Week of March 26, 2012

The Williams School works with each child to build an enduring foundation for academic, moral, and social success. Williams School students embody integrity, confidence, discipline, and a love of learning.
Honor before Honors

Dear Williams School Families, We are running this letter again to make sure that all of our families, both current and new, are aware of our zoning issues and the implications involved should the schools zoning change.
In November it came to our attention that a zoning change from Permitted to Special Exception was approved by the City Planning Commission and forwarded on November 22, 2011 to the Norfolk City Council for consideration. The city council pulled the zoning change and tabled the request for future consideration recognizing that the change might compromise the school. This zoning change was initiated by the Ghent Neighborhood League. This request was not meant to harm Williams but to eliminate the possibility of other schools coming into our area and changing single family homes into a school. Changing our status to Special Exception would mean that no other elementary schools would be able to come into the neighborhood therefore preserving the remaining historic homes. As a result, an ad hoc Zoning Committee was formed to examine the implications of a zoning change. As good neighbors we wanted to see, without compromising the future of the school, if we could oblige the Ghent Neighborhood Leagues request and accept the Special Exemption status. After several fact finding meetings and discussions, the committee members met with Ghent Neighborhood League representatives concerning the City of Norfolk use table and the schools use status. It was the hope of the committee that by working together we might find a solution that would meet the needs of both the Ghent Neighborhood League and The Williams School. After the meeting, the committee decided that it was in the best interest of the school for the zoning status to remain as Permitted Use. The Williams School Board of Trustees voted unanimously in support of the committees decision. The following is an excerpt of the letter being sent to the GNL stating the schools position: We understand that you wish to change the zoning of our Hague neighborhood to include a provision that no schools will be permitted. Since The Williams School has been a good neighbor since 1927, we appreciate that your intent is not for us to cease to exist. Unfortunately, the grandfathering and Special Exception designation suggested brings with it three severe consequences for us: the inability to continue as a school if a significant portion of our building or buildings were damaged by fire, tornado, flood, or natural disaster; the threat to our insurance and bond covenants; and the limiting of our flexibility in the future years of the school to improve our physical facilities. As a result we wish to maintain our current status of "permitted use." We hold out hope that by working together we can find a solution. Our special committee formed to study the zoning has met for the past three months. We appreciate your time to meet with us on February 13, 2012 to insure that we fully understand your needs. We continue to search for a possible solution, such as the suggestion made that since The Williams School is an historic school, a singular zoning be designed that would preserve our rights while prohibiting schools other than The Williams School from locating within the HC-G1 district. While this may not be feasible at this time from a zoning standpoint, we hope that an equally creative alternative can be devised that will serve both organizations. With that in mind, we are asking our TWS families, living in the Ghent historic areas, to join the school in becoming a member of the Ghent Neighborhood League. A strong membership showing would demonstrate the schools commitment to being a community partner and supportive member of the GNL. Promoting our common interest to have a healthy, safe, happy neighborhood, and by sharing ideas and communicating well with each other, we are confident that we can achieve our shared goal. If you are interested in joining, the information appears later in the Broadcast.

Have a wonderful weekend! Melanie

THIS WEEK Monday, March 26th Dress Down Day 8th grade fundraiser Music Rehearsal in MPR - 1:25 2:25 Boys Tennis vs. Cape Henry @ Fergus Reed 4:00 PM Boys Lacrosse vs. Cape Henry @ Bluebird 4:00 PM Tuesday, March 27th Musical rehearsal 4th 8th from 8:30 -10:30 AM at Chrysler Museum Girls on the Run 3:00 4:30 PM Library Girls Soccer Practice @ Bluebird 3:30-5:00 PM Wednesday, March 28th No Assembly today Musical rehearsal 4th 8th from 1:00 -3:00 PM at Chrysler Museum Young Yogis Yoga 3:00-4:00 PM in MPR Boys Tennis vs./@ Norfolk Academy 4:00 PM Boys Lacrosse Practice @ Bluebird 3:30-4:50 PM Thursday, March 29th Musical rehearsal 4th 8th from 8:30 -11:00 AM at Chrysler Museum Girls on the Run 3:00 4:30 PM Library Girls Soccer vs. Beach @ Bluebird 4:00PM Friday, March 30th Musical rehearsal 4th 8th from 8:30 -11:00 AM at Chrysler Museum School Musical 7:00 PM (Teachers 6:15 PM/Student Performers 6:30 PM) Boys Lacrosse vs. Norfolk Academy @ Blue Bird 4:00 PM NEXT WEEK Monday, April 2nd Boys Tennis Practice @ Fergus Reed 3:30-5:00 PM Boys Lacrosse Practice @ Bluebird 3:30-4:50 PM Tuesday, April 3rd GOTR @ 3:00-4:30 PM Library Girls Soccer vs. Norfolk Christian @ Bluebird 4:00 PM Wednesday, April 4th Teacher Appreciation Luncheon Boys Tennis Practice @ Fergus Reed 3:30-5:00 PM Boys Lacrosse Practice @ Bluebird 3:30-4:50 PM Young Yogis Yoga 3:00-4:00 PM in MPR Thursday, April 5th GOTR @ 3:00-4:30 PM Library Boys Tennis vs./@ Norfolk Collegiate 4:00 PM Girls Soccer vs./@ Norfolk Collegiate 4:00 PM Friday, April 6th No School Good Friday- Camp Williams Available LOOKING AHEAD Monday, April 9th No School Easter Monday Camp Williams Available Tuesday, April 10th Girls Soccer vs. BEACH @ PAC 4:00 PM GOTR @ 3:00-4:30 PM Library Wednesday, April 11th SCA Talent Show SCA Dress Down Day All proceeds will be donated to For Kids Young Yogis Yoga 3:00-4:00 PM in MPR Boys Tennis vs. Norfolk Academy @ Fergus Reed 4:00 PM Boys Lacrosse vs./@ Norfolk Collegiate 4:00 PM

Dear Parents, We are so excited to share GREASE with you. Sudents have been giving up their breaks, parcticing during lunch between bites and practicing at home. It is going to be great! We want this experience to be as just as much fun for you. Costuming for the musical should be very easy. Boys may wear white short sleeve t-shirts, with the sleves rolled up, jeans with the cuff rolled up and converse high top type gym shoes, a black leather jacket if you have one and of course, grease in their hair . Girls may also wear jeans with the cuff rolled up or a knee length skirt and a blouse with a scarf at the neck or in the hair. The cheerleader girls will have letter shirts. We have also ordered 6 Pink Lady jackets for the pink ladies which will be for sale for $20 each after the musical if you wish to purchase one. These are stage prop quality. Any form of this attair is great. Please do not feel like you have to spend extra money or stress. Just make it simple and fun. Wop ba-ba lu-bop a wop bam boom!

Talent Show April 11th during Assembly SCA members went around today and handed out talent show forms. SCA will start collecting forms and auditioning acts next week. The registration fee for each act is $5.00. All proceeds will be donated to ForKids.

Thursday, April 12th Girls Soccer vs. Cape Henry @ Bluebird Field 4:00 PM GOTR @ 3:00-4:30 PM Library Friday, April 13th Girls Soccer vs./@ Norfolk Christian 4:00 PM

The Shamrock Operation Smile Final Mile is the culmination of an ongoing running and walking program for elementary aged children which promotes lifelong fitness and combats childhood obesity. Participants run the "final mile" of the marathon on race day, finishing in the same place as the Shamrock marathoners who will run the following day. Many children also raise money for the event's title sponsor, Operation Smile, making it possible for children just like themselves to receive new smiles and to live happier and healthier lives. These young fundraisers learn at an early age the rewards of helping others. Thank you Emalee and Ben Stickney for organizing the TWS team!

A big THANK YOU! to Joel English (Caroline 12 and Luke 15) for meeting with our 8th grade lunch jam students in his spare time on several Saturdays. Your gift of time and talent to our students does not go unnoticed. Check out our Lunch Jam students! http://youtu.be/FX1R1u89mTU
Dear Williams School families, Financial Aid forms are due in to the business office no later than March 23. All necessary forms can be found on the website on the admissions page. Here is the link for FAST if you are interested in applying for financial aid - http://ismfast.com/. The Williams School provides transportation to most areas of Norfolk and Portsmouth, and to some areas of Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and Suffolk. In an effort to establish the bus routes for the 2012-2013 school year, we are asking families to give us feedback regarding bus transportation needs. Please complete this short survey by March 23rd to help us determine bus transportation needs for the 2012-2013 school year https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/VMSK7V2 Should you have questions about financial aid or bus transportation, please feel free to phone me. Thank you, Tova Lefkowitz Business Manager

Save the Date! April 27th - Race to Nowhere continued

a follow-up panel discussion, moderated by our very own Mike Spencer, is in the planning stages. Save the date and stay tuned for developing details.

Ghent Neighborhood League Please remember, just as we help each other within the school, it is also as important to help others within our school neighborhood. It is right to be an active part of the neighboring community to which the school belongs. With that in mind, we are asking our TWS families to join the school in becoming a member of the Ghent Neighborhood League. A strong membership showing would demonstrate the schools commitment to being a community partner and supportive member of the GNL. The GNL is a civic association for the area bound by the Hague, Colonial Avenue, south of 21st Street and Hampton Boulevard. The membership fee is $10 a year. Membership is open to all property owners and renters living within this area. Membership $10.00 per year Receives one vote in elections http://ghentva.org/ Please remit membership to Address: Ghent Neighborhood League P.O. Box 11431 Norfolk, Virginia 23517

Keeping Williams Green

The Williams School is working to achieve the highest level (and beyond!) recognition as a River Star organization with the Elizabeth River Project. We hope all eligible Williams School families in the Elizabeth River watershed will become RiverStar homes. You may sign up with Sally Marr or at http://elizabethriver.org/RiverStars/default.aspx . More info to come. Mark your calendars for the 2nd Annual Riverfest. First graders are painting a rain barrel to be auctioned off at RiverFest on April 28. Check out the rain barrel the first grade painted in art to be auctioned off at the Riverfest on April 28th to support The Elizabeth River Project.

Coming up on Saturday, April 21st - Global Youth Service Day through Volunteer Hampton Roads - Join VOLUNTEER
Hampton Roads as they celebrate the 13th Annual Global Youth Service Day. This event engages local youth in volunteering and environmental stewardship. Adult volunteers serve as mentors to the youth participants. Projects are available in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Portsmouth and Chesapeake. Space is limited at each site, so register now to get your first choice location! Select the link to register:

http://www.volunteerhr.org/VHR_Global_Youth_Service

http://zerowastehome.blogspot.com/p/tips.html

A message from Mrs. Adams regarding a summer camp opportunity:

iD Tech Camps is offering summer technology camps for students age 7 and up. If you are interested, the flyers are on the buffet by the front stairs in Old Main. Camps being offered for ages 7-17 include: The Video Game Designer, The App Programmer, The Robotics Engineer, The Filmmaker, The Designer and The 3D Animator. Camps being offered for ages 13 and up include: iD Gaming Academy, iD Programming Academy and iD Visual Arts Academy There is a charge for the camps, but a discount is being offered if you register before May 2. The website is http://www.internaldrive.com and the telephone is 1-888-709-TECH (8324).
TWS is not endorsing or recommending the camps, but merely providing this as information

Linda Ungvarsky, not skipping a beat after auction preparations were completed, organized a collaborative project with Thaler McCormick (parent) for the For Kids cause. For Kids students joined several TWS students after school to complete a collaborative piece of art that will be auctioned off at the 2012 For Kids Art Auction and Casino Night fundraiser.

Step Up for The Up Center

The Williams School will sponsor a stair climb team this year, as we did in 2011 (see photos above). We are happy to support The Up Center and their efforts to help our community. Please join us!

When:

Sunday, March 25, 2012 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. overall see specifics below: Competitive participant start times: (Competitive participants may join the TWS team) 9:15 a.m.- 100 story competitors 10:15 a.m. - 50 story competitors 11:15 a.m.- 25 story competitors TWS Team Non-Competitive Start Time: (Both competitive and non-competitive participants may join the TWS team they will simply compete at separate times) 9:30 am for non-competitive participants

Where: Who:

Dominion Tower, 999 Waterside Drive, Norfolk, VA 23510 (Parking is available in the garage next to the building) TWS Team Includes students (age 8 and above) and adults Includes competitive and non-competitive participants Meet Julianne Casey at 9:15 am in front of Vintage Kitchen (lobby of Dominion Towers) The Up Center serves our community, helping to protect children, strengthen families, empower people in crisis and help those with disabilities live life as fully and independently as possible. Many of our TWS families are very involved with the Up Center on a volunteer or professional basis. TWS Team donations are shared equally between the Up Center and TWS and are tax deductible. Go to www.theupcenter.com Click on HOW TO HELP in the bar across the top Click on SUPPORT OUR EVENTS in the dropdown list Click on STEP UP FOR THE UP CENTER 2012 Click on the blue REGISTER NOW button at left Click on JOIN AN EXISTING TEAM in the right-hand column Scroll down the list of teams to find The Williams School Click on the JOIN button and follow the prompts. Donations to the Williams School Team are shared equally between TWS and the Up Center. When you register, you will be asked if you would like to donate and you may designate your donation to The Williams School team. OR If youve already registered or would simply like to support the TWS Team and the Up Center: Go to www.theupcenter.com Click on HOW TO HELP in the bar across the top Click on SUPPORT OUR EVENTS in the dropdown list Click on STEP UP FOR THE UP CENTER 2012 Click on FUNDRAISING in the list at left Click on the blue DONATE NOW button at left Scroll down to Team Fundraising Pages and then to The Williams School Click on the DONATE NOW button and follow the prompts. Julianne Casey (through Sunday, March 25 jcasey@thewilliamsschool.org).

Why:

How:

Donate:

Contact:

THANK YOU! Your support is doubled, very important, and very much appreciated! Thank you!

Educational Opportunity - This program is appropriate for 6th graders through adults.

What We Carry
Sunday, March 25, 2012 | 3 PM Free and open to the public. TCC Roper Performing Arts Center 340 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 Reception sponsored by TCC immediately following the screening. Following the world premiere of our film at The Simon Wiesenthal Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles, we will introduce the new documentary, What We Carry to Hampton Roads. Created in partnership with two award-winning filmmakers, this groundbreaking film captures the stories of four local Holocaust survivors. The 63-minute documentary was developed for the Holocaust Commission's innovative program by the same name. The educational program helps students know heroes of the Holocaust, not as far-off historical characters, but as individuals living among us. The premiere is FREE and open to the public, thanks to the generosity of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and Tidewater Community College. Reservations are recommended.* *For reservations or more information, please contact Jan Johnson at 757-321-2323 or jjohnson@ujft.org

CAMP WILLIAMS
$45.00 per day Led By Sally Marr and Ann Daly Fees, lunch and snack are included. 8:30am-5:30pm* Outdoor activities are, of course, dependent on the weather! Please make checks payable to Sally Marr.

Friday, April 6, 2012

No School Good Friday Spring/Easter Craft Fun Ride the Tide, Ride the Ferry, Lunch at school or a picnic Virginia Sports Hall of Fame from 12-2 p.m. We will leave school at 9:30 and return by 3:30

Monday, April 9, 2012

No School Easter Monday Fun at the Beach and Playground Adventure First Landing State Park, Lunch on the Town Bayville Park and Kids Cove We will leave school at 9:30 and return by 3:30
-*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, April 3, 2012. 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 at all times during the day. You may also contact Chris Cooper, 434-0614 on Friday and on Monday, Sally Marr at 287-6488. -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!

For those of you not able to join us at the auction on February 25th, we report a spectacular trip to LONDON and tremendous results for our students and programs at The Williams School. Thank you to all who worked so hard to make it such a lovely event. Here are some offerings and opportunities available via email. Please consider helping our school by your participation. ROOM WITH A VIEW: When faculty members were asked their greatest wish for The Williams School, the resounding reply was "More room!" Converting our Humanities Center screened porch into a functioning classroom is our only option and our immediate goal. Please help us by throwing in your tuppence with ours to help us give young minds room to grow. Please email Meredith at mlauter@thewilliamsschool.org. Thank you! Opportunities to share in the building are: Buy a Stud (such a deal there!) $2,500 Windows to the World $2,000 Piece of Promethean $1,500 Wires & Wireless $1,000 Desks & Chairs $ 750 Sheet Rock $ 500 Floor Boards $ 250 Roof Shingles $ 100 Box of Nails $ 50 Paint $ 25 SIGN-UP PARTIES (A few spots remain for these GREAT parties): Hague Pub Crawl: May 12, 2012
A Progressive Pub Crawl around the Hague, with food and beverages offered by your successive hosts to entice you as you travel from home to home. The festivities will begin at the Findlays with Paul and Mia Robinson as co-hosts, progress to the Whitmores, then move to the Birknes home with the Shawyers and the Ryans as co-hosts. Mode of transportation is on foot; crawling is optional. Party is for 50 people at $75 per person.

Scavenger Hunt: September 22, 2012

Back by VERY popular demand, with an "Uptown Twist", this unforgettable evening on September 22, 2012 will include a scavenger hunt for up to thirty people. Personal drivers will conduct our lucky players through Norfolk as teams try to solve the clever clues and unearth silly treasures. Dinner, adult beverages and delicious desserts will be provided. A night of frivolity and fun not to be missed! Price is $75 per person. Due to the frivolous nature of this event, the invitation is restricted to our TWS family members and sign-up is limited to the first thirty (30) people. Your Hosts and Hostesses: Clay and Kristine Beers, Clifton and Anne-Randolph Harrell, Michelle and Jason Hirschfeld, Jon and Tracie Pruden, David and Kathy Shelton, Ken and Julie Tiffany, Anne Marie and Brian Wynne.

Benjack's Fall Farm Party: October 27, 2012

Come join the Benjacks at their farm in Franklin for a Pig Pick'n on Saturday, October 27, 2012. Feel free to bring a tent and spend the night. Kids will have a ball running around with opportunities to pet sheep and chickens. See cows grazing and even go fishing if you bring a pole. There are trails in the woods to walk through and even a zip line. Take a hayride out to the pumpkin patch where we hope to provide a pumpkin for every family. BYOB. Speaking from experience, you might want to bring your kids a change of clothes. Cost is $150 per family and this event is limited to 75 families. Expires: 10/27/2012

ITEMS FOR SALE:

We have listed these at the MINIMUM bids. Items will be sold first come, first served, by time listed on the email. Thank you! #156 1 Wellness Workout at Norfolk Acupuncture & Therapeutic Massage, $30 #105 60-day Membership & Lunch at Town Point Club, $150 #131 Mini Facial & Frankincense Collection - Jayne Luna & NYR Organics, $30 #370 $150 GC 1 In-Studio Portrait Session at Holman's Photography Studio, $80 #371 $150 GC & 1 Environmental Portrait Session at Holman's Photography Studio, $80 #367 $1,000 GC for Andrew Carney Portrait, $250 #368 $1,000 GC for Andrew Carney Portrait, $250 #336 Family Membership at The Little Gym & 4 Classes, $30 #369 GC Foto by Eva, $100 #372 GC Foto by Eva, $100 #260 Gregory M. Hutchins, Orthodontist, $65 #109 $100 GC to Catch 31, $100 #204 Hand-Fabricated Toni Henkel "Fiona" Shoulder Handbag: $200 Please email Meredith at mlauter@thewilliamsschool.org if you are interested.

You just never know where Mrs. Hastings will turn up. Look who she ran into last weekend!