Superintendent’s Weekly Wrap-up – February 8, 2019

Please join me in recognizing Ms. Monica Glass, Administrative Assistant at the Regional Alternative School, on her selection as Employee of the Week for Pittsylvania County Schools for the week of February 11-15, 2019. Please click on the following link to find out what employees do to make this A Great Place to Learn and Work! https://www.pcs.k12.va.us/news/whats_new/

FEBRUARY IS SCHOOL BOARD APPRECIATION MONTH

Please join me in thanking our School Board for their service to our School Division and County. The theme this year for School Board Appreciation Month is Leading for Success. This reflects the top priority of our School Board members as they advocate for public education with local, State, and federal leaders on behalf of all students.

During this month-long observance, please take an opportunity to recognize our School Board members for the critical leadership role they play. School boards voluntarily tackle the enormous job of governing multi-million-dollar public school divisions, while preserving the core of our democratic values.

February is Black History Month: Black History Month Resources (From Dr. James Lane, State Superintendent of Public Instruction)

As our nation observes Black History Month, the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) is pleased to provide teachers and school divisions with Black History Month resources celebrating and honoring African Americans and their achievements and contributions to America. In 1925, Carter G. Woodson and the organization he founded, the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH)), conceived and announced Negro History Week. Expanded to a month in 1976, ASNLH, now the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH)) continues to promote the study of Black history all year.

The resources below support the 2015 History and Social Science Standards of Learning:

● Association for the Study of African American Life and History(ASALH), publishing several scholarly works and establishing Negro History Week, the precursor to Black History Month.

● H.R.1242 - 400 Years of African-American History Commission Act -signed into law in 2018. This bill establishes the 400 Years of African-American History Commission to develop and carry out activitiesthroughout the United States to commemorate the 400th anniversary ofthe arrival of Africans in the English colonies at Point Comfort,Virginia, in 1619.

● Virginia’s 2019 AMERICAN EVOLUTION™ commemoration -highlights the significance and modern relevance of several importantevents that occurred in Virginia in 1619. Explore the 2019commemoration’s education resources, including primary sourcematerials, videos, and innovative lesson ideas to use in yourclassroom all year long!

● The Library of Congress, National Archives and RecordsAdministration, National Endowment for the Humanities, NationalGallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution, andUnited States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in paying tribute to thegenerations of African Americans who struggled with adversity toachieve full citizenship in American society at February is AfricanAmerican History Month and National Archives Black History.

● The National Museum of African American History and Culture is theonly national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation ofAfrican American life, history, and culture Established by Act ofCongress in 2003, following decades of efforts to promote and highlightthe contributions of African Americans.

● The Library of Virginia focuses on topics in Virginia history andincludes African American History Sites.

● The Virginia’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Commissionwebsite includes the following resources:

○ Emancipation Proclamation Sesquicentennial○ RESOURCES from the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial

Commission ○ RESOURCES from the Abraham Lincoln Subcommittee○ RESOURCES from the 50th Anniversary of Public School

Closings in Virginia.

For more information, please contact Betsy Barton, Specialist for History and Social Science, Office of Humanities, by email at Betsy.Barton@doe.virginia.gov or by telephone at (804) 225-3454.

Pittsylvania County Schools to Hold Teacher Job Fair:

The Pittsylvania County Schools’ Human Resources Department is seeking qualified teacher candidates to fill various positions throughout the division for the 2019-2020 school year. In order to reach prospective candidates, Pittsylvania County Schools will host a Teacher Job Fair on March 9, 2019, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon. The event will be held at Chatham Middle School located at 11650 U.S. Highway 29 North, Chatham, Virginia.

All prospective teachers are invited to attend. They are asked to bring resume’ copies and to dress professionally. Representatives from all twenty-one Pittsylvania County schools will be at the fair, seeking individuals committed to education. In addition, Central Office Staff will be on site to discuss the new teacher mentor program, competitive salaries, professional development, licensure, and the many other benefits of employment with Pittsylvania County Schools.

On-site registration will be available; however, participants are encouraged to pre-register at www.pcs.k12.va.us/jobfair . Employment applications for

2019-2020 school year are available on the Pittsylvania County Schools’ website https://pittsylvania.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx .

Any questions regarding the job fair may be directed to the Human Resources Department (hr@pcs.k12.va.us) or by contacting Mr. Steven D. Mayhew, Assistant Superintendent for Administration or Mrs. Shari Dudley, Executive Administrative Assistant for Human Resources, at 434-432-2761.

National School Counseling Week-February 4-8, 2019:

Please join in thanking our school counselors for all that they do. Ms. Freanda Glass, Brosville Elementary; Mr. Erwin Pascual, Chatham Elementary; Ms. Christine Fain, Gretna Elementary; Mr. Tim Amon, Hurt Elementary; Mr. Martin Smith, Kentuck Elementary; Ms. Priscilla Reynolds, Mt. Airy Elementary; Mr. Jim Dooley, Southside Elementary; Mr. Mike Williams, Stony Mill Elementary; Ms. Elizabeth Cassell, Twin Springs Elementary; Ms. Cynthia Harford, Twin Springs Elementary; Mrs. Ashley Ferrell, Union Hall Elementary; Ms. Morgan Horne, Chatham Middle; Mr. Don Yard, Chatham Middle; Ms. Frances Uitto, Dan River Middle; Ms. Jamie Weatherford, Dan River Middle; Ms. Ashley Cartolaro, Gretna Middle; Ms. Brittany Shirvani, Gretna Middle; Ms. Kerri Beth Ludeman, Tunstall Middle; Ms. Crystal Presley, Tunstall Middle; Ms. Rosemarie Linn, Chatham High; Ms. Lauren Horne, Chatham High; Mr. Neil Clarridge, Chatham High; Ms. Carol Dean, Dan River High; Ms. Tiana Noble, Dan River High; Mr. Jacob Thompson, Dan River High; Ms. Jennifer Dowdy, Gretna High; Ms. Rebecca Franklin, Gretna High; Mr. Joe Lee, Gretna High; Ms. Tammy Beckelheimer, Tunstall High; Ms. Linda Clark-Williamson, Tunstall High; and Ms. Jan Daniel, Tunstall High

Health and Wellness Survey:

In an effort to continue to improve the health and well-being of our employees, we would like for you to take a moment to complete a health/wellness survey.

This survey is anonymous and will allow us to gather information on what topics and/or activities you would like to see incorporated into a wellness program for Pittsylvania County Schools' employees. Please use the link below to complete the survey. It will be open through Thursday, February 21st.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GHRYYWD

Thank you for your assistance in this matter.

Physical Fitness Challenge Continues in 2019:

Employees wishing to participate in the Pittsylvania County Schools Fitness Challenge may keep track of their physical fitness activities by completing the form provided below and submitting it to the office. This activity is voluntary and will require a device that tracks one’s steps throughout the day. Staff will need to record the number of steps taken each day and provide the cumulative number for the month to their principals. Principals will be asked to submit the total number of steps their faculty and staff have taken during the month and the number of staff members participating to Mrs. Janet Hancock by the 5th of each month. Please step up and join the challenge!

As part of the Physical Challenge for Success (PCS), staff can participate in the Body Mass Index (BMI) challenge beginning on January 7, 2019. Those wishing to join the PCS BMI challenge can click on this link (click here) to record an initial BMI. At the end of the six-weeks, participants will be asked to record their final BMI. School percentages of overall BMI loss will determine the winner. Please know that individual names will not be used or reported.

STEM Teachers and ITRTs Attend Engineering Conference: PCS STEM teachers and ITRTs attended the Virginia Children’s Engineering Conference in Roanoke, VA, which was held February 7-8, 2019. They look forward to advancing technology and engineering in our schools.

Pictured L-R: Amanda Keith, Jill Collins, Jacob Taylor, Brenna Takata, and Elizabeth Bailess. STEM Academy Teachers Receive Make More Happen Grant: The STEM Academy was recently awarded a Make More Happen Grant from the Danville Regional Foundation for $5,040. This grant will allow all fifth grade students in our county and the Regional Alternative students to attend the Danville Science Center in April, 2019. The students will experience a MWEE activity, visit the exhibits, and watch a film presentation in the Dome Theater. STEM instructors are excited to implement the goals of this grant as it will impact over 700 county students. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service The Dan River High School Interact Club celebrated the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with "A Day of Service." Patricia Moore, Tiana Noble, and Cynthia Stephens (club sponsors) had 20 students as well as Cassandra Crump (Dan River School Board representative) and Howard Crump (SRO) create Valentine's Day cards and goodie bags for the residents of the Stratford House in Danville, VA.

PICTURED: E'Niyah Whittle, Dorrean Stephens, LaNizha Jackson, Tianna Pounds, Denaya Fitz, Jonel Fitz, Mariah Hood, Cierra Brooks, Shaniya Marable, Shamyra Richardson, Jasmine Owens, Teniya Turner, Nakyva Williams, and Cayla Davis created Valentine's Day cards for residents of the Stratford House in Danville, VA Hurt Elementary School Celebrates 100th Day of School

Lydia Creasy and Layton Wyatt dressed for the 100th day of school at Hurt Elementary School. Also, Mrs. Billy Adams, Teacher Aide, C. J. Womack and Alexis Rosser from Mrs. Kimberly Gammons’ classroom dressed for the 100th day of school.

PICTURED: 1 - Lydia Creasy and Layton Wyatt 2 – Mrs. Billy Adams, Teacher Aide, C. J. Womack and Alexis Rosser Elementary Schools Set Date for Kindergarten Registration:

New College Institute Will Hold Engineering Competition:

The New College Institute, located in Martinsville, VA, will hold a regional engineering competition for high school students on May 11, 2019. Up to 10 teams of 3 to 4 students will compete against each other in hands-on timed engineering challenges that will be scored by a panel of judges. Awards will be given for individual challenges and for the team with the highest cumulative score. There is no cost to participate, and teams must pre-register by contacting Ruby Jones at (276) 403-5605 or rjones@newcollegeinstitute.org no later than March 29, 2019.

Friends of the National World War II Memorial Summer 2019 Teachers Conference:

The 4th Annual Friends of the National World War II Memorial Teachers Network and Conference is scheduled on July 16 - 20, 2019. This year’s theme is “Industry and Innovation During World War II,” and the conference will feature sessions from fellow educators and WWII experts, site visits around Washington, DC, discussions with WWII veterans, and a remembrance ceremony at the WWII Memorial. The conference is free, including room, board, and up to $400 for a travel stipend. Dates: Conference - Tuesday, July 16, 2019 - Saturday, July 20, 2019 Application Due Date - March 1, 2019 Location: Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. The application may be found by clicking here. Danville Regional Airport to Offer Free Flights for Children:

Danville will receive a state grant to help pay for an event this summer at Danville Regional Airport that will offer free airplane flights for children ages 8-17. The $7,500 Aviation Promotion Grant from the Virginia Department of Aviation will provide financial support for an Airport Open House and Young Eagles Rally at the airport on June 22. The event will also include tours and educational activities offered by airport staff, the Civil Air Patrol, Averett University Flight Center and General Aviation Inc., which is the airport’s fixed-base operator. A chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association in Apex, North Carolina, is coordinating the event. For more information about the open house and rally, call (434) 799-5110. (Excerpt taken from Danville Register and Bee article) Flight Academies for Students: The Virginia Space Grant Consortium, in partnership with the Commonwealth of Virginia, Liberty University, Averett University and the Virginia Department of Aviation, is offering flight academies for selected high school students statewide in response to the looming national shortage of airline pilots and the growing need for aviation maintenance technicians and air traffic controllers. This program will allow students to explore aviation career fields while learning to fly! The Commonwealth of Virginia is providing funding that permits the Pathways Flight Academies program to be offered free of charge to participants. The Pathways Flight Academies will immerse students in learning to fly while discovering the range of exciting aviation career opportunities available. Four, two-week residential academies will be offered during the summer of 2019 for selected students who have shown an interest in and passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM), in addition to career aspirations to become a pilot.

Students admitted to this intensive program will undertake ground school and flight training that can culminate in their first solo flight at the end of the academy. Twenty-four students will be chosen for the summer 2019 Pathways Flight Academies.

2019 Academy dates: May 28 – June 8: Liberty University July 7 – 20: Averett University July 8 – 19: Liberty University July 22 – August 2: Liberty University Eligibility: Students must have at least a 3.0 GPA, be U.S. citizens, Virginia residents and 16 years old by the start of the Academy. They must also be able to pass an FAA flight physical exam. For more information, contact Kris Kennedy, Program Coordinator, Virginia Space Grant Consortium, vsgcpfa@odu.edu, 757.766.5210

apply for support here1. Community 500 FAQs2 or call (434) 483-2894 Mathematics Education Leadership Training

Registration is now open for the 2019 Summer MELT program. (Registration Form). Since 1998, the Mathematics Education Leadership Training program (MELT) at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC has provided cutting edge professional development opportunities for K-12 mathematics teachers and community college faculty through MELT Summer Institutes. This summer, MELT continues to provide week-long,

residential, Summer Institutes focusing on the mathematical and pedagogical content knowledge needed for teachers to assist their students to succeed. The MELT Institutes for Summer 2019 include the following: Week 1: June 24-June 28, 2019

● Math 2 (2nd High School Math). (Math CEUs) ● Discrete Math (Grades 9-12). (Math CEUs) ● Vertical Alignment: Curriculum & Learning (Grades 5-12). (Math CEUs) ● STEM for the Teacher Leader (Grades K-5). (Math/Science CEUs) ● Mathematical Practices & Processes (Grades K-5) (Math CEUs) ● Mathematical Practices & Processes (Grades 6-8) (Math CEUs) ● Week 2: July 8-12, 2019 ● Math 3 (3rd High School Math). (Math CEUs) ● STEM Leadership (Grades 6-12). (Math/Science CEUs) ● Digital Learning (Grades 6-12) (Math/Digital Learning CEUs) ● Numbers, Operations, & Algebraic Reasoning (Grades K-5). (Math CEUs) ● Numbers, Operations, & Algebraic Reasoning (Grades 6-8). (Math CEUs) ● Augmenting the Classroom: Clubs, Contests, and Targeted Digressions (Grades 4 and

beyond) (Math CEUs) ● Week 3: July 15-19, 2019 ● Math 1 (1st High School Math). (Math CEUs) ● Literacy in Mathematics (Grades K-5) (Literacy/Math CEUs) ● Measurement & Geometry (Grades K-5). (Math CEUs) ● Geometry & Proportional Reasoning (Grades 6-8). (Math CEUs) ● Digital Learning (Grades K-5). (Math/Digital Learning CEUs) ● Descriptions of these institutes are available online. ● To find more information, see Housing/Hotel Information on the MELT Summer

Institutes website or use the URL: https://mathsci.appstate.edu/sites/mathsci.appstate.edu/files/melt_hotels_2019.pdf

● ● The following information is available online: ● Fuller descriptions of the MELT program; ● Descriptions of the Summer Institutes curriculum and costs; ● A convenient Printable Curriculum with information regarding Graduate Credits and

CEUs; ● The Summer Institutes Daily Schedule; ● A brief Promotional Brochure; and

The Summer Institutes Registration Form

Character Word of the Month for February is Self-Control Family Life Schedule:

TMS Grades 6-8 January 31 - February 11 BES Grade 4 February 13-15, 19 (pm) Grade 5 February 13, 15, 19, 20 (pm) DRHS Grade 9 February 27-28, March 1 Grade 10 February 22, 25-26 SMES Grade 4 February 13-15, 19 (am) Grade 5 February 13, 15, 19-20 (am) TMS Grades 6-8 February 1-11 MARK YOUR CALENDARS: Access for ELLS Testing - February 18 - March 29 Final Map Assessment Testing Window - February 18 - March 15 PALS Mid-Year Assessments - Data Due - February 12 School Board Meeting, School Board Office @ 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 12, 2019 Principals’ Meeting, School Board Office @ 9:30 a.m., Thursday, February 14, 2019 WHAT HAPPENED THIS WEEK IN HISTORY? February 11 - 1809 Robert Fulton patents the steamboat. February 12 - 1554 Lady Jane Grey, the Queen of England for thirteen days, is beheaded on Tower Hill. She was barely 17 years old. February 13 - 1970 General Motors is reportedly redesigning automobiles to run on unleaded fuel. February 14 - 1912 Arizona becomes the 48th state in the Union. February 15 - 1961 Eighteen members of the U.S. figure skating team are lost in an airplane crash in Belgium.