March 2024

The Springwood International House in springtime bloom

Dear Parents,

Greetings from Springwood School!

Springwood students and staff are excited about our upcoming Spring Break week starting this weekend! Upon our return on April 1, the school year will be filled with activities such as prom, AP exams, spring sports, and our community service event, Wildcat Workday. We look forward to a productive conclusion to the school year

which will come to an end with our graduation

ceremony scheduled on May 18, 2024.

Pictured to the right is Mimee Thankam, former Springwood student, with me on my recent visit to Bangkok, Thailand.

Several weeks ago, Interim Week was a success, offering our students unique learning experiences. From college visits to camps, historic sites, team building, travel abroad, and more, these activities provided great opportunities for students to learn and grow. Our 12th-grade students, in particular, benefited from the job shadowing experience, which has often helped students shape future career decisions. We thank our local businesses for their support during Interim Week.

Springwood School is fortunate to have incredible faculty members. We're please to announce that Mr. Murphy Wood, a 1983 alumnus, has been named high school Teacher of the Year by our SGA. Mr. Wood joined our school in 2011, teaching U.S. Government, AP History, and Southern History to 10-12th grade students. An author, speaker, and Civil War reenactor, Mr. Wood has given battlefield tours, lectures, and has appeared in the movie Gods and Generals. Congratulations to Mr. Wood!

Also, we would like to recognize Mrs. Mary Vollrath for fostering the artistic abilities in our international students, as well as all students and for diligently presenting their artwork to be judged and enjoyed by the community.

At Springwood, we believe in fostering an environment where every student feels seen, heard, and valued. Thank you fore entrusting your child's education to us.

Warmest regards,

Ann Hixon

Director International Student Program

Springwood School

Springwood School Flyer

Residential Life Flyer

Interim Week

Each spring, during Interim Week, Springwood students in 7th-12th grades enjoy hands-on educational experiences outside the traditional classroom. While our seniors have the opportunity to job shadow in various professions they are interested in each day, our younger students go on field trips in nearby cities to explore museums, outdoor adventure exhibitions, and tour nearby colleges and universities.

Springwood 8th grade students enjoyed three days at Jekyll Island off the Atlantic coast in Georgia. Students focused on learning about marine biology, studying the local ecosystem habitats of the area.

The 10th grade students enjoyed two days of university tours, first going to Southern Union Community College. The following day they visiited the Troy University campus. On the final day of Interim, students got to experience a fun day at the largest zip line in Georgia at Banning Mills.

The 12th grade students spent the week job shadowing in various fields such as engineering at KIA, dentistry, veteranary science, and graphic design.

The Springwood 7th grade class learned about life in other countries at SIFAT. They also toured the Auburn Raptor Center, and enjoyed the drive-through zoo at the Pine Mountain Wild Animal Safari.

Students in 9th grade participated in a "behind the scenes" tour of Chic-Fil-A headquarters in Atlanta, had outdoor fun at Pine Mountain Adventures, and toured the KIA manufacturing facility as well as the Little White House in Warm Springs,

The 11th grade students toured Kennesaw State University, KIA Manufacturing Motors, and several Civil War battle sites, such as Kennesaw National Battlefield, Pinewood Cemetery, and more.

Sports and Activites

Spring sports are underway! Our boys' Soccer team is currently undefeated as they work their way towards the goal of another state championship!. The team is #1 in the region with a 8-0 record. Our girls' soccer team has been improving throughout the season, winning two recent games.

Our Track team had its first meets of the season recently, competing in multiple events at local high schools. Students participate in individual events as well as group events, as they run, jump, and throw, testing their ability and endurance.

Strong Finish for Springwood Basketball Teams

Both the girls and boys basketball teams finished their successful seasons by competing in the state basketball tournaments. After being first in our region, the boys' team made it to the "Elite Eight" tournament and the girls made it to the "Final Four". Coach Lisa Sampson is extremely proud of the progress both teams made this season and the commitment to the game shown at every practice. We're looking ahead to good things for the 24-25 season!

Awards and Accolades

Each year, Springwood art students participate in competitions throughout the state. Most recently, three Springwood international students placed in the "Love of Art" Youth show. Senior, Sam Bolongo from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, placed first in his category and first overall in his age group. Junior, Katie Huynh and Senior. Rena Tran, both of Vietnam, also received special recognition for their pieces.

Continuing on their winning streak from the regional competition, the Springwood Math Team, "The Denominators", placed second at the State Competition on January 31. Our teamwas comprised of students from Vietnam, South Korea, and the United States!

Congratulations to Senior, Guilherme Teixeira from Brazil, on breaking a Springwood School soccer record early in this season!! In his three years at Springwood, Guilherme has scored 57 goals in soccer, surpassing the previous school record set in 2020 of 55 career goals.