Broadcast March 19 2012
Content
Week of March 19, 2012
The Williams School works with each child to build an enduring foundation for academic, moral, and social success. Williams School students embody integrity, confidence, discipline, and a love of learning.
Honor before Honors
Dear Williams School Families,
In November it came to our attention that a zoning change from “Permitted” to “Special Exception” was approved by the City Planning Commission and forwarded on November 22, 2011 to the Norfolk City Council for consideration. The city council pulled the zoning change and tabled the request for future consideration recognizing that the change might compromise the school. This zoning change was initiated by the Ghent Neighborhood League. This request was not meant to harm Williams but to eliminate the possibility of other schools coming into our area and changing single family homes into a school. Changing our status to “Special Exception” would mean that no other elementary schools would be able to come into the neighborhood therefore preserving the remaining historic homes.
As a result, an ad hoc “Zoning Committee” was formed to examine the implications of a zoning change. As good neighbors we wanted to see, without compromising the future of the school, if we could oblige the Ghent Neighborhood League’s request and accept the “Special Exemption” status. After several “fact finding” meetings and discussions, the committee members met with Ghent Neighborhood League representatives concerning the City of Norfolk use table and the school’s use status. It was the hope of the committee that by working together we might find a solution that would meet the needs of both the Ghent Neighborhood League and The Williams School. After the meeting, the committee decided that it was in the best interest of the school for the zoning status to remain as “Permitted Use.” The Williams School Board of Trustees voted unanimously in support of the committee’s decision. The following is an excerpt of the letter being sent to the GNL stating the school’s position:
We understand that you wish to change the zoning of our Hague neighborhood to include a provision that no schools will be permitted. Since The Williams School has been a good neighbor since 1927, we appreciate that your intent is not for us to cease to exist. Unfortunately, the “grandfathering” and Special Exception designation suggested brings with it three severe consequences for us: the inability to continue as a school if a significant portion of our building or buildings were damaged by fire, tornado, flood, or natural disaster; the threat to our insurance and bond covenants; and the limiting of our flexibility in the future years of the school to improve our physical facilities. As a result we wish to maintain our current status of "permitted use." We hold out hope that by working together we can find a solution. Our special committee formed to study the zoning has met for the past three months. We appreciate your time to meet with us on February 13, 2012 to insure that we fully understand your needs. We continue to search for a possible solution, such as the suggestion made that since The Williams School is an historic school, a singular zoning be designed that would preserve our rights while prohibiting schools other than The Williams School from locating within the HC-G1 district. While this may not be feasible at this time from a zoning standpoint, we hope that an equally creative alternative can be devised that will serve both organizations. With that in mind, we are asking our TWS families, living in the Ghent historic areas, to join the school in becoming a member of the Ghent Neighborhood League. A strong membership showing would demonstrate the school’s commitment to being a community partner and supportive member of the GNL. Promoting our common interest to have a healthy, safe, happy neighborhood, and by sharing ideas and communicating well with each other, we are confident that we can achieve our shared goal. If you are interested in joining, the information appears later in the Broadcast. Have a wonderful weekend! Melanie
THIS WEEK Monday, March 19th Boys Tennis Practice @ Fergus Reed 3:30-5:00 PM Boys Lacrosse Practice @ Blue Bird 3:30-5:00 PM Tuesday, March 20th Girls Soccer Practice @ Blue Bird 3:30-5:00 PM Girls on the Run – 3:00 – 4:30 PM Library Board Meeting Wednesday, March 21st Assembly - Friend of Molly Smith to visit and share – 8:15 AM National French Exam 8:15-9:30 AM National Spanish Exam I 9:00 AM Level II 10:05 AM Fifth Grade Guest Lunch – 12:35 – 1:35 PM 4th Grade Oyster Float Cleaning – after school Young Yogis Yoga 3:00-4:00 PM in MPR Boys Tennis Practice @ Fergus Reed 3:30-5:00 PM Boys Lacrosse Practice @ Blue Bird 3:30-5:00 PM Thursday, March 22nd Complete National Spanish Exams 8:15 AM Girls on the Run – 3:00 – 4:30 PM Library Girls Soccer Practice @ Blue Bird 3:30-5:00 PM Friday, March 23rd Roman Feast 6th grade – 12:30 -1:00 NEXT WEEK Monday, March 26th Music Rehearsal in MPR - 1:25 – 2:25 Boys Tennis vs Cape Henry @ Fergus Reed 4:00 PM Boys Lacrosse vs Cape Henry @ Blue Bird 4:00 PM Tuesday, March 27th Musical rehearsal 4th – 8th from 8:30 -10:30 AM at Chrysler Museum Girls on the Run – 3:00 – 4:30 PM Library Girls Soccer Practice @ Blue Bird 3:30-5:00 PM Wednesday, March 28th No Assembly today Musical rehearsal 4th – 8th from 1:00 -3:00 PM at Chrysler Museum Young Yogis Yoga 3:00-4:00 PM in MPR Boys Tennis vs/@ Norfolk Academy 4:00 PM Boys Lacrosse Practice @ Blue Bird 3:30-5:00 PM Thursday, March 29th Musical rehearsal 4th – 8th from 8:30 -11:00 AM at Chrysler Museum Girls on the Run – 3:00 – 4:30 PM Library Girls Soccer vs. Beach @ Blue Bird 4:00PM Friday, March 30th Musical rehearsal 4th – 8th from 8:30 -11:00 AM at Chrysler Museum School Musical 7:00 PM (Teachers 6:15 PM/Student Performers 6:30 PM) Boys Lacrosse vs Norfolk Christian @ Blue Bird 4:00 PM LOOKING AHEAD Monday, April 2nd Boys Tennis Practice @ Fergus Reed 3:30-5:00 PM Boys Lacrosse Practice @ Blue Bird 3:30-5:00 PM Tuesday, April 3rd GOTR @ 3:00-4:30 PM Library Girls Soccer vs Norfolk Christian @ Blue Bird 4:00 PM Wednesday, April 4th Teacher Appreciation Luncheon Boys Tennis Practice @ Fergus Reed 3:30-5:00 PM Boys Lacrosse Practice @ Blue Bird 3:30-5:00 PM Young Yogis Yoga 3:00-4:00 PM in MPR
Dear Parents, We are so excited to share GREASE with you. Sudents have been giving up their breaks, parcticing during lunch between bites and practicing at home. It is going to be great! We want this experience to be as just as much fun for you. Costuming for the musical should be very easy. Boys may wear white short sleeve t-shirts, with the sleves rolled up, jeans with the cuff rolled up and “converse high top type” gym shoes, a black leather jacket if you have one and of course, grease in their hair . Girls may also wear jeans with the cuff rolled up or a knee length skirt and a blouse with a scarf at the neck or in the hair. The cheerleader girls will have letter shirts. We have also ordered 6 “Pink Lady” jackets for the pink ladies which will be for sale for $20 each after the musical if you wish to purchase one. These are stage prop quality. Any form of this attair is great. Please do not feel like you have to spend extra money or stress. Just make it simple and fun. “Wop ba-ba lu-bop a’ wop bam boom!”
Talent Show – April 11th during Assembly SCA members went around today and handed out talent show forms. SCA will start collecting forms and auditioning acts next week. The registration fee for each act is $5.00. All proceeds will be donated to “ForKids.”
Thursday, April 5th GOTR @ 3:00-4:30 PM Library Boys Tennis vs/@ Norfolk Collegiate 4:00 PM Girls Soccer vs/@ Norfolk Collegiate 4:00 PM Friday, April 6th No School Good Friday- Camp Williams Available Monday, April 9th No School Easter Monday – Camp Williams Available
Save the Date! –April 27th - Race to Nowhere continued… …a follow-up panel discussion, moderated by our very own Mike Spencer, is in the planning stages. Save the date and stay tuned for developing details.
For those of you not able to join us on Saturday evening, we report a spectacular trip to LONDON and tremendous results for our students and programs at The Williams School. Thank you to all who worked so hard to make it such a loverly event. Here are some offerings and opportunities available via email. Please consider helping our school by your participation. ROOM WITH A VIEW: When faculty members were asked their greatest wish for The Williams School, the resounding reply was "More room!" Converting our Humanities Center screened porch into a functioning classroom is our only option and our immediate goal. Please help us by throwing in your tuppence with ours to help us give young minds room to grow. Please email Meredith at [email protected]. Thank you! Opportunities to share in the building are: Buy a Stud (such a deal there!) $2,500 Windows to the World $2,000 Piece of Promethean $1,500 Wires & Wireless $1,000 Desks & Chairs $ 750 Sheet Rock $ 500 Floor Boards $ 250 Roof Shingles $ 100 Box of Nails $ 50 Paint $ 25 SIGN-UP PARTIES (A few spots remain for these GREAT parties): Hague Pub Crawl: May 12, 2012
A Progressive Pub Crawl around the Hague, with food and beverages offered by your successive hosts to entice you as you travel from home to home. The festivities will begin at the Findlays with Paul and Mia Robinson as co-hosts, progress to the Whitmores, then move to the Birknes home with the Shawyers and the Ryans as co-hosts. Mode of transportation is on foot; crawling is optional. Party is for 50 people at $75 per person.
Scavenger Hunt: September 22, 2012
Back by VERY popular demand, with an "Uptown Twist", this unforgettable evening on September 22, 2012 will include a scavenger hunt for up to thirty people. Personal drivers will conduct our lucky players through Norfolk as teams try to solve the clever clues and unearth silly treasures. Dinner, adult beverages and delicious desserts will be provided. A night of frivolity and fun not to be missed! Price is $75 per person. Due to the frivolous nature of this event, the invitation is restricted to our TWS family members and sign-up is limited to the first thirty (30) people. Your Hosts and Hostesses: Clay and Kristine Beers, Clifton and Anne-Randolph Harrell, Michelle and Jason Hirschfeld, Jon and Tracie Pruden, David and Kathy Shelton, Ken and Julie Tiffany, Anne Marie and Brian Wynne.
Benjack's Fall Farm Party: October 27, 2012
Come join the Benjacks at their farm in Franklin for a Pig Pick'n on Saturday, October 27, 2012. Feel free to bring a tent and spend the night. Kids will have a ball running around with opportunities to pet sheep and chickens. See cows grazing and even go fishing if you bring a pole. There are trails in the woods to walk through and even a zip line. Take a hayride out to the pumpkin patch where we hope to provide a pumpkin for every family. BYOB. Speaking from experience, you might want to bring your kids a change of clothes. Cost is $150 per family and this event is limited to 75 families. Expires: 10/27/2012
ITEMS FOR SALE: We have listed these at the MINIMUM bids. Items will be sold first come, first served, by time listed on the email. Thank you! #153 One Kinesiology Taping at Norfolk Acupuncture & Therapy, $20 #156 1 Wellness Workout at Norfolk Acupuncture & Therapeutic Massage, $30 #105 60-day Membership & Lunch at Town Point Club, $150 #131 Mini Facial & Frankincense Collection - Jayne Luna & NYR Organics, $30 #370 $150 GC 1 In-Studio Portrait Session at Holman's Photography Studio, $80 #335 $50 GC Towards Academy of Music Summer Camp, $20 #371 $150 GC & 1 Environmental Portrait Session at Holman's Photography Studio, $80 #367 $1,000 GC for Andrew Carney Portrait, $250 #368 $1,000 GC for Andrew Carney Portrait, $250 #336 Family Membership at The Little Gym & 4 Classes, $30 #369 GC Foto by Eva, $100 #372 GC Foto by Eva, $100 #260 Gregory M. Hutchins, Orthodontist, $65 #102 $50 GC to Aldo's Ristorante, $50 #109 $100 GC to Catch 31, $100 #204 Hand-Fabricated Toni Henkel "Fiona" Shoulder Handbag: $200 Please feel free to call me with questions or for more information, or please email Meredith at [email protected] if you are interested. Thank you and cheerio! – My best, Meredith Ghent Neighborhood League Please remember, just as we help each other within the school, it is also as important to help others within our school neighborhood. It is right to be an active part of the neighboring community to which the school belongs. With that in mind, we are asking our TWS families to join the school in becoming a member of the Ghent Neighborhood League. A strong membership showing would demonstrate the school’s commitment to being a community partner and supportive member of the GNL. The GNL is a civic association for the area bound by the Hague, Colonial Avenue, south of 21st Street and Hampton Boulevard. Membership is open to all property owners and renters living within this area. The membership fee is $10 a year. Membership is open to all property owners and renters living within this area. Membership $10.00 per year Receives one vote in elections http://ghentva.org/ Please remit membership to Address: Ghent Neighborhood League P.O. Box 11431 Norfolk, Virginia 23517
Keeping Williams Green
The Williams School is working to achieve the highest level (and beyond!) recognition as a River Star organization with the Elizabeth River Project. We hope all eligible Williams School families in the Elizabeth River watershed will become RiverStar homes. You may sign up with Sally Marr or at http://elizabethriver.org/RiverStars/default.aspx . More info to come. Mark your calendars for the 2nd Annual Riverfest. First graders are painting a rain barrel to be auctioned off at RiverFest on April 28.
Coming up on Saturday, April 21st - Global Youth Service Day through Volunteer Hampton Roads - Join VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads as they celebrate the 13th
Annual Global Youth Service Day. This event engages local youth in volunteering and environmental stewardship. Adult volunteers serve as mentors to the youth participants. Projects are available in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Portsmouth and Chesapeake. Space is limited at each site, so register now to get your first choice location! Select the link to register:
http://www.volunteerhr.org/VHR_Global_Youth_Service
The Shamrock Operation Smile Final Mile is the culmination of an ongoing running and walking program for elementary aged children which promotes lifelong fitness and combats childhood obesity. Participants run the "final mile" of the marathon on race day, finishing in the same place as the Shamrock marathoners who will run the following day. Many children also raise money for the event's title sponsor, Operation Smile, making it possible for children just like themselves to receive new smiles and to live happier and healthier lives. These young fundraisers learn at an early age the rewards of helping others. All Final Milers receive a time for their one mile run, but there are no awards given in an effort to keep the emphasis on fitness and fun, not competition. All finishers receive a unique, commemorative medal. School pride is evident throughout event weekend, and the energy, spirit, and enthusiasm displayed by every Final Miler is inspirational--and contagious! Prizes are awarded to the school wtih the highest percentage of participants, and to the school representatives voted the "Silliest Shamrock" by the students themselves.
Hi Parents, We're wondering if any classmates would like to join Benjamin and Jasmine in running the "Operation Smile Final Mile" of the Shamrock marathon course on Saturday, 17 March. It's a chance to run the last mile of the actual course, one day early, and perhaps raise some cash for a great cause. We put together an impromptu Williams School Team open to all grades. Specific details are located below and on the team page at: http://support.operationsmile.org/site/TR/StudentProgra ms/General?team_id=19330&pg=team&fr_id=1320 We envision "running" this mile as a group, with parental supervision, at a very leisurely pace and taking plenty of rest breaks... To register for the team, click "join" at the top of the roster. The password is "williamssmile". Registration for the race costs $25 and can be found at: http://www.shamrockmarathon.com All the best, Emalee and Ben
Carpool Reminder
Carpool Arrival Information We have many carpools and a small area to receive or dismiss children. The following basic patterns have been established and will continue to be enforced. Morning drop off will take place in front of the school along Colonial Avenue. Please pull forward as far as possible so that more cars can stop behind you. If
you need to enter the building even for a brief errand, please park elsewhere so we can keep this spot open for arrivals. Please do not drop your child off at the door earlier than 7:50 AM without any school personnel present to receive your child. Children arriving prior to 7:50 AM will be assigned to early morning extended care and parents will be charged. When leaving from morning drop off, DO NOT MAKE A U-TURN on Colonial Avenue. It is an unsafe practice. Cars may exit the neighborhood by turning either left or right on Pembroke Avenue, or by circling Beechwood Park in the next block.
Dismissal A regular school day for grades K-4 dismisses at 3:00 PM and grades 5-8 at 3:15 PM. Days with other dismissal times are highlighted in the calendar or through a school memo. Carpool Dismissal Information Carpool pick-ups are made on Colonial Avenue. If you have children in both grades K-4 and grades 5-8, please arrive in the carpool line after 3:15 PM. Usually the first five cars can stop right in front of the school and others may double park on Colonial Avenue between Olney and Fairfax Avenues. Please do not back up onto Olney Road. Police will ticket you if you do. Should traffic back up that far, please circle the block until space on Colonial becomes available. If you are double parked, the last car in the double park line should turn on flashing warning lights until someone else arrives and takes the last spot. As cars in front of the school leave, the first double-parked car will be signaled to pull up in front of the school, and the other cars may follow. PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE YOUR CAR WHILE WAITING FOR CHILDREN. Do not pick up children while double-parked. It is dangerous! Children may cross the street only at the corner where there are crossing guards. Please do not encourage your child to cross to your car in the middle of the block. When leaving from afternoon pickup, DO NOT MAKE A U-TURN on Colonial Avenue. It is not a safe practice. Cars may exit the neighborhood by turning either left or right on Pembroke Avenue, or by circling Beechwood Park in the next block.
A message from Mrs. Adams regarding a summer camp opportunity:
iD Tech Camps is offering summer technology camps for students age 7 and up. If you are interested, the flyers are on the buffet by the front stairs in Old Main. Camps being offered for ages 7-17 include: The Video Game Designer, The App Programmer, The Robotics Engineer, The Filmmaker, The Designer and The 3D Animator. Camps being offered for ages 13 and up include: iD Gaming Academy, iD Programming Academy and iD Visual Arts Academy There is a charge for the camps, but a discount is being offered if you register before May 2. The website is http://www.internaldrive.com and the telephone is 1-888-709-TECH (8324).
TWS is not endorsing or recommending the camps, but merely providing this as information
Babysitter List - TWS 2012
Please contact the front office if you need babysitter information Educational Opportunity - This program is appropriate for 6th graders through adults.
What We Carry
Sunday, March 25, 2012 | 3 PM Free and open to the public. TCC Roper Performing Arts Center 340 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 Reception sponsored by TCC immediately following the screening. Following the world premiere of our film at The Simon Wiesenthal Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles, we will introduce the new documentary, What We Carry to Hampton Roads. Created in partnership with two awardwinning filmmakers, this groundbreaking film captures the stories of four local Holocaust survivors. The 63-minute documentary was developed for the Holocaust Commission's innovative program by the same name. The educational program helps students know heroes of the Holocaust, not as far-off historical characters, but as individuals living among us. The premiere is FREE and open to the public, thanks to the generosity of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and Tidewater Community College. Reservations are recommended.* *For reservations or more information, please contact Jan Johnson at 757-321-2323 or [email protected]
The Williams School works with each child to build an enduring foundation for academic, moral, and social success. Williams School students embody integrity, confidence, discipline, and a love of learning.
Honor before Honors
Dear Williams School Families,
In November it came to our attention that a zoning change from “Permitted” to “Special Exception” was approved by the City Planning Commission and forwarded on November 22, 2011 to the Norfolk City Council for consideration. The city council pulled the zoning change and tabled the request for future consideration recognizing that the change might compromise the school. This zoning change was initiated by the Ghent Neighborhood League. This request was not meant to harm Williams but to eliminate the possibility of other schools coming into our area and changing single family homes into a school. Changing our status to “Special Exception” would mean that no other elementary schools would be able to come into the neighborhood therefore preserving the remaining historic homes.
As a result, an ad hoc “Zoning Committee” was formed to examine the implications of a zoning change. As good neighbors we wanted to see, without compromising the future of the school, if we could oblige the Ghent Neighborhood League’s request and accept the “Special Exemption” status. After several “fact finding” meetings and discussions, the committee members met with Ghent Neighborhood League representatives concerning the City of Norfolk use table and the school’s use status. It was the hope of the committee that by working together we might find a solution that would meet the needs of both the Ghent Neighborhood League and The Williams School. After the meeting, the committee decided that it was in the best interest of the school for the zoning status to remain as “Permitted Use.” The Williams School Board of Trustees voted unanimously in support of the committee’s decision. The following is an excerpt of the letter being sent to the GNL stating the school’s position:
We understand that you wish to change the zoning of our Hague neighborhood to include a provision that no schools will be permitted. Since The Williams School has been a good neighbor since 1927, we appreciate that your intent is not for us to cease to exist. Unfortunately, the “grandfathering” and Special Exception designation suggested brings with it three severe consequences for us: the inability to continue as a school if a significant portion of our building or buildings were damaged by fire, tornado, flood, or natural disaster; the threat to our insurance and bond covenants; and the limiting of our flexibility in the future years of the school to improve our physical facilities. As a result we wish to maintain our current status of "permitted use." We hold out hope that by working together we can find a solution. Our special committee formed to study the zoning has met for the past three months. We appreciate your time to meet with us on February 13, 2012 to insure that we fully understand your needs. We continue to search for a possible solution, such as the suggestion made that since The Williams School is an historic school, a singular zoning be designed that would preserve our rights while prohibiting schools other than The Williams School from locating within the HC-G1 district. While this may not be feasible at this time from a zoning standpoint, we hope that an equally creative alternative can be devised that will serve both organizations. With that in mind, we are asking our TWS families, living in the Ghent historic areas, to join the school in becoming a member of the Ghent Neighborhood League. A strong membership showing would demonstrate the school’s commitment to being a community partner and supportive member of the GNL. Promoting our common interest to have a healthy, safe, happy neighborhood, and by sharing ideas and communicating well with each other, we are confident that we can achieve our shared goal. If you are interested in joining, the information appears later in the Broadcast. Have a wonderful weekend! Melanie
THIS WEEK Monday, March 19th Boys Tennis Practice @ Fergus Reed 3:30-5:00 PM Boys Lacrosse Practice @ Blue Bird 3:30-5:00 PM Tuesday, March 20th Girls Soccer Practice @ Blue Bird 3:30-5:00 PM Girls on the Run – 3:00 – 4:30 PM Library Board Meeting Wednesday, March 21st Assembly - Friend of Molly Smith to visit and share – 8:15 AM National French Exam 8:15-9:30 AM National Spanish Exam I 9:00 AM Level II 10:05 AM Fifth Grade Guest Lunch – 12:35 – 1:35 PM 4th Grade Oyster Float Cleaning – after school Young Yogis Yoga 3:00-4:00 PM in MPR Boys Tennis Practice @ Fergus Reed 3:30-5:00 PM Boys Lacrosse Practice @ Blue Bird 3:30-5:00 PM Thursday, March 22nd Complete National Spanish Exams 8:15 AM Girls on the Run – 3:00 – 4:30 PM Library Girls Soccer Practice @ Blue Bird 3:30-5:00 PM Friday, March 23rd Roman Feast 6th grade – 12:30 -1:00 NEXT WEEK Monday, March 26th Music Rehearsal in MPR - 1:25 – 2:25 Boys Tennis vs Cape Henry @ Fergus Reed 4:00 PM Boys Lacrosse vs Cape Henry @ Blue Bird 4:00 PM Tuesday, March 27th Musical rehearsal 4th – 8th from 8:30 -10:30 AM at Chrysler Museum Girls on the Run – 3:00 – 4:30 PM Library Girls Soccer Practice @ Blue Bird 3:30-5:00 PM Wednesday, March 28th No Assembly today Musical rehearsal 4th – 8th from 1:00 -3:00 PM at Chrysler Museum Young Yogis Yoga 3:00-4:00 PM in MPR Boys Tennis vs/@ Norfolk Academy 4:00 PM Boys Lacrosse Practice @ Blue Bird 3:30-5:00 PM Thursday, March 29th Musical rehearsal 4th – 8th from 8:30 -11:00 AM at Chrysler Museum Girls on the Run – 3:00 – 4:30 PM Library Girls Soccer vs. Beach @ Blue Bird 4:00PM Friday, March 30th Musical rehearsal 4th – 8th from 8:30 -11:00 AM at Chrysler Museum School Musical 7:00 PM (Teachers 6:15 PM/Student Performers 6:30 PM) Boys Lacrosse vs Norfolk Christian @ Blue Bird 4:00 PM LOOKING AHEAD Monday, April 2nd Boys Tennis Practice @ Fergus Reed 3:30-5:00 PM Boys Lacrosse Practice @ Blue Bird 3:30-5:00 PM Tuesday, April 3rd GOTR @ 3:00-4:30 PM Library Girls Soccer vs Norfolk Christian @ Blue Bird 4:00 PM Wednesday, April 4th Teacher Appreciation Luncheon Boys Tennis Practice @ Fergus Reed 3:30-5:00 PM Boys Lacrosse Practice @ Blue Bird 3:30-5:00 PM Young Yogis Yoga 3:00-4:00 PM in MPR
Dear Parents, We are so excited to share GREASE with you. Sudents have been giving up their breaks, parcticing during lunch between bites and practicing at home. It is going to be great! We want this experience to be as just as much fun for you. Costuming for the musical should be very easy. Boys may wear white short sleeve t-shirts, with the sleves rolled up, jeans with the cuff rolled up and “converse high top type” gym shoes, a black leather jacket if you have one and of course, grease in their hair . Girls may also wear jeans with the cuff rolled up or a knee length skirt and a blouse with a scarf at the neck or in the hair. The cheerleader girls will have letter shirts. We have also ordered 6 “Pink Lady” jackets for the pink ladies which will be for sale for $20 each after the musical if you wish to purchase one. These are stage prop quality. Any form of this attair is great. Please do not feel like you have to spend extra money or stress. Just make it simple and fun. “Wop ba-ba lu-bop a’ wop bam boom!”
Talent Show – April 11th during Assembly SCA members went around today and handed out talent show forms. SCA will start collecting forms and auditioning acts next week. The registration fee for each act is $5.00. All proceeds will be donated to “ForKids.”
Thursday, April 5th GOTR @ 3:00-4:30 PM Library Boys Tennis vs/@ Norfolk Collegiate 4:00 PM Girls Soccer vs/@ Norfolk Collegiate 4:00 PM Friday, April 6th No School Good Friday- Camp Williams Available Monday, April 9th No School Easter Monday – Camp Williams Available
Save the Date! –April 27th - Race to Nowhere continued… …a follow-up panel discussion, moderated by our very own Mike Spencer, is in the planning stages. Save the date and stay tuned for developing details.
For those of you not able to join us on Saturday evening, we report a spectacular trip to LONDON and tremendous results for our students and programs at The Williams School. Thank you to all who worked so hard to make it such a loverly event. Here are some offerings and opportunities available via email. Please consider helping our school by your participation. ROOM WITH A VIEW: When faculty members were asked their greatest wish for The Williams School, the resounding reply was "More room!" Converting our Humanities Center screened porch into a functioning classroom is our only option and our immediate goal. Please help us by throwing in your tuppence with ours to help us give young minds room to grow. Please email Meredith at [email protected]. Thank you! Opportunities to share in the building are: Buy a Stud (such a deal there!) $2,500 Windows to the World $2,000 Piece of Promethean $1,500 Wires & Wireless $1,000 Desks & Chairs $ 750 Sheet Rock $ 500 Floor Boards $ 250 Roof Shingles $ 100 Box of Nails $ 50 Paint $ 25 SIGN-UP PARTIES (A few spots remain for these GREAT parties): Hague Pub Crawl: May 12, 2012
A Progressive Pub Crawl around the Hague, with food and beverages offered by your successive hosts to entice you as you travel from home to home. The festivities will begin at the Findlays with Paul and Mia Robinson as co-hosts, progress to the Whitmores, then move to the Birknes home with the Shawyers and the Ryans as co-hosts. Mode of transportation is on foot; crawling is optional. Party is for 50 people at $75 per person.
Scavenger Hunt: September 22, 2012
Back by VERY popular demand, with an "Uptown Twist", this unforgettable evening on September 22, 2012 will include a scavenger hunt for up to thirty people. Personal drivers will conduct our lucky players through Norfolk as teams try to solve the clever clues and unearth silly treasures. Dinner, adult beverages and delicious desserts will be provided. A night of frivolity and fun not to be missed! Price is $75 per person. Due to the frivolous nature of this event, the invitation is restricted to our TWS family members and sign-up is limited to the first thirty (30) people. Your Hosts and Hostesses: Clay and Kristine Beers, Clifton and Anne-Randolph Harrell, Michelle and Jason Hirschfeld, Jon and Tracie Pruden, David and Kathy Shelton, Ken and Julie Tiffany, Anne Marie and Brian Wynne.
Benjack's Fall Farm Party: October 27, 2012
Come join the Benjacks at their farm in Franklin for a Pig Pick'n on Saturday, October 27, 2012. Feel free to bring a tent and spend the night. Kids will have a ball running around with opportunities to pet sheep and chickens. See cows grazing and even go fishing if you bring a pole. There are trails in the woods to walk through and even a zip line. Take a hayride out to the pumpkin patch where we hope to provide a pumpkin for every family. BYOB. Speaking from experience, you might want to bring your kids a change of clothes. Cost is $150 per family and this event is limited to 75 families. Expires: 10/27/2012
ITEMS FOR SALE: We have listed these at the MINIMUM bids. Items will be sold first come, first served, by time listed on the email. Thank you! #153 One Kinesiology Taping at Norfolk Acupuncture & Therapy, $20 #156 1 Wellness Workout at Norfolk Acupuncture & Therapeutic Massage, $30 #105 60-day Membership & Lunch at Town Point Club, $150 #131 Mini Facial & Frankincense Collection - Jayne Luna & NYR Organics, $30 #370 $150 GC 1 In-Studio Portrait Session at Holman's Photography Studio, $80 #335 $50 GC Towards Academy of Music Summer Camp, $20 #371 $150 GC & 1 Environmental Portrait Session at Holman's Photography Studio, $80 #367 $1,000 GC for Andrew Carney Portrait, $250 #368 $1,000 GC for Andrew Carney Portrait, $250 #336 Family Membership at The Little Gym & 4 Classes, $30 #369 GC Foto by Eva, $100 #372 GC Foto by Eva, $100 #260 Gregory M. Hutchins, Orthodontist, $65 #102 $50 GC to Aldo's Ristorante, $50 #109 $100 GC to Catch 31, $100 #204 Hand-Fabricated Toni Henkel "Fiona" Shoulder Handbag: $200 Please feel free to call me with questions or for more information, or please email Meredith at [email protected] if you are interested. Thank you and cheerio! – My best, Meredith Ghent Neighborhood League Please remember, just as we help each other within the school, it is also as important to help others within our school neighborhood. It is right to be an active part of the neighboring community to which the school belongs. With that in mind, we are asking our TWS families to join the school in becoming a member of the Ghent Neighborhood League. A strong membership showing would demonstrate the school’s commitment to being a community partner and supportive member of the GNL. The GNL is a civic association for the area bound by the Hague, Colonial Avenue, south of 21st Street and Hampton Boulevard. Membership is open to all property owners and renters living within this area. The membership fee is $10 a year. Membership is open to all property owners and renters living within this area. Membership $10.00 per year Receives one vote in elections http://ghentva.org/ Please remit membership to Address: Ghent Neighborhood League P.O. Box 11431 Norfolk, Virginia 23517
Keeping Williams Green
The Williams School is working to achieve the highest level (and beyond!) recognition as a River Star organization with the Elizabeth River Project. We hope all eligible Williams School families in the Elizabeth River watershed will become RiverStar homes. You may sign up with Sally Marr or at http://elizabethriver.org/RiverStars/default.aspx . More info to come. Mark your calendars for the 2nd Annual Riverfest. First graders are painting a rain barrel to be auctioned off at RiverFest on April 28.
Coming up on Saturday, April 21st - Global Youth Service Day through Volunteer Hampton Roads - Join VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads as they celebrate the 13th
Annual Global Youth Service Day. This event engages local youth in volunteering and environmental stewardship. Adult volunteers serve as mentors to the youth participants. Projects are available in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Portsmouth and Chesapeake. Space is limited at each site, so register now to get your first choice location! Select the link to register:
http://www.volunteerhr.org/VHR_Global_Youth_Service
The Shamrock Operation Smile Final Mile is the culmination of an ongoing running and walking program for elementary aged children which promotes lifelong fitness and combats childhood obesity. Participants run the "final mile" of the marathon on race day, finishing in the same place as the Shamrock marathoners who will run the following day. Many children also raise money for the event's title sponsor, Operation Smile, making it possible for children just like themselves to receive new smiles and to live happier and healthier lives. These young fundraisers learn at an early age the rewards of helping others. All Final Milers receive a time for their one mile run, but there are no awards given in an effort to keep the emphasis on fitness and fun, not competition. All finishers receive a unique, commemorative medal. School pride is evident throughout event weekend, and the energy, spirit, and enthusiasm displayed by every Final Miler is inspirational--and contagious! Prizes are awarded to the school wtih the highest percentage of participants, and to the school representatives voted the "Silliest Shamrock" by the students themselves.
Hi Parents, We're wondering if any classmates would like to join Benjamin and Jasmine in running the "Operation Smile Final Mile" of the Shamrock marathon course on Saturday, 17 March. It's a chance to run the last mile of the actual course, one day early, and perhaps raise some cash for a great cause. We put together an impromptu Williams School Team open to all grades. Specific details are located below and on the team page at: http://support.operationsmile.org/site/TR/StudentProgra ms/General?team_id=19330&pg=team&fr_id=1320 We envision "running" this mile as a group, with parental supervision, at a very leisurely pace and taking plenty of rest breaks... To register for the team, click "join" at the top of the roster. The password is "williamssmile". Registration for the race costs $25 and can be found at: http://www.shamrockmarathon.com All the best, Emalee and Ben
Carpool Reminder
Carpool Arrival Information We have many carpools and a small area to receive or dismiss children. The following basic patterns have been established and will continue to be enforced. Morning drop off will take place in front of the school along Colonial Avenue. Please pull forward as far as possible so that more cars can stop behind you. If
you need to enter the building even for a brief errand, please park elsewhere so we can keep this spot open for arrivals. Please do not drop your child off at the door earlier than 7:50 AM without any school personnel present to receive your child. Children arriving prior to 7:50 AM will be assigned to early morning extended care and parents will be charged. When leaving from morning drop off, DO NOT MAKE A U-TURN on Colonial Avenue. It is an unsafe practice. Cars may exit the neighborhood by turning either left or right on Pembroke Avenue, or by circling Beechwood Park in the next block.
Dismissal A regular school day for grades K-4 dismisses at 3:00 PM and grades 5-8 at 3:15 PM. Days with other dismissal times are highlighted in the calendar or through a school memo. Carpool Dismissal Information Carpool pick-ups are made on Colonial Avenue. If you have children in both grades K-4 and grades 5-8, please arrive in the carpool line after 3:15 PM. Usually the first five cars can stop right in front of the school and others may double park on Colonial Avenue between Olney and Fairfax Avenues. Please do not back up onto Olney Road. Police will ticket you if you do. Should traffic back up that far, please circle the block until space on Colonial becomes available. If you are double parked, the last car in the double park line should turn on flashing warning lights until someone else arrives and takes the last spot. As cars in front of the school leave, the first double-parked car will be signaled to pull up in front of the school, and the other cars may follow. PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE YOUR CAR WHILE WAITING FOR CHILDREN. Do not pick up children while double-parked. It is dangerous! Children may cross the street only at the corner where there are crossing guards. Please do not encourage your child to cross to your car in the middle of the block. When leaving from afternoon pickup, DO NOT MAKE A U-TURN on Colonial Avenue. It is not a safe practice. Cars may exit the neighborhood by turning either left or right on Pembroke Avenue, or by circling Beechwood Park in the next block.
A message from Mrs. Adams regarding a summer camp opportunity:
iD Tech Camps is offering summer technology camps for students age 7 and up. If you are interested, the flyers are on the buffet by the front stairs in Old Main. Camps being offered for ages 7-17 include: The Video Game Designer, The App Programmer, The Robotics Engineer, The Filmmaker, The Designer and The 3D Animator. Camps being offered for ages 13 and up include: iD Gaming Academy, iD Programming Academy and iD Visual Arts Academy There is a charge for the camps, but a discount is being offered if you register before May 2. The website is http://www.internaldrive.com and the telephone is 1-888-709-TECH (8324).
TWS is not endorsing or recommending the camps, but merely providing this as information
Babysitter List - TWS 2012
Please contact the front office if you need babysitter information Educational Opportunity - This program is appropriate for 6th graders through adults.
What We Carry
Sunday, March 25, 2012 | 3 PM Free and open to the public. TCC Roper Performing Arts Center 340 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 Reception sponsored by TCC immediately following the screening. Following the world premiere of our film at The Simon Wiesenthal Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles, we will introduce the new documentary, What We Carry to Hampton Roads. Created in partnership with two awardwinning filmmakers, this groundbreaking film captures the stories of four local Holocaust survivors. The 63-minute documentary was developed for the Holocaust Commission's innovative program by the same name. The educational program helps students know heroes of the Holocaust, not as far-off historical characters, but as individuals living among us. The premiere is FREE and open to the public, thanks to the generosity of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and Tidewater Community College. Reservations are recommended.* *For reservations or more information, please contact Jan Johnson at 757-321-2323 or [email protected]
