Dr. Science Depends on Kindergarten

CA's kindergarten class got a surprise package from the mysterious Dr. Science. This overworked scientist is just too busy to get all of his experiments done, so he has solicited help from Chesapeake Academy's capable kindergarten students. Students received all the gear necessary to become scientists including lab coats and badges--and these enthusiastic helpers will be completing at least one experiment each week this year. 

The Scholastic Book Fair is Open!

The Fall Book Fair has arrived. It’s a wonderful opportunity for students and families to explore new books, support our school library, and celebrate the joy of reading together. We can’t wait to see you there!

October 20-24

in the James Library!

CA Welcomes Faces and Our Cultures Exchange

Faces & Our Cultures is a cultural exchange experience between Guatemala and the US that partners with 100 schools in 13 different states. Each year more than 160 cultural ambassadors from Guatemala travel to the US to share their culture with school communities and learn from the American culture.

Chesapeake Academy is partnering with Faces & Our Cultures this year by sharing a seven-week exchange program.

October 20 through December 12, Chesapeake Academy will welcome Esteban Soto, an eighth grader who will be living with the Burke family (Fin ‘26, Pearl ‘31). Esteban enjoys most sports, photography, playing guitar, and video games. His family hopes he will discover a world of possibilities and come appreciate other cultures.

This summer, a seven-week program in Guatemala will be offered to to students from host families. The program in Guatemala will take place during their school calendar so students will have the opportunity to live with a host family in Guatemala and be fully immersed in academic classes with their student host. For more information about this program in future years please contact Sonja Smith ssmith@chesapeakeacademy.org .

Second Grade Writers Grow

with Organizational Strategies

Chesapeake Academy is excited to implement the Self Regulated Strategy Development Program in writing this year. In the first marking period, students in grades kindergarten through eighth are learning how to write opinion essays with a topic sentence, reasons, explanations, and a strong ending.



Second graders are working diligently to revise and edit exemplar essays. Peer editing is a strategy used to bounce ideas off one another and consider what could be added or changed in an essay to make it perfect. Students graph progress of essays reviewed over time to see if the author is using all the parts of an essay properly. 

Ditchley Cider Works Delivers Fall Fun!


As temperatures drop and leaves fly, thoughts turn to fall fun! Kindergarten through fourth grades traveled to Ditchley Cider Works to drink in the season while connecting with their curriculum in a wide variety of ways! Lower grades did activities based on the life cycle of an apple, sink/float concepts, apple picking in the orchard, and learning the steps of making cider. Students also enjoyed apple-based art and games as well as a scavenger hunt to learn about various elements of nature in the fall. They met the pigs and cows and learned about their diet and habitats.

Third and fourth grades experienced the day with a history focus for their trip which included learning about the Ball family and their home, which was built in 1752. Students enjoyed making grave rubbings in the cemetery. Fourth graders also studied the beach ecosystem and made their own "ecosystems in the jar" while third grade students made dioramas.

Faye Society Plays Unique Role in Chesapeake Academy's Future

Operating quietly under the radar, a group of committed supporters of Chesapeake Academy continue to impact the school's long-term sustainability through estate gifts to the school. These are the members of Chesapeake Academy's Faye Society. From all ages and stages and all walks of life, these far-seeing individuals realize that the future springs from the present, and they believe in Chesapeake Academy's role in a growing and thriving Northern Neck community.

Head of School Catherine L. Emery explains, “Members of the Faye Society have made a personal commitment to help ensure the economic, educational, and social vitality of the Northern Neck community. Maintaining an independent educational option allows parents the opportunity to seek the best match in learning settings for their child and helps to ensure that the region remains an attractive professional destination. Chesapeake Academy’s vigorous and dynamic curriculum focuses on authentic, place-based learning that develops vital 21st century skills. With a priority on developing good citizens who answer the call to leadership, the Academy has been a strong contributor to the local community for sixty years.”

The Faye Society, founded in 2001, recognizes contributions and charitable bequests for the long-term growth and sustainability of Chesapeake Academy. The society is named in honor of Captain and Mrs. James Faye who generously included Chesapeake Academy as a beneficiary of their estate. Their foresight, thoughtful consideration, and charitable planning made a tremendous impact on the Academy’s future and fiscal stability. To become a member or learn more, contact Catherine Emery at clemery@chesapeakeacademy.org.

Faye Society Brochure

Hub Happenings:

Passion Engineering Projects Underway!

CA's Arts & Innovation Program kicked off the year by implementing the engineering design loop as an anchor for project based work. Each project is framed by the seven steps of design thinking: define the problem (ask) to identify constraints, brainstorm multiple solutions (imagine), select the most promising solution (plan), prototype (create), test, iterate to improve the prototype, and then communicate the solution (share).

Hub students tackled several challenges learning how to create an interactive design journal and effectively research background information. These projects included STEM challenges such as tallest tower structures, the aerodynamics of paper airplanes, and balancing drag force with a parachute drop.

Design loop practice activities set students up to embrace passion engineering projects, the culminating piece in the unit. Students developed personal passion projects using the research models and engineering design loop. Examples include but aren't limited to: full-size finger knit blankets, upgrading electronics, custom woodworking, creating online simulated worlds, and digitally creating their own music to play on hand-built instruments. Creativity and critical thinking prepare CA students to meet future challenges!

Advisories Prepare Students to Own Progress

Middle school advisory groups worked hard on preparing for parent partnership meetings. In middle school, these conversations are student-led and focus on areas of strength and growth as students navigate academic, athletic, and social responsibilities. To get ready, middle schoolers worked on a Reflecting on Academic Success task. This allowed students to look back on what has gone well the first weeks of school and to set goals for the remainder of the marking period (and year). Students were excited and ready to share these thoughts with their adults and to plan for future academic growth!

Persuasive Writing Meets Marketing Challenge in Fourth Grade

Third and fourth grade students wrapped up the summer reading program with a heartwarming community project in collaboration with the Northumberland County Animal Shelter. As part of the project, students created colorful “Adopt Me” posters and portraits for animals currently awaiting homes. Students drew upon their reading, writing, and art skills to make each pet’s story come alive.

These marketing masterpieces were proudly displayed on kennels at the shelter for potential adopters to enjoy. To celebrate the conclusion of the project, volunteers from the shelter visited campus—bringing along furry clients! The real-world impact of creativity and compassion in action impressed students with the authentic potential of their skills in action.

Living Large and Learning Lots...

an Oyster Festival Boat Trip

Sponsored by the Urbanna Oyster Festival Marine Legacy Program, CA fourth and seventh grade students each enjoyed a half-day boat trip designed to illuminate the marine ecosystems in Urbanna Creek. Throughout the trip, kids discussed the ecological impacts on water quality and diversity of land use choices and weather. Learning the life cycle of the crab, students fished a crab pot and discussed how the pot works. Students also discussed the anatomy of an oyster and learned its vital role in cleaning local waterways.

Welcome to Richard Moncure!

Mr. Richard Moncure anchors the transition to Chesapeake Academy's Middle School as the fifth grade teacher for the 25-26 school year. Moncure comes to CA from St. Margaret's School, where he was the director of the school’s flagship STREAM program (science, technology, river, engineering, arts, and math). Prior to St. Margaret's School, Richard was the middle school science teacher at Aylett Country Day School, where he earned the Virginia Association of Independent Schools Distinguished Innovative Teacher of the Year Award in 2022-2023. Assistant Head of School Kenzie Manetz enthuses, "Richard brings energy, enthusiasm and a passion for education that elevates his practice! We are delighted to watch him bloom in this role!"

Making The World A Better Place!

In fourth grade library class, students are learning about biographies and exploring the lives of people who have made a difference in their communities. By reading and discussing these inspiring stories, students learn how individuals use their talents, values, and determination to create positive change.

Alongside this, the class will connect the lessons from biographies to real life by learning about the importance of giving back through community service. Their first project will be a sock drive, where students will collect socks to donate to people experiencing homelessness. The sock collection will begin on September 22 and continue through October 24.

Sixth Grade Learns by Teaching!

Sixth graders have been exploring the ancient world in their Humanities class, recently concluding a unit on ancient Egypt. Driven by their own curiosity about Egyptian architecture, they embarked on a student-led slideshow to learn more information. These motivated students researched basic details and fun facts about ancient Egyptian landmarks in which they expressed personal interest. Next, sixth graders will present their findings to fifth grade World Geography students.

Inward Bound Retreat Builds Community!

Resilient, collaborative communities don't just happen. They are developed with intention and design. Chesapeake Academy middle school students attend an annual retreat called Inward Bound to get to know themselves and their peers and to bond as advisory groups, grade levels, and as a larger middle school community. Chesapeake Academy's annual Inward Bound retreat is all about creating a nurturing, connected learning environment. At Inward Bound, students participate fully in group problem-solving activities, games, contests, and reflections with a wide variety of partners. Activities center on the annual character theme, "joy," and focus on building character and relationships while connecting the idea of open ended thinking to advisory topics of transition, friendship, self-discovery, and leadership. 

Group team building and challenges at Inward Bound are led by eighth-grade students in each advisory family and include games and tasks that encourage critical thinking, teamwork, and creativity. As these student leaders guide their advisory groups, they emphasize seeing and listening to peers and helping students form authentic connections in and out of their advisory groups. This year's spate of activities was action-packed and punctuated with some reflective interludes. Inward Bound Coordinator Marshall Novak commented, “The goal is to plan the retreat with a well-paced mix of team building, reflective and introspective activities, and good old-fashioned fun!”

This year's Advisory Collaborative Challenge was a pumpkin chucking contest. Advisory teams collaborated in a team building STEM challenge by designing and building catapults to pitch their pumpkin the longest possible distance. Throughout the challenge, emphasis is placed on the process of collaborative idea generating and creating. If a design fails, groups evaluate, re-design, and try again. Inward Bound Coordinator Marshall Novak notes, "We could not be happier with the outcomes of this retreat. Connections were made, relationships deepened, and collaborators were born! Inward Bound is a terrific way to start a good school year."

Exploring Biodiversity on Dragon Run

Led by members of the Friends of Dragon Run, and science teacher Robin Blake, Chesapeake Academy seventh graders kayaked Dragon Run (a freshwater swamp), testing water quality, stopping to discuss flora, and then walking the trails.

Student Council Grows Leaders

Student Council has been busy planning assemblies, middle school meetings, and fun events for our Ospreys. In September, the leadership team hosted Inward Bound’s “Beach Bash,” a fun dance with festive decorations, refreshments, and glow lights galore. Middle school students had a blast as they hit the dance floor with their friends. This month, officers planned CA’s spirit week, promoting school pride as our fall athletes compete in the ISAC tournament. Next month, Student Council will host the first middle school event of the year--stay tuned for details.

Congratulations to Student Council classroom representatives for the 2025-26 school year: Nolan Pittman, eighth grade; Orla Watts, seventh grade; Dani McLaughlin, sixth grade; August Goodrich, fifth grade. Thanks to all students who stepped up to run for office. Your initiative matters!

.

CAPPA Update!

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 the way, parents develop a strong connection to the school and to one another: A win/win! There is a way to contribute for every Osprey family! 

Apple sales are in full swing! The apple sales are CAPPA’s biggest fundraiser for the year. Apples are sold by the bushel, half bushel, or peck. They are fresh and delicious! Sales forms are due by Friday, October 24, with apple delivery in time for all of your Thanksgiving baking.

Mark your calendar for these additional upcoming fundraising and social events:

• Dear Neighbor shopping event: Thursday, November 13 from 3:30-6:30
• Bookshelf on Church shopping event: Saturday, December 6 from 10-5

These and other CAPPA fundraisers go toward our support of the following programs:

• A leadership gift to the Bell Tower Annual Giving Fund
• Hospitality at CA’s big events (e.g. Grandparents’ Day, Holiday Program)
• Santa visit with hot chocolate & cookies
• Middle school ice cream social
• Field Day bounce house & Kona ice truck
• Teacher Appreciation Week treats & activities
• Teacher back-to-school luncheon
• Campus holiday decorations
• And more!

Additionally, ALL parents are invited to our monthly CAPPA meetings, which are held in the art room at 8:30 a.m. on the third Friday of the month. We encourage you to come out to see what we're all about, and hear about ways that you can get involved at CA. If you can't make it to the meetings but would still like to learn more about CAPPA, please contact Becca Sterrett at becca.sterrett@gmail.com or (804) 436-4643.



Cue Up Your Calendars!

10/20 CA@ Northumberland, 4:30 p.m.

10/20 CA @ Northumberland, 4:30 p.m.

10/20 The Hill School Admission Visit, seventh and eighth grades,11:55 a.m.

10/20 through 10/24 Scholastic Book Fair

10/21 Volleyball sport photos, 3:00 p.m.

10/22 CA vs Lancaster, 4:30 p.m.

10/24 End of MP1

10/24 Grandparents and Grandfriends Day

10/25 Oyster Roast

10/27 School/Office Closed

10/28 The Asheville School Admissions Visit, seventh and eighth, 11;55 a.m.

10/29 Tag Day

10/29 Faculty Professional Development, 3:30 p.m.

10/29 Cross Country Meet @ Ware, all day

10/31 LS Halloween Parties, 2:30 p.m.

11/2 Daylight Savings Time Ends

11/3 Report Cards Home

11/3 Second Grade Swim Week

11/4 Election Day

11/5 Athletic Awards Assembly, 10:05 a.m., gymnasium

11/5 Make-up Picture Day, Dress Uniform

11/12 Steamboat Museum Field Trip, kindergarten and first, 1:00 p.m.

11/12 Academic Awards, 10:05, CA gym

11/18 Kindergarten Open House, 4:00 p.m.

11/19 Tag Day

11/21 CAPPA Meeting, 8:30 a.m.

11/24-27 Thanksfiving Break

12/2 Giving Tuesday

12/3 Dress Uniform

12/3 Basketball Scrimmage with LMS

12/5 RFA Play at LES, 9:15 a.m.. kindergarten through second grades

12/5 RFA Play at LES, 1:15 p.m., third and fourth grades

12/5 Interims

12/10 Basketball vs ACDS

12/11 PALS Presents, "I Want a Hippopotomus for Christmas, 11:00 a.m.

12/17 Tag Day

12/19 Holiday Program, noon dismissal

1/21 SRSD Whole School Share

Athletics Awards Assembly, 10:05 a.m., CA gym

Attitude of Gratitude!

• For hand sanitizer and Chlorox wipes, we are eternally grateful!
• Thanks to our Oyster Roast sponsors and volunteers, the area's favorite fall gathering is gearing up to be fantastic!
• For all the data collecting, differentiation, and supportive connection our teachers lavish on thier students, we are grateful!
• A baby grand piano! Joy and gratitude!
• Thanks to alumni parent and grandparent Tommy Kellum for pre-k's pumpkins!
• Great coaches are something to celebrate. And great volunteer coaches are really remarkable! Thanks to Rauf Demirkan, Nuhan Demirkan, and Maggie Watts, our soccer coaches!
• The Athletic Boosters support the school program with donattions to the athletics program that we all enjoy! Thanks in particular to Katie Parker, Head of Athletic Boosters.
• Gratitude to all parents, grandparents, and friends who have helped with concessions!
• Wow! Thanks to Kristin and Ing Kiland provided soccer dinner after ISAC Finals!
• Marie Sanders at Out of the Oven Bakery generously donated sweet treats for Lunch & Learn! Her treats are THE best!