CCPS Express

The journey toward a kinder world begins with us, and the season of gratitude and thanks provides each of us with the opportunity to honor and celebrate kindness. We urge everyone to infuse kindness into every decision and interaction. Whether authoring a social media post, standing side-by-side, or on the other end of an email, text, or phone call, words matter!

During the month of November, as our #OneCaroline community engages in celebratory events or moments of concern, let us consistently demonstrate empathy and appreciation for the unique perspectives of each individual. Whether we are educating in a classroom or one's home, engaging in daily interactions, or making choices in our personal lives, kindness remains the cornerstone. Each considerate conversation, every display of empathy, and all instances of support reaffirm our dedication to fostering a more compassionate CCPS and Caroline County.

We are grateful for our school community and the many 1st Quarter successes - a take a LOOK. Blessings to you and your family - Happy Thanksgiving!

Sarah Calveric, Ph.D.

Superintendent

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) is taking action to ensure students get the academic support they need to recover from pandemic related learning loss through the ALL IN VA plan. The plan is a three-pronged approach to accelerate learning through high impact tutoring, evidence based reading instruction (Virginia Literacy Act-VLA), and a reduction in chronic absenteeism. CCPS received $1,810,740 of one time ALL IN VA funding which requires a 70-20-10 breakdown: 70% ($1,267,493) for Grade 3-8 high-intensity tutoring, 20% ($362,141) for Virginia Literacy Act (VLA), and 10% ($181,070) for chronic absenteeism.

Over the past two weeks, the CCPS Instructional Leadership Team made school visits to inform staff of the ALL IN Plan and to seek input on the three focus areas. A survey was also shared with employees and community stakeholders to support the development of an ALL IN funding plan targeting the further mitigation of learning loss, enhanced reading instruction, and the fight against chronic absenteeism. Survey results from the 423 respondents are as follow:

The High Impact Tutoring initiative will support educators/trained tutors in helping students accelerate their learning levels of academic achievement. Tutoring during school (68%) and after school (73%) were the top two choices for remediation/acceleration. The ALL IN VA high-impact tutoring plan will require a significant hiring and training of tutors. CCPS had 45% of respondent’s report that they are interested in tutoring or may be interested once more information is shared.

The Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) requires teachers to be trained on evidenced based strategies rooted in the Science of Reading. All kindergarten through third grade teachers are currently involved in intensive professional learning, which will support CCPS' readiness for the July 1, 2024 VLA "go live" date. To further support the VLA, respondents felt CCPS should expand the Science of Reading training to grades 3-8 (54%), purchase all related materials & resources (45%), and continue the Science of Reading Training in grades KG-3 (44%) while also funding training stipends for participants.

Chronic absenteeism (CA) is defined as missing 10% or more of the school year (approximately 18 days/both excused and unexcused absences). In the 22-23 school year, the 5 CCPS schools' chronically absent percentages ranged from 19% to 27%. The number one survey response for CA was to pay bus/car drivers to make additional runs to pick up students who missed the bus or who struggle to have access to transportation (36%). Hiring a truancy officer and increasing access to mental health services to support families in getting students to school tied as the second most desired resource (34%).

November is a time to give thanks to our Partners in Educationwho provide our students with opportunities to advance and grow in future career paths. Here are some October highlights:

• Atlantic Builders provided an externship opportunity to Sabian Rollins, a 3-year carpentry student. During this week-long experience, Sabian had the opportunity to learn more about the planning and project management aspects of home building.

• Keyon Smith and Cristian Pinzon-Montano participated in a week-long externship opportunity at M.C. Dean. Both students had such a rewarding experience that they have submitted job applications for post-graduation employment in May.

• Trenton Stinson, owner of Hope Heroes, provided Ms. Seeley’s Entrepreneurship classes with an insightful overview of local food insecurity and non-profit organizations. If you are in the Massaponax area, make sure to check out his restaurant as a portion of the proceeds will buy a person facing food instability with a meal.

• Richmond Ford provided a facility tour to Mr. Johnson’s Automotive class. Students were able to speak with mechanics, discuss career pathways with dealership employees, and learn how the ASSET program can help them advance their career and earn a degree after graduating.

• Students from Chief Marsh’s JROTC and Ms. Seeley’s Marketing and Entrepreneurship classes participated in the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Mock Interview Day. Students interviewed and received constructive feedback from participating business owners. They also attended break-out sessions covering the Effects of Social Media on Employment, Dress for Success, Career Assessments, and Virtual Reality simulations.

We love our Partners in Education! If you are a business that would like to learn more about hosting internships, externships, or field trips, please contact Kristina Sanders at Caroline High School via e-mail at ksanders@ccps.us or office (804) 633-9886.

The CCPS Career Day will be held on Tuesday, November 21 . It will be held at Caroline High School from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. for grades 6-12 and 12:30 - 3:00 p.m. at ALL elementary schools. If you are interested in signing up to participate at one or all schools, please contact ksanders@ccps.us or (804) 633-9886 ext. 5129.

Building Respectful And Vigilant Eagles, or BRAVE, is a 23-24 CMS initiative focusing on continued growth of social-emotional learning, community volunteer opportunities, student recognition and motivation, and student leadership and activities. Intentional collaboration amongst stakeholders (parents, staff, students, administration, partners in education) around these specific topics is intended to increase our Eagles' academics, attendance, student engagement, and sense of belonging while diminishing bullying behaviors, academic apathy, and poor decision-making.

Each committee meets regularly to provide input, review data, and devise activities, structures, and protocols to further enhance student/school success. Examples of the BARVE committees' work are the community volunteer sign-up link, an increase in the number of student clubs and activities during and after school, monthly Student Core Values recognition, October Bully Prevention Awareness activities, and "The Leader in Me" book study (based on 7 Habits of Highly Effective People).

Data tells the story, and thus far the work is yielding solid results!

• Chronic absenteeism rate is lowest it's been since pre-Covid - 17% for quarter 1.
• A reduction in student altercations and a decrease in repeated problem behaviors by the same students when compared to 22-23 (quarter 1).
• Increase in student engagement in clubs and athletics.

We are excited to continue these efforts and further analyze the outcomes! Interested in joining us on this journey, email Mrs. Corinne Griggs at cgriggs@ccps.us. We are doing the work and would love to have you working alongside CMS!

The Virginia Department of Education is committed to supporting our students in Caroline County. In March of 2023, the Governor announced the availability of $68 million in Learning Acceleration Grants for direct use by parents for qualifying educational services, including tutoring and assistive technology.

CCPS would like to provide families assistance in maximizing this opportunity as it is possible that your student(s) could qualify for these Acceleration Grants for up to $3,000. Applying is easy. Visit the Virginia Learning Acceleration Grants webpage for details, where you will find this link to begin your application. If you need assistance in completing your application, parents may contact your child’s school to schedule an on-site session.

VDOE Learning Acceleration Grant webpage.

Caroline High School Junior Baylor Storke has been recruited by Longwood University (Division 1) to play baseball. Storke said, "I knew Longwood was a place I wanted to be as soon as I set foot on campus. Talking and getting to know Coach Oxendine, what stood out to me was how much he cared about not just the Baseball program, but the University as a whole. I also love the culture of the program, and how they value winning and developing their players on and off the field. I can't wait to be a Lancer." Congratulations Baylor!

The Virginia Farm to School program strives to increase access to fresh, healthy, Virginia grown food while providing hands-on learning opportunities in a variety of educational settings. Across Virginia, schools working with Federal Nutrition Programs are experiencing growing enthusiasm in their efforts to provide nutritious food, support local farms, and educate students about healthy eating, agriculture, and the environment.

One part of the celebration involves Virginia Harvest of the Month which promotes seasonal eating, encourages increased fruit and vegetable consumption, and supports local economies. Another popular activity is "The Crunch Heard ‘Round the Commonwealth". This event increases awareness of Virginia farm to school programs. To celebrate the October 5th event, participants across Virginia simultaneously took a bite out of a Virginia grown apple to make some noise for farm to school programs! Click on the pictures below to see how CCPS celebrated!

Check out some Lewis and Clark Elementary School students sharing reasons why they love their STEM time in the Innovation Lab. Innovation Specialist, Carol Yonkin and her team have created a safe, innovative, and engaging environment for students to explore and create while organically learning and practicing 3E ready skills! Click HERE to view.

During Digital Citizenship Week (October 16-22), students explored the different ways to be a responsible online user. Students across the division used their devices to discuss and explore how to be a good digital citizen. Secondary students discussed online responsibility and kindness when posting social media. Elementary students experienced the following valuable lessons:

Tuesday- Media Balance

Wednesday- Follow the Digital Trail

Thursday- Pause and Think Online

Friday- How Does Technology Make You Feel?

Take a look at the October 2023 School Board Meeting highlights:




• Achieve 2027 Spotlight: UMW Academy of Tech. and Innovation Lab School
• Recognitions: Superintendent Art Honor, Core Value of the Month, 1st Quarter ABCD Award, and VSBA Academy Awards
• Information from the School Division: CHS ADA Projects, Cavalier Academy, Monthly Update on Revenues, Expenditures, and ADM
• Action: Compensation Structure for Teachers Who Exceed Standard Student Class Size, VDOE Model Policies Affecting Transgender Students in Virginia, and Budget Amendment #6: Food Services
• New Business: First Read of FY25 Budget Calendar and UMW Lab School Operation Agreement

The School Board would like to thank our citizens that attend, advocate, and speak during public comment. For more information on these topics, you can access the Boarddocs link or view the meeting at our CCPS YouTube Channel. The next regularly scheduled School Board Meeting is Monday, November 13 at 5:30 at CMS.

Looking for a rewarding part-time position? Caroline County Public Schools need 12 bus drivers (plus sub drivers) to be fully staffed. In addition to making a difference in your community, there are numerous benefits to being a bus driver: bring your young children to work with you, having nights, weekends, holidays and summers off, having flexibility to take care of personal responsibilities between morning and afternoon runs and much, and more!

Unsure you'd be able to drive a bus? We invite you to join us on Saturday, November 11th from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at Caroline High School to get behind the wheel of a bus and drive in the parking lots. Additionally, we will be interviewing and providing assistance with applications on the spot. Applying directly online is also an option: click here .

The Black Knights Corvette Club has been a great supporter of Madison Elementary School. This year they donated backpacks filled with school supplies as well as additional notebooks. We appreciate their support of our Mustangs!

We love our Partners in Education! If you are interested in being a Partner in Education, click HERE.

Congratulations to Private First Class Solon Honeycutt who graduated from Fort Leonard Wood last week. Solon is a 2022 graduate of Caroline High School. Thank you for your service!

If you or someone you know is looking for local food pantries, you can use this Pantry Locater Map: https://fredfood.org/Pantry-Locator-Map.

There is also an app: https://fredfood.org/Pantry-Locator-App

The George Washington Regional Commission has drafted a Strategic Plan that addresses helping employees in our region with commuting. They are currently seeking feedback from the community on this Strategic Plan. Click HERE for more information.

National Native American Heritage Month

Take Your Legislator to Work Month

November 7: Election Day (No School)

November 11- Veteran's Day

November 6-10: School Psychology Awareness Week

November 13-17: American Education Week

November 22-24: Thanksgiving Holiday

Website: www.ccps.us
School Board: 16261 Richmond Tnpk., Bowling Green, VA, USA
Phone: (804)633-5088 Twitter: @carolineschools

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolineschools