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Proctor meets with Chinese schools to expand Global Studies
By Philip Schueler ’16
North Cross’s relationship with Chinese schools, which could reshape the campus according to administrators, has grown ever since Headmaster Dr. Christian J. Proctor took office—mostly due to a rapidly expanding summer program.
This friendship has taken another big step after Proctor visited China again this past week. Proctor travelled around China, recruited students, negotiated contracts, and met with prospective educational partners, both old and new. In search of new revenue streams, Proctor visited China last December to expand connections with Chinese schools.
Proctor travelled to a variety of cities and locations in China. "It was a good visit. I went to many places; I flew from Shanghai to Hohhot, the capital of Inner Mongolia. I visited with a man who wants to start a school there; he's got some beautiful property outside the city that's a little more rural, a hundred acres of land that he wants to start a school on, which is right across a valley from a golf course and a ski resort. It's a more traditional American boarding school model, being out in a rural area," Proctor said. "Then from Hohhot I flew to Dalian, and Dalian is a beautiful city, sort of like a Chinese version of San Francisco, a lot of bays and hills. I met with a man there who also is thinking about starting a school, and also would like to invest in schools in the United States."
Proctor said that one of his biggest goals for the Chinese program is the ability to offer North Cross students opportunities and experiences, which can set them apart from others when applying for college. "Ultimately I would love to have a very smooth ability to transition a student from here to China and back, so that my student can go and take his or her classes in China and then return. And they could be gone for a semester, and not have to struggle academically to catch up," Proctor said. "I think that's my biggest goal, so we can have students apply to college and have an experience that's different from the experiences of other students."
Proctor has found two schools, which are willing to partner with North Cross, one in Shanghai (a school called Xinhe) and the other in Suzhou. If a contract is signed with a partner school, North Cross will be responsible for managing a school program with an American curriculum at a private school in China. North Cross would be paid for its services, and students would be able to study and stay in China for a semester, without their academic curriculum being severely disrupted.
“The Xinhe school would be one of our first partners, and when I was in Suzhou I met with some folks from a school in Yiwu who I met with before, and if we can get a contract signed, those would be the schools that would be starting over there in September," Proctor said. "It is a realistic possibility, but the thing I've learned in negotiating with foreign countries is nothing is guaranteed until you get the contract signed; I'm optimistic, but I wouldn't be surprised if nothing works out."
Proctor also visited the families of Simon Chen ’17 and Peter Wang ’19 in Yangzhou. Proctor interviewed several Chinese students who hope to attend North Cross next year, and met with families who plan to send their children to the Chinese Summer Program.
This article originally appeared in the April 16 issue of the Willis Hall Herald. It has been edited for length.
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Delayed Opening on Monday
There will be a full faculty and staff meeting on Monday, April 27. Classes will not start until 9 a.m. Buses will run one hour late. Teachers will be available to greet students beginning at 8:45 a.m.
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 Field Day Schedule
Field Day activities will take place on Friday, May 8, not on May 9 as printed on the school calendar. The traditional Family Dinner and Talent Show scheduled for Friday night has been replaced with a bonfire on Hooper field. The schedule for the day is a follows.
12:30–2 p.m.: Lower School and Middle School Red & White Field Day games
2 p.m.: Spring Athletic Pep Rally for the entire school on Thomas Field
6–9 p.m.: Bonfire on Hooper Field. Hot dogs and BBQ will be provided. Deb’s Lemonade will be available for purchase. Event will feature face painting, volleyball, corn hole, and more! Freddy Mac from K92 will DJ this fun family event!
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Technology Survey Results
During the first weekend in April, Eaton Hall students and their families were challenged to go a full 24 hours without using any electronic devices. The topic of technology use has been the primary discussion for the 6th grade class taught by Nani Moskal and Chris Pollock. The class discusses topics ranging from cyber bullying to the impact of technology. Nani created a survey for the middle school students to provide better insight on how often our students use electronic devices, what they use the devices for, and the impacts these devices may have. Click here for a copy of the survey completed by students. Information given via “self report†may not be fully accurate, though this allows us to at least look at certain patterns that may be occurring.
The first difference that was notable between grade levels was the number of students who have a personal cell phone. In 6th grade 61% of students reported having a cell phone of their own compared to 97% of the 8th graders. A similar trend occurred for number of days out of the week as well as hours each day our students use electronic devices: only 50% of the 6th graders claim to use electronic devices every day of the week, compared to 88% of the 8th graders. A majority of the 8th graders reported spending anywhere from 3.5 hours to 8 hours per day on electronic devices versus the 6th graders who averaged 1 to 5 hours a day. The older students are more likely to communicate via texting, iMessage, and through social media sites, such as Instagram or SnapChat, whereas the younger students reported using email and iMessage (via iPads) as a primary source of communication. Nineteen percent of 6th graders even reported visiting no social media sites at all.
Click here for the full write up and survey results.
Nani Moskal conducted the survey and compiled the results. She can be contacted at nmoskal@northcross.org if you have questions.
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 Girls’ Night Out
Tickets are still available for “Girls’ Night Out†on May 14, 2015, from 6:30–8:30 p.m., at the home of Jeanne Fishwick.
Join “Jeanne’s Pool Boys†for an evening of food, fun, and flip flops. Tickets are $50 per person. Click here for a list of the ladies currently planning to attend.
Email Jennifer Burtch at jburtch@northcross.org to reserve your space at this fun event to support the school.
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 Dyslexia Event for Parents
The Crosswalk Program will host a learning event for parents on Tuesday, May 5 in Hancock Library. Lisa Teegarden Cabay, Ph.d. will make a presentation titled “Stick to It!†The importance of Perseverance and Goal setting for students with Dyslexia. The presentation starts at 5:30 p.m. and ends at 7 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. Space is limited, so please contact Kit Prillaman at (540) 989-6641 or kprillaman@northcross.org to reserve a spot.
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April Challenge Bridge Builders
 The list of Annual Fund Bridge Builders has been updated with gifts made through April 23, 2015. Those who contributed during the April Challenge so far are highlighted in yellow on the list. The April Challenge is simple—a dollar for dollar match up to $15,000 for new Annual Fund gifts, or increased gifts, that are made by our community between April 17 and April 30, 2015. Click here, or on the image, to view the bridge builder list.
There are three easy ways make your gift or pledge today.
- Click here to make an online gift or pledge
- Call Jennifer Burtch at 540-989-6641, ext. 284 or email Jennifer at jburtch@northcross.org, or
- Mail your check to the Development Office, North Cross School, 4254 Colonial Avenue, Roanoke, VA 24018 and write “April Challenge 2015†in the memo line.
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Share More
On Friday, May 11, the school will host Admission Events for ECP through grade 11. While tours continue through the summer, this is the last scheduled day of the school year for prospective families to see the program in action and for prospective students to shadow a current student! Please share these events with families who might be interested in learning more about North Cross School. Interested families should contact Amy Jackson at 540-989-6641 or ajackson@northcross.org for more information or to reserve a space.
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Early Childhood Program Tour
Monday, May 11, 2015
8:30–9:30 a.m.: Prospective parents are invited to learn more about the NCS Early Childhood Program while observing our child-centered and academically rich environment in action.
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Visit Days for Prospective Students
Monday, May 11, 2015
10 a.m.–1:30 p.m.: Prospective students in grades 1–11 are invited to shadow a current student, visit several classes, and eat lunch.
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7th Grade Duke TIP Results
Each year we review the recent ERB scores of our seventh graders to see how many students qualify for the Duke Talent Identification Program (TIP). This year over 60% of the seventh grade class qualified. Once a student qualifies, they determine, with the help of their family, whether or not they wish to participate. To be considered, each seventh grader is required to take the SAT or ACT at state determined testing sites with high school students. This year, eight of the students who tested earned State Recognition (meaning they scored at or above the national average of recent high school graduates) and/or qualified to participate in the Duke TIP summer studies programs. Those eight students are Tobi Bankole, Grace Blum, Lauren Daniel, Aaron Denberg, Michael Habib, Chloe Johnson-Hodges, Nathalie Lemon, and Caroline Lystash.
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 Africa Program
Second grade students performed their annual Africa Program on Thursday afternoon in Fishburn Auditorium for parents. Under the direction of Mr. Richard Rudolph, they performed musical selections with an African theme. Between songs, individual students recited facts they learned about Africa.
Click here or the image to see more photos from Facebook.
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 Duck and Chicken Eggs
For the past month the fifth graders have been studying embryology in Mrs. Mary Semler's science class. After studying the formation of an embryo and its progression through to birth, the students watched and cared for the eggs. It takes 21 days for the chicks to grow inside the egg and finally hatch. The classes followed the day to day changes inside the egg and on April 22, Earth Day, they got a surprise hatch day! The chicks were not expected to hatch until Thursday, April 23. Currently out of 42 chicken eggs, there are 18 baby chicks, more are expected to hatch any day. Additionally, the students are also excited about 10 duck eggs that were set. They are due to hatch sometime next week.
Click here or the image to see more photos from Facebook.
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International Dinner Next Wednesday
Students studying a world language, and their families, are invited to the annual International Dinner on Wednesday, April 29 in the Lemon Dining Hall. The event will start at 6 p.m. and ends around 8 p.m. The theme this year is “music†and three performances will be part of the evening entertainment. The 4th grade “Marimba Monkeysâ€, Albert Newberry ’17, and a Flamenco group from Virginia Tech are scheduled to perform. Participants are asked to bring a dish with an international flare to share—an appetizer, an entrée or a dessert.
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 2014 Yearbook Wins National Award
At their convention in Denver last week, the National Scholastic Press Association announced the winners of the Online, Yearbook and Magazine Pacemakers at the JEA/NSPA Spring National High School Journalism Convention. The 2014 North Cross “Compass†Yearbook, titled “What Makes Us†was recognized as a Pacemaker winner, one of 36 yearbooks recognized by the organization. The 2014 yearbook was edited by Meg Evett ’15 under the guidance of adviser Laura Allen. Click here for a full list of winners.
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 Teacher Feature: Jennifer Landry
What do you envision for the future of the STEM-D program at North Cross?
I would love to see a program that parallels the global studies program. We already have wonderful offerings in math and science that include honors, APs, and specialized electives; but I’m excited to see that continue to grow. As I mentioned before, there will be more STEM-D classes next year in addition to more computer science classes. It is amazing what the global studies program has accomplished in just a few years, and I know the same will be true for STEM-D.
Click here to read the full feature.
Photo: Jennifer Landry with her husband, Will, and their children, Abby ’26 and Matt ’23.
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 Combined Honor Band
Forty-three North Cross students, along with students from Liberty Christian Academy, Carlisle School, and Andrew Lewis Middle School spent today rehearsing for Combined Honor Band Day. The students are working with guest conductor Polly Middleton (in photo), Associate Director of Athletic Bands at Virginia Tech. There will be a short performance at the end of the school day at 2:40 p.m. this afternoon in Lemon Dining Hall. Families are invited to attend.
The following students are scheduled to participate today:
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Upper School
Lucas Arnold
Kevin Bao
Joseph Cartledge
Madisen Charles
Neil Evett
Bruce Farrell
Michael Fleming
Zack H’Doubler
Katherine Lake
Harrison Macher
Sarah Maurer
Caroline McGimsey
Albert Newberry
Chase Overton
Gray Pollock
Chester Pruitt
Nathaniel Richardson
Dakoda Rose
Helen Schmedtje
Sarah Shaff
Sage Vilgats
Nolan Wages
Leo Zheng
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Middle School
Daniel Behrend
Ann Ashley Daniel
Tanner Davis
Davin Hansen
Nalin Jha
Audrey Lemon
Serena Lytton
Brian Bao
Patrick Daly
Lauren Daniel
Isabelle Davis
Aaron Denberg
Michael Habib
Yazmeen Imam
Nathalie Lemon
Caroline Lystash
Aaron Richardson
Aaryaa Sharma
Dylan Snyder
Kaile Thompson
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 Croy Named Volleyball Coach
Earlier this week the Athletic Department announced that Amy Croy will be coaching the girls’ varsity volleyball team next fall. Croy joins a resurging Raiders volleyball program that looks to add a fourth state title in the coming seasons.
Amy is a 1993 graduate of Glenvar High School and a 1998 graduate of Radford University. She began her coaching career at Glenvar, leading the team to the regional semifinals in 2002. During her time at Patrick Henry High School from 2005-2009, she served as the head coach of the JV team and assistant varsity coach. Most recently she coached volleyball at Breckinridge Middle School.
Croy is already making plans to prepare the team for her first season. “I plan to take the North Cross team to Wake Forest University for a team camp in July, and I have scheduled open workout sessions for the summer to get the team ready for the upcoming season,†she said.
Athletic director Eric Lawrence is excited to have Croy join the coaching staff at North Cross School. “Her knowledge and enthusiasm for volleyball makes this an exciting time to be a Raider,†he said.
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Spring Senior Days
The following teams will honor their seniors during the last scheduled home game of the spring season.
April 28—Boys’ Varsity Lacrosse vs Covenant School, approximate time of ceremony is 5:08 p.m. at halftime. Honoring: Ryan Dent, Isaiah Harris, Holden Johnsen, Max Revercomb, Hart Semler, Keith Willis.
May 1—Girls’ Varsity Soccer vs New Covenant, approximate time of ceremony is at halftime 5:15 p.m.. Honoring: Annie Elwell, Hope Pollock, Anna Robison, Katie Sayers, Sarah Shaff, Avery Sturm.
May 1—Boys’ Varsity Tennis vs Miller School, approximate time of ceremony 4:15 p.m. Honoring: Leo Zheng.
May 6—Boys’ Varsity Golf vs Holy Cross, approximate time of ceremony 4:15 p.m. Honoring: Bennett Holley, Harrison Macher, Sterling Moskal.
May 9—Boys’ Varsity Baseball vs William Fleming, approximate time of ceremony 11:50 a.m.. Honoring: Ben Coleman, Jack Cranwell, Brij Patadia, Gaurav Patadia, Keith Oddo, Edwin Saunders.
Girls’ Varsity Tennis does not have any seniors on the roster.
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Holley to Sign with Appalachian State
Bennett Holley ’15, a first-team VIS all-state selection in basketball and soccer, was offered a scholarship by Appalachian State University on Wednesday. He will play basketball for the Mountaineers. Click here to read the article at roanoke.com.
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Raiders Scoreboard
Thurs., April 23 |
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Varsity Baseball |
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| Fishburn Military School |
7 |
| North Cross School |
3 |
| Josh Greenway hit a two-run home run for the Raiders |
Varsity Golf |
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| North Cross School |
205 |
| Holy Cross |
237 |
| Westover Christian |
262 |
| Ty Olinger was medalist with a 42 (par 36) |
Girls’ Varsity Tennis |
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| Eastern Mennonite |
4 |
| North Cross School |
5 |
Girls’ JV Lacrosse |
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| North Cross School |
3 |
| William Byrd (Varsity) |
13 |
Tues., April 21 |
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Varsity Baseball |
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| Carlisle School |
0 |
| North Cross School |
5 |
| Edwin Saunders got the win with a six inning shutout. Josh Greenway got the Raiders going in the 3rd with a three-run home run. |
Varsity Golf |
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| Roanoke Catholic |
267 |
| North Cross School |
199 |
| Ty Olinger was medalist with a 35 (par 35) |
Girls’ U15 Lacrosse |
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| Blue Ridge School |
4 |
| North Cross School |
11 |
Girls’ Varsity Tennis |
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| Carlisle School |
0 |
| North Cross School |
9 |
Girls’ Varsity Soccer |
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| Eastern Mennonite |
2 |
| North Cross School |
1 |
| Campbell Lake scored the lone goal. Katie Sayers had eight saves. |
Girls’ Middle School Soccer |
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| Eastern Mennonite |
3 |
| North Cross School |
0 |
Mon., April 20 |
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| Girls’ U15 Lacrosse |
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| James River Day School |
8 |
| North Cross School |
5 |
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 The Nine Year Plan
If Richard Cook is the father of soccer at North Cross, Chris Pollock is the father of our lacrosse program. Chris played lacrosse at Roanoke College where he was a three-time All-American and the 10th all time leading scorer in the program’s history. After finishing his playing career, the Long Island native coached lacrosse at Patrick Henry High School and at his alma mater. But when his son Christopher Pollock ’14 started kindergarten in 2000 at North Cross, he noticed the school lacked a lax program. “I talked to Will Stacey about starting a lacrosse program at the school. The game was becoming popular in the Valley, and he agreed that it was a good time to bring it back,†he said.
To build a program with big goals, he started small. Chris introduced lacrosse into the PE classes. Then, in the spring of 2002 the school launched a competitive middle school team (middle photo). By 2006 he had a varsity squad that, by the spring of 2010, had grown into a state champion under current head coach Stephen Belderes (bottom photo). It took Chris and North Cross only nine years to build a program capable of winning a state crown. The team has remained competitive. Despite a loss in the state championship games in 2012 and final four loss in 2014, the team has made six straight state playoff appearances.
Lacrosse, however, was not new to North Cross when Mr. Pollock arrived. The school fielded a team in 1975 (top photo) that continued until it was disbanded in 1988. The last few seasons were coached by History teacher Peter Trau who was, oddly enough, Dr. Proctor’s roommate for two years. And the first coach, in 1975, was none other than Richard Cook.
Click here or the image to view a larger version with player names.
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