Traditions

Posted by Harrell on 9 November 2011 | 0 Comments

Even though our school is only fourteen years old we have developed several annual events that we cherish and anticipate. In the past week we have celebrated two traditions and next week we launch a brand new one.

Cafe Night began in 2003 at Cole Park in the large space next to Mr. Temple's classroom. Mrs. Little fondly remembers table cloths and candles, as well as fine entertainment. As the years passed and the event grew, Cafe Night was held off-campus at venues like Carolina Meadows and Sunrise Church. Last Thursday night we enjoyed our fourth Cafe Night in the amazing Great Room on Woodland Grove Lane. The PTSA has been a proud sponsor of this event for many, many years, and we appreciate their ongoing support. Ben, Sierra, Ethan, Sophia, Jen, Jane, Kris, Wiley, Ada, Lena, Bailey, Julia, Kate, Mia, Caroline, Heidi, Danielle, Rose, Ruby, Elena, Van, Deuce, Chase, Rhiannon, Cordelia, Victoria, Eliza, Sera, Samantha, Patrick, Maggie, Tyler, Kevin, Sean, Ben, David, Emma, Elise, Max, Robert, Anna, Emma, Elly, Matti, Sophie, Grace, Elena, Alex, Daniella, Henry, Robert, Anna, Madi, Casey, Jacob, Laja, Juliana, Tina, Dylan, Caleb, Matt, and Nick -- thank you for sharing your talents with our school community. Mr. Etherington and Ms. Vaughan deserve special thanks for planning and skillful direction. Thank you all for keeping this great tradition alive! Most human beings (but not our Kindergarteners!) are fearful of speaking or performing in public. Cafe Night is an opportunity to break through the fear to share talent in public. This is a skill that lasts a lifetime and enriches our community. Bravo!

Three years ago Ms. Zickefoose decided to create a 5K run for her PE classes. This year's third annual WCS 5K Run featured a kickoff song by "JZ" (aka Mr. Jester and Ms. Z) with special lyrics sung to the tune of "Can't Stop Believin'," a Woods favorite. Five kilometers later, our PE students can truly say they have "been there, done that" and now they have the T-shirt. Running and participating in such an event is another life-long skill which will reap benefits for years to come.

Are you interested in Presidential politics (and who isn't)? Next Tuesday evening, the WCS Foundation launches a new tradition. Here at Woods on Tuesday, November 15th, at 6:30 p.m. we welcome Walter Mears to speak to our community in a FREE event open to the public-at-large. Although this event is free, reservations are required online at www.woodscharterfoundation.org . Walter Mears is a Pulitzer-Prize-winning journalist and former DC Bureau Chief for the Associated Press. His talk, "Deadlines Past: A Story of Presidential Campaigns," features stories from a lifetime of investigative journalism. Don't miss it.

Woods Charter School is known for a commitment to community and strong academic work. In addition to continuing to strengthen our community and academics, we strive to cultivate traditions that enrich us and prepare us for the world beyond WCS. Thank you for doing your part to keep our traditions alive and to help us start new ones.