February 8, 2019

CSI/Law and Order Simulation at Bonner!

From Jan. 28-February 7, gifted and accelerated students in 8th grade science conducted a crime scene investigation. In this scenario, Mrs. Garland has been kidnapped outside Bonner and is being ransomed for SOL answers. The students, led by their teacher Mrs. Clifton, and with the help of the Danville Police Department, examined "blood splatter" (force and motion), DNA, fingerprints, and other evidence while applying the scientific method. Everything they are accomplishing relates back to a science SOL.

Simultaneously, in civics, all 7th and 8th grade students in this program learned about the judicial system with Mrs. Nicholas. On February 8th, from 9-12:30, the alleged student kidnappers of Mrs. Garland were put on trial in Circuit Courtroom 2 in the James F. Ingram Justice Center. Judge Reynolds has been gracious enough to give us use of the courtroom for the day, and will speak with the students if possible. With the aid of attorneys from Danville and Pittsylvania County (defense attorney Michael Nicholas, Assistant Commonwealth Attorney Ben White, and Assistant Commonwealth Attorney Katerina Silcox) the trial was conducted by the 8th graders, who took on not only all judicial-related roles (from bailiffs to prosecutors to witnesses) but also all roles of "expert" witnesses, from the investigators who collected the evidence to the lab technicians who analyzed it. Their testimonies reflected what they have learned about the scientific aspects of the evidence they analyzed. The 7th graders acted as the panel from which the jurors were selected.

While they are conducting these simulations, they will also be reading Inherit the Wind or Mississippi Trial, 1955 in their ELA class with Mrs. Phillips. After the trial, they will have a comprehensive writing assignment that brings together elements of the civics lessons and trial, the scientific investigation, and what they have read in English.

Below is a photo of the Judge, as portrayed by Chris Buchinsky, and Assistant Principal, Cherie Garland, as she plays the victim who has been kidnapped and ransomed for SOL information.

#everychildeverydayeveryclassroom

Fulton, Massingale, and Unger Present at VESA Conference!

Anna Fulton, Brianna Massingale, and Kimberly Unger presented Escape the Traditional at the annual Virginia ESL Supervisors' Association held on January 31, 2019, in Norfolk. They used the Escape Room concept to increase engagement in the areas of EL instruction, teacher professional development, and EL family involvement. Presenters from the Danville City Public Schools LIEP team shared strategies associated with the ESCAPE ROOM concept to increase student engagement in the EL classroom and small group instruction; to increase buy-in from stakeholders during Professional Development, and to encourage participation in our LIEP team family night events. Whether using Digital Escapes with our Chromebooks or traditional “trips” through the schools, the presenters provided a variety of strategies and tools that helped participants develop teamwork and problem-solving skills while increasing retention of the concepts presented in the specific activities.

Help us in congratulating our team - what an honor!

#everychildeverydayeveryclassroom

"DA Eagles" Soar High in CyberPatriot XI Challenge!

A team of motivated high school computer whizzes from the NJROTC Program at George Washington High School known as "DA EAGLES" finished 8th of 29 teams in Virginia competing in the Gold Tier of the CyberPatriot XI Challenge (State Rounds). The team consisted of Cadets- Micheal Gryder, Ben Grimes, Dymonique Williams, Andrew Montes-Bradley, Scarlet Reynolds and team assistant Jeremiah Koch.

Sponsored by the Air Force Association, CyberPatriot involves an annual competition to encourage high school students from around the country, including minorities and females, to pursue college studies in math and science, and possibly enter careers as guardians of the Internet. Ethical hacker teams are tasked with identifying and mitigating cyberattacks by simulated data thieves and cyber spies. Some 4,000 teams registered and were whittled down in three preliminary rounds.

"Being our first year in the competition, we did not expect to finish as well as we did. Especially, considering we missed the entire training round while schools were closed due to Hurricane Michael," says Team Captain, Micheal Gryder, a senior at GWHS and also the GW NJROTC unit Commanding Officer. "Not only did we learn about network vulnerabilities, but it was also fun." Based in large measure on his experience in the competition Michael wants to major in computer science in college with hopes of one day becoming a computer engineer.

"The goal of the program is to inspire STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and I think our performance in the competition shows what is possible with a little hard work and focus. We are already preparing and looking forward to next year's competition," says team coach Command Master Chief Daryl Green.

Pictured below left to right: Michael Gryder, Dymonique Williams, Andrew Montes-Bradley, Ben Grimes, and Scarlet Reynolds

#everychildeverydayeveryclassroom

GW Awarded ExxonMobil Education Grant!

Thank you to Davenport Energy! Davenport Energy Inc. in Chatham will award $32,000 in ExxonMobil Educational Alliance grants to schools in VA and NC. Grants, which range from $500 to $1,000, benefit classrooms, teachers, and students!

Proud and humbled to announce that GWHS was one of the chosen schools and was awarded a $1,000 ExxonMobil education grant.

Pictured below (left to right) is Jay Lancaster, GW Principal, and Tommy Pearson of Davenport Energy.

#everychildeverydayeveryclassroom

Using Fractions to Celebrate 100 Dojo Points!

Students in Ms. Clark and Mrs. Smith's third grade classes celebrated reaching 100 Dojo points for January by creating their own snowmen.

Students worked with Math Standard 3.2 - Understanding Fractions to build their snowmen. They used “thirds” to create the body, buttons, eyes, and nose. They used “halves” to build the scarf and hat. A great time was had by all the participants.

#everychildeverydayeveryclassroom

Mike Rowe Offering Scholarships for People Who Want to Go to Trade School!

If you or someone you know is interested in a job in the trades — such as plumbing, electrical work or welding — former “Dirty Jobs” host Mike Rowe is offering a scholarship program through his charitable foundation that will offer money for skilled jobs training.

This is the fifth year in a row that the organization has offered its work ethic scholarship, which is taking applications through June 4.

The amount awarded has not been specified in terms of dollars, but the organization refers to it as a “pile of money” and, in a video announcing the 2018 scholarship, Rowe said the foundation has at least $500,000 to give away.

Over the years, Rowe says the scholarship program has given away about $5 million so far.

#everychildeverydayeveryclassroom

Akers and Mitchell Honored

Each month the faculty and staff at Gibson Elementary nominate a teacher and staff member for the month. The teacher of the month for February is Mrs. Akers (kindergarten) and the staff member of the month is Mrs. Mitchell (Attendance Secretary).

#everychildeverydayeveryclassroom

Gibson Recognizes January's Students of the Month

Everyday at Gibson Elementary students are celebrated for outstanding effort. At the end of each month one student is chosen from each homeroom for showing exemplary behavior and academics. The January students of the month are:

Javontee Totten, Kiyon Broadnax, Lanson Edmonds, Ja'Miah Jones, Ashanti Coleman, Shannon Wilson, Jai'Kayla Blackstock, Sariah Austin, Jaiana Jackson, Ruby Pedera-Bolanos, Jacob Joyner, Jamari Miller, Laurn Rowland, Lily Grace, Jahyiem Smith, Chyna Ferrell, Levi White, D'Anndra Carter-Adams, Isaella Harrison, Arielle Dawkins, Savannah Carter, A'Aziah Chappell, CaDarryona Womack, Zaniah Watlington, Kyle White, TreVontay Watkins, YasMe'ana Keene, Mikiyah Harper, Antonio Matos, Mahogany Tarpley, Zavion Davis, Donovan Edmonds, and Deanna Mark.

#everychildeverydayeveryclassroom

GWHS SCA To Host Pancake Breakfast!

The GWHS Student Council Association will be sponsoring a Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, February 16th, 2019 from 7am-12pm at the GWHS Cafeteria. This event is to support various activities of the student body. Advanced tickets are $6.00 each and may be purchased from the GWHS Main Office. Admission at the door is $8.00. We look forward to seeing you there as we support the efforts of our students!

#everychildeverydayeveryclassroom

Park Avenue Spelling Bee Results!

Thank you to Mr. Kenny Lewis for pronouncing words and to all participants of the Park Avenue Elementary school-wide Spelling Bee. Congratulations to:

1st Place: Aleesha Mayo

2nd Place: Jakayla Davis

3rd Place: Jaydah Hairston

#everychildeverydayeveryclassroom

STEM Program Announced at Schoolfield

Through the sponsorship of The National Society of Black Engineers Jr. and the Danville Chapter of LINKS, Inc., Schoolfield Elementary has established a STEM program to stimulate student’s interest and engagement in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The after-school enrichment program is open to all third, fourth and fifth grade students. Students will engage in rigorous academics, leadership development, technology development, and team building skills.

Students were introduced to activities by the STEM Mobile Learning Lab from the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) at their initial gathering.

They have also had a presentation on dental hygiene by Dr. Sharon Long Stokes. Meetings will continue bimonthly throughout the remainder of the school year and culminate in a celebration of student achievements in May.

Members of the Danville Chapter of LINKS, Inc are pictured with Mr. Everette Johnson, Principal of Schoolfield Elementary.

#everychildeverydayeveryclassroom #partnershipsmatter

Ballard and Cooper Win Woodrow Wilson Spelling Bee!

Congratulations to the Woodrow Wilson Spelling Bee winners - Essence Ballard 1st Place Winner (Culbert's Class) and Amier Cooper (Griener's Class) 2nd Place Winner.

#everychildeverydayeveryclassroom

ACEC Prepares Blessing Buckets!

ACEC used the month of January to collect items for God's Pit Crew Blessing Buckets. If you would like to be a part of our ACEC family, call Mary Dumont at 434 799 6479. Furthering your education is an awesome gift to give yourself!

The Eagle Tradition Continues!

Signing Day was held at GW on Wednesday, February 6, 2019. GW's history in football is deep and the tradition continues! Congratulations to our players (front row, left to right):

Marquis Carter - Ferrum College

Carlos Poole - ODU

Carl Poole - ODU

Quentin Elam - Virginia State

Much appreciation to our Eagles coaching staff (back row, left to right): Jay Perdue, Nick Anderson, Hunter Carnes, Larry Robertson, and Todd Shupping.

#everychildeverydayeveryclassroom

Gibson Announces Spelling Bee Winners!

Congratulations to the participants (Joshua Voges, Landon Henry, Kameron Farmer, Laylani Howard, Sincere Graves, Aja Hill, Markayla Mayo, Kyle White, Lanauta Gray, Ailyn Calleja-Valle, Camaji Logan, Serenity Taylor, Blake Trembley) and winners (Markayla Mayo 1st place, Serenity Taylor 2nd place) of the 2018-2019 E. A. Gibson Spelling Bee.

#everychildeverydayeveryclassroom