The Steward School

Long Range Plan sets aggressive agenda for the next five years

CONNECTION

In this issue

Planned growth of programs and facilities keys To Steward's future

Despite the snow, The Steward School remained a busy place through the end of 1995 and into 1996. You can read about the special events and class activities which have occupied the months of November, December and early January inside this edition of the Blue & Cold. Among the notable achievements of the first semester of school has been in the drafting of a long range plan that has focused on Steward 's future through the year 2000.

Writing the long range plan was an ambitious and inclusive process that was directed by a Steering Committee of the Board ofTrustees. It involved over one hundred participants including trustees, teachers, parents, alumni and administrators who represented the past and present of Steward. In a series of Saturday morning retreats, participants worked in ' small task groups to brainstorm, analyze, discuss and problem-solve. Through the produc­live and thought-provoking dialogue, they forged a vision of the future that also affirmed fundamental principles of the past which have made Steward unique among area schools.

The extensive plan encompasses all aspects of the School 's operation from curriculum and staffi ng to finance and facilities. Providing an aggressive agenda for the Board of Trust­ees over the next 18 months, the plan is, in large part, a schedule for further study and planning .

In the next five years, The Steward School is committed to increasing the number of opportunities for its students to excel. This requires planned growth-growth in student programs-growth in enrollment to expand programs and social opportunities-growth in the understanding of the role in our community-and growth in faci lities. Some specific recommendations included:

• Create a Campus Master Plan that would create a vision for the physical plant, help prioritize facility needs and designate the location of new buildings;

Invest in the Development Office to maximize voluntary support and to prepare for an anticipated capital campaign;

Expand the Resource Center into a comprehensive Learning Enrichment Center that will provide general academic support and services for every Steward student;

Appoint a Technology Task Force to define instructional and management strate­gies that relate to the use of computers, specifically with regard to curriculum;

Expand the Summer Program to provide a greater variety of academic programs and enrichment courses to meet the needs of the School family and to appeal to ! the greater community of school-aged children; !

I

Feb. 1996 Defining Teaching at Steward .. 2

Annual Fund Goal in Reach ..... 3

New Bus Arrives for New Semester ................................... 3

Upper School Update ............... 3

Congratulations! ....................... 4

Portfolio Day ............................. 5

A Holiday Happening ............... 5

Sharing the joy of givingl ..... ... _ 6

Goodwill Tour . n ..... ..... ....... .... "". 7 J-

The Steward School Fourth ; Grade On Tour .......................... 7 +-Winter Sports Update ............... 7

Counselor's Corner ................... 8

Manager for Many .............. ...... 9

Auction Alert! ............................ 9

CiS> j ,

~ He.,rlmiuter Steve Stitckhause

Editor liZ Shupe

L.ayout & Design M,U.l Palmer

The Btu~ .. nd Cold ConnectIOn IS publishf"d (or The StewiJrd School Commumty.

<eo .• ___ ........... """"~ .......... _ ...... ....,..-..".. __ ~_ .. . ___ ,

Improve faculty compensation to attract and retain top quality teachers who are competent in their field, inno­vative in the classroom and comfortab le with the Stew­ard mission;

Determine the advisability of community service require­ment for graduation and review volun teer opportunities avai lable for students;

Create a coordinated and expanded public relations cam­paign to create a greater understanding of Steward's mission in the greater community and to complement the needs of the admission and development efforts.

Approved by the Board ofTrllstees at its January meeting, the document is currently being edited and reformatted for pub­lication. Complete copies should be available in the next few weeks. You will be seeing us take steps to implement many of these recommendations in the months ahead. Also, you will be hearing more about the Plan as we continue to analyze and discuss these important topics.

As the School community, it is important for us to realize that this Long Range Plan will be a working document, not a fait accompli. While many of the goals are ambitious, they are real­istic, and for years to come, we will continue to revisit our ob­jectives and strategies. At all stages, we will come to make sure that Steward is serving its mission.

Thanks to the supportive John Cabell Chenault Steward "faithful" listed below. Suzanne Clements Tllese folks have served "above Elliott Cooper and beyond the call of duty" to Roger Coulombe discuss, design and implement Steve Delilney the Long Range Plan for the Helen Dixon "growing" Steward School. Mike Drzal Their ideas, input, and time are Sue Drzal greatly appreciated. Elizabeth Dwyer

Bill Garner Darnley Adamson George Garner Molly Anderson Ward Good Cindy Aron Nancy Gottwald Leslie Baron Anita Grymes FerdBaruch JimHagy LouEllen Blackwelder Tara Harris Edna Blackwelder Dick Haskell Wanda Bower Tucker Henley Carolyn Brandt Phyllis Hirshfield Roland Brierre Ruble Hord Louise Brierre Sharon Hord Mavis Brown Ross Hotchkiss Doris Burbank Adrian Howard Carol Butler Gwen Hudson George Cauble Paul Ingraham Tom Chalkley Debra Jacobsen Marion Chenault Sharon Johns

PAr.F 2

What We Value The following were identified by the Long Range Planning

retreat participants as essential characteristics vital to Steward 's mission and to preserving its character:

a student population of approximately 400 which offers a comprehensive, quality college preparatory education; small classes which allow greater attention to the indi­vidual student and learning through participation; a comfortable place to learn and teach; a supportive, inclusive commun ity of adults and chi ldren which encourages all to excel; greater flexibility to meet student needs through a combi­nation of traditional and innovative teaching; a balance of academics, arts, and athletics to educate the whole person; graduates who have been taughtto be moral, responsible stewards of their society and their environment; a faculty and staff who are moral, responsible stewards of children in their educational process; a f riendly school where everyone knows one another and teachers are close to students; the opportunity for students to participate in all of Steward's programs and excel in their own way; an admission policy which seeks a balance of talents, abili­ties and interests as well as a balance of backgrounds, races, and cultures.

Stephanie Kay Connie Pearson Mike Keck 11m Pearson John Knorr Mumtaz Qureshi Cindy Krumbein Shehwar Qureshi Bob Larus Janet Rice Susan liltourelle Robin Ricketts Claudia lilwton Ed Rossmoore Betty Sue LePage Leslie Roughley Bobby Long CC Satterfield BarbaraJean Long UzShupe David MacKenzie Jim Slabaugh Ann Carol Marchant MaryKay Stainback Alan McCollough Don Steeber Carolyn McCormack Francis Stinson Sue Melzig John Stinson NorvaMeyer Pat Sullivan Janet Meyers Tommy Taylor John Moeser Winston Trice Scoll Moncure Cory Turnage Beth Morchower Neil Turnage Dave Mueller Brenda Turner Jack Muldowney Deidre Turner Sally Newcomb Dick Turner BevNida Paula Verkon John Nolde JoAnn Whillen Rugene Paulelle Gerald Wilton Mike Payne Sharon Wilton

Robinette Wrobel

BLUE & GOLD CONNECTION

FROM THE HEADMASTER'S DESK

Defining Teaching at Steward

Fundamental to Steward's mission is the understanding that the learning process is unique for every individual in the class­room . As a school, we are committed to quality academics, stu ­dent-centered instruction and an educational program thatchal­lenges students of various talents and abilities. Because of this ambitious mission, teaching at Steward School is a demanding task that carries high expectations of our faculty from administra­tors, parents and the Board.

At Steward we are proud of our teachers and recognize that teaching excellence is the centerpiece of a quality educa­tional program. Since last spring, our faculty and staff have worked to identify the components of "Steward teaching ." The following twenty-five questions are guiding concepts for class­room instruction and by reference define what we consider to be good teaching practices. These questions are designed for reflection and suggest goals that every teacher should address in his/her classroom and within the context of the grade level and the subject material. We invite your input and comments.

1. Can you provide concrete examples of ways that you ac­tively involve students in the exploration of concepts and discovery of skills?

2. How do you help students make connections among the disciplines?

3. How do you encourage students to take responsibility for their lea rning?

4. How do you encourage students to use their creativity and imagination?

5. Are you aware of the varied learning styles and needsofthe students in you classroom?

6. How do you support and recognize studentaccomplishments at all levels of achievement?

7. Can you provide specific examples of how you varied class­room instruction to address different learning styles? How have you helped students of varied abilities meet the ex­pectations of the curriculum?

8. What initiatives have you taken to implement new lessons and program ideas?

9. How do you convey your expectations to students, to par­ents?

10. Do you provide some variety and choice for students in your assignments?

11. Do you present various viewpoi nts to students in a way that encourages reflection on their own belief system?

12. How do you collaborate with other faculty members?

BlU[ & GOLD CONNfcrlON

13. Identify how you have prepared your students for the tran­sition to the next grade or subject level.

14. What opportunities do your students have to recognize, re­spectand understand cultural, ethnic and social differences in the classroom, the School and the community?

15. How do you provide experiential instruction in and out of the classroom?

16. What means do you use to evaluate the goals and successes of your program? How have you communicated those suc­cesses?

17. Is your method of student assessment clear and consistent? Do they provide the flexibility you need?

18. Do you communicate on a systematic and regular basis with parents and advisors? Do you keep track of this correspon­dence? Do you communicate with positive or congratula­tory messages?

19. Give examples of how you provide academic support be­yond regu la r classti me.

20. How have you grown in your knowledge of your subject matter?

21. Do you take advantage of professional development oppor­tunities to improve your performance in the classroom? Iden­tify your most recent professional development activities.

22. How have you supported you r students outside the class­room? Do you regularly attend extra-curricular events like athletic contests and play performances?

23. Identify how an on-going practice or lesson helped to create an atmosphere of mutual respect in the classroom.

24. Identify an on-going practice or lesson where you provide for the emotional and social growth of your students?

25. Identify areas (in or outside the classroom) where YO ll "went the extra mile" in service to the School.

DEVELOPMENT

Annual Fund Goal in Reach Participation levels conti nue to surpass Independent School National Averages

Pledges and contributions to this year's Annual Fund Cam­paign currently totals $85,718.70, less than $15,000 shy of the ambitious $100,000 goal, with 77% participation of our current parents. We are striving for 1 00% participation by our parents in order to reach our goal of $1 00,000.

There has been tremendous response to the establishment of Gift Clubs this year recognizing contributors at six gift levels ranging from $100 to $5,000 and above. We arc pleased to

report that several gifts of $5,000 have been given to this year's Annual Fund, with the average gift currently standing at $31 5.14.

The current Annual Fund participation by the parents in each class is shown below, with the classes listed in descending order. We hope we can list all of these percentages at 100% in the next issue. Please help us by doing your part.

GRADE 1 92.86%

GRADE 5 89.47%

GRADE 3 - Mrs. Whitely 84.62%

GRADE 7 84.38%

GRADE 4 81.82%

GRADE 8 80.77%

KINDERGARTEN - Mrs. Strickland 80.00%

KINDERGARTEN - Mrs. Wolff 77.78%

GRADE 6 76.92%

GRADE 12 75.00%

GRADE 9 76.00%

GRADE 2 70.00%

GRADE 10 65.38%

GRADEll 64.71 %

GRADE 3 - Mrs. Cross 58.33%

If you have not made your contribution, or desire to make an additional contribution to this year's Annual Fund Campaign, a return envelope has been inserted in this issue of The Blue and Gold Connection . Thank you for your support!

New bus arrives for new semester

A new mini-bus arrived on campus in early January. The purchase of the bus was made possible by the success of last year's Annual Fund under the leadership of Russell Perkins. "The bus arrived here just in time for basketball season when we have students traveling around the state" said Athletic Director Janet Rice. "Now our students will be traveling in style."

PACE 4

ON CAMPUS

Up~er School UplJate

One revision and several additions have been made to the upper school schedule since the school year began. Spanish I class has been divided for small group work two days per week. Melanie Rodriquez, a member of our Resource Department, is helping classroom teacher Shelby Holland with this project This change exemplifies the effort to more actively incorporate the learning resource department into the school and better meet the needs of the students.

There are several new and revised courses. Computer I, the introductory computer course at Steward, concentrates on word processing . Computer II , w hich is being offered for the first time this semester, introduces students to databases, teach­ing students how to use them (e.g., modify a database form, enter records, print, update records, search a database, and dis­play one in Form or List view). Students will also learn how to create and editsimple spreadsheets and how to add drawings to a database or word processing file .

We are particularly excited about two elective courses of­fered to all juniors and one independent study being offered to selected students. SAT verbal preparation is being offered as a sixteen-week elective to members of the Junior class. The course meets twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday and is designed to provide vocabulary building, study skills, memory techniques, test-taking strategies, and SAT practice in preparation for the May 4, 1996 College Board SAT I. Time will be spent on all three types of verbal questions: analogies, sentence-completions, and reading comprehension. SAT math preparation is being offered once per week on Fridays. It involves study skills, test-tak ing strategies, and SAT practice in preparation for the same test sit­ting, and will review all three types of math questions: multiple­choice, quantitative analysis, and student-generated responses.

Ginger Chalkley, the first grade teacher, is guiding junior Emily Rose Wolff in an independent study elementary educa­tion practicum. This is a pilot program, requiring Emily to con­duct research in basic child development, observe different el­ementary school classes and report her observations. In addi­tion, she will be assigned background research on specific units of study and will prepare sample lesson plans which include multidisciplinary activities for teachers to use. She will also be required to interview educational professionals such as educa­tional diagnosticians, child psychologists, speech and language therapists, and pre-school directors. The purpose of the course is to achieve a better understanding of the needs and abilities of elementary school children and to recognize the support ser­vices available in the community.

These changes are all examples of our continuing effort to expand the opportunities available to our students, and we are pleased to be including them in our curriculum.

BLUE & GOte CONNEGION

HONOR ROLL STUDENTS

Congratulations! MARKING PERIOD 2 AND SEMESTER

Grade 6

Grade 7

Grade 8

Grade 9

Grade 10

Marking Period 2

Ramsey M . Bsal joanna L. Ernst james C. foote jennifer W. Gray Laurel B. Ingraham Sara A. Kornblau Chrislopher S. Maszaros Trent W. McLaurin

Mary Ashley Stanton R. Reed Yancey

An usha Ahbasi Edward O. Benson Susan M. Braunshteyn Corbin A. Brierre Will iam A. Duty

Thomas W. LePage Sarah W. Martinslein William j. Paoletto Caitlin O. Rossmoore Laura T. Slabaugh Michelle N. Wnitaker

Sherwood C. Eberly Analisa A. Gordon Jessica H. Gray L. Blair jacobsen Y. Nashon Levi Adam H. Rafeh Elizabeth K. Sumner Rachel M . Whitten

Alice N. Avent Ryan C. Besl joshua L. Goldberg Michael L. Maszaros

Ifrah A. Nur Emily S. Padow Stephen B. Paulette faliad Qureshi john W. Schotl Andrew D. Stitt

Meghan W. Hajek Whitney D. Hajek

Camberly E. Pearson Sara E. Rossmoore M ichael C. Schirick

Calherine A. Woody

Grade 11 A. Miriam Baron George H. Cauble, III A. McLain Haskell Christine D. Hunlon Shawn G. Lewis Ian Z. Qureshi Necole M . Voltz Emily R. Wolff

Grade 12 E. Corbin Adamson Ellis Ann McClung

BLUE & GOlO CONNlCllON

Joanna L. Ernst james C. foote j ennifer W. Gray Laurel B. Ingraham Sara A. Kornblau Christopher S. Maszaros Trent W. McLaurin Zachary C. Sears Mary Ashley Stanton R. Reed Yancey

Anusha Abbasi Edward O. Benson

Corbin A. Brierre W illiam A. Duty Ashlee E. Healey Elizabeth L. Larus Thomas W. LePage Sarah W. Martenstein Wil liam j . Paoletlo Caillin O. Rossmoore Laura T. Slabaugh

Sherwood C. Eberly

jessica H. Gray L. Blai r jacobsen Y. ashon Levi Adam H. Rafeh Elizabelh K. Sumner Rachel M. Whitten

Alice N. Avent Ryan C. Best joshua L. Goldberg Michael L. Maszaros Ashleigh D. McLaurin Ifrah A. Nur Emily S. Padow Slephen B. Paulelle Fahad Qureshi john W. Schott Andrew D. Stitt

Andrew P. Cosby Meghan W. Hajek Whitney D. Hajek Cabell B. jones Camberly E. Pearson Sara E. Rossmoore Michael C. Schirick Edmund W. Trice jenifer C. Woodall Catherine A. Woody

George H. Cauble( III A. McLain Haskel Christine D. Hunton Shawn G. Lewis Ian Z. Qureshi Necole M . Voltz

E. Corbin Adamson Ellis Ann McClung

FINE ARTS

A holiday happening

On December 19 at 7:30 pm. "Sou nds of the Season"

filled the air with group performances by the Middle School Re­

corder C lass, The Middle School Chorus, and the Upper School

Gi rls' Ensemble.

The gymnasium of The Steward School then ca me to life

with "Christmas in a Small Town" of "stewardsville." Designed

and constructed by Director ofTheater Paula Verkon, the long­

est holiday set ever built included City Hall, a Salvation Army

building, a toy store, a loca l p lace of worship, the Cohen house­hold celebrating Hanukkah and the Greene household celebrat­

ing Christmas.

Second grade snowladies alld snowmen: Daniel Klein, Austin Ilaas, Louisa Kendig, Arion Bartlett and Kalhleen An.

But it seemed the only residents of s tewardsville enjoying

the upcoming season were the adults. The children of the town

just cou ldn't get into the spirit of the season. Junior, played by

Ida Henley, was a real "Scrooge." She wasn' t the only one w ho

was dispirited. Her buddies Patrick (Chris Byrne), Lisa (All ison

Strickland), Jenny (Gray O'Brian), Mikie (Hunter Sears), Tracey

Ilunter Sears, Aynsley Willon, Jordan Effron and Chris Byrne donale Iheir lOys to the Salvation Army 10 show their holiday spi, il in ' Chrisl mas in a Small lawn.'

PAGE 5

First graders Monty Anderson, Bobbie Lou Long, Molly Jackson and Evan Schnoll.

(Ali Hord), Chrissy (Talley Gregory), Joshua (Jordan Effron), and Lauren (Aynsley Wilton) just couldn't get in the mood. The senior members of the Greene family had to educate the chil­dren about the true meaning of the holiday season. Grandpa Greene (Austin Pittman) and Grandma Greene (Megan Hodges) enlightened the disillusioned group. "It is through the joy of giving that we feel joy ourselves .... now get out there and do some good deeds and catch the holiday spirit."

By the end of the evening, everyone in Stewardsville had caught the spirit. The children had given their toys (Grade 1) to the Salvation Army and assisted the local choir director with the pageant by helping the angels "sing like angels" (Kindergartenl.They even helped the holiday shoppers (Grade 5) buy Christmas and Hanukkah gifts.

After having a wonderful time on Johnson's Ridge playing in the snow with the children in the town (Grade 4) and building snowladies and snowmen (Grade 2) , the children visited the Cohen and Greene families. When they heard a lovely vocal selection entitled "Holiday lights" (Grade 3), the children un­derstood the joy experienced in all households during a special holiday season.

Other townspeople sharing the season included the local policeman (Andy Lawton), the Mayor of Stewardsville (Alex Benson), Grover the local handyman (Robert Fritzman), Mr. and Mrs. Greene (Matthew Stainback and Carter Saunders), and Mr. and Mrs. Smith (Blake Frostick and Peyton Lannon). Younger members included Snowman (Afton Bartlett), and Snowladies (louisa Kendig and Kathleen An), toy soldier (Evan Schnoll), ballerina (Molly Jackson), and stuffed animal (Bobbie lou Long).

"Christmas in a Small Town" was written and produced by Bonnie Anderson. The artistic coordinator was Rugene Paulette, who with the help of her art classes and many volunteers, painted and constructed the designed set into the town of "Stewardsville." The evening exemplified the "spirit of cooperation" ..... the spirit for which The Steward School is so well known. Another great success and one of which all participants and volunteers can be proud!!

PAGE 6

LOWER SCHOOL

Sharing the joy of giving!

The Lower School community personally experienced the joy of giving during the Holiday Season. For the fifth consecutive year, families needing help were identified through the Office of Refugee and Immigration Services of the Archdiocese of Rich­mond. The ten families came from: Bosnia, Cuba, Haiti and Viet Nam.

The Milanovic family from Bosnia pose with Sleward sludents and faculty. iI-r) Eli73beth Serbic (gra ndmother), Jordan Effron, {zabela Milanovic (mOl her - Dr.), Tamara (age 5), Allison Strickland, Kate Strickland, Ognjen Ml/anovic.

For Thanksgiving, all of the "makings" for a holiday feast were delivered to the families . And in the spirit of Hanukkah and Christmas giving, the lower school continued its' tradition of reaching out to help these same families. Janet Bisger, mother of kindergartner Amy, helped our students generate ideas for what might be useful for the families in need. Then new items were donated by parents for every member of each refugee family (almost so people)!

In addition, used clothing was donated and numerous gift certificates were collected . The gifts were wrapped by students,

1st row i/-r): Jordan Effron, Allison Strickland, Amy Strickland, Jennifer Latourelle, Catherine Woody. 2nd row i/-r): Mrs. St rickland, Mr. Rossmoore, Caitlin Rossmoore, Sara Rossmoore.

BLUE & GOLD C ONNECTION

faculty and MS/US studentvolunteers, and over two dozen fami­lies participated in the two day delivery of the special celebra­tion packages.

A lesson of "giving" as part of a school curricu lum was discovered last year by President of the Lower School Student Council and fifth grader Jenni fer Gray in a poem from McGuffey's Second Reader (written at the turn of the 20th century) staling that:

Beautiful faces are they that wear The light of a pleasant spirit there; Beautiful hands are they that do Deeds that are noble, good and true; Beautiful feet are they that go Swiftly to lighten another's woe.

Thank you to many " beautiful people" for your support in this endeavor. The feedback from students, parents and the re­cipients of our collective goodwill is mostgratifying! As one Steward family wrote to Mr. Rossmoore .. . "We were impressed with the generosity of the families who donated time and materials to this holiday project. This seemed to be a significant way for the Steward family to leave the 'comfort zone' for the good of people in need by donating, working and sacrificing unselfishly. That seemed to fit perfectly with the real meaning of the season."

FINE ARTS

Goodwill Tour The 1995 traveling Choral Concert, under the direction of

Musical Director Bonnie Anderson, was a tremendous success this year. The fourth and fifth grade Lower School Chorus ac­companied by the newly formed Middle School Chorus and the Upper School Girls' Ensemble traveled to four locations spread­ing the holiday spirit! They were warmly welcomed at Lake­wood Manor, Ginter Hall West, MCV Hospital and Regency Mall. The program of holiday music touched the hearts of residents, patients, and holiday shoppers.

Fourth/fifth grade teacher Ronny Hajek dressed as Santa added a delightful "surprise" to the concert listeners. Gifts of candy favors, made by the Middle School Service Club super­vised by Mary Newsome, Paula Verkon, and Rachel Griffin were given. Musical holiday cards and stuffed animals were also dis­tributed to residents and n~rlpnT<

Midde School Chorus members Sally Anne Srratton, laura Slabaugh, Susan Braunshtcyn, and Michelle Wh it akef.

B LUE & GOLD CONNECTroN

I.ower School Chorus 1 st row (I-r): Tori Cannella, Will Way, Sam Baronian, Austin Pemberton, Coleman Abbott; 2nd row (I-r): Gray O'Brian, Meghan Hodges, Hunter Sears, Jamie Satterfield, Chris Byrne, lauren Harris; 3rd row (I-r): Austm Pittman, Allison St rickland, Blake Frostick, Brian Meyers, Ali Hord, Missy Jacobsen, Carter Saunders, Peyton lannon.

The Richmond TimeS-Dispatch ran a picture of the stu­dents on tour in the Henrico Supplement and the Richmond Style Magazine published an article about The Steward School "Goodwill Tour." So many positive comments were heard. One retired school teacher living in Ginter Hall stated that the con­cert had "made her day- no ... her week ... better yet... her year!!"

That is what the Goodwill Tour is all about. .. bringing smiles to all during the holiday season ... especially our students!

FINE ARTS

The Steward School fourth grade on tour

The students at The Steward School have broken all records this month when they learned and performed the musical "T.H.E. Club" in a period of just over two weeks. The snow didn't stop the enthusiasm and hard work it took to put this production together. The musical deals with kids helping the environment by making everyone aware of the problems that face our planet today. The title, "T.H.E. Club" stands for "try helping the envi­ronment". All of the students are stars as they sing and dance their way through the production. The musical is directed by Paula Verkon, the theatre instructor at The Steward School.

The students have performed the musical twice on cam­pus for audiences of lower and middle school students. The Friday January 19th performance was given for family and friends of the actors. Monday, January 22nd will be the date the theat­rical group will begin their off campus tour. They will travel to the Jewish Community Center that day and follow that perfor­mance with another on January 23rd at the First Presbyterian Church. The students will travel to Westminister Canterbury on Wednesday, January 24th and will appear at Ephesus Junior Acad­emy in Midlothian, Virginia on Friday, January 26th. A highlight of the tour will be a performance at the Richmond Children'S Museum on Saturday, January 27th. The culminating performance will be given at the Riverside School on Wednesday, January 31 st.

The fourth graders have learned much about cooperation and hard work as well as the valuable lessons that deal w ith

PAGE 7

caring for their planet The teachers have also leamed that through cooperation, the impossible can be accomplished. In this case, a musical was put together in record time. Bonnie Anderson, the music instructor, and Estelle Grossman, assisted by Ronny Hajek, the fourth grade teachers worked together with the di­rector, Paula Verkon, to assist in the task of helping the students learn the lines and music in record time. The local audiences have enthusiastically raved about the children's performances. The play was a great success on campus .... now the fourth grad­ers are off to an exhausting but exciting off campus tour ... who knows which of these faces may appear someday on Broadway!

FINE ARTS

Portfolio Day Art Director Rugene Paulette accompanied art students

Laura Ward, Chris Hagy, Sara Rossmoore, Camberly Pearson, Christy Hunton, Scott Adams, Chris Hines, Michael Maszaros, and Wade Britt (not pictured) to the Corcoran School of Art in Washington, D.C. for Portfolio Day. The students presented their portfolios for review and critique by college professors repre­senting various art colleges from across the country.

The group spent Saturday and Sunday, December 2 - 3 in Washington, D.C. and had the opportunity to visit the Winslow Homer exhibit at the National Gallery of Art

PortfolIO Day (I-r): Laura Ward, Mrs. Paulette. ChflS Ilagy, Sara Rossmoore, Camberly Pearson, Christy Hunton, Scott Adams, ChflS Hines, Michael MasLaros.

ATHLETICS

Winter Sports Update

The basketball teams have done well so far this season. The varsity boys ' team has an overall record of 4 wins and 1 loss. Their Tri-Cities Independent league rr.c.I.L.) record is 3-1 with conference victories over New Community, Belmead, and Grove

P"CF 8

Avenue. The varsity girls' team has a 3-1 record and a 2-0 league of Independent Schools (U.s.) conference record . The leading scorer is Tara Garner who has a 16 point per game average. This year we have a middle school girls' team that participates in a weekend league at Collegiate. The girls have posted a 3-2 record with wins over luther Memorial, NI Saints, and St Bridget'S. The middle school boys' teams will start competition after we dig out from under all the snow!

VARSITY BOYS' BASKETBALL

February 5 (Mon.) 6 (Tues.) 13 (Tues.) 20,23,24

Central Vi rginia Patriots Richmond Christian JV *Grove Avenue TCll Tournament

H 7:00 A 6:00 H 7:30 TBA TBA

(Tues.,Fri .,Sat) * = conference games

VARSITY GIRLS' BASKETBALL

February 1 (Thurs.) *St. Margaret's A 4:00 5 (Mon.) Central Virginia Patriots H 5:30 6 (Tues.) *Trinity H 5 :00 13,14,16 LIS Tournament TBA TBA (Tues.,Wed .,Fri.)

• = conference games

MIDDLE SCHOOL BASKETBALL "A" TEAM

February 1 (Thurs.) 5 (Mon.) 6 (Tues.) 9 (Fri .) 13 (Tues.) 16 (Fri.)

Richmond Christian H Central Virginia Patriots H Richmond Christian A St. Vincent de Paul H Grove Avenue H New Community A

4:00 4:00 4:30 4:00 6:00 4:00

MIDDLE SCHOOL BASKETBALL "B" TEAM

February 8 (Thurs.) 9 (Fri .) 14 (Wed.) 21 (Wed.) 22 (Thurs.)

Covenant "B" Collegiate (7B) Good Shepherd Millwood luther Memorial (5/6)

H A H H H

4:30 4:00 7:00 5:00 5:00

BLUE & GOLD C ONNECTION

Counselor's Corner The Parent's Council of The Steward School hosted two parent seminars in the first semester of this academic year. " Preparing for Adolescence," presented by Licensed Professiona l Counse­lor M ike Thompson on October 1 0, was informative and appre­ciated by those in attendence. Three highlights included:

1) the need for parents to uncover their own personal belief systems, and to understand from whence they came. Addi­tionally, parents must listen, listen, listen and apologize when wrong ... thereby increasing parental credibility.

2) respect the child's temperament and accept that the child 's temperament may be different from the parent's.

General Temperament definitions: Which are you? your child?

Sanguine - just wants to have fun (extrovert) Choleric - wants power!control (extrovert) Melancholy - is a perfectionist - more depression in th is group (introvert) Phlegmatic - is a peacemaker (introvert)

3) Give clear boundaries and make sure that parental expecta­tions are ones over which the child has control ... such as effort, character, values ... not biological or societal expecta­tions as academic excellence, athletic success, "beauty," etc.

HOMEWORK DILEMMAS

The second seminar was a discussion regarding Homework Di­lemmas presented on November 14, by educator and counse­lor Terri Hirsch. This timely subject addressed the following is­sues and made the highlghted points.

1) Are we transferring ou r homework dilemmas onto our children?

2) What is importance of homework?

3) Who is responsible for homework?

4) W ho's needs are being met? Parent's or Child's?

Role of Parent

1) Consultant - mutual respect, not confrontation or power (control).

• •

• • •

help on request, but not before negotiate a plan of study to allow student to take ownership give advice, but don't force intervene briefly -if asked- support and encourage empower by encouraging independence

BLUE & COLD CONNECTION

send positive message ... not suspicions "I know you can."

2) Parent is too involved: when s/he

• hovers

discourages independence

assumes responsibility

sends negative message "that student can't do it him/ herself"

Values of Homework-teaches student:

1) Responsibility - student assumes ownership of his own work

2) Autonomy - child is held accountable for something outside the family

3) Perseverance- confronts challenge

4) Time management - needs beginning and ending of home­work

5) Initiative - to begin a project and complete it

6) Self-reliance - to have trust and self confidence in own abili­ties

7) Resourcefulness- capacity to invent creative means of solv­ing problems

TIPS a) Does homework in private place - negotiated with parents,

stocked with everything needed to get work done

b) Back off - unless child asks

When helping - back off as soon as on right track

clarify demonstrate review

c) Call it quits at a negotiated and agreed upon time

What parent can do:

help child understand that work is done for her/himself ... not to please parent

create a love of learning by setting an example

see to the child's emotional development

Include teacher in partnership with student and parent for the most responsible and productive student.

Recommended reading: Ending the Homework Hassle - John Rosemond

Printed highlights are available in the Counselor's Office.

REMINDER: EMPOWERING GIRLS symposium, March 2,1996, St. Catherine's School. Call St. Catherine's (or reservations.

PAG E 9

Manager for Many with permission from the

Richmond Times Dispatch

Alum Mary Hollis l ewis Jupe'84 was recently featured in the Richmond Ti mes Dispatch on the cover of the Flai r section for some of her recent accom­plishments. Mary Hollis is currently the President of Association Management Consultants, Inc. here in Richmond .

"Steward gave me a terrific op-portunity to be involved in so many

things, especially theater." In her years at Steward, Mary Hollis was involved with the theater, athletics, student government, etc. "If I had been in public school, there would not have been that opportunity."

After graduating from Steward in 1984, Mary Hollis went to Mary Washington College where she studied acting and re­ceived a bachelor's degree in theater. But when she graduated from Mary Washington, Mary Hollis put her acting dreams on hold to join her father's advertising firm, Advertising Associates in 1988. She assumed leadership after her father passed away. "When daddy passed away, there was a scare among some of our clients. My father was such a dynamiC, charming figure. People saw me , this 29 year-old, and I knew they were asking, 'Can she fill his shoes?' Daddy wore size 13 1/2 shoes, so they were big shoes to fill," she said, laughing. "But we 've retained all the clients we had, and have added several new clients since his passing." Her company posted a 100 percent increase in rev­enue from 1992 to 1993 and a 175 percent increase from 1993 to 1994. She said revenue is holding steady this year.

PAGE 10

Mary Hollis realized part of her acting dream by working as an extra in two movies filmed in Richmond last summer, "Shadow Conspiracy" with Charlie Sheen and "First Kid," starring the popular comedian, Sinbad. " I loved it," she said with a giggle. "It rejuvenated my inter­est in acting. I thought every part of it was fascinating ." Mary Hollis is registered with a local talent agency for work in commercials, films, and modeling but she has no plans for Hollywood.

She and her husband, Richard, live close to Steward with their daughter, Alexa,who is now 2 years old.

Mary Hollis has been a very supportive alum for Stew­ard. Her company, trading as ASAP Mailing, is responsible for mailing out our Blue & Gold each month. The Steward School is proud of this alum, and appreciative of all she does.

MATTHEW TEAL ELLIS '89

1971 -1995

A memorial seNice was held on Saturday, January 13,1996, at First English Lutheran Church, Richmond, for Matt Ellis, a 1989 Steward graduate. Matt disappeared on lake Anna while duck hunting on December 26,1995.

A number of Steward graduates attended the ser­vice and a reception which followed in the Fellowship Hall where they were greeted by Matt's parents, Mary Elizabeth and Fred, and Matt's sister, Amy. Matt resided with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Ellis, 171 8 Hanover Avenue, Richmond, Virginia 23220.

AUCTION '96

Auction Alert!

Please join us for an evening at The French Quarter on Saturday, February 10 at Hermitage Country Club. Don't miss a chance to bid on a vacation week in Utah, Wyoming, or your choice of one of more than 2600 vacation resort spots! Take a chance on a bauble, your favorite restau­rant package, and seNices and treasures provided by our very own at The Steward School.

To become an active participant in this magical evening, please call Ann Maszaros (784-5274) to make a reseNation or a contribution to this primary fundraiser for The Steward School. Come celebrate Mardi Gras ... see you there!

BLU~ & G OI D C ONNECTION

ScOH Adams prep''''' Co cllfow anocher sCf/ke!

Alice Avent knows chdc ball selection is che key.

BLUE & GOLD CONN[ClION

rget your

Golden Gift Certificate in

your February Ukrop·s Valued

Customer News!

Jennifer t.courelle, T.ylor Collier, Nady. Rafeh and Alice Avent on the 9th grade bowling tf/p.

Involve your family with our family

Ir your kids think there's another boring summer facing them, tell them t~THINK AGAIN! An adventure is awaiting at The Steward School Summer Experience. They can use a computer to pai nt a picture or experience the thrill or center stage. Do they want to "get ahead of their class?" Try govern­ment or public speaking? Do your kids have their learner's permit? Come lake Driver's Education with LIS. And we have a Day Camp, Fine Arts Camp, Sports Camp, and much more. Whatever their ages, interests, or talents, The 51.eward School Summer Experience has a program for your children! Look for more information arriving soon.

PACE 11

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Important Dates to Remember

February 4 OPEN HOUSE 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

March

6 9

10 12 13 14 23

28 29

1 5 7 8

11-15 18 19

19-22 23 26 28

29

Parents' Association Board Meeting 7:00 p.m. Kindergarten Play 9:00 a.m. Kindergarten Dismissal at 11 :30 a.m. Interims given to students in grades 6-12 An Evening At The French Quarter (Auction '96) Dismissal at 1 :30 p.m. Private School Spelling Bee 10:00 a.m. Fathers' & Special Visitors' Day 8:00 - 9:30 a.m. SCHOOL IS IN SESSION (snow make-up day) Stunt Talent Night 7:30 p.m. End of Marking Period 3 in grades 6-12 Altemate Program begins in grades 6-12

Kindergarten Dismissal at 11 :30 a.m. Parents' Association Board Meeting 7:00 p.m. Lower School Reading Incentive Dinner 6:00 p.m. Grade 1 Play 9:00 a.m. Report Cards given to students in grades 6-12 Spring Break School resumes DA T testing for grade 9 and all new students in grs. 10-12 Standardized testing in grades 6-9 SAT testing taken at another school Lower School report cards sent home Grade 2 Play 9:00 a.m. Lower School parent conferences 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. No School for Lower School students Lower School parent conferences 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

NOTE: Monday, April 8 w ill also be a snow make-up day!

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looking for 0 ploce for your child

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to excel?

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Sunday February 4

1 :00 pm

Come learn about the unique benefits of a Steward education.

THE SrEWARDSCHOOL 11600 Govton Rood • 740-5594· K-12 Independent School