The Fury Times - Forsyth Country Day School

The Fury Times
The weekly e-newsletter e
for parents, teachers, students, and friends of FCDS
Issue 10, Volume Five November 9, 2009
Mr. Nesbit Goes to Washington
While his students spent some time away from
AP government, teacher Ralph Nesbit got to experience
it firsthand as a Teacher in Congress intern.
For a week, Mr. Nesbit served as a member of
U.S. Congresswoman Virginia Foxx’s staff. His duties
included researching legislation in the Library of
Congress and sitting in on floor meetings and debates.
He enjoyed watching a two-hour debate on
gun permits in the Senate, and he attended
the House Rules Committee meeting with
Congresswoman Foxx.
Mr. Nesbit also had the opportunity to
tour rarely-seen areas of the Capitol, as well as
restricted areas such as the Lindy Box Suite
and the new White House Visitors’ Center.
“When you have the opportunity to be
there [in D.C.] that long, you really learn
what’s going on,” Mr. Nesbit said.
According to his teaching peers at Forsyth
Country Day School, there’s no one
who could have appreciated the opportunity
more.
“You would be hard pressed to find a
teacher on our campus who is more passionate
about his subject then Ralph,” said
Joe Scott, history department chair. “His
summer experience in Washington attests
to this. It’s no surprise that his AP Government
classes have become some of the
most popular at FCDS.”
Fellow history teacher Ed McBride agreed.
“Ralph shows a palpable commitment to his students
and his subject. He keeps in regular contact
with a variety of political figures,” Mr. McBride said.
“If you have any questions about what is going on in
Washington, see Ralph! No one on campus is more
up-to-date on current events.”
The internship program originated in 2007, providing
educators within the Fifth Congressional District
the opportunity to experience the daily workings
of Congress. In the program’s three years, Mr.
Nesbit is the first
teacher from a private
school selected
for the honor.
Mr. Nesbit also
enjoyed meeting
with Senator Richard
Burr (a former
FCDS parent) and
reconnecting with
FCDS alumni:
Ryan Hollander,
’08, who attends
Yale University,
was spending his
summer interning
for Senator Burr,
and Kathryn Clark,
’07, was completing
a two-week
internship with
Congresswoman
Foxx through UNC-Chapel Hill.
Ralph Nesbit (upper picture, above left,)
with U.S. Representative Virginia Foxx,
and with Senator Richard Burr (below
left), a former FCDS parent.
Continued on Page 2
If you have any questions, comments, or if you would like to submit an item to The Fury Times for publication, please send
your item via e-mail to furytimes@fcds.org or call P.J. St. John (ext. 428). The deadline for submissions is Wednesday at
5:00 p.m. for the following Monday’s Fury Times.

Issue 10, Volume 5
Continued from Page 1
“There are lots of internships available [in Washington]
to college students if they want,” Mr. Nesbit
said, and he encourages his students
to take advantage of those
opportunities.
While enjoying his insider’s
view of the United States govern-
Ralph!
ment, Mr. Nesbit was able to see
is more up
first-hand how, “regardless of political
philosophy, these people
work hard. The people working in
government are passionate about
what they do.”
The same could be said of Mr. Nesbit.
“The students know he really cares about them.
You can see Ralph’s genuine appreciation for the students
by how often he attends extra-curricular events
The Fury Times November 9, 2009
“If you have any questions
about what is going on in
Washington, see
Ralph! No one on campus
is more up-to
to-date on
current events.”
—Ed McBride, Upper
School History Teacher
at FCDS,” Mr. Scott said.
Assistant Upper School Director Nathan Battle
agreed.
“Ralph is an asset to our social
studies department. He goes the
extra mile for his students and
takes a personal interest in their
success,” Mr. Battle said. “Ralph is
a very effective teacher because he
is able to use current events and
political issues to foster a broader
discussion of the role and structure
of the U.S. government.”
As he continues to explore the
world of government with his students, Mr. Nesbit’s
personal experiences in Washington will only enhance
his ability to bring the political world vividly
to life on Forsyth Country Day School’s campus.
What’s Coming This Month
Tuesday, Nov. 10: No School Upper School/Conferences
Wednesday, Nov. 11: No School Junior Pre-K though 12/
Upper, Middle, and Lower School Conferences
Thursday, Nov. 12: No School Junior Pre-Kindergarten-
Eighth Grade/Junior Pre-K-Eighth Grade Conferences
Monday, Nov. 16: College Night for Juniors
Monday, Nov. 23: All-School Thanksgiving Program
Wednesday, Nov. 25-Friday,Nov. 27: Thanksgiving Break
Remember to check the online school calendar for home and away games and performances. Arts events are
also listed on page 7 of the Fury Times. . To access the daily school calendar, go to www.fcds.org., click on
“About,” choose “Calendars,” then select “FCDS Daily Calendar.”
2

Issue 10, Volume 5
Book Fair Runs Through November 12
Bookmark it—the book fair is still going
strong
through
this Thursday,
November
12.
The Book
Fair features
the
latest and
finest titles
for students
as well as books of interest to parents
and teachers.
The Book Fair is a great way to get everyone
excited about reading for a lifetime. We
hope to see everyone there!
The Fury Times November 9, 2009
FCDS PARENT BOOK CLUB
Wednesday, Nov. 18 12:00-2:00 p.m.
We hope you all
can join us for our next
book club meeting!
We'll be discussing
A Lesson Before
Dying by Ernest J.
Gaines. The Chicago
Tribune says, "This majestic,
moving novel is
an instant classic, a
book that will be read,
discussed and taught
beyond the rest of our
lives." Two eleventh grade teachers, Sara
Henson and Gina Funk, will join our discussion
to illuminate how and why this novel works
within the curriculum. Lunch will be served,
and we will meet at 212 Shamrock Trail. Please
e-mail at jeannictakis@gmail.com to RSVP.
The Forsyth Country Day School eighth
grade had a fascinating opportunity on Friday,
Oct. 23 when Dr. Scott Hemby, a professor at
the Wake Forest University School of Medicine,
came in to speak about his experiences
as a neurobiologist.
Dr. Hemby shared his research findings
related to brain disorders and the
effect of substance abuse on the brain.
At the end of his presentation, Dr.
Hemby invited students to examine the
human brain as well as the brains of
monkey, a pig, a cat, and a mouse. This
experience provided students with a
meaningful connection to their recent
study of the nervous system.
Forsyth Country Day School would
like to thank Dr. Hemby for the time
and energy he put into his presention,
and his willingness to share his expertise
with us. This is an experience our students
won’t soon forget!
3

Issue 10, Volume 5
National Merit Scholarship Competi-
tion Honors Nine FCDS Seniors
This year, the National Merit Scholarship
honored the second-largest number of seniors
in school history when it recognized
nine members of the Class of 2010. They are:
The Fury Times November 9, 2009
FCDS Running Club at Matthew
Gfeller Memorial Doughnut Run
Please join the FCDS Running Club at the
Matthew Gfeller Memorial Doughnut Run! Details
are below:
When: Saturday, November 14 at 9:00 a.m.
Emma Blumstein-semi-finalist (applying for
finalist status)
Taylor Boone-semi-finalist (applying for finalist
status)
Kris Dixon-Commended
Corey Gallisdorfer-Commended
Katie Goff-Commended
James McCall-Commended
Daniel Schreiner-Commended
Jesse Solomon-Commended
Claire Wilson-Commended
Congratulations to these students on their
impressive achievements thus far!
What: 5K race at Reynolds High School
Eat six doughnuts (prizes) or fewer than six
doughnuts (no prizes)
Why: Show our FCDS support to benefit the
Matthew Gfeller Scholarship Fund
How: You can register at the race!
Extras: To show FCDS spirit, we will wear T-
shirts provided by the Fury Club (e-mail ASAP
below if you will be participating).
If you have any questions, please contact Hollis
Lineberger at hollislineberger@fcds.org
LacrosseTURF
CLINIC DIRECTOR: Jamie DeBole
· Head Lacrosse Coach at St. Andrew’s School in Austin,
Texas
· 2005-2008 member of UNC-Chapel Hill Men’s Lacrosse
Team
CLINIC COACHING STAFF:
· Billy Bitter: 1 st -Team All-America Attackman in
is bringing you an exciting new clinic featuring 2009 as a sophomore. Learn the secrets to
some of the top collegiate players in the game today!
· Ryan Flanagan: 3 rd -Team All-America Defense-
Billy’s electrifying moves and exciting style of play.
man in 2009 as a sophomore. Learn the tech-
Hip Chics Boutique November supports 7, 2009
Forsyth Country Day School! Please join us on Thursday, Noniques
Ryan uses to shut down the nation’s top
vember 19 Youth: from 10:00 4:00-8:00 – 1:00 p.m. p.m.
for FCDS Shop Night. You’ll save 10 percent on your pur-
attackmen.
chase, and High Hip School: Chics 2:00 will – 5:00 donate p.m.
10 percent of all FCDS sales back to the school. When
· Sean Delaney: 3 rd -Team All-America Midfielder in
Clinic will be held checking at Forsyth out, Country make Day sure School to mention that you’re an FCDS family!
2009 as a junior. Learn how Sean scored more
*Discount 5501 Shallowford does not Rd. apply Lewisville, to Trollbeads. NC 27023 Cannot 4 be combined with any other offers. Have questions?
Contact Leslie Mozingo at 766-1801 or lmozingo@tfgnet.com.

Come audition for the FCDS Upper School
& Middle School Musical…
Middle School Student Auditions: Nov. 16 & 17
(you only need to come one day) 3:45-5:15
Mr. Truhel’s Room
You will learn a song and read some dialogue; please
plan to stay for the entire time.
Upper School Student Auditions: Nov. 30 & Dec. 1
(you need to come both days!) 3:45-5:30 p.m.
FCDS Auditorium
Please plan to sing a song of your choice on Nov. 30.
Performances will be Feb. 24-27, 2010.
5

Issue 10, Volume 5
FURY FLAG FOOTBALL
The Fury Times November 9, 2009
At left: the flag football first-third-grade champion Panthers
(Nick Peters, Blake Parker, Max Edwards, and Colby Ring)
with Coach Speight Carr). Below: fourth- through- sixthgrade
champion Deacons (Tate Parker, KJ Henry, Cooper
LaRue, John Craig, Thomas Moretz, Brett Knorr, Alex Stewart,
Jeb Wall, and Erik Pugh with coaches Richard Stockton and
Luke Johnson.
2009-2010 Junior Fury Club Clinics
Sponsored by Dr. Tina Merhoff
Lower and Middle School Fury
Fans can learn new skills or develop
their current athletic abilities
by participating in Fury
Club Sports Clinics throughout
the school year.
Sunday, Nov. 15
Wrestling with Head Coach Erik Wince
3:00 to 4:15 p.m.
For more information, please contact Dennis Ring,
executive director of the Fury Club, at
dennisring@fcds.org or by phone at 945-3151 ext.
459.
Meet the Coach: Erik Wince
Erik Wince earned his
bachelor’s degree from
Gardner-Webb University.
He earned AAU
Grand National All-
American Freestyle, was
ranked top 10 nationally
in the 174-pound weight
class, and was named University
Freestyle All-
American in 2001. He
also earned Gardner-
Webb’s Male Athlete of the Year in 2008, and he
was a NCAA National Qualifier.
Before coming to FCDS, Erik served as assisting
wrestling coach at Davidson College and head wrestling
coach, boys’ cross country coach, strength and
conditioning coach, and athletic trainer at Hickory
High School in Hickory, N.C. Erik is bronze certified
by USA Wrestling as a National Teams Coach,
and he was the head junior freestyle coach for Team
North Carolina in 2003 .
7

Issue 10, Volume 5
The Fury Times November 9, 2009
the
Arts!
Fine Arts Calendar
NOVEMBER
November 18: US Chorale to
Biltmore
November 17: Drama 2/ITS Showcase in the auditorium
Nov. 21: GMTB sings at Festival of Trees
November 23: Thanksgiving Program involving fine arts
DECEMBER
Dec. 4: Gimme the Beat Choir sings at Salemtowne
December 7: Seventh-Twelfth Grade Chorale Concert
December 10: Seventh-Eighth Grade Instrumental Concert
December 14: Fifth and Sixth Grade Music Concert
December 17: Grandparent’s Day
Dec. 21: Gimme the Beat Choir sings at Christmas For The City/
Millennium Center
JANUARY
January 14: Upper School Instrumental Concert
January 20-22: Kathy Armstrong Residency:
Kathy is a Ghanaian drumming and dancing expert from Ottawa, Canada .
January 23, 2010: Western Regional Orchestra Auditions: Central Davidson
January 23, 2010: All-district auditions at Central Davidson, Lexington,
N.C. for six –twelfth grades
M
Artwork by Ruth Jackson, Seventh grade. Landscape Print
8

Issue 10, Volume 5
The Fury Times November 9, 2009
During the summer of 2009, the Middle
School established its first art gallery to
showcase the Middle School art program
and the students who create the work.
The gallery, hung in the Middle School
hallways, includes 28 pieces depicting
various projects from grades five through
eight. The framed works contain photographed
images of work completed
throughout the 2008-2009 school year.
During the
summer, the
work will be
changed to
spotlight new
Clay portrait by Nicholas Reyes,
sixth grade
Animal in Their Habitat by
Lucas Poppante, fifth grade
artists and new projects from 2009-2010. Plans for the
gallery include the addition of 20 more frames by the
end of the summer of 2010.
Parents, students, and visitors are encouraged to view
the artwork. Currently, the following students are featured
in the gallery: John Britti, Ryan DeCook,
Corinne Mitchell, Lucas Poppante, Peter Worcester,
Rachel Peters, Nicholas Reyes, Will Driscoll, James
Edwards, Kirk French, Kendall Jane Vaughn, Zoe Chamberlain, Anna Wade
Strawsburg, Kathleen Baker, Anna McKeen, Andrew Spaugh, Carolyn Ansel, Danielle
Cantrell, Haley Doherty, Meredith
Spaid, Allison Miller, Julianne
Blaylock, Ruth Jackson,
Mary Katherine
Clemens, Will Whitehead, Wyatt
Driscoll, Cailly Danahy, and Adair
Sheppard.
Plaster mask by Carolyn Ansel, eighth grade
9

Visual Arts Department
North Carolina Art Education Association Conference Highlights
From Oct. 23-25, approximately 500 attendees descended on Winston-Salem for
the annual NCAEA Conference. Forsyth Country Day School was wellrepresented
by the visual arts faculty and in fact, many conference attendees enjoyed
successful presentations by the following FCDS faculty:
Mary Bailey Thomas, Upper School Photography, presented Transforming Photo
Transfers: Learn how to transfer imagery from laser copies to various surfaces and then manipulate
the image into original works of art. Fifteen art educators from across the state attended
Mary’s presentation held at Studios@625 Trade Street.
Participants enjoy Mary Bailey Thomas’s presentation on photo transfers
K Wood, Middle and Upper School Studio Art Instructor, presented the following
workshops to art educators:
Books on a Budget a 3 Hour Workshop including a demonstration followed by class
creation of four different books: Rubber Band Book, Cereal Box Book, Stab-Stitch
book, and the Paper Bag book using simple, inexpensive resources.
Book Arts Inspiration Presentation: Information on simple to elaborate book making
construction. Presentation included several personal examples, collaboration
ideas, book resources, lesson plans, and short demonstrations.
Middle School Division Representative meeting: Topics for the meeting included – National
Junior Art Honor Society update, current DPI information, NCAEA opportunities
for involvement for the division members, community service projects,
quarterly By Design article and a presentation on curriculum mapping.
Participants enjoy K Wood’s presentation on Book-Making
Rebecca Stone-Danahy, Upper School Visual Arts Instructor and Fine Arts Director, also
hosted a workshop at Studios@625 Trade Street, on Figure Drawing. Art educators were invited
to a three-hour workshop on reconnecting with the art of figure drawing.
Following the workshop, Rebecca hosted a business meeting for Independent School Representatives
of the NCAEA and a welcome reception at Associated Artist’s of Winston-Salem for
conference attendees.
Congratulations, Becky! Rebecca Stone-Danahy was inducted as the newly elected Secondary Division
Chair for NCAEA and was awarded the NCAEA National Art Honor Society Sponsor of
the Year Award.
10

Issue 10, Volume 5
The Fury Times November 9, 2009
Congratulations and Thank you!
The Upper School Chorale travelled to Wingate
University Oct. 24-25 to participate in
the 2009 North Carolina Independent
Schools Choral Festival. Students from across
the state rehearsed and sang in a mass choir
conducted by UNC professor Dr. Dan Huff.
Each school also performed two selections
on its own at the final concert on Sunday afternoon.
The Chorale, conducted by Mr. Truhel,
sang “Sicut cervus” by Palestrina and
“We Are…” by Ysaye Barnwell, which featured a solo by senior Carson Funk.
Thank you to our Seniors in the Performing Arts!
A special thank you to our fall drama seniors who have devoted much
time and energy into the dramatic arts! Please congratulate the following
students Zack Hanes, sound technician (one year); Raquel Chrysson,
“Sabina,” ( two years); Caroline Moseley, assistant director and “Frieda
Bailey” (three years); Jesse Solomon, “George Antrobus” (four years);
and Carson Funk, “Maggie Antrobus” (four years).
The Upper School Dramatic Arts 2 Class competed in
the NCTC High School Play Festival this past weekend
at Mt. Tabor High School. Carson Funk, Maggie
New, and Emma Poppante delighted audiences in the
one-act play So When You Get Married, directed by Brad
Stephenson. The running crew included Eileen
Quinn, Hailey Post, Zach Weinman, and Courtney
Tambling. Out of 15 productions, FCDS won awards
for Outstanding Achievement in Acting (Maggie
New), Excellence in Directing (Brad Stephenson) and
Outstanding Play (which means the group won regionals
and is going to states in two weeks).
11