Country Day Connection | Fall 2012

From the Headmistress

From the Board President

Important Dates

ACDS is CHARACTER...

ACDS Alumni Spotlight

Campus Improvements

Donor Honor Roll 2011-2012

Welcome New Faculty Members

www.acdsonline.org | www.facebook.com/ACDScenla

From the Headmistress:What makes Alexandria Country Day so special? Is it our all-star staff of teachers? Maybe it is our rigorous curriculum? How about….you? Could it be the dedication that you show each and every day in working with your child to make them the best that they can be? The truth is we think it is all of these things. Here at ACDS our mission is to provide a foundation of knowledge in an inclusive environment that ignites intellectual curiosity and encourages a passion for learning. ACDS enhances the development of character, creativity, problem-solving, and work ethic that enables students to become leaders of the 21st century.

We know that we all share in this mission and that is why participating in our annual fund is so important. What is an Annual Fund? Our annual fund is our appeal for charitable donations from you, our supporters, which help lead us in our mission and keep us on the cusp of educational innovation. The annual fund is necessary because 94 cents of each tuition dollar goes to pay our teachers. This drive allows us not only to maintain a lower tuition, but to improve the quality of our school. Because of your participation in last year’s campaign, we were able to accomplish a great many things, which you will see listed throughout

this newsletter. However to name a few, you have probably noticed our new awning which now accommodates twice the cars as our previous one. And you have probably either seen or heard about the expansion in the art room and the purchase of the kiln which allows our students to make pottery. We were also able to purchase promethean boards and student response systems for each classroom. And of course, we all wait with great anticipation for the completion of the science and engineering labs.

This is our fourth year to conduct an Annual Fund Drive, and we are very proud of the benefits that the students have seen because of your donations. However, we have many more goals to accomplish and our annual fund for this year has begun. This year, our sights are set on providing a new gym floor and bleachers. It is our wish that you choose to participate, knowing that each donation is an investment into the future of your child’s education.

Thank you for being a part of our ACDS family,Nancy Rials, Headmistress

Check out the new Facebook Page WITH A NEW “WHY I LIKE COUNTRY DAY” COMMENT

FROM A DIFFERENT STUDENT EACH SCHOOL DAY! www.facebook.com/ACDScenla

SUPPORT ACDS AT Spirit NightWHEN STUDENTS GO TO CHICK-FIL-A ON THE LAST TUESDAY EACH MONTH AND MENTION ACDS SPIRIT NIGHT, THE SCHOOL RECEIVES 15% OF THE PURCHASE PRICE!

I would like to welcome everyone back for our 2012-2013 school year. We are off to a great start.

In addition to all of the campus improvements that have been ongoing, we have had a couple of exciting additions to our staff. Reagan Chenevert has embraced the role of development director with all of the drive and enthusiasm that we had hoped. His strong marketing background has prepared him very well for this position, and we are privileged that he has chosen to make our school his home.

We are also very fortunate to have Charlotte Bihm as academic head of school. In addition to being a national board certified teacher, she also has an extensive background in curriculum, which will serve to strengthen our academic programs. If you haven’t had the opportunity, when you see them around campus, make it a point to say hello and welcome them to our school family.

Over the coming weeks, you will hear much more about our Annual Drive projects. Now that we have a new art center and a state of the art science lab, we have our sights set on our 43 year old gym for much needed renovations. Our Building and Grounds Committee has recruited Coach Sanders to get his valuable input in this process and to make sure we prioritize the needs of the athletic department along with the multipurpose needs of the school.

Campus improvements would not be possible without your continued support. As always, we are very appreciative of your past support and hope that you will continue to invest in our school through your generous contributions as we continue growing bright futures.

Doug Godard, Board President

From the Board President: Mark your

Calendar!

In-Service for Teachers

Second 6 weeks endsDaylight Savings EndsParent-Teacher Conferences. No school for studentsVeteran’s Day ProgramThanksgiving BreakArt Auction

Third 6 Weeks ends; First Semester endsChristmas Holiday

1

2

4

6

9

19-2326

20

24-31

OCTOBER!

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

ACDS Welcomes New Faculty Members:

(top row) Cortney Burford, Kristen Thiels (second row) Deanna Hodges, Charlotte Bihm, Kaci Allgood, Caroline Mansour (bottom row) Gail Watson, Reagan Chenevert, Kim Duck, Cindy Scarber

www.acdsonline.org | www.facebook.com/ACDScenla

CHARACTERCornerCompassion

Pre-K 4’s “Change for Children” enacts our first C.H.A.R.A.C.T.E.R. Trait—Compassion.

Mrs. Cespiva’s Pre-K 4 class continued its tradition of giving last year with a $100 donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Enacting the C.H.A.R.A.C.T.E.R initiative at ACDS, Mrs. Cespiva’s class chose to focus on “compassion.” As an ongoing project, the Pre-K’ers worked with the loose change donated from the pockets of their parents to learn how to count, sort, value, and weigh change. After all of the sorting and weighing of the coins, they are tallied up and sent if off to St. Jude as a donation. The Pre-K’ers hope that the donation will be used to buy Teddy Bears for those children who need them. As of this fall, their donation was made in Memory of Jan Haworth who was an ACDS parent and who successfully wrote many grants which went to aid the development of disadvantaged children in Central Louisiana. Thanks parents and 2011-12 Pre-K’ers. Your compassion will go a long way!

CitizenshipStudents donate art to CASA enacting – Citizenship.

ACDS students have recently donated several art pieces to the Rapides Children’s Advocacy Center. The art is being displayed in the main lobby and all throughout the building providing a cheery welcome and bright atmosphere. Over the years, ACDS students have supported CASA by collecting toys and volunteering to work at art camp. Citizenship is part of having strong character and we are proud of our students for demonstrating it!

ACDS ALUMNI Spotlight

Corner ACDS ALUMNI Spotlight

Outstanding Alumnus, Shaun SanghaniShaun Sanghani, a former ACDS student, is producing his first feature film “White Rabbit” in New Orleans, LA. The movie will feature recognizable stars including Sam Trammell (HBO’s True Blood Series), Britt Robertson (Scream 4) and Nick Krause (The Descendants) all playing lead roles. Pre-production began in July and shooting started in August. In addition to his movie venture, Shaun and his company, “SSS Entertainment” have created and produced multiple reality shows that have been bought by major networks including A&E and National Geographic. Along with attending Country Day, Shaun also went on to graduate from the Tulane Business School and the prestigious USC School of Cinematic Arts in Southern California where he earned a Master’s of Business Administration and a Master’s in screenwriting. Congratulations Shaun! We are very proud of you.Shaun on the set of White Rabbit

Louisiana State UniversityChancellor’s Honor Roll

(4.0 GPA)Amanda Kay BreauxJanna Michelle Foret

Dean’s List(3.5 - 3.9 GPA)

Alexandra Lea YuRebecca Ann McBrideMerrick Trice Patton

Margaret M. Schroeder

University of Louisiana atMonroe

President’s List(3.9 - 4.0 GPA)

Jennifer Ballard

Dean’s List(3.5 - 3.899 GPA)

Jamie Ball

University of Louisiana atLafayette

President’s List(3.8 - 4.0 GPA)

Ashlyn Elizabeth Overholt

Dean’s List(3.5 and above GPA)

Haley Nicole AcunaShane Jones

Kimberly Ross

Northwestern State University

Elizabeth A. Engelsman

Centenary College ofLouisiana

Lauren Beurlot

Louisiana Tech UniversityHunter G. CorleyMatthew S. Poole

Evan SandersWade E. Tracy

Charles Jacob Vercher

Congratulations to the following ACDS Alumni who received honors at the following universities:

We are very proud of all of our Alumni, so please

send us any honors your child may have earned

at the university level. We are also interested in

any Alumni News, including, but not limited to,

engagements, marriages, births, accomplishments,

graduations, and plans for college or career. We’d

love to hear from you!

Please email rchenevert@acdsonline.org with

information.

www.acdsonline.org | www.facebook.com/ACDScenla

Art Room Expansion

Landscaping

New Front Awning Science Lab Construction

Renovations Included:

• Canopy in front for drop off was extended to accommodate twice the cars

• Bathrooms in 1st/2nd grade wing along with water fountain area were tiled and painted.

• Hallway of 1st/2nd grade and hallway of 7th/8th grade repainted

• Art room had remaining unpainted walls completed. All new custom storage units for art room were completed

• New 2” blinds in every classroom facing front of school

• Cleaned, painted and carpeted 2nd portable to move piano teacher from science prep room

• New landscaping in various places; front of Pre K, courtyard, rear of library

• Reroofed several areas of missing shingles.• New AC unit for cafeteria• Science lab renovations begun

for the

2012-2013 SCHOOL YEAR

Campus Improvements

Your annual fund contributions hard at work for our students and future students!

Thank you for all of your contributions.

Campus Improvements

BenefacTors ($5,000 - $9,999)

Shawn and Greg Dowd Cindy and Dallas HixsonMaggie and Jonathan MartinLea and Michael MiguezMelissa and Ronnie Rayburn

susTainers ($2,500 - $4,999)

Misty and Chris AntoonAmy and Robin BennettCourtney and Trey CarltonBeck and Dick CrowellTrish and Todd LeleuxBeth and Lloyd Vaughn

friends ($1,000 - $2,499)

Eliane and Bassam Abi-Rached Beth and Gary ArsenaultAgnes and Keith AshbyGina and Joey BollingerAnn and Fletcher BubenzerMarilyn and B.J. CarlinBarbara CarltonMalcolm DenleyLori and Chance DeWittDana and Jeff DraughonKelly and Glen DucoteBeverly GiannoneJenifer and Randy GilchristMichele and Doug GodardKimberly and Shannon GremillionJayne HeathSue Ellen and Jack Jackson, Jr.Jennifer and Robert KinbergerMimi and Bradley KirznerCeleste and Ben LukeAllyson and Lee MarloweLeigh and Spencer MartinShelli and Earl McVayJohn MurphyAmy and Chad NortonNancy and Bill OwensKellie and Jonathan Peyton

Cheryl and David PopeNancy and Gary RialsLisa and Wes RicheyGinger and Francis RobichauxMarilee and Patrick RocheTammi and Bryon SalazarAmy and Lawrence Searcy Carol Anne and Jamie SheltonTracy and Norm ThompsonJohn TudorLynn and Steve WheelisNancy and Zeb WinsteadHallie and Christian Wold

PaTrons ($600 - $999)

Tara and Bert CochranZulma and Roberto GarciaShelley and Meyer KaplanClaire and Rob RatcliffKerri and Eric ReedKatie and Tommy SmithLarissa and Edwin Urbi

MenTors ($250 - $599)

Pauline and Richard ArsenaultGeorge and Delores BarrettHarold BayonneJennifer and Ronnie BeardRebecca and Mike BergeronAma and Ebenezer BerkoTammy and Corky BoltonCoughlin-Saunders FoundationLinda and Don BoniolMary Ann and Scott BrameJean and Etienne BrownJulia and Terry BuckalewGinger CespivaMartha and Stephen ChapmanMartha and Will CrenshawThomas DenleyMerilyn and James Donelon Kelly and Jimmy FairclothKathy and Pete FerringtonNoel and Robert FontaneKasey and Ray GillKirsten and Blaine Hebert

Gail and Travis HopkinsZohra and Shabbir KhambattiMelanie and Wayne LayssardMicky and Anthony MangunCynthia and Jim MeekerKelly and Thomas MeslohLola and Paul MillerKatherine and Brandon MonceauxNatalie and Darryl MonroePam and Ken MooneyLisa and Mark NeelyJennifer and Douglas Perry Jenny and Tate PetermanMyra and Corey PrimeauxKim and Mickey RobertsMissy and Adam RubinWendy and Carl SchofieldLaura and Keith SimpsonEvelyn and Ralph SiscoCaroline and James TheusKristy and John Zachary

suPPorTers (uP To $249)

Penny AbrahamPatricia “Sissy” and Duke AllgoodJoan AshbyCheryll and Johnny BarboDee Ann and Robert BassAlanna and Daryl BejsovecDena and Fred BoltonLionel BordelonMarion and Owen BrownTracy and Robert BrownLinda and Grady BubenzerDebbie and Ray BucknerMelissa and Bill BushMarian and E.D. CasonGary and Sue CatheyElizabeth and Richard ClarkAllison and Jeff CovingtonKerri and Dale DeSelleSonny and Burma DownsKim DuckMyra and Perry DucoteVicki and Marc DupuyKarolyn and Jeff FieldFritzi and Charles Fine

Kitty and Michael FontaneMatt and Erin FontanilleJeff and Whitney FosterMarilee and Pierce FosterTish and Babson FreshCandi and John FrostAllison FryeSandy and Dan GivensShirley and Charles GodardRobin and John GosserandDonna and John GrimesCraig and Kassie HarlowFrank and Faye HebertJennifer and Steve JeansonneNelda JordanVerne KennedyTiffany and Christopher KinnisonMarcia and Michael LeleuxKatie LongNat and Ronnie MarksCindy McKelvyJan and Marvin McLainMelissa MonroeKitty and Glenn MurphyBrandie and Eric MyersStephanie and John NealNan and Tom NortonLiz and Josh PaceTony and Melanie PattersonSandy and Jerry PattonBeverly PriceDorothy PrinceRuth and Charles PrinceRobert and Jan ReichGlynn RivetClaire RobichauxJessica and Joseph RodriquezLee SandersRuth and Ronald SlipmanCarol and Eddie SmithHong Phuc TruongEdwin WareLinda and Eric “Bo” WhiteJames and Martha Ann

Winterroth

DONOR HONOR ROLL 2011-2012

our students appreciate your continued support.

www.acdsonline.org | www.facebook.com/ACDScenla

5603 Bayou Rapides Road

Alexandria, LA 71303

Contact ACDS:

Phone: 318-448-1475

www.acdsonline.org

www.facebook.com/ACDScenla

Non-ProfitOrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No. 695Alexandria, LA

Thanks To Our Generous Underwriters for your support!

Did you see ACDS in the News?So far this school year, ACDS has been featured in The Town Talk for our art room expansion and our C.H.A.R.A.C.T.E.R. initiative. We also made the news spotlight for our Clifford the Big Red Dog birthday celebration. Way to go students!