NKHS Culinary Arts Students Ace the Culinary Decathlon

Recently two NKHS Culinary Arts students competed in the Culinary Decathlon competition, sponsored by the Culinary Institute of Virginia.  Shawnee Smith placed 6th in the competition and earned a $3000 scholarship.  Amber Sealey placed 2nd in the competition and earned a $12000 scholarship!

The competition included a Culinary Knowledge Written Assessment, a Culinary Skills Demonstration, and a Meal Presentation.  The competition was also timed - students had only two hours to complete the the Skills Demonstration and to prepare and present an entree.  Wow! Complete information about the competition is available here.

Congratulations to our very own "Top Chefs", Shawnee and Amber!  Also many thanks to NKHS Culinary Arts teacher Ann Campbell for her work with our students.

NKMS All-District Band Members

Congratulations to those members of the New Kent Middle School band who were recently named to the All-District 1 Band!

District 1 Middle School Band Auditions were held on Saturday, January 12th.  The rigorous audition required each student to prepare 7 Major Scales and the Chromatic Scale, to perform a prepared piece of music, and to sight-read an additional piece.  Of the 74 flute players who auditioned, Savannah Setzer placed 10th chair and Tiffany Tolley placed 11th chair.  Out of 26 snare drum players, Chandler Anderson placed 1st chair.

An outstanding performance by terrific musicians!

Pictured: Tiffany Tolley, Chandler Anderson, Savannah Setzer

Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching

The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) Program was established in 1983 by the White House and is administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF) on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology.  The program identifies outstanding science and mathematics teachers, kindergarten through grade 12, in each state and the four United States jurisdictions.  These teachers will serve as models for their colleagues and will be leaders in the improvement of science and mathematics education.

Recognition is given to teachers of kindergarten through grade 12 in four award groups:  elementary mathematics (K-6), elementary science (K-6), secondary mathematics (7-12), and secondary science (7-12).  In 2013, up to six state finalists at the secondary level will be selected from Virginia (three in each secondary group).  From these 2013 state finalists, a national committee will choose up to two national-level awardees (one in each award group) from Virginia.  Each national awardee will receive a $10,000 personal award and an all-expense paid trip to recognition events and other activities in Washington, D.C.

Both the nomination form and the application packet must be submitted electronically.  The nomination form and the application packet as well as complete directions are available on the NSF Web site at http://www.paemst.org.  A completed nomination form must be submitted electronically with each application.  All applications are due May 1, 2013.

NKHS Scholastic Bowl Team Undefeated - Again!

Congratulations are in order for the New Kent High School Scholastic Bowl team.  The team recently concluded an undefeated 18-0 regular season - the team's second consecutive undefeated regular season record!

In addition to their success in Virginia High School League competition, the team has also advanced to the quarterfinals of the Battle of the Brains competition.  The Battle of the Brains airs on CBS channel 6, and NKHS matches already completed will air on February 9 and March 9 at 10:00 am.

Team coach Matt Duckworth writes, "I would like to thank all teachers that have supported our program through their inspired instruction and rigorous curriculum. We could not be as successful as we are without such great teachers."

Great job by all, and best of luck to the Scholastic Bowl team as they enter post-season competition and as they continue the Battle of the Brains competition!

Team members receiving All-Bay Rivers District recognition are: 
Nathaniel Boughner- 1st Team, Heather Sledd- 1st Team, Alexys Gray- 2nd Team, Bailey Angle- 1st Team

Service Learning - The GWES SCA Gives Back

The SCA at George Watkins Elementary School, which includes students in third through fifth grade, recently sponsored the "Giving Tree".  With the theme of the book, The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein in mind, the SCA decided to give back to its community by encouraging students and faculty to help make someone else's holiday a little brighter.  Forty-five children within the Watkins community were impacted by the students' and faculty's  generosity.

The SCA sponsors, who include school guidance counselor, Crystal Driggs, and teachers Kristen Gibson, Kristen Lorden, Emily Trainum, and Danielle Allen, then held a "Wrapping Party" with students and teacher volunteers to wrap all gifts, which were then delivered to families in time for the holidays.

Second grade teacher, Jennifer Rounds, helps third grade class representative, Grady Rounds, wrap children's gifts.

Prior to sponsoring "The Giving Tree", the SCA also sponsored a canned food drive, during which over 400 non- perishable food items were donated and then distributed to eight local families, as well as to the local food bank.

Thanks to everyone at GWES, and especially to the SCA, for sponsoring these great service initiatives!

Service Learning - NKES SCA Sponsors Penny Wars

The New Kent Elementary SCA sponsored Penny Wars to support the Toys for Tots Literacy program during the month of December. Penny Wars included a grade-level competition to raise funds and the NKES SCA collected a total of $1810.64 in only 10 days!  A great job by all at NKES and special thanks to the SCA and faculty sponsors for working to support the Toys for Tots Literacy initiative.  Working together to help others is a great way to learn!

The New Kent-Charles City Chronicle ran a photo and brief article.  Take a look!