“St. Andrew’s School offers venerable innovation”

There was an opinion piece in today’s Times Dispatch newspaper on the St. Andrew’s School, written by St. Andrew’s School headmaster Cyndy Weldon-Lassiter, Ed.D.

Here is the beginning excerpt:

In 1894, confident in her belief that a solid education was essential in preparing the children of the working poor to overcome their circumstances and lead improved lives, social reformer and philanthropist Grace Arents founded St. Andrew’s School in Richmond’s Oregon Hill. The school was available to the children of the neighborhood at no cost to their financially struggling families.
As the school celebrates its 120th anniversary this year, the original mission remains unchanged: to educate children from low-income families through a full scholarship for every child. And its progressive approach to education, firmly rooted in 21st-century best practices, nonetheless still reflects much of Ms. Arents’ philosophical underpinnings from the 1890s.

St. Andrew’s School Embarks On Fundraising Campaign

From Richmond Bizsense article:

St. Andrew’s School in Oregon Hill is trying to raise $1.2 million to fund some major repairs to its 110-year-old South Cherry Street schoolhouse. The school was founded in 1894 by Grace Arents, heir to the fortune of her uncle, Richmond businessman and fellow philanthropist Lewis Ginter.

Students at St. Andrew’s come from low-income local families, and the school’s mission is to provide them with a quality, progressive education as an alternative to their assigned public school. All students are given full scholarships, and the school provides free breakfast, lunch and a snack each school day.

“The caliber of our education is really high,” said Michelle Rosman, St. Andrew’s director of communications. “We’re trying to get the building and surroundings to match up with that.”

St. Andrew’s School’s “Blessing of the Backpacks”

These photos appeared on the St. Andrew’s School FaceBook page:

Today was our first Family Chapel of the year, over in the “Big Church” (St. Andrew’s Church) and the official “Blessing of the Backpacks”. Sweetest thing you’ve ever seen! We also love our new school chaplain, Mrs. Davis. We’re so glad you’re here with us. And thank you to all the families who were able to make it!

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St. Andrew’s School Reunion On Friday

From St. Andrew’s School event page:

When
Friday June 20, 2014
Service at St. Andrew’s Church – 6:30PM
St. Andrew’s School Reunion – 7:30 to 8:30 PM

Where
St. Andrew’s School
227 S. Cherry Street
Richmond, VA 23220
(Service is next door at St. Andrew’s Church)

The inaugural St. Andrew’s School Reunion will reunite and celebrate current and former students, teachers, staff, volunteers and friends. Join us for refreshments, updates and a school tour. Guests are invited to attend the Grace Arents Commemorative service at St. Andrew’s Church, 6:30pm, prior to the Reunion.

The service will be followed by a brief talk about the history of Grace Arents and her meaningful work in Richmond. Families and children who prefer not to remain for the speaker are welcome to play on the playground after the service ends and before the reunion begins in Baldwin Hall. We hope to see you!

2nd Grade Violin Debut

From St. Andrew’s School blog:

All St. Andrew’s School students have been learning to play the violin this year. Today, the second grade class showcased their achievements in a small group recital where they performed for an audience that included the 5th grade class, parents, staff, and teachers.

Ms. Ellerbe, our Music teacher, has been teaching the children to play the violin in small groups (up to eight children) twice per week. For today’s recital, she lead each group as they performed, Pizzicato (named for a playing technique that involves plucking the strings of the violin ), Mary Had a Little Lamb, and Hot Cross Buns. Performances by each group were captured and are featured below.

After a very successful debut, the children are now looking forward to performing again at the Spring Concert. The concert will be held in Baldwin Hall on Monday, May 19, from 6:00-7:00 p.m. (it will begin after the Family Association Meeting and Dinner).

There’s also been otter sightings outside the school:

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From their Facebook page:

The Otter Closet will sell gently used clothing…but here’s the cool part: proceeds will be divided and half will support our school’s violin program while the other half is donated to Full Circle Grief Center. In addition, students will help run the shop, incorporating their economics lessons into this real-life effort. Everybody benefits!