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Vol. 35, No. 37 | Richmond Suburban News | January 16, 2019
Regional plan targets affordability issues By Jim Ridolphi for The Mechanicsville Local HANOVER -- The mention of affordable housing conjures a variety of images and responses, some of them not as complimentary as others, but the problem is real and growing in the Commonwealth and across the nation. According to recent statistics, around 35 percent of metro Richmond residents are considered “costburdened,” paying more than 30 percent of their income for housing. Last week, Elizabeth Greenfield, Partnership for
Housing Affordability director, and Laura Lafayette, Richmond Association of Realtors president, presented a vision for a comprehensive regional plan that would address the problem in a variety of ways. “Fifteen percent are severely cost-burdened, paying more GREENFIELD than 50 percent of their income on housing,” Greenfield told the Hanover County Board of Supervisors. The
affected residents are evenly divided among renters and home buyers. Senior citizens also compile a large majority of affected cost-burdened homeowners. While the homes in which they currently reside may be paid for with equity available, the cost of transitioning to senior living can be expensive. Many of those seniors
ASHLAND -- Educators are constantly seeking new and innovative methods to teach traditional subjects or searching for new methodology that better prepares students for the future. Hanover County School Board members learned last week how two programs in Hanover County Public Schools are utilizing creative and nontraditional methods to teach English and mathematics. Some Geometry/Algebra students at Patrick Henry High School are exposed to new ways of thinking regarding problem-solving and some changes in the classroom that might buck some “old school” thinking. Mathematics curriculum specialist Ian Shenk outlined a program called Mathematics Workshop. “In short, the
mathematics workshop model takes an innovative approach to the traditional math sequence,” he said. Instead of a teacher beginning class by solving problems or a lecture, students are presented with problems that require creative thinking and problemsolving skills. “Unlike traditional classrooms where teachers do most of the math, the workshop model allows for students to be the ones actually doing the math,” Shenk said. “They talk with each other, work collaboratively, and have choice about the activities that they are going to complete,” he added. The model emphasizes collaboration, communication, creative problem-solving and critical thinking. Mathematics isn’t the only subject utilizing innovative methods to better prepare students for the workplace.
Contributed Report news@mechlocal.com
“Workplace Readiness English has also worked on interpersonal skills such as handshaking, eye contact and posture and body language for professional settings, and currently we are working on phone and email etiquette,” said Tami Slater, English curriculum see HCPS, pg. 9
see HINES, pg. 4
LAFAYETTE
see REGIONAL, pg. 7
Jim Ridolphi for The Local
Curriculum specialists Ian Shenk and Tami Slater joined Hanover Center for Trades and Technology principal Justin Roerink for a special presentation to the Hanover County School Board regarding innovative programs in Hanover schools.
Justin Roerink, principal of the Hanover Center for Trades and Technology, said a new class called English for the Workplace is designed to provide students with real-life writing and communication skills. This class prepares students for real-life communication in the workplace or other professional settings.
Hines seeks re-election as sheriff HANOVER – For 35 years, David R. Hines has been serving the citizens of Hanover County as a member of the Sheriff ’s Office. In September 2010, he moved into the role of sheriff with the title of colonel. In announcing his candidacy for re-election, he said he is “continually appreciative of the outpouring of love and support we receive from our HINES community. I am extremely proud of our record of excellent service, being internationally as well as state accredited, being fiscally responsible, and being committed to the safety of our citizens.” Hines acknowledged the past leadership of his predecessor, Col. V. Stuart Cook “The foundation of our crime prevention strategy has been, and always will be, the trust and support of those we serve,” he said. Hines continues to attribute his department’s success
HCPS pursues methods to better prepare students By Jim Ridolphi for The Mechanicsville Local
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