A Monthly News Update From the St. Margaret's Campus

Vol. 2, No. 6 Tappahannock, Virginia, February 2000

CAPTAIN'S CORNER

Dear St. Margaret's families and friends,

Thank you for your patience! January and February have certainly presented every imaginable challenge. Snow and ice storms followed balmy spring-like days. This was great for our Australian exchange students and the girls from the south who had never seen snow, but disorienting for the rest of us as we tried to figure out when we could have school. Miraculously we only missed two days of classes, and we have to admit that all of us enjoyed the extra sleep-ins and snow games. When the power went out over long weekend, we were ready with lanterns and snacks as we moved the students and dorm staff who were here to the Faculty/Student Center for a giant slumber party. Everyone was glad that the power came back on just as we were getting up.

This week we conclude our second trimester. Because of missed classes, changed daily schedules, and rescheduled sports matches and tournaments, end of term assessments have stretched over a longer period. We have agreed that we will do this differently next year by moving spring break back one week and finishing all of our sports tournaments before the final week of classes. We always believe it is important to learn from our experiences, good and bad!

Our student performers and their sponsors deserve the most praise for the most patience. Each time we scheduled A Midsummer Night's Dream, our winter play, and Junior Variety, our traditional community building show, it snowed! Finally, we scheduled both events on the same weekend, and it snowed again! This time the shows just had to go on. Thank you to the many families that joined us on an icy Saturday night for the play. By Sunday afternoon, the snow had melted, the juniors had transformed the Community/Technology Center, and we sang and laughed together through Junior Variety, produced by the juniors to honor the seniors. Thanks here go to class president Sara Newman for her leadership. This year, Cathy Ryan stole the show with her very accurate interpretation of me. Next time I'm out of town, I'll know who to ask to give my announcements!

Now we're ready for a change of pace with Independent Studies beginning for seniors and minimester for the rest of the school. Will it snow? Not in India where two of our seniors will be, nor in Nevis or Australia where two others will pursue their studies. In Tappahannock, whatever the weather, we'll be ready!

Sincerely,

Margaret R. Broad, Headmistress

    COMPASS POINTS

    Veteran Faculty Feature- Six Veteran Faculty Lead the Way
    St. Margaret's English teacher, Shannon Spears, writes on behalf of her veteran colleagues.

    Winter Sports Update - Soccer and Basketball
    Varsity teams end regular season.

    Current Happenings - Minimester 2000
    Explorations 2000 minimester program generates exciting buzz.



    THE CURRENT

    Faculty Focus: Honors and Activities

    Mark Eastham named second Vice President of Tappahannock/Essex County Chamber of Commerce. Millie Moncure serves on the search committee for the new rector for St. John's Episcopal Church in Tappahannock; an important criteria is an interest in exploring a relationship between the church and our school. Louise Velletri named President of the Virginia Council for History Education, which is focused on forging links between high schools, colleges, and public institutions. The theme of their annual conference to be held at UVA is Becoming an American. Kary Fronk anticipates an exciting crew season! Michael Larose participated in American Association of School Librarians and Association of Independent School Librarians conferences. Kim McDowell will present on admission travel at the Small Boarding Schools Conference. Jennifer Gura's Spanish V students are practicing teaching with each taking responsibility for a different period of Spanish literature. ViAnn Farmer attended the VAIS Experienced Teachers Conference. Catherine Neuhardt-Minor will have poems published in American University's FOLIO magazine and a book from the 1998-99 Squaw Valley Community of Writers.




    THE FORECAST

    Important Dates:

     March
  • 3 - Minimester ends; spring break begins
  • 19 - Spring break ends
    • May
  • 5-6 - Spring Family Weekend