November 12, 2021
DPS celebrates
Veteran's Day
11.11.21
Veteran's Day 2021.mp4Park Avenue Fourth Graders honor veterans
Park Avenue fourth graders honored our Veterans with a music program. The students sang favorites, such as "Little Light of Mine" and passed out poppies to attendees. Special thank you to Mrs. Owen for all her hard work and Mr. Woodson for singing the National Anthem.
Click below to see the Slide Presentation.
Schoolfield fourth graders sing at the Veteran's day PTA meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 9.
IMG_1258.MOVIMG_1256.MOV
The Danville School Board held its regular meeting on Thursday, Nov. 11 and made the following recognitions:
GWHS Marching Eagles: In the Eagle Classic competition in Franklin County on October 3, the GWHS Marching Eagles won Best Visual (Marching) Class AAA, Best General Effect Class AAA, Best Percussion Class AAA, and winning Class AAA. The GWHS Marching Eagles also traveled to the Lynchburg Classic on October 10, where they placed third out of five in AAA competition, and won first place General Effect, second place percussion, and second place color guard. Most recently, on October 30th, the Marching Eagles traveled to Greensboro for Northwest Guilford's Marching Band Festival, where they were named Grand Champions of Class 1 - 3A, as well as first place in Class 3A, second place drum major, first place percussion, first place color guard, first place general effect, and first place music performance.
GWHS NJROTC: On October 23, the Fight'n Eagles won big at the Gretna Hawks Drill meet, winning first place overall, first place varsity squad unarmed, first place squad armed, first place platoon inspection, first place unarmed platoon, second place JV unarmed squad, second place colorguard team, second place varsity armed individual, third place JV armed, and Asia Dickerson as third place knockout winner. In addition, the GW NJROTC had their inspection on Oct. 21 and received a glowing review from Captain Jim Daniels, Area 5 Manager.
Galileo Cross Country Team: Both Galileo Boys and Girls Cross Country competed in the Region 1B championship on November 3rd and placed first. Coach Bryant and Coach Carter were named Region 1B Coaches of the Year. Carol-Anne Garrett was named Region 1B Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year.
The School Board heard the following communications:
Chief Operations Officer Dr. Wayne Lyle presented information about the potential for DPS to receive electric buses through a rebate program.
Director of Safety and Security gave an update of security at George Washington High School.
Public Information Officer Lanie Davis updated the board on Saturday’s Family Engagement Day at G. L. H. Johnson from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Chief Academic Officer Takiwi Babalola and Lyle gave an update on current class sizes in DPS.
Science & Health/PE Curriculum Coordinator Olivia McCraw and Schoolfield Principal LaTonya Simmons gave an update on STEM programs across the district and in Schoolfield. At the district level, this included the STEM Competition Grant and the CoderZ team and STEMscopes. At Schoolfield, STEM is a required specials class for grades K-5, there is an after school STEM club for fourth and fifth graders that will expand soon, and the school will participate in NASA’s STEM-a-thon event next week, among other programs.
Director of Professional Learning Dr. Tonya Steele gave an update on the fall learning conference, which took place Oct. 12-15. Sessions included literacy, data analysis, lesson planning, instructional alignment, engagement strategies, textbook instructional resources, and Virginia Essentialized Standards of Learning (VESOL). Feedback results from attendees indicated that content was relevant to professional knowledge need, as well as helpful to improving instructional practice.
Babalola presented summer learning/training for both students and staff. In summer 2022, DPS will host several learning opportunities for students, including the transition academy for rising ninth graders, project-based learning camps, Camp Invention, Cyber Camp, Dual Language/Immersion camp for English Language Learners, Fine Arts/Creative Arts Camp, Camp Kaleidoscope, Summer Jumpstart, and summer school options. For staff, opportunities include Summer Leadership Academy for school and district leaders, summer professional learning for PreK-12 teachers, school leaders, coaches, and paras, and new employee orientation for all new employees.
Director of Services for Exceptional Children Dr. Tia Hairston gave an overview of Disability Awareness Month, which is being celebrated in the month of November. Danville Public Schools serves approximately 880 students with IEPs, which is approximately 15 percent of the student population.
Danville Public Schools is also recognizing November as Mental Health Awareness Month in partnership with Danville Pittsylvania Community Services. Director of Student Support Services Dr. Marva Tutt presented the month’s activities to the board.
Superintendent Dr. Angela Hairston gave an update on the one percent sales tax and school bond referendum, which passed in the Nov. 2 election. Next steps include discussions at the school board finance and facilities committee meetings, as well as community input meetings.
School Board Chair Crystal Cobbs shared information about the upcoming VSBA Delegates Assembly on November 15. Cobbs also presented the Public Notice for December
The School Board took the following actions:
Approved the personnel recommendations brought forward by Chief Human Resource Officer Dr. Natalie Halloran.
Approved the finance report and accounts payable warrants brought forward by Director of Finance Sharon Barksdale.
Approved the revised board norms and protocols from the Oct. 28, 2021 retreat.
The School Board also accepted the resignation of member O. Renee Hughes, effective Nov. 30. Hughes began her 18-year stint on the school board in January 2003. Her current term began in July 2020.
Following Hughes’ resignation, Danville Public Schools will be accepting applications for an interim board member, who will hold the position until an election is held for the seat. Applications will be made available on www.danvillepublicschools.org and will be accepted from November 12 through Wednesday, December 1 at 5 p.m. Applicants must be a qualified voter and bona fide resident of the school division in which the member represents and meet all other criteria set forth by state law. If a board member ceases to be a resident of the school division which the member represents, the member’s position on the School Board shall be deemed vacant. Applications may be turned into Victoria Ireson, clerk of the school board, at 341 Main Street in Danville.
The school board will review applications on Thursday, December 2. Following this review, a timeline for interviews and selection will be shared.
Reminder: Family Engagement Day is THIS Saturday at G. L. H. Johnson Elementary from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.! Grab your coats and masks and join us!
GW student headed to regional choir
George Washington High School Student Hannah Thompson has been accepted into the 2022 Southern Regional Honors Choir, a first for DPS and GWHS. Hannah trained for two months with Mr. Jeffrey Chapman, GW Choral Director, and worked very hard on a difficult piece of music for her audition. There were only 30 people selected in her voice part from 11 states, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. In February, Hannah will rehearse for four days with other students from these states and perform a concert with them. Congratulations, Hannah!
Bonner's Q1 Attendance and Honor Roll Recognition
6th Grade "Super Stars" "A" Honor Roll
Sincere Graves
Harmony Lee
Patience Lee
Sharon Li
Caden Payne
Mi'Kayvia Stockton
6th Grade "All Stars" "A-B" Honor Roll
D'Andre Adams
Ava Barrett
Deonta Chatten
Cedric Coleman
Alonzo Crews
Auriana Cunningham
Jovan Derisca
Tahliah Ferrell
Tocarra Harriott
Aundrea Harris
Ihan Iraheta
Mario Jones
Elaina Lewis
Lisandra Lopez Ortiz
Amajay Miller
Memphis Moore
Rahking Morefield
Madilyn Ours
Candace Powell
Journi Shaw
William Smith Jr.
Saylor Smith-Ferguson
Natalie Snead
Michael Elliott Thomas
Nasir Thomas
Sebastian Vazquez
Drake Weller
William Weller
6th Grade "Rising Stars" "A-C" Honor Roll
Demarkus Adkins
Amaya Alexander
Samara Allen Dark
Janiyah Barley
Tyshevis Bennett Jr.
Israel Campbell
D'Anndra Carter-Adams
Jamarian Chaney
Javion Chriscoe
Taliayh Coleman
Jesse Collins
Jeremiah Garcia Martinez
Kenya King
Dashawn Lovelace
Miy'Asia Luck
Sylvester Mayo III
Caliyah Myers
Trenton Reynolds
Emilio Santana
Josian Saunders
Ty'Siya Smith
Randy Tucker
Algeir Warren
Rusty Weber
Zyonna Wilson
Kamari Wooding
6th Grade Perfect Attendance
Ava Barrett
Shakaylah Davis
Tahliah Ferrell
Elaina Lewis
Sharon Li
Rahking Morefield
Saylor Smith-Ferguson
Lyris Thomas
7th Grade "Super Stars" "A" Honor Roll
Emma Hylton
Kloe Marshall
Kaylee O'Brien
Legend Pinchback
Madison Syvanthong
Pearson Wales
Isaiah Woodson
7th Grade "All Stars" "A-B Honor Roll"
D'mya Adkins
Gana Alababseh
Lamar Alazzam
Samantha Alvarez Pacheco
Hana Blewy
Barrett Eisner
Christian Fitzgerald
ZaKayla Fitzgerald
Kayla Griffith
William Harris
Madisyn Hylton
Paishence Jones
Zola McNeal
Hannah Mitchell
Nayeli Rivera Diaz
Ramire Robertson
Keara Tanner
Tarahj Walters
Trinity Weeks
Noah Woodson
7th Grade "Rising Stars" "A-C" Honor Roll
Isaiah Abel
Talha Ata
Abigail Crews
Jorden Crews
Isaac Cunningham-Fields
Tnya Ferrell
Vance Gibens-Garnett
Khloe Glass
Zaliyah Goods
Sophia Guardado Hernandez
Janiceia Hamilton
Jesus Hernandez Irineo
Shelly Hunnings
Natalie Irvin
Tyasia James
Christopher Lea
Samantha Lintag
Jaikey Lipscomb
Hugh Logan III
Ethan Logan
A'Zhani Mack
Emmanuel Magdaleno
Samaj Marshall
MyLee Middlestate
Christian Moore
Jahmir Robertson
Zyliah Saunders
Bryson Scales
Kaylyn Simmons
DeZire Swanson
Deontray Sykes
Tamariona Thomas
Austin Tiller
Adrie Tilley
Wesley Toomer
Jullian Towler
Zarianna Townes
Dezmon Walker
Gary Walker III
Brian Warren Jr.
Hayleigh Wilkes
Breiana Wooding
7th Grade Perfect Attendance
Lamar Alazzam
Samantha Alvarez Pacheco
William Harris
Jesus Hernandez Irineo
Ja'azia Hightower
Daniel Howard
Emma Hylton
Madisyn Hylton
Paischence Jones
A'Zhani Mack
Zola McNeal
Christian Moore
Kaylee O'Brien
Legend Pinchback
Nayeli Rivera Diaz
Bryson Scales
Zachariah Starlings
Isaiah Woodson
8th Grade "Super Stars" "A" Honor Roll
Braelynn Adams
Joshua Gunter
LaPriannah Keen
Sophia Li
Antonio Matos
Dominique Mease
LeNya Miller
Breyonna Morrison
Faizah Naveed
Elizabeth Newell
Arturo Torres Montesinos
Amirah Warner
8th Grade "All Stars" "A-B" Honor Roll
Brock Allen
Jaquion Bennett
Elijah Brandon-Campbell
Amyrah Campbell White
Fernanda Castellanos Sanchez
Dallas Dietz
Jalin Downey
Krystie-Shiomara Eugene
Isabella Ford
Laila Gwynn
Victor Ingram
Franklin Leigg
Nicholas Longerbeam
Saniah Lyons
Jhaniya McCollum
Nazaria Montague
Lyric Moore
Shanya Myers
Lesley Robinson
Kaylee Salazar
Serena Shroff
Keona Stokes
Andrew Thach
Tikiiya Thomas
Zerrod Washington
Vincent Winn
Zain Zain-Alabideen
8th Grade "Rising Stars" "A-C" Honor Roll
Isaiah Adams
Sadeel Batineh
Kathryn Blachura
Ramsey Blewy
Cormani Burton
Aidan Byrd-Hudgins
Camryn Chandler
Cameron Clark
Jackson Dietz
Le'Aja Domineck
April Fonseca
Nolan Griffin
Ay'Treyvona Hankins
Ja'Marion Jacobs
Kendra Jennings
Austin Jones
Jaeveon Jones
Dana Keith Jr.
Laila Langford
Christopher Law
Bernard Leigg
Shatorri Oliver
Piper Potts
Shiyon Reaves
Kobe Reynolds
Shemarrie Stephens
Mahogany Tarpley
Tali'zah Taylor
Jordan Thomas
Jordyn Thomas
Hermione Vargas-Castan
Ta-Dae Washington
Ryder Watlington
Laila Williams
Zeonna Williams
Carter Wilson
Armoni Womack
William Wright
8th Grade Perfect Attendance
Braelynn Adams
Dallas Dietz
Jackson Dietz
Nolan Griffin
Joshua Gunter
Jermauree Jackson
Laila Langford
Nicholas Longerbeam
Antonio Matos
Lyric Moore
Breyonna Morrison
Faizah Naveed
Myonna Thomas
Tikiiya Thomas
Arturo Torres Montesinos
Zeonna Williams
Carter Wilson
Important Upcoming Dates:
November 12 - GW Varsity football playoff game at J.T. Christopher Stadium at 7 p.m.
November 13 - Family Engagement Day at G. L. H. Johnson Elementary from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
November 13 - More than Sad training for teachers/staff (part of Mental Health Awareness Month) at 10 a.m. at Woodrow Wilson. Email btrammell@dpcs.org to sign up.
November 15 - More Than Sad training for Parents and Teens (part of Mental Health Awareness Month) at 6 p.m. at Woodrow Wilson. Email btrammell@dpcs.org to sign up.
November 17 - Identity, Acceptance and Terminology for teachers/staff (part of Mental Health Awareness Month) at 4 p.m. at Woodrow Wilson. Email btrammell@dpcs.org to sign up.
November 20 - More Than Sad training for Parents and Teens (part of Mental Health Awareness Month) at 10 a.m. at Woodrow Wilson. Email btrammell@dpcs.org to sign up.
November 22 - Operations, Facilities and Planning Committee meeting at 4 p.m.
November 22 - Finance Committee meeting at 5 p.m.
Park Avenue Safety Patrol
Fifth grade students at Park Avenue pass their belts to the new safety patrols.
Bonner students build cereal atoms
Mrs. Geyer’s Physical Science class used three different types of cereal to build different atoms. They used Cheerios as the protons, Captain Crunch as the neutrons, and Cocoa Pebbles as the electrons. Students were able to model atoms and discuss how to find the amount of each part in specific atoms based on the periodic table, as well as the size of the parts due to the difference in sizes of the cereal.
IMG_1538 (1).MOVForest Hills fifth graders learn octaves
Fifth graders at Forest Hills are singing a section of the song "This is My Country." In this video, they are learning about singing octaves. They are also practicing how to sing in unison in addition to learning about descants.
Bonner students do endo- and exo- thermic experiment
Mrs. Geyer’s Physical Science class learned about exothermic and endothermic reactions. Students were able to complete two experiments and use their data and observations to determine which one was an endothermic reaction and which was an exothermic reaction. The class used beef liver and added hydrogen peroxide to create a reaction. Students took the temperature of the reaction every two minutes and were able to feel the reaction as it heated up. Then they added baking soda to vinegar and students were able to take temperature measurements and feel the reaction cool down. Students were able to use their data and observations to explain their findings.
Galileo theatre team advances to Super Region Championships
Galileo’s theatre team, under direction from Mr. Weyler, has advanced to the next round after coming in second place at the Region 1B Theatre Championship at Franklin High School on Saturday, Nov. 6. Anna Timm was also recognized by winning an award for individual acting! Mr. Weyler and his cast of young thespians have done a remarkable job in building Galileo's theatre program each year. Please congratulate him and his kids!
The theatre program will advance to the super region championships at Franklin on Nov. 20.
2021-2022 Fall Exam Schedule for Final Exam, SOL and CTE Tested Courses
High School Exam Schedule (GWHS, Galileo, RISE, Virtual Academy)
Thursday, December 9, 2021 - Reading SOL
Friday, December 10, 2021 - History SOL
Monday, December 13, 2021 - Math SOL
Tuesday, December 14, 2021 - Science SOL
Wednesday, December 15, 2021 - SOL Expedited Retakes
Thursday, December 16, 2021 - 1st Final Exam/SOL Expedited Retakes
Friday, December 17, 2021 - 2nd Final Exam/SOL Expedited Retakes
Monday, December 20, 2021 (half day) - 3rd Final Exam/SOL Expedited Retakes
Tuesday, December 21, 2021 (half day) - 4th Final Exam/SOL Expedited Retakes
Wednesday, December 22, 2021 (half day) - Make up/Retake/SOL Expedited Retakes
Note: W!SE and Work-Place Readiness CTE Exam must be taken during November 15-19 to provide at least 14 days of remediation before retake.
Daily Schedule
All EOC and CTE Exams must be administered at school on a school issued Laptop. After testing is completed, students will continue their daily schedule and instruction will continue. Classroom activities will include important preparation for upcoming exams and enrichment/previewing activities. Students should not leave after exams as they will miss vital instruction. If a student misses school or signs out early, he/she will be counted as absent for the periods missed.
Exam Exemptions
Exam exemptions are for teacher-created final exams only. No EOC/SOL or CTE test may be exempted. If a student exempts a teacher-created final exam, the student is required to report to school. If a student does not report to school, the student will be marked absent.
Students must meet one of the following requirements to exempt teacher-created final exams:
94% average or above in the course OR
70% average or above in the course and 400 or above score on the SOL assessment
Inclement Weather
If school is cancelled, testing will continue (or begin) on the next day of school. Also, if school is delayed (1 or 2 hours), an announcement will be made by the Danville Public School District notifying parents and students whether or not exams will take place.
Note: Students should check with their individual school with any specific questions.
Park Avenue first graders learn about movement
First grade students at Park Avenue explored different types of movement and motions with our outdoor movement path. Here are some pictures from their activity.
Kindergarteners learn part-whole relationships
Mrs. Jasko's Kindergarten class at Woodberry Hills work on MK.4 Part-Whole Relationships using the Bears in the Cave activity.
Teacher Appreciation at Gibson
On Friday, Nov. 12, Gibson teachers and staff enjoyed a special delivery from Dr. Norton, Mrs. Logan, and Mrs. Scott…just because! We are so thankful for our teachers and staff and all that they do every single day! Treats courtesy of O’Kelly’s.
Got content for the Friday Feature? Email it to ldavis2@mail.dps.k12.va.us