February Edition of the Southampton Spotlight

A Southampton County Public Schools Publication

At SCPS, our commitment to providing quality education and unique opportunities for our students goes hand in hand with addressing their emotional needs. February is Be Kind Month, a month focused on teaching students to be kind, happy, adventurous, and themselves. Our dedicated school counselors emphasize to our students the importance of random acts of kindness, gratitude, and self-care throughout this month.

February also marks National School Counseling Week, a time dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the vital role played by school counselors. We are immensely grateful for our school counselors who prioritize students' wellbeing and provide invaluable support to families and staff. If you come across a school counselor, take a moment to express your appreciation for their essential contributions.

Moreover, our Saturday Academy continues to thrive, offering students opportunities for schoolwork reinforcement, remediation, and acceleration. If you haven't already, you can sign up for Saturday Academy by scanning the QR code below. Additionally, you'll find insightful learning strategies from Riverdale Elementary School's Principal, Mrs. Amesheia Warren. You can also learn more about Riverdale Elementary School's Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Charlene Walker Briggs.

This newsletter highlights the successes of our girls' and boys' basketball teams and our track team. Our student athletes excel not only in their academic pursuits but also in their sports careers. We also showcased how our students are engaged in creative learning through trips and special projects in this issue. We encourage you to explore the fantastic resources available in our newsletters.

Finally, we are continuing our recruitment efforts for suitable candidates to fill our job vacancies. If you or someone you know is interested in working at SCPS, visit southampton.k12.va.us/domain/20 to view the list of openings. Please feel free to submit a paper or online application.

Remember to Be Kind. Be Happy. Be Adventurous. Be You! Thank you for being part of our vibrant educational community.

Building a Strong Foundation,

Gwendolyn Shannon, Ph.D. Division Superintendent

Division

Captured from left to right: Delaney Pooley, Kylie Perkins and Zy'Anna Newsome

Dear SCPS Parents, Guardians, and Community Members,

Saturday Academy at SCPS

Southampton County Public Schools (SCPS) is offering students the opportunity to participate in Saturday Academy for acceleration and remediation. Personalized letters have been mailed to eligible students.

The Saturday Academy is designed to provide intensive literacy and numeracy tutoring sessions, ensuring that each student receives tailored instruction and an Individualized Instruction Plan (IIP). Progress reports will be sent home to parents after each session.

The Saturday Academy will be available from January 2024 to June 2024. Participating students will be provided with transportation, breakfast, and lunch. Parents can sign their children up to attend Saturday Academy by scanning the QR code below.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about Saturday Academy, please get in touch with us using the contact information below.

Dr. MeChelle Blunt mblunt@southampton.k12.va.us

Ms. Debra Hicks dhicks@southampton.k12.va.us

Mrs. Kelli Gillette kgillett@southampton.k12.va.us

Scan above to register your child for Saturday Academy

Southampton Middle School

Captured: Kyleigh Gunn

Written By: Kyleigh Gunn

Hi, my name is Kyleigh Gunn, and I am currently a seventh-grader at Southampton Middle School (SMS). I've been a part of the Southampton school system since Pre-K, with my elementary years spent at Capron Elementary, the smallest school in the county. Coming from the tight-knit class at Capron to a larger school with hundreds of new kids posed challenges, especially in balancing new school expectations and making new friends.

During my two years at Southampton Middle School, I've learned the importance of adapting to change. Middle school has higher expectations and new rules to follow, but there is also more freedom than in elementary school.

Listen to teachers and administration. Complete homework assignments. Ask questions if you need clarity. Seek additional support.

Finding and developing good friendships is essential. The key is having a few trustworthy friends rather than many fake ones. For example, you need friends who care for you and have your best interests at heart. Look for genuine friends who will push you to do your best with your work, discuss classes with you, and talk with you about everyday life. Having a sound support system will make navigating middle school more accessible. Be yourself, and true friends will come to you.

To make the most out of middle school, stay active. Join a sports team, band, or club that fits your interests. Going to sports events and school dances will help you to become a part of the school community, fostering connections with quality friends. Being actively involved in the school community will help you take pride in your school.

In conclusion, enjoying your middle school years requires being a good student, having good friends, and being true to who you are.

Written By: Mrs. Melissa Edwards Class

The Southampton High School Girls Basketball Team had a standout season filled with memorable achievements. One highlight was a thrilling home game against Franklin, where their skill, determination, and teamwork led to a well-deserved victory. This win showcased their abilities and demonstrated their resilience in overcoming challenges.

Three exceptional seniors contributed significantly to the team's success and played a key role in leading the squad.

With their wealth of experience, leadership, and strong work ethic, these seniors serve as excellent role models for their teammates. Both on and off the court, their contributions have been vital to the team's achievements.

As these seniors approach the end of their high school basketball journey, they can take pride in their remarkable accomplishments. Go, Lady Indians!

Captured below: Nic Kylah Young

Captured above: Indiya Reid

Captured above: Jamiah Butler

Written By: Mrs. Melissa Edwards Class

The Southampton High School Boys Varsity Basketball Team is navigating an exciting and successful season, marked by their resilience and determination. A standout moment in their journey was a gripping double overtime victory over Charles City, highlighting the team s tenacity and ability to thrive under pressure. This intense game showcased the players' skillset on the court and demonstrated their unwavering spirit and teamwork.

Five accomplished seniors contributed significantly to the team s success. They played a pivotal role in steering the squad to each victory. These seniors bring experience, leadership, and a deep understanding of the game. Their dedication and contributions inspire their teammates, and their collective efforts are shaping a memorable and successful season for the entire team. Go, Big Red!

Captured above: Zayden Mekhi Pope

Captured above: Justin Allan Preau

Captured above: Israel Xavier Key

Written By: Coach Julie Butler

The team went undefeated, finishing the season 8-0, which makes them the 2023 Tri-Rivers District Regular Season Champions.

The girls became the Tri-Rivers District Tournament champions.

Coach Julie Beltler was awarded the Tri-Rivers District 2023 Girls Cross Country Coach of the Year award.

Savannah Hill was recognized as the top runner for the district.

Savannah Hill, Kaylee Hill, Leah Levinson, Rebekah Bury, Caitlin

were given certificates for making the All-District Team.

Emma

Kimberly Banton, and Savannah

The team came in 3rd place during regionals, earning the opportunity to compete in the state championship. For the first time in our school's history the entire ladies team qualified for the state competition.

Southampton County in the 2A Regional State

Irvine,

Irvine,

Loveall

Savannah Hill, Kaylee Hill, Leah Levinson, Rebekah Bury, Caitlin Irvine, Emma Irvine, and Savannah Loveall proudly represented

Championship held in Salem, Virginia.

Captured from left to right: Coach Jayson Williams, Caitlin Irvine, Leah Levinson, Savannah Hill, Kaylee Hill, Emma Irvine, Savannah Loveall, Rebekah Bury, and Coach Julie Belter

I'm Charlene Walker-Briggs, and it's a true honor to be chosen as the Teacher of the Year for the 20232024 school year by my Riverdale Elementary family! I want to thank Southampton County Public Schools for this incredible opportunity. Giving all the glory and honor to God, I am humbled that my colleagues see me in such a unique way.

As a Richmond, Virginia, native surrounded by a family of caring teachers and administrators, the love of learning was instilled in me from an early age. I graduated from John Marshall High School and pursued a Bachelor s Degree in Education from James Madison University. Following graduation, my loving and supportive parents encouraged me to apply for teaching positions, and through prayer, I found my path to Southampton County Public Schools.

The faculty, staff, and parents at my assigned schools welcomed me as a new teacher, guiding

Written By: Charlene Walker-Briggs

me to become a professional educator. Seeking to enhance my skills, I took an opportunity to obtain a Master s Degree. After careful consideration and prayer, I earned a Master of Science in Education (MSEd) and a Reading Specialist endorsement. I am now pursuing my Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership at Regent University to develop my leadership abilities further.

As a reading specialist in SCPS, I firmly believe every student can improve their reading ability with tailored and structured instruction. Each student has unique needs that can be addressed through direct and well-organized reading instruction. Consider these tips to support your child s reading growth: 1. Read aloud to your child; 2. Explore recipes and cook a meal together; 3. Make learning letter names and sounds fun; 4. Listen to your child read and ask them to retell the story; 5. Visit the local library for access to a wealth of books and resources. Let the reading fun begin!

Captured left: Charlene Walker-Briggs

Capron Elementary School

Written By: Kathy Thompson

The students at Capron Elementary School had a blast during their engaging and hands-on math experience at the Artis Bakeria and Third Grade Associates, where the motto was, "A little bliss in every bite!" The young learners fully embraced the role of bakers, dressing up and immersing themselves in various math activities within their classroom bakery.

Dr. Muriel Artis curated three fantastic days of math lessons aligned with the Virginia Standards of Learning. The classroom became a hub of creativity as students used M&Ms and chocolate chips to form equal groups for multiplication and division facts. They not only wrote out the equations but also solved them for the answers. Once their work was checked, they were rewarded with a sweet treat.

Captured above: Tifa Tupea, Jordan Evans, and Dylan Echols

The excitement continued with a Cupcake Wars activity where students received a bakery treat card containing a word problem. Using problem-solving strategies, they tackled the problems and had their work checked. The multiplication theme persisted as students received a multiplication card and a worksheet, prompting them to draw an array on paper and then create a S'mores array using graham crackers, cake frosting, and mini marshmallows.

In a delightful culmination, students used fact family trees to craft multiplication and division sentences with related facts. To cap it all off, they enjoyed creating a "Tree-Mendous" Christmas tree. These activities served as an excellent way to review math facts while also leaving the third-grade bakers with memorable and enjoyable learning experiences.

Captured right: Dr. Muriel Artis, Presley Butler, Haleigh Pallone, Laiona Jones, Tristan Smith, and Jordan Evans.

Captured left: Timothy Parker, Kinsley Talbot, Takaiyra Ford, and Alyssa Everton

Amesheia Warren is the Co-Principal of Riverdale Elementary School (RES) and is no stranger to SCPS, as she received her education there. In addition, Warren has worked for the Division for 19 years. She has held various roles during her tenure, including but not limited to the following:

Chair of Manifestation Meetings

Coordinator of the Early Childhood Special Education Program

Case Manager for Nottoway Elementary School

Special Education Teacher

Pre-school Inclusion Teacher

Special Education Liaison

Junior Varsity and Varsity Cheer Coach

Warren s most recent roles include Educational Diagnostician and Special Education Services Specialist. In February 2023, she received the Superintendent s Employee of the Month award. She was also the 2016 SCPS Teacher of the Year. During her tenure at Nottoway Elementary School, Warren was recognized twice as Teacher of the Year, first in 2008 and again in 2016.

Warren s impressive resume only scratches the surface of her aptitude. She is also an ongoing learner and leader committed to refining her expertise while challenging others to reach their potential.

Southampton County Public Schools is home! I am a product of SCPS, and I am committed to contributing to the future of our children in this county. I am a firm believer that all children are unique and have the ability to learn and grow, said Warren.

Below, Mrs. Warren outlines some helpful tips for parents to help them increase their child s academic success beyond the classroom.

TIP 1

Local Library Adventures

Encourage regular visits to our excellent local libraries in Franklin and Courtland. These spaces offer an array of free activities and resources, fostering a love for reading. Consider exploring a new book each week.

TIP 4

Winter Journaling Project

Support your child in maintaining a winter journal, capturing their experiences throughout the season. Set a goal of writing a few sentences three times a week. with your child's teacher.

Reading Aloud Online

Explore online platforms like https://storylineonline.net/, where famous actors bring stories to life. Listening to these readings enhances comprehension skills and sparks a genuine enthusiasm for storytelling.

Crafting Together

Explore craft ideas on Pinterest.com that utilize everyday household items. Crafting projects encourage creativity and offer a sense of achievement when completed.

Developing Fine Motor Skills through Coloring

Teach your child to be responsible both at home and in school, fostering independence and laying the groundwork for sustained success.

Spread Kindness

Please encourage your child to perform at least one act of kindness a week and to write it down in their journal on a sticky note. Acts of kindness foster empathy and community engagement.

TIP 2

TIP 3

TIP 5

TIP 6

Captured above: Co–Principal of Riverdale Elementary School, Amesheia Warren

NOTTOWAY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL’S DECADE DANCE

Written By: Lynn Varian

On Friday, January 19, Nottoway Elementary School hosted its annual 4th and 5th-grade dance. This year, the dance took on a delightful twist with a themed approach inspired by the decades. Participating students were given the opportunity to choose a specific decade and adorn themselves in fashion reflective of that era before hitting the dance floor to celebrate the night away.

The school extends heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined us to make this event a resounding success. A special acknowledgment goes out to the dedicated Nottoway staff members who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring every detail was perfect.

The students had an absolute blast! Thank you to all who contributed to making this event a memorable and enjoyable experience.

Captured from left to right: Blaine Dalton, Brantley Powell, and Trent Tingen

Captured from left to right: Destiny Moody, Aundrea Clary, Abigail Jenkins, Ansley Thomas, and Jada Bailey

The Gingerbread Man

Meherrin Elementary School s kindergarten students have been actively immersed in the exploration of story elements, guided by the classic tale of the Gingerbread Man. Throughout the week, our young learners delved into various versions of the story, engaging in comparisons of characters and story events.

Culminating the week-long exploration, the students enjoyed a special Gingerbread Man-themed day filled with exciting activities. This immersive and hands-on approach to learning was made possible by the dedicated efforts of the kindergarten teaching team. Their commitment to making education enjoyable and engaging has undoubtedly contributed to the success of the Meherrin Eagles. Kudos to the kindergarten teaching team for fostering a love of learning in our young students!

Book Bingo

The Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and the Reading Teachers of Meherrin Elementary School hosted a wonderful family event on January 23, 2024: Book Bingo. Students and their families received warm invitations to join the gathering in the school cafeteria, where they could grab a bingo card, enjoy fellowship with classmates around the table, and engage in the exciting game of Bingo.

As the Bingo excitement unfolded, each winner was rewarded with a school lanyard and a Dairy Queen ice cream coupon. Additionally, winners had the joy of selecting a book from the prize table to add to their home libraries.

Meherrin Elementary School extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended and supported this engaging event. Your participation contributed to the success of Book Bingo, creating a fun and memorable experience for all involved. Thank you for your enthusiastic support!

Captured below: Andi Grace Holland

Captured above: Front row (left to right): Christian Scott, Jacqueline Riddick, Stormy Porter, Abel Murrell-Dube, Ava Lindsey, Tamrjae Artis, Alice Brown, and Bailey Burgess

Second Row: Sadie Karker, Bo Webster, Paisley Thorpe, and Nicholas Duke

Resources for Parents and Guardians

Science

National Geographic Kids

National Geographic Kids

NASA Kids Club Play Games and More at NASA Kids' Club! | NASA

Science News Explores Science News Explores | News from all fields of science for readers of any age (snexplores.org)

SCI Show Kids SciShow Kids - YouTube

Nat Geo Kids Nat Geo Kids - YouTube

Fact Monster Homework Center: Science

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Species | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (fws.gov)

Math

Bedtime Math - Bedtime Math – We inspire kids to love math so they embrace and excel at it.

Khan Academy- Khan Academy | Free Online Courses, Lessons & Practice

Abcya - Number Race: Number Values ABCya!

MooMoo Math- MooMooMath and Science - YouTube

The Organic Chemistry Tutor (Math &Science) - The Organic Chemistry Tutor - YouTube

Math Playground - Math Games | Math Playground | Fun for Kids

Math Illuminations - Illuminations: Search (nctm.org)

Maths Chase - Maths Chase - Times Tables Games - Fun MathsTests

Health Services

ODU Community Care Mobile Health Clinic

Website: communitycare-odu.com

Email: ODUCommunitycare@odu.edu

Phone: 757.45.CARES (22737)

Agape Counseling and Therapeutic Services Inc.

Website: agapecounselingva.com

Phone: 757.244.3500

Family Preservation Services

Website: fpscorp.com

Email: Referrals@FPSCorp.com

Phone: 540.344.9501

Tidewater Youth Services Commission

Website: tyscommission.org

Phone: 757-488-9161

Stepping Stones

Website: steppingstonescounselingservices.org

Phone: 757.516.7886

English Language Arts

Reading is Fundamental - Literacy Tracker | RIF.org

PBS Learning - PBS LearningMedia | Teaching Resources For Students And Teachers

Seussville - Explore - Seussville

KCAdventures - 50+ FREE Read Aloud Books Online (kcedventures.com)

ReadTheory - ReadTheory | Free Reading Comprehension Practice for Students and Teachers

ReadWorks - Reading Passages (readworks.org)

Flocabulary - Educational Hip-Hop Songs & Videos for All Subjects, K-12 (flocabulary.com)

SpellingCity - Vocabulary Words - Spelling PracticePhonics Games for Kids (spellingcity.com)

Funbrain - Games, Videos, and Books for Kids - Funbrain

Audiobooks for Kids & Teens - Kids Teens (audiofilemagazine.com)

DogoNews (ELA & Science) - DOGO News - Kids news articles! Kids current events; plus kids news on science, sports, and more!

Homeless Shelters/Temporary Housing

Southampton County Public Schools

McKinney-Vento Liaison, Dr. Harris-Muhmmad

Email: smuhammed@southampton.k12.va.us

Phone: 757.653.7438

Union Mission Ministries: Men, Women and Children

Website: Union Mission Ministries – Norfolk Homeless Shelter & Recovery Program

Phone: 757.627.8686

Salvation Army: Men s Shelter

Website: The Salvation Army USA

Phone: 757.622.3471

Samaritan House: Shelters and Programs for Permanent Housing

Website: Home :: Samaritan House (samaritanhouseva.org)

Crisis Response Hotline:757.430.2120

Homeless Hotline: 757.587.4202

ForKids, Inc: Families with Children

Website: Family Homelessness | ForKids | Norfolk, VA

Office Phone: 757.622.6400

Hotline for housing crisis: 757.587.4202

The Genieve Shelter

Victims of Domestic Violence

Website: HOME | The Genieve Shelter

Phone757.251.0144

Resources for Parents and Guardians SAT WORDS

Answer Key

Southampton County Public Schools

PO Box 96

Courtland, VA 23837

Southampton County Public Schools

Mission Statement

Did you know that all district work revolves around our six major Division Goals?

Our six goals are as follows:

Expand Learning Opportunities and Increase Student Achievement

Expand Our Safe and Healthy School Culture and Climate

Through the combined efforts of the staff, students, families, and community, our mission is to ensure a quality education in a safe environment that will prepare students to be successful learners and productive citizens in an ever-changing society

Vision Statement

The vision of Southampton County Public Schools is all students will be successful, productive, lifelong learners in an ever-changing world.

Contact Us

Should you have any questions regarding the Southampton Spotlight Newsletter, please contact Willow Bellevue via email at wbellevue@southampton.k12.va.us or by phone at 757.650.2016

Expand Professional Training and Improved Employee Retention

Expand Community and Parental Partnerships

Expand Capital Improvement Efforts and Acquire More Fiscal Resources

Expand Opportunities to Make School More Equitable for All Students

Southampton.k12.va.us

facebook.com/scpsdistrictva

PO Box 96 Courtland, VA 23837

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