves to do better each day! The plan is for this core group of runners to be joined by Ospreys on the soccer and volleyball teams! If you see our team out running, give them a cheer as they pass you! 

Our teams are off to a great start, and appreciate your continued support of Osprey Athletics. Without the cheers and your help running the concession stand, the games wouldn't be the same! And, speaking of concessions, if you're interested in helping with concessions, please reach out to Katie Parker at familytraditions4@gmail.com. 

We look forward to a fantastic season ahead and appreciate your partnership in promoting a positive and successful experience for all our student-athletes! 

Go Ospreys!

Coach Allen

CAPPA Countdown!

Chesapeake Academy Parents and Patrons Association's primary purpose is to support the school program, identifying program needs through close communication with the Head of School and providing support by mobilizing volunteers for key programs, annual support of the Bell Tower Annual Giving Fund as well as hosting other fund raisers. Most importantly, CAPPA members are the school's biggest cheerleaders. Along they way, parents develop a strong connection to the school and to one another: A win/win! There is a way to help for every Osprey!

CAPPA is excited to announce our first parent book club! We will be reading The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt.

Date: Thursday, September 26, Time: 6:00 p.m.

Location: The Bookshelf on Church, 53 West Church St, Kilmarnock

RSVP: Add your name here.



We believe that the concepts discussed in this book will be applicable to parents of all ages, and we look forward to an interesting and thought-provoking discussion (and let’s be honest, some fun social time with other parents as well!). Please bring food or drink to share with the group (including any serving utensils needed). The Bookshelf on Church has copies in stock now and offers CA parents 10% off this title. Just mention that you are coming to the CA Book Club when purchasing.

Additionally, ALL parents are invited to our next CAPPA meeting, which will be held in the art room at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, September 27. We encourage you to come out hear about ways that you can get involved at CA. If you can't make it to the meeting but would still like to learn more about CAPPA, please contact Becca Sterrett at becca.sterrett@gmaikl.com or (804) 436-4643.

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Polish Your Parenting

• How To Prep Your Child For Election Season
• What Kids Can Do Themselves.... at every age
• 8 Tips to Develop Children's Curiosity

Cue Up Your Calendars!

9/20 Stream to Stroll field trip, seventh and eighth grades

9/24 Volleyball @ Richmond County, 4:30 p.m.

9/25 Tag Day

9/25 V Soccer vs ACDS (home), 4:30 p.m.

9/25 Volleyball vs ACDS (home), 4:30 p.m.

9/26-27 Inward Bound, middle school

9/26 CAPPA Book Club Meeting, 6:00 p.m.

9/27 CAPPA Meeting, 8:30 a.m.

10/2 Dress Uniform

10/2 Picture Day

10/3 Friends of Rappahannock host Carter's Creek Kayak, sixth and seventh

10/3 V Soccer@ACDS, 4:45 p.m.

10/3 Volleyball@ACDS, 4:45 p.m.

10/7 Volleyball Vs. Lancaster (home), 4:30 p.m.

10/8 V Soccer vs. Ware (home), 4:30 p.m.

10/8 Volleyball vs. Ware (home), 4:30 p.m.

10/8 Friends of the Rappahannock Fredericksburg trip, sixth and seventh

10/10 Soccer @Richmond County, 4:30 p.m.

10/11 Fall Break

10/14 Fall Break

10/15 ISAC Soccer Semifinals, TBA

10/16-25 Book Fair

10/16 ISAC Volleyball Semifinals, TBA

10/16 Chesapeake Bay Foundation Boat Trip, seventh grade

10/17 Chesapeake Bay Foundation Boat Trip, fourth grade

10/17 ISAC Volleyball Finals, TBD

10/18 Dragon Run field study, seventh grade

10/18 CAPPA Meeting

10/21 V Soccer@NMS, 4:30 p.m.

10/21Volleyball @NMS, 4:30 p.m.

10/25 Half Day, End of 1MP, Grandparents' and Grandfriends' Day

10/26 Community Oyster Roast

Attitude of Gratitude

• Thanks to Hilary and Caleb Smith for rehabbing Academy Hall into a freshly minted multi-use learning space.
• Thanks to Bryan Miller for fixing the soccer field bleachers--among other things!
• Thanks to Grover Branson and Marshall Novak for giving Ospreys spanking clean busses to start the year!
• Thanks to Marie Mooney Velosky for a passel of monarch butterfly larva for the pre-kindergarten class!
• Thanks to Walt Mallorie for offering after school music lessons to CA students!
• Yet another hat tip to CA's flexible, and fabulous, faculty!
• Who does not love the umbrellas on the patio tables!? The best!
• Thanks to Brendan Roberts who quietly fixes things for the Early Childhood Program. We so appreciate it!