Happy Holidays from DPS!
We hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable holiday break. Get some rest, we'll see you next year!
The Danville School Board held its regular meeting on Thursday, Dec. 16. They heard from members of the O.T. Bonner chorus and recognized the 2021 DPS Holiday Card Contest winners: Shaleya Deshazo of GWHS (first place) and Ali Yeary of Woodberry Hills (second place).
In a public hearing, the school board heard from citizens in support of candidates for interim board members.
In communications, the board heard from Director of Finance Sharon Barksdale, who presented accounts payable warrants
Dr. Hairston and Shaleya Deshazo, first place winner of our Holiday Card Contest.
Dr. Hairston and Ali Yeary, second place winner of our Holiday Card Contest.
The board heard from Ms. Gwyndolyn Stone’s entrepreneurship class at GW, who presented their business project to the board. The class has created their own business, “Quick Fix,” which is a time-saving hair styling tool. The group presented their product on November 16, 2021 as a part of the DCC IDEA fair. Judges listen to presentations from students attending Pittsylvania County Schools, Danville Community College, and Danville Public Schools.
Superintendent Dr. Angela Hairston also gave an update on DPS’ Corrective Action Plan.
The board took the following actions during the meeting:
Approved personnel recommendations brought forward by Chief Human Resources Officer Dr. Natalie Halloran.
Approved November’s Finance Report brought forward by Director of Finance Sharon Barksdale.
Approved a lease agreement between Danville Public Schools and Averett University for the use of George Washington High School track facilities.
The next meeting of the school board will be held on January 6 at 5:30 p.m.
GWHS Entrepreneurship students win 2021 DCC IDEA Fair
After pitching their business "Quick Fix" at the DCC IDEA Fair on November 16, Ms. Gwyndolyn Stone's entrepreneurship students were named the winners of the competition on December 17. Makayla Witcher, Gakoria Robertson, Paris Hall, and Jaylan Dickerson were each awarded $300. They out rated other competitors from Pittsylvania County Schools and Danville Community College. Check out their product here! Congratulations!
Lunch with Heroes starting in January
Starting January 5, the Lunch With Heroes program with the Danville Police Department will begin. Thanks to a generous donation from the JT-Minnie Maude Charitable Trust to the Danville Public Schools Education Foundation, breakfast, lunch, or dinner will be provided to the members of the police department that visit our schools to eat, interact and form positive relationships with our students. Officers will be participating at all of our schools. If you have any questions about this program, please contact Anne Moore-Sparks.
GW band students chosen for All District
Last week, the members of the GWHS Symphonic Band participated in the District 6 All District Band Auditions. This year, the students had to submit multiple videos for judging. The students stepped up and turned in wonderful auditions! The band had 4 students make the District 6 Symphonic Band and are also All Virginia Eligible. They will travel to JMU to audition in February for the All Virginia Band.
HaLeigh Giles - 1st Chair Piccolo
Andrew Clark - 2nd chair Bassoon (2nd time All Virginia Eligible)
O'Majeo Grizzle - 1st Chair Contra Clarinet (4th time All Virginia Eligible)
Ryan Priddy - 3rd Chair Trumpet (2nd time All Virginia Eligible)
There were also 5 students that made the District 6 Concert Band:
Ashley Johnson - Oboe
Zeryan Williamson - Soprano Clarinet
Nylan Yancey - Bass Clarinet
Tim White - Bass Clarinet
Daryl Brimmer - Trombone
I.W. Taylor Virtual Academy High School Virtual Art Show (video created by teacher Gabrielle Bergeron)
Important Upcoming Dates:
December 22 - Early release day for students
December 23 - January 4 - Winter break for students
January 3 - DPS Staff returns
January 4 - GW JV & Varsity Girls basketball home games starting at 5:30 p.m.
January 5 - students return to school
January 6 - Bonner Vs. Westwood basketball @ Bonner starting at 5 p.m.
January 6 - Danville School Board Policy Committee meeting at 4 p.m., regular meeting at 5:30 p.m.
January 7 - GW JV & Varsity Boys basketball home games starting at 5:30 p.m.
January 8 - Vaccine Clinic at G. L. H. Johnson Elementary School from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Spread the word!
We will be holding feedback sessions for parents and the community to provide us their thoughts on the upcoming construction projects for George Washington High School and Langston for the future Galileo Campus. Registration for the sessions listed in the graphic to the left can be done via this link.
**GW and Galileo teachers, please note that sessions are scheduled for you all to give feedback, so you do not have to sign up for these.
***Please note that feedback sessions for the elementary school projects are scheduled for June.
12 1/2 Days of Winter at Woodberry
Woodberry’s 1st grade team dressed up as Holiday Characters as part of 12 1/2 days of Winter Activities.
Mrs. Kenealy created Winter Wonderland in Woodberry’s gym. Students rotated to various station completing physical fitness activities
Gators receive holiday donation
G.L. H. Johnson received boxes from Building Lives Christian Church Ministry to share with their Gator families. Thank you for your generous donation!
Taylor music students sing "Let It Snow"
Elementary students at I.W. Taylor Virtual Academy have been participating in a schoolwide song. This song has helped students make connections between music, art and reading!
New FEV tutor incentive!
We're back with another FEV Tutor Learn and Earn! Students are encouraged to use 10 hours of FEV Tutor's free tutoring service and receive a $10 Amazon gift card! Promotion begins December 22. Students can get started by following the link: https://tinyurl.com/3ara2m74
Galileo applications for the 2022-2023 school year will open on January 4! Middle school administrators and teachers, please be sure your students are aware.
Got content for the Friday Feature? Email it to ldavis2@mail.dps.k12.va.us
Note: there will be no Friday Features until January 7.