Since we are approaching the end of the first semester, this is a good time to congratulate both students and staff on the great news about Lee academics and extracurricular activities.

The School Planning Group met last week and many highlights were mentioned. Lee SOL results were very strong across all classes – English, Social Studies, Science, and Math. We were very proud of the large number of Lee students who were honored last week as Honor Role students. In advanced academics, Lee’s I.B. level of success was within the top grouping of high schools in Fairfax County. Additionally, the total score average for Lee’s I.B. Diploma Candidates led all of the large Fairfax County Public Schools I.B. programs.

We are doing well and we can do even better. Keep in mind that you will hear more about preparing properly for the SATs. We need to concentrate on that goal.

Congratulations to our drama students on their excellent fall performance of A Midsummer’s Night Dream and to our band, orchestra, and chorus students who are performing in concerts throughout the week. Our athletic teams have done very well in competition so far this season and we wish them good luck as they participate in their respective holiday tournaments.

We will continue to recognize the excellent achievements of Lee High School students throughout the school year. “Reach High, Lee High!”

Donald Thurston
Principal
Robert E. Lee High School

Attention Lancers! The last day to purchase a yearbook with a name plate will be Friday, December 21st. Name plates will no longer be sold after this date. Prices are now $60 for a yearbook and $65 for a yearbook with a name plate. Send checks to Lee High School or order online. Use order number 5216. (Please note that a $3.50 convenience fee applies to all phone and online purchases). Please contact Ms. Erinn Harris for further information.

Congratulations to the Forensics and Debate Team: Fourteen students competed in last night’s Northern Virginia Forensics League competition held at West Potomac. Adil Kadir placed 4th in original oratory, Ashley Pique placed 3rd in impromptu, Millen Abselab placed 3rd in Humorous Interpretation, Zeshan Khan placed 2nd in poetry interpretation, and Fiorella Ferrando placed 1st in Poetry Interpretation. All students who placed will be in the Championships next month! Congratulations to everyone who competed, you did a wonderful job.

National Quality Products will be here on Friday, during all lunches, to deliver class rings. You may by cash, check or money order at the time you pick up your ring. If you wish to pay by credit card you must call National Quality Products at least 1 day prior, so your transaction can be processed before ring delivery. There will be a 3% surcharge added for credit card payments.

This year Lee High School has purchased the College Board's SAT Online program. Students in grades 9, 10, and 11 will register for accounts during the month of December in their English classes. English and Math teachers will then guide students through the lessons and practice assessments for the remainder of the year. Some assignments will be completed in class; others will be given for homework, as the program is accessible from any computer with internet access. The teachers are very excited about this interactive program and the ability it has to help our students succeed on the SAT! Once students have registered, they can access the site via http://www.collegeboard.com/satonlinecourseschool Parents with questions or concerns should contact their child's English or Math teacher, or the department chairs -- Meredith McGuire (English) and Pam Ihle (Math).

Attention Lancers! The last day to purchase a yearbook with a name plate will be Friday, December 21st. Name plates will no longer be sold after this date. Prices are now $60 for a yearbook and $65 for a yearbook with a name plate. Send checks to Lee High School or order online. Use order number 5216. (Please note that a $3.50 convenience fee applies to all phone and online purchases). Please contact Ms. Erinn Harris for further information.

The Boys’ Basketball Team competed in the Freedom Tip-Off Classic at Freedom High School in Woodbridge. The Lancers won the classic by defeating the host Freedom Eagles on Friday night by the score of 62-50 led by Fenan Woldu 17 points and 4 rebounds, and Walter Griffin who added 15 points and 11 rebounds. On Saturday the Lancers faced Dunbar High School out of Washington DC and the Lancers were successful once again by defeating Dunbar 74-64. The Lancers were led by Tad Dickman’s 26 points and 8 rebounds, and Walter Griffin’s 20 points and 10 rebounds. Tad and Walter were both named to the All-Tournament team. The Lancers are off to a 2-0 start this season and will be at home this Friday against a very good Chantilly team. Come out and support the Lancers and wear your Lee 6th man T-shirt, we want everyone in attendance to wear white, we are going to have a white out at Lee this Friday. T-shirts can be purchased in the Activities Office for $8.00, see Ms.Brown for details. Finally, thanks to the girls’ varsity basketball team for their support on Friday night.

The Track and Field team competed in its first meet over the weekend. Individual winners were Kristen Dietz in the girls’ 1600 and 3200 meter run, and Amber Sarmiento in the boys’ 300 meter dash. Crystal Ronan in her first season and first competition was third in the girls’ shot putt with a throw of 30 feet and 5 inches. The boys 4 by 200 meter relay team of Amber Sarmiento, Sean Samlal, Greg Rafal and Anton Bowman won their race in an exciting duel with West Potomac. Second place finishes included the girls’ 4 by 200 relay team with Christina Chao, Kyoung Park, Abby Sarmiento and Allyson Batoy. Allyson Batoy and Sean Samlal placed second in their 300 race.