Embedded Files
The Danville School Board met on January 27, 2022 in a rescheduled meeting and heard the following communication items:
Superintendent Dr. Angela Hairston gave an update on the next steps for capital improvement projects, including an update on current projects at Langston and I.W. Taylor. The upcoming projects related to the one-percent sales tax referendum, as well as the new track at George Washington High School, will be underway soon, with RFPs issued for all projects and opening within the next month. In addition, she updated the board on preparatory work related to capital projects, including the development of technology, transportation, and security plans, new financial protocols, and furniture designs. The division is also conducting meetings with students, employees, and parents and community members to get feedback relating to the renovations for George Washington High School and John M. Langston for the future home of Galileo Magnet High School. Dr. Hairston also recognized those who assisted with campaigning, including the Vote Yes 4 DPS committee and other volunteers.
Director of Finance Sharon Barksdale reviewed the most recent Accounts Payable Warrants with the board.
Dr. Hairston shared a Corrective Action Plan with the board.
Executive Director of Accountability Dr. Melissa Newton updated the board on the proposed calendars for academic year 2022-2023, which includes two options for the board and other stakeholders to give feedback on. The first is a mirror of the current year calendar, including 185 student days (with a stipend provided for the additional five student days over 180), five professional development days, and 10 teacher workdays. The second option is an “extended winter break” calendar, including 183 student days (with a stipend provided for the additional three student days over 180), five professional development days, and 10 teacher workdays. Please click here to complete the feedback survey on these two options.
Board Member Mr. Brandon Atkins gave an update on the most recent finance committee meeting, where no significant changes were noted from the previous meeting around the proposed state budget.
The board approved the following action items:
Personnel recommendations brought forward by Chief Human Resources Officer Dr. Natalie Halloran.
A resolution for the Clean School Bus Program project brought forward by Director of Transportation Lee Livingston.
Approved the finance reports for December 2021 brought forward by Barksdale.
Approved the PPEA guidelines brought forward by Dr. Hairston, which would allow DPS to use a Public-Private Education Facilities & Infrastructure Act of 2002 in the renovations of George Washington High School.
After a closed session, the board voted to continue universal masking as a part of Danville Public Schools’ mitigation strategies against COVID-19.
Click here to see the February 2022 public notice which includes dates for future board meetings.
School Board Chair Crystal Cobbs gives committee member Pat Daniel a resolution of appreciation for her work during the referendum campaign.
Happy Principal Appreciation Week!
This week, our students and staff have taken time to recognize our dedicated principals and show them how much they are appreciated!
Principal Appreciation Week at Schoolfield
Students, teachers, and staff at Schoolfield Elementary School took time to show their appreciation for their proud principal, Ms. LaTonya Simmons for the week of January 24-28. Ms. Simmons received balloons, flowers, a gift basket, lunch every day, beautiful cards from 5th grade students, and many thoughtful gifts. We appreciate all that Ms. Simmons does to support teaching and learning at Schoolfield. Her dedication and commitment to our school is appreciated.
Grove Park and Northside show love for Principal Wright
Staff and students at Grove Park and Northside Preschools honored their wonderful principal, Ms. Rhonda Wright by making cards, letters, banners, and displaying a donated stake sign to let her know how much we care. Principal Wright was even recognized by our local radio station WBTM and a local restaurant spotlight her on their sign. Students and staff love the passion and care Principal Wright shows. Everyone at Grove Park and Northside Preschool thinks Principal Wright is the Best!
Principal Appreciation Week at Woodberry
Principal Torres at Woodberry Hills wants to send a huge THANK YOU to all the students, staff members, parents, and district leaders that took time to make Principal’s Appreciation Week unforgettable!
5th Grade Video
DPS Education Foundation announces scholarship opportunities
The Danville Public Schools Education Foundation (DPSEF) has announced that scholarship opportunities for the 2021 – 2022 academic year are available, and the application period is open for seniors who graduate from George Washington High School or Galileo Magnet High School.
The Angelika Matczak Business Scholarship of $1,000 will be given yearly to a student who graduates from Galileo Magnet High School. The scholarship is given to a student who shows an innate interest and passion for pursuing a career within the business world.
The Bryan Wells Memorial Scholarship of $2,000, will be given yearly to a student who graduates from Galileo Magnet High School. The scholarship, established in 2009, is given in memory of Bryan Alexander Wells, beloved son, brother, and friend. The Wells family celebrates his life by continuing his educational goals with this scholarship award.
The Sheila Baynes HOME Volunteerism Service Scholarship of $600 will be given to a student who graduates from either George Washington High School or Galileo High School. The scholarship, established in 2021, is given to a student who shows stellar citizenship and commitment to the Danville community through volunteerism.
The Gene Haas Foundation Scholarship Award is a scholarship of up to $9,000 ($3,000 per academic year for 3 years, dependent on financial aid eligibility) that will be given yearly to graduates of Danville Public Schools who have been enrolled in Precision Machining classes at George Washington High School and are enrolling in a machining-based program at Danville Community College (DCC).
Additional information and qualifications, including an online application, may be found at dpspsefoundation.org/scholarships. Students may also request a paper application from his/her guidance counselor.
The deadline for all applications is March 31, 2022. All scholarship recipients will be chosen by the Scholarship Committee of the Danville Public Schools Education Foundation Board of Directors.
Any individual or business interested in establishing a scholarship is encouraged to reach out to Anne Moore- Sparks, Director of the DPSEF.
About the Danville Public Schools Education Foundation
The Danville Public Schools Education Foundation (DPSEF) is a 501(c)(3) organization. DPSEF was founded in 2002 to develop alternative financial resources for Danville Public Schools and to support educational activities for DPS students and professional development for teachers and staff. The Foundation raises awareness and active financial and in-kind support for public education across all sectors of the community and directs that support to learning and teaching activities that otherwise are not fully supported by tax dollars or expected to be delivered directly by DPS.
Important Upcoming Dates:
February 1 - GW JV & Varsity Girls basketball home games starting at 5:30 p.m.
February 2 - Middle school attendance zone meeting at Bonner at 6 p.m.
February 3 - GW JV & Varsity Girls basketball home games starting at 5:30 p.m., School Board meeting starting at 5:30 p.m.
February 8 - interim reports go home
February 12 - COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic at Schoolfield Elementary from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Introducing Schoolfield's Kindergarten and First Grade Scribbles!
Students at Schoolfield Elementary love their new art teacher, Miss Morgan Ouzts! Students in Ms. Ouzts' class enjoyed an important lesson from the book, "I'm Not Just A Scribble," by Diane Alber. In the book, students learn that being different isn't bad. It is when we come together that beautiful art is made! Schoolfield is a community that supports one another and embraces their differences.
Woodberry Hills staff members are proudly wearing their Autism Awareness Shirts. Thank you for all you do for our students!
Tomorrow's vaccine clinic at Gibson has been cancelled due to expected winter weather. However, we have scheduled another clinic at Schoolfield on February 12 that will have first, second, and booster doses for the Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson and Johnson vaccines. Remember, Pfizer is currently approved for those five and older. To register for this clinic, please visit vase.vdh.virginia.gov.
Got content for the Friday Feature? Email it to ldavis2@mail.dps.k12.va.us
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