February 19, 2021

Ambassadors of Kindness Winners - Anika White, Brittany Myers, and Jennifer Stephens

The Virginia Department of Education, in collaboration with the Office of the Governor, is working to raise awareness and promote Virginia Kindness Week (February 14-20). As part of this effort, DPS was invited to nominate a teacher, staff member, or student to be recognized as Ambassadors of Kindness. A nomination form was circulated amongst principals, assistant principals, chiefs, and division leaders to nominate a person - any staff member or student that regularly exhibits kindness in our school division. It might be a teacher who fosters kindness in his/her classroom through activities/lessons. Perhaps it's a custodian that greets students with a smile each day. An administrator that leads efforts in community service. A student who goes above and beyond to be kind. Or a school counselor that promotes kindness in the school community.

Nineteen names were submitted. Congratulations to the following nominees!

Anika White

Sally Reed

T. Denise Hubbard

Stephanie Prunty

Anthony Dillard

Bernard "Jake" Leigg

Jennifer Stephens

Kimberly Toothman

Shelley Snead

Rebecca Whitlow

Gordon Thompson

Cinda Overbey

Brittany Myers

Florine Edmunds

Margaret McLaughlin

Brenda Hairston

Amanda Burke

Laurel Kyles

Sandra Arnn

The nominees were entered into a random drawing held on February 10th!
Congratulations to the following winners: Anika White, Brittany Myers, and Jennifer Stephens

Atif Qarni, Secretary of Education, and Dr. James Lane, Superintendent of Public Instruction, virtually recognized our Ambassadors of Kindness winners in an event that was held on February 16, 2021. Pictured below (L to R): Anika White, Brittany Myers, and Jennifer Stephens #VAkindnessAmbassador

Recognition for the Nurses and Staff Who Volunteered at the Recent Vaccination Clinics!

As a result of our internal vaccination surveys that began in January, approximately 500 DPS employees indicated interest in getting the COVID-19 vaccine. To date, 292 employees have received their 1st shots at DPS clinics. The remaining employees received their vaccinations elsewhere (physician, other local clinics, CVS). If there are additional opportunities through DPS to get vaccinated, we will let you know; however, we encourage you to sign up elsewhere as well. CVS, Health Department.

Thank you to the following employees who worked our clinics (even in the sleet and freezing rain)!:

Jennifer Satterfield, RN

Sherri Wright, RN BSN

Sabrina Woods, RN

Lisa Fowlkes, RN

Renee Tucker, LPN

Renita Townes, RN

Tonya Smith

Dr. Angela Hairston

William Chaney

Victoria Ireson

Galileo Spreads the Love!

Galileo's Student Council Association (SCA) did a Spread the Love event for Valentine's Day/Kindness Week. Students, teachers, and staff could leave positive words about a classmate, teacher, or staff member and they are currently being displayed on a bulletin board in the school. Students and staff were able to make as many submissions as they wanted up until Friday, February 5th. Submissions were anonymous. There were 171 submissions total.

GLH Johnson Showing Some Love!

(L) GLH Johnson students and staff show kindness and love to our essential workers and first responders, some of which are Johnson parents! Thank you so much for your dedication and sacrifice during this time.

(R) Teachers at Johnson Elementary kicked off Kindness Week early on Friday, February 12th by showcasing shirts that read, "All You Need Is Love." The staff shows students and each other love daily as GLH Johnson "Grows Learners Hourly"!

Bonner Broncos Spirit Week - Let’s Dress Up in Support of Kindness

As part of an emphasis on fostering a positive school environment, Bonner Middle School will be celebrating Virginia Kindness Week from February 15^th through February 19^th. There were theme days and daily activities to promote kindness in our school and community. Go Broncos!

School Board Proclaims February as CTE Month!

February is Career and Technical Education Month! DPS celebrates the crucial role that career and technical education plays in readying our students for successful careers.

Anthem EAP Promotion: Working Toward Happiness

The DPS Employee Assistance Program can help keep everything in perspective by showing you how to be present in the moment and create a more positive outlook!

Appreciation From the United States Census 2020!

Have a Wonderful Weekend!