Welcome to this edition of The Westminster Weekly, where you will learn about what's been happening recently at Westminster School! We welcome story suggestions from parents, students, teachers, and alumni. Please email your news to
Mrs. Nancy Schuler
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Mark Your Calendars
Upcoming Events
October 3
Staff Meeting--No After-School Activities
High School Fair for 7th & 8th graders
October 8
SCHOOL CLOSED for Columbus Day
October 11
In-House Event for 2nd-6th Grades
Author, J. H. Diel (B/T)
October 12-13
8th Grade Trip to Williamsburg
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6th Graders Climb to New Heights
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On Monday, September 24, the 6th graders had their turn at Inner Quest. The brave students participated in rock-climbing exercises and worked together to overcome their fears. We asked the students to share their thoughts on the experience and they had much to say!
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"It was physically challenging, but really fun. I have big feet, so it was hard to get my footing on the small openings. Also, it was slippery because it was raining."
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"It really helped to have your friends at the bottom cheering you on. When I finished, I felt wonderful!"
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When we asked the students why they think that our school has chosen to make Inner Quest a part of every Westminster student's experience, they had this to say: "I think Westminster wants us to do this because it builds teamwork and helps us learn to work together. Also, it helps us get over any fears we might have."
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"It was fun but scary. When it was over, I felt good!"
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In honor of our "WORDS!" theme, we asked the students to use some descriptive adjectives to explain the experience. Here are a few of the words they chose: Exhilarating! Petrifying! Fun! Terrifying! Challenging! Wonderful!
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1st Grade Butterfly Release
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The first grade has spent the last several weeks learning all about the life cycle of a butterfly! Newly hatched caterpillars were delivered to the 1st grade science classroom. The children fed the very hungry caterpillars and spent a lot of time in science class learning about metamorphosis. They read about the process, made observations about the transformation and made predictions. After learning about the five stages:
egg, caterpillar, chrysalis/pupa, and butterfly, the children
were able to document each stage of the life cycle. They learned that some butterflies camouflage themselves for protection; others protect themselves with bright colors to ward off predators (bright colors in nature indicate that they may be poisonous).
Since the release of the butterflies, the children have shared ideas on where the butterflies may be now and what they may be doing. Some answers were: “I believe the butterflies are flying to Mexico.” “I think the butterflies are finding their families.” “I believe the butterflies are just relaxing on someone’s house.” “I think the butterflies are eating from a flower.”
Thank you to Miss Deddo for sharing such a wonder of nature with the 1st graders. We are sure they will never forget the experience!
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Love Westminster? Tell Your Friends!
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Do you know someone whose child has started the year in public school and is not happy? Tell them about Westminster! Encourage them to come for a visit! We often enroll students after the school year begins. Much better to make a change. now than to spend a year in a less-than-favorable environment.
If you don't happen to know such a family, please do take a look at the suggestions below for ways you can easily support Westminster and spread the word about our amazing school!
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Is your child a future reporter? Does he/she have a radio voice? Check out the contest below! We can think of quite a few Griffins who would be contenders to win this!
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Sign Up NOW for the Certified 5K Race on Nov. 3
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Don't miss the chance to participate in this year's big 5K Race! Last year was a huge success and we expect an even bigger turnout this year. This event is open to the public, so bring your friends!All ages are welcomed as there will be a 1K and fun run for the younger participants.
Own a business? Consider being a sponsor! This is great advertising for your company and can be written off a a business expense. Help Westminster! Help your business! It's a "Win Win!"
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Cash Prizes
1st Place--$250
2nd Place --$150
3rd Place--$100
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This week, we feature Mrs. Nina Breen, graduate of the Class of 1978, mother of three Westminster grads and an 8th grader. She also currently serves as a member of the Westminster Board of Trustees.
Since Leaving Westminster:
After attending high school and completing my double major (Math and Foreign Affairs) at the University of Virginia, I received a Masters of Systems Engineering at UVA. Next, I worked as a partner with Accenture (formerly Andersen Consulting) for 25 years. I am currently raising my four kids, and consult part-time. Additionally, I have been a member of the Westminster Board of Trustees for the past four years. I actively volunteer with
Pets Bring Joy, an animal rescue group in Fairfax, Virginia.
Westminster Experience:
My parents and Westminster were instrumental in my learning to be persistent. I realize that one should not easily give up on any challenge in front of me and drive for results. My education in Westminster helped me excel in public speaking through the music program and other activities required of us in school. Most of my career was based on working with people, problem solving and delivering results, which Westminster provided an excellent foundation for.
Message to current students:
Although you might not realize the strong impact Westminster has on your future now; you will, as you move through life and experience different events such as job interviews, networking, problem solving, teamwork, or delivering a thesis or presentation. The unique experience Westminster provides to you, will help your confidence to navigate life events and discover new passions.
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Message to future parents:
Westminster is an investment in your child’s future. Not only is there a strong academic program; but also a strong community of support and broad set of experiences that your student will remember and utilize in his/her life. Field trips, sports, dance, Latin competitions help the students learn collaboration, teamwork, and provide the opportunity to make lifetime friends.
Ways you can help Westminster:
I am a member of the Westminster Board of Trustees, and have three graduates from the school. First, I would ask you to look for ways to make Westminster better known in the Northern Virginia community. Second, if you are a Westminster alum, consider reengaging with the school and/or enrolling your kids at Westminster. The community is fantastic. As an alum, you will have such a deep appreciation for the curriculum they are learning.
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Farewell to a Dear Friend of Westminster School
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With great sadness, we announce the passing of Mr. William B. Bailey, a life-long friend and great supporter of Westminster School. Mr. Bailey died Tuesday, September 25, following a sudden illness. Our deepest sympathies go to his wife, Alice Bailey and their children, Alycia and Bruce (Class of 1984).
A decade after his son graduated, Mr. Bailey showed his continuing belief in the mission and philosophy of Westminster School by joining the Board of Trustees. He volunteered in that capacity from 1995 to 2013. For the last 11 years of his tenure, he served as Chairman of the Board, providing support for the school and the administration whether times were good or challenging. Even after his retirement from the Board, Mr. Bailey frequently attended special school events, such as the Halloween parades, music programs, staff parties, and graduation ceremonies. He delighted in cracking jokes, especially puns, regaling the company with humorous poems, and sporting full Scottish regalia, including a kilt, at any opportunity. His genial presence and ready laugh, as well as his steadfast support of Westminster School, will be keenly missed.
Information regarding memorial services will follow when available.
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gre·gar·i·ous
ɡrəˈɡerēəs/
adjective
adjective:
gregarious
- (of a person) fond of company; sociable."he was a popular and gregarious man"
- synonyms:sociable, company-loving, convivial, companionable, outgoing, friendly, affable, amiable, genial, warm, comradely; informalchummy
- "he was fun-loving and gregarious"
- antonyms:unsociable
- (of animals) living in flocks or loosely organized communities."gregarious species forage in flocks from colonies or roosts"
- synonyms:social, living in groups"gregarious fish"
- (of plants) growing in open clusters or in pure associations.
Origin
mid 17th century: from Latin
gregarius
(from
grex
,
greg-
‘a flock’) + -ous.
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Food for Thought
Nature documentaries can be tricky to watch with your children. While the animal kingdom offers wondrous stories, it can also be quite gory or just plain awkward. These documentaries are child-friendly. They may or may not be on Netflix at the moment, but they are available on many platforms. Enjoy!
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Westminster School | 703-256-3620
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