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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.
December 15, 2006 |
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FROM THE HEADMASTER...
As 2006 rapidly moves towards its end, I cannot help but to reflect back on this past year with you and give you my perspective of this wonderful place...Brookwood School.
In the early stages of 2006, the possibility and reality of becoming Headmaster at Brookwood School took place. To be honest, leaving a place where my family has lived their entire life and a school I gave my heart and soul to every minute of every day was a very difficult choice to make. Looking back today, I truly believe that God's "purpose" for the Notaro family was to be here.
Throughout the year prior to officially coming on board, twenty trips were made to learn, listen, meet and acquaint myself with the Brookwood community. Thank God! With each visit we became more and more enamored with every aspect of the Brookwood family, history and traditions. That "passionate pride" I have spoken of throughout the year has maintained itself and continues to grow. The positive approach of this community has been a constant all through this year.
This has been an awesome first semester, and one that has passed us by all too quickly. I can say without any reservation that this faculty and staff is the very best. We all are fortunate to have professionals who work, understand, care, educate, and love our children. Each member of this staff has gone the extra mile on numerous occasions for the betterment of the students, the school, parents and this Headmaster.
Our Board of Directors have made an unconditional commitment to do everything they can in making this school a better place. I compliment them in providing me with the freedom to manage the day to day operations of the school. They have been the essence of an Independent School Board of Directors.
Our students are knowledgeable, friendly, caring, committed, competitive, and diligent. Some are not sure what to make of my collection of colored magnetic glasses. I have visited every class and been very pleased with their enthusiasm and work ethic. Service has become a part of their curriculum. They have shown through their volunteer efforts that they for the most part appreciate what they have been given and the importance to give of themselves to others.
I am proud of the many accomplishments this year has brought thus far: AP test results that I would match with any other school our size; One Act State Champions; Debate, second place in state; Football semi-finalist; the "Buddy" program; plays in the Lower School; wonderful musical performances; and a Homecoming Week I will long remember, just to name a few. I hope and pray that we all have many more positive memories throughout the second semester. The first one was "exceptional."
Parents and friends have opened their hearts, homes, and pocketbooks for my family and this school. We are thankful to each of you for your warm and sincere hospitality. I was asked this morning if we were going "home" for Christmas. My response was "we are home."
During this time of the season, no matter your beliefs...I wish each one of you a very, very special Holiday. See you in 2007!
Blessings,
Mike Notaro
Headmaster
MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS (Ashley Harper)
The Middle School students were thrilled with their Christmas surprise arriving a little early. Unbeknownst to students, the faculty of the Middle School, had turned the Letterman's Lounge into a Winter Wonderland.
As classes completed their last nine weeks exam, they were quietly and carefully dismissed to the Letterman's Lounge where they were met with holiday merriment. It was a wonderful way to end a fantastic first semester of school and to celebrate our upcoming break.
I would like to wish everyone a blessed holiday break. It has been my pleasure to work with your children throughout the first semester of school. Thank you to everyone for making this year great. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Recently Kristen Wilson found a baby kitten in the Rite Aid parking lot. Kristen is a huge animal lover so she brought it to school with her. Middle School students loved and played with the kitten until it was time for it to go to its new home. Many thanks to Kristen for being so caring!
News Flash: Eighth graders began their chapter on electricity. They have started wiring their own individual cities, beaches, basketball courts, lighthouses, etc. They listed the materials they needed to build and electrically wire their project. We hope to have them constructed and wired to be displayed in the Williams-Parker library around the middle of January. Mrs. Grubbs can definitely see some electrical engineer and architectural talent in eighth grade students. Their creativity and hard work is exciting.
LOWER SCHOOL NEWS (Francine Wright)
'Tis the Season Once Again
On Wednesday, December 13,Stoddard Gym was filled with glorious sounds of Christmas as all of the Lower School students presented their delightful musical program to families and friends. Expressions of love, joy, and care were abundant throughout the program.
Thanks to Mrs. Lee for sharing her outstanding talents. What a gift she is!
Second Grade Visits Southern Pines
On December 6, Mrs. McCall's second grade class shared Christmas joy by singing familiar carols for the residents of Southern Pines.
Holiday Sing-Along
Thursday all of the Lower School came together to share the holiday spirit through music. The students were led by the Lower School Chorus.
Thank you for your support for our foster children and the Boys and Girls Club Library. Your contributions are very much appreciated.
School resumes on January 3, 2007
"CAMELOT"
Camelot tickets will go on sale on Friday, January 5th, at 8:00 a.m. in the Board Room. Ticket order forms are available on the Drama Guild page of the website. http://www.brookwoodschool.org/page/1849
ATHLETICS
The Booster Club Chicken Dinner was a success! We assembled 960 dinners and made over $2,100. Many thanks to everyone who supported this fundraiser by buying or selling tickets. We extend a very special thank you to those who helped package and distribute dinners: Suzanne Alexander, Susan Harvard, Sherriee Kinsey, Mary Nelson Notaro, Sheila Scott, Debbie Quinton, Francis Patterson, Carolyn Betters, Bonnie McMillan, Kristin McGregor, Steve Kinsey, Jane Allen, Robin Hawkins, Sarah Farmer and Crighton Allen.
SAT PREPARATION COURSE
Matt Nicholson will be offering a SAT test preparation course for the upcoming SAT on January 27, 2007. Matt graduated from Brookwood in 2002 as the valedictorian and star student. This past May he graduated with high honors from the University of Virginia as a Jefferson Scholar in the Politics Honors Program. He is currently attending the University of Virginia School of Law on an academic scholarship. Matt has taught eight SAT preparation courses over the past four years and has tutored students individually since graduating from Brookwood. Many students have been able to improve their test scores by 100 to 200 points. The course emphasizes strategies for taking the test and problem solving. Because the New SAT now includes an essay section, Matt discusses the elements of a strong essay and what graders are looking for. The course will consist of eight (8) sessions beginning on Monday, January 8 and concluding on Wednesday, January 17. The cost for the class will be $150. Students will also need to purchase The Official SAT Study Guide: For the New SAT. The deadline for signing up is Friday, January 5, 2007. Matt has sent letters and registration forms to the parents of sophomores and juniors. For more information contact Matt Nicholson at mbn6d@virginia.edu or call him at (434) 825-1124.
