<strong>WHAT IS THE VSBA SHOWCASES FOR SUCCESS?</strong>

As a means of encouraging community awareness and positive press coverage of public education, the Virginia School Boards Association is inviting school divisions to recommend programs and initiatives that would serve as appropriate “Showcases for Success” in public education. Last year, 64 programs were profiled and the list was shared with journalists, school board members, superintendents, legislators, and top state officials. Press coverage was generated statewide, and this project served to be an effective tool for disarming the critics of public education. We are compiling a new list for 2023, and these successful programs will be showcased on the VSBA website for the entire year.

<strong>WHAT IS THIS YEAR’S FOCUS?</strong>

The focus of the 2023 VSBA Showcases for Success is Virginia Public Schools: Building a Foundation for Lifelong Success

<strong>WHO DO I CONTACT IF I HAVE A QUESTION?</strong>
<a href="mailto:communications@vsba.org">communications@vsba.org</a> or 434-295-8722

Click <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RNF6Z8K">here</a> to complete the submission form. The deadline is <strong>March 6, 2o23</strong>.

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<h2>2022 Showcases for Success</h2>
<a href="https://www.vsba.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/2022ShowcasesforSuccess.pdf">Click Here to View the Special Edition Newsletter.</a>

<strong>Alleghany County Public Schools: Middle School CTE Initiative </strong>
Clifton Middle School in Alleghany County is placing a growing emphasis on Career and Technical Education. The CTE classes have been revamped to provide students with more hands-on-learning experiences. Students in Grades 6, 7 and 8 are using technology, tools, and equipment to construct individual and group projects in class. The goal is to enhance the students’ awareness of the realm of possibilities offered to them through Career and Technical Education. The school celebrated Career and Technical Education Month in February 2022. The Technology Education classes combined with Business classes to study workplace readiness skills. Guest speakers addressed the classes during about career opportunities and students participated in a virtual career fair through Junior Achievement. Technology Education has been approved to change to Agriculture Education for the 2022-2023 school year. Through Agriculture Education students will cover topics such as CTE/Agriculture careers, workplace readiness skills, animal science, plant science, natural resources, and agriculture mechanics. The CTE/Agriculture program will be designed to feed students to an agriculture program at Alleghany High School. An FFA chapter will be established at the middle school to help expand students’ skills and knowledge.
Contact Information: Jennifer Hannah, Technology Education Teacher, <a href="mailto:jhannah@alleghany.k12.va.us">jhannah@alleghany.k12.va.us</a>, (540) 863-1726

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<strong>Alleghany County Public Schools: Living History Project </strong>
During Black History Month in 2022, Alleghany High School in Alleghany County used the Living History Project to celebrate the achievements of African Americans. African Americans who live or once lived in Alleghany County were invited to speak to Social Studies classes. The speakers spoke on a variety of topics either in-person or through Zoom video conferencing. Former African American athletes highlighted how sports helped them focus on their academic studies. Former teachers spoke of how they were inspired by their students. Other speakers shared their stories and experiences of transitioning from segregated to integrated schools in the 1960s. Many of them shared warm memories from their all-Black schools, which are now closed. All of the guest speakers stressed to students the need for kindness in today’s world and they challenged them to overcome obstacles they will face in life. The students were left with new knowledge and goals that will not be easily forgotten. All of the sessions were recorded so they can be accessed to provide a living history to future generations.
Contact Information: Mallory Thompson, Social Studies Teacher, <a href="mailto:mnicely2@alleghany.k12.va.us">mnicely2@alleghany.k12.va.us</a>, (540) 863-1700

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<strong>Alleghany County Public Schools: Creative Alternative Learning </strong>
To address learning loss, Callaghan Elementary School in Alleghany County has implemented a creative alternative schedule for Title I and remedial instruction. The staff has restructured Title I delivery from a pull-out model to an all-inclusive block-style schedule. In addition, a 50-minute block time is being dedicated daily for remedial instruction to all students in grades K-4. Instruction almost exclusively occurs in strategic small groupings across grade levels during the dedicated block of time. Individual classrooms from K-4 exchange students and occasionally, some students travel to grade-level groups either below or above to receive appropriate instruction. Student groupings are based on data points from multiple sources such as PALs, VKRP and SchoolPace (American Reading Company). All students receive personalized remediation regardless of Title I qualification and participation. The traditional 30 minutes per day, single classroom pull-out model for only students who qualify for Title I instruction has been replaced. The creative alternative schedule for Title I and remedial instructional instruction is considered a work in progress and the staff is making adjustments as it moves forward.
Contact Information: Josh Craft, Principal, <a href="mailto:jcraft@alleghany.k12.va.us">jcraft@alleghany.k12.va.us</a>, (540) 965-1810

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<strong>Appomattox County Public Schools: Raider Ready Day </strong>
Raider Ready Day (RRD) is a student engagement event for eighth-grade students at Appomattox Middle School to explore high school CTE programs before selecting their courses. RRD is designed and led by current students in all sixteen CTE programs at Appomattox County High School. The interactive experience gives students an opportunity to see each program and all the spaces and ask questions about the courses. The goal is to increase enrollment in CTE programs by improving awareness of the overall opportunities and possibilities for industry certifications and career readiness due to participation in specific programs. The success of this event is primarily a result of being led by students. The energy and excitement the high school students show when sharing what they are learning and how it has impacted them is powerful, and the passion is contagious. The teacher in the room is the facilitator, but the students are the ambassadors of their programs.
Contact Information: Dr. Amy D. Huskin, Director of Curriculum, Instruction, &amp; CTE, <a href="mailto:adhuskin@acpsweb.com">adhuskin@acpsweb.com</a>, 434-352-8251

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<strong>Botetourt County Public Schools: Career &amp; Technical Education </strong>
The Career and Technical Education program in Botetourt County has and continues to have a transcendent impact on student achievement. Any of the classes taken on an individual basis are impressive but as a whole the results are simply spectacular. The 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 CTE annual Performance Report data shows a 100% graduation rate for students who were CTE completers. Those students also showed excellent performance on SOL tests, post-program placement and certification attainment. Quite simply, students involved in the CTE programs graduate and continue on their chosen career paths. Students, parents and community members are recognizing the success as evident by the fact that even as division enrollment is in a decline the enrollment in CTE programs continues to increase according to the division SEDF report. This is a testament to the variety and quality of the programs and instructors. The CTE program in Botetourt County cultivates success.
Contact Information: Mike Ketron, Supervisor of Career and Technical Education, <a href="mailto:mketron@bcps.k12.va.us">mketron@bcps.k12.va.us</a>, (540) 473-8216

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<strong>Bristol Virginia Public Schools: Treatment Team for Students</strong>
A team of professionals at Van Pelt Elementary meets every Monday morning to discuss students in need. Roughly 10% of the at-risk student population is discussed. Team members represent multiple agencies and community partners. These weekly meetings allow the team to maintain consistent communication and develop a proactive plan to help students. The team approach prevents duplication of services and allows this group of professionals to focus on the needs of each child. These meetings have proven to be an invaluable tool to help Van Pelt’s students succeed.
Contact Information: Jared Rader, Principal, <a href="mailto:jrader@bvps.org">jrader@bvps.org</a>, 276 821 5770

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<strong>Caroline County Public Schools: CCPS Summer Academy Extravaganza </strong>
Amidst a pandemic, Caroline County was up for the challenge to bridge the learning gap while also connecting the work to the social emotional needs of our learners. The Summer Academy Extravaganza was offered to rising kindergarten through eight grade students. At the elementary level the morning began with social-emotional connections which looked like morning meetings with integrated Mind Up Curriculum and Sanford Harmony activities. Following students were focused on literacy and math skill building lessons which were crafted by reading and math specialists. Rich literature was purchased to ground the learning and link cross-curricular content. Students received breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack. The afternoon consisted of self-selected clubs and activities such as STEM, plants and animals, cooking, cheerleading, arts &amp; crafts, dance, and much more. Students were actively engaged, connecting with their peers, and enjoying the full day program.
Contact Information: Terrie Haley, Director of Elementary Education, <a href="mailto:thaley@ccps.us">thaley@ccps.us</a>, 804-633-5088

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<strong>Caroline County Public Schools: Family Engagement &amp; The NEW Caroline Cruiser </strong>
CCPS has a renewed focus on family engagement since the COVID 19 pandemic. We have a full-time family engagement staff member at each of our five schools to support students and families by connecting them to outside resources. In addition, the federal programs department sponsored a wrap the bus project, which revitalized an older CCPS bus into a community bus. The Caroline Cruiser was born and now travels into throughout our community for events with free school supplies and educational materials for families.
Contact Information: Lisa Stevens, <a href="mailto:lstevens@ccps.us">lstevens@ccps.us</a>. Andrea Ross, Director of Federal Programs, aross@ccps.us, 804-633-5088

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<strong>Chesterfield County Public Schools: FACE van </strong>
At the start of the 2021-22 school year, Chesterfield County Public Schools launched the Family and Community Engagement van, a turnkey resource for schools. The FACE van is packed with everything schools need to connect with families in a fun, easy-to-access way. The FACE van brings the fun of popcorn and snow cones plus Wi-Fi and Chromebooks. “Chesterfield County Public Schools is on the go, connecting with students and families where they are,” said Dr. Merv Daugherty, superintendent of Chesterfield County Public Schools. “We are not waiting for families to come to us: We are on the go and heading out to meet our families where they are.” Chesterfield County government donated the used van to the school system, and the Chesterfield Education Foundation, TowneBank Chesterfield, Uptown Alley and Fast Signs of Midlothian funded the van’s transformation.
Contact Information: Amy Bartilotti, Office of Family and Community Engagement coordinator, <a href="mailto:amelia_bartilotti@ccpsnet.net">amelia_bartilotti@ccpsnet.net</a>, 804-216-0155

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<strong>Chesterfield County Public Schools: Super Senior Passport </strong>
Chesterfield County residents who are 60 or older are invited to apply for a Super Senior Passport. Designed to thank senior residents for their support and encourage them to remain active in Chesterfield County Public Schools, the Super Senior Passport is free and provides: • Discounted fees for Super Senior Passport classes and other adult education classes on a space-available basis • Free admission to school athletic events (except playoffs and tournaments) • Free admission to music and theater productions in schools • Free admission to certain other school activities for which fees are charged.
Contact Information: Leigh Ann McKelway, writer-editor, <a href="mailto:leighann_mckelway@ccpsnet.net">leighann_mckelway@ccpsnet.net</a>, 804-661-0650

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<strong>Chesterfield County Public Schools: CCPS on the Go! newsletter </strong>
Chesterfield County Public Schools is a growing (more than 63,000 students at last count), award-winning school system. But 65% of Chesterfield County households do not have children 18 or younger. Even though a majority of the community is not connected on a daily basis to Chesterfield County Public Schools, we want all residents to be proud of and support Chesterfield schools. That’s one reason the school system launched Chesterfield on the Go!, a three-times-a year newsletter that is mailed to every home in the county. Full of info and images from all 65 schools within Chesterfield County Public Schools, this printed publication is initially funded through federal relief funds to improve reach of communication throughout the school district. The first edition was published in October 2021. Digital versions in English and Spanish are on mychesterfieldschools.com.
Contact Information: Leigh Ann McKelway, writer-editor, <a href="mailto:leighann_mckelway@ccpsnet.net">leighann_mckelway@ccpsnet.net</a>, 804-661-0650

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<strong>CodeRVA Regional High School: CodeRVA Regional High School </strong>
CodeRVA Regional High School is a unique program unlike any other in the Commonwealth. Fifteen school divisions across the Richmond region collaborate to provide students access to a high quality, computer science focused education open to all 9th grade students residing in a partner division through a barrier free admission process. CodeRVA blends workplace skills such as using Agile methodologies and scheduling instruction based on weekly formative data with the best of blended learning. All 11th and 12th grade students also participate in six week, immersive internship experiences to prepare them for college and career pathways upon graduation. CodeRVA offers an Associate Degree in Science with a Specialization in Computer Science through JSRCC, as well as valuable networking opportunities for all students with businesses located in the Richmond region. CodeRVA’s innovative instruction, as well as its emphasis on computer science, can be adapted for use in traditional school settings.
Contact Information: Kume Goranson, Ed.D., Executive Director, <a href="mailto:kume.goranson@coderva.org">kume.goranson@coderva.org</a>

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<strong>Covington City Public Schools: Nearpod Interactive Learning </strong>
A unique and powerful instructional software tool that is being used by Covington City Public Schools is Nearpod. Nearpod is used at Covington High School to engage students with interactive learning experiences. The interactive software allows a slide presentation to appear on the students’ computer screens for easy viewing. The slides on a student’s screen advance as the teacher changes the slide. Students respond to open-ended questions (test for understanding), view videos that are embedded in presentations, take quizzes, and engage in Time to Climb. Time to Climb is an interactive learning experience with competitive games, virtual reality, blogs, polls and more. Virtual reality is a favorite for students because they can go anywhere in the world and see a geographic location. Students have the ability to zoom in and pan an area they are visiting. They also have an option to explore at a 360-degree angle. Through Nearpod’s virtual reality, students have taken tours around the world. Many teachers at Covington High School have developed a daily routine of using Nearpod in their classrooms. Nearpod also benefits students who are absent from school. A Student Paced feature allows a student who was absent from school to easily log in to access information they missed from the classroom.
Contact Information: Lisa Richards, Library Media Specialist, <a href="mailto:lrichards@covington.k12.va.us">lrichards@covington.k12.va.us</a>, (540) 965-1410

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<strong>Covington City Public Schools: Edgemont Primary School and The Science of Reading</strong>
EPS would like to highlight our implementation and successes in the science of reading. The science of reading focuses on the foundation that teachers understand the brain processes and developments required in order for a child to be able to read. Edgemont teachers now teach explicit, systematic, multi-sensory, and direct phonics that follow an Orton Gillingham Scope and Sequence. Teachers have and are receiving quality professional development to align to SOR. We have seen amazing reading and spelling gains in all grade levels for all of our different learners. We have incorporated decodable texts that increase decoding and fluency to reach grade level reading mastery. In addition to teaching phonics intensely, we work on comprehension and language skills with good, quality literature and interesting and engaging informational texts. Our goal is to help every different learner find success and increase their knowledge while using their analytical and creative thinking abilities.
Contact Information: Jessica Fauber, Literacy Coach, <a href="mailto:jfauber@covington.k12.va.us">jfauber@covington.k12.va.us</a>, 540-965-1420

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<strong>Dinwiddie County Public Schools: Elementary Parent and Teacher Universities </strong>
Our new Title I Family Engagement Specialist conducts weekly webinars with parents. Highlights include: understanding PALS, local authors reading to families, promoting literacy at home, exploring your local library, closing the readability gap, and word study. The Specialist has grown our family engagement outreach program to engage parents during times that best fit their schedules. Universities are held throughout the school day, nights, and weekends. Topics evolve from the on-going Needs Assessment as well as input received via chats/surveys during the universities. The universities are building strong relationships with parents. The engagement sessions are responsive to the needs of the community. For sessions, parents have access to materials via home visits or backpack supplies ahead of time. Offering materials needed removes barriers and increases collaboration and communication. The universities have been an integral step to meet parents where they are, build relationships and partnerships, and offer any support needed.
Contact Information: Paige Hannon, Director of Elementary Education and Title I, <a href="mailto:phannon@dcpsnet.org">phannon@dcpsnet.org</a>, 804-469-4190

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<strong>Dinwiddie County Public Schools: Dinwiddie County Government Day</strong>
The Dinwiddie Public Schools Comprehensive Plan defines priority one as student success: academically, personally and civically. To ensure students graduate life ready, DCPS has developed specific experiences for each student prior to graduation. These experiences, like Government Day, are designed to help students gain a deeper understanding of how to build our community and what choices are made by our board of supervisors to continue the growth of our community. Government Day is a community collaboration. Students spend the day walking in the shoes of our county Board of Supervisors. Board members work alongside a small group of high school seniors to weigh the pros and cons of the senior staff proposals given to them and develop a budget presentation to justify their choices. This experience is built into the curriculum and includes other virtual simulations, discussions and assignments focusing on economic development and the role of the local government.
Contact Information: Carly Woolfolk, Director of Secondary Education and CTE, <a href="mailto:cwoolfolk@dcpsnet.org">cwoolfolk@dcpsnet.org</a>, 804-469-4190

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<strong>Fauquier County Public Schools: FCPS Virtual Academy</strong>
At Fauquier County Public Schools, we believe in giving each student what they need in order to succeed. While we realize that face-to-face, in-person instruction is best for most of our students, it is not best for all. Some students thrive in a virtual learning environment and can benefit from a stand-alone virtual program. The FCPS Virtual Academy launched in August of 2021 as another personalized learning path to provide an engaging, student-centered alternative learning experience where traditional barriers of time, place, and availability are removed. Each Virtual Academy student has his/her own unique story. This year, the over 170 students who chose Virtual Academy learned from a cadre of 9 full-time and 12 part-time teachers. With a mix of synchronous and asynchronous learning throughout the school day, students accessed their instruction through Canvas and Google Meet. Learn more at bit.ly/FCPS1Virtual and https://fcps1.news/Virtual-Academy.
Contact Information: Michael Snell, Virtual Academy Coordinator, <a href="mailto:msnell@fcps1.org">msnell@fcps1.org</a>

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<strong>Franklin City Public Schools: Vanguard Early College Academy </strong>
Vanguard Early College Academy has enabled numerous qualifying Franklin High School students the opportunity to earn an Associate Degree in Computer Science through Tidewater Community College. They are able to take courses either online or in-person in addition to their regular high school classes. This is no mere summer computer camp; the students who want to be in VECA prove their commitment to learn by maintaining at least a 3.0 GPA. They must also successfully complete Algebra I and Geometry by the end of their freshman year. Ultimately, students gain a foundation of knowledge and skills for nearly any career that requires the use of computers (support, programming, websites, etc.). In addition, students may earn an Associate Degree in General Studies from Camp Community College. Earning these degrees can serve as an incentive to further one’s education.
Contact Information: Ms. Kelsey Bunch, Franklin High School Guidance Registrar, <a href="mailto:kbunch@fcpsva.org">kbunch@fcpsva.org</a>, 757-562-5187, Ext. 1197

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<strong>Fredericksburg City Public Schools: Start on Success (SOS) </strong>
Start on Success (SOS) is a school-work program designed for students with disabilities pursuing a standard or advanced diploma. It was developed by the Virginia Department of Education and implemented in collaboration with the Center on Transition Innovations at VCU and the Department for Aging and Rehabilitation Services. SOS is a year-long program designed to provide classroom instruction during the first semester and a paid internship at a local business during the second semester of the student’s senior year. The program is spearheaded by JM teacher, Megan Waite, Job Counselor, Angie Poteet and CTE Coordinator, Kristi Allison.
Contact Information: Kristi Allison, CTE Coordinator, <a href="mailto:kallison@cityschools.com">kallison@cityschools.com</a>, 540-372-1130

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<strong>Goochland County Public Schools: Work-based Learning Partnership </strong>
Goochland County Public Schools has developed a partnership with Greenswell Growers, a Goochland County business that recently opened a state-of-the-art hydroponics facility that is expected to produce about 3.7 million pounds of leafy greens for distribution across the mid-Atlantic over the next 3 years, all with 95 percent less water consumption and carbon-neutral energy. GCPS’s Work-Based Learning (WBL) program coordinates workplace experiences that are related to a student’s career goals and/or interests, sometimes integrated with instruction, and performed in partnership with local businesses and organizations. GCPS and Greenswell are working together to create engaging coursework that will give each student academic and hands-on experiences meant to prepare them for careers of the future. Greenswell Growers has collaborated with GHS’s Career and Technical Education program to provide curricula that teach students about Controlled Environmental Agriculture, marketing, operations and logistics, mechatronics, and culinary arts.
Contact Information: Bruce Watson, Director of Career and Technical Education, <a href="mailto:bwatson@glnd.k12.va.us">bwatson@glnd.k12.va.us</a>

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<strong>Goochland County Public Schools: Youth Mental Health First Aid </strong>
While almost everyone has the basic first aid skills needed for minor cuts, aches, or pains, the number of people in a community who know first aid for youth mental health or substance abuse is limited. To meet that need, trained Goochland County Public Schools staff members have offered Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) sessions during the 2021-22 school year. Even before the pandemic, mental health challenges were the leading cause of disability and poor life outcomes in young people, with up to 1 in 5 children ages 3 to 17 in the United States with a reported mental, emotional, developmental, or behavioral disorder. The end goal of the program is to increase the number of people in the community who can assist a child or teenager and provide them with the mental health or substance abuse first aid that they need until they can secure professional care.
Contact Information: Dr. Jennifer Waggener, Executive Director of Exceptional Education, <a href="mailto:jwaggener@glnd.k12.va.us">jwaggener@glnd.k12.va.us</a>

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<strong>Goochland County Public Schools: Advance College Academy </strong>
With annual tuition ranging between $9,000 and $23,000, attending a public, 4-year college in Virginia can add up quickly for students and their families. In Goochland County Public Schools, students can earn up to 60 credit hours before graduation in the division’s Advance College Academy (ACA) – greatly reducing the steep cost of a college degree. ACA is a partnership between GCPS and Reynolds Community College and is open to students with a 3.0-grade-point average or higher who have taken Algebra I by the ninth grade. Courses are taught by certified Goochland High School teachers and include the same content as courses taught on the community college campus. In ACA, students can take rigorous college courses in a supportive environment and can earn an associate degree prior to high school graduation. This opens up options such as graduating early, double majoring, taking a lighter load each semester, or studying abroad.
Contact Information: Dr. Elizabeth Fowler, Advanced Programs and Equity Specialist, <a href="mailto:bfowler@glnd.k12.va.us">bfowler@glnd.k12.va.us</a>

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<strong>Goochland County Public Schools: Youth Mental Health First Aid</strong>
While almost everyone has the basic first aid skills needed for minor cuts, aches, or pains, the number of people in a community who know first aid for youth mental health or substance abuse is limited. To meet that need, trained Goochland County Public Schools staff members have offered Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) sessions during the 2021-22 school year. Even before the pandemic, mental health challenges were the leading cause of disability and poor life outcomes in young people, with up to 1 in 5 children ages 3 to 17 in the United States with a reported mental, emotional, developmental, or behavioral disorder. The end goal of the program is to increase the number of people in the community who can assist a child or teenager and provide them with the mental health or substance abuse first aid that they need until they can secure professional care.
Contact Information: Dr. Jennifer Waggener, Executive Director of Exceptional Education, <a href="mailto:jwaggener@glnd.k12.va.us">jwaggener@glnd.k12.va.us</a>

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<strong>Goochland County Public Schools: Advance College Academy </strong>
With annual tuition ranging between $9,000 and $23,000, attending a public, 4-year college in Virginia can add up quickly for students and their families. In Goochland County Public Schools, students can earn up to 60 credit hours before graduation in the division’s Advance College Academy (ACA) – greatly reducing the steep cost of a college degree. ACA is a partnership between GCPS and Reynolds Community College and is open to students with a 3.0-grade-point average or higher who have taken Algebra I by the ninth grade. Courses are taught by certified Goochland High School teachers and include the same content as courses taught on the community college campus. In ACA, students can take rigorous college courses in a supportive environment and can earn an associate degree prior to high school graduation. This opens up options such as graduating early, double majoring, taking a lighter load each semester, or studying abroad.
Contact Information: Dr. Elizabeth Fowler, Advanced Programs and Equity Specialist, <a href="mailto:bfowler@glnd.k12.va.us">bfowler@glnd.k12.va.us</a>

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<strong>Hampton City Public Schools: The Bridge Program </strong>
Hampton City Schools Department of School Social Work has responded to the mental health crisis with the development of BRIDGE, a school-based behavioral health program. The goal of this program is to “bridge the gap between school, home, community, social emotional and behavioral health.” Within the department, a clinical team was formed. This team provides individual and group counseling, therapy sessions, comprehensive clinical assessments, and person-centered treatment plans. Consultative services are offered to school staff and help given to families to coordinate community resources. Using an outpatient model as a guide, the program is unique in that students are able to be referred and receive mental health resources during the school day. Schools are a natural setting for therapy and families have direct, convenient access to a mental health provider. Having another mental health professional on school grounds also helps develop staff understandings, decreasing stigma associated with mental health needs.
Contact Information: Trena Hatcher, executive director of student support, <a href="mailto:thatcher@hampton.k12.va.us">thatcher@hampton.k12.va.us</a>, 757-727-2020

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<strong>Hampton City Schools: Dual Language Immersion (DLI) Program</strong>
Hampton City Schools (HCS) Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program began in the 2021-2022 school year with a single kindergarten class. The class has approximately one half native English-speaking and one half native Spanish-speaking students. Students spend a portion of the day learning mathematics, science, and Spanish language arts in Spanish and the remainder of the day learning social studies and English language arts in English. Beginning the year with limited knowledge of the other language, students were immersed from day one into the target languages. The DLI program uses the same comprehensive, standard-driven curriculum as traditional kindergarten classes. The combination of native English and Spanish-speaking students provides opportunities to practice both languages in an authentic environment while demonstrating their academic understanding. Additionally, students are engaged in cultural understanding and diversity and learning to think in different ways. HCS is excited to expand and further develop the DLI program based on this year’s successes!
Contact Information: Andrew Lloyd, Curriculum Leader of World Languages and ELL, <a href="mailto:alloyd1@hampton.k12.va.us">alloyd1@hampton.k12.va.us</a>, 757-727-2026

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<strong>Hanover County Public Schools: Hanover Salutes</strong>
Hanover County Public Schools conducted a virtual Hanover Salutes program to honor students making a commitment to serve in the United States Armed Services after graduation from high school. Specifically, we recognized students enlisting in any of the five services, attending a Service Academy, or attending a college or University on an ROTC scholarship. The program included a message from Dr. Michael Gill, Superintendent of Schools, and featured Major General Cedric T. Wins, the Superintendent of the Virginia Military Institute. Graduates, JROTC instructors, and veteran organizations submitted videos as well. Each student was recognized and received a certificate, unit coin, printed program, and a gift card for food and fellowship with their family and friends. Developed in collaboration with school teams and community members, we were honored to recognize our future heroes.
Contact Information: Robert Staley, Director of Secondary Education, <a href="mailto:rstaley@hcps.us">rstaley@hcps.us</a>, (804) 365-4562

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<strong>Henrico County Public Schools: Henrico Virtual Academy</strong>
When Henrico County Public Schools opened a new school for the 2021-22 school year, there were none of the typical challenges of last-minute construction. Instead of paving and paint, administrators and teachers were more concerned with interactive lessons, servers and bandwidth. The Henrico Virtual Academy, an entirely virtual K-12 school with a student body of more than 1,300, uses a mix of live classes and independent learning. The school has its own administrators, faculty, PTSA, clubs and other mainstays of brick-and-mortar schools. While the school grew out of virtual instruction methods pioneered during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is taking its place among a host of HCPS learning options that include career and technical education, and middle and high school specialty centers. While some students found virtual learning a challenge, others have thrived in an online environment that emphasizes flexibility and independent work.
Contact Information: Eileen Cox, Chief of Communications, <a href="mailto:emcox@henrico.k12.va.us">emcox@henrico.k12.va.us</a>, 804-652-3724

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<strong>Henrico County Public Schools: Equity Ambassadors</strong>
As part of a division wide effort to offer more opportunities for student input on issues of equity and diversity, Henrico County Public Schools reimagined its High School Student Congress. The new “HCPS Equity Ambassadors” includes students from each of the division’s nine comprehensive high schools, who come together to amplify student voices on issues of equity. The HCPS Department of Equity, Diversity and Opportunity works with students to design programming to foster dialogue, give students knowledge and skills to address equity issues, and enable them to engage with students from across the division. Members have led “daring dialogue” school discussions, book clubs, podcasts, mentorship programs of students who are learning English, and activities to raise cultural awareness, such as food fairs. The Equity Ambassadors program was recognized in 2020 by the National Association of Counties and was recognized as Virginia’s top 2021 project by the Virginia Association of Counties.
Contact Information: Eileen Cox, Chief of Communications, <a href="mailto:emcox@henrico.k12.va.us">emcox@henrico.k12.va.us</a>, 804-652-3724

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<strong>Hopewell City Public Schools: CREW CIRCLES Initiative</strong>
CREW Academy is a school community within Hopewell City Public Schools that brings together representation from over 40 Hopewell teachers and their classrooms to focus on elevating the core values of Community, Real-World Deeper Learning, Empathy &amp; Equity, and Championing the Wins! As a result of the pandemic and the many emotional, mental, academic challenges our students are navigating, we have recently started a pilot initiative called CREW Circles. As part of the pilot, our Innovation Coaches, 4 CREW Teachers, and our Dean of Student Experience are in collaboration together in helping our students unpack more of their identity stories through their personal experiences, and the powerful life connections they are making in our schools, community, and the world around them. Our CREW Circles initiative continues to be a sacred time where our students are able to listen, share, heal, and speak from the heart. When our students begin to fully see one another as human beings and explore empathy and kindness, a deeper and more loving classroom community is fostered and transformational student experiences are created. Click the video link to see highlights from our time together.
Contact Information: Sommer Jones , Dean of Student Experience for K12 CREW Academy,<a href="mailto:sjones@hopewell.k12.va.us"> sjones@hopewell.k12.va.us</a>, 804-541-6400

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<strong>King and Queen County Public Schools: Setting the Precedent through 21st CCLC Program</strong>
This year Central High School (CHS) is “Setting the Precedent” through our 21st Century Community Learning Centers program, “Tiger Academy,” as we strive to close any gaps of learning during the pandemic. Tiger Academy is offered to students to support enrichment and intervention in addition to programs in the areas of performing arts, health and wellness, visual arts, and STEM. Students have the opportunity to work with teachers in math and language arts to support their education and choose enrichment programs that they feel passionate about. Many of our amazing teachers at Central High School have become part of this program. In addition to our after school program, the Tiger Academy has also set the precedent for community events throughout the year. Through this program, we have completed a Turkey Trot, a Family Wellness Night, and an upcoming Financial Literacy Night. These opportunities allow for students, families, and community members to learn beneficial skills and connect with resources in the area.
Contact Information: Mrs. Ashley Edwards, Principal, <a href="mailto:aedwards@kqps.net">aedwards@kqps.net</a>, 804-785-6102

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<strong>King and Queen County Public Schools: Project Based Learning- Making History in King and Queen County</strong>
Second graders at Lawson-Marriott Elementary are actively engaged in real world, meaningful learning through a teaching method called Project Based Learning. In one such unit, students learned about local history to better understand their and others’ roles in the community. The question that guided their work was: How has our past influenced our present in King and Queen County and how might we influence our future? To answer this question, they researched the history of their county and used primary source materials to learn about the experiences and perspectives of multiple community members. Students used what they learned to document and share the multiple histories that coexist in their local community. Completion of this project entailed multiple authentic public products, including podcasts and historical journals about their individuals and findings. It culminated in a living wax museum for the community as their final presentation of learning. Through project based learning, students gain a deeper understanding of course content, develop a genuine love of learning, and learn real life skills such as solving problems, collaboration, and communication.
Contact Information: Mrs. Vivian Kazee, 2nd Grade Teacher, <a href="mailto:vkazee@kqps.net">vkazee@kqps.net</a>, 804-769-3116

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<strong>King and Queen County Public Schools: Reverse Caroling at King and Queen Elementary</strong>
During the month of December, King and Queen Elementary (KQES) has a tradition of singing holiday songs to the community. In the past, this event has attracted countless community members to come out and celebrate. This holiday season, KQES was faced with a challenge. How could we have a holiday program while dealing with the obstacles of COVID-19? After a bit of brainstorming, the KQES team was able to quickly problem solve. Reverse caroling! Under the guidance of KQES’s music teacher, Mr. James Lantz, students, depending on age level, learned 1-3 songs that they planned to sing to the community. Instead of gathering the parents and guests inside of one location, students were assigned performance locations throughout the building. Visitors congregated outside of the building, they were placed in small groups and assigned a caroling tour guide. The groups’ tours were staggered allowing for adequate spacing and time between performances. The guide took visitors to the different performance locations allowing everyone the opportunity to see and hear all age groups. Before exiting the building, visitors were able to warm up with warm apple cider and cookies. Aside from a little performance fatigue, KQES students shared that they enjoyed having the opportunity to perform for the community. Family members and visitors took lots of pictures, clapped, laughed and even sang along as the students of King and Queen Elementary School wowed them with their performances.
Contact Information: Mr. James Lantz, Music Teacher,<a href="mailto:jlantz@kqps.net"> jlantz@kqps.net</a>, 804-785-5830

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<strong>Louisa County Public Schools: LCHS Cybersecurity</strong>
Louisa County Public Schools implemented a new Cybersecurity Pathway at Louisa County High School beginning in August 2021. To support this initiative, LCPS applied for a national grant and won $100,000 through the Rural Tech Project. LCPS was awarded this money and recognized as one of five winning school divisions in the nation for the implementation of this program and is now competing for an additional $100,000 at the end of 2023. We have had tremendous interest in the courses with full enrollment in all of the sections, inclusive of a virtual option for students. The course satisfaction surveys from Semester 1 provided resounding positive feedback not only about the instructor, but the course content and engaging hands-on activities. The emphasis on providing these meaningful experiences to support the course competencies has generated excitement for the pathway. The Cybersecurity classroom has been designed and created to support hands-on activities with new servers, dual monitors, and two TVs showing real-time cyber-attacks around the world. Additionally, we have had a great response from the industry partners to serve as a support system for our students.
Contact Information: Andrew Woolfolk, Public Information Officer, <a href="mailto:woolfoal@lcps.k12.va.us">woolfoal@lcps.k12.va.us</a>

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<strong>Louisa County Public Schools: The MNES Book Vending Machine!</strong>
There’s a sparkling new vending machine in the hallway at Moss-Nuckols Elementary School that is causing a big buzz amongst students and staff. But this machine isn’t serving up fizzy drinks. Instead, it’s serving up books! After much suspense – and fundraising! – the MNES Book Vending Machine was officially unveiled in January 2022. It operates like any other vending machine, and features dozens of exciting literary titles! Students earn gold coins through completing reading assignments, finishing their homework, earning good grades, and performing random acts of kindness. Students then use the coins whenever they want to select their favorite book! Since its inception, the MNES Book Vending Machine has helped ignite a newfound passion and motivation for reading amongst students!
Contact Information: Andrew Woolfolk, Public Information Officer, <a href="mailto:woolfoal@lcps.k12.va.us">woolfoal@lcps.k12.va.us</a>

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<strong>Louisa County Public Schools: The Patriot Path</strong>
Students at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School are now able to enjoy class amongst acorns, towering trees, and a plethora of plants thanks to the school’s new Patriot Path! Created in 2021, the Patriot Path is a 2/10th mile outdoor learning trail located on the school’s property. The path was created by instructional assistant Dawn Lipscomb as part of an effort to encourage students and educators to enjoy nature and outdoor activities as much as possible! The Patriot Path has become a valuable resource at TJES thanks to the various ways it can be used. It features an amphitheater, which allows students to perform plays or enjoy a story while sitting on stumps that serve as chairs. It also includes an outdoor classroom, complete with a whiteboard. And, of course, the trail can be used as exactly what it is, a pathway for exploration! Teachers often let their students roam free on the path, providing them the opportunity to discover fresh animal tracks or investigate the various types of plants lining the walkway. And while the path itself is inspiring enough, teachers have gone a step further by posting uplifting quotes throughout it. Perhaps most fitting is the one that features a quote from the legendary author J.R.R Tolkien: “Between every two pines, there is a doorway to a new world.”
Contact Information: Andrew Woolfolk, Public Information Officer, <a href="mailto:woolfoal@lcps.k12.va.us">woolfoal@lcps.k12.va.us</a>

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<strong>Mecklenburg County Public Schools: Robust Work-Based Learning Initiative</strong>
Mecklenburg County Public Schools’ dedication to improving career training opportunities for students and promoting academic achievement and success is evident through their new robust work-based learning program. The system employs a full-time work-based learning specialist to develop, promote, and grow the work-based learning program. The work-based learning program focuses on offering students opportunities to connect with professionals in all career pathways, gain skills and experience through hands-on learning opportunities, partner with professional mentors for guidance, and build career connections. Work-based learning experiences assist students in meeting Profile of a Graduate graduation mandates, gaining experience in his/her chosen career pathways, and possibly obtaining future employment. These experiences are offered through partnerships with approximately 60 businesses who serve as classroom speakers, internship partners, and student mentors. Students have the opportunity to participate in work-based learning programs within CTE classes through school-based enterprises, service learning, clinical experiences, internal internships, and cooperative education. Students may also participate in community work-based learning experiences as a result of partnerships with businesses and professional mentors. Potential positions are listed on the Hiring Pool page of the Work-Based Learning website as well as the Mentorship Program page. The work-based learning program is promoted to students through classroom visits by the Career &amp; Work-Based Learning Specialist, on their website, and through flyers and brochures. In addition, students are spotlighted in an Intern Spotlight Series and these spotlights are published as Facebook posts and they are also listed on the WBL webpage. Business partners are spotlighted each Wednesday on Facebook through “Workforce Wednesday” posts.
Contact Information: Natalie Coronas, Career and Work Based Learning Specialist, <a href="mailto:ncoronas@mcpsweb.org">ncoronas@mcpsweb.org</a>, 434-738-6111

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<strong>Mecklenburg County Public Schools: MCPS Google Certified Educator Initiative</strong>
The Mecklenburg County Public School Instruction &amp; Technology Department expanded its professional development by cultivating Google Certified Educators throughout our Division. The Google Certification program is designed to encourage teachers to demonstrate their proficiency in using Google for Education tools and to enhance their productivity as well as their student’s productivity. The Instructional Technology Resource Teachers created a course in Canvas for teachers to complete at their own pace, as well as offered in-person training during the summer of 2021. To date, 310 Level 1 Google Certified Educator exam assessments have been taken by MCPS certified staff, with a pass rate of seventy-four percent. In addition, several staff members have passed and/or are currently working towards the Level 2 Certification. With this initiative in place, the teachers and staff have a better understanding of how to meaningfully use technology in the classroom and facilitate and inspire students' learning and creativity.
Contact Information: Chrystal Elmore, ITRT, <a href="mailto:celmore@mcpsweb.org">celmore@mcpsweb.org</a>, 434-738-6111

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<strong>Mecklenburg County Public Schools: Flexible, Student-Relevant English Curriculum</strong>
The Mecklenburg County Public Schools English team is developing a new concept-based curriculum for students. The restructuring of the English curriculum focuses on current standards of learning, but offers a comprehensive study of one single concept that is relevant to students' lives and development. There are many advantages of this curriculum for both students and teachers. It allows for student and teacher choice regarding which texts are used to cover a unit, literacy skills that are integrated and used beyond the classroom, and assessments that are written to the concept, rather than the text. Rigor and relevance go hand-in-hand as students explore texts that propel them to new heights of learning, while keeping them grounded in the foundations of Virginia's English curriculum framework. With this initiative, the English team of Mecklenburg County Public Schools hopes to offer a more flexible, teacher-friendly guide to helping our students achieve academic success.
Contact Information: Kim Richey, English Teacher, <a href="mailto:krichey@mcpsweb.org">krichey@mcpsweb.org</a>, 434-738-6111

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<strong>Middlesex County Public Schools: Pathfinders Program</strong>
The Pathfinders program brings together high school juniors to explore their personal interests, skills, and strengths, as they search for the intersection between what they like, what they are good at, and what they can make a living doing. Through a variety of experiences, from college campus visits and field trips to book studies and group projects, students have unique opportunities to discover and learn things that are important to them and shape their vision of their future. Through relevant, highly individualized instruction, the Pathfinders have voice and choice in their decisions on what to study through various providers. From Medical Terminology to German to Photography, students participate in carefully designed experiences tailored to them, with the appropriate mix of assistance and challenge. With the time, support, and resources of the Pathfinders program, they become more in tune with what they want, who they are, and who they want to be.
Contact Information: Christine Pedersen, Pathfinders Instructor, <a href="mailto:cpedersen@mcps.k12.va.us">cpedersen@mcps.k12.va.us</a>

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<strong>Petersburg City Public Schools: The Diploma Plus Initiative</strong>
The mission of the Diploma Plus Initiative (DPI) is to provide students access and opportunity into a high-demand career pathway at a living wage. DPI moves beyond state requirements and adds a ‘plus’ in an effort to lead to lifelong success. Our vision is for every student in PCPS to graduate with the ability to become productive members of the Petersburg City community. Therefore, through DPI we increase access to high-demand career pathways, leading to postsecondary success and positively impacting workforce development initiatives. As students earn their ‘plus’, they will develop job and life skills that will assist them in earning a living wage and improve their overall quality of life. In two years, we have implemented new career programs, partnered with over 100 businesses and industry members to provide work-based learning experiences for our students, and increased enrollment in our college credit courses and Associate's Degree programs.
Contact Information: Terrie Allsbrooks, Director of College and Career Readiness, <a href="mailto:teallsbrooks@petersburg.k12.va.us">teallsbrooks@petersburg.k12.va.us</a>

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<strong>Petersburg City Public Schools: The Metropolitan Business League’s Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP)</strong>
The Metropolitan Business League’s Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP) is a comprehensive school-based and afterschool program, which transforms middle and high school students (grades 6-12), into real, confident entrepreneurs. With the use of innovative business teaching strategies, culminated with a flexible/modular curriculum; they provide mentors, expert entrepreneurs as speakers and resources. Through our partnership with YEP, Petersburg City Public Schools (PCPS) has had over fifty (50+) high school students participate in a broad range of school-based and afterschool training and programs. The YEP ignites the entrepreneurial mindset in young people, prepares them to be career-ready and tomorrow’s innovators, and addresses our Diploma Plus Initiative (DPI). The intent of DPI is to ensure students graduate with more than a high school diploma leading to the ability to earn a living wage. YEP supports DPI by providing awareness and aspirations in young people to explore self-employment as a legitimate lifetime career path.
Contact Information: Allison Hunter, Director of Programs &amp; Operations, <a href="mailto:ahunter@thembl.org">ahunter@thembl.org</a>, 804-313-5942

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<strong>Prince George County Public Schools: Royals Entertainment - Entrepreneurship</strong>
The “Royals Entertainment” initiative developed from our students' desire to reconnect as a community after the Covid shutdown during the spring and summer of 2020. A group of four marketing students from the Entrepreneurship class, who were also members of DECA, came up with the idea of hosting a drive-in movie. The students worked with their teacher to develop a plan of action, gather support from district administration, and develop the health mitigation plan that allowed the first drive-in movie to take place in October of 2020. Thanks to their efforts a NEW school-based enterprise was created and since their first event, they have held a variety of other themed movie nights, a Safe Zone Homecoming viewing event, and Senior Sunset Event to fill the void from lost Proms. These events were vital in supporting a safe return to normalcy within our community. Today, they are able to provide these services for others beyond the school division.
Contact Information: Matt Weston, Coordinator of Career and Technical Education, <a href="mailto:mweston@pgs.k12.va.us">mweston@pgs.k12.va.us</a>

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<strong>Prince George County Public Schools: Digital and Social Media Marketing</strong>
The “Digital Social Media Marketing” program was created to develop students' understanding of how best to combine fundamental marketing principles with acceptable content creation for use on popular social media platforms. The goal for the students is to learn best practices associated with leveraging different social media platforms to increase followers while adhering to the principles and image of the business or organization they represent. To support these efforts and to foster greater growth through real world practice, the class has access to create and share content to support the district's efforts to engage with the community through social media. The class regularly showcases wonderful news, upcoming events, and student achievements from across the district. The class's efforts are being noticed, resulting in requests for help from community organizations and local businesses with their content development.
Contact Information: Matt Weston, Coordinator of Career and Technical Education, <a href="mailto:mweston@pgs.k12.va.us">mweston@pgs.k12.va.us</a>, (804) 896-5200

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<strong>Radford City Public Schools: Passport to Career and College - Oh, The Places You'll Go!</strong>
Radford High School and Virginia Tech’s College Access Collaborative hosted a semester-long “Passport to Career and College” (P2C) career exploration program for freshmen. Piloted for the first time in a face-to-face format, P2C sessions consisted of engaging activities designed to help students learn about their personal career paths and to encourage development of essential skills related to the 5 C’s/soft skills, postsecondary options, applying for jobs, creating a resume and cover letter, and interviewing for a job. Through P2C, students also had the opportunity to interact with college admissions representatives, various career professionals, and potential employers at the program-sponsored “Mingle Like You Mean It” career/networking fair. As a result of the P2C program, each freshman completed a career assessment, explored various career and college options, learned essential workplace readiness skills, and was able to apply many of those skills in a real-world setting.
Contact Information: Jamie Little, Education Specialist, <a href="mailto:jolittle@rcps.org">jolittle@rcps.org</a>

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<strong>Radford City Public Schools: McHarg Elementary- Big Rig Day</strong>
McHarg Elementary uses Kid Cash for our Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS). Students earn Kid Cash by exhibiting schoolwide expected behaviors. Kid Cash can be used in the classroom to purchase relationship-based experiences as well as material objects. In addition to the classroom purchases, students also have the opportunity to purchase tickets to larger schoolwide events. These events help build schoolwide community, school spirit, and encourage saving as well as providing an opportunity to experience delayed gratification. While classroom stores may happen weekly/monthly, larger events typically happen once per quarter. Big Rig Day was our first event for the 2021-2022 school year. For this event McHarg collaborated with community organizations and businesses. These included the fire department, the police department, local construction companies, the power company and local tow services. These organizations brought a variety of vehicles which were lined up around our parking lot for students to experience. The organizations also provided representatives who explained how the parts of the vehicles worked or how they are used to help our community. This interactive experience included lights, sounds, and invitations to climb and explore some of the equipment. Students reported the highlight of their day was seeing their teachers go up in the power company bucket truck.
Contact Information: Michelle Greene, Principal, <a href="mailto:mgreene@rcps.org">mgreene@rcps.org</a>, 540-731-3652

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<strong>Richmond City Public Schools: Community Hub Model</strong>
Thirty years of research consistently links family involvement to higher student achievement, better attitudes toward school, lower dropout rates, increased attendance, and many other positive outcomes for students, families, and schools (Henderson &amp; Mapp, 2002). To that end, RPS launched four “Community Hubs” around the city (one in the city’s East End, two in the city’s Southside, and one in the city’s West End for families in the West End and Northside) to deepen our connection to and partnership with families and community partners. Hubs are designed to serve families and students from a person-centered approach, meeting people where they are based on their location and needs. During the 2021– 2022 school year, of the 1,400 Home Visits logged by RPS staff and employees, over 1,000 are attributed to Hub staff and account for over 1/3rd (7,487) of all student outreach completed. Student Success Plans have had a 53% success rate preventing students from reaching 10 days of absences, and slowed the accumulation of absences approximately 35% for those who have amassed 10+ days of unexcused absences.
Contact Information: Dr. Erin Brown, Director of Family Engagement,<a href="mailto:ebrown6@rvaschools.net"> ebrown6@rvaschools.net</a>, (804) 584-7921

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<strong>Richmond City Public Schools: Con Ganas!</strong>
¡Con Ganas! is a year-round, dropout prevention program designed for English learners in which traditional day classes do not meet educational needs due to: Work-related needs Child care needs Circumstances regarding over-age and lack of academic credits Other urgent personal circumstances ¡Con Ganas! covers all of Virginia's graduation requirements, along with English Learner support, in order for students to graduate from RPS in 3 years or less with a Standard Diploma. Classes are Monday through Thursday at 5:30 PM online, and Con Ganas team is available for in-person support on Mondays &amp; Wednesdays: 5:30-8 p.m. at Huguenot High School. English Language Learners come with so much linguistic, cultural, and community wealth. Con Ganas is committed to catering to the needs of our most marginalized populations, so we may develop bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural citizens of the world.
Contact Information: Lily Mirjahangiri, Newcomer Academy Specialist, <a href="mailto:Lmirjaha@rvaschools.net">Lmirjaha@rvaschools.net</a>, (804)807-3052

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<strong>Shenandoah County Public Schools: SCPS/LFCC/SMH Partnership for Phlebotomy Class</strong>
Shenandoah County Public Schools partnered with Lord Fairfax Community College (LFCC), LFCC Workforce Solutions, and Shenandoah Memorial Hospital to offer a phlebotomy class to 11 students enrolled in healthcare science courses in the division. SCPS was able to shuffle students’ schedules between schools and online classes in order to meet all graduation requirements while still providing this opportunity. Valley Health System is the largest employer in the Shenandoah Valley, so there is a high demand for these skills in the local area. Employment of phlebotomists is expected to grow 22% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations (US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Contact Information: Todd Lynn, Supervisor of Career &amp; Technical Education, <a href="mailto:tmlynn@shenandoah.k12.va.us">tmlynn@shenandoah.k12.va.us</a>

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<strong>Shenandoah County Public Schools: Shenandoah County Fire and Rescue/Shenandoah County Public Schools Partnership</strong>
Shenandoah County Public Schools partnered with Shenandoah County Fire and Rescue (SCFR) to provide an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program at Triplett Tech, the division’s career and technical school. SCFR provides an instructor and makes equipment available for the course. The school division provides space and additional equipment. The EMT program prepares students to provide prehospital assessment and care for patients of all ages with a variety of medical conditions and traumatic injuries. At the end of the course, students will have the skills and knowledge needed to pass the state test to obtain their EMT certification. Currently, over 50% of the class has already begun volunteering at local stations. Employment of EMTs and paramedics is projected to grow 11% from 2020 to 2030 (US Bureau of Labor Statistics). As the population continues to grow in Shenandoah County and the surrounding area, the need for these services will increase.
Contact Information: Todd Lynn, Supervisor of Career &amp; Technical Education, <a href="mailto:tmlynn@shenandoah.k12.va.us">tmlynn@shenandoah.k12.va.us</a>

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<strong>Spotsylvania County Public Schools: Battlefield Elementary Students Lead the Way in Unique Take on Parent-Teacher Conferences</strong>
Communication between teachers and parents is vital to success in the classroom. But students shouldn’t be left out of the conversation! That’s why instead of traditional parent-teacher conferences, Battlefield Elementary School is letting students lead the conferences. Students will share their work, talk about their strengths and areas of need, and set goals with their parents and teachers for the rest of the year. When students take ownership of their learning, they get excited to share their work – and that excitement boosts parent participation and attendance at these conferences. The conferences will encourage positive self-reflection, teach critical goal-setting skills, and build leadership. These are all qualities that will set students up for success in the classroom, in life, and prepare them for wherever the future takes them.
Contact Information: Ms. Kara Hurley, Principal, Battlefield Elementary School, <a href="mailto:kmhurley@spotsylvania.k12.va.us">kmhurley@spotsylvania.k12.va.us</a>, 540-786-4532

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<strong>Spotsylvania County Public Schools: Students, Office of Mental Health and Wellness Pack De-Stress Kits for Teachers</strong>
Teaching is often a stressful job, and that stress has only increased over the past two years. That’s why a group of students in Spotsylvania County Public Schools’ (SCPS) REACH program, along with the SCPS Office of Mental Health and Wellness, put together special surprise de-stress kits for all of the division’s instructional staff. The kits include stress balls, bubbles to encourage teachers to focus on their breath, several different kinds of sensory fidgets, and a resource card to guide them through different ways to approach stress. The kits are part of a larger effort by the Office of Mental Health and Wellness to support our teachers, with other programs including Wellness Wednesdays with yoga, meditation and breath workshops, and self-care seminars.
Contact Information: Ms. Lisa Dolan, Coordinator of Social Work Services, <a href="mailto:ldolan@spostylvania.k12.va.us">ldolan@spostylvania.k12.va.us</a>, 540-834-2500

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<strong>Spotsylvania County Public Schools: Cutting-Edge Program Inspires and Empowers Students to Pursue Careers in Cybersecurity</strong>
Amid the pandemic, unrest, and a shift toward remote work on a national scale, cybersecurity became exponentially more important. That’s why Spotsylvania County Public Schools is preparing our students to pursue a career in this high-demand field, with a cutting-edge program designed to help them develop the essential skills they need to succeed. Spearheaded by Ms. Kristina Rice, the Spotsylvania High School Cyber Knights program inspires students from underrepresented groups to pursue cybersecurity careers, and explore their passions in the field. Under Ms. Rice’s direction, the all-girls Cyber Knights team placed 2nd in both the 2019 and 2020 Girls Go Cyberstart National Championships. The program’s students have an impressive 100% graduation rate, a 100% college, military and career readiness attainment rate, and more than 98% go on to earn industry certifications. In recognition of this achievement, Ms. Rice received the Presidential Cybersecurity Education Award in December 2021.
Contact Information: Ms. Kristina Rice, Advisor, Cyber Knights, <a href="mailto:krice@spotsylvania.k12.va.us">krice@spotsylvania.k12.va.us</a>, 540-582-3882 ext 542212

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<strong>Stafford County Public Schools: Mentor 360</strong>
Mentor 360 is an innovative, systematic, full circle support program provided to first year educators in Stafford County Public Schools. The ultimate goal is to provide the support for each new hire to craft a strength-based professional identity with our full circle of support. Upon hire, educators are paired with a highly-skilled and trained job-alike mentor. Mentors and mentees collaboratively create a personalized system of support, cognitive challenge, and professional vision tailored to the strengths and unique experience of each new educator. Mentor 360 also offers a New Teacher Institute (NTI) on-boarding program at the start of the academic year, a three-day Foundations in Teaching course that builds a common vocabulary and professional network among new educators, a weekly professional development web series, quarterly new educator social gatherings, subscription to a bi-weekly Full Circle Newsletter, and monthly school-based mentoring sessions facilitated by the school lead mentor Ambassador.
Contact Information: Sandra Osborn, Director of Public and Community Relations, <a href="mailto:osbornpeterssk@staffordschools.net">osbornpeterssk@staffordschools.net</a>

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<strong>Stafford County Public Schools: SCPS Evening Program</strong>
The Evening Program is a completion program for students who are in danger of dropping out or not finishing their diploma due to family or work obligations during traditional school hours. The hybrid program is offered online, with required in-person attendance two nights a week (6-8:30 p.m.) to ensure proper pacing and academic support. The program has expanded to include supplemental enrollment, which allows students to attend their base school during the day and take an additional course in the evening so that they can meet graduation requirements on time. This allows students who are missing 1-2 credits to complete a full course load at their base school during the day, and also complete recovery or additional credits at night. The program lessens the dropout rate, ensures more students are able to graduate on time, and also allows students the opportunity to accelerate their graduation requirements.
Contact Information: Sandra Osborn, Director of Public and Community Relations, <a href="mailto:osbornpeterssk@staffordschools.net">osbornpeterssk@staffordschools.net</a>

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<strong>Stafford County Public Schools: Vertical Alignment Opens Doors to Computer Science Study in Middle School</strong>
Stafford County Public Schools has pursued a number of avenues to expand access to STEM fields, particularly computer science for students at all grade levels. The division’s acquisition of the Advancing Computer Science Education Grant equips teachers in participating divisions with embedding computer science standards in Grades 3-8 through the creation of interdisciplinary performance tasks. This has increased student exposure at critical grade levels and helps teachers from many disciplines see themselves as teachers of computer science. The division redesigned its middle school program to increase the number of electives offered to allow additional exposure to computer science and STEM fields. By improving vertical alignment around computer science with a PK-12 approach, the division hopes to see an increase in the number of students participating in high school computer science programs, such as the existing STAT Academy, and the soon to be launched Cybersecurity Dual Enrollment program.
Contact Information: Sandra Osborn, Director of Public and Community Relations, <a href="mailto:osbornpeterssk@staffordschools.net">osbornpeterssk@staffordschools.net</a>

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<strong>Washington County Public Schools: Camp Connections 2021</strong>
Mission Statement - The Camp Connections Project strives to precipitate student-centered change in public education. We are committed to reinventing public education in Southwest Virginia; to adapt the system of public education to more fully meet the social, emotional, and academic needs of young people. Through collaborative leadership and deliberate instructional design, Camp Connections creates an interdisciplinary curriculum of inquiry-based instruction that integrates social and emotional learning (SEL) into academic content. The design and execution of the project reflect the organic nature of whole-person education - a process anchored in connections. Students connect to education, to each other, to their community, and most importantly, to themselves. Camp Connections empowers classroom teachers and students to not only take the next steps in education but to become the next steps in education.
Contact Information: Eric Hoffman, Classroom Teacher and Co-Creator of Camp Connections 2021, <a href="mailto:ehoffman@wcs.k12.va.us">ehoffman@wcs.k12.va.us</a>, (276) 698-6224

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<strong>Waynesboro City Public Schools: Outstanding Strive Toward Literacy: Kate Collins Middle School Book Vending Machine</strong>
Kate Collins Middle School (KCMS) Media Specialist, Karen Sellers and Teacher Erin Hagedorn recently partnered together to provide middle school students with a unique opportunity to access books. Through a Donors Choose Grant in cooperation with Sonic Drive-In, Mrs. Hagedorn and Mrs. Sellers acquired an Inchy the Bookworm Book Vending Machine. At KCMS, students have the opportunity to earn tickets in every classroom for being respectful, responsible and involved. Students with a high number of tickets are then granted a Golden Token, which can be used in the book vending machine to choose a book that they can keep. At the December Waynesboro Public Schools School Board meeting, Mrs. Sellers and Mrs. Hagedorn shared a presentation about the book vending machine and stated, “At KCMS we recognize the importance of reading, not only for educational growth, but personal growth as well. Allowing all of our students the opportunity to ‘purchase’ a book of their own, and of their own choosing, encourages them to not only read but to continue to seek out other books in the future.” So far, over 50 KCMS students have been awarded free books. Inside the vending machine the students will find a variety of books at different reading levels. The vending machine also includes a diverse selection of both fiction and non-fiction books. To purchase books, Sellers and Hagedorn used grant money from The Charitable Grant Foundation and the Dollar General Foundation.
Contact Information: Tim Teachey, Executive Director of Instruction, <a href="mailto:tteachey@waynesboro.k12.va.us">tteachey@waynesboro.k12.va.us</a>, 540-946-4600

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<strong>Waynesboro City Public Schools: Flexible School Schedules: Schools in Waynesboro Make Schedule Changes to Help Students During Pandemic</strong>
When Westwood Hills Elementary school started looking into ways to address the many issues the pandemic caused, they turned to their students for input. Students at Westwood Hills were asked to be consultants and interviewed about their experiences at Westwood. This collaboration with students paved the way for a set time in the school day called “What I Need” (WIN) time. WIN time is used at Westwood Hills to meet the diverse needs of students, which have definitely heightened since the pandemic. This time helps teachers focus on students and helps students learn and practice skills not taught in the traditional classroom setting. In addition, students receive extra academic support where needed. The thirty minute block of time takes place daily. Activities range from mindful activities such as yoga, to targeted academic interventions for students. Teachers use grade level meeting time to determine where the needs are and how to best use WIN time. Waynesboro High School added a similar structure to help address learning loss due to COVID called Flex Block. The first priority of this one hour block of time is to give students an opportunity to recover credits they may need toward graduation. Flex Block is also used as a time to help ninth graders acclimate to the high school environment. In addition this time provides an opportunity to introduce new electives and offer content-specific study halls.
Contact Information: Tim Teachey, Executive Director of Instruction, <a href="mailto:tteachey@waynesboro.k12.va.us">tteachey@waynesboro.k12.va.us</a>, 540-946-4600

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<strong>Waynesboro City Public Schools: Waynesboro Back to School Bash</strong>
Waynesboro City Schools hosted its first annual Back to School Bash event. The vision of the event was to remove barriers for students and families that make the start of a new school year stressful. At the event, there were opportunities for students to receive haircuts from local stylists and healthcare providers were available to provide school physicals and immunizations. Families were able to access forms to request for assistance for school supplies, clothing or other medical needs. In addition, healthy fruits and vegetables were available, numerous community resources, and fun and games for students of all ages. This event provided Waynesboro City Public School students with the opportunity to have a positive start to the school year. The Back to School Bash was held on two different dates and and was a huge success with the help of over 100 staff and community volunteers. Waynesboro Public Schools hosted over 600 participants. During the event, numerous COVID-19 vaccines were given and over 250 haircuts and styles provided for WPS students.
Contact Information: Ryan Barber, Assistant Superintendent, <a href="mailto:rbarber@waynesboro.k12.va.us">rbarber@waynesboro.k12.va.us</a>, 540-946-4600

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<strong>Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools: AAC Communication Boards - Everyone Deserves A Voice!</strong>
In collaboration with the WJCC Special Education department, Playground Communication Stations were created in hopes of giving students an ability to express themselves with friends, teachers, and others, all while feeling included. By having this on our playgrounds, we can offer many opportunities for communication, awareness, inclusion, and acceptance. These district-wide playground communication boards allow staff to point to symbols to help students understand directions and to model appropriate language. It allows students who are feeling frustrated to use symbols or words to express their feelings to staff and peers, and, therefore, likely avoid maladaptive behaviors. It also encourages inclusivity by showing students different ways to communicate with their fellow peers. This project has been implemented at each elementary school in WJCC, with Communication Stations on the playgrounds, hallways, and cafeterias to maximize expressive and receptive language globally, and will also be featured in our town’s parks and recreation locations!
Contact Information: Adam Brown, Director of Special Education, <a href="mailto:adam.brown@wjccschools.org">adam.brown@wjccschools.org</a>, 757-603-6464

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<strong>York County: L.E.A.D. Program</strong>
The L.E.A.D. Program aims to recruit, support, and retain high quality leaders. This cohort program offers professional development and mentoring support through hands-on learning experiences using the Leadership Challenge© framework. Participants will engage in monthly learning sessions, network, and collaborate with cohort members, learn from guest speakers, and complete a personal project during the program. Many of the previous participants in the LEAD program have been promoted and they utilize skills acquired from this program in-turn cultivating stronger leadership.
Contact Information: Dr. David Reitz, Director of Leadership and Accountability, <a href="mailto:dreitz@ycsd.york.va.us">dreitz@ycsd.york.va.us</a>, 757 898-0450

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<strong>York County School Division: Middle School Virtual Career Fair and Expo</strong>
A priority at York County School Division is student career readiness. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the traditional in-person career fair held during previous years was not possible. Instead of cancelling the event, YCSD division and school staff moved to a virtual format to replicate the in-person event. The shift to virtual turned out to be a big success! Over 1,100 students participated in the Virtual Career Fair and Expo. Students engaged in activities such as interest surveys, virtual tours, and career videos. The career fair provided information about job opportunities from local companies and military representatives. Students heard about a “day in the life” of a career from our EngagedIN YCSD community partners. Finally, students learned about career pathways and clusters available at the middle and high schools from YCSD career coaches. Student feedback was positive and YCSD plans to continue to use virtual options to highlight career opportunities.
Contact Information: Robert Sherlock, Associate Director of Educational Technology and Innovation, <a href="mailto:rsherlock@ycsd.york.va.us">rsherlock@ycsd.york.va.us</a>, 757-898-0409

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<strong>York County School Division: Autism Services Improvement Team</strong>
The Autism Services Improvement Team (ASIT), is a multi-disciplinary team that assesses, implements, and monitors services for students with autism in the York County School Division’s (YCSD). ASIT’s purpose is to foster collaboration between highly skilled providers of comprehensive services for students with autism, including division and building administrators, speech pathologists, and occupational therapists. Along with other successful projects, the team developed a yearlong Evidence Based Practices (EBP) Academy. ASIT has trained more than ninety general and special education teachers on EBPs and effective implementation in the classroom. The ASIT team developed and implemented an instructional coaching model that has recently been adopted division-wide. They systematized training for staff on various assessments and curriculum, facilitated division-wide professional learning communities, and created an evidenced based practices manual. The strategies established by the ASIT team embedded sustainable and meaningful support for our students with autism.
Contact Information: Christy Morgan, Associate Director of Student Services, <a href="mailto:cmorgan@ycsd.york.va.us">cmorgan@ycsd.york.va.us</a>, 1-757-898-0477