The Baker Brief

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Wheeler L. Baker) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 12:04:00 +0000

In between rain showers this weekend Hargrave held its president’s inspection. The president’s inspection is a detailed room and uniform inspection allowing cadet companies to receive points toward being named as the academy’s “Honor Company.” This year inspection was won by “G” company. Well done !

After the inspection the Lacrosse team traveled to Roanoke for a game against East Roanoke. HMA’s Scout Troop went to Elkhorn Lake for a Court of Honor and outdoor activities. Several cadets plus members of the faculty and staff participated in CPR and life guard training at the aquatics’ center. Finally several CIS cadets helped with the back stage work for a production at Gretna’s Little Theater.

This weekend is the academy’s final open weekend. Friday is the final day for the interim grades for the final grading period. Grades will be posted by Tuesday on Ed-Line. There is also an SAT examination for juniors or seniors that want to advance their scores.

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Wheeler L. Baker) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:17:00 +0000

Two very important phases in the college application process occurs between now and the end of the school ear. The most obvious is that juniors are completing their junior year. When juniors apply for college beginning in mid-summer the grades that will set the stage on applications is the transcript of their junior year. So----parents--- instead of slacking off and coasting to the end your junior needs to press hard and achieve the best grades possible. Another valuable task for juniors is to take at least one SAT examination. It is good practice for the student and also provides excellent feedback to parents.

The second important event that is occurring involves eighth graders. Yikes! You are saying EIGHTH GRADERS??? Yes eighth graders. Beginning in the ninth grade everything counts. So parents and their eighth grader need to have a serious talk and develop a plan to recognize that student’s grade point averages (GPA) begin in the ninth grade. Many students that arrive at Hargrave have a very poor GPA in the ninth and tenth grade. Parents often remark that they did not realize those grades influenced college applications. It is difficult to make up several years of poor grades. I recommend considering summer school to replace those Fs and Ds.

For sports minded families the NCAA requires students applying to D-1 colleges to complete high school in eight consecutive semesters. Repeating a year will disqualify your student for D-1 sports. Again summer school is a good consideration to prevent repeating a year

Where college is concerned parents should think well past your student’s current year.

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Wheeler L. Baker) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 14:41:00 +0000

A lot of information has been on the news and internet lately about a synthetic marijuana know as K-2. The substance originated in Kansas where lawmakers are considering drafting legislation to ban the substance. K-2 comes in a small pouch of dried herbs that look like oregano but is laced with chemicals designed to mimic the effects of marijuana. Hargrave Military Academy’s position is to treat K-2 as an unauthorized substance. David Klepper’s blog reports that teens argue since K-2 is legally sold on the internet and will not register on a drug test, therefore they should be allowed to smoke the substance.

Hargrave teaches its cadets that illegal substances, and legal substances misused are potentially dangerous to a student’s health and do not contribute to the safe learning atmosphere the Academy strives to achieve. For example, glue is a legal substance but when huffed becomes very dangerous. The process of ingesting glue offers its own risks to the human body. Secondly, the effect on an individual’s behavior once huffed is unpredictable for each user.

Based on the increasing popularity of K-2 we believed it was appropriate to present the topic for the attention of our current families and for families considering Hargrave. This topic has been presented to our cadets during a weekly assembly and further reinforced by student advisors during their weekly meetings.

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noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Wheeler L. Baker) — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 16:51:00 +0000

The weather could not have been more appropriate for our recent open weekend. The cadets needed some warm outdoor time. Hargrave’s JV and Varsity basketball teams lost to Covenant Friday evening. However, the varsity earned a shot at the conference tournament that begins on Tuesday. HMA’s wrestlers went to Richmond for the state championship. John Kneppler placed 6th and Jack Neblett won a fourth place earning him an invitation to the National Championships. The swim team traveled to Manassas Virginia to participate in the state championship tournament. The relay team earned a ninth place and Cadet Charles Totten achieved a personal best in the Butterfly and qualified for “Nationals.” Go Charles!

Cadets that elected to remain on campus this weekend had the opportunity to attend a professional NBA game in Charlotte NC. In addition several students went on a movie trip to Danville. This was the first weekend for our House Mother to join the CIS students. Mrs. Shelton arrived armed with homemade cookies which were a big hit. I visited her Sunday afternoon and she said many cadets have visited her room to get to know her.

On Thursday cadets will travel to Cambridge, MA to participate in the Harvard Model Congress. Students have worked very hard to prepare for this outstanding opportunity. I am sure they will have great stories when they return. HMA’s Scout troop is considering a hiking trip on the “AT” (Appalachian Trail). We have to determine the condition of the hiking trails because a lot of the recent snow and ice remains in shaded areas. Also this week Hargrave’s Band will travel to Randolph Macon Academy to participate in a military band competition.

Hargrave’s forth marking period ends this Friday. Also on Friday and Saturday Hargrave will host the First Piedmont Military Basketball Tournament. Hargrave’s undefeated PG team will play teams from Fishburne, Massanutten, and Fork Union.

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Wheeler L. Baker) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 13:56:00 +0000

As a big surprise to our cadets we canceled classes this past Wednesday so the students could sleep late and participate in the “Winter Festival.” Students gathered in the Grant gym in their PT uniform to join in the activities. We had a dunking booth so cadets could throw a ball and dunk a faculty or staff member, a cup cake eating, a basketball shooting, and a push up contest and gladiator type floating platform. Lunch was served in the gym and the students “hung out” until sports time. The purpose was to break the monotony of the long snowy days we have experienced. Please look at the pictures on Face Book.

Hargrave cadets had the opportunity to participate in many activities and outings this weekend. HMA’s varsity soccer team traveled to Richmond Va. for a Valentine’s Day soccer tournament. They played three games in a scrimmage atmosphere. Troop 68 traveled to the Triangle Rock Club in Raleigh NC. The rock club is an indoor mountain climbing and training center where the scouts could work on their climbing merit badges. They spent the night in the climbing facility which is owned by a Hargrave alumnus. Six Scouts were able to earn the climbing merit badge. Hargrave swimmers participated in the VIC championship tournament in Roanoke Va. on Friday and Saturday. Currently Hargrave is tied for the VIC Championship. Finally on Friday the juniors and seniors joined in for a fun evening around a bonfire to discuss goals for the remainder of the year.

Saturday was another full day. HMA wrestlers went to LCA for a tournament and earned an overall third place. SgtMajor Hofer took his leadership class to Quantico Va. to tour the Marine Corps Museum. Another group went to Winter Green for a ski/snow board trip. JV and varsity basketball had games on Saturday and the varsity defeated a strong Eastern Mennonite team. Capt Wilson and Capt Robinson took Hargrave’s band and color guard to Roanoke for a “massing of the bands” to honor WWII veterans.

Paint ball competition was the activity highlight for Sunday. Sunday evening was the beginning of Hargrave’s Spiritual Emphasis week. Spiritual Emphasis week is dedicated to improving everyone’s Christian values and creating a tone of reflection on individual progress for the year.

All of the cadets are excited because spring sports begin this week. The weather should begin to improve and everyone is ready for outside activities. Haregrave cadets are also looking forward to this week’s open weekend.

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Wheeler L. Baker) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:26:00 +0000

Hargrave experienced another ice and snow weekend. Meritorious Performers (MP) who lived within driving distance were able to take advantage of their earned weekend. Cadets who qualified for the weekend and were unable to leave because of the weather will have the opportunity to leave next weekend.

Friday was the end of the 4th grading period. Grades will be posted on Ed Line Wednesday morning. Over the weekend most of the cadets took advantage of the snow and slid down our hills on everything imaginable. Student activities sponsored a movie marathon on Saturday. The big hit for the weekend was the Super Bowl party. Student activities rented the biggest screen I have ever seen, add a record number of pizzas plus an abundance of raffle prizes and the evening was a success. The entire academic and staff departments joined together to create “goodie bags” the cadets could draw as door prizes.

Tuesday we plan to have an early study hall so the cadets can watch the PG basketball team play a home game. We are also planning a gathering for new cadets to gain some feedback on their arrival at HMA. Finally, we are engaging in a pilot program to have a “house mother” on the CIS dormitory. Initially Mrs. Martha Shelton will be available one evening a week and Sunday afternoon.

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Wheeler L. Baker) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 20:18:00 +0000

I hope everyone enjoyed their Christmas break. The cadets have adjusted to being back in school and are settling into the normal routine. The wrestling team and all of the basketball teams have their first post Christmas games tonight, Wednesday, January 6th. In addition to the demands and challenges of returning to school, the faculty and staff are heavily involved in preparing for the academy’s accreditation renewal. Hargrave is accredited by the Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS) and SACS the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Hargrave Military Academy will host representatives from VAIS and SACS in February 2011. The visiting team consisting of faculty and administrators from other independent schools will spend three days examining all aspects of the school. The evaluation will focus on seven major categories: HMA’s philosophy and mission, community of the school, instruction and programming, professional personnel, governance and administration, financial resources, and facilities and service management.

HMA’s faculty and staff began working on a self-study in May, 2009. Our goal is to have the study completed by May 2010 so it can be reviewed by all of the faculty and the board of trustees. The accreditation process is a rigorous evaluation to determine if the school meets the 76 standards required to continue being accredited. During an interim evaluation in 2006 Hargrave met all of the standards without any findings.

The accreditation process is demanding and requires a large amount of work. However, everyone that participates in the process will learn a lot about education and it certainly makes the school academically and financially sound. As we get closer to the actual visit several parents will be contacted to meet with the visiting team. While we are on the subject of parent’s participation we all appreciate your time and effort in completing the survey which is part of the accreditation process.

The accreditation process is hard but helpful and I wanted to share with you what is going on at Hargrave. I will provide additional reports as we progress toward our goal of meeting the standards.

Welcome back-we missed the cadets.

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Wheeler L. Baker) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 20:18:00 +0000

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Wheeler L. Baker) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:16:00 +0000

Dear Parents

This will be the last post until the cadets return from their Christmas break.

As you can imagine it was busy weekend at Hargrave Military Academy. The high light of the weekend was the Hanging of the Greens Christmas service conducted Sunday evening. Hanging of the Greens is Hargrave’s service to welcome the Christmas season. Hargrave’s Highlanders, Band, and Choir performed very well. Several cadets read meaningful passages from different scriptures and the congregation sang Christmas songs. A Christmas “thank you” goes to all of the parents that attended.

Varsity, Junior Varsity and CIS basketball teams all won their games on Friday. Hargrave’s wrestlers performed very well in a twelve school tournament on Saturday. Seven cadets earned medals. Also earning awards were three members of the forensics team that qualified for “states” during a weekend tournament. The seventh and tenth grades participated in Town Hall meetings over the weekend. The students provided some meaningful feedback. Many advisors took their cadets to various outings such as watching the Army-Navy game at their home, mall trips, dinner and movies. A special outing was held for the international students. Finally congratulations to the PG basketball team that won the Fork Union Tournament.

This week Hargrave Military Academy will host a varsity swimming meet. The ninth grade will travel to Richmond to visit Virginia’s Holocaust Museum. On Wednesday a special Christmas lunch is scheduled for the faculty and staff. Finally, as the cadets prepare to leave for the Christmas break they will receive Hargrave’s traditional Christmas dinner Thursday evening.

Hargrave’s faculty and staff wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy and safe New Year.

God Bless

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Wheeler L. Baker) — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:14:00 +0000

In early 2009, a library study group was formed by Hargrave’s Military Academy’s president to examine the future of libraries. Our study was initiated because HMA’s library is scheduled for renovation and general repairs. The president was reluctant to proceed until the administration had an understanding of how technology has changed the function of libraries. It is obvious the libraries are no longer simply book repositories. Several faculty and staff worked very hard for most of the year to produce a meaningful document that would guide the academy in the future.

The study concluded that libraries should offer the student technological resources for academic studies, but equally important, offer a relaxing space to study and read. The study group provided excellent recommendations enabling the administration to begin making plans to shift the focus of Hargrave Military Academy’s library and move forward on the necessary renovations.

We are looking forward to the cadet’s participation in Chatham Christmas. Hargrave Military Academy’s Highlanders (bag pipe and drum corps) and our marching band will lead a Christmas ceremony in Chatham tonight and again tomorrow during the annual Christmas parade.

Keep Focused on Education

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Wheeler L. Baker) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 16:29:00 +0000

It is good to have the students back from their Thanksgiving break. Everyone at Hargrave Military Academy enjoys the first few days of a break but the school begins to feel empty and we begin to look forward to the students return. During this morning’s assembly Delta Company was recognized as the “Honor” Company for the second six weeks. Congratulations to the CIS class—Go Delta!

In a previous blog entry I discussed the determination of high school students. The topic was presented because Patrick Bassett, president of the National Association of Independent Schools listed determination as one of the most desired traits students will need to have to be successful in the future. Please refer to that blog entry for further information.

On Thursday, the day before our Thanksgiving break, Hargrave Military Academy’s post graduate football team played FUMA. It is always the final game of the season for both schools and has become a Thanksgiving rivalry. It seems that most schools and universities schedule in-state rivalries around the Thanksgiving holiday.

Well Hargrave Military Academy won the game for the tenth straight year. But that is not the story. The score was 6-0 in four overtimes. Members of the PG team attend Hargrave with the goal of earning a scholarship to a D-1 college or university. Their loyalty and devotion to Hargrave is limited because they are not investing in a four year commitment as they hope to when they enroll in the college of their choice.

Enduring four overtimes to win a game on the opponent’s home field is an extraordinary feat. Coach Prunty and his assistant coaches deserve a lot of credit for the victory. Clearly, the team and individual performance of the players in such a demanding contest is well beyond anyone’s expectation. But mental toughness won that game.

The coaches reported that by the end of the second overtime they were physically and mentally exhausted. Yet they continued to dig in and attack the game. The players did not lose their focus and were able to strive to victory. There were no cheerleaders and only a few parents to lend support, yet the team continued to drive toward a win. Determination, mental toughness, played a large factor in the team’s performance.

Hargrave strives to develop character as well as academic needs of the young men that attend our academy. Coach Prunty and his assistant coaches capitalized on Hargrave’s philosophy by incorporating mental toughness in their practice secessions and into the teams culture.

Excellent Job Coaches.

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Wheeler L. Baker) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:39:00 +0000

On Friday November 20, 2009 Hargrave Military Academy will begin our Thanksgiving break. The faculty and staff wish that all of our families have safe travel and an enjoyable time with their friends and relatives.

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Wheeler L. Baker) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:26:00 +0000

This week is International Week at HMA. International students will make presentations featuring their traditions and culture to their fellow students during assemblies. Today is international dinning day as we serve traditional meals from the countries represented at Hargrave.

I am reading a very interesting book entitled "Connected" by Nicholas A. Christakis, MD. PhD. and James H. Fowler, PhD. The book is aimed at discussing how “ real-life social networks virtually shape every aspect of our lives.” Social networking involves more than your immediate friends. For example, the authors state that your friend’s friend’s friend has a significant impact on your life.

The topic is interesting and timely because many of our parents report that their son is subject to peer pressure. Interestingly, the studies in this book suggest that peer pressure is real. William Pollack, PhD., recognizes the reality of peer pressure and devotes an entire section on that topic in his book "Real Boys." Our students report that they began to feel the influence of peer pressure as early as elementary school. They believe that you can’t act the same way at home as you do in school. Friends they had in the fifth and sixth grade began to act “cool” as they approached the seventh grade creating stress in their relationship.

Peer pressure is real and very difficult for parents to overcome. The more parents encourage individuality the harder it becomes for their son to work within his peer network. I will post more on this topic as I continue to read "Connected."

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Wheeler L. Baker) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:48:00 +0000

Remember our Veterans

In spite of the clouds and rain in Chatham it is still a super day to remember our veterans. Many service men and women are deployed across several time zones defending our freedoms and way of life. Please keep them in your prayers.

Because of inclement weather Hargrave will cancel our traditional Veterans Day Parade and conduct a Remembrance Service to honor our veterans in the Chapel beginning at 2:00.

The H1N1 vaccine arrived and we were able to inoculate most of the cadets on Tuesday.

Last week I mentioned that Pat Bassett, president of the National Association of Independent Schools, was one of the key note speakers at the annual Virginia Association of Independent Schools Conference. His main thrust was “What curriculum will prepare students for the 21st century?” Some of the critical learning skills for today’s students he presented are listed below:

Critical thinking and problem solving
Determination
Ability to function well as a member of a team
Ethics and responsibility

The determination topic gained my attention. Our teachers frequently report that students just “freeze” when confronted with difficult problems or research papers. Determination includes the ability to exercise self-discipline and the organization skills to manage one’s own work and drive it through to a success conclusion. It is not uncommon for students to ask to drop a class when they get behind rather than realizing they are facing a challenge and attempt to resolve the situation.

The 21st century will offer many challenges for students. Our country is becoming more diversified and technology is doubling every two to three years. I believe that independent schools are in a better position to modify their curriculum in order to prepare our students to be successful in the 21st century.

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Wheeler L. Baker) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:39:00 +0000

Temperatures reached 75 degrees in Chatham this weekend. I am sure the summer weather was well received by the students taking part in the Meritorious Performer Weekend. Students that remained on campus engaged in paint ball and movie trips. Hargrave hosted the SAT examination on Saturday and several students participated before they left for the weekend.

Hargrave’s football team lost their final game to Randolph-Macon Academy. Hargrave’s swim team performed exceptionally well at a meet on the campus of George Mason University. HMA swimmers earned eight individual first place victories and five second place medals. The swim team also won the 200 yard relay. HMA’s PG basketball team won their first tournament at Rockingham College NC, beginning the season with a 3-0 record.

Cadets will receive their awards and letters for fall sports during Tuesday’s assembly. On Wednesday the Corps of cadets will hold a parade to honor America’s veterans. Lt. Col Harper in his role as Director of Residential Life has scheduled several “Town Hall”, meetings with cadets. On Friday afternoon the ninth grade will meet in the auditorium. Friday evening the eleventh grade will gather around a bond fire for meetings and discussions about their year as juniors.

Next Saturday HMA’s Troop 68 will travel to Abingdon Virginia to participate in “Creepy Trails.” Hargrave’s Scouts will cover 34 miles of hilly riding trails designed for mountain biking. Also next weekend Mrs. Schasse is taking ten of her students to work with Habitat for Humanity in Danville Va. This week is National French Week and Captain Myer Von Bremen has several fun activities scheduled. A French meal will be served in the dining hall and he is serving French snacks and treats in his classroom.

Rember that on Wednesday the answers to last weeks question will be posted.

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Wheeler L. Baker) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:52:00 +0000

Several of our CIS students are experiencing difficulty connecting into the wireless network from their dorm. Our investigations showed that the wireless access points were moved during the renovation of the dining hall and are not able to make the necessary connection to student computers. Hargrave’s IT department is ordering new and more powerful access points and they will be installed as soon as they arrive.

Several of Hargrave’s faculty and staff attended the Virginia Association of Independent School’s annual conference. Patrick Bassett, President of the National Association of Independent Schools, provided an inspiring key note speech on Creativity in the 21st Century. During the presentation he asked the audience to list three of the most important subjects students need to be taught.

So please list your top three subjects and next Wednesday I will present the subjects that Pat Bassett discussed. Some of you might be surprised.

Enjoy the beautiful fall weather!

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Wheeler L. Baker) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:56:00 +0000

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.

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Wheeler L. Baker) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:32:00 +0000

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.