Double R Private School

Dear Faculty, Parents, and Students:

Time races on, waiting for no one or anything.  We are THANKFUL for each sunrise and sunset, for good health and happiness for each other.  We hold fast to memories created along the way and revisited in dreams.  What will the next year bring?

We wish you LOTS OF LOVE, good health, sunshine and peace.  We wish you friendships sprinkled with laughter and smiles and respect earned from actions and words.  We wish you opportunities for success and to be all that you can be.  THANK YOU for letting us be part of your past and future; it has been a WONDERFUL journey.

MERRY CHRISTMAS, Happy Hanukkah, and a Blessed New Year to us all.

In Friendship,

Ted and Brenda Reichle

To all of the Double R community:

   May your Holiday Season be filled with friendship, family, relaxation, and joy! Each year seems to go by more quickly as we travel down life’s path; I try to remind myself to slow down and enjoy the journey.  I hope that each of you will as well.  It seems like yesterday Erin (Go Gators!), Shannon, and Kelly were sharing the campus with us, and in 2012 Karissa will be “officially” starting the two-year old program.  So, in our family’s journal, the pages turn; but there is somewhat of a sequel. The Double R is a special place, filled with wonderful children and adults who work hard to improve our neighborhoods, towns, state, country, and world, and for that I am so thankful.  You have been a blessing to the Dunne family.

   I hope that 2012 brings you and your family peace, prosperity, opportunity, and good health.

All the best,

Kevin Dunne

The Holidays are finally here.

They only come but once a year.

It’s time to spread good cheer

To those we love and hold so dear!

Wishing you a safe and joyous holiday!  We look forward to seeing you in the New Year.

Mrs. Allison 

This Christmas I wanted to repeat one of my favorite poems of the season.  These are values to keep close all year and certainly are thoughts to share with your children:

“Christmas Gift Suggestions”

To your enemy:  forgiveness;

To an opponent:  tolerance;

To a friend: your heart;

To a customer:  service;

To all:  charity;

To every child:  a good example;

To yourself:  respect.

From my family to yours,
   Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,

Trudie O. Fluharty and family 

Two Year Olds

We asked Mrs. Beckys two year olds,

What is Santas favorite holiday snack?

Here is what they said,

Andrew Barlow- Cars cookies

Jackson Bradford- Gold Fish

Jackson Blake- Carrots

Anthony Castellano- Gummy

Dylan deRojas- Blueberry little bits

Isabel Gray- Candy cane

Kylie Magill- Mini Chips ahoy

Max Schlossberg- Strawberries

Jadyn Springer- Holiday marshmallows

Michael Stubbs- Animals cookies

Juliana Torres- Doritos chips

Abigail Williams- Circle cookies

We asked the teachers, What is your favorite Christmas song? Why?

Mrs. Becky said, Mary Did You Know? because it's the real reason for the Season.

Mrs. Mary said, Dominick the Donkey because its a fun song to sing and dance to. I listen to it with my family.

by: Morgan Gibbs

KIDS ABROAD

I asked Mrs. Reichle to tell me a little about Kids Abroad. This is what she had to say:

My favorite subject! In 1978 I became a US representative to host foreign students in America. Realizing the tremendous opportunity this presented to young people, I sent my own children to Europe and expanded that to include students from the Double R. My children experienced life in the UK, France, and Germany and visited Czech Republic, Belgium, Norway, Italy, Hungary, Austria, Switzerland, and Israel. Traveling introduced them to languages and the love of adventure, travel, and life-long friendships. Their lives were changedtwo married Europeans, three are military and traveling the world, speak several languages.expanded perceptions and appreciations for ALL people around the world.

Having covered thirteen countries since 1978, I have chosen the best things to see and experience on each trip. This March we are going to Italy. Students will tour Rome, Lucca, Pisa, Florence, Gaeta, Napoli/Pompeii, back to Roma, and homa. Next year we will go to Germany, Austria, and Hungary.

MEMORIES..we create memories! A stepping stone for ones LIFE ADVENTURE and JOURNEY! Join us for the trip of a lifetime!

by: Connor Stamper

THIRD AND FOURTH GRADE FIELD TRIPS

Grades 3 and 4 have FUN field trips. They certainly are different and memorable. Their first trip was the TRAIL OF TEARS, a three mile walk to Lake Mills. Students made their own Indian costumes to wear on the walk.

In December they will go to Saturday for a WAGILIA luncheon and Christmas exchange party. In January they will go to Fort Christmas for an historical demonstration, covering founding Indians to battles for independence. In February they will go to a Civil War Re-Enactment for the weekend. This battle is held in Lake City, Florida, and is better known to us as the Battle of Olustee. In April they will return to Saturday for an Easter Egg hunt and party.

For those of you who dont know, Saturday is Mrs. Reichles home on Willingham Road in Chuluota. The name was given to the property because EVERY DAY is Saturday there to enjoy and relax. EVERYONE is welcome.

by: Morgan Gibbs

MIDDLE SCHOOL DURING LAST WEEK BEFORE BREAK

The last week before Christmas break is so much fun in Middle School. We do a lot of fun things! We pick a name for Secret Santa. We make stockings and Monday through Thursday bring a $1.00. Each morning we put something in the stocking. It is so much fun especially trying to guess who our Secret Santa is. Thursday evening is the Christmas program where each class from Kindergarten through Eighth sings a class song as well as a group song and a Spanish song. On Friday we have a Christmas party ending with a Chinese gift exchange where each of the students brings a gift to put under the tree. We then get to pick a present and try to hold onto it before someone else selects it. We also spend the week painting Christmas gifts. A great time is had by all the entire week.

by: Morgan Gibbs

Ms. Patricias THREES

We asked the Three Year Olds, What is Santas favorite candy?

They said,

Clayton Chiles - Lollipop

Janisse Colon-Suarez - Blueberry Cane

Joseph Comito - Lillipop

Mackenzie Comito - Candy Cane

Justin DeWitt - Chocolate

Tyler Finn - Candy Cane

Sean Greenway - Candy Cane

Alyssa Gutierrez - Candy Cane

Juliet Harlinar - Candy Cane

Hannah Harbin - Lollipop

Deegan Kellogg - Candy Cane

Allyson Leach - Candy Cane

Ely Leslie - Candy Cane

Jordan Lheureux - Candy Cane

Alyssa Moritz - Lollipop

Riley Stenger - Candy Cane

Athena Turner - Chocolate

Kayden Blake - Candy Cane

Kellan Wood - Candy Cane

I asked each teacher, What is her favorite Christmas song? Why? They said:

Ms. Patricia, The Christmas Song because it reminds me of home and family.

Ms. BJ, Let There be Peace on Earth because I love that song.

by: Morgan Gibbs

ARTICLES

Middle School Lunches

Every Friday Middle School serves lunch to the entire student body. We alternate between spaghetti and macaroni and cheese. Both of them are delicious and are prepared by Marilyn Boyer, Robby Boyers grandmother. Robby no longer goes to Double R, but his grandmother helps each week by cooking the meals. She also cuts box tops and gets them ready to submit. Mr. Eddie, Double Rs custodian, serves all lunches, including the Middle School lunches. We all owe him a special thank you! It must be really hard serving all that food to the hungry students.

A great big THANK YOU to Marilyn Boyer and Mr. Eddie. Keep up the good work!

by: Paige Anderson

AISF Update

The Association of Independent Schools of Florida or AISF is the accreditation body that establishes safety standards and guidelines for private schools and enables students credits to transfer from one school to another. Approximately every five years, the AISF visits each member school and assures that the school is complying with the established rules and regulations. They last visited Double R in 2009, so we will be up for review again in 2014.

by: Morgan Gibbs

Third and Fourth Graders Visit to "Saturday"

Third and fourth graders will enjoy a Christmas luncheon of potato pancakes with applesauce or sour cream, a Polish tradition called WIGILIA, at Saturday, Mrs. Reichles home. After lunch, the students will play the Chinese Gift Exchange game. Each student will get a number and will pick a gift from under the tree or take one that has already been picked and opened by another student. The exchange continues until all the students get a gift, either by picking one from the tree and trading for one that was already picked. If time permits, the children will run into the pastures and fields to catch lions, tigers, and bears. It is always a fun time for all.

by: Trevor Barrow

Double Rs Talent Show

The Talent show is where students and friends or family show their talents to all of us. This years talent show will be in February 2012. Students can dance, sing, do magic tricks, tell jokes, play an instrument, or do just about anything else theyre good at. So plan to perform or just come and watch your friends and classmates perform and have lots of laughs and fun!

by: Jillian Urban-Diaz

Kindergarten through Second Grade Field Trips

On October 12, the Kindergarten and First Grade went to the Orange County Communication Center. They went to the SSC Planetarium on November 4th. Sometime next year, Kindergarten and First grade will go to the play Lyle, The Crocodile. They will also be going to the Orlando Science Center in April.

On September 16, the Second Graders went to the Orlando Repertory Theatre. On February 17^th of next year, they will be going to the planetarium.

by: Morgan Gibbs

MRS. JANET'S PRE-K CLASS

I Asked Mrs. Janets Pre-K Class, What is Rudolphs favorite game?

They answered,

Colton Allen: Tag

Luke Bordner: Pirates

Davione Bowen: Soccer

Brenon Blair: Basketball

Chance Carpenter: Leap Frog

Katylyn Daniel: Cheerleading

Naomi Hedden: Hopping Bunnies

Kathryn Marino: Running

Aliyah Permaul: Hide and go Seek

Taylor Ruedlinger: Running

Jaxsen Sturm: Driving a Monster Truck

Luke Williamson: Hide and go Seek

Lacey Willis: Bikes

I asked Kendra Mendenhall and Sage Vergara what they like to do during winter?

They both said: Playing outside.

I asked Noah Schlossberg what his favorite Hanukkah game is?

He said Spinning the Dradle.

I asked The Teachers, What is your favorite Christmas song? Why?

Mrs. Janet said: Away in the Manger because it reminds me of my childhood.

Mrs. Lissie said, Mr. Grinch because it fits me.

DOUBLE R ALUMNI UPDATES

We would love to hear from our alumni! Call or email us so we can share your accomplishments with the Double R community.

Two of Double Rs 2011 graduates Jenni Urban-Diaz and Evren Tasci attend Hagerty High School. Evren was ranked #1 out of 577 freshmen! Go Evren! Keep up the good work! His sister Kayra, currently in sixth grade, tells us that he misses Double R and wishes he were a kid again so he could come back. The Spanish he learned at Double R is helping him a lot since he is taking Spanish.

Jenni says she also misses her friends at Double R. She loves high school and is doing great! She was elected student of the month and says Double R was a great experience.

Alex Stamper also goes to Hagerty High and is actively involved in chorus. She contributes greatly here at Double R by helping her mother get the Double R players ready for their performances in the fantastic plays. She helps make our socials a lot of fun by spinning tunes. A great big round of applause to Alex!

Erin Dunne, eldest daughter of Mr. Dunne and Ms. Allison, started her freshman year at the University of Florida. She graduated high school in 2011 with honors, was the student body president, and was the class orator. She was also named the Seminole County Leadership Student of the year. She is studying marketing and finance. Go Gators!

Chris Bosco also graduated high school in 2011 and is going to SSC. He works at Cut Above.

Jaret Bessette, in his freshman year at Rollins College, is extremely active in the Debate Club. He just returned from a debate in London and is on his way to California. After California he will travel to Japan for another international debate. Good work, Jaret!!!

By: Cheyenne Rust

MRS. MARGARET'S PRE-K STUDENTS

I asked Ms. Margarets Pre-K students,

What is Rudolphs Favorite Game?

They said,

Alyssa Atkinson: Hide and Go Seek

Derek Briggs: Leap Frog

Merrick Carver: Snow Monster

Devin deRojas: Hide and Go Seek

Benjamin Gilliard: Soccer

Julian Guzman: Running

Karcen Hightower: Flying

Victoria Iacono: Gymnastics

DAmery Jourdenais: Legos Pirates of the Caribbean

Tanner McMillan: Whos Rudolph?

Emily Neese: Candy Land

Sarina Nickerson: Just Dance 2

Melanie Pick: Scooby Doo

Aneesh Rajagopalan: Other Reindeers

Charles Rawls: Candy Land

Nickolas Schmitz-Verweyen: Basketball

Parker Summerfield: Hop Scotch

Tatiana Torres: Hop Scotch

I asked each teacher, What is your favorite Christmas song? Why?

Ms. Margaret said. Away in the Manger because it describes Christmas.

Mrs. Tracy said, Santa Claus is Coming to Town because the kids love to sing it.

Ms. Nicole said, Frosty the Snow Man because it is her favorite Christmas movie.

KINDERGARTEN

Kindergarten was asked,

what makes Santas sleigh fly?

HERE IS WHAT THEY SAID,

JJ Carbon: The reindeer

Emily Hanus: The reindeer

Bailey Gutierrez: Reindeer

Mikaela Lawhan: Magical reindeer

Aadya Babaladi: Magic

Cheyenne Preston: Reindeer

Selah Leslie: Santa pulls the leash

We asked Mrs. Matheuix "What is your favorite Christmas song? Why?"

She answered: "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas" because it's my favorite movie.

by: Trevor Barrows

FROSTY THE SNOWMAN CONTEST

Bailey Gutierrez, Kindergarten

Jerzey Urban-Diaz, 1st

Alyssa Lawhon, 2nd

Frank Salgado, 3rd

Mitchell Engley, 4th

Kayla Messenger, 5th

Cierra Gibson, 6th

Danielle Wingler, 7th & 8th

RUNNERS UP

Cheyenne Preston, Kindergarten

Siddarth Calidas, 1st

Emily Grainger, 2nd

Seth Robillard, 3rd

Julia Poffenberger, 4th

Christian Gibson, 5th

Mariah Gibbs, 6th

Paige Anderson, 7th and 8th

FIRST GRADERS

I asked the First Graders:
What is the name of Grinchs dog?
Here is what they said,

Langston Bradford: Dora
Siddarth Calidas: Grace
Benjamin Columbus: Buddy
Jonathan Crossman: Reindeer
Mary Elizabeth Crymes: Shaggy
Arianne Greenway: Max
Brianna Justice-Bruno: Ruby
Jerzey Urban-Diaz: Max

I asked the teacher, What is your favorite Christmas song? Why?

Mrs. Rawls said, Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer because it reminds me of when my grandma and I sang this together.

by: Jillian Urban-Diaz

Thanksgiving Feast

Every Thanksgiving all the classes in our school get together and prepare a Feast for students, faculty, and teachers to come together and enjoy. The soup is called Friendship Stew, which the Middle School prepares. The Middle School also prepares the desserts which are brownies and Apple Pan Doughty. Other classes bring rolls and muffins; others bring juice and fruit cocktail. We all meet in the gym and give thanks for our wonderful friends, neighbors, and the meal we are about to share. Seventh and Eighth graders set up the tables in the gym; and, after the feast, the Fifth and Sixth graders get to clean up the mess. After the gym is cleaned, we leave for our individual Thanksgiving holidays.

by: Morgan Gibbs

Kwanzaa

In 1966, Maulana Karenga created Kwanzaa, a holiday specifically for African Americans. Karenga wanted a holiday that would help African Americans reconnect with their culture and heritage. Kwanzaa is based on the seven principles of African heritage. Every day for seven days, they celebrate one of the seven principles. The seven principles of Kwanzaa are

1. Umoja (Unity): To strive for and to maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.

2. Kujichagulia (Self-Determination): To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves.

3. Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility): To build and maintain our community together and make our brothers' and sisters' problems our problems, and to solve them together.

4. Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics): To build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together.

5. Nia (Purpose): To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.

6. Kuumba (Creativity): To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.

7. Imani (Faith): To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.

The seven principles are often represented by seven candles: three red, three green, and one black. They are also represented by a black, red, and green flag and/or mat. The celebration begins on the 26^th of December every year and lasts for one week.

by: Connor Stamper

STUDENT SAVINGS

I spoke with Ms. Cathyann about the Middle School savings program at Double R. The savings program is open to all Middle School students. Every week students may contribute money to their account. The money is placed in a savings account with a local bank. When I asked her if anyone uses the money during the year, she said, No. Students get the money back at the end of the year or when they leave Double R. Ms. Cathyann said that she enjoys helping the kids learn about saving money.

by: Jared DeLuca

2ND GRADE

We asked the Second Graders,

Why is the Grinch green?

Here is what they said,

• Colin Farrell: He doesnt eat healthy food.
• Alyssa Lawhon: He is a monster.
• Lauren Daniel: He accidentally made a spell on himself.
• Hannah Anderson: He is evil.
• Rileigh Strohaker: The director made him that way.
• Mathew Gemuendt: He is mean.
• Connell Woods: He is evil.
• Blake Watts: He ate cabbage.
• Yasmine Acosta: He is ugly.
• Emily Grainger: His nose is all stuffed up.
• Evan Reyes: He stole Christmas.

I asked Mrs. Gemuendt, Whats your favorite Christmas song? Why?

She said, Silent Night because it represents Jesus birth.

by: Jillian Urban-Diaz

SUMMER CAMP

Last year, summer camp started May 30^th and ended August 12^th. At the beginning of summer camp, the kids were separated into three groups. The kids from Pre-K to Kindergarten were called Peanuts. The kids from first through fourth grades were called Juniors, while the kids in Middle School were called Seniors. After swimming for about an hour, we went to the gym to dry off and then to art class and then back to the gym for games and a snack. After snack, it was lunch time followed by more playing in the gym. In the afternoon we went to the Game Room to play videogames or board games. We also went on field trips which were lots of fun. Summer camp is really fun; trust me Ive been there!!!! Talk to your parents and plan on joining us next summer.

by: Joseph Jacobs

Grad Night at Universal

Each year, eighth graders across central florida get to spend the evening at universals Grad night. eighth graders get to take over universal for the entire evening. There are two unbelievable parks and one unforgettable night. The two parks are Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios. We arrive at the park at 4pm and get to stay until midnight. This year grad night will be in May. Go eighth graders!!!

by: Jillian Urban-Diaz

Double R Volunteer Club

Double R Volunteers, DRV, is an organization of Double R students who get together to help people, animals, groups with illnesses or disabilities, and much, much more. We love helping people and animals. The DRV has raised money for Cystic Fibrosis. We helped distribute the food donated by our students at Thanksgiving. We do so many things. We want to give a great big THANK YOU to Ms. Nelson, Ms.Grainger, Mrs. Fluharty, and Ms. DeLuca for helping us with the DRV.

by: Morgan Gibbs

Middle School Socials

The Middle School has approximately six socials a year. Each social has a different theme. Everyone agrees that the best socials are the Halloween dance and the Eighth grade graduation social . They are the best because students and former students come to laugh, dance, and have great fun! The middle school students help by bringing drinks and snacks to nibble on during the evening. Socials begin at 7:00 p.m. (no earlier) and end at 9:30 (no later). Many former students attend so we get to catch up with old friends. Our next social will be in January after we return to school and get back in the groove of studying. See ya there!

by: Jillian Urban-Diaz

THIRD AND FOURTH GRADE

We asked the Third and Fourth Graders, How does Santa fit down the chimney?

They said,

• Frank Salgado: He uses magic.
• Gabe Preston: He uses magical magic.
• Angela Chevalleau: Magic.
• Seth Robillard: He sucks in his gut.
• Austin Yonkin: He has a magical necklace.
• Connor Messenger: Magic.
• Clarisa Avila: He uses magic to go down the chimney.
• Julia Poffenberger: Magic
• Mitchelle Engly: He squezzes through.
• Wesley Alejo: A reindeer kicks him then he falls into the chimney.
• Cecila Medina: He jumps in.

We asked Mrs. Reichle what her favorite Christmas song was. Her response was "I love all Christmas carols!"

by: Jackson Mann

Spring Break

This school year Spring Break will be from March 14^th through the 23^rd. We will all be ready for a break at that time. While other students are relaxing, Kids Abroad will be going to Italy. They will be chaperoned by Ms. Allison and Jackie Tovar. The trip is an amazing experience to Leap the big pond and witness everything the trip has to offer is truly an amazing experience. I hope everyone, whether stateside or across the big pond, has a marvelous break.

by: Jillian Urban-Diaz

DOUBLE R PLAYERS

We like to entertain parents and friends so each year the Double R players, under the direction of Mrs. Stamper, perform two plays at Double R. This year the Double R players performed Can Mrs. Claus Save Christmas? The troupe did a fantastic job! Way to go!! The weather, although a little chilly, did not keep away the audience.

Our kids try really hard and are awesome on stage. I hope you will come to see us in our spring production of Romeo and Winnifred. Mrs. Stamper has selected a modernized version of the Shakespeare play. It should be a lot of fun. My experience in the plays has taught me how to not be shy on stage and how to have fun. Even if I mess up on stage, I have learned to just keep on going--it really does work!

Starting with the Christmas play this year, Mrs. Stamper and Dr. VanGilder have developed a bonus program for participants in the play, both actors and technical support. We now get bonus points in Language Arts for participating. We all can use the bonus for L.A. So, come out and have fun and earn extra points toward your L.A. grade.

by: Danielle Wingler

SPORTS AT Double R

Here at Double R we dont have any sports teams, but there is a system called DreadHead which teaches athletics to kids from Pre-K 4 through Fifth Grade. The various sports are track and field, football, bowling, golf, and much more. For more information about the organization, go to DreadHead.com. Their meets are usually at Trinity Prep but bowling and golf are at local facilities.

The main reason that Double R doesnt have any sports team is because most of our kids play for Little League, Pop Warner, CFYFL, Babe Ruth, Winter Springs, or Oviedo basketball and Volleyball leagues.

Mr. Dunne our physical education teachers favorite sport is basketball because he coached it in college, but he likes to participate in all sports.

by: Chase Caldwell

Seventh and Eighth Grades Visit the Holocaust Museum

Each year the Seventh Grade reads The Diary of Anne Frank and A Tragedy Revealed: A Heroines Last Days. As a reminder of what World War II was all about and how atrocious the NAZI regime was to the Jewish people, the Seventh and Eighth Graders then visit when the Holocaust Museum. The students actually get to see pictures and representations of the brutality of what happened. After viewing the museum pictures and artifacts, the students see a movie of how prejudice can still exist today and the effects it has on people.

by: Trevor Barrows

FIFTH GRADE

We asked the Fifth Graders, Where and when were Mr. and Mrs. Claus married?

This is what they said,

• Ismael Acosta: 1403 Antarctica
• Hunter Atkinson: North Pole 1742, at 11:45
• Nileah Bailey: Antarctica 1829
• Summer Bennett: 1983 North Pole
• Christian Gibson: 1777
• Erin Israel: Turkey 1450
• Keanu Leith: Alaska year 1
• Kayla Messenger: North Pole 1927
• Hannah Nelson: Antarctica 1480
• Jahayra Rivera: North Pole 8:00, 1848

We asked Mrs. DeLuca, What is your favorite Christmas song? Why?

She said, What Child is This because I used to sing it to my boys when they were babies.

by: Danielle Wingler and Jillian Urban-Diaz

Yearbook 2011-2012

Once again Ms. Cathyann has been hanging around our classrooms, parties, socials, etc., etc. because shes taking photos for the Double R Yearbook. So, dont be shy when she picks up the camera and heads your way. If you ordered the yearbook before December 16, it cost $25.00, or you could get two for the price of $45.00. After the 16^th the cost is $30.00 for one and $55.00 for two. Hopefully, everyone has ordered. If not you can still do so.

In years to come when you look back on your years here at Double R, the yearbook will remind you of all your friends and those wonderful memories of time here.

A great big THANK YOU to Ms. Cathyann for all the hard work that she has put into the year books each year.

by: Danielle Wingler

BAR-B-Qs AT DOUBLE R

Every so often we get a real treat from Mr. and Mrs. Dunlap who barbeque salmon, pork, chicken, and ribs to sell to raise money for the Middle School or the Fourth Grade. We alternate the sales. We have raised money for the end of year trips for many years. All of the food is delicious! They start cooking around midnight of the night before the sale and finish cooking it here the next day. The smells wafting through the air makes us hungry until that evening when we finally get the food to take home. The cost for the ribs or pork is $20.00, two chickens are $15. The gigantic half of a salmon is $25.00.Were hoping to have another barbeque before the end of the school year.(Hint, Hint)J

by: Bethany Farmer

Science Fair at Double R

This year the Science Fair will be April 23. It is a mandatory science project for which each student will get a grade. Each student selects an experiment related to his or her topic. He or she then performs the science experiment over whatever period it takes to prove or disprove the original thesis. Researching and performing the experiment helps to learn the scientific method and how to think like a scientist. It also helps enjoy science more than we already do.

by: Trevor Barrows

Turkey Bucks

It has been a long standing tradition at the Double R to collect food donations and what we call Turkey Bucks in order to purchase turkeys for families in need. The money collected is used to buy the turkeys which are combined with the food donations to help less fortunate families in our community have a nice Thanksgiving dinner. This year the school collected enough money to purchase turkeys and canned/boxed goods to provide food for six families. The Double R looks for opportunities during the school year to help the community. If you have any suggestions, please call the office.

by: Jackson Mann

DRV TO BOYS TOWN OF OVIEDO

One of the DRVs projects this year was to collect toys, clothes, toiletries, etc. etc. for the boys at Boys Town. Mrs. Fluharty and Mrs. DeLuca escorted a group of the DRV kids whey they delivered the collected items on December 14. It was a very interesting and enlightening trip.

6TH GRADE

We asked 6th grade

What would happen if Rudolphs nose stopped glowing?

Thomas Columbus They would crash.

Tristan Dickerson Santa would direct the reindeer a different direction.

Donald Dunlap They couldn't find their way through the fog.

Kira Effers Santa couldnt see.

Marah Gibbs Santa wouldn't see through the sky.

Cierra Gibson The world would end.

Danielle Kassab Santa couldn't find his way.

Sarah Lindas Santa couldn't see.

Harrison Messenger They would crash.

Ashley Middour His nose would be normal.

Elayne McLoughlin They wouldn't know where to go.

Patrick Strohaker The sky would be dark.

Kayra Tasci Santa would put a light bulb on his nose.

Madison Urban Santas sleigh would run into stuff

Kayla Williams It wouldn't be a Merry Christmas.

I asked Mrs. Fern what her favorite Christmas song is and why.

Mrs. Fern said, Jingle Bells because that was the first song she learned to sing.

by: Danielle Wingler

Middle School Goes to the Theater

The Middle School schedules various field trips to support the curriculum. In Language Arts, the field trips revolve around the theater. Fifth through Eighth Grades have already been to see The Importance of Being Earnest. In the spring Seventh and Eighth Grades will get to see Romeo and Juliet, the classic by Shakespeare. In January all of Middle School will see a play about bullying. Students have also been offered extra credit to attend Double R Drama production of Can Mrs. Claus Save Christmas? and a modernized version of Romeo and Juliet.

by: Jackson Mann

Terra Nova

Here at Double R our standardized test is called the Terra Nova. It has ten different categories. It is used to help determine the students level of ability in the various areas and what areas need to be stressed in the class room to assure that students stay on grade level. This school year we will be taking the Terra Nova starting March 12^th and will take the entire week to complete it.

Remember get a good nights sleep and a good hearty breakfast before the test.

Good luck to all students!

by: Trevor Barrows

Book Fairs

Each year we have three Book Fairs at Double R. There is one in the fall, one in the winter, and one in the spring. If we sell enough books at the fall and winter Book Fairs, we have a buy one get one free sale during the spring one. The money we make goes toward books for the library and individual class rooms, as necessary. The book fair sells books, erasers, pens, pencils, and much, much more. Book fairs help to increase the literacy of students and increase the inventory in the library.

by: Trevor Barrows

CARDS FOR OUR TROOPS ABROAD

Each year the Middle School makes cards to send to our Troops who are stationed abroad. When we have all of our class work and homework completed, we can spend time making cards. We hope it helps to brighten their holidays while they are away from their families serving our country.

by: Jackson Mann

Cystic Fibrosis

Over the last few years, the DRV has sponsored several fund raisers for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Once again this year, the club sponsored a jump-a-thon and raised almost $600.00 for cystic fibrosis research. The first year of the jump-a-thon, the DRV raised $3400.00 and last year raised $2500.00. Perhaps the economy has affected fundraising. The DRV hopes to continue this event each year and will come up with different ideas for fundraising in the future.

by: Jackson Mann

Bees

Throughout the school year, Double R students participate in two bees. Fourth through Eighth grades participate first in the National Geography Bee and then in the Scripps Spelling Bee sponsored by the Orlando Sentinel. Students in Grades Four through Grade Eight study and work hard to qualify for the events through a series of classroom competitions. The classroom winners then compete in the gymnasium to determine the finalist for each bee. Both competitions are in January. The winner of the spelling bee competes at county level at the educational support building in Sanford. The winner of the National Geography Bee gets to take a test. If the test score is high enough, the student goes on to take the regional test in Jacksonville. Good luck to all participants this year!

by: Jackson Mann

Seventh and Eighth Grade Goes to the Bank

As part of the Social Studies curriculum, the Seventh and Eighth graders went to the Citizens Bank of Oviedo to learn how to manage money. During the tour of the bank, we learned about the banks history. We had a behind-the-scenes look at how a bank operates. The students received a better understanding of the difference between wants and needs and how to manage money better.

by: Jackson Mann

7TH GRADE

I asked the Seventh Graders,
If Santa and the Grinch met, what would they talk about?
They said,
Paige Anderson: Why is the Grinch mean?
Chase Caldwell: Nothing
Jared Deluca: Whats the Spirit of Christmas?
Bethany Farmer: What they like?
Joseph Jacobs: Why Santa likes Christmas and the Grinch doesnt.
Cheyenne Rust: About Christmas and why he stole it.
Connor Stamper: Why the Grinch is green?

I asked Mr. Darrin, Whats your favorite Christmas song? Why?
Mr. Darrin said, Last Christmas because it has a nice beat.

GUESS WHO?!

8TH GRADE

"Why do toys go to the island of Misfit Toys?"

HERE IS WHAT THEY SAID,

Trevor Barrows Because theyre broken.

Morgan Gibbs Because they are broken.

Jackson Mann They swam/walked to Misfit Island.

Jillian Urban-Diaz Because theyre not used toys.

Danielle Wingler No one wanted them because they were broken.

I asked Dr. VanGilder, What is your Favorite Christmas song? Why?

Dr. VanGilder said she loves all Christmas songs because they are all beautiful and help to get her in the Christmas spirit.