Kindergarten Leads Drive for Foster Care Supplies

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy of community service, kindergarten and pre-k launched a supply drive in support of children in foster care. Donations of toiletries, coloring and writing supplies, journals and sketchbooks, stuffies and books were made for children living in foster care in Northumberland County. Thank you to everyone who participated and to the Northumberland Department of Social Services for partnering with us on this project.

Vowels Lose their Mystery in Kindergarten

Chesapeake Academy's lower school uses the comprehensive Orton Gillingham curriculum by the Institute for Multi-Sensory Education to teach reading. This allows curricular scope and sequence to flow seamlessly from kindergarten through third grade where there is a gradual shift towards "reading to learn." Kindergarten language arts lays the foundation for future learning by covering all the basic letter sounds, and this year's class has just learned their final short vowel sound! It's so exciting to watch them become little readers.

First Grade Presents "The True Story of Humpty Dumpty"

Chesapeake Academy's talented first grade class presented a reader's theatre production of the book The True Story of Humpty Dumpty by Sarah Hayes and Charlotte Voake to students, friends, and families in a school assembly on February 4, 2026.

The role of that most fragile egg was reprised by Leo Roberts, Will Ridgely, Maddie Meredith, Walker Jones, Zach Patterson, Annie Ritenour, Mae Ramsay Hollingsworth, and Oliver Webre.  Included in the stalwart cadre of All the Kings Men were Finn Gough, Maddie Meredith, and Leo Roberts.  The King himself was played by Finn Gough, Maddie Meredith, and Will Ridgely. Noble equines included Zach Patterson, Oliver Webre, Annie Ritenour, Maddie Meredith,  Mae Ramsay Hollingsworth, and Finn Gough.

Timelines Mark Second Grade History

During the second marking period, second graders stepped into the role of historians as they explored the past. Students examined ancient artifacts and compared how clothing, transportation, and daily life have changed over time. Along the way, these young historians learned that one important way we study history is by using timelines.

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The class then focused on their own community, researching the history of Irvington and discovering how it has evolved since its beginnings as Carter’s Creek Wharf. To wrap up their learning, students created and shared personal timelines. Each child proudly presented milestones from their own lives, including family stories, memorable trips, and accomplishments they have achieved so far.



These timelines have quickly become a favorite and are now on display in the Lower School hallway for the remainder of February. Be sure to stop by and take a look the next time you visit!

Third Grade Presents "A Valentine Fantasy"

Capably guided by narrators Isla Kelley, Thomas Wilson, Taylor Rowe, HaileyRae George, Pearl Burke, and Avery Spore, a receptive audience of families, friends, and students delighted in Chesapeake Academy's third grade production of "A Valentine Fantasy" on February 11 in the Osprey Dome. Adapted from a vintage children's book by Carolyn Haywood, the play explores the story behind the holiday. 

Romantic lead, Valentine, played by Beau Lacy is commanded by his King (Taylor Rowe) to bring the golden heart of a magical bluebird (Camdyn Ritenour) to be an engagement present for the princess (Lilly Grace Ruddock). A crisis of conscience ensues, and aided by his uncle (Connor Brooks), a wise man (Connor Brooks), some messengers (Pearl Burke, HaileyRae George), and a dungeon man (Cayden Miller), Valentine finds a way to fill his king's order without harming his friend the bluebird.

Academic Awards

Fifth Grade

Teachers Award 

Alec Sterrett

Most Improved

Berkley Grass

Head of School List, Second Marking Period

Rio Elam

August Goodrich

Alec Sterrett

Violet Edmonds

Noah Campbell

Neil Webre

Berkley Grass

Gavin McLaughlin

June Nichols

Head of School, First Semester

Noah Campbell 

Rio Elam

Alec Sterrett

August Goodrich

Neil Webre

Violet Edmonds

June Nichols

Gavin McLaughlin

Berkley Grass

Tillie Rowe

Sixth Grade

Teachers Award

 Violet Lacy

Head of School List, Second Marking Period

Violet Lacy

Daniella McLaughlin

Head of School List, First Semester

Violet Lacy

Daniella McLaughlin

Shannon Wilson

Seventh Grade

Most Improved Student

Benton Miller

Head of School, Second Marking Period

Orla Watts

Annabel Clair

Addy Parsely

Meera Crotty

Easton Minor

Mason Jones

Benton Miller

Head of School, First Semester

Orla Watts

Annabel Clair

Addy Parsley

Meera Crotty

Mason Jonnes

Benton Miller

Eighth Grade:

Teachers Award

Callum Watts

Head of School, Second Marking Period

Callum Watts

Fin Burke

Veronica Edmonds

Merritt Kelley

Nolan Pittman

Sophia Kunkle

Louisa Goodrich

Emory Simmons

Kelsey Liner

Head of School, First Semester

Callum Watts

Fin Burke

Sophia Kunkle

Veronica Edmonds

Louisa Goodrich

Merritt Kelley

Nolan Pittman

Kelsey Liner

Emory Simmons

Fourth Grade Hits the Airways!

Fourth graders are partnering with 101.7 Bay FM for their Good News at Noon radio segment, a weekly feature designed to spread positivity and bring smiles to listeners amid the often heavy news cycle. Students are in the midst of drafting their original good-news stories, highlighting uplifting moments from their own lives and meaningful happenings within our local community. As part of the project, they are also giving special shoutouts to people and places in the community that deserve a little extra love and recognition. Selected stories will be read on air, giving students an authentic audience and a powerful reminder that sharing kindness and good news can make a real difference.

Activity Periods Underway!

Third through eighth grade students are developing new interests and skills in activity periods. The goal of each activity period is to provide a meaningful extension or enrichment of student learning and support the school curriculum. Most importantly, activities offered are engaging, offer a taste of something our students might wish to explore, and provide opportunities for shared experiences across lower school and middle school students! 

Activity period offerings in the third marking period include yoga, crime scene science, crab pot making, and learning to needlepoint (just to name a few!)This group (above) got to learn about cheiloscopy (the art of using lip prints to find criminals). And, below, students learned how to make a crab pot!

Shipbuilding Design Competition Update


Chesapeake Academy's Osprey Nest Nautical Repair Team is honing their idea for the Virginia Ship Repair Association's Digital Innovation Competition. Coached by Robin Blake, this team's goal is to identify an issue related to ship design and use the design loop to craft and sell their solution to a panel of maritime judges.

At this point, groups are working on their final paper and design for the competition in March. Students are designing a drone that detects leaks in containers on ships while at sea. This will enable ships to find and repair leaks while still out at sea without having to come in to shore to dry dock which costs quite a bit of time and money!

It is the Year of the Horse!

Sixth grade Humanities students recently finished a unit on ancient China, exploring its history and lasting influence on the modern world. Students learned about enduring cultural traditions, including the celebration of the Lunar New Year, one of the most widely celebrated holidays in Chinese culture. As part of their studies, students examined traditional symbols that are still used during Lunar New Year celebrations today. After conducting independent research, students used their findings to create shape poems. Each poem was carefully written in the shape of an important Lunar New Year symbol, such as a lantern, a dragon, a red envelope, or fireworks. Students' knowledge came alive through this creative blend of art and writing!

Hub Happenings: 3D Printer on the Move!



Over in the HUB, a team of middle schoolers took the lead in assembling the new Bamboo Lab 3D printer, gaining firsthand experience in problem-solving, collaboration, and technical skill-building. Now up and running, the printer is already sparking curiosity as students watch their digital designs take shape layer by layer. Housed in the HUB, it will serve as a shared resource for future projects—whether as part of class assignments or woven into lessons across disciplines—giving students meaningful opportunities to turn ideas into reality.

Eighth Grade Completes Rube Goldberg Projects!

If unnecessary complications are your vibe, you would love the eighth grade's Rube Goldberg projects! A Rube Goldberg machine uses a complex chain reaction to perform a simple task, often incorporating several of the six fundamental simple machines: the inclined plane, lever, pulley, wheel and axle, wedge, and screw. Problem solving, practical skills of carpetry, the design loop, and basic physics make a powerful combination! This year's projects were designed to open a box! Check them out!

Rube Goldberg Project Team

Rube Goldberg Team Project

Coach's Corner

As we close out our winter season, I could not be more proud of the growth across our basketball program.



Our Girls and JV Boys teams showed tremendous development throughout the season. Each game brought noticeable improvements in court awareness, defensive intensity, and overall teamwork. It was especially rewarding to watch them come together, support one another, and continue to improve. A highlight of the season was closing things out with a competitive and well-played JV Boys vs. Girls matchup--a fun and fitting way to celebrate how far both teams have come this season!

Our Varsity Boys put together an exciting and resilient season, finishing 4-0 in ISAC play and capping it off as 2026 ISAC Championship Champions at Christchurch School. In a hard-fought final, they earned a 38–32 victory over a talented and gritty Aylett Country Day School team. The win was a true team effort--anchored by strong defense, unselfish ball movement, and composure at the free-throw line. Time and again, they bounced back after mistakes, trusted one another, and responded to Coach T's leadership. They played as a unit in every sense of the word.

With a 4-3 overall record, they showed grit all season long--battling back from deficits, holding onto narrow leads, and stepping up in key moments. Illness and injury required players to embrace new roles, and they rose to the occasion. Most impressive has been their growth in trust, confidence, and unselfish play. Beyond the wins, this group has matured both on and off the court, and they are better young men because of their time together this season.

We are also incredibly proud of our cheerleaders, who brought spirit, enthusiasm, and dedication to every game. They worked hard all season and did a wonderful job cheering on our teams from the sidelines. Thank you to Coach Miller, Coach Grass, and Coach Salatino for investing their time and energy into building such a positive and spirited program for our young Ospreys.

Thank you to our coaches, families, and fans for supporting our student-athletes all season long. It has truly been a winter to celebrate. We hope to see you all on Wednesday, March 11, for our Winter Athletics Assembly where we will recognize all of our winter athletes and thank our 8th grade student-athletes for their efforts this year. 

Go Ospreys!



Coach Allen

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! 

CAPPA is looking ahead to the next school year, with several CAPPA positions from outgoing families that will need to be filled. We are looking for fresh faces to get more involved!

• Athletic Boosters / Butterbraids Chair: (currently held by Katie Parker) This position leads fundraising efforts and coordinates concessions during fall and winter sports seasons, while also overseeing a major spring fundraiser (Butterbraids) that supports athletics. This role has helped provide new soccer uniforms and other essential resources for our teams. It’s a fun, rewarding way to make a direct impact and support Chesapeake Academy athletes!
• Casserole of the Month Chair: (currently held by Susan Simmons) This is an auction item each year, where the auction winner is sent one casserole and one dessert each month of the school year. The chair's role is to coordinate this process. Most of the organization is done at the beginning of the school year, getting parents signed up to cover each month.
• Parent Socialization Chair (NEW): A flexible new role focused on building parent connections. You can really make this your own!

If you are interested in getting more involved, in one of these roles or in any other way, please reach out to Becca Sterrett at (804) 436-4643 or becca.sterrett@gmail.com.

As always, all parents are invited to our monthly CAPPA meetings. We meet in the art room just after morning drop-off on the third Friday of every month. Our next meeting will be on Friday, March 20. We encourage you to come out and see what we're all about.

We are SO thankful for all of our wonderful CA families! 

Cue Up Your Calendars!

2/23 Interims Home

2/24 Pre-k and K presents, "Over in the Meadow," 10:05 a.m.

2/25 Tag Day

2/25 PALS Presents "Alice in Wonderland," 9:30 a.m., pre-kindergarten through grade four

2/26 Lunch and Learn: Strategic Planning

3/3 Strategic Plan Zoom with Head of School and Board Chair

3/4 Birthday Book Assembly, 10:05 a.m.

3/9 PALS Presents The Richmond Ballet's "Sleeping Beauty," 9:30 a.m, pre-kindergarten through grade four

3/10 Fifth and sixth grades present "Goldilocks on Trial," 10:05 a.m.

3/11 Winter Athletic Awards, 10:05 p.m.

3/12 Rappahannock Foundation for the Arts hosts kindergarten through grade four at LPS, 9:15 a.m.

Rappahannock Foundation for the Arts hosts fifth through grade eight at 1:15 p.m.

3/17 St. Patrick's Day

3/18 Seventh and eighth grades present "Law and Order: Fairy Tale Unit," 10:05 a.m.

3/20 CAPPA Meeting, 8:30 a.m.

3/20 End of 3MP, half day

3/23 through 3/29 Spring Break

4/1 Fourth grade presents "The Country Bunny and the Little Gold Shoes," 10:05 a.m.

4/6 School Closed, Easter Monday

4/15 Second grade presents "Little Red Riding Hood, A Mini-Musical," 10:05 a.m.

4/17 CAPPA Meeting, 8:30 a.m.

Attitude of Gratitude!

• Thanks to the Kilmarnock Museum and the Irvington Steamboat Museum for facilitating grades 4-8 viewing of the History of the Steamboat movie. Special thanks to Carol Lee Ashburn for helping Ms. Blake organize the experience!
• Thanks once again the CA's fantastic, committed and flexible faculty for keeping the quality of the CA school program as the first priority. These people know how to step up!
• How about that first grade gal who turned her birthday party into an opportunity to make her world a better place by organizing a donation to the food bank and some treats for residents at RWC! Way to roll Mae Ramsay!
• Thanks to pre-kindergarten's Old Grey Mare editors for their help in developing first time authors! Welcome to Susan Evans (aka Little Gaga) who joined the team!
• Thanks to all the wonderful folks who make a donation to the Bell Tower Annual Giving Fund in honor of their favorite Osprey!
• How about those Champion Osprey Basketball players? And those adorable cheerleaders? And those talented coaches!
• Here's a shout out to Osprey alum Callie Souders to has emerged as a marvelous intern, sub, and all around help!
• Thanks to Chrys Royall Elam for offering students an avenue to make their community and world a better place.
• All the theatre productions are a great antedote to winter doldrums! Thanks thespians! And thank you Robin Blake!
• Huge gratitude goes to Benton Miller who agreed to assemble the latest addition to the CA garden: a six foot center bed thanks to a grant from Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom.