CALENDAR OF EVENTS     

Welcome, Elizabeth Sterling, Our New Chief Financial Officer
We are pleased to announce Elizabeth Sterling as our new Chief Financial Officer. Before coming to DDS, she was with Bank of America for eight years as Business Finance Officer. In that role she supported the Chief Risk Officer, Head Counsel, Chief Accounting Officer and Chief Finance Officer. Elizabeth is from the great state of Wisconsin and a proud graduate of Michigan State, but is happy to call North Carolina and Davidson Day home. “I am so excited to be a part of this growing family here at Davidson Day School,” said Elizabeth. “I look forward to working closely with all of the students and families, faculty and administration.” Elizabeth’s twin girls, Blake and Logan, will be welcome additions to our 1st grade class next year.

Admissions Office Information
Beginning Thursday, March 11th, prospective families will have the opportunity to attend weekly Open Houses, to be held every Thursday at 9:00 am. Reservations are optional. This program is just one more option for prospective families to visit us without having to schedule an appointment. Personal tours and visits by appointment will continue to be available. For any questions, please email Lauren Marlis, Director of Admissions at lmarlis@davidsonday.org

Latest Installment of Bonnie's Blog: Schools are Like Hotels
Funny how you get to think some deep thoughts when you’re stranded on the side of a mountain in a snowstorm waiting for a tow truck for five hours.

I’ll spare the details, but when that tow truck finally came and we were back on the road, my husband and I had the option of pulling off at the next exit to stay the weekend in a nice hotel chain. Or we could risk the next 15 miles of unknown icy road conditions to achieve our destination at the one-of-its-kind inn we reserved....

In education, there are varying levels of quality, from the budget hotel chain to the Ritz-Carlton. Ah, then the best schools should aspire to be the Ritz-Carlton, right? I say absolutely not. Let me explain why....Click to read more.

Hats Off to a Great Arts Week
Last Wednesday, February 24th, the Early Childhood and Lower School students enjoyed an afternoon filled with beautiful works of art which were individually framed and on display in the Commons.  The annual art show and sale showcased handprints of toddlers to lovely watercolored lighthouses from fourth graders; and everything in between.  Each student created a unique piece that reflected a curriculum unit that the children explored in art class with Mrs. Julie Langley.  Many parents decided to purchase the frames for their homes, with the proceeds benefiting our art department and the ongoing beautification of our school.  Thanks to everyone who supported this worthwhile event

.Arts week concluded with an exhibition in the commons on Friday featuring a variety a mediums including a beautiful collection of photographs by Mr Cotter’s upper school classes. The art was accompanied by several talented band members under the direction of Mr. Brown. Ms Griswold kicked off the performance aspect of the afternoon with a spirited rendition of ‘Bridge over Troubled Water’ by the Show Choir. The event was completed with a performance of ‘Man, Woman, Flower’ by Ms Gerdy’s Theatre performance group. The play depicted a variety of eccentric museum goers looking through an open frame toward the audience reacting to an imaginary work of art. The Fine Arts department was excited to conclude a successful week of kicking off a new tradition here at Davidson Day School. They would especially like to thank all of the student artists and performers as well as their families who supported them.

Reminder About Next Week’s Blood Drive
Next Thursday, March 11th, we will be hosting a blood drive from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm to support the Community Blood Center of the Carolinas.  They provide 95% of all blood to the 14 major local hospitals including all CMC branches, all Presbyterian branches, and most of the other major hospitals. If you are interested in donating blood, please contact Charles Coddington at ccoddington@davidsonday.org.

8th Annual Tee It Up for Davidson Day School Golf Tournament
The weather is warming up so grab your clubs and join us for the 8th Annual Tee It Up for Davidson Day School Golf Tournament on Monday, April 19th, 2010.  Enjoy 18 holes of golf at beautiful River Run Country Club. Lunch, dinner, fabulous golfer gifts and prizes will all be provided. We would like to thank L.Gordon Iron and Metal Company for their support as an Eagle sponsor. For more information regarding sponsorship or registration, please contact Megan Lynch at MeganML65@aol.com or Sheila Brady at lmbsmom@bellsouth.net or visit our online registration at http://www.davidsonday.org/golf-tournament.

Academic & Enrichment Center

Welcome, Alyse Savoca, to our After School Program
We would like to extend a warm welcome to Alyse Savoca as our lead counselor in our after school program. Alyse just relocated to Mooresville, NC from Boca Raton, FL where she was born and raised. She has over 10 years of experience working with children. For the past eight years, she worked as an assistant director for an after school and summer camp program. She has a true passion for working with children and is very excited to be a part of the school.

Upper School News

Upper School Makes its Mark in the Local and World Community
On Monday, March 1st, a group of 11 students (Kat MacLeod '10, Alesia Griesmyer '10, Katy Leonard '11, Tyler Parrott '11, Clay McLean '11, Brianna Wills '11, Richard Brown '12, Charlie Colley '12, Will Smith '12, Ryan Guthrie '13, and Luke Morrison '13) went to Urban Ministries in uptown Charlotte where they served lunch.  During their outing, they talked to a former homeless man who shared with them his reasons for homelessness and his own personal story.  The students then took a tour of the facility and learned about the extensive art program and services offered to the homeless community.  This group of students will present what they learned to the Upper School students and teachers to share what they learned about homelessness and hunger in Charlotte. 

Our Upper School also lent a hand where it was most needed outside the United States. More than $300 was raised for Haitian relief efforts through raffle ticket sales that promised the winner got to throw a pie at the teacher of their choice. Special thanks to Mr. Coddington and Mr. Metzler; you were great sports for taking a pie in the face for this worthy charity. Check out the pictures in the photo gallery. 

College Counseling News

9th and 10th Grade College Planning Program
On Wednesday, March 10th, we will be hosting a program for parents of 9th and 10th graders at 6:30 pm in the Auditorium.  Topics include: researching and visiting colleges, standardized test information, and general admissions and financial aid processes.  Please contact Meghan Rand at mrand@davidsonday.org or at (704) 237-5222 for more information. 

Standardized Test Information
Thursday, March 25th is the registration deadline for the May 1st SAT exam.  If you are interested in registering for this exam, please visit www.collegeboard.com for more information.   

2010 Mini Camp College at UNC-Charlotte
On Saturday, March 20th, there will be a college planning program at UNC-Charlotte to help assist students and parents through the college application process.  For more information and to register, please follow this link: www.sacac.org and click on “Mini Camp Colleges.”

NACAC National College Fair
On Sunday, March 21st from 12:00-4:00 p.m., the NACAC College Fair will be held at The Park (located at 2500 E. Independence Blvd.).  There will be hundreds of colleges from all regions of the United States coming to this fair.  For more information, please view the NACAC website at www.nacacnet.org.

Middle School News

Citizen Scientists help the Audubon Society
Congratulations and thank you to the students who counted birds during the Great Backyard Bird Count sponsored by the Audubon Society. The information gathered and reported by our students helps the Audubon Society with their ongoing research on the bird species found in the United States.

The following students earned the “Flapping Bird Award”:

1st Grade: Sheridan Elliott

2nd Grade: Rees Payne, Sarah Spurrier, Maggie Schall, Sophie Sczerbinski

3rd Grade: Zack Mandel, Sarah Chinuntdet, Morgan Scott

4th Grade: Caroline Spurrier, Brittney Bliss, Jordan Graham, Jakob Schall, Sarah Grace Langley, Taylor Bennett

5th Grade: Peyton Mandel, Melissa Zammitti, Maya Caldwell, Alex Sabates, Nikhil Gavini, Ciara Carbone, Nicole Chinuntdet, Emily Scott, Marin Harnett, Will Mitchell, Sarah Slay

Lower School News

4th Graders Re-enact African American History
The students in Mrs. Grothe’s Reading Class “became” famous African-Americans for a day. After extensive research, the students wrote a report about their person’s life including: birth and death dates, early life, accomplishments, and the facts they found most interesting about their person. The students presented their reports as autobiographies, speaking in first person while dressed as their famous figure. Modern and historical figures represented included: Jesse Owens, Maya Angelou, Jackie Robinson, and Marian Anderson. The students had a wonderful time becoming someone famous and learning about the achievements that these African Americans contributed to the United States over time.

Early Childhood News

Montessori Students Study Cold Weather
In the month of February, the Montessori class got to experience how cold it really was by participating in an “Objects in Water” experiment. Students placed an object in a cup of water and left it outside overnight. The students were astounded the next morning to find out that all of the objects were frozen inside the water. Here’s hoping that March will bring us slightly warmer weather.

ECH celebrates Dr. Seuss' Birthday
The Early Childhood students celebrated the late and great Dr. Seuss this week. The children all took part in the Read Across America celebration on Tuesday to honor Theodore Geisel; a beloved children's book author and illustrator. They learned about his life and many of the books that he wrote. Some students even took part in making "Green Eggs and Ham" and shared them with Mrs. Cotter, Mrs. Lott and Mr. Cerkovnik (and they liked them!). Check out our pictures in the gallery.

Ms. Dana's Quote Corner
Dr. Seuss says the darndest things, too. Check out this week's zingers:

“Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened.” Dr. Seuss

"I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells." Dr. Seuss

Sports News

Three Patriots Make All-Conference in Basketball
Sophomore Rashun Davis has been selected on the All-Conference First Team. Davis led the Patriots this year in scoring (12.3), assists (4.4) and steals (79 total). Senior Demond Gates ended his basketball career in style by being selected to the All-Conference Second Team. Gates led the team in rebounding (7.0). Junior Clay McLean was named as an Honorable Mention selection. McLean was second on the team in scoring (10.0). Congratulations to these student-athletes on a wonderful season.

Spring Athletics Meeting
All athletes and families are strongly encouraged to attend the spring athletics meeting on Monday, March 8th.   Schedules, program philosophy, and team needs will be discussed.  Parents will have time for questions and answers with the Director of Athletics and coaches following. The meeting will start at 7:00 pm and will be held in the Commons.

Middle School Awards Banquet
On Wednesday, March 10th, coaches and players share stories of the season, enjoy a meal, and recognize successes. The banquet will start at 6:00 pm and will be held in the Commons. Cost is $6 which includes pizza, soda, and dessert. Please keep in mind that this is a player and coaches only event. Please RSVP to Lisa Morgan (lmorgan@davidsonday.org) by Tuesday, March 9th at 12:00 pm if you plan to attend.

Varsity Sports Award Banquet
Parents and athletes of the Varsity Boys, Varsity Girls, and JV Boys Basketball teams are invited to celebrate an exciting season with awards, stories, and food on Tuesday, March 9th at 7:00 pm in the Commons. We apologize but due to space considerations, we are limited to two guests per participant. Please RSVP to Lisa Morgan (lmorgan@davidsonday.org) no later than Monday, March 8th at 12:00 pm if you plan to attend.

Parent Council Corner


Parent Council Meeting
Thanks to all who attended our March Parent Council Meeting this past Wednesday. We covered many topics during our meeting including announcing the proposed Parent Council slate for the 2010-2011 school year as put forth by the Nominating Committee.

President: Whitney Y.R. Yates

Vice-President: Julie Bennett

Secretary: Heather Roberts

Room Parent Coordinator: Tara Black

The slate will be voted on during our next Parent Council meeting scheduled on April 7th as set forth in the by-laws.

For those of you who couldn’t attend our March meeting, click here to view the presentation for information that was covered.