SERVE-A-THON!!! - New Vistas School

VOL. 8, ISSUE 2
The
SERVE-A-THON!!!
New Vistas
School Progress
is published triennially by
the Development Office.
Inside this Issue:
The Head of School
2
Student Corner
3-5
Alumni
Staff & Faculty
6
7
Volunteer Appreciation
7
Round of Applause
8
Development Report
Serve-A-Thon Results
Calendar of Events
WINTER 2014
9-11
10-11
12
On November 21, 2013, New Vistas School
students participated in the third annual
Serve-A-Thon. This event raised money
for school improvements and gave students
and staff the opportunity to participate with
local agencies that are involved throughout
the community.
Students sought sponsorship from friends
and family in support of their efforts to complete service work for non-profit organizations, including the Boys & Girls Club,
Jubilee Family Development Center,
Kids’ Haven, The Awareness Garden,
and The Daily Bread. They raised
$4,288.00 for New Vistas. We are so
proud of our students and staff! And we
appreciate the sponsors and local agencies
that made this all possible! A special thanks
to Schewel’s for sponsoring our T-Shirts!
Pages 10-11 list the names of the
individuals who kindly contributed to the
Serve-A-Thon. Thank you for supporting
our dedicated students.
Above, back row standing (left to right): John
(volunteer), Cole Werner, Tristin
Holzhauser, Julia Kling, Carson D’Orio,
Ms. Arrington. Seated; Mrs. Bell,
Courtney Taylor, Ale Guardascione, Lexi
Maxwell-Jones, Siri Johnson. Below left
(left to right): Ms. Tweedy, Catherine
Fedeler, Ms. Doremus, Caroline Kling,
Travis Johnson, Danielle Harris, and
Jessica Tidwell. Below right, (left to right):
Makayla Thompson, Emelia Hytree,
Marquay Alston, and Jaiden Lambert.
ADMINISTRATION
Charlotte G. Morgan
Head of School
Lisa J. DeJarnette
Assistant Head of School
Lara Jesser
Director of Development
Mission of the School: The mission of New Vistas School is to provide an individualized
instructional program for students, kindergarten through grade twelve, with learning and attention
differences, as well as the associated emotional difficulties that often accompany these challenges.
New Vistas is independent and non-sectarian, organized as a non-profit institution open to students
of all races, creeds, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.
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VOL. 8, ISSUE 2
MEDITATION FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
How Does Your Garden Grow?
“Richard Louv argues that by tapping into the restorative powers of nature - by getting a strong hit of 'vitamin nature' - we can boost
mental agility and creativity; promote health and wellbeing; build smarter and more sustainable businesses, communities, and economies;
and ultimately strengthen human bonds.”
Australian Conservation Foundation Online Blog
Referring to Richard Louv, author, Last Child in the Woods and The Nature Principle
My grandmother—a wise woman, though she had little formal education—was prone to say on any day when snow or ice wasn’t falling,
“Charlotte, it’s too pretty to be indoors.” My brothers and I were encouraged to spend time outside daily, even after supper, if for no
other reason than it was healthier than being indoors.
A large body of science is proving my grandmother right. Author Richard Louv has been well ahead of that learning trajectory for the
modern parent whose child is often indoors in front of some electronic device: television, computers, handheld game systems. How can
we find the balance? Electronics are often wonderful learning tools—laptops, SmartBoards, and IPads open many doors for our students
–but we need to maintain our focus on the essential aspect of the natural world for both good health and mental stimulation.
At New Vistas we began our Healthy for Life program eight years ago: no sodas or sugar snacks available in our vending machines and
more time/activity outdoors. Our Physical Education program encourages life skills such as walking and recreational games rather than
heavy competition, and unless it’s raining or snowing or the wind-chill factor is “polar,” the activities go on outside. We get students
outdoors in other ways, as well: “listening” and “looking” walks in language classes, measuring in math, “catapulting” in science,
drawing in art, and tending to the grounds during community service.
Part of my growing awareness about the importance of being outdoors is the recognition that since we are certain that we learn by doing,
we are far more likely to get students moving around if we get them outdoors. Gene Watson, one of the early pioneers in the field of
math education for children with learning problems, always said in his workshops, “The more of the body involved, the more learning
takes place.” So we want to find ways to be LESS desk/chair bound, MORE involved in the natural world.
Which brings me to the next big NVS project/educational focus: creation of a garden, greenhouse, and outdoor classroom. For the past
year we have been mustering information and support to build eight raised beds so students can participate in all phases of food growth,
production, and consumption. We hope to “break ground” in the spring. Students will learn to start plants from seeds, nurture seedlings
along using organic and sustainable practices, and care for and harvest produce from their own garden. They’ll also learn what to do in
the kitchen in preparation for the best part of all: eating the fruits of their labor. Of course they’ll need to learn about weather and animal
encroachment and their impact also. If we instill in children that fast food contains processed sugars and sodium and preservatives that
are brain drains and energy suppressors (and also triggers for juvenile diabetes and obesity), we need to provide the opportunity for them
to experience those foods that are actually healthy for the body and the brain. What better way than to tend a garden?
The greenhouse for growing seedlings as well as some vegetables year-round is designed to be located on the currently unused second
floor porch. Science students can test soil samples, experience water conservation and reuse, gather data on plant growth and production,
and compare and contrast varieties.
An outdoor classroom will be invaluable in every discipline. Projects, productions, art classes, dialogues—any subject can shift from the
indoor site to the outdoors as often as possible.
My grandmother’s common sense told her that getting children outdoors every day was healthy. Richard Louv’s vision is far grander:
‘vitamin nature’ can change communities by changing people, one individual at a time. That’s in harmony with the NVS Mission, and
growing a garden and building a greenhouse and creating an outdoor classroom are vital extensions of that Mission. As we prepare young
people for the 21st century, we would be remiss if we didn’t make them ‘nature smart’. “The future will belong to the nature-smart—
those individuals, families, businesses, and political leaders who develop a deeper understanding of the transformative power of the
natural world and who balance the virtual with the real. The more high-tech we become, the more nature we need.”—Richard Louv
By Charlotte G.Morgan
VOL. 8, ISSUE 2
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STUDENT CORNER
Roanoke Science Museum
Above left to right: Danielle Harris, Emelia Hytree, Miss Brookes, Jay Hunt, Christopher Langley, Landon Roach. Claire
Bryant, Danielle Harris, Caroline Kling, Jaiden Lambert, Christopher Langley, Gabe Moore, Faith Ouellette.
Pi Day 3-14
On March 14, students celebrated Pi Day by having pizza pie for lunch, creating
bubble art paintings related to pi, and competing in a pie eating contest.
Randolph College Volunteers
help landscape!
Amazement Square Art Projects
Amazement Square employees came to NVS and showed us how to make splatter
bombs and murals. (Left to right) Travis Johnson, Emelia Hytree, Makayla
Thompson, Caroline Kling, Claire Bryant, Danielle Harris, Zach Hudson,
Faith Ouellette, and Darrius Bradshaw.
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VOL. 8, ISSUE 2
STUDENT CORNER
S.T.E.A.M.—Outdoor Classroom
Siri Johnson works with her group on what the outdoor
classroom should look like.
Lexi Maxwell-Jones, Claire Bryant, Mrs. Morgan, Trey
Williams, Caroline Kling, Corbin Hudson, Courtney Taylor
are considering where an outdoor classroom should go.
Coleman-Mays builder, Kevin Peterson, made up this working sketch for our project.
The north side of the front yard is an ideal place for a raised
bed sustainable garden to enhance STEAM and Healthy For
Life Educational Programs.
This is an example of a fenced, raised bed garden—full of healthy
delicious greens.
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STUDENT CORNER
Holidays
The NVS Poinsettia Fundraiser was a big
success! An ocean of poinsettias ushered in the
holiday season this year.
Students took donated poinsettias to Bentley
Commons Nursing Home, where they sang
carols to the residents.
Above left to right; Aidan and Cooper Pick, Jean Cook,
Emelia Hytree, Carson D’Orio, Ms. Tweedy, Makayla
Thompson, Catherine Fedeler, Siri Johnson, Faith
Ouellette, Julia Kling, and Vivian Pick at Bentley Commons.
Dirty Santa and The Yule Log
Jean Cook at Bentley Commons.
Cole Werner, Trey
Williams, and Tristin
Holzhauser
Top row, left to right; Zach
Hudson, Marquay Alston,
Christopher Langley. Bottom row;
Jay Hunt, Michael Christian,
Landon Roach, and Aidan Pick
Top row left to right: Ms. Doremus,
Ms. Arrington, Ale Guardescione, Jean
Cook, Julia Kling, Brittany Blankenship,
Corbin Hudson. Bottom row; Faith
Ouellette and Trey Williams.
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VOL. 8, ISSUE 2
ALUMNI
Several of our alumni are
currently students at
Central Virginia Community
College. We asked them to
share their thoughts on NVS,
their experiences at CVCC, as
well as their future plans for
the coming years. All of them
credited NVS with preparing
them to further their successes
in their academic and vocational
choices at CVCC. Left to right:
Alex Magid, Mari Asensio,
Jordan Clark, Allie
Hutcherson, Thomas Asensio,
Luke Turner, Cort Mays, and
Devon Robertson. Not
pictured; Devon Akerson ‘13
Alex Magid ‘12 will be receiving his Associates Degree and
transferring to a state school.
Mari Asensio ’ 13 is interested in pursuing a degree in criminal
justice.
Jordan Clark ‘12 is studying welding.
Allie Hutcherson ‘12 wants to continue her studies in zoology.
Thomas Asensio ‘11 is interested in pursuing a network
administration degree.
Luke Turner ‘12 and Cort Mays ‘13 hope to transfer to
a four year state school when they finish their Associates
Degrees.
Devon Robertson ‘11 is planning to transfer to Lynchburg
College.
All of the students credited their NVS teachers with preparing
them for their college classes. Specifically, for taking the time
to work with them on their strengths and weaknesses as
individuals.
We are continuously updating our Alumni records and would like current contact information for students
who attended New Vistas. If you would like to submit updated information, please return this form to:
Development Office
New Vistas School
520 Eldon Street
Lynchburg, VA 24501
ALUMNI CONTACT INFORMATION
Full Name: __________________________________________________________________
Former Name: _______________________
Years Attended: ________________________
Mailing Address: ______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Phone: _______________________________ E-mail: _______________________________
VOL. 8, ISSUE 2
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STAFF AND FACULTY
On February 19th, Roberta Parker, adjunct professor in the Education Department at Randolph College,
presented a workshop to NVS faculty as part of our staff development. The workshop focused on infusing
literature across the curriculum; NVS teachers participated in small group discussions and hands-on
activities to help them understand the process.
Head of School Charlotte Morgan gave two presentations on Teaching Written Expression: Building
Competence and Confidence Using Evidence-Based Practices at the national Academy of
Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators in Winston-Salem, March 15 and 16.
Ms. Roy attended the annual Virginia Association of Science Teachers (VAST) conference in Norfolk, VA in
November, where she gained further knowledge on instructional techniques to promote problem-based
learning, networked with other science teachers, and added to the Development Office resources for
STEM/STEAM. She attended the Children’s Engineering Convention in Richmond on February 20-21. The
purpose of this convention was to educate how to incorporate technology and engineering into their current curriculum, and to engage participants in hands-on designing, building, and problem solving activities
that can be useful in the classroom. She participated in the Virginia Council for Learning Disabilities Spring,
2014 Symposium in Blacksburg. The workshop focused on brain-based learning and instructional strategies
to increase student engagement. Mrs. Roy also attended the Randolph College Education Department Autism Workshop. The workshop presented information on the social, communication, behavioral, and educational challenges faced by students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and an Inquiry Workshop for
STEM/STEAM, a SCHEV sponsored workshop held at James River Day School.
Ms. Tweedy attended a class for the book “The Economics of Kizzy Ann Stamps” and met the author, Jeri
Watts, at Lynchburg College. She will be incorporating this book’s terms and concepts into her future
lesson plans.
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION
Briana Walls
Hailey Bossert
Lynnze Watkins
Billy Wilkes
Dominique Elias
This Fall we are very fortunate to have four volunteers from Lynchburg College’s Bonner Program and an intern from Randolph
College. They are; Briana Walls who is majoring in Psychology, Hailey Bossert who is majoring in Communications, Lynnze
Watkins, a nursing student, and Billy Wilkes who is majoring in Business and Religion. They are assisting Ms. Jesser and Mrs. Johnson
in the development and business offices as well as giving a helping hand to organize the supply closets for our teachers and winterizing
the building! Dominique Elias, a Communication major from Randolph College, is interning in the Development Office with a focus
on “The Feast.”
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VOL. 8, ISSUE 2
ROUND OF APPLAUSE
THANK YOU!
Bonnie Kidd and Vivian Pick for assisting with the poinsettia delivery,
hosting a lovely holiday luncheon for staff and faculty, and facilitating NVS
Lower School Lego Club…Ford and Jeni Mays for hosting a holiday appreciation
dinner for the faculty and board members...Larry and Steve Ouellette for landscaping…
Leslie Hoglund for her insight on future grant opportunities...Sally Horner for the
Fall Newsletter….Linda Smith for taping the Lynchburg Live episode about NVS…
Alumni Christian Williams for displaying local artists at NVS…Givens Bookstore for our
faculty fundraiser...Dave Poole of The Depot Grille for Sponsoring NVS night at the Depot...Kevin
Peterson of Coleman-Mays for drawing up our ideas...Levine Curry from Grainger for writing
us a grant for iPads...Maryam Brown and Jennifer Gauthier of Randolph College for securing
NVS an intern...Jan Meriwether of Randolph College for financing a grant writing
webinar...Amanda Denny of Randolph College for bringing us student landscaping volunteers...Neil Moore and J.B. Moore Electric for updating our lighting...Butch Royal for clearing
snow from our parking lot...Lynchburg College Bonners for Volunteering...Parents and Board
Members for completing the VAIS surveys…Ms. Arrington and Student Activities Council for
hosting Grandparents’ Day…Tricia Christiansen for art supplies and educational games.
CONGRATULATIONS!
Landon Roach—for winning the MLK, Jr. Challenge!
Carson D’Orio —for winning the Ronald V. Dolan citizenship award through The
Bank of the James—this award is granted to one senior out of every high school
based on good citizenship! Emelia Hytree for winning the “Why My Family
Is Special” essay contest sponsored by Presbyterian Homes &
Family Service and the Family Alliance. Lexi Maxwell-Jones for
winning third place in the Randolph College photo contest.
Nine Weeks Honor Roll
Scholars List - All A’s
Cole Werner
Semester Honor Roll
Scholars List - All A’s
Kenny Giles, Cole Werner
Honor Roll - A’s & B’s
Honor Roll - A’s & B’s
Jean Cook, Kenny Giles, Siri Johnson, Julia Kling
Brittany Blankenship, Jean Cook,
Corbin Hudson, Siri Johnson, Julia Kling,
Tristan Maxwell-Jones
VOL. 8, ISSUE 2
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FROM THE DEVELOPMENT OFFICE
Lynchburg Area Food Council approved a
grant to start a school garden here at New Vistas.
Thank you!
Levine Curry (pictured with Ms.
Jesser) submitted an employee
grant to the Grainger Foundation
for educational materials.
Thank You!
Retail Merchants
Association approved a
grant for the improvement
of lighting throughout New
Vistas. Thank You!
Memorial & Honorary Gifts (since 11/15/13)
IN HONOR OF MAC BOWDEN
Mrs. Jane Frost Bowden
IN MEMORY OF ALICE MACKAY
Mrs. Marjorie Mathys
IN HONOR OF CARSON AND GABBY
D’ORIO
Mr. and Mrs. Louis and Helen Amigo
IN HONOR OF PATTI McCUE
Mr. and Mrs. George and Rosemary Dawson
IN HONOR OF J.T. DUNCAN
Mr. and Mrs. T. Ashby Watts III
IN HONOR OF CHARLOTTE MORGAN
Ms. April Rickey
IN HONOR OF LUCY G. ROSS
Dr. Lewis A. Arthur
Dr. and Mrs. B. Prescott Edmunds, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Guenter and Pia Fietzke
Bryan and Mary Margaret Fosmark
Mr. and Mrs. Ronald G. Kidd, Jr.
IN MEMORY OF MARY GUGGENHEIMER
Mrs. Marjorie Mathys
IN MEMORY OF HAROLD GREBE
Ms. Nancy Faye Goodman
IN HONOR OF MAKAYLA THOMPSON
Mr. R. Frederick Porter
IN HONOR OF MARTHA AND
GEORGE TOMLIN
Mr. and Mrs. Ronald G. Kidd, Jr.
IN HONOR OF TRISTAN AND LEXI
MAXWELL– JONES
Mr. and Mrs. Randall and Bonnie Rolfe
Wish List
New Vistas School gladly accepts donations of supplies, materials, equipment, and other various products
and services. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Please contact the
Development Office at (434) 846-0301 Ext.17 if you have items you would like to donate.

HVAC Upgrade

School Bus

Refrigerator

Floor Refinishing
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VOL. 8, ISSUE 2
FROM THE DEVELOPMENT OFFICE
Annual Fundraiser: “The Feast”
On May 3, New Vistas School will host its annual spring fundraiser, “The Finger-Licking Feast,” which will take place at
Mountain Run Farm in Sedalia. This event has proven to be
the largest fundraiser for New Vistas. In 2013, the event
raised over $40,000!
This event features live music by The Skyler McCurley
Band, a scenic setting, and both a silent and live auction.
Delicious food will be prepared by “Cookin’ Fools”
Buzzy Coleman, William Davis, George Dawson,
John Flippin, Scott Garrett, Marc Schewel, and friends.
The live auction will have fabulous vacation lodgings, gourmet
dinners, sports tickets, and much, much more. The silent
auction will feature work from many of the area’s artists.
Gather your friends and make plans to join us on May 3rd at
4pm for an afternoon of food, fun, and friends. Tickets are
$75 per person and include unlimited food and drink.
To purchase tickets, call (434) 846-0301 x17 or visit
http://newvistasschool.org/feast.html.
Serve-A-Thon 2013 (See cover story)
IN HONOR OF DARRIUS BRADSHAW
Ms. Tracy B. Lumpkin
Mr. and Mrs. Linwood and Denise Stokes
IN HONOR OF TRISTIN HOLZHAUSER
Mr. and Mrs. Gregory and Judy Gear
Key Parts, Inc.
IN HONOR OF BRADLEY BROWN
Mr. and Mrs. John and Brenda Brown
IN HONOR OF ZACHARY HUDSON
Mrs. Nancy A. Hudson
Mr. and Mrs. Todd and Tami Hudson
Mr. Frederick George Spearin
IN HONOR OF AIDEN CAMDEN
Mr. and Mrs. William R. and Karen B. Cecil
Mr. and Mrs. Wesley and Melanie Woods
IN HONOR OF CARSON & GABBY D’ORIO
Mr. and Mrs. Robert C and Elizabeth D.D. Clarke
Ms. Anne L. Clendenon
Mr. Jerome and Mrs. Carole D’Orio
Mr. and Mrs. Scott D’Orio
IN HONOR OF CATHERINE FEDELER
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph and Carla Fedeler
IN HONOR OF JAY HUNT
Ms. Barbara Bluck
Mrs. Anthony Conlon
Ms. Constance Conlon
Mr. and Mrs. Ricky and Gail Gardner
Ms. Margaret C. Lane
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen McAdams
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Mohr
Mr. and Mrs. David Smith
Ms. Sherri Walker Thacker
Ms. Joan Vennemeyer
Mrs. Nora Webster and Ms. Marcy Webster
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IN HONOR OF EMELIA HYTREE
Mr. and Mrs. Gary Cook
Ms. Stacey Hytree
Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth LaVan
Mr. and Mrs. Donald Rankin
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Widynski
IN HONOR OF TRAVIS JOHNSON
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas and Peggy Brown
IN HONOR OF LEXI & TRISTIN
MAXWELL-JONES
Mr. and Mrs. Randall Rolfe
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IN HONOR OF JESSICA TIDWELL
Anonymous
Mr. and Mrs. Richard and Patty Fortune
Mr. Kenneth Tidwell
Mr. Randy Tidwell
Mr. Rudolph Tidwell, Sr
Ms. Edith Welling
IN HONOR OF TREY WILLIAMS
Mr. and Mrs. William and Judith Baker
Mr. Bobby Culbertson
Mr. and Mrs. Fredric Ensworth
Mr. and Mrs. Dennis and Glenda Gragg
Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Webb
IN HONOR OF GABE MOORE
Mr. and Mrs. Michael and Allison Moore
Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Moore
Mr. and Mrs. Geoffrey Taylor
IN HONOR OF AIDAN PICK
Mr. and Mrs. Joe and Anne Coleman
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas and Rebecca Duncan
Mr. and Mrs. David Judy
Mr. and Mrs. Ronald G. Kidd, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Rufus and Bonnie Parker, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Gary W. Pick
Mr. and Mrs. George and Ethel Pick
Mr. and Mrs. Walter and Alva Pick
Dr. and Mrs. William and Sonya Prillaman, III
Ms. Camelia D. Skinner
Ms. Sandra Rae Tall
Mr. and Mrs. James C. and Betty N. Thompson
Mrs. Betty B. Wooldridge
Ms. DeJarnette and Miss Brookes at Kids’ Haven
Mrs. Roy and Mrs. Morgan at Awareness Garden
Good friends Landon Roach and Aidan Pick raking leaves at
New Vistas.
Mrs. Bell, Courtney, Siri, Lexi, Ale and Brittany at
Lynchburg Daily Bread
Don’t forget these dates!
2014
April 14-18: School Closed; Spring Break
April 30: Science Fair
May 3: The Finger-Licking Feast Fundraiser
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Suny Monk, Chair
Ford Mays, Vice Chair
Terry Marsh, Treasurer
Lois Asensio
Mason Basten
Glenn Buck
Bob Gillette
Justin Mays
Patti McCue
Neil Moore
Wendy Moseley
Larry Ouellette
Stevie Savage
Consuella Woods
May 9: Can Do Night
May 22-28: Exams
May 26: School Closed; Memorial Day Holiday
May 29: All School Fun Day
May 30: Last Day of School - Commencement
PERMIT No. 235
LYNCHBURG, VA
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