Summary of 2006-2007 School Year
May 24, 2007

Brookwood eNewsletter
Wisdom, Honor, Achievement, Citizenship

Brookwood School Mission Statement
The purpose of Brookwood School is to provide an exceptional college-preparatory educational experience to students from four years of age through the twelfth grade.  Brookwood is committed to developing the whole child:  academically, physically, spiritually, and socially.

May 24, 2007

 


FROM THE HEADMASTER... 

It is very hard to believe that we have completed this year!  What a great year it has been for the entire school. 

In one of my first letters that you received last July, I spoke about the excitement that we were beginning to feel for the upcoming year.  How each class had their own uniqueness, and how the seniors were anticipating the "greatest year ever."  We talked about how there would be new challenges, many successes, some disappointments, and experiences that would last a lifetime.  I believe we were right on target.

I am proud of the many accomplishments that were achieved by our students, parents, faculty, coaches, and staff.  It was through a collective effort that we can say without reservation this was a very exceptional year.  As you read through this final e-newsletter I feel confident you will say WOW!  Our Division Directors, College Counselor and Coaches have put together a summary of many of the activities, accomplishments, and recognitions that took place throughout the year.

Here are a few of my memories that I will never forget... a Senior Buddy program that touched so many hearts, Friday performances in Chubb Hall, one great tradition after another, the family atmosphere during football games,  Homecoming, the many great wins, very few losses, a run at a state championship, spectacular results from our AP students, a senior class that will always have a special place in my heart, International Celebration, Middle School parties, an outdoor theater, service, Town Meetings, Otis' lunches, Phil Danner's devotions, Prom, Camelot, Literary, and One Act.  The year was complete with two beautiful ceremonies in Baccalaureate and Graduation.  We could not have come so far without the dedication, love, and spirit of the greatest faculty a school can have.  We are all very fortunate. 


My very fondest appreciation goes out to you the Brookwood family for your positive support, your passionate pride, your trust, faith, and your sincere acceptance of "the new guy."  

Along with my wonderful wife, Mary Nelson, and two fabulous daughters, Hannah and Rosie, we cannot begin to express to you all how great this year really was for us.  We thank you all for allowing us to be a part of this exceptional place.  Have a great summer.

                                                                                               Blessings,
                                                                                               Mike Notaro

UPPER SCHOOL NEWS (DAVID GROOMS)

The Upper School has had another outstanding year.  I would like to thank parents for supporting the students and the teachers, for entrusting the students to us for this year, and for the continuing support of Brookwood School. 


I would especially like to thank the faculty who have done a wonderful job of instructing, correcting, guiding and inspiring the students.  Teaching is a high energy and demanding profession if correctly done.  The Upper School teachers at Brookwood School have performed their jobs with great enthusiasm and dedication. 

SMARTBOARDS have provided several teachers with a new tool to improve their classroom instruction.  Teachers attended a workshop in August and spent many hours developing their skills in utilization of this new technology.  AP teachers have provided many extra review sessions beyond normal classes.  Teachers have spent many hours researching content to bring stories and interesting perspectives to enliven the classroom content.  Teachers have developed creative ways to engage students when introducing them to new content or concepts.  On a daily basis teachers are providing tutorials, marking essays for revision, listening to book chats, demonstrating problems on graphing calculators, organizing labs, and generally going above and beyond the normal level of academic expectation for educators. 

In addition teachers have planned numerous extracurricular activities for our students.  Teachers have organized fun homecoming activities, organized Greek banquets, supervised the Buddy program, guided students in the creation of outstanding works of art, organized fiestas, helped to provide a wonderful prom, given Christmas tree ornaments to seniors, planned fundraisers, taken students to plays in Alabama, and many other countless activities that expand the program beyond the classroom. 


The literary program has established a standard of excellence that compares with any other school in the state.  Our students won a state championship in One Act Play, the Spring Literary Competition and Overall Literary Competition.  This marks the third state championship in each of those three areas in the last five years.  Special thanks to Phil Danner, Barbara Lee, Debbie Beeson and Connie Clineman for their efforts in this area. 

Camelot was another wonderful production by the Drama Guild.  Mrs. Clineman and the legion of friends and supporters worked diligently to allow our children to shine.  I counted last year over 200 people, including the cast and crew, who had to be coordinated to present a production on any given day.  Next year we will be presenting Andrew Lloyd Webber's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat on February 8, 9 and 10.

Thanks to Shane Boggs, Sherrie Callaway, Katie Cass, Jackie Crew, Phil Danner, Robert East, Maureen Harrer, Dave Hogan, Mark Humphries, Sandra Hunt, Ann Larson, Mona Lewis, Carolyn Nicholson, Brad Piazza, Carol Sheftall, Vic Spigener, Keith Massey, Charlotte Vinson, Barbara Lee and Kathy Bond for making the 2006-2007 academic year a wonderful experience for our students. 



MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS (ASHLEY HARPER)

Our Middle School has completed an exciting and innovative school year. At the beginning of the school year one of our greatest goals, as a Middle School faculty, was to create a more individualized Middle School identity for our students.  We focused on enhancing our already challenging academic program by involving students in age appropriate activities that allow for personal growth for young adolescents. 

Our faculty, committed to the challenge of guiding young adolescents through a college preparatory curriculum helped create the Middle School assembly programs on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings.  This cohesive time allowed our student body the opportunity to examine topics such as friendship, study skills, anti-bullying, and adolescent communication in the on-line environment.  Additionally, our faculty provided excellence in the classroom through original teaching methods and active projects to enhance student learning.  Our noisy classrooms were alive with learning through hands-on projects in math and science, cooperative learning in English and social studies, and beautiful works of art.    

Our fine faculty led our students to excellence in so many areas.  Our sixth grade students produced and shared wonderful "Big Books" with thrilled pre-kindergarteners and rocketed to the stars, literally, in science class.  60% of our seventh grade students qualified for the Duke University Talent Identification Program, with four receiving state honors and one receiving national honors based on their standardized test performance.  Our seventh graders also published a wonderful "family" cookbook. The eighth grade enjoyed a fantastic trip to Washington, DC and authored their class novel, The Hope.   Our Middle School artists won local, state, and national recognition throughout the year and our athletic teams soared to new heights under the leadership of excellent coaches.  Finally, our homeroom teachers inspired students to get involved through class service projects aiding others in our own community. 

Recently, we celebrated the achievements of our students at Awards Day.  This was a time to honor the outstanding accomplishments of our Middle School students through recognizing the unique talents of many. 

Our Middle School Council, lead by a dynamic team of students, hosted three major social events for the year, the Movie Night in October, Spring Fling Party and Dance in March, and the End of Year Street Party and Cookout in May. 

As well, leadership opportunities continue to grow as we began the Student Ambassador program for new students.  Next year there will be a team of thirteen students ready to welcome guests and prospective students on campus.  This is just one way the Middle School continues to expand its scope to meet the needs of our students.

I am so thankful for such a wonderfully supportive year from our students, parents, and faculty.  As we move into a well deserved, restful summer, this commitment to excellence is only growing amongst our Middle School faculty, students, and parents as we work together to forge lasting academic, social, physical, and spiritual growth for our students.  Have a wonderful summer and I look forward to seeing you in August.



LOWER SCHOOL NEWS (Francine Wright)

The school year 2006-07 was certainly an eventful one for the Lower School.  Opening in August with record enrollment set the stage for a busy, busy year. It seems as 2007-08 will set a similar record since a total of sixty-four students have been screened for admissions in 2007.

Smart Boards in music, science, computer, and the third grade classrooms significantly enriched curriculum.  Mrs. Lee discovered that note reading was much more successful with the digital element provided by the Smart Board. In science, Mrs. Stauffer was able to make science come alive with the use of the Smart Board.  It also allowed her to share Brain Pop, an enjoyable and informative array of scientific concepts through an Internet subscription. A new science curriculum, based on exploration and discovery was implemented. Third Graders enjoyed baseball multiplication games, explored the regions of the United States, practiced daily oral language skills, and used many math tools on the Smart Board.

Departmentalization in fourth grade was a success; the students readily adapted to more specialized language arts, math, and social studies instruction. After some fine tuning, a similar schedule will be followed in the next school year. In November, Mrs. Deen's "Hands on History Day," focusing on Native American cultures, was a highlight of the year for the students.

Lower School students participated in over forty-five field trips during the school year. Fifth graders traveled to Savannah for three days of interesting cultural and historical visits. Other classes traveled to Panacea for the Gulf Specimen Lab, the Thronateeska Heritage Center in Albany, the Flint Riverquarium, the San Luis Mission Camp, and so many other sites. Visits to plantations, family businesses, and industries also expanded the knowledge of our students.



Community performances of the Lower School Chorus, directed by Barbara Lee, included the Southwest Georgia Technical College Fall Festival, the Archbold Tree Lighting, and the Daughters of the American Revolution luncheon. The Fifth Graders participated in the Veterans Ceremony by sharing songs and words of appreciation for our veterans and soldiers. Mrs. McCall's second graders sang Christmas carols for the residents at Southern Pines. Community service projects involved every child in the Lower School and expanded their horizons from home to Iraq.


Senior/First Grade Buddies developed strong peer relationships through various meetings while getting to know each other. The Christmas Ceremony was a heart-warming event when the Seniors presented their Buddies with personalized trees. The end of the year brought happy and sad tears as the First Graders shared cooler bags filled with college treats for the Seniors.

Special events such as a visit by Bois D'Arc, the best trained dog you'll ever meet, visiting artists, Marty Haythorn and Kelly Milko, and children's book author, Patsy Smith Roberts further enriched the Lower School Program. Fourteen class programs ranged from entertaining musicals to "Career Day" to wonderful literature reviews of Tom Sawyer, the Pied Piper, and Aesop.

International Celebration in April involved two hundred forty-five students in a parade of costumes representing fourteen different countries. April 20th was a day of cultural awareness for all students as they participated in varied hands-on activities.

The Awards Assembly on May 14, 2007, recognized specific achievements of the year.  Two students were presented awards for the DAR Essay Contest and five students were awarded certificates for posters and banners in the Junior American Citizens Contest. Spelling Bee and Geography Bee winners were also recognized. Two fifth graders earned Good Citizenship awards as well as one Outstanding Safety Patrol.

As we begin a new school year in August, we will look forward to continuing our newly implemented physical education program. A beautiful "WOW" playground will complement the P.E. program with additional physical fitness equipment. Our Spanish curriculum with be supplemented by newly adopted materials. Senora Malek is excited about the students' skills and is planning challenges for all.     

This year was a Fantastic year; next year is sure to be even better!
It goes without saying, "All Lower School students are winners!"


COLLEGE COUNSELOR (VIC SPIGENER)

Another congratulations to the members of the Class of 2007 as you proceed to the next phase of your lives.  I will cherish the time I have spent with you (and your parents), and I wish you the best possible future.


To the rising seniors, members of the Class of 2008, if you did not give me a copy of the rough draft of your resume, please e-mail one during the summer.  You can send it to vspigener@brookwoodschool.org here at school.   Although I will be in
New England during the summer, I can be reached by my e-mail at school or my cell: 770-316-1468.  Have a restful summer - try to visit as many colleges/universities as you can!




BROOKWOOD ATHLETICS    (COACH EAST AND COACH BOGGS)


Athletic physicals for the 2007-2008 school year will be provided free of charge at the school on Tuesday, June 12, 5:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Mark your calendars as this will be the only time this service will be offered during the summer.


GENERAL ATHLETIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Morris C. Johnson-GISA Coaches Association Academic-Athletic Achievement Award Winner 2007 - Crighton Allen
Boys Cross Country State Champion:  Grant Stauffer
Girls Cross Country Region Champion:  Ellen Stauffer
Football State Semifinalist
Boys Basketball Region Champion
Girls Basketball Region Champions
Girls Basketball State Runner-up
Baseball Region Champion
Golf Region Champion
Girls Soccer Region Champion
Boys Tennis Region Champion
Boys Tennis State Runner-up
Boys Track and Field Region Champion
Boys Doubles Region Champions:  Ben Jones & William Lee
Boys Distance State Champion:  Grant Stauffer won State Championships in 1600, 3200, and 800
Girls Long Jump State Champion: Christy McMillan
Girls 4x100 Relay State Champion:  Maria Olson, Keri McMillan, Christy McMillan, & Logan Petry
Grant Stauffer established a new state record in Boys Cross Country and in both the 3200 & 800 in track and field
Three Athletes participated in All Star games
Sixteen All State Athletes
Fifty-four All Region Athletes
83% student participation rate in athletics


Fall Sports

Cheerleading
§         Dedicated sponsors who motivated and encouraged the squad
§         Energetic, enthusiastic girls who honored the teams and inspired the fans in creative ways
§         A squad who was always a credit to Brookwood School and a good example to younger students

Cross Country
§         Boys Region Champion:  Grant Stauffer
§         Boys State Champion:  Grant Stauffer (State Record Time)
§         Girls Region Champion:  Ellen Stauffer
§         Boys All Region:  Ty Autry, David Daniel, Grant Stauffer
§         Girls All Region:  Sarah Chason, Leigh Avera, Caroline Penhallegen, & Ellen Stauffer

Boys Soccer
§         Finished second in region
§         Reached Quarterfinals of state playoffs
§         All Region: Charles Scott, Harrison Avera, Chris Brewer, DJ Grooms, & Branden Therrian
§         Honorable Mention All Region:  Alan Alderman

Football
§         9-4 season record
§         Region runner-up
§         Lost in Semifinals of state playoffs by 2 points to eventual state champion
§         All Region:  Dez Jones, Ashton Thomas, Scott Cheney, Clay Childs, Cameron Reed, Tom Shaw, & Drew Balfour
§         Honorable Mention All Region:  Sean Bell, Chase Harvard, Kevin Hudson, Thad LeGette & Ethan Vinson
§         All State:  Ashton Thomas, Scott Cheney, Clay Childs, & Dez Jones
§         All Star:  Dez Jones

Softball
§         All-Region:  Keri McMillan, Logan Petrey, & Libby Coram
§         Honorable Mention All-Region:  Kendra Bell, Anne McPherson, Chelsea Vinson, & Sarah Farmer
§         Sarah Farmer, our starting pitcher, struck out 44 batters in 68 innings
§         Memorable win over Tiftarea who was this years Region Champion.


Winter Sports

Girls Basketball
§         Region Champion regular season
§         Region Tournament Champion
§         State runner-up
§         All Region: Kendra Bell, Domarnique Moore, Lucy Mitchell, & Marielle Youmans
§         Honorable Mention All Region: Elizabeth Wedding & Logan Petry
§         All State:  Kendra Bell & Domarnique Moore
§         All Star:  Kendra Bell

Boys Basketball
§         Region Tournament Champion
§         Reached Quarterfinals of state playoffs
§         All Region: Ashton Thomas, Blair Austin, & Scott Cheney
§         Honorable Mention All Region: Lee Hopkins and Charles Scott
§         All State:  Ashton Thomas
§         All Star:  Ashton Thomas

Spring Sports

Baseball
§         Region Champion
§         Undefeated in Region play
§         All Region:  Lee Hopkins, Cory Reagin, Jeb Johnson, Caleb Bryson, Scott Cheney, & Drew Balfour
§         Honorable Mention All Region:  Brent Kinsey
§         All State:  Lee Hopkins.

Golf
§         Region Champions
§         5th place in State tournament
§         All Region:  Tyler Rawlings, Scott Cheney, & Alan Alderman

Girls Soccer
§         Region Champions
§         Reached Quarterfinals of state playoffs
§         All Region:  Liz Brewer, Kendra Bell, Winnie Kadis, Marielle Youmans, Logan Petry, & Maria Olson
§         Honorable Mention All Region:  Elizabeth Olson & Libby Coram
§         All State:  Liz Brewer

Tennis
§         Boys Region Champion
§         Boys State runner-up
§         Boys Doubles Region Champions:  Ben Jones & William Lee
§         Boys Doubles Region runner-up:  DJ Grooms & Harrison Avera
§         Girls Region runner-up

Track and Field
§         Boys Region Champion
§         Girls Region runner-up
§         Boys Distance State Champion:  Grant Stauffer won State Championships in 1600, 3200, and 800 
           and established new state records in 3200 & 800
§         Girls Long Jump State Champion: Christy McMillan
§         Girls 4x100 Relay State Champion:  Maria Olson, Keri McMillan, Christy McMillan, & Logan Petry


 THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE

South Georgia Performing Arts and the company dancers of South Georgia Ballet will present their spring concert, The Lion, the Witch and The Wardrobe and a tap and jazz revue Musical Mania Saturday, June 2, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, June 3, at 2:00 p.m. at the Thomasville Municipal Auditorium. Dance students from the Thomasville Cultural Center will perform in the Saturday night show and members of the Company will perform at both shows. This original ballet is adapted from the beloved C.S.Lewis series "The Chronicals of Narnia" and takes the four children, Lpeter, Susan, Edmond and Lucy, through a magic wardrobe into the icy land of Narnia, which is controlled by Jada, the White Witch.   C.S. Lewis fans will recognize characters from the entire series and will enjoy the highly imaginative interpretation of the mythical characters of Narnia.  Tickets are $8-$12 and are available at 378 ARTS (2787) or on-line at www.sgpa.us.  The theater box office will be open the week of the show till 6:00 p.m. and can be called at 227-4050.  Come support your Brookwood friends on stage.


The Thomasville Cultural Center will be offering a wonderful variety of programs for students this summer. 
Please call the Cultural Center for more information at 226-0588.




Detailed school-wide calendar and athletic event information can be found simply clicking the following link: http://www.brookwoodschool.org/page/brookwood_today

Want to know a game score? Check out http://www.brookwoodschool.org/page/athletics