Greetings from Greta Johnston |
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Dear FA Families,
This week, Frederica Academy will host its annual Open House for prospective new families. I was excited to be asked to be one of the student speakers who will welcome interested parents in learning more about our amazing school as they visit our beautiful campus. I am eager to share my FA story with them.
I have attended Frederica since I was in the Fifth Grade, and I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to experience each of its unique divisions: Lower School, Middle School and Upper School. While I have enjoyed my time in each incredible sector of FA, my high school experience has truly been like no other, and I am so excited to have the opportunity to tell visiting families about it during Open House!
For any student, entering high school can be intimidating, but with Frederica, the transition is seamless. This transition is made so easy because of the incredible caring teachers and faculty; its small class sizes allow students to get to know their peers much more easily. In the four years I’ve spent in high school at FA, I have had the opportunity to become involved in so many activities outside of the classroom. I have been on the Varsity Tennis, Cheer and Swim teams and have joined so many clubs. From Model U.N. to National Honor Society, to Dinosaur Club, Frederica really does have plenty of exciting, fun and unique clubs that not only look great on a resume, but have brought me so many friendships with people outside of my class.
Much of my senior year in high school has been spent on my college search. At Frederica, thanks to the incredible Dr. Nevins, the college search is uniquely tailored to the individual student, and as stress free as looking for a college can be. The amazing thing about Dr. Nevins, alongside all other FA staff, is she is accessible all day during school hours and is truly an excellent support system through this difficult process. She and all my teachers actively try to help and elevate our experiences, creating an incredible learning environment.
I would not trade my experience at FA for anything, and I am incredibly grateful for my time at this wonderful school! I am so excited to have the opportunity to talk with our special guests at Open House this week; I can't wait to tell them why this school means so much to me.
Gratefully,
Greta Johnston
Class of 2022
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Monday @ 10:00 AM
Upper School Assembly
FA Gym
Monday @ 3:20 PM
STEM Club Meeting
Mrs. Bradford's Classroom
Tuesday @ 7:15 AM
MS Faculty Meeting
Tuesday @ 10:00 AM
Open House Parent Session
Early Childhood Program (PK+K)
Campus Tours
Tuesday @ 5:00 PM
Varsity Girls Basketball
Region Tournament (First Round)
@ Bulloch vs. St. Andrew's
Tuesday
MS Basketball Games
@ St. Francis
Girls @ 5:00 PM
Boys @ 6:00 PM
Tuesday @ 6:00 PM
MS Carpe Vitam Meetings
Grades 6-8
See Details Below
Wednesday @ 10:00 AM
Open House Parent Session
Grades 1-4
Campus Tours
Wednesday @ 10:00 AM
Upper School Advisory
Wednesday @ 3:30 PM
US Faculty Meeting
Wednesday Evening
Progress 3 Grades Posted
Thursday @ 8:30 AM
PK Nursery Rhyme Program
Thursday @ 10:00 AM
Open House Parent Session
Grades 5-8
Campus Tours
Thursday @ 5:00 PM
Varsity Boys Basketball
Region Tournament (Second Round)
@ Bulloch Academy vs. Trinity Christian
Thursday @ 6:30 PM
Varsity Girls Basketball
Region Tournament (Second Round)
(If FA beats St. Andrew's on Tuesday)
@ Bulloch Academy vs. Bulloch Academy
Friday @ 8:00 AM
Fathers, Faith, and Frederica
Athletic Tent
Friday @ 8:10 AM
Lower School Morning Meeting
Gym
Friday @ 10:00 AM
Open House Parent Session
Grades 9-11
Campus Tours
Friday Evening
Varsity Basketball
Region Championship + Consolation Games
@ Bulloch Academy
Details Pending
(Awaiting Tuesday/Thursday's Results)
Saturday Morning
ACT Exam @ Glynn Academy
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The COVID situation in the Lower School does not require mandated masks anymore. Please feel free to have your child in a mask if you so choose.
We have seen a significant decline in student and employee COVID cases in recent days. Please click here to access our COVID activity dashboard, which is accessible on the school's website.
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THIS WEEK
FA Open House Week
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2022-2023 Chromebook Order Form |
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2022-2023 New Chromebooks + Warranty Coverage Options
Frederica Academy is 1:1 with Chromebooks in grades 5-12 (students in Grades 2-4 use school-provided Chromebooks on campus but do not purchase their own). The mission of the 1:1 program in the Middle School and Upper School grades is to create a collaborative environment for all learners. This environment will enable and support students and teachers to implement transformative uses of technology while enhancing students’ engagement with content and promoting the development of self-directed and lifelong learners.
For returning students who do not need or want to purchase a new Chromebook, the Chromebook form must still be completed and must indicate the choice of warranty coverage. Chromebooks purchased prior to this year only have a one-year warranty option. Please click here for more warranty information.
There are now four options for Chromebooks purchases in this year's enrollment (two are new).
This year’s options are:
*FLEX360 is a Chromebook that flips around 360 degrees turning into a "tablet." This unit is also a touchscreen and is available in 11.6" and 13.3" sizes.
Parents, we are offering a $40 family account credit for used (and working) Chromebooks. These units must be turned in with power cords by May 31st to the Media Center. Please, do not drop them off at the front desk.
Warranty/Tech Support
Starting this year, Frederica Academy will offer new warranty options for an extended warranty on newly purchased Chromebooks for the 2022-2023 school year. This coverage is available through Asurion Insurance (Allstate).
- There are NO deductibles or added costs.
- All parts, labor and shipping are included. All paperwork and filing will be coordinated by the FA Technology staff.
- Drops, spills and cracked screens covered from day one (limit 2 per warranty). Breakdowns covered.
- FA Tech Support Staff will submit and file all claim paperwork online or by phone.
- These plans are only available for Chromebooks purchased at or after enrollment 2022.
- Warranty coverage ENDS after graduation or FA withdrawal.
- Theft is NOT covered under this warranty.
- You may select ANY coverage option. Keep in mind to choose a warranty to accommodate your student’s grade and enrollment future.
Click here for more warranty information and here to email the school's technology department for assistance.
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FA Parent Association Updates |
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Thank you to all of you who supported this year's Annual Fund and those who supported our No Gift Too Small fundraising challenge this month. It was great to see so many of you at the Oyster Roast last night. Special thanks to the Dunn Families for hosting the event and to Beachview Event Rentals and the Veal Families for making it so special.
Please mark your calendar and join us for our Lower School Parent Social on Tuesday, February 15th. This parent only event is a great chance to meet and mingle with other parents. We'll provide dinner. The event will be outside on the patio at Mellow Mushroom. Please use the button below to RSVP today.
Our next Recycled Uniform Sale will be February 16th 7:45 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. in the gym lobby. We know these kids are growing and it's time to clean closets and restock! Please drop off any used uniforms in the bin outside of Happy Hall. Then, stop by to restock on Wednesday morning. The Parent Association accepts checks, cash, or items can be charged to FA family accounts in the Business Office. A collection bin will be available onsite for any uniform items parents want to donate when shopping. We look forward to seeing you there!
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THIS WEEK
Region Basketball Tournament
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We extend best wishes to both varsity basketball teams as they travel to Bulloch Academy this week for the GISA Region 2-AAA Basketball Tournament.
ADMISSION: Admission to each game will be $12 for adults and $8 for students. GISA passes will be accepted at the Pass Gate located at the gym door entrance near the football field ticket booth. FA Booster Club passes are not valid.
LIVESTREAM: Bulloch Academy will provide two livestream options for viewers. The first is with the use of the NFHS camera and the second broadcast will be on Facebook Live with live play-by-play and color commentary feed of each game. Please look for details in Monday's athletic newsletter.
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MONDAY
MS + US STEM Club Meeting
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TUESDAY
MS Parent Carpe Vitam Meetings
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Middle School Parent Carpe Vitam meetings will take place on Tuesday, February 8, at 6:00 p.m. for Grades 6-8.
Here are the locations for the parent meetings on February 8:
- Sixth Grade - Hamilton Hall
- Seventh Grade - Ashley Zimmermann's Science Lab (Fleming Hall)
- Eighth Grade - Gym
We kindly ask that only one parent attend the Sixth Grade and Seventh Grade sessions given the limited space in Coach Zimmermann's classroom and in Hamilton Hall during this COVID surge.
Fifth Grade student and parent Carpe Vitam meetings will take place the first week of March.
CARPE VITAM TRIP INFORMATION
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EIGHTH GRADE
Washington, D.C.
February 28 - March 3
Monday-Thursday
Trip Coordinator: Rachael Lee
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SEVENTH GRADE
February 28 - March 2 (M-W)
Golden Isles
March 3 (Thursday)
Trip Coordinator: Ashley Zimmermann
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SIXTH GRADE
March 2-4
Wednesday-Friday
Trip Coordinator: Leigh Toomey
School Holiday
February 28 - March 1
Monday-Tuesday
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FIFTH GRADE
March 21-23
Monday-Wednesday
Trip Coordinator: Melanie Howell
"Micro-Mester"
February 28 - March 3 (M-Thursday)
FA Campus (Normal School Hours)
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Friday, March 4, is a Middle School holiday with the exception of Sixth Grade students, who will be returning that day from their Carpe Vitam trip to Rock Eagle. Sixth Grade students will be out of school on Monday, February 28, and Tuesday, March 1, before departing on Wednesday, March 2, for their Carpe Vitam trip to Eatonton. |
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THURSDAY
PK Nursery Rhyme Program
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FRIDAY
Fathers, Faith, & Frederica
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Fathers, Faith, and Frederica (FF&F) will meet this week on Friday, February 11. As always, we will meet in the big tent next to the football field. It starts with coffee at 8:00 a.m., and our meeting kicks off at 8:15 a.m. We will be wrapped up by 9:00 a.m.
So, what is FF&F? We are fathers. We are men of faith. And we are connected to Frederica in some way (kids, work, coach, grandkids). We are men who recognize that iron sharpens iron. By gathering, sharing our faith, our triumphs, and our struggles, we will all emerge from our meeting stronger than when we arrived. All FA men are welcome.
As our formula dictates, we have our coffee time, our lesson and then our "open discussion" time. Three items to note about our formula:
- Coffee is now provided (I found the coffee dispenser);
- The lesson will be brief, meaningful, and applicable to every facet of your life (big lead);
- The open discussion will be highly educational.
This Friday, we will begin a multi-meeting series called “I don’t have enough faith to be an atheist." It’s a broad discussion on our belief systems. Put on your thinking cap because this will make you use that noggin on the top of your neck. If this seems like just what you need this week, then come to the tent on Friday, February 11, at 8:00 a.m. Again, all FA men are welcome.
Greg Walbridge
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FEBRUARY 16
FA Recycled Uniform Sale
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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16
7:45 AM - 9:15 AM
GYM LOBBY
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FEBRUARY 16
MS + US Open Mic Night
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FEBRUARY 23-25
Creative Writing Mini-Residency
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The Ellen E. Fleming Endowment
Visiting Artist Program
Proudly Presents
Trelani Michelle Duncan
Author and Memorist
Creative Writing Mini-Residency
February 23, 24, 25
Please welcome Trelani Michelle Duncan as our Visiting Artist for 2022. During her mini-residency, she will teach in the Kindergarten through Eighth Grade arts classes and workshop with all students currently taking arts classes. The theme of the writing will be personal and family history. Ms. Duncan's workshops teach students how to express themselves through personal essay and poetry, from freewriting to final draft, by writing about themselves, their generation, their family, and their community within Frederica Academy and the Golden Isles area.
Author of seven books, Duncan graduated from Savannah State University with a Bachelor’s in Political Science and SCAD with an MFA in Writing. Crowned "Savannah’s Best Local Author," Duncan teaches Black history that is often overlooked, demonstrating that personal history is family history... which is community history... which is world history. Ms. Duncan helps people write about their life in the form of books, bios, business pages, and speeches.
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FEBRUARY 25
Middle School Dance
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Middle School Student Council President Johnathan Aiken and the entire Student Council invite students in Grades 5-8 to the upcoming beach-themed Pari-Dance on Friday, February 25, from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. in the FA Gym.
The dance will be in support of a ministry called Blue Skies. Blue Skies is a non-profit ministry that offers week-long beach camps to families affected by childhood cancer.
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FA State Science Bowl Results |
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The Upper School Science Bowl teams competed in the State Science Bowl competition this past weekend, which was held on Zoom this year.
There were 25 teams competing from across the state, including both public and private schools. The 11th-12th Grade Team consisted of Andrew Kaminer (captain), Spencer Sullivan, Adam Elsharkawi, Grant Offner, and Roy Boyd. The 9th-10th Grade Team included Kate Head (captain), Audrey Shingler, Jackson Lewis, Gillian Sullivan, and Noah Falken.
The 11th-12th Grade Team finished 7th overall and the 9th-10th Grade Team finished 22nd. It was a great effort by the teams and a good finish considering that we were the smallest school in the competition. Almost all of the competitors were juniors and seniors so it was tough for our younger team to compete with them. But it was good competition and we represented our school well.
Tom Willis
FA Science Bowl Team Coach
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US Health + Wellness Club News |
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The FA Health and Wellness Club Relay team has many new events planned in anticipation of Relay For Life.
On February 24, Club members will host an FA Relay Team night at the St. Simons Chick-fil-A. There will be activities for kids and a percentage of the proceeds from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. will be awarded to our team account.
On March 14, our club will host Pi Day. Supporters can pay to "pie" a teacher or student. We are looking forward to this event and are excited to have the support of the faculty and students who have volunteered to "take one for the team" for this FUNdraiser!
You can follow the Health and Wellness Club on Instagram at FAknights_Wellness.
Thank you for your support!
Thomas Veal
Co-President
FA Health and Wellness Club
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US Health + Wellness Club News 2.0 |
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One in three women will experience breast cancer in her lifetime. Early detection is vital.
The FA Health and Wellness Club was proud to host the Southeast Georgia Health System mobile mammogram health vehicle on Monday, January 31, for faculty and staff.
Promoting good health habits is one of the many things we strive to encourage with our club mission. Women forty and over should have a routine screening mammogram each year. Inconvenience is the main reason women state for not getting a yearly mammogram. Bringing the mobile health vehicle to campus each year lessens the burden for staff to have to take off from work and drive to an appointment.
We are happy to report that twelve faculty members took part in this event!
Thanks!
Cammie Pope - Co-President
Megan Trowbridge - Community Service Chair
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US Visits Ecuador + Galapagos Islands |
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Adam Elsharkawi took the US World Language and Culture Club on a trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands last week.
After a recent trip with his family, Adam wanted to share his travel adventures with his fellow students. About twenty Upper School students attended his presentation and enjoyed the homemade "llapingachos" that he had prepared for his virtual travelling companions. Llapingachos are little patties made of potatoes, onions, and cheese, and they are delicious!
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This past weekend, Frederica Academy Middle School students participated in the annual Georgia Science Bowl State Competition hosted by Georgia Southern University. For the second consecutive year, the competition was held virtually, and nine Middle School students participated in the event and represented Frederica Academy honorably. |
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This year's Science Bowl participants were divided into two teams. TEAM 1 consisted of Captain Ella Barker, Emerson Pickens, Ava Wyrick, Aaron Hamm, and Marshall Osteen. TEAM 2 consisted of Captain Elliot Sullivan, Wells Dixon, Bear Brummett, and Clifton Gilbert.
Despite the challenges associated with the virtual competition, all of the students showed great resolve while having fun in this state-sponsored tournament. Mr. Titter is proud to be your coach and is grateful to all of you.
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Fourth Grade @ Fort King George |
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Fourth Grade students took their annual trip to Fort King George on Friday, kicking off a series of field trips as they study the history of the Golden Isles. The field trips will take our wonderful Fourth Grade class to sites, both on and off St. Simons Island, allowing them to experience and see colonial times firsthand. The guided tour of the fort itself and the sleeping quarters gave them a sense of what it was like back then. A soldier showing our students what it was like to fire a musket ended the trip with a bang! Something they will surely remember for a lifetime! |
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Mrs. Albright’s Second Grade class created and performed a puppet show for the Pre-K class last week. Second Grade students made the backgrounds for all three scenes, made seven puppets, and wrote the script about a visit to the circus. |
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First Grade Time Capsules |
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First Grade students marked 2-2-22 by creating time capsules! The students wrote and drew about themselves now and made predictions about their life in the future. These time capsules will go home this week and students will open them on 3-3-33 when they are seniors! |
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Last week's Pre-K Mystery Reader was Paige Klinowski, Ivy Klinowski's mother!
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Happy Hall Courtyard Renovation |
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Frederica Academy parent Bryce Brock and her team at The Vine recently transformed the Lower School Courtyard into a playful and whimsical oasis to be enjoyed by all FA students. Lush Birds of Paradise and colorful blooms invite FA Knights to enter a bamboo forest tent that will soon feature stools for reading or reflection. Our Storybook Walk stations are nestled amongst fragrant rosemary to ensure a lasting memory as students enjoy our featured monthly storybook. Soon the flower blossoms will invite butterflies to flourish, and we hope you’ll, too, stop by to enjoy this fanciful space. A tremendous thank you to Mrs. Brock for her imaginative redesign of this beloved space.
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February 13
Varsity Football + Cheer Banquet
Village Creek Landing
February 15
Re-Enrollment Contracts Return Deadline
February 15 @ 5:30 PM
Lower School Parent Social
Off Campus
Sponsor: FA Parent Association
February 16 (7:45 AM - 9:15 AM)
FA Recycled Uniform Sale
Gym Lobby
February 16 @ 9:00 AM
Fourth Grade Field Trip
Fort Frederica
February 16 @ 6:00 PM
MS + US Open Mic Night
Hamilton Hall
February 18-21
FA Winter Break
February 23-25
FA Visiting Artist Week
February 23 @ 8:15 AM
Eighth Grade to Ninth Grade
Parent Move-Up Session
Shuman Conference Room
February 23 @ 6:00 PM
FA Visiting Artist Meet + Greet
Trelani Duncan
Terry Thomas Room
February 24 @ 8:15 AM
Fourth Grade to Fifth Grade
Parent Move-Up Session
Terry Thomas Room
February 24 @ 1:30 PM
Eighth Grade to Ninth Grade
Student Move-Up Program
Shuman Conference Room
February 28
Financial Aid Applications Return Deadline
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FA Winter Athletic Schedules |
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