Friday Feature - June 2
June 2, 2023
School Board Wrap Up
During their regular meeting on June 1, the Danville School Board made the following recognitions:
VSBA Fiscal Governance Training Cohort: Members of the Board and DPS staff participated in the Virginia School Boards Association’s first Fiscal Governance Training Cohort, in which they learned about effective governance teams, teaching and learning, master calendars as it relates to key fiscal tasks, and more. Board Members Charles McWilliams and Takessa Walker participated in the cohort, along with Superintendent Dr. Angela Hairston, Chief Operations Officer Dr. Wayne Lyle, and Chief Financial Officer Andrea Gillus.
DPS Executive Leadership Program 2022-2023, Cohort 1: Director of Leadership Quality Dr. Misti Williams recognized several DPS staff members for their participation in DPS’ first Executive Leadership Program. Staff members recognized include Ako Barnes, Katelyn Burnette, Dr. Tia Hairston, Mary Ann Jennings, Dr. Gwyn Stone, Megan Nipper, Olivia McCraw, Stephanie Prunty, Marcus Chaney, Lanie Davis, Kim Fortney, Kathryn Adkins, Andrea Gillus, Amanda McKinney, Coretta Lipscomb, and Tim Scearce.
Reimagining Juvenile Justice Graduates: Dr. Hairston and members of the Danville Police Department Sylvia Brooks and Ashtyn Foddrell recognized Takessa Walker, Jennifer Crews, and Jeff McLaughlin for completing the six-week Reimagining Juvenile Justice program.
The Board took the following actions:
Approved personnel recommendations brought forward by Chief Human Resources Officer Dr. Natalie Halloran
Approved the following 2023-2024 grant applications: Title I, Part A: Improving Basic Programs Operated by Local Education Agencies, Title II, Part A: Supporting Effective Instruction, Title III, Part A: Language Instruction for English Learners and Immigrant Students, Title IV, Part A: Student Support and Academic Enrichment, Title V, Part B, Subpart 2 Rural Education
Approved the Title I Division-Wide Parent and Family Engagement Policy to support the requirement under Title I, Part A for Divisions and Schools
Approved the retirement of the 1000 section of policies, as they are covered in Section K
In a work session, the board discussed the division’s wellness plan and discipline report.
Participants of the VSBA's Fiscal Governance program
Participants of the DPS Executive Leadership Program
Graduates of the Reimagining Juvenile Justice Program
Galileo student signs with Hampden Sydney
On Thursday, Galileo Cross Country/Track athlete Buford Jackson Herndon signed his intent to run at Hampden-Sydney College. Herndon is a six-time state champion at Galileo, both individually in track and with the cross country team. He will pursue a degree in physics/engineering at HSC.
Books for KIDS at Northside
On Friday, each student at Northside Preschool received a brand new book to take home as a part of the Books for Kids program. Northside was sponsored by Wilkins & Co Realty, and Mr. Bob Echols represented the company and read a book to the students.
Licensure Update from the VDOE
Due to the excessive backlog at the VDOE the Virginia School Board voted unanimously to extend renewable licenses expiring on June 30, 2023. VDOE also hired additional temporary staff to assist with submitted packets.
- Individuals who held a renewable license as of May 11, 2023, that is set to expire on June 30, 2023, will have their license automatically extended for one year. The new expiration date will be June 30, 2024. No action needs to be taken by school divisions or license holders.
- New licenses with the extension will not be mailed, however the updated validity dates will be reflected on the public verification website.
- This approval does not affect provisional licenses expiring on June 30, 2023. The provisional expiration date will remain the same.
- VDOE has provided a phone number--(804)-786-2302--with a specialist for questions/issues so that the specialists are not stopping processing licenses in order to answer questions. Use only this number when contacting concerning your license (after contacting me).
Important Upcoming Dates
June 9 - Early Release Day for Students
June 10 - Graduation Day for Galileo and GW
June 12 - Career Fair at O.T. Bonner from 1 to 6 p.m.
June 15 - School Board Meeting at 5 p.m.
View the district calendar here, and remember to keep up with school-based events by regularly checking their websites and social media.
GWHS Nurse Assistant Class of 2023
Congratulations to Mrs. Argyrakis' Senior Nurse Aide II Graduation Seniors for a job well done! We are proud to announce that the following students will leave DPS prepared for what comes next. The students pictured below from L to R have successfully completed all requirements for their DE Nurse Aide Program with DCC and now hold their Nursing Assistant Completer Certificates, WPR Certifications, American Heart BLS Certifications and * indicates Passing their NNAAP Virginia Board of Nursing State CNA State Licensure Exam:
*Nyasia Hawkins
Meyona Stephens
*Brielle Murphy
*Lilliana Hercules,
*Jordan Greene
*Jewel Ford
*Nyla Montague
Thank you to Southside Mechanical Services for providing lunch to Park Avenue!
GW celebrates Decision Day
Service Awards at Gibson
This week, several team members at Gibson received awards for 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30+ years of service.
Park Avenue's Safety Patrol
DPS Mentors compete team bonding activities
Our mentors had a fantastic time of team bonding and relaxation this week! They took a well-deserved break and embarked on a thrilling adventure at River City Escapes and Grizzly’s. Together, some of the teachers navigated through the realm of Alice and Wonderland, successfully escaping its whimsical clutches and returning to reality! Some of our team enjoyed a more laid-back time at the hatchet house. This week’s events provided the perfect opportunity for everyone to unwind, strengthen bonds, and create lasting memories.
Park Avenue partners with CodeVA
Park Avenue is happy to announce that they have partnered with CodeVA and have become a CS Ready school!
- ALL students have access to CS experience
- ALL educators have knowledge and skills to integrate CS along with ongoing access to CS professional learnin
- ALL school leaders have information and resources to ensure their school is implementing Virginia’s computer science education mandate
- Family and community stakeholders are aware of the school’s computer science initiative
Surprise! We're raffling off Otterbots tickets!
The DPS Education Foundation purchased 2 VIP tickets to all Danville Otterbots home games as a way to show appreciation to DPS staff and faculty. We are randomly choosing winners that sign up on this Google Form. We will reach out by email if you have won the tickets. Please only sign up for the dates that you know you can attend. We will draw on June 5 for the June 6 - 11 games, and the form will close on June 8. Hurry and sign up for your chance to win!
Ruby B. Archie Passport to Reading Challenge
We announced a brand new reading challenge today and we're calling on EVERYONE to participate! We've challenged the Danville community to read one million books by the end of this year through the Ruby B. Archie Passport to Reading Challenge.
Participating is easy: just read a book and log it! Danville Public Schools students are able to access our logging software Beanstack through their Single Sign On portals. The community can log their books at readdanvilleva.beanstack.org.
Student Instructions for using Beanstack
Community Instructions for using Beanstack
After registering, be sure to join the Rubie B. Archie Passport to Reading Challenge and start entering those books. Ready, set, read!