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During their January 6 school board meeting, the school board heard the following communications:
Director of Finance Sharon Barksdale updated the board on recent accounts payable warrants.
Health and Wellness Coordinator Renita Townes gave the board an update on the new CDC guidelines regarding COVID-19 isolation and quarantine. Updated on Dec. 30, 2021, this includes For exposures, if someone has not received their booster when they are past 6 months since their primary series (Moderna or Pfizer) or past 2 months since their primary J&J series or they are unvaccinated, they will need to quarantine for 5 days and can return to school or work on day 6, but must wear a mask for the next 5 days.
If someone has received their booster or is within the last 6 months of their primary series (Moderna or Pfizer) or completed J&J primary series within the last 2 months, they will not need to quarantine, but should wear a mask around others for 10 days. It is recommended that anyone exposed test on day five regardless of vaccination status.
If someone tests positive, they are to stay at home for 5 days or until their symptoms resolve (for example, fever free for 24 hours without the use of medication), regardless of vaccination status.
Director of Leadership Quality Dr. Misti Williams shared an overview of the school-based leadership teams, which has included the comprehensive school improvement plans, and spoke about the next steps of mid-year principal evaluations and monthly attendance in meetings by school leadership liaisons.
Mr. Jay Lancaster gave an update of the Superintendent Advisory Committees for Educational Support Personnel and Teachers. The two committees held their inaugural meetings on December 14, 2021 and discussed meeting norms, VDOE expectations, and sales tax updates.
The following actions were taken:
Approved personnel recommendations brought forward by Chief Human Resources Officer Dr. Natalie Halloran.
Approved the changes to the following policies: CBG - Evaluation of the Superintendent, CH - Policy Implementation, CM - School Division Annual Report, Policy DIA - Reporting Per Pupil Costs, Policy DJF - Purchasing Procedures.
The board also voted unanimously to elect Keisha Averett as an interim board member, following Renee Hughes’ resignation in November.
Averett was chosen after an application and interview process. She is a Danville native and works as a youth career coach for ROSS Innovative Employment Solutions at Virginia Career Works West Piedmont-Danville.
“I am truly honored to have been chosen as interim school board member,” Averett said. “My goal is to work collaboratively with the community in improving student achievement, to encourage parental involvement, and to uphold the vision, mission, and beliefs of Danville Public Schools.”
Board Chair Crystal Cobbs said she is looking forward to welcoming a new member to the board.
“We are excited to work with her and continue this important work for Danville Public Schools,” Cobbs said.
Averett will serve as interim board member until a special election can be held in November to fill the seat for the remainder of the unexpired term.
DPS and VDH Covid19 Clinics.pdfDPS and VDH hosting vaccine clinics at elementary schools
Danville Public Schools employees, students, and families are reminded that we are hosting vaccine clinics each Saturday in January. First, second, additional primary, and booster shots will be available of all three vaccines. Pfizer is currently approved for people 5 and older. They will take place from 9-11 a.m., and the dates are as follows:
January 8 - Johnson
January 15 - Park Avenue
January 22 - Schoolfield
January 29 - Gibson
Those interested can register for appointments here, and walk-ins will be accepted.
GW Lady Eagles win Harry Johnson Holiday Classic
Last week, The Harry Johnson Holiday Classic Basketball Tournament was hosted at George Washington High School. The three-day basketball tournament was filled with great games played by all, especially our DPS Athletes. In the end, our very own Eagles came out on top! Congrats to the GW Girl's Basketball team!
Attendance Zone feedback sessions to be held this month
At the Dec. 2 school board meeting, Dr. Hairston proposed changes to the attendance zones for G. L. H. Johnson Elementary School and Bonner and Westwood Middle Schools, based on results of a study done by MGT Consulting Group. The proposed attendance zone changes would create more efficient transportation routes for buses, as well as allow for true "feeder schools" for the middle schools to enhance school communities. These recommendations can be viewed at danvillepublicschools.org. Register for the upcoming meetings here.
Westwood class wins poster contest
Rebecca Bartee's class recently won the Disability Rights and Resource Center's (DRRC) poster contest for National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Students and classes were invited to design a poster that reflected the theme "America's Recovery: Powered by Inclusion." The class won first place for the group category and was awarded a $100 gift card. The class poster displayed various areas of employment that individuals with disabilities contribute to, but deserve more recognition in. Congratulations!
I.W. Taylor Virtual Academy Holiday Choir Concert
I.W. Taylor Virtual Academy Holiday Band Concert
Construction feedback sessions coming up soon
It's an exciting time at DPS! The upcoming renovations for George Washington High School and the J.M. Langston campus for the future home of Galileo will be here before you know it, and we want to hear your thoughts! See session dates and times to the left. Register here.
**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.
FINAL GALILEO APPLICATION POSTER.pdfSpread the word!
Did you know that we publish a weekly update for the parents of DPS students? Each week, they get important announcements and upcoming events. They can sign up to see the Parent Post and stay in the know with what's happening in our school district by texting 'YES' or 'Y' to 67587.
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