News Archive - 2015
In Memoriam: Stan Young
The Madeira community mourns the loss of longtime employee Stan Young. Stanley T. "Buddy" Young, Jr., 71, of Bristow, VA, passed away on December 28, 2015... Read More
In Memoriam: Darren Bell
The Madeira community mourns the loss of former employee, Darren Bell.
Madeira Dojo Promotions for Module 3
The Madeira Karate Dojo continues to thrive with 16 girls participating during module 3. Beginners learned the basic blocks, punches, kicks, and forms... Read More
Madeira students participate in community service
Over the December 11th weekend, Madeira students dedicated their time to service activities coordinated by the Heads of Community Service. Students volunteered... Read More
All School Meeting with Emi Kolawole '00
At the December 11th All School Meeting the students were lucky enough to hear from Emi Kolawole, a class of 2000 graduate. Emi is a multi-media professional... Read More
Strong start to the Madeira swim and dive season
The Madeira varsity swim and dive team opened their 2015-2016 season with a decisive victory over The Connolly School of the Holy Child 140-57, on December... Read More
Save the Date for College Counseling Day
The annual school-wide college program will be on Saturday, January 9, 2016. Families will begin their day in the auditorium for an All School Meeting... Read More
Great weekend for Madeira equestrian team
Congratulations to the Madeira Equestrian team for winning Reserve Champion on Saturday, December 5, 2015, at the Century Manor IEA Show in Nokesville... Read More
Dr. Catherine McCarthy speaks at All School Meeting
At the December 4th All School Meeting Dr. Catherine McCarthy spoke to the student body about the development of the brain and how as teenagers, their... Read More
Madeira at The NAIS People of Color Conference
This week, Head of School Pilar Cabeza de Vaca along with teachers Ms. Chandra Smith, Ms. Nina Candia, and Ms. Reyna Pratt attended the NAIS People of... Read More
Girls First! registration is now open
Girls First! at Madeira is a summer camp for girls entering grades 7-10. Girls enjoy a fun academic learning environment combined with a daily girl-centered... Read More
More about Madeira Alumnae in STEAM
In the 2015Fall/Winter issue of Madeira Today, six alumnae making a difference through STEAM careers were profiled.
Shaun Min named Director of Summer Programs
Shaun Min has been named director of summer programs for Madeira. Earlier this year, Summer Programs was separated from Auxiliary Programs and put under... Read More
Alumna to speak at National Geographic
Award-winning photojournalist Ami Vitale’s '89 will speak at National Geographic in Washington, D.C. on December 8, 2015. Her work and stories will be... Read More
STOP Hunger Games returns for another epic battle
For the third year in a row, Madeira students, faculty, and staff participated in the STOP Hungers Games. The games are a fundraising battle – an apocalyptic... Read More
In Memoriam: Leslie Thompson
The Madeira community mourns the loss of a dear colleague. Leslie Thompson, long-time director of communications for Camp Greenway and manager of the school... Read More
Senior yearbook page instructions
The yearbook class and yearbook club are excited to work with seniors on their senior pages! Seniors must complete the information below and email it with... Read More
2015-2016 driver's education classes
Madeira is pleased to offer Driver's Ed again in 2015-2016.
I Drive Smart, a Virginia licensed driver education company, will be holding classes for Madeira... Read More
Senior yearbook ad announcement
The yearbook staff is making progress on the yearbook for 2016 and it's time to think about Senior Parent Ads. The Senior Parent Ad is a tradition at Madeira... Read More
Madeira Equestrian Team secures place in post-season
Congratulations to the Madeira Equestrian team for winning their third show in a row! Their win on Sunday in Gaines Hall secured a place for the team... Read More
Gaelyn Smith '16 wins slam poetry competition
On Wednesday, November 11, two members of the Madeira Slam Team, Mona Hagmagid '16 and Gaelyn Smith '16, competed in the NOVA Invitational Slam Competition... Read More
Minecraft used to study early civilizations
Mr. Meade’s Roots of Civilizations class took a different approach to studying early civilizations during Module 2 this year. With knowledge gained from... Read More
Senior athlete makes Division I commitment
On November 11, 2015, Kylie Jordan ’16 signed a national letter of intent to swim for Duke University.
Kylie is on her way to becoming the most accomplished... Read More
Class uses phones to create works of art
In Ms. Linda Northrup’s class, students are not told to put away their phones as they are in other classes. During the five-week Phone Photo Imaging class... Read More
Thanksgiving Travel and Arrival
The time of year for Student Travel Forms has once again arrived. In preparation for school breaks in November (11/21 - 11/30) and December (12/19 - 1/3)... Read More
Madeira IEA team wins second show
Congratulations to the Madeira IEA team for winning their second show of the season. Thank you to all of the parents, staff, and students for your work... Read More
Ensign Lauren Rarick '07 speaks at Veteran's Day ASM
Lauren Rarick ‘07 spoke to the Madeira community at the Veteran's Day All School Meeting on November 6. Lauren Rarick graduated from The Madeira School... Read More
The Cherry Orchard charms audiences
Friends and family packed the Chapel Auditorium for an end of October viewing of Anton Chekhov’s “The Cherry Orchard.” Taking place in turn of the century... Read More
Madeira clarinetist wins second place at Asian American Music Society
Madeira Chamber Orchestra member Lucy Li '18, won second place in the senior woodwind division of the Asian American Music Society Competition. Lucy, a... Read More
Julia Reed '78 recounts her time at Madeira and career path
At the All School Meeting, Friday, October 23, the ever-entertaining and unguarded Julia Reed spoke to students about her time at Madeira and her professional... Read More
Students volunteer at Capital Area Food Bank
On October 17th, Heads of Community Service at Madeira, Faith Slaughter and Carson P., coordinated a weekend activity with the Anime Club and Master Chef... Read More
Madeira students attend WIHS Barn Night
It was high-test fun on Thursday, October 22, when over 30 Madeira students descended on the Verizon Center for the Washington International Horse Show... Read More
Madeira riders place at WIHS
Madeira riders and horses spent the weekend competing at the prestigious Washington International Regional Horse Show at the Prince George Equestrian Center... Read More
ASM all-star panel discusses 2016 elections
The All School Meeting on Friday, October 16 featured an engaging panel of media and political experts from both the Democratic and Republican campaign... Read More
Madeira Digs Pink
Madeira volleyball program hosted a “Dig Pink” game to raise money and awareness for breast cancer on Wednesday, October 14. Madeira fans sported pink... Read More
Madeira riders' winning weekend
It was a great weekend for the Madeira Equestrian Program with competitive action at two different venues. On Saturday and Sunday, Director of Equestrian... Read More
2015 flu clinic
The best way to protect your family against influenza is to get a flu vaccine every flu season. Please sign your daughter up to participate in our flu... Read More
All-Stars from politics and CNN come to Madeira
On October 16th, Madeira mom, Hilary Rosen, a public relations and political consultant and a TV pundit on CNN, will moderate a panel on the 2016 Elections... Read More
Finish In Style clothing event
Each year, the junior class heads to Capitol Hill for their Co-Curriculum placements. Each student spends 5 weeks working in a House or Senate office.... Read More
Girls Love Mail
During class meeting on Thursday, October 1, 2015, freshman made cards for breast cancer patients through the Girls Love Mail organization. Sophomore,... Read More
Jenny Anzelmo-Sarles '07 Speaks at All School Meeting
Jenny Anzelmo-Sarles '07 spoke to an engaged student body Friday morning about her love of the outdoors and how her Co-Curriculum experience at Madeira... Read More
In Memoriam: James Jones
By Pilar Cabeza de Vaca
We at Madeira are saddened by the news that Mr. James Jones, our long-time driver and owner of Private Executive Services, passed... Read More
Madeira Equestrian Program has strong showing at HITS Culpeper horse show
The HITS Culpeper horse show was a great success with all Madeira riders earning wonderful ribbons the weekend of September 25-27. The highlight was Sunday's... Read More
Constructing a soundproof dorm room
Physics with Geometry class had an exciting first module. Girls tackled a subject near and dear to every boarding student’s heart – a soundproof dorm room... Read More
End it with Orange campaign comes to Madeira
Today, the dining hall staff, managed by Madeira's food service provider, Sodexo, is wearing orange and serving orange food to raise awareness about childhood... Read More
Dr. Ashley Johnson receives Galt Award
Madeira science teacher Dr. Ashley Johnson has been selected to receive the Galt Award at Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, PA. The Russell Galt Award... Read More
Madeira teachers selected to present at the Virginia Society for Technology Educator webinar
History teacher Jeff Meade and Education Technology Specialist Lauren Roy were invited to be guest presenters at the Virginia Society for Technology Educator... Read More
Fall Season Update: The first two weeks in athletics
In fall sports, the Snails have had their first round of competition. Coaches and players are looking forward to exciting season. Here are a few recaps... Read More
Madeira slam poet performed at national convention
Senior and Head of Day Mona Hagmagid had an eventful summer, which has now led to an exciting fall opportunity. In the spring, Mona helped to organize... Read More
Learning and sharing at the STEM to STEAM Conference
Faculty in the Science and Arts Departments presented in multiple topics at the National Coalition of Girls’ Schools (NCGS) Conference “From STEM to STEAM... Read More
Menu planning made easier
The Madeira dining menu has a new look and functionality. Now, when you click on “Dining Menu” in Quicklinks at the top of the Madeira website, you’ll... Read More
Announcements from the Dean of Students
Below are a few of the topics which we want to remind you and your daughter about as we embark on a new year. Some of these are refreshers from last year... Read More
All School Meeting with Dr. Courtney Cowart '78
“There is a better future that wants to emerge through you, individually and collectively." - Dr. Courtney Cowart
BSSAC Opener Details
Email sent to students and parents, Thursday, September 10, 2015.
Good morning Snails!
If you are attending the BSSAC Opener on Saturday (as 128 of you... Read More
Madeira students travel to France
One day after school ended last year, 12 students and Madeira French teacher, Dr. Xiaofu Ding flew to France for the biennial French exchange trip.
Every... Read More
2015-2016 Student Activities and Clubs
In coordination with the Dean of Students Office, Student Government approves all school clubs. Madeira has a history of actively involved clubs that give... Read More
Opening Convocation 2015
Spirits were high during Opening Convocation, Thursday September 3, 2015. Head of School Pilar Cabeza de Vaca welcomed students back to Madeira, sharing... Read More
Private Music Lessons at Madeira
Did you know that an amazing group of professional musicians come to Madeira's campus every week to teach students in piano, voice, strings, flute, guitar... Read More
School-wide Open House
The Madeira Admission Office is hosting a School-wide Open House on Saturday, September 26 from 1:00-3:30 p.m. This open house allows us to introduce... Read More
Welcome to our newest faculty and staff
Madeira is pleased to welcome an impressive group of new faculty and staff members joining us this school year. We look forward to seeing their contributions... Read More
Lucy & Co. hours for the start of school
The school store, Lucy & Co., will have special hours during Orientation and the first week of school:
Friday August, 28: 11:30 a.m.-1:00p.m.
Saturday... Read More
Madeira students travel to Italy for classical summer exchange
In June, two Madeira teachers and twelve students visited Italy for the biannual classics exchange trip.The first week included a home-stay with Italian... Read More
Summer Environmental Advocacy Adventure
Madeira teacher, Dr. Ashley Johnson, shares highlights from this summer's environmental advocacy adventure
Madeira sophomore attending WiSci Girls STEAM camp in Rwanda
On July 25, 2015 Madeira sophomore Ciara O'Donoghue traveled to Rwanda for the WiSci Girls STEAM camp. The camp brings a diverse group of 30 female U.S... Read More
Swimmers earn All American honors
The National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association released its 2014-2015 all-American lists Monday, July 13, and four Madeira swimmers were recognized... Read More
2015 PINK Award
The fourth annual PINK Award was given to Anne Forrest Butler ’18. Anne, who is from Charlotte, NC, will use the award money to pursue an internship with... Read More
Celebrating the graduation of the Class of 2015
The 2015 Commencement Ceremony was held on a sunny morning, Friday, May 29. Ms. Marcia Marsh, chief operating officer of the World Wildlife Fund, was the... Read More
Convocation 2015
Friday, May 22, 2015 members of the Madeira community gathered to celebrate the close of another school year, recognize faculty and staff members for their... Read More
2015 Senior Gallop
Madeira seniors participated in the annual Senior Gallop today. Eight riders from the Equestrian program rode horses from the stables down to the Oval... Read More
Seniors recognized for outstanding achievements
All members of the Class of 2015 have unique talents and strengths. In the past several weeks, we have learned of several who have been recognized by outside... Read More
STEAM class designs prostheses
In Module 7, the Topics in STEAM class had a goal to design and create prosthetic arm and hand prototypes. First the class dissected and studied chicken... Read More
Parting Message from Stacy Fischer, PALC Vice President
Five years ago, I was as nervous and excited as my daughter as our family began the journey into the world of The Madeira School. As much as she was wondering... Read More
2015 Madeira School Film Festival
Madeira Advanced Film class students organized an impressive, fourth annual Madeira School Film Festival on Saturday May 15, 2015.
A student committee... Read More
Annual Madeira equestrian awards
Friday, May 15, 2015 participants in the Madeira equestrian program gathered in the Chapel/Auditorium foyer to celebrate another successful year. Friends... Read More
Marcia Marsh to give Madeira commencement address
The Madeira School is pleased to have Marcia Marsh as the 2015 commencement speaker. As chief operating officer of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the world... Read More
Madeira actress nominated for 2015 Cappie award
A big congratulations to Jeeho Ha ’17, who is nominated for a Cappies award in the category of Comic Actress in a Play for her role as Trinculo in our... Read More
Slam poetry team takes first at regional competition
On April 29, 2015 the Madeira slam poetry team made up of Zharia O’Neal ’15, Barack ’15, Mona Hagmagid ’16, Elfrieda Nwabunnia ’18, and Gaelyn Smith ’16... Read More
Students attend 23rd annual Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards
On April 24, 2015, as representatives of the CLIPUS Foundation Katharine Jiang '15, Virginia Zhang '15, and Grace Huang '16 attended the 23rd Annual Fairfax... Read More
Sophomore cherry tree dedication
The class of 2017 gathered at the pathway between East and Schoolhouse I on April 13, 2015 for a short ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony. Through... Read More
Inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame induction
April 24, 2015 marked the inaugural induction of members to The Madeira School Athletic Hall of Fame. Nominees, honored guests, and Reunions Weekend attendees... Read More
2015-2016 student leadership announced
The elections results are in! The Madeira student government and class officers have been named for the 2015-2016 school year. Dean of Students Kim Newsome... Read More
GATE literary magazine is available online
At the All School Meeting, April 10, selections of poetry, along with photography and artwork from the 2015 edition of GATE were presented at the All School... Read More
2015 Springfest and art awards
Springfest is an annual event in which the visual, performing, and musical arts are celebrated. Both visual and performing arts were on full display at... Read More
Susan Cabot selected as Athletic Director
Madeira has selected Susan Cabot as its new Athletic Director. Ms. Cabot, who currently serves as Director of Athletics at Kingswood Oxford School (West... Read More
Mary Herridge named Director of Enrollment Management
Mary Herridge has been named Director of Enrollment Management for Madeira. Ms. Herridge, who currently serves as Madeira’s Associate Director of Admission... Read More
Track and field team hits their stride
After a promising start at the competitive Potomac Invitational on April 11 (finishing sixth out of eleven teams), the Snails met with Flint Hill, Sidwell... Read More
Rider earns IEA National Hunter Seat Final ribbon
Congratulations to Jacey Albaugh ’18, Charlotte Burch ’17, and Emily Leins ’17 for competing in the 2015 Interscholastic Equestrian Association National... Read More
Science and Engineering Club attends Maryland Day
On Saturday April 25, the Science and Engineering Club sponsored a trip to Maryland Day. Maryland Day is an annual event at the University of Maryland... Read More
Road closure
Beginning May 4, 2015 and lasting through June 20, 2015, the roadway behind the Hurd will be closed to thru traffic. This closure is necessary to facilitate... Read More
College athletic commitments
Seniors Stephanie Royer and Hanna Powers were recognized for their commitment to play at the next level during a ceremony on April 15, 2015. Hanna signed... Read More
Get ready for The Madeira School Film Festival
The 2015 festival will be held May 15 and will celebrate films created by Madeira students and community. The deadline for film submissions is May 1, 2015... Read More
Computer Science club heads to the UMD Programming Contest
This weekend Computer Science club members Kim Lytle ’15, Sophie Kim ’15, Michaela Laurencin ’15, and Cori Williams ’17, along with team manager Katherine... Read More
Join us for One Acts Festival
Support student directors, designers, and actors in the annual One Acts festival. The festival features short plays students have produced in the Advanced... Read More
Senior earns National Federation of Music Teachers Gold Cup
Madeline Ahern '15 was awarded her third consecutive "Superior" rating at the National Federation of Music Teachers Festival on March 29, 2015. She will... Read More
Founder's Day
Monday, April 13, 2015 was the much anticipated Founder's Day! The day was perfect. The sun came out and girls flocked to the Oval for music, food, dancing... Read More
Kylie Jordan '16 named to Washington Post's first team All Met
In the Sunday Washington Post All Met sports feature, junior Kylie Jordan was listed among the Washington Metro areas top student athletes making their... Read More
Summer academics at Madeira
Madeira will offer several courses taught by Madeira faculty members this summer. Programs are for students in, or entering into high school. Classes are... Read More
Science and Engineering Club welcomes Girl Scouts
On April 4th, the Science and Engineering Club hosted an event at Madeira for twenty young Girl Scouts in 3rd to 6th grade that promoted females in science... Read More
Examining the gender wage gap
Women make 79 cents for every dollar earned by a man. It’s a statistic we have seen a lot the past year, and it’s a statistic that bothers Sarah Jane Glynn... Read More
Clubs volunteer at Cherry Blossom Festival
On Saturday March 28, the Korean Student Association (KSA) partnered with the Science and Engineering Club to volunteer at the Cherry Blossom Festival... Read More
2015 Madeira Science Fair
On March 12, 94 students participated in the annual Madeira Science Fair with 59 projects. We had 15 judges from various fields, including four current... Read More
Madeira karate finishes in style
As part of the Winter Athletics assembly, the Module 5 karate class presented a demonstration including empty-handed kata, weapons kata, partner drills... Read More
All School Meeting with artist Rebecca Kamen
On March 26, 2015, Madeira welcomed artist Rebecca Kamen to speak about her work and the convergence of art and science. During her presentation to students... Read More
Three Madeira riders advance to IEA Finals
Madeira riders who competed in the IEA Zone Three finals faced a long, cold, and at times snowy day, but the riders rose to the occasion against the best... Read More
All School EduCase Day
On March 13, the last day of Module 5, students, faculty, and staff participated in the first all-school EduCase Day. The day involved over 75 different... Read More
CNN?s Chris Cuomo calls in for history talk
The Global Religions history class had an exciting guest via Skype on Thursday, March 12.
Chris Cuomo, CNN news anchor for “New Day,” joined the class... Read More
Six Madeira riders move on to IEA Zone 3 Finals
Congratulations to our Madeira IEA team and riders who competed at IEA Zone 3, Region 2 finals, March 7-8 at Pickwick Stables in Sykesville, MD. Having... Read More
Varsity IEA team heads into the post season
Madeira would like to congratulate all of its riders that qualified for IEA regionals as individuals this year. A big congratulation also goes out to Coach... Read More
Movie night with the Spanish Club
The Spanish Club movie fundraiser, on Friday February 27, was a great success. Club members and other Madeira students joined to watch El Viaje de Carol... Read More
Alice Rivlin '48 engages students at ASM
Madeira welcomed economist Alice Rivlin, class of 1948, as our All School Meeting speaker on Thursday, February 19. History teacher and alumna Anne Kristol... Read More
"Anything Goes" delights audiences
Madeira’s winter musical production of Anything Goes, set aboard an ocean liner in the 1930s with music and lyrics by Cole Porter, was a rousing success... Read More
Spanish club aids the Latino Student Fund
On Saturday, February 21, members of the Madeira Spanish Club visited the Latino Student Fund in Washington, D.C. Club members helped organize items and... Read More
Swim and dive team breaks several records; places 6th at VISAAs
The 2014-2015 swim and dive season came to a close at the Virginia Independent School Athletics Association championship in Richmond, VA, February 14-15... Read More
Honorable visit for Madeira karate
Module 4 karate began with the Madeira dojo being honored by the visit of Hanshi Keith Teller on Friday, January 16, 2015. Hanshi Teller is a 10th degree... Read More
Madeira offers D.C. summer adventure
All students are invited to join Hawaii Prep Academy students as we spend the first two weeks of summer (May 30-June 13, 2015) enjoying the bodies of water... Read More
Join Madeira for "Anything Goes"
Escape the everyday on a trans-Atlantic cruise. With top-notch lounge singers, wealthy heiresses, and second-rate mobsters on the loose, you’re never sure... Read More
Snails return to Metros; place ninth overall
It has been several years since the Snails have competed at the Washington Metropolitan Interscholastic Swimming & Diving Championships, and their return... Read More
"Fluxx" game creator visits for Casual Sundays
At Casual Sundays – the brainchild of Ms. Roy and Ms. Heishman – students gather to play table top game, such as Slash, The Resistance, and Fluxx. On Sunday... Read More
A slam poetry team win at Hyper Bole
On Saturday, January 31, 2015 Madeira’s slam team including Zharia O’Neal ’15, Mona Hagmagid ’16, Gaelyn Smith, Elfrieda Nwabunnia ’17, Katie Barack ’15... Read More
Swim and dive team takes third at ISLs
At the Independent School League conference championship on Friday, January 30, the Snails placed third – just four points behind Flint Hill. Outstanding... Read More
Madeira welcomes Alice M. Rivlin
On February 19, 2015 Madeira welcomes Alice M. Rivlin, class of 1948 as our special All School Meeting guest speaker. Ms. Rivlin was the first woman to... Read More
Renowned choreographer visits Madeira Dance
The Madeira dance program, directed by Michelle Sarson, hosted CityDance guest Master Teacher, Resident Artist and renowned choreographer, Jason Garcia... Read More
Allison Kalloo '83 gives a powerful speech during the MLK All School Meeting
January 16, 2015, Allison Kalloo ’83 took to the stage to share her story for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day All School Meeting.
As founder and CEO of... Read More
Seniors present their Co-Curriculum capstones on EduCase Day
January 9, 2015, Madeira seniors who had their five-week internship during Module 3, presented their capstone projects during the EduCase Day. For their... Read More
Forensics with a pro
On Friday, January 9, 2015, Detective Derek Hardy of the Fairfax County Police Department visited the Forensic Science class at The Madeira School. He... Read More
Madeira alumna, Rory Kennedy?s film nominated for Academy Award ®
“Last Days in Vietnam” was produced and directed by Rory Kennedy, Madeira class of 1987. The film, which has been nominated for an Academy Award ® for... Read More
Student-produced PSA reaches Sierra Leone TV station
In light of the recent epidemic, the Contemporary Issues in Science class decided to focus the five-week, intensive course work on the Ebola outbreak in... Read More
Get ready for International Week
January 26-30, the Madeira Student Ambassadors will host a variety of activities celebrating International Week. Made up of current students from around... Read More
New Co-Curriculum Blog: Interning on The Hill
Sophia Beneski '16 shares her experience interning for the Office of Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi. Read More
Riders bring home high point champion
On Saturday, January 3 Madeira's IEA team traveled to Pickwick Stables for their first show of the winter season. The riders battled the cold and rain... Read More
Madeira Dojo promotions from Module 3
The Madeira Karate Dojo is proud to announce the following promotions awarded during Module 3
- San kyu (brown belt): Julia Berley '15
- Yon kyu (purple... Read More