WCDS News

Throughout the academic year, the students of journalism, yearbook, and film classes at Wakefield Community Day School(WCDS) have embarked on an incredible journey, crafting a diverse collection of films that highlight their artistic prowess and storytelling abilities. From conducting interviews and editing footage to conceptualizing and filming captivating narratives, these talented individuals have poured their …

Celebrating the Creative Endeavors of WCDS Journalism, Yearbook, and Film Students: A Cinematic Journey Read More »

Students in Mrs. Hampton’s AP Language and Composition class were set the task of coming up with a Proposal for a Community Service Project as part of our unit on Community Building and Civic Responsibility. The class was divided into groups of five, and each group was responsible for their own project. Along with determining …

AP Language and Composition Group Projects Show Dedication to Service and Creativity Read More »

I was led to Wakefield by my desire of wanting something different. The bulk of my teaching career took place in public education, but when I had my daughter and began exploring the benefits of a classical education, I knew I needed to make a change. These past six years, I have seen my daughter …

Meet Amanda Hoffman, Learning Specialist and Lower School Dean of Faculty Read More »

Dear Friends of WCDS: Wakefield is turning a half-century old. In Fall 2021 we launched our 50th Anniversary Campaign to fund the future of our beloved school for the next 50 years! Without the generosity of our donors, we wouldn’t be able to provide the excellent education at the incredible value that we do. That …

50th Anniversary Campaign Read More »

This year, WCDS held its first annual Scripps National School Spelling Bee on January 27, 2023! During the months of December and January grades 1-8 held their classroom bees to determine who would participate in the schoolwide bee. The classroom winners and runners-up were: Kalani Loving, Owen Smith, Emma Padgett, Grace Collings, Alex Zajac, Beatrice …

Scripps National Spelling Bee Read More »

By: Tara Johnson, Theatre I teacher, 9th-12th grade Through hard work, collaboration, and bravery (it’s scary to get up in front of a crowd!), the high school thespians at WCDS are ready to perform a One Act comedy entitled: “This is a Test” by Stephen Gregg! Wakefield’s Theatre class is off to a stellar start! …

Take One, Action! Read More »

By: Mrs. Molly Fairhurst, third-grade teacher There are a few highlights in our third-grade history curriculum, and the Greek gods and goddesses project is one of the favorites. Students who have previously attended Wakefield Country Day School, especially if they have older siblings, come into 3rd grade ready to study Greek Mythology and count down …

Gods and Goddesses, Oh My! Read More »

By Ms. Pheister, Fourth Grade Teacher The third, fourth, and fifth-grade teachers started the year by brainstorming some team-building projects and field trips we could go on to get a strong start for the year. We decided on two early character-building field trips: one to Shenandoah National Park for a hike to see the falls …

We Can Do Hard Things! Read More »

By: Brian Beres Ph.D. The other day in class, we were designing in CAD, and testing 3D printed force gauges. A force gauge can tell how much force it takes to move an object. A student came up to me and asked, “Dr. Beres, do you think this is what a Newton feels like?” My …

May the Force Gauge Be with You Read More »

Elections for Student Government took place last week, with students from grades 4-12 running for class representatives and office. Students learn to develop leadership skills, organize and carry out school activities and commit to serving their fellow students to make the WCDS experience the best possible by supporting one another. Congratulations to all candidates. Class …

Student Government Elections 2022-2023 School Year Read More »

Mrs. Tara E. Johnson studied English, Communications, Acting, and Dance at Elizabethtown College in Pennsylvania, Cheltenham University in England, and American Sign Language at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., for two years. Gallaudet is the only all-Deaf college in the world, first signed into being by President Lincoln in 1864. Mrs. Johnson has appeared in …

ASL and Theatre Electives Now Offered at WCDS Read More »

As part of the curriculum expansion for the 2022-2023 school year, Head of School Paul Larner and Katie Hill, Finance, are teaming up to prepare students for life with a new, required elective: Finance. Beginning Fall 2022, all seniors will complete this semester-long course for graduation. We sat with Mr. Larner and Ms. Hill and …

Semester of Finance for all WCDS Seniors Read More »

When it comes to the ins and outs of all things Wakefield Country Day School, it’s safe to say Margaret DiDomenico knows a thing or two. Mrs. DiDomenico(or Mrs. D as many fondly call her) began her teaching career at WCDS after graduating from George Mason University, and 16 years later, she is thrilled to …

DiDomenico in a New Role Read More »

At a young age, students learn the importance of giving back and how to be impactful within our local and greater community at large through service projects. Teachers weave community service projects into the daily curriculum, such as the recent Harry Potter Bakesale conducted in Mrs. McCormick’s second-grade class. Each quarter, the second-grade service club …

Harry Potter Bakesale Read More »

The WCDS Upper School Student Art class went on their very own Rappahannock Art Tour, led by local artist and WCDS art teacher Kerrie Mullany. The adventure began at acclaimed local artist Nol Putnam’s studio, who lives 5 miles north of WCDS. Nol is a blacksmith who many years ago did the decorative iron doors …

Upper School Studio Art Tour in Rappahannock County Read More »

A Gem in Our Midst In countless ways, the pandemic has impacted the lives of everyone — students perhaps most of all. A little more than a year ago, parents never imagined most children would be thrust into attending school either partially or full-time on a computer. This learning model continued for much of the …

A Gem in Our Midst Read More »

The holidays are a favorite time of year for our students to get involved in the community and give back. For a community service project, first graders did chores to earn money and bought items for RappCats, a cat shelter in Flint Hill. They gathered many supplies such as dry food, canned food, toys, and …

It’s for the cats! Read More »

On November 14th, 33 students attended the Virginia Junior Classical League Convention in Richmond VA. The hybrid event brought together nearly 1,000 Latin students who competed on a variety of contests, including academic tests as well as oral events such as storytelling and recitation.  As usual, WCDS students shone, second only to Thomas Jefferson High …

Virginia Junior Classical League Convention 2021 Read More »