A Newsletter for the families and friends of Westchester Country Day School

From the Head of SchoolAs we move into the final month of the 2012-2013 school year, we find ourselves

only a few days away from our annual spring auction, the Blue and White Gala. Saturday evening we will gather as a school family to celebrate Westchester Country Day School and rally our support for the great work undertaken each day by our talented faculty and staff.

A highlight of this event each spring is “Chuck’s Fund,” an auction item designed to provide the Head of School with discretionary funds to invest in the school over the course of the year. This item is named in memory of Chuck Hamblet, Head of School at WCDS from 2006 until 2009, who passed away in January of 2010.

Last year, auction attendees contributed $55,000 to Chuck’s Fund. This money, along with around $6,500 of additional funds placed at my discretion by WAPA, our parents association, has been invested in the following areas of our school over the course of the academic year.

Arts: $18,700Sound system for Rives Hall•New stage surface•Art tables for LS and MS art classroom•

Pre-kindergarten: $13,200Playground upgrades•PK curricular materials•Furniture and equipment•

Curricular materials: $13,000New LS Spanish books and workbooks•Leveled readers for Lower School•

Faculty and Staff Professional Development: $11,000Technology: $4,300

Support for new ChromeBook Cart in MS•Athletics: $1,300

Support for new cross country trail•

This money has had a powerful impact on our school and on the experiences of our students over the past year. These investments have helped us to perform, learn, compete, create, and innovate; most powerfully, they have given me the opportunity to say “yes” to our teachers when they have needed the resources to make themselves, their classrooms, and our campus even better.

May 2013 Newsletter

In This Issue...

Headlines

Upcoming Events

Meet Your Wildcats

Arts Update

Athletics Update

For the College Bound

Healthful Hints

Thanks to Chuck’s Fund:Our new Pre-kindergarten students have a playground, furniture, and •curricular materials that match their particular developmental needs.Rives Hall has been transformed into a state-of-the-art performance •space.Faculty and staff have attended workshops and conferences in Advanced •Placement courses, school safety, diversity, student health and wellness, iPad integration, and differentiated instruction, just to name a few. We were able to host the first home cross country meet in the school’s •history.Lower School students now have a sequential, engaging, and dynamic •curriculum for their course of study in Spanish.Middle School faculty can bring technology and the Internet into their •classrooms to teach research, writing, presentations, and collaboration.

I hope that all of you are planning to attend this year’s Gala on Saturday and will raise your paddle to make a pledge to Chuck’s Fund. If, for some reason, you can’t make it, I encourage you to support this effort by clicking here to make a pledge.

Chuck Hamblet

Host Families Needed!

Interested in being a host family for an international student next year?

We would love for you and your family to experience the wonders of a different culture.

If you are interested in next year or the following, please contact Kerie Beth Scott for more details.

Headlines

Auction is THIS Saturday, May 4!

If you have not yet purchased your ticket for this Saturday’s Blue and White Gala, click here to do so now! We have hundreds of wonderful items available for purchase in our live and silent auctions. Plus, we will have a seated dinner, dancing, raffles, and more!

Click here for a catalog preview!

Don’t forget to wear your hat as we will be airing the Kentucky Derby live on the big screens in Brooks Gym in the Finch Center for Academic and Athletic Excellence. Thank you for your support of Westchester by attending this fun event!

Spring Book Fair a Success

The Spring Book Fair was a huge success! Thank you to all of the students and parents who came and supported the library by purchasing books. A special thank you to all those who purchased books for our teachers, granting a large number of our teachers’ wish list items. A huge thank you to all the library volunteers - Kim Foster, Maria Puschinsky, Mary Niner, Trang Martin, Amy O’Keeffe, and Amy Cecil - who gave their time, energy and love of reading to make the Book Fair a wonderful experience for our school. Last, but definitely not least, a very special thank you to Smith Foster and Tyler Brown for stepping up and working tirelessly to assist with breaking down the book fair.

Senior is Student of the Month

Senior Claire Councill was the Rotary Student of the Month for April for the High Point Rotary Club. She gave a speech and was recognized at the club’s April 11 meeting. She is the daughter of Moore and Moo Moo Councill of High Point.

The Rotary Student of the Month program recognizes outstanding students who excel in both school performance and community volunteer activity. Congratulations are also in order for Claire for being named a Jefferson Scholar at the University of Virginia. She has received a full scholarship to UVA!

Ahmed Gbeku Returns to Westchester

Last month we were fortunate to have gifted Master African Drummer Ahmed Gbeku return to our campus to meet with our students, perform, and do some needed repairs to our existing drums. This all hand-done repair required Mr. Gbeku to remove the damaged skins and to replace the tops with prepared antelope skins. Students were able to witness this process, increasing their awareness of the master craftsmanship that goes into this musical art form.

Mr. Gbeku’s visits were made possible by the Friends of the Fine Arts at Westchester Country Day School with partial funding from the High Point Area Arts Council, the N.C. Arts Council, and the Masland Foundation.

Jackie Argo Recognized by YWCA

Jackie Argo was named Administrative Professional of the Year by the YWCA of High Point. The announcement came as part of the YWCA’s annual Administrative Professionals Luncheon on Wednesday, April 24.

The Administrative Assistant Professional of the Year is an extraordinarily special award to receive. The person must possess a mastery of office skills and must demonstrate the ability to assume responsibility without direct supervision. She or he must be a good team leader or mentor to fellow employees and often has to exercise initiative and judgment and make decisions within his or her authority.

Nominated by Mr. Atkinson, part of the nomination read: “Jackie is an outstanding team member! She collaborates extremely well, is creative and always positive in her approach to problem solving, and has an incredibly capability to take the lead when called upon. She is always, seemingly, one step ahead of me, anticipating my needs and looking out for any problems that may be on the horizon. She serves as a member of the administrative team and is a great liaison between all divisions at our school. A common phrase heard among the team when facing a problem is: “What Would Jackie Do?” Most critically, Jackie leads by setting a consistently positive, encouraging, and constructive example for others to follow.”

Science FunMiddle School students walk on eggs, learn to use microscopes, and engage in a flower anatomy lab.

Welcome New Wildcat!

Fifth GradeAbby MozingoMs. Gina Mozingo(address information on WestNet Community)

NHS InductionsThe following students were inducted

into the National Honor Society: Back row, from left: Lewis Miles, Baxter Bruggeworth, Luca Lagemann, Prajan Marhatta, and Walker Rose. Front row, from left: Kess Hendrix, Julie Tugwell, Daphne Foster, and Haleigh Breece. Not pictured: Sarah Kate Christiansen and Kayla Watson.

The National Honor Society, established in 1921, recognizes outstanding high school students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service, and character.

News from Middle School

April showers bring May flowers, and the Middle School students are indeed blooming!

Students are exploring some hands-on learning with exciting field trips. The seventh grade traveled to the Biltmore Estate under the guidance of Ms. Jenkins and Mrs. Noyes. Mr. Adams will be escorting Mandarin students to Li Ming’s Asian Market; they are eager to taste everything!

Our theatrical Wildcats are working hard to prepare for an exciting adventure in Willy Wonka Kids. Lilly Sheffield, who will be playing the part of Charlie, has enjoyed developing her craft and also her leadership skills as she guides and mentors the Lower School thespians. Those performing in the Middle and Upper School choral concert have been working hard as well; they are eager to entertain and develop their comfort on stage.

Our athletic wildcats are striving to finish the spring sports season with gusto. The new Middle School track team is thriving under the enthusiasm and direction of Coach Jeb Burns. Others are preparing to challenge Middle School head Mary Keever to a race during the 5K. Students who cross the finish line before her will receive an ice cream party. Lace up those sneakers!

We have grown together during a magnificent year!

Human Relations Team Hits Seattle

Lewis Miles (from left), Kimberly Watson, Kristine Chukwuma, and Daniel Ayodele were in Seattle recently for an all-expense paid trip from the High Point Human Relations Council.

Reported Miles in an email to Mrs. Cunningham: “We are all having a great time here in Seattle! Thus far, the discussions, the people, and accommodations have been really good! Here is a photo of us at the Quil Ceda/Tulalip Indian Reservation; it was really cool and eye-opening!”

Turkey Trespasser!

Mrs. Tuggle snapped this photo of a turkey trespassing in front of the Finch Center recently!

Upcoming EventsBlue and White Gala AuctionSaturday, May 4, 5:30 p.m.

Willy Wonka KidsFriday, May 10, 7:00 p.m.Saturday, May 11, 7:00 p.m.Sunday, May 12, 3:00 p.m.$5 - Click here to purchase tickets!

W-Day 5K Run/Walk “The Hobey”Saturday, May 11, 8:00 a.m.Click here to register!

Spring Recital - Dance, Guitar, Piano, ViolinThursday, May 16, 6:30 p.m., Rives Hall

Westchester Night at Celebration StationMonday, May 20, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., Rives Hall. Enjoy PAWS night with your family at this special Westchester Night at Celebration Station! $12.99 per child includes pizza, drinks, unlimited bumper boats, go Karts and mini-golf. Additional fee for other attractions and/or games. $7.99 for food only. WCDS receives 25% of all proceeds from the evening.

Varsity Athletic Recognition CeremonyTuesday, May 21, 6:00 p.m., Rives Hall

GraduationSaturday, May 25, 9:30 a.m., Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church

Memorial Day HolidayMonday, May 28. No school for students.

Last Day of SchoolFriday, May 31

Meet Your WildcatsName: Kristina Krzywonos

Title: Upper School Chemistry Teacher

Family: The science department

What was your favorite subject in school? Theater. I performed in plays from 6th grade through my first year of college. When I declared my major, everyone that went to high school with me was shocked I didn’t go into theater.

What book are you reading? If You Were Here by Jen Lancaster (Thank you Blakely Scearce for introducing me to such a funny author!)

Name of the last movie you watched: Chicago. I saw it live and when the songs get stuck in my head I have to watch it.

Favorite Restaurant: Bravo! (At the Friendly Center)

Dream Vacation: Las Vegas—it has everything (including parts of Europe) with minimum risk of natural disasters and shorter flight times.

Something most people don’t know about you: After graduation, I was accepted into Tulane University’s Ph.D. program for chemistry, but chose to come teach at Westchester.

Favorite thing about Westchester:The students. They keep me smiling even through the stresses of being an educator.

Arts Update from Ann ParksThe Arts really did spring forward this April. Thanks to everyone who helped make FoFA’s Celebration of

the Arts a success. It was a wonderful evening that featured our talented students, alumni, and faculty. Tributes to Mrs. Noyes’s 25 years of service capped off the evening, as George Gilliland sang “You Lift Me Up” while all the drama students in the audience joined Mrs. Noyes on stage.

Spring concerts brought bugs and pirates to our stage, along with rocking favorites and classical harmonies. Soon Squirrels, Oompah Loompahs, and the whole cast of Willy Wonka Kids will take the stage. Tickets for the production May 10-12 are available online; click here make your reservations now!

The spring instrumental and dance recitals will be Thursday, May 16, at 6:30 p.m. in Rives Hall. Come out to the Grasshoppers’ game May 23 to hear Westchester’s Chamber Singers sing the National Anthem. They will also add their beautiful voices to graduation, truly a time to celebrate!

Keep the arts alive all summer by signing up for one of our special camps. This is a great opportunity to try something new, hone your artistic skills and have fun in the process.

Have you seen these gates before?

Originally built for Sound of Music, the gates, shown here with our Play Production class, are getting a new look for Willy Wonka Kids, the fifth show to feature them! Can you name them all?

(Sound of Music, Beauty and the Beast, 101 Dalmations, Wizard of Oz, and Willy Wonka Kids)

Athletics Update from Coach Schwartz

Another great year of Westchester Athletics is winding down, and the last three weeks are sure to be full of great memories for our spring student-athletes. Please make sure you come support the Cats as they compete for Conference and State Championships this spring!

The TAC Conference Semifinals and Championships will be held at the following venues:

Varsity Girls Soccer – American Hebrew Academy– 5/2, 5/3Varsity Baseball – Trinity School of Durham – 5/2, 5/3Varsity Boys Tennis – American Hebrew Academy – 5/2, 5/3Varsity Golf – Quarry Hills in Burlington – 5/6Varsity Track – American Hebrew Academy– 5/9

The State Championships will be held at the following venues:

Varsity Girls Soccer – Final Four – Asheville Christian – 5/17, 5/18Varsity Baseball – Championship – Westchester Country Day – 5/17, 5/18Varsity Golf – Talamore in Southern Pines – 5/13, 5/14Varsity Track – Cary Academy – 5/17, 5/18Varsity Tennis – Barton College – 5/17, 5/18

Varsity Athletic Recognition Ceremony

Please join us on Tuesday, May 21, at 6:00 p.m. in Rives Hall as we recognize our varsity athletes and present individual and team awards. All varsity athletes and their families are invited to attend.

Please note: Due to spacing issues, concessions will be available for purchase, but there will not be a “sit down” dinner.

Westchester continues its tradition of a strong athletic program, and we want to recognize our wonderful student-athletes on all of their accomplishments this year. Please plan to come out, show your support, and enjoy a night of recognizing our Wildcat athletes, their coaches, and the terrific job they do representing our school! Student-athletes are asked to dress in “game day attire” (shirt and tie for boys and dresses for girls). **To be guaranteed a good seat, please arrive early!

Sports DVD:Available at the great price of $20, all varsity sports are featured on this DVD with a special recognition

of the seniors.

On Wednesday, April 17, about 50 Middle and Upper School parents and several of their children gathered in the Westchester library to hear Jared Rosenberg, Senior Assistant Director of Admissions at UNC Chapel Hill, address the college application process. Jared’s intent was to dispel some of the myths surrounding the process and inform those in attendance about how admissions decisions are made. While I feel as though I deliver the same message on a regular basis, it is always affirming and helpful to have someone who sits on the other side of the desk address the same topic. The business of college admissions has changed since most of us tackled the issue, and being brought up to date helps us better advise your children. Major points made by Jared include the following:

A student’s academic record, including his course selection, grades, and standardized test scores, are •the foundation of a student’s application.

Colleges want to create well-rounded classes as opposed to admitting well-rounded students.•

Colleges are looking at transcript trends that indicate growth over time.•

Most students enter college not knowing what major they want to pursue, and this “undecided” status •does not disadvantage them in the application process.

For admission to selective colleges and universities, taking full advantage of one’s high school offerings •is important. That means, for these selective schools, it is important to take several AP classes over the course of one’s high school career.

Colleges do not want to receive many letters of recommendation: three letters from school personnel •who know the student well is usually sufficient.

Students who have disciplinary records are not disadvantaged in the process unless they are not •forthcoming about the nature of the situation. Students should take ownership for their mistakes and learn from them.

While colleges may not actively investigate a student’s social media accounts, they cannot ignore •information that comes to them, often through anonymous sources. Thus it is important that students diligently protect their online presence.

Seniors are wrapping up their college decisions, with just a few still trying to make their final selections. Congratulations to Claire Councill and Avery Goho for being awarded Mary and Elliott Wood Scholarships. Claire has also been named a Jefferson Scholar at the University of Virginia and has received a full scholarship to UVA. Congratulations to the entire Class of 2013 for a successful college season!

Betty Flythe, College Placement Advisor

For the College Bound

Healthful Hints from the School NurseHappy Spring!

Spring means that summer vacation is right around the corner… summer boarding camps, summer day camps, sports camps, and beach trips make for a busy time for the whole family.

If your child is getting a physical for a summer camp, take Westchester’s Health Information Form with you to get it signed by your physician before the August rush.

It is very important to get your child’s Health Information Form completed and submitted before August 1. School trips for grades six through twelve take place at the beginning of the year, and these health forms must be on file in order to go on these trips.

All grades: Please remember to fill out and have your pediatrician sign the Health Information Form if you happen be in the doctor’s office getting yearly physicals this spring. The NC Board of Nursing requires a physician signature in order to administer any over the counter medication. Click here for the form.

6th – 12th grades: Get those sports physical forms completed early. All athletes must have a current sports physical on file in order to participate in any pre-season practice. Please give the first page of the sports physical time and thought. It is up to the athlete to read the health questions and answer them frankly. I encourage mom and dad to enter in this discussion and call attention to any positive responses to your child’s attending physician. Click here for the form.

Rising 6th grade students: Please remember that all 6th grade students must present a certificate of immunization that documents a recent Tdap immunization as well as a history of all immunizations received. This is due on the first day of school. This is required by the State of North Carolina.

Graduating seniors: Did you know that most colleges require a meningitis immunization? You may want to schedule that college physical early so you can complete this requirement. This summer might also provide an opportunity for you to make the transition from pediatrician to “grown-up” doctor.

Have a great spring!

Beth Kennedy, RN, Director of Health Services

Westchester Country Day is a college preparatory school that seeks to educate each child toward moral, academic, artistic, and athletic excellence in a nurturing, family environment where students, teachers, and parents support one another. By respecting the student and honoring learning, Westchester aims to cultivate informed citizens who are ready for a rapidly changing world and to graduate students who view the pursuit and wise use of knowledge as a lifelong joy.