 August 16, 2023 – Lynnhaven School is thrilled to announce that it has been selected as a recipient of the Virginia Naturally School Recognition from the Virginia Department of Wildlife. As just one of 14 private schools in the state to receive the recognition this year, it highlights Lynnhaven's commitment to environmental education, conservation, and fostering a deep appreciation for Virginia's natural resources among its students.
The Virginia Naturally School Recognition program, administered by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, recognizes educational institutions across the state that demonstrate exceptional dedication to promoting environmental stewardship and providing students with opportunities to connect with nature. Lynnhaven School has continuously strived to integrate environmental awareness and sustainability into its curriculum through stand-alone classes such as Environmental Policy & Practice or its GIS-based Solutions course. From interactive nature studies and habitat restoration projects to hands-on outdoor learning experiences, Lynnhaven students are actively engaged in understanding and preserving the local ecosystem. The school's commitment to environmental education extends beyond the classroom, as they consistently encourage students to participate in community clean-up events, tree planting initiatives, and other conservation efforts. "We are truly honored to receive the Virginia Naturally School recognition," said Dr. Casey Hitchcock, Head of School at Lynnhaven School. "This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, teachers, and staff in fostering a culture of environmental responsibility. We believe that connecting with nature not only enhances our students' educational journey but also equips them to become thoughtful and conscientious stewards of our planet." Lynnhaven School's achievement in earning the Virginia Naturally School recognition exemplifies the institution's dedication preparing students for a more sustainable future. For more information about Lynnhaven School, please visit www.lynnhavenschool.org. About Lynnhaven School - Lynnhaven School is a project-based microschool located in Richmond, VA. With a strong focus on academic excellence and whole-student learning, Lynnhaven offers an innovative educational environment that empowers gifted, twice exceptional, and neurodiverse students to excel both inside and outside the classroom. For media inquiries, please contact: Alyson LeMaster Dean of Enrollment & Innovation 804-750-2300
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 Henrico, VA - Lynnhaven School, a pioneering institution in Richmond, VA, as the first micro high school, is delighted to welcome a new Head of School and the newest members to its Board of Trustees, effective July 2023. Lynnhaven, founded in 2012 by education entrepreneur Dr. Johnathan Harris, has been a vital educational option for gifted, twice-exceptional, and neurodiverse students who value a small, hands-on approach to project-based learning. Harris recently ended his tenure with Lynnhaven, after eleven years, on June 30, 2023. The new board members were welcomed this month, just before the new school year begins on August 9th.
Bridgette Bywater, the newly appointed Board Chair, serves as the Vice President & General Manager of Kings Dominion, a Cedar Fair Entertainment Company. With an extensive background in Business Administration, Management, and Marketing, Bridgette's passion for FUN is evident in her role, where she creates extraordinary experiences for visitors. Bridgette's involvement in civic organizations, such as the Richmond Management Round Table, ChamberRVA, and Richmond Region Tourism, showcases her commitment to building a thriving community. With a keen focus on networking, she is dedicated to establishing meaningful connections that contribute to the greater good of Richmond. Shareema Williams, a Senior Vice President and commercial lender at Towne Bank, joins the Board with over 14 years of experience in business development and analytics. Shareema's dedication to fostering symbiotic relationships with commercial and industrial companies aligns seamlessly with Lynnhaven's values. Her commitment to her family and community exemplifies her passion for making a positive impact both inside and outside the boardroom. Heide Trepanier, the Board Secretary, brings her love for the arts and community to Lynnhaven School. As a professional artist and a former instructor at VCU, the University of Richmond, and UVA, Heide's dedication to fine arts education is matched by her involvement in community-based murals and works. Her achievements include recognition by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and The Speed Museum. Jess Ellet, a self-proclaimed marketing geek, is a wife, mother of four, and a visionary in the advertising industry as the owner of River City Consulting. With over 25 years of experience, Jess's creativity and strategic thinking have shaped successful marketing campaigns for businesses in Richmond. James Frago, the Faculty Representative, and Bobbie-Sue Tunstall, the Board Treasurer, further expand the board as they guide Lynnhaven School's strategic direction and uphold its mission to provide exceptional educational opportunities to students. With the collective wisdom and diverse perspectives of the new members, Lynnhaven is poised to achieve new heights of excellence. In light of the school's continued commitment to delivering outstanding education and expanding its reach, Lynnhaven School made adjustments to its tuition fees for the 2023-2024 academic year, increasing it from $14,950 to $19,980 per year. The increase in tuition represents the school’s commitment to attracting qualified teachers, maintaining high-quality student programming, and staying competitive in the Richmond private school market. The budget for the 2023-2024 academic year stands at $1.09 million dollars which reflects their dedication to providing the best possible outcomes for students. Looking ahead, the newly appointed Board of Trustees will be actively engaged in developing Lynnhaven's 2025 strategic plan. Lynnhaven is also proud to announce Dr. Casey Hitchcock as its next Head of School, a unanimous appointment by the board of trustees. Dr. Hitchcock's journey at Lynnhaven has been marked by exemplary leadership, dedication, and a commitment to fostering excellence in education. As Co-Head of School for the past two years, Dr. Hitchcock has consistently demonstrated an indomitable spirit of innovation. Her commitment to student-centric methodologies, Project-Based Learning (PBL), Agile Classroom, and mastery grading, reflects her determination to challenge the status quo and redefine the essence of schooling. Dr. Hitchcock has been with Lynnhaven School for 7 years. For more information about Lynnhaven School and its commitment to progressive education, please visit contact Alyson LeMaster, Dean of Enrollment and Innovation at www.lynnhavenschool.org or dial 804-750-2300.  Henrico County, May 22, 2023 – Lynnhaven School is thrilled to announce that we have been chosen as the recipient of the Henrico County 2023 Clean Business Award. This accolade recognizes businesses that consistently adhere to the stringent criteria established by the committee, focusing on maintaining a litter-free environment, implementing sustainable practices, and contributing to the beautification of the community. Lynnhaven School has surpassed all expectations and demonstrated an unwavering commitment to enhancing the quality of life in Henrico County. Our efforts in maintaining a pristine environment, promoting environmental sustainability, and actively participating in beautification projects have set us apart as a example within the community. One of the key factors that contributed to Lynnhaven School's selection for this esteemed award was our dedication to keeping our campus litter-free by getting our students involved in the process. By consistently implementing and encouraging responsible waste disposal practices, the school has effectively minimized litter and promoted cleanliness not only within our immediate vicinity but also in the wider Henrico County area. The Keep Henrico Beautiful Committee will acknowledge Lynnhaven School's outstanding achievements at the County Board of Supervisors Meeting on Tuesday, June 27th. The Clean Business Award serves as a reminder to businesses throughout Henrico County that our efforts in maintaining clean a clean campus, embracing sustainability, and enhancing community aesthetics are recognized and deeply appreciated. For more information about the Keep Henrico Beautiful Committee and the Clean Business Award, please visit HERE. Celebrating James McRae: A Rising Star Joins the 2023 Development National Team for Water Polo5/16/2023  We extend our heartfelt congratulations to James McRae ('27) on his well-deserved selection to the prestigious 2023 Development National Team for Water Polo. James was selected among players from across the country last month and now will be representing Team USA. This remarkable achievement is a testament to James' unwavering dedication, relentless hard work, and undeniable talent in the pool. James' commitment to excellence has never wavered, and his efforts have now culminated in this remarkable selection to the 2023 Development National Team.
James' selection to the 2023 Development National Team for Water Polo is a stepping stone toward even greater achievements. This opportunity will provide him with invaluable experience, exposure to higher levels of competition, and the chance to learn from the best in the sport. The intense training sessions, guidance from experienced coaches, and collaborative environment among teammates will undoubtedly contribute to James' growth as a player. His talent, combined with the nurturing environment of the national team, promises an exciting future filled with new milestones and remarkable accomplishments. His next stop will be Los Angels, CA this summer! Congratulations, James!  Melendez meets author Kwame Alexander at the Virginia Council for Social Studies Conference. Richmond, VA - Mrs. Melendez, a member of the 2023 Virginia Council for Social Studies Conference Committee, was also a featured presenter at the VCSS conference in March where over 300 social studies educators gathered in Richmond, VA from across the state. Her session, entitled Simple Stories to Teach Hard History, was a resounding success, providing attendees with practical strategies for teaching difficult topics such as slavery and Jim Crow in secondary social science classes.
Mrs. Melendez's session focused on the use of picture books, graphic novels, young adult, and middle-grade novels to teach these difficult subjects. She shared a range of effective teaching strategies, including read-alouds as writing prompts, interactive read-alouds, using the concept development model, and using the inquiry design module framework to create a classroom environment that promotes empathy, understanding, and critical thinking. Her presentation also offered valuable insights into the rationale for using these texts and resources to help teachers acquire the necessary tools to address sensitive topics with their students. By providing practical examples and a wealth of resources, Mrs. Melendez's session was both informative and engaging. Mrs. Melendez's expertise and innovative approach were a valuable addition to the VCSS Conference, and we are grateful for her contributions to this year's event. We look forward to future opportunities to learn from her insights and experience. For more information on Mrs. Melendez's session and the VCSS Conference, please visit the VCSS website or contact us directly. Lynnhaven School rising Junior accepted into Cleveland Institute of Art's Pre College Program.4/27/2023  Richmond, VA - Joey, a rising junior, has recently been accepted into the Pre College Program at the prestigious Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA). This is a selective program and a remarkable achievement for Joey, who has shown a strong passion and talent for the arts from an early age. Joey's acceptance into the Pre College Program is a testament to their dedication and hard work as an artist. According to Joey’s parents, they have grown to have a deep appreciation for the arts.
The Cleveland Institute of Art's Pre College Program is a rigorous, two to four-week program that provides a comprehensive art and design education to talented high school students who aspire to pursue a career in the creative arts field. The program offers a range of studio classes, critiques, and workshops in a variety of artistic disciplines, including drawing, painting, sculpture, and digital media allowing students to experience life at CIA, learn from top professionals, build their portfolio and earn college credit. Joey's acceptance into the Pre College Program is a reflection of the high-quality education and support they have received from the staff at Lynnhaven School. "We are incredibly proud of Joey for achieving this opportunity to attend CIA's Pre College Program," said Mrs. LeMaster, Director of Admissions & College Counselor. "We can't wait to see what they create during their time at CIA this summer." To learn more about the Pre-College program at the Cleveland Institute of Art please visit https://www.cia.edu/continuing-education/pre-college  Henrico, VA - AgileClassroom, a leading provider of Agile training and consulting services, recently hosted a webinar featuring Dr. Casey Hitchcock and Jim Frago, two educators from Lynnhaven School, who shared their experiences with Agile learning, Academic Teaming, and Project-Based Learning (PBL) in the classroom.
The webinar, which was hosted by AgileClassroom's John Miller and Laura Williams, focused on the impact of Agile frameworks on teaching and learning in the classroom. Hitchcock and Frago shared their insights and key take-a-ways from their experience with implementing Agile practices in their teaching methods. "We are thrilled to have had Casey Hitchcock and Jim Frago share their expertise on Agile learning with our audience," said John Miller, AgileClassroom's co-founder. "Their experience and insights have been invaluable to educators looking to incorporate Agile practices in their classrooms." During the webinar, Hitchcock and Frago discussed how Agile frameworks have helped them to create a more collaborative, flexible, and student-centered learning environment. They shared examples of how PBL has helped students to develop problem-solving skills and work effectively in teams."Agile frameworks have allowed us to be more responsive to the needs of our students," said Hitchcock. "By focusing on collaboration and continuous improvement, we have been able to create a learning environment that is both challenging and supportive." The webinar also addressed the challenges that educators may face when implementing Agile practices in the classroom and provided practical tips for overcoming these challenges. "We hope that our experience and insights will inspire other educators to explore Agile frameworks and how they can be applied in the classroom," said Frago. "We believe that Agile learning is the future of education, and we are excited to be a part of this movement." The webinar recording is available on AgileClassroom's website for those who missed it. For more information on AgileClassroom's services and upcoming events, visit their website at www.agileclassroom.com.  Photo Top: TOP Kevin ('23), Yaquae ('24), Aiden ('27) - BOTTOM Tori ('23), Nate ('23) installed bluebird boxes last week around the campus. The school received a grant through the Virginia Bluebird Society to for the boxes and Lynnhaven campus will now be a stop on the Virginia Bluebird Trail. Mr. Chase and students will be responsible for monitoring the boxes each week and reporting the data to the state. Lynnhaven School has partnered with the Virginia Bluebird Society to place six nest boxes on the campus. The nest boxes were officially put up on February 24th and have been monitored weekly by Mr. Chase. Monitoring the nest boxes weekly is a crucial task in the name of citizen science. All of the data collected is reported to the Virginia Bluebird Society, which is then reported to the state to track the trending population of bluebirds in Virginia.
Bluebirds are cavity nesting birds, which means they build their nests, lay their eggs, and raise their young inside sheltered chambers or “cavities”. The preferred habitat for bluebirds is open fields containing low grass, with plenty of areas to perch on to spot insects on the ground. Due to their incredible eyesight, they can see insects on the ground from over 100 feet away! Not only are they absolutely beautiful to look at, they also eat a variety of pesky insects including beetles, spiders, mosquitos, and most importantly, ticks. Lynnhaven uses the Carl Little Bluebird Box design. It includes a large overhanging roof for sun and rain protection as well as venting on both sides so the box doesn't overheat. The cylindrical piece below is a snake guard to protect nestlings from snakes that attempt to get into the box. The ventilation openings are there prevent overheating and are visible near the top of the box. The grooves at the front of the box are used for the fledglings to exit the box when they are ready to leave the nest. To date, there are currently two nests being built in our nest boxes by Bluebirds. Bluebirds start nesting at the beginning of March and it stretches throughout the summer through August. Lynnhaven School rising Senior, Victoria, invited to National Youth Leadership Forum for Engineering3/27/2023  Henrico, VA - March 23, 2023 Victoria, ‘24, has been invited to participate in the National Youth Leadership Forum: Engineering sponsored by George Mason University. This prestigious program will provide Victoria with an immersive learning experience, introducing her to the overarching principles of engineering and the design thinking process.
During the eight-day program, Victoria and other high school students will explore their passions while being exposed to a variety of engineering disciplines. The program will cover key concepts and how they can be applied in different engineering professions. Victoria will also learn about the Sustainable Development Goals set forth by the United Nations and apply her newfound skills to assist in achieving some of these goals. The National Youth Leadership Forum for Engineering is an invitation-only program that brings together high-achieving students from across the country. This program has a proven track record of providing students with a unique learning experience that prepares them for the rigors of college-level engineering coursework. By attending the program, Victoria will also receive college credit through George Mason University. Lynnhaven School Student James ('27) Selected for National Team Selection Camp for Water Polo3/22/2023  Henrico, VA, March 21, 2023 - Lynnhaven School is proud to announce that one of its students, James ('27), has been selected for the National Team Selection Camp for Water Polo after an outstanding performance at the 2023 ODP Boys National Championships in San Antonio, TX this past weekend. James, who has been a key player for the SwimRVA Water Polo team, impressed at the championships, showing exceptional skill, determination, and sportsmanship throughout the tournament. His performance caught the attention of the national team selectors, who were impressed by his power, technical ability and sportsmanship. "I am thrilled and honored to have been selected for the National Team Selection Camp," said James. "It's a great opportunity to compete at the highest level and represent my school and my SwimRVA team. I want to thank my coaches, my teammates, and everyone who has supported me on this journey." The National Team Selection Camp, which will take place in California in April, is the next step in James' journey towards representing his country in water polo. The camp will bring together the best young players from across the country, and James will have the chance to showcase his skills and leave his mark on the national stage. "James has been a vital member of our athletic program, and we are incredibly proud of his achievements," said Lynnhaven School's Athletic Director, Marika Kidd. "He has worked incredibly hard to get to this point, and his selection for the National Team Selection Camp is a testament to his talent and dedication. We wish him all the best for the camp and beyond." As part of his selection, James has committed to fundraising a minimum of $1375 to benefit the Olympic Development Program. You can help him by clicking here. About Lynnhaven School Lynnhaven School is a leading project-based independent school in Richmond, VA, offering an authentic and challenging academic program balanced with a welcoming community that nurtures students' personal and academic growth. The school is committed to helping students achieve their full potential and become responsible, compassionate, and engaged citizens of the world. For more information about Lynnhaven School, please visit www.lynnhavenschool.org |
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Lynnhaven School is accredited by Cognia. Lynnhaven is also an accredited member of the Virginia Council for Private Education and the National Association of Independent Schools.
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8151 Warriner Road - Henrico, Virginia 23231
Office: 804-750-2300 - FAX: 804-750-2301
Office: 804-750-2300 - FAX: 804-750-2301