The initial posting of the president’s blog is to thank Jean-Paul Lavoie, Hargrave class of 1997 for his assistance in establishing this blog. Jean-Paul is Mrs. Lavoie’s son and in addition to working on this blog is helping her to keep our face book page active and informative.

The intent of the president’s blog is to post informative information about education and independent schools. It is not designed to replace our weekly news letter. A few items from the news letter could be mentioned for emphasis but mostly we want to post items that will help parents and perspective applicants learn about secondary schools.

So, welcome and I hope this blog is helpful.

A special thank you goes to all of the families that participated in Parent’s Weekend. The cadet’s parade was super and thirty percent of the Corps of Cadets earned Honor Role awards. Hargrave’s Parent Council deserves a “shout out” and a well done for all of their work. All of the baskets for the silent auction completely filled the faculty lounge adding a lot of color and creating a friendly and exciting atmosphere. Thank you to everyone that donated a basket and to those who submitted bids.

This morning, Tuesday October 20th, during our weekly assembly, three cadets were inducted into the National Beta Club. Cadets Aaron Storm, Joshua Morin, and Read Al-Shinibr were “Tapped” by senior members of the Beta Club. National Honor Societies are highly sought by students and recognized by all Colleges and Universities.

During the month of November, you will receive a survey about Hargrave from Quisenberry & Warren a firm commissioned by the Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS) in preparation for Hargrave’s ten-year accreditation in February 2011. Current parents, students, faculty and staff, and Trustees will be asked to participate in the survey. Naturally, the different groups will receive survey questions that pertain to their perspective. Again, in December each group will receive a second survey conducted by the school. The surveys will not take long to complete and your feedback is very important to Hargrave and to the accreditation process.

Based on the grades from the first marking period students will be designated as Meritorious Performers. On Thursday, 10/29 they will be exempt from study hall to attend a party of pizzas, movies, and prizes. Meritorious performers are also eligible for a special weekend pass on November 6th.

Two upcoming events worth mentioning are the ACT examination scheduled for Saturday, 10/24 (which is mandatory for seniors) and next Friday’s Halloween auction. Cadets bid on faculty and staff members in order to encourage them to dress in Halloween costumes.