Important Eighth Grade Information

I am writing to you today with important information regarding high school applications and the upcoming camping trip.

High School Applications

As you know, most schools require several teacher recommendations, and often senior administration recommendations as well.  

We are finding that some students are requesting recommendations without supplying the necessary forms from the selected schools. It is up to the student to provide these forms to teachers and administrators. (Using Maggie Walker again as an example, students must obtain the official application and recommendation forms from their home middle school.)  

Thank you for working with your children to ensure that they submit all necessary paperwork as soon as possible so that our teachers have ample time to complete these forms before upcoming deadlines.

Camping Trip

We are inside two weeks of the much-anticipated camping trip. I am sure your children are as excited as we are! This annual trip is a wonderful chance for the class to learn, play, and laugh as they begin their final year together at St. Michael’s.

Included in this note are details to help us all prepare for a safe and successful adventure. While we will prepare the students thoroughly for the trip, please take time to review this information with your children.

Schedule

Thursday, November 15

7:30  a.m.      depart from Bon Air Martin’s parking lot (at Huguenot Rd and Stony Point Rd)

9:15 a.m.       arrive at Jamestown 4-H

Morning         group and cabin assignments; group discussions/team building; dress for afternoon activities

Noon             lunch

Afternoon       ropes course, archery, fishing, hiking

6:30 p.m.        dinner & free time

8:00 p.m.        campfire s’mores & stargazing

10:15 p.m.      lights out

Friday, November 16

6:00 a.m.        optional sunrise hike to the river

7:30 a.m.        wake up call

8:00 a.m.        breakfast and free time

9:00 a.m.        games

11:45 a.m.      class meeting

12:00 p.m.      lunch/pack

2:00 p.m.       leave 4-H Jamestown

3:30 p.m.       return to St. Michael’s Singleton Campus

Families are asked to park in the Bon Air Shopping Center in front of the old Martins while awaiting the bus’s return. Updated estimated time of arrival will be posted on the School’s Facebook page and Twitter feed. 

Safety and Communication

As always, our first duty is to students’ safety. If an issue should arise during the trip, one of the chaperones or I will contact you. Similarly, should an emergency arise and you need to contact your child during the trip, please contact me (804-837-4410), Sra Schmidt (804-869-7354),  Mr. Winkler (804-390-9124), or Mr. Bridgforth (804-467-6751) on our mobile phones. In the unlikely event that you are unable to reach any of us, please contact the School during normal school hours or Michael Turner (215-266-7303) during off hours.

What to Pack (and Leave at Home)

Our accommodations at Jamestown 4-H will be comfortable, but not a five-star hotel. Please keep this in mind, along with the objectives of the trip (learning, class bonding, and safe communal fun) when packing. The weather this time of year will be cooler so we suggest students pack layers so they are prepared for warmer days and chilly nights. In addition to clothes suitable for long, active days outside, students should pack*:

Students should NOT bring or pack: cell phones, valuables, food OR electronic devices.

Again, we are all excited for a great trip!

With warm regards,

Jessica Stargell

Middle School Director