October 16, 2020

School Board Approves Face-to-Face Instruction Plan!

At the regularly scheduled school board meeting held last night, the Danville City School Board approved the Return to Face-to-Face Instruction Plan recommended by Dr. Catherine Magouyrk, Interim Superintendent. In the plan, Dr. Magouyrk’s recommendation called for those students who selected face-to-face instruction return to the classroom, in a phased approach, beginning Monday, November 9, 2020.

“Health and safety remain the top priorities," stated Crystal Cobbs, chair of the School Board. "The school board approved Dr. Magouyrk’s recommendation because we believe that instructional goals are best achieved by maximizing in-person learning. The school board has been tasked with making a difficult decision that may not be popular with all but is in the best interest of our students.”

Phase One of the plan states that students in grades K-3, 6, 9, and 12, and those students in special education/self-contained classes return to face-to-face instruction on November 9, 2020. Phase Two states those students in grades 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, and 11 return to face-to-face instruction on November 16, 2020.

For students in grades K-3, and students attending the Danville Alternative Program, face-to-face instruction will take place on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. On Wednesdays, students will complete school assignments at home.

Students assigned to the Extended Day Alternative Program will attend face-to-face on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

Students in grades 4-12 will be divided into two groups, Group A and Group B, and attend face-to-face two days a week. Group A students attend face-to-face instruction on Mondays and Thursdays and complete school assignments at home on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Group B students attend face-to-face instruction on Tuesdays and Fridays and complete schools assignments at home on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

Division-wide guidelines for the face-to-face return include:

· All students will have their temperatures taken daily as needed.

· All students will wear masks in schools and on buses. Gaiter masks (neck masks), masks with vents, and bandanas are not allowed. Masks must
cover noses and fit properly.

· All students will practice social distancing.

· All students will wash their hands or use hand sanitizer when using the restroom or whenever directed by the teacher.

· All students will behave and follow the Student Code of Conduct and safety guidelines for the face-to-face environment.

· All classroom doors of face-to-face classrooms will remain open to increase ventilation.

· All students will eat in the classroom with their teachers.

· Individual schools will develop their own face-to-face guidelines that are directly applicable to the school.

“Community engagement has been key in this decision making process,” stated Cobbs. “Over the last three weeks, school board members and Danville Public Schools staff facilitated 26 meetings with parents, teachers, and students at every school to hear comments, concerns, and suggestions about the return to face-to-face instruction. We listened and have incorporated your suggestions in this plan.”

The October 15, 2020 school board meeting can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/user/dpslive.

The Return to Face-to-Face Instruction Plan, FAQ’s, and individual school plans may be found on the website at https://www.danvillepublicschools.org/ .

New Superintendent Named!

Dr. Angela Hairston was appointed as the next superintendent of Danville Public Schools at last night's school board meeting. Her new position will be effective December 1, 2020. Hairston has over 30 years of experience working in public education in Virginia, Georgia, and North Carolina. She has served as Superintendent for Winston Salem/Forsyth County Schools in North Carolina since 2019 and previously served as Superintendent in Augusta, Georgia. Much of Hairston’s early career was spent in Danville Public Schools as a math teacher, assistant principal and principal.

“I am honored to be selected as the next superintendent of Danville Public Schools," said Hairston. "I am excited to have this opportunity to work collaboratively with the school board, staff and the community in Danville.”

Crystal Cobbs, chair of the Danville City School Board, believes Dr. Hairston will be a great fit for the division. She stated, “We welcome Dr. Hairston to Danville Public Schools. Her leadership and experience will be an asset to the division and community.”

Hairston earned a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Virginia Tech, a Master of Arts in Secondary School Administration from Hampton University, and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Business Management from Averett University.

The Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) assisted the school board with the superintendent search process.

Welcome Home, Dr. Hairston. Click here for the WSLS story.

Senator Tim Kaine Visits Westwood!

U.S. Senator Tim Kaine virtually joined sixth graders of Westwood Middle School for Mr. Bridgen’s United States History class. Kaine spoke with the students about the importance of public service. He is also heard directly from students and staff about their experiences with virtual instruction amid the COVID-19. For more information, see Register and Bee article or even better, check out Patrick Stowe's Chalk Talk video!

Ribbon Cutting for GO TEC Lab -

This week, officials cut the ribbon on the brand new GO TEC lab at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research. The lab will serve as a training hub for GO TEC Career Connections middle school teachers utilizing the same equipment they use in the classroom.

As part of the GO TEC initiative middle school students throughout our region are taught hands on learning opportunities with welding simulators, coding exercises, robotics projects and more in career connection learning labs. The goal is to generate a robust talent pipeline for local industries.

Over the next 18 months the number of labs and educational partners will reach 12 school divisions across GO Virginia Regions 1,3 and 4.

#PartnershipsMatter - Part 1

Grove Park and Northside Preschools were thrilled to be invited to participate in the Backpack Program through Saint Luke's United Methodist Church. All children are offered the opportunity to have 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners and 2 snacks. The program coordinator noted that this program gives children food through the weekend. On Friday, the first shipment arrived at both preschools by Saint Luke's United Methodist church members and program participants. This is another great community partnership. When the community supports Danville Public Schools, great things happen!

#PartnershipsMatter - Part 2

Thank you to the Danville Host Lions Club and its President, Tammy Wright Warren, for the $5,000 donation to the DPS Vision Program.

The Club has provided funding for our program for over 25 years and has served as a wonderful testament to community support for all of our students with visual impairments.

Their funding helps provide accessible technology our students need to be successful in a virtual world and supports students with low vision and multiple disabilities who require large print, magnification devices, and other accessible materials.

#PartnershipsMatter - Part 3

Stopped by the Ruby B. Archie Public Library today and picked up these goodies from Russell Carter, Director, and Nancy Thompson, Circulation Manager. Thank you for the donation of much-needed school supplies.

Westwood Nutrition Staff Supports National Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

The Westwood Nutrition Staff took Friday, October 9th to wear pink in support of the survivors, those still in the fight, and the families of those who have lost loved ones all for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

#stayhungrytigers #keepfighting #westwood #westwoodcares

Gibson Students Showcase Native American Homes!

Ms. Glass' 4th grade class at E.A. Gibson Elementary School has been talking about Native Americans in Social Studies so one of their assignments was to create their own Native American Home. Ms. Glass was super impressed so she had to share with you all the effort and creativeness they put into this assignment.

Preschoolers Preactice Fire Safety During COVID-19!

Here are some photos from Mrs. Godfrey's and Mrs. Petty's class at Grove Park Preschool. Even though their typical Fire Safety activities including the firefighters bringing their big red fire truck to school had to be cancelled do to COVID precautions, that was no problem. They still had it covered. These little ones are safely practicing their fire fighting skills.

Look At These Cuties!

Whew! This class has been having a blast at Grove Park Preschool!! They are studying Community Helpers this week, along with letters P and B! Tuesday, they were chefs and made pancakes! Later, they painted bears, used binoculars to find bears on a bear hunt, and even made an edible bear cave! They are learning so many new things while having so much fun too!

3 DPS Teachers Win Chamber Awards!

The Chamber's annual awards ceremony took place virtually. One of the awards was the Educator of the Year award which was given to three regional K-12 teachers who are committed to excellence in education. Of the three awards, two DPS teachers won the award which comes with a $2,500 stipend.

Congratulations to Sherrie Jones from Woodberry Hills Elementary School and Megan Johansen from Park Avenue Elementary School. We are so very proud of you!

Congratulations to ALL of the DPS nominees: Christle Fallen (Gibson), Stephanie Haynsworth (Forest Hills), Kristin Mills (G.L.H. Johnson), Michelle Larking (Galileo), Scott Brann (GW), Lisa Charmello (Grove Park), Dana Smith (Northside), Sara Lewis (Bonner), Kristin Gleber (Schoolfield), LaKisha Brandon (Westwood), and Christopher Gee (W.W. Moore).

“The Educator of the Year awards acknowledge the extraordinary teachers throughout the Dan River Region who work tirelessly to educate, support and care for our students,” Chamber President and CEO Dr. Alexis I. Ehrhardt said. “This year these awards are more important than ever, as we recognize the great lengths teachers went to when, in March, students suddenly transitioned to virtual learning. Our teachers rose to the challenge to ensure that their students had engaging opportunities to learn, and for that we applaud each of them.”

Also, congratulations to Corey Williams, a George Washington High School teacher, who won the PACE Award at the Chamber's annual awards ceremony today. The Young Professionals PACE [Professional and Community Engagement] Awards are designed to recognize and celebrate exceptional young professionals in Danville and Pittsylvania County. The annual awards highlight up to five emerging leaders who have made significant contributions to the region through professional achievement and community involvement.

#DPSStrong

School Board Approves Athletic Conditioning Plan!

Galileo and George Washington High Schools can begin conditioning activities November 9th provided students participate in study hall, tutoring sessions, and guidance meetings with their coaches regardless if they are virtual or face-to-face students. This strategy ensures we are meeting student conditioning needs, as well as academic and emotional needs.

You Are Special!

There is a reason that special is in the title of these great people. These Early Childhood Special Educators have been teaching their children face-to-face since the beginning of school (with no positive cases)! They give that special touch to the youngest children in the Danville Public Schools. #spedsquad #preschoolstrong

Westwood Born to Shine for Down Syndrome Awareness Month!

Members of Westwood Middle School showed their creative prowess to embody the fight, advocacy, support, and love for Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Organized by Alicia Waller and her daughter Arie, the colorful shirts purchased by staff aided in the continued cause to elevate a more inclusive environment for all with special needs.

Have a Great Weekend!