Fishburne Military School Kicks Off Summer Session 2016
Fishburne Military School Headmaster briefs Summer Session faculty during Thursday’s In-Service and luncheon
Waynesboro, VA — Fishburne Military School’s Summer Session 2016 officially began classes today with Cadets from across the nation and around the world having checked into barracks over the weekend. The five-week session helps young men to focus on academics, time-management skills, and self-confidence while offering a wide variety of extra-curricular athletics and adventure training.
“We are all so excited to get this Summer Session under way;” notes FMS Superintendent, Mrs. Susan Johnson, “We’ve been working, planning and preparing for this Summer since before graduation and now we have finally come to the day that all instructors look forward to…the beginning of classes and the start of a partnership in learning with our students.”
Some of the final preparations for the session took place on Thursday of last week when the Summer Session faculty and staff came
New Faculty members at Fishburne Military School meet with veteran FMS instructors to discuss strategies
together for a joint in-service day and luncheon. FMS Headmaster, LTC Dan Baranik (VA), organized the day in order for Instructors to have any remaining questions answered by administrators and seasoned faculty. New instructors were able to mingle with FMS veteran teachers to benefit from additional information and advice about classroom procedures and management as well as issues peculiar to the FMS system (such as military protocols and chain of command).
This morning, prior to the official start of classes, Cadets and Faculty all assembled in Lawton Chapel for a final briefing from the Headmaster which culminated in each student being introduced to their faculty advisor. Each student then met with their advisor to discuss goals for the session and any last minute questions or concerns the young men may have had.
Fishburne Summer Cadets are introduced to their faculty advisors in Lawton Chapel
Immediately following their advisor/advisee meetings, first period classes were convened and Summer Session 2016 officially began.
Fishburne Military School’s Summer was designed, as noted on the school’s website (www.fishburne.org), for students who want to improve study skills, wish to prepare for SATs, must earn additional credits for graduation, would benefit from JROTC adventure training and confidence building, seek a structured and caring academic environment, enjoy daily extra-curricular athletics and activities.
As a virtue of Fishburne’s small size, Summer Session Cadets work closely with instructors throughout the day in a classroom setting
Summer Session classes at Fishburne Military School begin today
where they receive individualized attention. “The great benefit of our size,” Johnson explains, “is that students can’t possibly get lost in the crowd…they develop closer ties to their instructors and the those instructors are able to evaluate students closely and teach to their specific needs.
But it’s not an all-work-and-no-play proposition.
“We cover an entire academic session in just five weeks,” notes FMS Admissions Director, Mr. Cedrick Broadhurst, “and we ask these young men to work very hard. By the end of a long week, these kids need some time to be just that…kids. Just like in the real world, if you work hard throughout the week and meet all of your obligations, then you should be able to enjoy the luxury of a little fun time.”
Fishburne Military School Summer Cadet during first day of classes
To that end, Fishburne Military School students this summer will have the opportunity to take outings to Charlottesville’s Triple C adventure and leadership camp, Massanutten Water Park, King’s Dominion and, perhaps the summer’s most popular event, a day at Skyline Paintball. On-campus events, such as the July 4th Field Day and Corps Cookout, are also peppered throughout the Summer Session in order to offer more balance between study and play.
“We have a great group of young men assembled here this Summer,” Broadhurst goes on, “and we’re all looking forward to an extremely successful Session.”
Fishburne Military School is the oldest and smallest of all military schools for boys in Virginia. Its college-prep curriculum is built upon the structure of an Army JROTC program. FMS is designated as a JROTC Honor Unit with Distinction and may nominate qualified candidates to the United States Service Academies. Fishburne hosts one of only four Summer JROTC programs in the nation, accredited by US Army Cadet Command.
