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The Gift of Failure
By Deborah Jessee, Assistant Head of School for Academics
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Recently, I attended the annual VAIS conference and had the opportunity to share with, and learn from, peer schools and educators from around the state. Of particular interest to me was the keynote address on “The Gift of Failure” presented by Janet Lahey. Ms. Lahey, a parent, educator, speaker and writer explored the value of setbacks within a supportive network as opportunities to develop autonomy and confidence.
As I reflect on the points made in the address, I can’t help but think of the network of support we provide our students. For example, the Upper School’s assembly prior to Homecoming and Mr. Thompson’s comments to students centered around cheering, playing hard, having fun, and making good choices. His comments were bookended by Dr. Proctor sharing his pride in the spirit displayed over the weekend and joy in seeing them safe and sound on Monday morning.
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The Times, They Are a Changin' — Adjust your Calendars
This summer, our online calendar stated that next Friday, November 4, was an early dismissal day for professional development reasons. Due to shifts in scheduling this is no longer the case and school on November 4 is scheduled as usual and is reflected in the hard copy and the updated online calendars. Please make a note. Also, the Lower School Halloween parade, previously scheduled to begin at 10, will now start at 8:30 so our Senior Buddies can attend. We hope you'll stay and watch as well if you're dropping off that morning!
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Meet Me Mondays: Drop off Items for Big Flea
Meet Me Mondays is back in full swing! The shed has been cleaned out and organized to make room for your unwanted treasures. Simply stop by the storage shed (as you enter from the main entrance, take the first right turn in front of the Upper School, go past Fishwick Tennis Center and Thomas Field, and it will be on the right side across from Porterfield Field) on Monday afternoons from 3-4 and someone will be there to help you unload your donations.
Donations are tax-deductible and proceeds from the sale benefit North Cross School and the Parents’ Association. Please contact Elise DeMoss at (540) 529-9285 if you have any questions or would like to arrange for a pickup of large furniture or appliances.
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Holiday Greenery Sale is Back!
 Get some gorgeous greenery and other items from Townside Gardens to spruce up your home for the holidays, or as gifts for your favorite teachers or co-workers, at this year's Boosters Greenery Sale. Orders are due by Wednesday, November 16th and are able to be picked up at the CAC on Tuesday afternoon, November 29, just stop by before carpool! You can download the order form here. The proceeds support the Athletic programs at North Cross School.
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DeHart Project Speeches: 20 minutes, months in the making
 This week, the Upper School, its faculty and other members of our community attended the first two DeHart Project presentations of the academic year: Wednesday, Albert Newberry presented his topic: The Music of Man in which he defined and presented a brief history of music and the impact the recording industry has had on the appreciation and distribution of music. He peppered his speech with short performances using various instruments to illustrate his points.
Today, Rosalie Zhao (above) presented a different musical topic entitled High Mountains and Flowing Rivers, which began with her performance of classic Chinese music piece by the same name played on the traditional Chinese guzheng, a zither like instrument seen in the picture inset. Her discussion addressed the impact of its music on the culture during the economies of the Qin and Tang Dynasties. Both talks and a brief video of Rosalie's opening piece will be available to listen to onCampus in the coming days.
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When a Second Language Can Open Many Doors
Master Sergeant Bifredo Barros came to Carrie Greer's Middle School Spanish classes last Friday to discuss how language can be used as a tool in many different areas of life. He shared his experiences of how he has used Spanish in his military career after growing up in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Students enjoyed hearing about the different countries he has visited, the biological benefits for those who speak a second language and how being bilingual has helped him through his travels. We thank him for taking the time to inspire our students to think beyond the classroom.
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If These Walls Could Talk …
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… We'd learn a lot! Walking through the hallways of Ellis Hall, there are so many colorful and informative examples of the work our younger students have been doing. Take a walk through by clicking below.
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Snapshot: In their Own Words
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For the past 7 weeks, second graders have been crafting narrative stories using the writing process. The students spent time planning and drafting our experiences then moved into revision by adding more details. They then edited their own work independently as well as collaborating with their peers and finally published their final pieces. We celebrated by sharing our stories with the class in a "Publishing Party" last Friday (shown above is Mrs. Greear's class with their finished works).
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Staff Story: Reed McGinn
 Shown right: Reed with her daughter Ainsley ’20 on Twin Day during last year's spirit week for Homecoming.
Education: University of Virginia—B.A.
Current Position: Assistant to the Director of the Middle School, Special Events Coordinator
Year Appointed: 2012
Hometown: I was born in Washington, DC, but I grew up on a thoroughbred horse farm in Bedford County. We had flat racers, steeplechasers, foxhunters, broodmares, show horses, three-day eventers, chickens, pigs, and cattle. I don't have the Bedford County accent—likely because we have cousins who lived all over the world, and I traveled a LOT.
Passion: I have a myriad of passions! As everyone knows I am a rabid lacrosse fan; I still love the smell of horses; I knit at every opportunity; I am actually enjoying the antics of this year's presidential politics; I raised a macaw from an egg and have adopted three more birds; I read voraciously—and I really, truly like people.
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A Gallery All Their Own
Walk into Eaton Hall and you may notice something a bit more colorful in the lobby. The Eaton Hall Art Wall. Students are encouraged to submit works of art they'd like displayed on the newly created space. So far there are some very impressive works, from doughnuts to dogs, portraits to landscapes. Middle School works do not have to be created at school and can be submitted to Mrs. Greer or Mrs. Garrett for display.
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Last Chance to Be Entered for 4 Front-Row Seats and a "Fast Pass" to the Coffeehouse!
 Get your tickets for the November 4 Coffeehouse by Monday, October 31 and get a fast pass entry to the show and be entered to win 4 front row seats! You can purchase your tickets online at: http://www.northcross.org/the-fota-coffeehouse.html or you can download the pre-purchase ticket form here and return it to your Division Assistant by Monday. The show on Friday, November 4, is from 6:00 until 8:30, with performances beginning at 6:45.
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 Can you hear the music?
We almost can! We are so close to securing our purchase of the Baby Grand Piano thanks to the generous support of our community. FOTA just needs $600 more to reach our goal and complete the sale. Please contact Ellen McGimsey at remcgimsey@cox.net if you can help bring music to our ears, and Bravo! to all those who have made a gift so far. Thanks.
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Growing Some Impressive Seeds
Many of the Raider teams have secured amazing placements in their respective conferences along with outstanding state rankings. The list below reminds us all what it means to be a Raider!
- GV Volleyball is the #1 seed in the BRC Tournament (3rd in State)
- BV Soccer is the #1 seed in the VIC Tournament (#1 in State)
- GV Tennis is the #1 seed in the BRC Tournament (#3 in State) and is proceeding to the finals tomorrow at home — come support them at Noon!
- GV Field Hockey is the #2 seed in the BRC Tournament (#5 in State)
Not only are rankings high, but Boys Varsity Football, Middle School Tennis and Soccer teams are all undefeated. With only three weeks left in the season, looks like we're ending on a high note.
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Winter Athletic Opportunities
The opportunities for middle and upper school students is online on the Athletics website. Deadline to register with a sports team is 11/4. Practices start Monday, 11/14.
Scoreboard and Stats
For the complete listing of this week's and past scores, visit the Scoreboard under the News section in onCampus.
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