Chesapeake Academy's mission: to inspire each student to approach learning with
curiosity and creativity,
pursue excellence in all endeavors,
and act with integrity--
so each can make our community and world a better place.
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Announcing: CA's Virtual Go for the Gold Auction raised more than $128,000 dollars, including $76,000 to ensure the Osprey Dome is in great shape to serve future Ospreys! |
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The Head's Heads UP!
Chesapeake Academy has spent the last 14 months thinking about the impact of COVID on education, and we have also tried to see around COVID to determine what opportunities exist from the disruptions of the last year. There are many lessons that will endure beyond the 2020-2021 school year and have informed the work of strategic planning that the Board of Trustees has done with the input of administration, faculty, staff, and parents.
This summer, I will be able to share with stakeholders the goals of the strategic plan for the 2021-2024 school years. Through the strategic planning process, we ensure that the elements of the school that are rooted in our identity are maintained while at the same time, the institution has guideposts for continued growth and evolution. Not only do we address students' academic progress, but also their overall well-being. Our common purpose and mission speak to growing strong learners who are good people.
Schools are human institutions, needing to be purposefully responsive to the needs of students and to the changing demands on learners. We lean heavily on our experiences and expertise, the criteria for accreditation through VAIS, evolving best practices in our profession, and our mission and philosophy to guide the process (both are on our website, https://chesapeakeacademy.org/). The strategic vision, approved by the Board this spring, encapsulates those elements:
Consistent with the mission and philosophy, Chesapeake Academy will continue to build a dynamic, robust educational program, rooted in a solid foundation of core subjects and the arts, with an instructional approach that is innovative, differentiated, and project based. Chesapeake Academy will fully develop the A&I integrated skills curriculum to ensure that across grade levels and disciplines, students have technological and design thinking skills to apply in a variety of ways.
In order to cultivate and sustain an inclusive climate where all belong, Chesapeake Academy will evaluate the program of the school, enrollment outreach, hiring process, board composition, and community engagement with a goal of broadening the diversity of perspectives. Chesapeake Academy will solidify its position as an essential community institution that can capitalize on the Arts & Innovation Hub as a resource for the community. Chesapeake Academy will maximize partnerships with local organizations and seek to expand resources to the children in the broader area through those partnerships, on-campus activities, and educational services.
Chesapeake Academy will plan financially for sufficient revenue to support the mission and strategic vision of the school, ensuring that the school can hire and retain exceptional staff, provide adequate financial assistance for families, invest in instructional materials, and maintain appropriate facilities to carry out the program of the school. Chesapeake Academy will evaluate potential income streams to supplement fundraising and tuition revenue, including building the endowment and exploring additional fee-based services.
Chesapeake Academy is well situated to embrace the future with optimism, confidence, and a strong sense of community. There is good work to be done as a school community to meet the goals of the strategic plan. I will look forward to facilitating discussions with parents and friends of the school this summer and fall as we envision more normal operations in the 2021-2022 school year.
Julie
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Faces and Our Culture is an organization that pairs host families at Chesapeake Academy (among other schools) and Guatemalan exchange students for a cultural program. Middle Schoolers are always excited to welcome exchange students and host families give rave reviews! We have three exceptional students lined up and are looking for host families! Curious? Reach out to the Cammaratas, Shivers, Duvalls, or the Dews to hear about the many ways their families were enriched by the exchange.
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Osprey About Town: Miriam Sisson!
Miriam Sisson, of fourth grade fame, is making waves in her community! This Osprey About Town was awarded an Honorable Mention for the story she submitted to WHRO’s Writing Contest!
Miriam also won first place in the Sons of American Revolution annual history poster contest this year with her submission on Phoebe Fraunces!
Both endeavors were completed on her own initiative outside of school!
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Grandparents and Grandfriends
Zoom in the Room!
Grandparents' and Grandfriends' Day is one of Chesapeake Academy's most loved traditions! This interactive event brings together beloved grandparents and grandfriends with eager students at Chesapeake Academy to celebrate the joy of learning. And it would take more than a global pandemic to stand in the way of that fun! Chesapeake Academy classes invited grandparents and grandfriends to zoom in the room as students showcased a wide array of exciting activities designed for the purpose.
Pre-Kindergarten 3 & 4 students created portraits of grandparents and labelled them with their favorite descriptors to share. After detailed research, Kindergarteners wrote animal stories to share with grandparents via zoom. First graders wrote and illustrated books for their grandparents following the template, My grandparents are, My grandparents can, My grandparents have, My grandparents are special because….
Second grade students showcased autobiographies. To join in the fun, check out Annabel Claire's account of her life thus far. Annabel's Grandparent's Day Recording.mp4 Running a gamut of activities, third graders shared Mad Libs with grandparents, swapped riddles, and presented history fair projects. Not to be outdone, fourth grade students took their grandparents "around the world in 80 days," interviewing elders about travels near and far.
Fifth graders hosted breakout rooms in Zoom so students had the opportunity to chat with their grandparents about favorite middle school novels then rejoin the group to share what they learned. Finally, each child recited a piece of original poetry. Sixth graders and their guests went on a virtual vacation in Advanced Geography! As grandparents shared places they’ve always wanted to go or places that they had enjoyed visiting, students used Google Earth 3D to explore the landmarks. Students then collected vivid nouns, verbs, and adjectives to bring these destinations to life!
U.S. History students interviewed grandparents about historical events they have lived through, and eighth grade Algebra students did brain teasers with their grandparents. The students asked the grandparents questions like "If Ruth started with $12, and now she is $5 in debt, how much money did she spend during the week?" Grandparents could either answer or phone a student for help! It was very funny--lots of student help was offered and recieved!
Lastly, as an outgrowth of their preparations for the final field study, eighth grade science students created a watershed model to illustrate the dissemination of estuarial pollutants and then designed filters to remove them for their grandparents.
There is no question who sits in the pantheon of most favored people. And no end to the fun when grandparents are in the mix.
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Chesapeake Academy's ARTStravaganza
Goes for the Gold!
Chesapeake Academy is celebrating student progress in the Arts through a virtual ARTStravaganza that is set to air on or around (stay tuned) June 1. The theme is Go for the Gold, and each class has developed both their musical and artistic contributions as an expression of the world culture they represent in CA's own Olympic parade. The final recordings will be done on May 24.
Stay tuned!
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Class Acts...
Chesapeake Academy 3.0: Blended Learning
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Chesapeake Academy students are Going for the Gold in STEM this week! Creating wind-driven vehicles, exploring tangrams, determining the tensile strength of bubbles, and patterning bead lanyards gave creative problem solving skills a good workout on a pretty afternoon! |
Plant Power!
Kindergarteners planted beans to watch the plant life cycle in action. First, they checked the seeds for viability by placing them in a pouch to hang in the window: snug with light warmth and moisture. Then bean sprouts were planted in soil, in transparent cups, so they can watch the germination of the seed and roots form as it sprouts. Germinating botanists!
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The Little Red Hen!
After reading several versions of the folk tale, The Little Red Hen, Kindergarteners answered the question, "Would you help the little red hen?" Some said, "No." But, all agreed that they would definitely help a friend in need and would not ask for, or expect, to be given a share of bread if they had not helped out.
Kindergarteners then made a special snack of buttered toast. After buttering their own slice of bread, it was toasted and then enjoyed by all. They agreed that this was a treat and would have helped the little red hen, for sure!
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Vacation Planning is Math Skill Builder!
Second graders are applying math skills as they dream of a summer camping adventure. Working in groups of three, students are completing a math challenge that asks them to work within a budget and plan out a multi-day camping trip. Motivated by their dream of outdoor fun, students enthusiastically apply money concepts, their understanding of elapsed time, and fact knowledge to decide on the best plan. If the numbers appear too tricky, they can always lean on a buddy for help in navigating what to do next.
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To Infinity....and Beyond!
Young scientists in second grade have been spending time exploring the Milky Way and learning about the stars and planets located there. To demonstrate their knowledge, students created a hanging mobile display. This display is filled with facts about each planet. Along with the building of the mobile, students also had to hike around campus to find the right sticks to hang their planets from. They practiced their knot-tying skills to put the whole thing together.
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Tortoise Shell Formation!
In ancient Rome, the Roman Legions interlocked their shields to create a "tortoise shell" for protection from the enemy. Fourth graders recreated the fighting stance after making shields in class. While it was challenging to interlock shields due to the lack of size, students tried their best and were a furious fighting bunch!
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Is it Figurative or Literal?
In fourth grade, students are reading weekly passages on the hunt for examples of figurative language. Students work on the practice independently and collaboratively and show their understanding of the collected examples of figurative language by rewriting the stories using their own figurative language. What a great way to expand comprehension and descriptive writing!
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Symmetry, Geometry, Pattern!
Continuing their study of African art, sixth grade Geography students learned about the Ndebele houses of South Africa and famous artist Esther Mahlangu, who uses the proceeds from her work to run an art program teaching traditional arts to kids.
Then students designed Ndebele houses of their own which took a lot more math than they expected, as accurate measures and straight lines were essential for creating the neat, symmetrical geometric patterns.
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The Promise of Poetry
Sixth grade writers have been spilling over with creativity in Writer's Workshop. Engaging prompts led students on an exploration of word choice, theme, and figurative language as they tried their hands at writing original works. From haiku, to diamante, to free verse, sixth graders are expressing themselves in wonderful ways! Below are a few examples of student work.
Alone
by Parker Daley
Alone
darkness, desolate
run, jump, scream
shut, forest, warmth, love
devotion, endearment, passion
orange, yellow
together
Light
by Brooks Parker
Light
bold, bright
shining, showing, hiding,
sun, fire, moon, shade
consume, umbrous, inumbrate
evil, dim
dark
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Echo Hill, Here We Come!
Echo Hill, the culminating field study of the Chesapeake Academy science curriculum, has been the focus of heady preparations for seventh and eighth grade students throughout this year. Students have zoomed with Chesapeake Bay Foundation on aquatic ecosystems; kayaked with the Friends of the Rappahannock to explore shoreline dynamics and succession; created and completed journals for Echo Hill, and built watershed models and filters to study the movement of pollutants.
Reports from the field study team brim with authentic, experiential learning and outdoor fun. Students have tackled STEM projects designed to impede erosion, identified and compared ecosystems in and around the Bay, participated in marine science classes and labs, challenged their senses in night hikes, sensory deprivation challenges and ropes activities!
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CAPPA News
CAPPA is donating four more red metal picnic tables to augment outdoor learning and lunching! CAPPA showed their philanthropic leadership with a contribution to the Bell Tower Annual Giving Fund that will support the school in a myriad of ways, and they are planning another gift in Teacher Appreciation in June!
Roomparents are being deployed to arrange treats for the June 4 Go for the Gold Field Day, so be ready to help if you get the call!
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Summer Camp is Nearly Here!
Voted top-rated in Eastern Virginia for the last seven years, Chesapeake Academy Summer Camps combine adventure, the outdoors, and every variety of glorious summer fun. "If you are looking for quality summer experiences for kids in the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula area, Chesapeake Academy has what you need!" explains Head of School Julianne T. Duvall. Camp Irvington for ages 4 to rising first graders, offers six one-week sessions and holds the answer to summer childcare needs. And Camp Chesapeake is perfect for rising second through eighth grade adventurers. Campers in both age groups will explore each week’s theme through age appropriate field trips and activities. All activities and entrance fees are included. All camps run Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and cost $250.00 per week.
In addition to this lineup, Chesapeake Academy is hosting Girls, Gizmos, and Gadgets the week of June 28 through July 2 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. as a specialty camp for girls in rising fourth grade through rising seventh grade. "Making full use of CA’s Arts & Innovation Hub, campers will design and code robots to perform a variety of tasks, create their own pieces using the 3D printer and laser cutter, and compete on fun challenges! This is a week that will inspire and energize your young inventor! We are pleased to offer a subsidized tuition of $100 thanks to generous donors," Duvall enthuses. This camp is full!
Fun Day Sundae- July 5-9 $250
Nothing is more patriotic than a cool ice cream after a hot summer day of adventure! Campers will participate in daily trips and activities such as bowling and beach time. Each day will include a cool treat at new, local ice cream destinations. Of course, expect splashes of red, white, and blue celebrations all week long! Camp Irvington is full. Camp Chesapeake has one slot open.
Northern Neck Explorers- July 12-16 $250
Find adventure in and around the water! This favorite camp is back with new activities and destinations. Campers will swim, paddleboard, and explore parks --a perfect way to see the beautiful waterways the Northern Neck has to offer! Camp Irvington and Camp Chesapeake are full.
Farm to Table- July 19-23 $250
This exciting and delicious week is back! Campers will travel around the Northern Neck learning about local foods and harvesting and growing techniques. We will also seek the expertise of local chefs to learn more about how our food is prepared and try our own hands in the kitchen. New cooking experiences combine with old favorites to make this a can’t miss week of delicious meals! Slots are still available in both Camp Irvington and Camp Chesapeake.
Mystery Tour- July 26-30 $300
Chesapeake Academy’s famous mystery tour is back! New destinations and surprises make for a thrilling week where no two days will be the same. There is something for everyone at this camp. Mystery Tour will keep campers guessing what fun is to come each day! Camp Irvington is full, and there are spaces in Camp Chesapeake.
Animal Adventures- August 2-6 $300
Calling all animal lovers! Campers will travel to local zoos and farms to see regional and exotic animals. Each day is sure to be a unique adventure as we see awesome animals up close. This is sure to be an exciting week! All entrance fees are included. Camp Chesapeake is full. There are still slots in Camp Irvington.
Challenger Soccer Camp – August 2-6 half day $165/all day $225
Once again, CA hosts the fantastic Challenger Soccer camp for ages 5-15.The Challenger International Soccer Camp reflects the truly global nature of the sport today and provides young players with a wide variety of coaching styles, practices, and influences that will help them develop a well-rounded skill set.
Mad Science- August 9-13 $250
Come experience the fascinating world of science at this new camp offering. We will explore astronomy, meteorology, and more through experiments on and off campus. New destinations and activities make this camp unlike anything offered before. Embrace your inner scientist and join the fun! There is one slot left in Camp Chesapeake! There are slots in Camp Irvington.
Chesapeake Academy camps will follow recommended COVID safety protocols in consultation with the Three Rivers Health District. In the event that CA must cancel a camp, registrants will receive a full refund.
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Attitude of Gratitude
- For those good sports who joined grandchildren via zoom for Grand parents' and Grandfriends' Week, you are special folk! Thank you!
- Thanks to the Wiley Foundation for the gift cards to honor Teacher Appreciation Week! The Wiley Foundations is celebrating its 40th anniversary.
- Thanks to Charlene Suchan for lending a hand shelving books in the James Library!
- For the intrepid families who stepped up to give Pre-K's chicks a home of their own...gratitude!
- Thanks to the Fund an Item success for the ability to pursue plans to ensure another generation of students benefits from athletics in the Osprey Dome.
- Thanks to alum Lily Reihs for her work in Kindergarten! She will be missed, and we wish her fair winds on her next adventure.
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Save the Date
5/26 Tag Day
5/26 Faculty Professional Development, 4:00 to 5:30 p.m.
5/31 Memorial Day, Offices Closed
6/1 PALS Presents, "The Apollo Program," grades 5-8,10:45 a.m.
6/4 CA Field Day
6/15 through 6/18 Exams, seventh and eighth grade
6/18 Last Day of School, half day
6/21 Faculty Workday
6/21 Eighth Grade Graduation Dinner
6/22 Graduation (eighth graders and their families only)
6/23 Last Faculty Workday
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