Dear Middle School Parents,

 

As I walk the empty hallways of Middle School and anxiously await the return of your children on Monday morning, I can't help but reflect on the past few days and wonder. I wonder if your children were amazed, did they miss home, did they try a new food, were they moved by a moment, did they laugh until they cried, did they make a new friend, did they learn a new song, did they watch a sunrise, did they fulfill a dream, did they make a memory they will never, ever forget? If the answer is yes to any of these questions, then our mission was accomplished. Carpe Vitam helps bring your child's classroom to life--but it is equally important for your child to bring his or her life experiences to the classroom! So as I anxiously await the return of your children on Monday, I will flip through the photos and ready myself for the excitement, laughter, and stories that will fill our Middle School halls when school resumes tomorrow morning.

 

A very special thank you to our Carpe Vitam faculty chaperones: Alyce Dillon, Brad Hutcherson, Ashley Zimmermann, Rachael Lee, Greg Connolly, Taylor Lenon, Lindsay Hill, Gabe Gabriel, and Curt Titter.  Without their love for these children and their willingness to leave their own families none of this would ever be possible.

 

Forever grateful,

 

Mrs. Toomey

Middle School Principal

Middle School will administer a paper and pencil standardized test called the ERB (officially known as the  Comprehensive Testing Program - CTP) for four days this week starting on Monday. Sixth and Seventh Grade students will be assessed in the areas of reading, vocabulary, and mathematics. Testing will occur the first two hours each day.

We have several objectives in administering the ERB.

Please remember that a single standardized test is simply a snapshot of your child's ability at one point in time. Click HERE for more information about this assessment. The results of the ERB will be mailed to parents in mid-December.

While there is no direct preparation for these types of tests, Frederica Academy recommends the following:

• Middle School students should listen to announcements on Tuesday. Students who are announced should go to the Athletic Conference Room during their lunch period (12:10 p.m. - 12:35 p.m.)
• Upper School students should listen to announcements on Tuesday. Students who are announced should go to the Athletic Conference Room during their lunch period (1:05 p.m. -1:30 p.m.)
• Lower School students will be collected in their classrooms and escorted to the Athletic Conference Room sometime during the afternoon. The vaccine staff will work around your school schedules.

Please consider purchasing Poinsettias and Greenery for your home and business through our Parent Association Sale. These items truly are the most beautiful in the area. Click HERE to download an order form. We invite you to share the order form with family, friends, and neighbors.

Click HERE to order and pay online.

We recognize that not everyone is home during the holidays or has a need for these items; therefore, we are offering supporters the option to make a donation to the Poinsettia Sale or to purchase items that will be donated to the local nursing homes and Hospice of the Golden Isles. Donated items will include a Christmas card drawn by our students and will be delivered by Upper School Service Council members and Student Ambassadors. 

Please email  Kristen Moore should you have any questions or call her at 912-996-0930. Thank you for your support!

Fathers, Faith & Frederica (FF&F) is a group that share the following three characteristics.  We are fathers of current or past Frederica students; men of faith; and men who have a deep attachment to Frederica Academy.  

 

What a week! Fourteen eighth graders ventured to Washington D.C. early Monday morning for four days of touring, learning, and class bonding. The group explored a myriad of sites in our nation's capital, including the National Portrait Gallery (to view the hall of presidents), George Washington's home at Mt. Vernon, and the International Spy Museum. From the Jefferson Memorial to the Supreme Court, the U.S. Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial, students engaged with our wonderful tour guide, Denise, and asked questions about the nature of our federal government. At the National Archives we viewed the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution, which will be thoroughly explored and analyzed by the class in the upcoming weeks. At the Holocaust Museum and World War II memorial, the class delved further into U.S. involvement and found greater perspectives and empathy for people of diverse backgrounds. Similarly, the National Museum of African-American History and Culture was an eye-opening experience for many, and resulted in thoughtful conversation on the bus ride. Throughout our time together, students collaborated on a historical scavenger hunt, in conjunction with their American History & Civics course, which will serve the class well as we move forward in our discussions this year. Experiential education is the lifeblood of intellectual curiosity, and we have undoubtedly "seized life" on this epic 2018 Carpe Vitam expedition!

- Alyce Dillon, Eighth Grade Washington, D.C., Trip Coordinator

Carpe Vitam is all about getting out of our normal routine to create shared experiences that build deeper connections to one another. Camp Greenville created the opportunities for our student to do just that! 

The most memorable experience for many was square dancing. Everyone joined in and had fun partnering up. The night ended with Katie E. and Lily teaching the group the "cotton eye joe" line dance! Another favorite activity of our students was the ropes course challenge. There were many different obstacles and every student accomplished an element in the course. Other activities that we engaged in were hiking to Rainbow Falls, outdoor rock climbing, communication challenges, and team building exercises. 

 

I believe our goals of growing in mutual respect, acceptance and trust as well as personal responsibility were met and will have a lasting impact on this class moving forward!

- Rachael Lee, Seventh Grade Camp Greenville Trip Coordinator

There are times in my life when I am quietly reminded how fortunate I am that I get to be a Principal. Carpe Vitam is one one of those times. Every year, I get to go on an adventure with inquisitive and loving students to make life-long memories. I am always amazed at the energy, spirit, and kindness of our students. I was so impressed by the students' willingness to try new things and support each other, their ability to problem solve, their compassion, their leadership, and their laughter!  Some of my personal favorite memories are the "accidental" falls into the pond, canoe games (I could hear their laughter across the lake), the night hike (abandoned house.. yikes), pioneer tools (who knew we had so many carpenters), Rock Eagle Mound (looks like a penguin to me), the challenge course (they aced the molten lava), snakes, more snakes, and one giant tortoise, campfire sing-alongs, telephone tree, manhunt, and their amazing smiles. I can't wait to hear each student share his or her favorite memories. I join with the other chaperones in expressing our gratitude to all of the students for giving us such an amazing experience and so many special memories.

 

- Leigh Toomey, Sixth Grade Rock Eagle Trip Coordinator

Wyatt welcomed his Dad, Zach Johnson, to read to his class. The children enjoyed The Pigeon Wants a Puppy.

Val Salnikov, a professional ballet instructor, will visit Frederica Academy to teach classes every day from 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. the week of December 18.

Classes will be offered in the Terry Thomas Room in the Arts Center. Mr. Salnikov will teach basic elements of partnering and show aspiring ballet dancers how steps become choreography.

This program is free to Frederica Academy students.  

 

To register, please email  [email protected]. For more information, call (228) 596-0990.