July 2017

It has been a busy summer so far and I'm excited to share the great things our students and staff are doing during the break! This month's report includes highlights from June 2017, a month full of summer learning opportunities for our staff and students.

Racing to Read

I was proud to partner with Dr. Zeb Talley of Martinsville City Schools, BHS alum Trey Jarrell, and the students in Kathryn Rowe’s class at Collinsville Primary to create an infomercial sharing the importance of reading this summer. The spot will be aired on the jumbotron at Martinsville Speedway and on Star News stations through the end of September.

Goal 5: Family & Community Engagement

Strengthening Math Foundations

Elementary teachers from across the division participated in MathElites, a program sponsored by Eastman Chemical, in June. Participants learned methods for enhancing mathematics instruction and were able to earn manipulatives for their classrooms in the process. We are excited to see their learning in action this fall when they share their expertise with students.

Goals 1 & 2: High Quality Instruction, High Quality Professionals

So They Will Learn

Principals, assistant principals, and instructional coaches participated in a three-day planning retreat this month. Each school’s leadership team spent time learning with Salem’s Scott Habeeb, reviewing best practices in the areas of Human Resources, Special Education, and Student Support Services, and further developing their skillful use of Apple devices as they plan for supporting student learning in the coming year.

Goals 1, 2 & 4: High Quality Instruction, High Quality Professionals, Innovative & Cutting-Edge Technology

Extended Learning

Students participating in the extended school year program worked to review important skills and prepare for fall learning opportunities through small group learning at Campbell Court and Stanleytown Elementary Schools in June.

Goal 1: High Quality Instruction

Staying Active

Students in grades 4-8 have had the opportunity to participate in summer school and summer activities camp as well. Though summer school ended in June, students can participate in summer activities camp through the end of July.

Goal 1: High Quality Instruction

Reaching New Heights

Students in grades 4-8 had the opportunity to participate in the month-long New Heights Foundation academic enrichment camp at Laurel Park in June. The free camp provided approximately 120 students valuable learning enrichment as they worked to strengthen STEM skills through a variety of activities, including field-based learning application.

Goals 1, 4 & 5: High Quality Instruction, Innovative & Cutting-Edge Technology, Family & Community Engagement

Lunch is Served

Students across the community have been participating in our summer meals program by visiting mobile feeding sites, grilling sites, and school-based meal service sites. Over the course of the summer, more than 600 meals and snacks will be served each week to children and their families.

Goal 5: Family & Community Engagement

Connecting the Community

The division’s television show, Family Connect, debuted in June with segments on the importance of reading with children, preschool and kindergarten preparation, and water safety. We look forward to sharing our student’s achievements with the community on Monday evenings at 6:30 throughout the course of the school year.

Goal 5: Family & Community Engagement

Starfish Award Winner

Congratulations to Mt. Olivet’s Rolanda Stockton, who was recognized by a community member, and FC Middle’s Laryssa Hairston-Penn, who was recognized by a parent, with Superintendent’s Starfish Awards this quarter.

Goal 2: High Quality Professionals

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