Wythe County Public Schools
Autumn 2011
The Summit
Volume 1, Issue 1
Inside this issue:
Superintendent’s Memo
2
First Days of School
3
School Calendar
3
Guest Speakers
4
Facilities Study
4
New Employees
5
Fall Festivities
6
The next meeting of the WCPS School Board will be held on October 19 at 9 a.m. at the School Board office.
Interesting reads 21st Century Skills: Learning for Life in Our Times, by Bernie Trilling and Charles Fadel “Online textbooks moving into Washington area schools,” The Washington Post, www.washingtonpost. com “Graduation rates rise,” Virginia Department of Education, www.doe.virginia.gov
Morgan Griffith speaks to juniors, seniors Lessons in civics really came alive last month when Congressman Morgan Griffith paid a visit to government classes at Fort Chiswell High School. Sophomores, juniors and seniors gathered to have a Q&A session with the 9th District representative. Some questions were informational, “What’s a typical day like for you?” and “Do you get to see the President?” while others were more probing, “Why is the g o v e r n m e n t s pe nd i n g money it doesn’t have?” Griffith shared some of his experiences working in Washington, including the
long days, upcoming bills, and traveling a c r o s s Southwest Virginia meeting his constituents. Governm e n t budgeting Q&A: Congressman Morgan Griffith fields questions from and poli- juniors and seniors at Fort Chiswell High School on Sept. 29. cymaking, he explained , are complicated processes. Griffith Don’t forget! School then went on to encourage Board elections Nov. 8 the students to stay informed and get involved in local politics.
Advisory committees offer feedback It’s often helpful to have another set of eyes or another pair of hands to get a job done. So when there’s 32 extra sets of each, a lot can be accomplished! Last month, Dr. Brannon met with his three advisory committees—parent, teacher, and student—to discuss what’s happening at
the schools. The committees, formed of representatives from each of WCPS 13 schools, meet about three to four times each year.
the classroom, discrepancies in lunch money balances on Power Schools, and ways to improve the science fair project experience.
Everyone agreed the opening of school went smoothly and that the first six weeks have flow by. Concerns raised during the meeting ranged from bees in
The feedback received at these meetings is crucial to ensuring Wythe County schools are constantly improving and continually striving to be the best.
The Summit
Volume 1, Issue 1
Page 2
Notes from the Superintendent We’re off to a great start already here in Wythe County Public Schools! We recently received notification that for the second year in a row, WCPS are fully accredited.. I’d like to extend a gracious thank you to all of our teachers, administrators and supporting staff for the diligence they’ve put in to help our students achieve, and a hearty congratulations to the students who performed so well on their SOLs. We’re so proud
of each and every one of you. A few notable speakers have visited our campuses as well. Guy Doud, a nationally acclaimed speaker and the 1986 Teacher of the Year, addressed our staff during convocation, challenging all employees to do what they do with energy and passion. Dr. David Alexander and Dr. Bill Daggett led our teachers in professional development. Speedwell Elementary stu-
dents got a visit from “Big Tom,” a former contestant on the Survivor Africa reality TV show from Smyth County, during their antibullying campaign kick-off event. Additionally, School Board members have been hard at work reviewing plans proposed by OWPR from the facilities study the firm recently conducted. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the festivities fall has to offer—extra and co-
curricular activities, apple butter fundraisers, and homecoming celebrations. I look forward to great things and exceptional opportunities as we continue to educate and equip our students to be leaders in the 21st century.
The mission of WCPS, in partnership with our entire community, is to ensure that each student is empowered with the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the challenges of the future.
Wythe County Public Schools
1570 W. Reservoir Street Wytheville, VA 24382 Phone: 276-228-5411 Fax: 276-228-9192
http://wythe.k12.va.us/ Educating students for success in the 21st century.
Central Office Staff Dr. Lee Brannon
Division Superintendent
Dr. Melinda Robinett
Exec. Director of Educational Services
Jeff Noe
Exec. Director of Instruction
Richard Thomas
Director of Personnel
Marcy Olinger
Director of Elem. & Middle Education
Beth Cochran
Coordinator of Federal Programs and Testing
Dr. Wesley Poole
Director of Facilities and Operations
Keith Cochran
Technology Supervisor
2011 School Board Members Chalmer Frye, Chairman
Speedwell
William Kidd, Vice Chair
East Wytheville
Walter White
Fort Chiswell
Stephen Sage
Rural Retreat
Patricia Hines
Lead Mines
Deborah Crigger
At-Large
David Martin
West Wytheville
The Summit
Volume 1, Issue 1
Page 3
A fresh start Wythe County. Many have remarked this has been the smoothest start they can remember, despite a few changes in the typical routine. Wytheville bus routes were reconfigured this year to help eliminate double running and several buses passing down the same street. By reworking the routes, thousands of dollars will be saved on fuel and wear and tear on the vehicles. By now, those starch white shoe laces are a little dingy. Hello Kitty book bags might have an ink stain or two and those pencil erasers— once cylindrical—are looking a little lopsided. A new school year is well under way in
Additionally, WCPS implemented a staggered-start kindergarten. Half of the class had their first day on Thursday and didn’t attend Friday. The other half didn’t attend Thursday and began on Fri-
2011-2012 School Calendar Oct. 13
12:30 p.m. Student Dismissal; Parent Visitation (1:00 – 3:00, 4:30 – 7:00)
Nov. 8
Schools Closed for Students – Teachers ‐ ½ Professional Development, ½ Workday
Nov. 14
End of Second 6 Weeks
Nov. 15
12:30 p.m. Student Dismissal; ½ Teacher Workday
Nov. 23
12:30 Student Dismissal: Beginning of Thanksgiving Holiday
Nov. 24 & 25
Schools Closed ‐ Thanksgiving Holiday
Dec. 13 – 16
Exams
Dec. 16
12:30 Student Dismissal; Last Day before Winter Holidays
Dec. 19 & 20*
Make up days for up to 2 days missed prior to Dec. 16, Last Day in Attendance, Student Dismissal 12:30 p.m.
Dec. 19 – Jan. 2
Schools Closed – Winter Holidays
Jan. 2 **
Teacher Workday; Make up day if more than 2 days have been missed before Dec. 16
Jan. 3
First Day for Students after Winter Holidays
Jan. 12
End of First Semester
day. This method, a common practice in elementary schools across the country, provides an easier transition for the children, allowing teachers to give much more one-on-one attention to the young students. High schools adjusted well to a new bell schedule, switching to a seven-period day. Students say they feel like they get more accomplished during class, have less homework, and that the day goes by much quicker. Enrollment is steady at approximately 4,260 students this year . We’re looking forward to another great year at WCPS!
For WCPS fall sports calendar information, visit http://wythe.k12.va.us/ to find links to the Mountain Empire and Hogoheegee District schedules.
The Summit
Volume 1, Issue 1
Page 4
Top education leaders share insight with teachers World renowned education strategist Dr. Bill Daggett presented some helpful information to teachers from Wythe, Grayson, and Carroll counties on Sept. 30 as part of their professional development. Daggett, CEO of the International Center for Leadership in Education, shared ways to move schools toward bettering improvement
initiatives. “Schools are improving,” declared Daggett to a room full of more than 300 people at the Wytheville Meeting Center. According to the Virginia Department of Education, 96 percent of public schools in the state are fully accredited and are meeting state standards. WCPS belongs to that 96 percent.
Later that afternoon, Dr. David Alexander, professor Dr. Bill Daggett and head of the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies in the School of Education at Virginia Tech, conducted a copyright www.leadered.com seminar to show faculty appropriate ways to use social Dr. David Alexander media sites such as Facebook and Twitter. A wealth of great information was shared that day!
copyright www.vtnews.vt.edu
“The business of teaching is carried forward… because some individuals of vitality and strength of personality engage in it, and the fire that helps to guide them kindles the spirits of the young people whose lives they touch.” -Woodrow Wilson
Board reviews facilities study findings Air conditioning, more electrical sockets, and energy efficient windows are just a few of the things that could be coming down the pike in the next few years for schools across the district. The Wythe County School Board is currently evaluating the findings from the comprehensive facilities study, which was conducted by OWPR. The results outlined in great detail shortterm and long-term physical improvements at each individual school. The schools are listed and
grouped by need-based priority. Renovations at Sheffey Elementary, for example, are higher up in priority than those at newer projects such as Jackson Memorial Elementary. That is not to say, however, renovations cannot or will not happen concurrently, should the Board decide to do so. In fact, OWPR has advised that the projects at all schools be grouped into at least two phases of construction over the next five years or so. School officials are considering several different renovation schedules to make the most fiscally
responsible and educationally progressive decision possible. In addition to poring over the written suggestions for construction, School Board members have been making personal visits to the schools to see for themselves what structural issues need to be addressed. This year’s facilities study represents a slight change in philosophy for the Board. Instead of reviewing structural needs once every several years, the Board intends to revise and reevaluate building needs on an annual
basis. After holding a series of work sessions, the Superintendent will be presenting the Board’s long-range facilities plan to the Wythe County Board of Supervisors at their joint meeting on Nov. 9 at the School Board office at 4 p.m.
“Facilities studies should be a continuous process.” -Dr. Lee Brannon,
In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, Wythe County Public Schools is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities.
The Summit
Volume 1, Issue 1
Page 5
A few new faces Welcome new staff members!
Teachers and Instructional Staff Regina Graffham
Math
RRMS
Ashley Hayes
English
FCMS
Crystal Lowder-Tibbs
Health Occup. WCTC
Cari Marks
English
RRMS
Heather Reynolds
Guidance
Spiller/Speedwell
Curtis Sumner
CAD
WCTC
Thaddeus Umberger
Social Studies
GWHS
Steven Waller
Agriculture
GWHS
Ryan Dean
Health & P.E.
FCHS
Jodie Kern-Bowen
Guidance
JMES
Jonathan Kilgore
Math
GWHS/SMMS
Tips for new employees
Bryony Harrell
Instr. Asst.
Spiller
Brandi Trail
Eng/Instr. Asst. FCHS/FCMS
Cassandra Lloyd
Spanish
Bethany Worrell
Library/Media Spiller
Melissa Copenhaver
Paraprof.
Spiller
Rupert Hill
Paraprof.
FCHS
Melissa Blair
Instr. Asst.
Sheffey
Aaron Gunter
Instr. Asst.
MMES
Ashley Stafford
Instr. Asst.
Speedwell
Wythe County Public Schools would like to extend a warm welcome to our new employees. Education is an exciting, challenging and ever-changing field, and it takes everyone to make it successful. Every single person has something unique and positive to contribute to the team and we hope you’ll readily share those talents with us. Your commitment to our children and their futures shows through in everything you do—and we thank you for that. We look forward to working with you and learning from you as, together, we strive to provide the best quality education for our students. Please let us know if we can be of any assistance to you at any time. Welcome to the family!
Seek you passion Build relationships Communicate Collaborate Ask for help Be willing to grow Learn from experience Find mentor support
Nurses, Physical Therapists
Bus Drivers
Diane Tolley
RRHS
Samuel Akers
RRHS
Melanie Jackson
WCTC
David Maxwell
JMES
Shana Robinson
WCPS
Kalla Sayers
Spiller
Vance Williams
Spiller
Cafeteria Workers Jaclyn Miller
Speedwell
James Armbrister
FCHS
Linda Moran
Sheffey
Charles Cornett
RRHS
Donna Smelser
GWHS
Custodians
Kathryn Taylor
SMMS
Robert Penley
WCTC
Diane Hudson
GWHS
Tim Akers
GWHS
Sandra Joyce
Speedwell
Harry Blair
Spiller
Ronald Crockett
Speedwell
Administrative Amanda Evans
Admin. Asst. to the Superintendent
GWHS/SMMS
Reminder: All visitors must stop by the main office immediately upon entering the school building to check in.
The Summit
Volume 1, Issue 1
Page 6
Education in action
The Summit is a publication of Wythe County Public Schools . It is published four times a year—autumn, winter, spring, and summer . All materials, including photographs and content, are copyrighted by WCPS unless otherwise noted.