Dear FA Families,
I am pleased to announce the hiring of Monica Miller-Smith. Dr. Miller-Smith has been contracted as a consultant for the remainder of this school before transitioning to an administrator position in August. Her title will be Diversity, Inclusion, and Social Justice Coordinator; and she will be working to help address the full gamut of diversity and social justice issues that challenge our students and our school community every day.
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Dr. Miller-Smith holds a Doctor of Education degree (Ed.D.) from the University of Southern California. She has lived and worked in cities and schools all over the world, serving as a freelance writer, an adjunct professor, a consultant, a coordinator, and a high school teacher. In all of these roles, she has demonstrated a proficient understanding of human development, service leadership, and cultural diversity. As importantly, Dr. Miller-Smith and her husband, Gregory Smith, are the parents of two children, one of them being Ava, a new Sixth Grade student at FA.
I see Dr. Miller-Smith’s work as being multifaceted and covering a wide range of issues. Among the most critical of those issues, though, is preparing our children to move and interact respectfully and successfully in the very diverse world that lies beyond FA and the Golden Isles. In the end, I believe that you, as parents, expect our school experience to help your children understand and embrace the increasingly interconnected, international world where they could potentially attend college and/or work and live beyond that college experience. That is, in part, what our tuition covers… the holistic preparation that allows our graduates to take advantage of the myriad opportunities to make a better life for themselves in the world of tomorrow beyond Frederica Academy. And there is no question that the world of tomorrow is getting smaller and in doing so is getting more diverse, competitive, and interconnected; and the spectrum of people that one will need to interact with in that world only widens. Our children need specific and direct help in acquiring the essential skills and understandings to navigate interpersonally in that world.
Learning about and practicing getting along with others, understanding those others and seeing their differences as strengths, and growing from those interactions is right at the heart of the healthy maturation and development of a fulfilled and successful person. One of my major takeaways from the recent gathering with young alums that I mentioned in last week’s Sunday message was their expressed challenge of exiting our school and the island’s “bubble of sameness” and entering a larger and more diverse environment in their respective colleges. Living in the Golden Isles may be the most relaxing and reassuring place in which to grow up, and that ought to be celebrated as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for all of us fortunate enough to be able to do so. But hand in hand with that blessing comes the responsibility to learn how to interact with a more diverse population so that if your child ever wants to take advantage of an opportunity outside this comfort zone, they are equipped and confident to do so. Dr. Miller-Smith’s presence and the impact of her work will better ensure that our students will be ready for that challenge.
On a related matter, this week six Upper School students virtually attended a weeklong NAIS Student Diversity Leadership Conference, coordinated by Catherine Holt and co-funded by the school and the FA Parent Association. Every time we stretch members of our student/faculty population to be thinking and learning how to respect and appreciate others, especially those who do not think like them, look like them, or have experienced life like them, we are strengthening both our school community and everyone in that community immeasurably.
Respectfully,
Scott L. Hutchinson
Head of School
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Click HERE to access the December Knights Table Menu
Sunday @ 8:00 PM
Coach Brandon Derrick Radio Show at Porch
Monday @ 10:00 AM
US Advisory Announcements
Monday @ 1:00 PM
NAIS Student Diversity Leadership Conference
Shuman Conference Room
Monday @ 3:30 PM
MS Boys Soccer @ Camden
Dismissal:
Monday @ 3:30 PM
Varsity Boys Soccer Meeting
Gym
Monday @ 4:00 PM
MS Faculty Meeting
MS Academic Center
Monday @ 4:30 PM
MS Girls Soccer @ Camden
Monday @ 5:30 PM
Dismissal: 1:30 PM
Varsity Girls Basketball
@ Robert Toombs (Lyons)
Monday @ 6:00 PM
MS Treble Choir
Holiday Performance
King & Prince Resort
Monday @ 7:00 PM
Dismissal: 1:30 PM
Varsity Boys Basketball
@ Robert Toombs (Lyons)
Tuesday (All Day)
MS + US Exam Review
Tuesday @ 10:00 AM
NHS Induction Ceremony
State Cross Country Runners
Gym
Tuesday @ 10:00 AM
Middle School Assembly
Tuesday @ 1:00 PM
Health + Wellness Club
Christmas Celebration
Football Bleachers
Tuesday @ 3:30 PM
Varsity Girls Soccer Meeting
Gym
Wednesday (All Day)
MS + US Exam Review
Wednesday @ 10:00 AM
US Virtual Assembly
Wednesday @ 1:00 PM
US FCA CHRISTmas Celebration
Football Bleachers
Wednesday @ 4:00 PM
US Faculty Meeting
Sea Island Green Tent
Thursday (All Day)
MS + US Exam Review
Thursday @ 8:30 AM
FA Board of Visitors Session
Shuman Conference Room
Thursday @ Lunch Periods
Kona Ice Truck
Thursday @ 1:00 PM
Cason Cavalier NCAA Signing
Rhodes Golf
Sea Island Green
Friday Morning
MS + US Screening Information
Details will be shared early this week.
Friday @ 9:00 AM
MS + US Science Exams
Friday @ 10:30 AM
First Grade Christmas Program
Jekyll Island Historic Hotel + District
Friday @ 11:45 AM
March to Macon
Football State Championship Send-Off
Sea Island Green
Friday @ 8:00 PM
State Football Championship Game
vs. John Milledge Academy
Mercer University in Macon
Five Star Stadium
Click HERE for game and ticket information. Click HERE for directions.
Saturday Morning
ACT Exam
Saturday
US Forensics Online Debate Meet
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COVID-19 Protocol Updates |
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Dear FA Families,
As referenced in Mr. Hutchinson's communication last week regarding new CDC COVID-19 guidelines, we are making changes to our COVID-19 protocols.
For our return-to-school policy for anyone who has tested positive, that person should isolate for ten days from the date the test was administered. The person should also have improved symptoms for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication.
If a person is identified as a primary contact to a COVID-positive case, that person must quarantine. The CDC initially recommended 14 days of quarantine from the last known contact with the positive case. However, per the CDC, the following options to shorten quarantine are now acceptable:
- Quarantine can end after "DAY 10" without testing and if no symptoms have been reported during daily monitoring.
- Quarantine can end after "DAY 7" if a diagnostic specimen tests negative and if no symptoms were reported during daily monitoring. The specimen may be collected and tested within 48 hours ("DAY 5") before the time of planned quarantine discontinuation, but quarantine may not be discontinued earlier than after "DAY 7."
In both cases, daily symptom monitoring and masking through "DAY 14" must be met. If symptoms develop, the person should immediately self-isolate.
If someone has not been tested but reports that they are symptomatic, the school is requiring a negative test or one of the above quarantine periods. That person must also be symptom-free for 24 hours before returning to school.
Healthcare experts understand and support the new CDC guidelines, but do continue to encourage, but not mandate, affected people quarantine for 14 days to reduce risks.
Please call or email me should you have questions.
Nikki Pope BS RNC BSN
Frederica Academy School Nurse
200 Murray Way
Saint Simons Island GA 31522
912 638 9981 x 492
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Congratulations, Football Knights! |
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Congratulations to our football players, cheerleaders, and coaches on the BIG win against Tiftarea on Friday night in the GISA AAA Semifinal game!
Next stop: Mercer University in Macon against John Milledge, a rematch of the 2018 State Championship Game.
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Click HERE for December Menu.
Click HERE for PK, K, and 1st Grade Lunch Order Form |
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Summer Programs Opportunity |
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Frederica Academy Summer Programs had such an amazing summer last year that we are looking to expand our offerings and need your help!
This year, we are excited to offer an opportunity for parents in our Frederica Academy community to run a specialty camp. If you are interested, or just have suggestions, please contact Summer Programs Director, Heather Day, at 423-782-7716.
The 2021 Summer Programs will run seven sessions during the following weeks: June 7-11; June 14-18; June 21-25; June 28-July 2; July 12-July 16; July 19-July 23; and July 26-30. Specialty programs will run each week Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. or 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Summer Programs details and sign-up information will be shared in the near future.
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Congratulations to Wyatt Johnson, whose artwork was selected for the cover of this year's official Frederica Academy's Christmas Card!
All of the students did an outstanding job. Winners were selected for each classroom.
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MONDAY + TUESDAY
Varsity Soccer Meetings
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WEDNESDAY
FCA CHRISTmas Party
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US FCA is hosting a CHRISTmas party on the football bleachers during lunch on Wednesday. Please bring something salty or sweet to share. We look forward to celebrating the Reason for the Season together.
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The Kona Ice Truck will be on campus on Thursday during lunch periods! An added bonus to the Cason Cavalier NCAA Signing Ceremony during Upper School lunch! |
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THURSDAY
Cason Cavalier Signing Ceremony
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FRIDAY @ 8:00 PM
State Football Championship Game
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DECEMBER
MS Holiday Activities
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DECEMBER 9-11
LS Student Holiday Fun Days
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HOLIDAY ACCESSORY DAY: It is time to accessorize your Lower School uniform! Wear your favorite holiday accessory to help kick off our dress-up days! You can be creative or choose between holiday socks, headbands, or lights!
WACKY, TACKY SWEATER DAY: Wear your tackiest Christmas sweater or your favorite holiday shirt!
POLAR EXPRESS PAJAMAS DAY: Wear your holiday pajamas so you are cozy when you watch Polar Express!
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DECEMBER 14-15
LS Holiday Events
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Lower School students will participate in a variety of holiday programs and events before school adjourns for the Christmas break on Tuesday, December 15. Click below for details. |
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Humane Society Angel Tree |
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The Humane Society Teen Board is sponsoring its annual Christmas Angel Tree Fundraiser! There are trees in the Upper School Academic Center and Mrs. Holt's office. Take an ornament or a few and find the items on the back and put them under the tree! This is a great way to help out your local Humane Society during this holiday season!
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Personal Care Collection Drive |
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The Upper School Health and Wellness Club is coordinating a drive to collect personal care and hygiene items for Project Niceties. Project Niceties is founded by FA junior Carter Jules and dispenses these items to underprivileged boys and girls. Collection bins are located in Nurse Pope's office and the Corn Hall reception area. |
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Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica |
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Congratulations to the two dozen Upper School students who were inducted into the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica last week!
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The National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) invites all high school students (9th through 12th grades) interested in the American Revolution to participate in the George S. & Stella M. Knight Essay Contest each year.
The following FA students took the top three places in this year's local competition: Spencer Sullivan, First Place; Kate Walbridge, Second Place; and Bryce Reilly, Third Place.
Spencer's essay, entitled, "The Merit of Dissent," now advances to the state-level society to compete against winning essays from throughout Georgia.
Kate wrote about how constitutional amendments shaped our nation and Bryce explored whether the political order of the American Revolution can unite a modern day America.
The contest is open to all students attending home schools, public, parochial, or private high schools. To participate, students submit an original 800-1,200-word essay based on an event, person, philosophy or ideal associated with the American Revolution, Declaration of Independence, or the framing of the United States Constitution. Each student’s essay is judged based upon its historical accuracy, clarity, organization, grammar and spelling, and documentation.
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Christmas Parade Winners! |
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Congratulations to three talented members of the Middle School Chorus for their First Place Win as the Civics Entry in the Brunswick Christmas Parade!
On Saturday, chorus members Brooke Lewis, Emily Wyrick, and Elizabeth Temple, under the direction of Dr. Tess Nielsen, sang a medley of Christmas favorites as the parade processed down Gloucester Street to Mary Ross Park.
Many thanks to Lewis Family (Dr. Adam Lewis, Carla Lewis, and Holly Lewis, Class of 2022) who splendidly decorated their truck and volunteered to help in this community-oriented holiday festivity.
According to the judges, our entry best demonstrated holiday spirit and community unity.
Bravo, Middle School Chorus!
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Mrs. Smith arranged for her Eighth Grade students to have a lesson aboard Nantucket's Tall Ship Lynx last week. The experience was made possible due to the generosity of the Lynx Educational Foundation. |
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Mullet Math Ratios Lesson |
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Middle School students in Mr. Lenon's Sixth Grade Advanced and Seventh Grade Math class were introduced to ratios using mullets. A higher ratio of party to business makes a hairstyle more mullet-y. Students compared celebrity mullets and measured their own mullet ratio. |
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This past week, Third Grade students created suitcases to help them learn about holidays around the world. They kicked-off the week by "visiting" South Africa and Australia. They are excited to see where they will visit this week!
Last week, Third Grade students also began their unit on area and perimeter. To help understand the concepts, students used pretzels and Cheez-Its. The pretzels gave a great example of how the perimeter is measured by looking at the outside of a shape. The Cheez-Its gave a great example of how the area is measured by looking at the inside of a shape. Students also loved ending the lesson with snacks!
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Second Grade Star Students |
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Our Second Grade Star Students last week were Abby Jane Johnson and Rawson Gordon. Abby Jane and Rawson shared their "All About Me" posters with the class. Both Star Students worked hard to decorate their posters and did a wonderful job!
The Second Grade Stars also invited a guest reader. Abby Jane invited her cousin, Maci Miklas. She read the book, How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Rawson invited his brother, Jacob Gordon who is a Sixth Grade student at FA. He read the book, Where's My Mummy? Congratulations to Abby Jane and Rawson and thank you to our special guest readers!
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Leo Hall, a Second Grade student in Mrs. Albright's class, earned 125 AR Points! His reward was getting to read to his sister’s Pre-K class! Alice and her classmates were so excited to hear Leo read “Happy Pig Day,” by Mo Willems. Way to go, Leo! |
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December 14
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
MS + US Math Exams + Early Dismissal
December 14 @ Noon
Photos with Santa (Kindergarten)
Sea Island Green
December 14 @ 1:00 PM
Jingle Bell + Giving Tree Celebration
Grades 2+3
Sea Island Green
December 14 @ 1:45 PM
Photos with Santa (Grades 2+3)
Sea Island Green
December 15
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
MS + US World Languages Exams + Early Dismissal
December 15 @ 11:00 AM
Photos with Santa (Pre-K)
Sea Island Green
December 15 @ 11:45 AM
Early Dismissal (PK, K, 1, 2, 3)
KiX will not be offered on this day.
December 15 @ Noon
Jingle Bell + Giving Tree Celebration
Grades 4+5
Sea Island Green
December 15 @ 12:45 PM
Photos with Santa (Grades 4+5)
Sea Island Green
December 15
Early Dismissal for Grades 4+5
(Conclusion of Christmas Programs)
KiX will not be offered this day.
December 16
MS + US Make-Up Exams
Faculty + Staff Workday
December 16 - January 6
Student Christmas Break
December 17 - January 4
FA Employee Christmas Break
December 29 (Evening)
First Semester Grades Posted
January 4-5, 2021
Faculty + Staff Workdays
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