June 3, 2022
During their regularly scheduled meeting Thursday evening, the Danville School Board made the following recognitions:
Celebrated years of service for employees that have dedicated 30 and 35 years to Danville Public Schools. Karen Blachura, David Black, Scott Brann, Ruth Brown, Schnita Cobbs, Belinda Gibson, Martha Hampton, Vickie Mitchell, Patricia Ratliff, and Shirby Wilson were recognized for 30 years of service. Ramona Booker and Sherry Wright were recognized for 35 years of service.
GWHS Senior Nursing Assistant Students, as they had a 100% pass rate for their Virginia State Board of Nursing CNA Licensure Exams and are fully licensed to practice as a licensed professional in the field of health care. We congratulate instructors Mrs. Lisa Argyrakis and Mrs. Robin Turner, and students Jayla Adams, T’Niyah Brown, I’yonna Frazier, Summer Jernigan, and Jamiyah Townes.
The Board heard the following communications:
Chief Human Resources Officer Dr. Natalie Halloran presented Retirement and Resignation Data for the current school year.
Chief Operations Officer Dr. Wayne Lyle presented an update on school safety in DPS. He gave details on the frequency of fire drills, lockdown drills, and school safety audits. Additional safety measures include threat assessment trainings, keyless badge entry, security surveillance systems, floor plans provided to the police and fire departments, SROs at the middle schools and GW, and school security officers at every school.
Assistant Director of Finance Dawn Wright-Lawson presented the most recent accounts payable warrants.
Vice-Chair Ty’Quan Graves gave an update from the Operations, Facilities, and Planning Committee meeting on May 19.
The Board took the following action items:
Approved personnel recommendations brought forward by Dr. Halloran.
Approved H2I Group for the provision of protective mats for the GW Track (RFP-2022-500).
Approved the Title I, Part A, Title II, Part A, Title IV, Part A, and Title V, Part B, Subpart 2 grant applications for the 2022-2023 school year brought forward by Director of Federal Programs Catiia Greene.
Approved the Title III, Part A grant application for the 2022-2023 school year brought forward by EL Coordinator Anna Fulton.
Approved the Title I Division-Wide Parent and Family Engagement Policy to support the requirement under TItle I, Part A brought forward by Greene.
Approved the school board meeting schedule for the 2022-2023 school year.
Approved the following Instructional policy changes: IGAH - Family Life Education, IGAJ - Drive Education, IGBE - Remedial and Summer Instruction Program, IGBF - English Learners, IGBG - Off-Site Instruction, IGBGA - Online Courses and Virtual School Programs, IGBGB - Instruction Through Alternative Technology, IGBH - Alternative School Programs, IGBI - Advanced Placement Classes and Special Programs, IGC - Promotion and Retention, and IGCA - Grading.
LEFT TOP: Ramona Booker was honored for 35 Years of Service to Danville Public Schools.
LEFT BOTTOM: Martha Hampton and Vickie Mitchell celebrate 30 years of service with DPS.
RIGHT TOP: Shirby Wilson, Scott Brann, Schnita Cobbs, Ruth Brown, Belinda Gibson, and Patricia Ratliff were honored for 30 Years of Service to Danville Public Schools.
RIGHT BOTTOM: Nursing Assistant Students Summer Jernigan and Jamiyah Townes, as well as Instructor Lisa Argyrakis, were recognized for their 100% pass rates on the Virginia State Board of Nursing CNA Licensure Exam.
Spring Sports Highlight Reel
Congratulations to our students on great spring seasons, and good luck to those who are still competing in State Championships!
Best Maintained School
On Wednesday, June 1, Director of Maintenance Mike McVay presented the "Best Maintained School" award to Northside's Custodians. Thank you for all you do!
Important Upcoming Dates & Events:
June 4 - Bridge Street Food Truck Rodeo 12 - 6 p.m.
June 8 - Last day of school, early release day for students, report cards go home
June 9 - Teacher work day
June 10 - Galileo & GW Graduations
Cotton Candy at Park Avenue
Students at Park Avenue enjoyed fresh cotton candy to celebrate their many accomplishments this school year!
Life Cycles at Gibson
Gibson Elementary students recently evaluated life cycles with Master Gardeners by observing birds. Students used the evidence-based strategy of asking and answering questions to further their knowledge about animal life cycles and applying knowledge from their research about birds.
Students recognized for participating in Community Based Instruction Program
On June 1, George Washington High School students were recognized for participating in the Community Based Instruction program. The students work throughout the school year to increase their social and vocational skills. Jacob Ott received special recognition for graduating from the program this year.
Special thank you to the local businesses for hosting our students: Belk, Danville Area Humane Society, God's Storehouse, Habitat for Humanity, and Holiday Inn Express.
DPS librarians celebrate Roberson's retirement
On Thursday, June 2, 2022, DPS librarians celebrated the retirement of Kim Roberson (34 years - GW) and Cindy Blair (32 years - Schoolfield). Pictured are Librarians Lindsey Huckstep (Forest Hills), Lori Hanks (Park Avenue), Cynthia Jeffress (Johnson), Cindy Blair (Schoolfield), Tracey Smith (Gibson), Kim Roberson (GW), and Sarah Wood (Woodberry).
Tiger Field Day at Westwood
Westwood Middle School enjoyed a fun Tiger Field Day which included a DJ, bounce houses, and a chance to dunk Principal Waldron!
Fifth grade promotion at Gibson
This week Gibson Elementary fifth grade students celebrated their promotion ceremony with friends, family, and other community members. We are so proud of you and we wish you the best next year at Westwood and in all of your future endeavors! Please always remember to be kind, work hard, and never give up!
Faculty Discount at Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness is now offering $0 to join and the first month free for ALL school faculty! Please see the joining instructions below.
Got content for the Friday Feature? Email it to ldavis2@mail.dps.k12.va.us