FROM THE HEADMASTER...
Spring is, as you know, one of the most pleasant times of the year. Our azaleas and dogwoods are almost in full bloom and the lime green pollen is covering everything in sight. When will this nuisance go away?
Our students have been as busy as possible with their studies, exciting field trips, and extracurricular activities. I am sure they are anxious for this well deserved break.
We all are looking forward to getting some rest and recharging our batteries as we move into the final seven weeks of what appears to have been an exceptional year so far.
Vance and Mercer Watt Distinguished Lecture Series:
What a wonderful day and evening we spent with Mr. Tim Dobbins during his visit to Brookwood. I feel a strong message was received from all who took part in our assembly for the students, our faculty meeting, and Monday evening's extremely well attended lecture. We all have decisions to make throughout each and every day of our lives that can make a difference in the people around us. I hope we will take Mr. Dobbins' words to heart in that we must "Step Up" when the opportunity presents itself. I see our students, teachers, and parents doing just that every day. We are very grateful to many the people who have "Stepped Up" to make this series a reality, and are especially thankful to Mrs. Mercer Watt and the late Dr. Vance Watt for all they have envisioned and brought to Brookwood School. Many thanks to our Parent Council and Stacey Forsyth for providing a wonderful reception after the lecture.
This week's "Warrior of the Week" is Alan Alderman. Alan you are a well deserving Warrior!
Town Meeting for Lower School Parents:
We are in the process of securing a date to have a Town Meeting for all Lower School parents. Please keep an eye out for a flyer that will be sent home after our return from spring break.
SAIS/SACS Accreditation Team Coming:
The visiting team for our accreditation process will be on campus April 15-17. We have completed our self study and have mailed the 162 page "book" to each member for their review prior to their visit. There has been a great deal of time invested in this process and we are very anxious to get their thoughts and recommendations. This is another step forward in the ongoing process of improving our already exceptional school. You will be receiving more information concerning the visit very soon.
May I express once again to the Brookwood School community how delighted we are to be a part of this family. I could not be more pleased in the dedication and work ethic that our faculty and staff have given so far this year. We are all truly blessed to have our children in an environment that is set apart from the standard educational setting. I wish also to recognize our Board, parents, alumni, and friends for their positive support, their professional manner in addressing issues, and their tremendous philanthropic attitude.
God willing, Mary Nelson, Hannah, Rosie and I will enjoy a couple of days of respite at Orange Beach, Alabama. Feel free to call on me after Tuesday if need be. Have the very best and safe spring break!
MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS (Ashley Harper)
Eighth Grade Washington Trip
Thank you to the 8th graders for a fabulous trip to Washington, DC. Their interest, enthusiasm, and behavior exemplified what is best in Brookwood Students. I am proud of each of them. Thank you to our chaperones, Melissa Breese, Shane Boggs, Rodney Hunter, Scott Pounds, Paul Steinberg, and Kristin McGregor.
Our trip was truly memorable as the students participated in a wreath laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, visited the White House and visited the Pentagon, including Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates, office. Again, we are so thankful to Mrs. Mary Claire Murphy, Director of Protocol at the Pentagon and Thomasville native, for arranging these very special tours for us.
Congratulations to Trey Collins for his outstanding performance on the National Geographic Geography Bee written exam. His performance qualified him for participation in the 2007 Georgia Geographic Bee. This coming Friday, March 30th, Trey will travel to Milledgeville to compete for the state title. We are so proud of Trey!
LOWER SCHOOL NEWS (Francine Wright)
On Tuesday, students in Grades 1-3 displayed their talents in spelling. Our Grade level winners are:
1st Grade Winner-Grayson Durham
Runner-up-Jeramy Hinds
2nd Grade Winner-Margaret Davis
Runner-up-Caroline Deese
3rd Grade Winner-Scott Saunders
Runner-up-Sam Odom
Congratulations Students!!!
Brookwood Warrior Camp for Lower School Students To be held the weeks of July 16th - 20th and July 23rd - 27th . (These dates are listed in the Blue Book.) Join Mrs. Deaver and her experienced staff of Brookwood alumni and students for great summer fun. Applications will be sent home after Spring Break.
On Wednesday morning in Mrs. Stauffer's science class, our fourth graders were visited by a great horned owl. Nan Singletary (Nancy Cheney's mother), who is licensed in rehabilitating wildlife, shared interesting facts and information about this wonderful creature. Thanks to Mrs. Singletary for sharing her love of animals with the students.
THERE ARE A FEW SPOTS STILL AVAILABLE FOR THE SCIENCE & HISTORY CAMP! Lower School Students....Are you looking for Exciting and Fun activities to fill your summer? Add the Brookwood Science and History Camp to your list of things to do! June 4 - 8 is the week for students completing grades 3, 4, or 5. June 11 - 15 is the week for students completing grades 1 or 2. Both weeks will include great journeys and activities to discover the natural wonders of our area. Students will participate in experiments and take a close look at some interesting creatures. The camp brocure was sent home with students on Friday, March 16. The camp capacity is 25 students for each week. The hours of the camp are 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Jenni Martin and Lori Stauffer are the camp directors.
COLLEGE COUNSELOR (Vic Spigener)
A very important notice to juniors and their parents: The deadline to register for the May 5 SAT has been changed to March 29 NOT April 3 as indicated at the Junior Parent Night Meeting several weeks ago. All juniors should be taking the SAT I on May 5 or June 2. For students applying to colleges that require the SAT II (subject tests), you should take these on June 2 while the information is still fresh in your minds. See Mr. Spigener if you have any questions. Most students should take the SAT again on October 6.
Congratulations go to Sean Bell, Courtney Bradford, Scott Cheney, Libby Coram, and Brittany Fielding on their graduating the 2006-2007 Leadership for the Millennium Program on Thursday, March 29, at 7:00p.m. at the Thomasville Garden Center.
The Leadership for the Millennium is a highly selective program coordinated by the Thomasville Chamber of Commerce's Education Committee. Brookwood School's five participants were selected by faculty vote. Selection for this honor is based on the student's leadership skills and dedication to duty. Adapted from the J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership and Community Development of the University of Georgia, the Leadership for the Millennium program focuses on Leadership skills, team building, and community awareness. Another element of the program is giving students from different schools, Brookwood School, Thomasville, and Thomas County Central, a chance to meet and learn from each other as they develop their leadership skills.
Once selected, our students committed themselves to seven sessions on leadership skills, team building, law enforcement, and volunteering activities. One of the highlights of the program was a trip to the Fanning Leadership Center at the University of Georgia in February.
Our sincerest congratulations go to Sean, Courtney, Scott, Libby, and Brittany on a job well done!
CRIGHTON ALLEN WINS STAR STUDENT TITLE FOR THOMAS COUNTY!
Congratulations to Crighton Allen for winning the High School STAR Student (Thomas County) School System title. Brookwood School is very proud of Crighton for being not only Brookwood's STAR student, but also the Thomasville School System STAR. As our STAR student, Crighton has the highest score in one sitting on the new three-part Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) and is in the top ten percent of Brookwood School's Class of 2007.
Crighton, the son of Charles and Jane Allen, selected Phil Danner as his STAR teacher. Both Crighton and Mr. Danner were recognized recently at the STAR luncheon sponsored by the Thomasville Kiwanis Club. We are very proud of Crighton and Phil Danner and the academic excellence they exemplify at Brookwood School.
