AP Environmental Science Class Constructs Nesting Boxes

In anticipation of launching a new environmental project to monitor local duck habitat, WCDS AP Environmental Science students spent several hours on Thursday, January 25th, constructing the nesting boxes that they will install and monitor at two sites in Rappahannock County early next month.

WCDS families turned out in force for this year’s second “Family Fun Night,” held Saturday, January 20th, from 6 to 8 p.m. Over sixty children gathered for a night of television-free, good old fashioned fun, with a wide range of activities from which to choose. Thanks to the organizational efforts of WCDS parents Lenore Marsh, Wendy Boice and Julie Romine, youngsters were able to play musical chairs, bingo, hangman, compete in “Family Feud,” and select from numerous board games. For the more physically active, there were scooter races in the gym, basketball, and jump rope. Everyone brought along a snack, so there was plenty of food for everyone, and for those children who won one of the numerous cup cake walk contests, there were dozens of toppings with which to decorate their winnings.

During the January 24th Wednesday Assembly, head of school Kathleen Grove read a letter sent to the school from the Royal Thai Embassy, along with a beautifully illustrated book, in appreciation for the funds raised and donated to the victims of the Tsunami.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Honored

On Wednesday, January 17th, the WCDS assembly featured a stirring presentation by Mrs. Ernest’s first grade class on Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and accomplishments. The entire student body was not only moved by the performance, they were visibly impressed by both the level of knowledge demonstrated by the first graders, and their eloquence. Each student shared a portion of Dr. King’s biography: Bernie Cieplak gave an overall summary; Catherine Deane spoke of King’s birthplace; Hampton Massie gave insight into his younger life; Kathryn Phillippe spoke of his philosophy of non violence and early ministry; Connor Johnson explained the bus boycott in Alabama that grew out of the Rosa Parks incident and the Civil Rights Act of 1964; and Anthony Elar spoke of Dr. King’s famous, “I Have A Dream” speech. Then the entire class, led by Gena Boice, Emma McGunigal and Emerson Shepard, recited from memory a portion of that speech. In summation, Owen Youngquist told the audience about King being awarded the Nobel Peace prize and explained that he was assassinated in 1968. Finally, the group sang “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” led by Sylvia Neph.