Since spring break, first graders were immersed in the study of the fantasy genre and worked collaboratively to spark ideas about setting, plot, and characters. The writing process consisted of pre-writing, first drafts, revision, editing, final draft, and publishing. The completion of each step was documented with a sticker on a “World of Dragons” card to mark each author’s progress.

Through this culminating first grade project, students became familiar with fairy tales, trickster tales, and pour quoi tales, of which they could choose the theme of their stories. First grade teachers Janice Krochmal, Kelsey Madges, and literacy leader Kay Hetzer  guided the students throughout the creative process and taught them the elements of fantasy. The collaborative stories written by the students under each of the three genres are showcased in the hallways along with depictions and decorations. The annual project exercises use of writing skills, imagination, individuality, and creativity.

Miller’s initiative to disseminate anti-bullying messages reflects the school’s mission to cultivate compassionate global citizens, and the community celebrates her efforts and accomplishments.

Before the summer reading discussion begins, Community Partnership will discuss how the MVS community can support the school through Amazon.

Student Government will host “Charity Challenge,” a charity competition field day, on May 23. After the conclusion of AP exam weeks, students will compete in various events, gaining points for their teams. The winning team will donate a large sum of money to their choice of philanthropic organizations.

“In order to be compassionate global citizens, we must be philanthropic citizens,” said Macy Merle ’13, student body co-president. With this mission in mind, Merle, Student Government representatives, and Coordinator of Community Outreach and Service Learning Paige Zorniger designed a field day where students can learn about the importance and benefits of philanthropy in an interactive and fun setting.

The upper school will be divided into eight teams and senior team captains will lead these teams through various events, including basketball, soccer, quiz bowl, relay races, and more. “After all of these events, the team with the most wins will have the opportunity to choose where the upper school donates our funds,” said Merle.

Throughout the year, Student Government has held various fund-raising events in preparation for this event. In addition to its own funds, Student Government has found donors who will match any amount the organization raises. “By the time of the event, we will have raised approximately $3,000 to be donated.”

All events will take place on the afternoon of Thursday, May 23. The “Charity Challenge” will replace all afternoon classes.

For the full story, pick up a copy of Phloem & Xylem at the front desk.

Five other tennis coaches in the country were recognized for their stellar records, four of them from New Jersey and one from Ohio; however, Romeo holds the record for number of wins.

“Although MVS has reached its participation goal, we still have our financial goal of $400,000 to work toward,” says Raines. The Development Office has worked hard this year to educate the MVS community about The MVS Fund and the ways in which it impacts the school. “Because participation is just as important as the total dollars raised, every gift is truly important, no matter the size.”

Join MVS in celebrating a record high achievement and partner with the MVS community in contributing and investing in the school’s future.

Award winners will be announced on May 14 at the annual BBB Eclipse Integrity Awards event.

Paralyzed from the neck down by a spinal cord tumor at the age of six, Dunnigan spent most of her first grade year in a hospital and rehabilitation center. Told by multiple doctors and therapists that she could potentially go through life dependent on a ventilator, feeding tube, and be wheelchair-bound for the remainder of her life, Dunnigan has spent the past seven years working to prove them wrong. Most recently, in the spring of 2012 she spent three months working with the NeuroRecovery Network, an intensive rehabilitation program supported by the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. Every weekday for three months she endured a grueling workout in Columbus, and by the end, she accomplished her goal of no longer using her crutches.

Dunnigan will participate in her first-ever road race on Saturday, April 27 at the Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon. Unlike most of the competitors, she does not hope to complete 26.2 or 13.1 miles. Instead, she will work to meet her goal of walking half a mile without crutches, a feat once considered impossible. She and her mother, Laura, will be part of Team Reeve, a group of individuals who have dedicated themselves to raising funds for the foundation and its efforts to cure spinal cord injury and improve the quality of life for people living with paralysis.

“Obviously my spinal cord injury affects me in many ways, primarily in what I am able to do physically and the fact that I no longer sweat,” says Dunnigan. “Things that most people take for granted can be really tough or impossible for me. But I know I’m a hard worker and I hope people will be inspired by what I and others with spinal cord injuries can do. I love that I continue to do what so many people never thought I would.”

Spring Fling will be held on the same day for early childhood and lower school families only. Festivities begin at 12:00 p.m. and include bounce houses, a cake walk, carnival games, and more. To purchase tickets using the following form, to be completed and submitted by Friday, April 19.

The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. with new, original songs by MVS artist-in-residence, songwriter, and naturalist Chris Rowlands. Afterward, MVS will recognize bird blind donors John and Beth Ey P’08, ’11 and project volunteer coordinator Kerry Sutton. Tours of the OEC and children’s activities will follow until 6:30. In addition, the lower school spring concert will take place in the Lane Gym at 7:00. Songs will reflect science learning.