Week of February 7, 2011

The Williams School works with each child to build and enduring
foundation for academic, moral and social success. A Williams School
student embodies integrity, confidence and a love of learning.

Honor before Honors

Dear Williams School Families,

This week, we had another loss in our school family. Our school bus, affectionately known as “Big Bertha”
pulled into her parking space on Fairfax, watched the children depart through her front door, and rested for the
next class’ round trip to the gym. But instead of starting up, her back axle just “went out.” So the students went
on the other two shorter buses and went to gym. No one knew, at that point, that Big Bertha had made her last
run earlier in the day.

That afternoon, a mechanic came to check out the issue and immediately saw that the repair work would be
more than the bus was worth. A tow truck was then called in and Big Bertha went off to her final resting place.

She was a great bus. Mr. Gerrard loved her very much. He did everything he could, over the years, to make
sure she had all the repairs and good gas and oil she needed to continue her routes for the children. But even he
had to admit that recently her backfires and gas mileage was a cause for concern. She was, up until the very
end, very worthy of transporting our children. It was therefore very fitting when she finally gave out that it
occurred after the children had departed from the seat belted embrace of her warm cabin.

Big Bertha was born in Wisconsin in 1989 and came to our school as our first and only bus. She was, for that
time, top of the line and never failed in her daily duties. That streak was broken this fall when she had her first
break down on a street in Norfolk, after a basketball game, where she had a mild engine and crank shaft attack.
Although she rebounded quickly, her gas mileage was never the same. She leaves behind bus 12, 14, and 16 to
carry on her duties until another bus can be purchased.

And so today we pay homage to Big Bertha and thank her for all she did for our school. And we now look
forward to someday soon, getting a newer bus that will continue Big Bertha’s tradition. For now, we take a
moment and continue to remain grateful for the 23 years of safety and service she provided for The Williams
School.

Best,

Jay
 THIS WEEK
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Monday, February 7
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7 /8 Girls Basketball vs. Gateway 4:00pm
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7 /8 Boys Basketball vs. Gateway 5:00pm
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Tuesday, February 8
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6 /7 Girls Basketball vs. Cape Henry 4:00pm
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6 /7 Boys Basketball vs. Baylake 4:00pm
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7 /8 Girls Basketball vs. Baylake 5:00pm
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7 /8 Boys Basketball vs. Baylake 6:00pm
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Wednesday, February 9
Special Weekly School Assembly 8:25am-9:00am
Young Audiences Jungle Tales Presentation
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Thursday, February 10
Early Dismissal 1:00pm
Parent Conferences 4:00pm-6:00pm
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Friday, February 11
No School – Camp Williams Available
Parent Conferences
PLAN AHEAD
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Monday, February 14
Reenrollment Contracts Due
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6 /7 Girls Basketball vs. Friends 4:00pm
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7 /8 Boys Basketball vs. Friends 5:00pm
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Tuesday, February 15
PAC Meeting 3:30pm Humanities
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6 /7 Boys Basketball vs. Norfolk Collegiate 4:00pm
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Wednesday, February 16
Weekly School Assembly 2:25pm MPR
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6 /7 Girls Basketball vs. Baylake 4:00pm
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Thursday, February 17
Fourth Grade Guest Lunch
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6 Grade Field Trip 12:15pm-1:30pm
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6 /7 Boys Basketball vs. Stonebridge 4:00pm
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7 /8 Girls Basketball vs. Stonebridge 5:00pm
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7 /8 Boys Basketball vs. Stonebridge 6:00pm
Friday, February 18th
Chinese Language & Culture Club 3:15pm-3:45pm
Middle School Dance 7:00pm-9:30pm MPR
COMING EVENTS
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Monday, February 21
No School – Presidents’ Day
Camp Williams Not Available
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Tuesday, February 22
BOT Meeting 4:00pm MPR
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6 /7 Boys Basketball Practice 3:30-5:00pm
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Wednesday, February 23
Biography History Day
Weekly School Assembly 8:25am-9:00am
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7 /8 Boys Basketball Practice 3:30pm-5:00pm
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Thursday, February 24
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6 /7 Boys Basketball Practice 3:30-5:00pm
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Friday, February 25
Chinese Language & Culture Club 3:15pm-3:45pm
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Saturday, February 26
Auction – Town Point Club
Save the Date! AAAS Family Science Days, Feb. 19-20 in D.C.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) plans two free Family Science Days, 11:00 am - 5:00 pm, Saturday
and Sunday, February 19-20, at the Washington Convention Center, Exhibit Hall D.

In addition to an array of booths offering hands-on science learning activities, AAAS plans a "Meet the Scientists" series of brief
interactive presentations featuring charismatic science educators. For example, performance artists Lelavision with David Lynn will
explore the evolution of life through an unique fusion of dance and music. Lynford Goddard, winner of the first-ever AAAS Early
Career Award for Public Engagement with Science, will guide students through a demonstration called "Experimenting with
Experiments." Hod Lipson will demonstrate 3D bioprinting during a presentation on biologically inspired robots. Other presentations
will encompass computer science, mathematics, and the forces of flight.

There is an online schedule provided of complete schedule of stage presentations. Additional information can be found online
atwww.aaas.org/meetings/fsd..

Camp Williams
$40.00 per day*
Friday, February 11, 2011
Led By Joyce Soria and Janice Ford
8:30am-5:30pm**
No School – Parent Conference Day

Please make checks payable to

Joyce Soria
-*Reservations are required, by calling 627-1383 x241. Minimum 8 students Maximum 20, per day. The
minimum of 8 reservations must be received by 10:00 am, Tuesday, 2/8/11. If the minimum enrollment of 8 is
not reached by the above deadline, the following sliding scale applies per child if 3- 7 children are enrolled: 3
children - $90.00, 4 children - $70.00, 5 children - $58.00, 6 children - $50.00, 7 children - $45.00.
-All fees are included for any off campus field trips, crafts, lunch, and snack.
-By enrolling your child in Camp Williams, you are giving your permission for your child to attend the listed on
and off campus activities.
-Camp Williams staff may be reached on the Extended Day cell phone, 237-1875 or on Joyce Soria’s phone,
469-7759 at all times during the day.
-If you wish your child to have sun screen or insect repellant, please fill out the Medication Administration
Form and send the product and the form in with your child on the day or days of enrollment. Forms are
available from the front office, Extended Day or the website.
-Please let us know if you will not be able to drop your child off by departure time, as there is no available
care for your child at school.
**We will have early drop off at 7:30am for $5.00, extra. Reservations required!
Attend a Fun, Educational Summer Camp Held at the College of William & Mary!
This summer send your child to iD Tech Camps – the World’s #1 technology program. During this weeklong, day and
overnight program, beginner to advanced students, ages 7-17 create video games, iPhone and iPad apps, C++ and Java
programs, websites with Flash, movies with Final Cut Studio and After Effects, Maya 3D animations and models, ad
designs, robots and more with products experts use in their professions. With one computer per student and an
average of six students per staff, students are given the attention they need to excel and take home a project at the end
of the weeklong course. Students have access to free year-round learning with iD 365, monthly online workshops taught
by live instructors. Programs are located at 60 prestigious universities nationwide. This includes the College of William
& Mary, UNC-Chapel Hill, American, Stanford, Harvard, Princeton and more. There are also special Teen programs at
select locations: iD Gaming Academy, iD Visual Arts Academy and iD Programming Academy. Visit
www.internalDrive.com or call 1-888-709-TECH (8324) for details.
Save $50 with the online Early Bird Special (ends March 15th). Use promo code SCHOOL.

Parent Conferences
Parent conference notices have been delivered to your email. Parent conferences will be held Thursday,
February 10th from 4:00pm-6:00pm and all day Friday, February 11th. Please note we have provided you with
the classroom your conference will be held in. You may download your confirmation and return it to the
office or email Robin (rcogswell@thewilliamschool.org) with your confirmation. Please respond by Monday,
February 7th to hold your specified time.

8th Grade Sponsors:

TWS SPIRIT WEEK
Monday, February 7th – Thursday, February 10th
The Deal:
If you would like to participate for ALL THEME Days, you may pay $3.00 on Monday, and be set for the week.
If you would only like to participate on CERTAIN THEME Days, you may pay $1.00 for each one that suits you.

The Themes:
Monday 2/7/11: HAT DAY (The only day of the year where hats are allowed inside the building!)

Tuesday 2/8/11: SPORTS DAY (Wear your favorite team’s colors, jerseys, or apparel, and if you don’t have a
favorite, you can always show love for the TWS sports teams by wearing blue, white, or gold/yellow. You may
not wear sports hats…that was Monday’s theme!)

Wednesday 2/9/11: MISMATCH DAY (Dress to impress in mismatched clothes. We welcome socks of two
different colors, different patterns on shirts and pants, etc.)
 Thursday 2/10/11: PAJAMA DAY (It won’t take long to get ready for school…just roll out of bed in your jammies
and enjoy a comfy half-day at TWS)

**Please note: If you choose not to participate in a Spirit Week day/theme, you are required to come to school
in normal dress code attire. You may wear jeans with your hats, sports jersey, etc…but you must be
participating in the day’s theme.**

All proceeds help fund the 8th Grade Class Disney Trip in May! Thank you in advance for your support!

The spring session of Girls on the Run begins on March 15th. Girls in grades 3rd -5th grade
are eligible to participate in the program. Registration forms will be sent home in
backpacks today. If you daughter is interested, please fill out the application and send it
in the GOTR office ASAP. The program usually fills in the first few days of registration!

Marrakesh Express
- A Magical Journey Through Morocco

February 26, 2011

Town Point Club
We’re having a great time planning this year’s Auction, Marrakesh Express -A Magical Journey Through
Morocco, which will be held Saturday, February 26th at Norfolk’s Town Point Club. We’re excited to keep you
up-to-date as this fun annual event approaches. If you have any questions about anything associated with the
Auction, please feel free to contact Michelle Foy, Auction Chair, at mrfoy@cox.net or Jennifer Cahoon at
jcahoon@thewilliamsschool.org.

Auction Website
The Auction website is LIVE! To check out items that will be available for bid, visit the Auction
website at http://thewilliamsschool.maestroweb.com and be sure to COME BACK OFTEN! The website is
being updated on a regular basis, so you never know what might be added – it just might be that one thing
that you just have to have!
Auction Tickets
The time is NOW to buy your Auction tickets and they are so easy to get. All you have to do is go to
www.thewilliamsschool.org/auction2011 and complete the form there. You can also buy tiles and commit to
sponsorships at the same time. If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Cahoon at
jcahoon@thewilliamsschool.org.

Buy Your Best of Live! Ticket (Come on, everyone’s doing it…)
An exciting part of The Williams School annual auction is the opportunity for one lucky winner to select, at the
beginning of the Live Auction, his or her favorite Live Auction item. That item will then become the exclusive
property of the Best of Live! winner. How wonderful is that? Only 50 tickets will be offered for
sale, at the tempting price of $150 per ticket. Limited to one per family, the Best of Live! tickets are NOW ON
SALE and are being sold on a first-come, first-served basis. The tickets can be purchased through the school’s
website, www.thewilliamsschool.org (there’s a link under the “What’s New” section) or by contacting Jennifer
Cahoon at jcahoon@thewilliamsschool.org. The drawing will take place at the start of the Live Auction, and
you must be present to win. Best of Luck!

Auction Tiles to Honor Those Special to You

Creative hands are hard at work creating keepsake tiles that will be featured on our Moroccan-inspired
Williams School Mosaic wall. Designed to honor a person special to you, whether a student, teacher, parent,
sibling, grandparent, friend or other family member, these colorful tiles will include the name of the honoree
and a sentiment from the donor. An example is pictured on the school’s website,
www.thewilliamsschool.org/auction2011. The tiles are $50 each and may be purchased online, through the
mail or by contacting Jennifer Cahoon at (757) 627-1383 ext. 232 or jcahoon@thewilliamsschool.org. The
deadline to order tiles is February 23rd.

Auction Invitations
It’s not too late! We would love to include any family or friends who you think might enjoy this fun evening of
friends, food, festivity, and fabulous finds. To add names and addresses to our invitation list, please contact
Jennifer Cahoon at jcahoon@thewilliamsschool.org.

Auction Item Spotlight

~ Sweet & Sassy Party Package from Twisted Sisters Cupcakes
The uses are endless. Gluttony at its finest. A girls' night out extravaganza. Dessert for a (large) dinner party. A
special thank you to your employees. An unusual birthday party treat. A special dessert for your child's class
(or two classes - we're talking 48 cupcakes!) The Pink diva will come to your event loaded with 48 cupcakes - 4
flavors picked by the Twisted Sisters chef - either regular (for the kids) or "it's after 5 somewhere" for the rest
of us. What a fabulous treat!
~Donated By: Twisted Sisters Cupcakes
~ Bagels for a Year from Panera Bread
Be the "star" of the office, the block or the play group as you enjoy Bagels for a Year from Panera Bread. Each
month of the year for one year, you will be able to enjoy 13 bagels and 2 8-ounce containers of cream cheese.
Breakfast can't get much easier than this!
~Donated By: Panera Bread

~ American Girl Goes to The Williams School

Our newest student at The Williams School is Kanani – American Girl’s 2011 Girl of the Year. In addition to the
Kanani American Girl doll and Kanani book, this package comes with a complete collection of Williams School
gear, including her own carol robe, handpainted wooden bed with owl accent, and custom-made owl bedding.
Your student will be thrilled to have Kanani as her first American Girl doll or to add to her collection. A unique
package – this is sure to be a hit with any young girl!
~Donated By: American Girl, Kim and Porter Hardy, Michelle Foy
~ Six (6) One-Hour Personal Training Sessions with Becki Simpson
Looking for Results from your workout? Look no further! Six one-hour personal training sessions, to include
functional strength training, weight training, body weight exercises, and suspended body weight training on
the TRX, all with a cardiovascular emphasis. This personalized training plan will work the muscular, joint,
cardiovascular, and proprioceptive systems. A "CAN DO" attitude is required along with the willingness to
work to the brink of barfing! Becki is an ACE personal trainer and is TRX, BOSU and Spin certified. Training
sessions will be on Tuesday/Thursdays over three consecutive weeks at 1111 Westover Avenue, Norfolk (West
Ghent) or in your home. This package must be used prior to June 1, 2011, or between September 15, 2011 and
December 15, 2011 (otherwise, you will have Georgia, Judson and Shuford as a cheering section!).
~Donated By: Becki Simpson

~ Villa on Isla Mujeres

Spend a blissful week relaxing at a private villa on Isla Mujeres in the Mexican Caribbean. Casa Amarilla is the
perfect getaway for 4 couples or a family group of up to 8. Featuring 360 degree views of the Caribbean Sea
and Bay of Mujeres, an infinity swimming pool, tropical gardens, amazing restaurants, shopping, and white
sand beaches, this beautiful home is the perfect place for relaxing, casual gatherings and fun entertaining. See
pictures and get all the details in our Live Auction listings at http://thewilliamsschool.maestroweb.com
~Donated By: Kay Kemper and Denny Parker, John Garrett and Logan Kemper

Thank you to our Auction Sponsors!

Much of the success with our annual auction is due to the wonderful support of our generous sponsors.
Please join us in thanking our partners to date:

Founder’s Event Sponsors

Tony and Monica Cetrone

Heritage Event Sponsors

Jason and Michelle Hirschfeld
Andria and Mike McClellan

Marrakesh Sponsors $2,500 and Above:

TowneBank
Wynne Ford & Wynne Volvo
Fes Sponsors $1,500 to $2,499:
Marybeth and Jim Dixon
Katherine and Joel English
Pam and Mike Robinson

Meknes Sponsors $750 to $1,499:

Associated Distributors
Kedron and Derek Fix
David and Kathy Shelton

Rabat Sponsors $500 to $749:

Mike and Sabrina Anderson
Wendy and Frank Auerbach
Emily and John Birknes
Jason and Leigh Davis
Bill Docalovich and Lynn Tiedge
Michelle Foy
Liz and Pierre Golpira
C.W. and Marilyn Gowen
Dan and Lynn Neumann
Anne and Gordon Roesch

If you or your company would like to join with us as a sponsor, please contact Jennifer Cahoon at
jcahoon@thewilliamsschool.org or (757) 627-1383 ext. 232. Thank you!
Our Community in Action
PDS Spring 2011
February 28th –April 23rd

Player Development System is coached by ODU Players and Staff@ The ODU Soccer Complex
Training: Monday and Thursdays 6:00-7:00pm Play Days: Saturdays 12:00-1:00pm
Cost: 150.00
Contact: Coach Ryan Sniegoski or Mari Dawson
PDSNORFOLK@Gmail.com marijdawson@hotmail.com
Sign up online ACNorfolk.com or send below to Mari Dawson 1360 Buckingham Ave, Norfolk Va. 23508

Player Development System Application

Player’s first name___________________MI________Last___________________ Date of birth___/___/___
Address__________________________________________Home Phone___________________
____________________________________________Mobile Phone_______________
Email______________________________shirt size youth-s___m___l___xl___
Medical conditions_____________________________________________________________________

Consent and waiver

I recognize and understand that soccer is a sport involving risks not encountered in everyday play. With this
understanding, I am permitting my child to participate in the Player Development Program, I covenant and
agree to indemnify and hold harmless and do release, requite and forever discharge, PDS, Old Dominion
University, Norfolk Public Schools, their officers, Board of Directors, employees, coaches, referees and other
such volunteers, in any capacity, for any and all damages, claims, and /or liability arising out of and all injury to
or caused by my child. With the knowledge and understanding of the foregoing, this is to certify that my child
has my permission to play soccer in the PDS program. Further, I hereby authorize any and all emergency
medical treatment deemed necessary by any physician, nurse or paramedic. A copy of this authorization shall
be as effective as the original.

Parent/Guardian Signature______________________________Date_________________
Printed Name__________________________________________
 February Events in Portsmouth, Virginia

Saturday, February 5, 2011

The Year of the Rabbit - a Chinese New Year Celebration
9:00 am- 5:00 pm The community comes together to ring in the New Year and celebrate the Year
of the Rabbit. Discover Chinese musical instruments, songs and dance with local students. Explore
paper art, brush painting techniques, and try your hand at writing in Chinese. Create traditional
decorations to take home and celebrate the biggest Chinese holiday of the year.
Andalo's Clubhouse, 420 High St. 757-393-5258. Andalo's Clubhouse is presented by the
Children's Museum of Virginia.
9-5:00 Chinese crafts
9:30-11:30- Dancing & traditional music performances by the Tidewater Chinese School
10-12- Brush painting
10-4- Origami
12 and 2- Lion Dancers (Keriann is Dancing)
12-4- Chinese character writing