Students in Kindergarten at Bowling Green Primary had a special visit from Mocha.  Her owner, Debra Holt, Director of Human Resources, visited the class with her dog and read to several classes.  This is Mocha’s second visit to the school in several years.  The students enjoyed hearing Ms. Holt read a book while Mocha listened, also.

In February, students at Bowling Green Elementary (BGE) and Lewis and Clark Elementary (LCES) participated in an art contest commemorating the 150^th year of the signing the Emancipation Proclamation. The contest was sponsored by the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Commission for all Virginia students, grades K – twelve.  Students were asked to illustrate the theme:  “Emancipation Proclamation:  Out of Bondage…Into Freedom.” To commemorate this event, the Commission hosted a concert with the Richmond Symphony on April 13, 2013 where the art work of all student participants was shown via video. The concert held at Richmond Center Stage was be rebroadcasted on Thursday, April 25, 2013 at 9pm on WCVE Public Television.

We have just received notification that, in addition to the participants having their art work displayed at the concert, plans are also being made to display them in the General Assembly Building in Richmond during the next session, as well as during the unveiling of the Commemorative Plaques of the African-American men who were elected to the Underwood Convention after the Civil War and to the General Assembly during Reconstruction. Students’ art may be viewed on the Commission’s website (date to be determined by the Commission). http://mlkcommission.dls.virginia.gov/lincoln/projects.html#Project3n

Art teachers Joan Dudley (BGE) and Vera Underwood (LCES) are proud to announce that the following students will have their work showcased:  From Bowling Green Elementary:  Coralyn Gary, Jacob Martin, Adina Watson, Josie Worrell and Lindsey Gorham.  From Lewis and Clark Elementary, pictured left to right are:  Kailyn Brown, Nevaeh Bell and Dante Mines.

On Saturday, May 11th, the Caroline Middle School strings participated in the King’s Dominion Festival of Music at the park. The orchestra performed three selections for judges, including “Samba La Bamba,” “Fiddler’s Hoedown,” and “Simple Square Dance.” On a scale from one to five, with one being the best, the strings were awarded a two, or an ‘excellent’ rating. For their first ever rating, this was a wonderful achievement! Congratulations to the strings students on their fantastic work, and an outstanding concert season! And congratulations to Mrs. Mary Yanos for your outstanding work with the CMS Orchestra!

Madison Elementary School has enjoyed a successful inaugural year of their Running Club. Since the club started in January 2013 the “Madison Mustangs” have met weekly to train and support one another. The club consists of over 50 students grades K-5 and staff who worked together to become better runners and live healthier lives. The members of the club learned tips for healthy eating, strategies for becoming a stronger runner, and healthy ways to relieve stress through exercise. Students and staff set weekly goals that led to their overall goal of running a 5K or mile race. Motivational videos and stories shared at club each week helped keep the runners focused on their goals. These goals were realized when the club ran in both The Bowling Green Festival of Feet 5K and The Great Train Race in Fredericksburg this Spring. The club has helped the younger and older students build relationships with one another as they encouraged each other through their training and on race day. These relationships have helped build a stronger community within the school. The club will start meeting again in the Fall, and students and staff are excited about the upcoming year. Go Mustangs!

On April 19^th and 20^th Tyler Hubble and Josh McLain went to Roanoke for the Skills USA Outdoor Power Equipment Competition.  They competed for over three hours in the small engines event. Their time was well spent as they both placed. Tyler achieved a 4^th place finish and Josh earned 3^rd. Josh won over $7,000 in scholarships and prizes. Mr. Anderson is extremely proud of both boys wants to thank them for their patience, dedication, and hard work.  Mr. A says they just put Caroline on the map with Skills USA.  Fantastic Job!

The Food Service Department would like to recognize Wendy Reneau for her accomplishments this school year. On a personal note she began the year by earning her Professional Foodservce Management credential. She followed this achievement by earning her ServSafe Instructors Certification in March. Her primary business focus has been on helping the Division earn VDOE menu planning certification, which would meet the new USDA guidelines.We are happy to report Caroline County was one of the first School Divisions in Virginia to have attained the new certification. Wendy’s many contributions have been instrumental in the Departments success. We look forward to her assisting in our future development.