September 20, 2019

Alumni Spotlight - James Collie of ICEMULE - GW Class of 1982

Excerpt from Phil La Duke's article in Authority Magazine....."As part of our series about entrepreneurs who transformed something they did for fun into a full-time career, I had the pleasure of interviewing James Collie. James was once taking a day-long hike with friends in Virginia. Knowing they wouldn’t be able to stop for cold drinks along the banks of the James River, and unable to find a good waterproof portable cooler, James created a make-shift cooler out of a day pack and double lined it with plastic trash bags. Inside, he filled it with cold drinks and sandwiches. This seemed like a good idea until the trash bags broke and ice water flooded down his back and legs. A wet hiker, warm drinks and soggy food started the wheels of innovation turning. Once home, he set out to design a soft-sided, waterproof and portable cooler that could carry ice and be comfortable enough to take on both long hikes and relaxing days at the beach."

To find out how James invented ICEMULE......."From Avocation To Vocation: How I Turned My Hobby Into A Career”

#DPSalumsrock

"Bite of Science Event" Held

This group of science teachers from GWHS attended the Teacher Enrichment Program (TEP) - "Bite of Science" event on Thursday, September 12th through DCC. The program’s purpose is to allow teachers to “spend an evening with local STEM professionals to learn about science research and engineering.” Other local school divisions were also represented.

L to R Front Row: Lenora Goodwin, Mariska Cadogon, Jaime Emmel, Dovie Hodgin, Kristen Baggerly, Summer Guill, and Empress Sanford

L to R Back Row: Dan Newell and Brooke Klett

#everychildeverydayeveryclassroom

Thanks for the Perk!

Principal Rhonda Wright says staff members enjoying the free coffee and fixings at Grove Park Preschool. There were lots of smiles early on a Monday morning. Thanks to DPS Child Nutrition for this great perk (pardon the pun).

You are Invited - SOVA Career ChoICE Youth Expo!

You are invited to join us for Expo in the Evening on Tuesday, September 24, 4-7pm, at the Olde Dominion Agricultural Complex, in Chatham, Virginia.

The SOVA Career ChoICE Youth Expo, which will be held on September 25 – 26 and will include 7^th and 10^th grade students from our schools, is all about exposing young people to career opportunities in our region and helping them map out the best pathway(s) to their career goals. Regional businesses and organizations will be on-site providing hands-on exposure activities that provide a glimpse into a myriad of career fields. During Expo in the Evening, regional resources are aligned to help students achieve their goals, whether that’s a higher education provider, Career & Technical Education program, or scholarship information. If you have any questions, please contact the Career & Technical Education Office at 799-6569. #everychildeverydayeveryclassroom

Former GW Principal Passes Away!

Mr. Chris Carter, the first African-American Principal at GW and a famed athletic coach, passed away this past weekend. Our condolences go out to the Carter family during this difficult time. Click here for a WSET article published on September 17th. #EaglePride

GW Theatre Guild Presents...D.O.A.

“I’d like to report a murder...mine...last night.”

Come and see the George Washington Theatre Guild as it presents the stage version of the 1951 Black and White Film Noir Classic D.O.A. Tickets are $5 general admission. The content of the show is appropriate for middle school and older audiences. #everychildeverydayeveryclassroom

Neighboring Church Supports Grove Park Preschool!

College Park Baptist Church is such a wonderful neighbor to Grove Park Preschool. This week, they came to visit the 4 year olds and delivered a check for $477.00. These were the proceeds from their community yard sale last month. Some of our students got to say thank you in person. #partnershipsmatter

Carlsen Receives $500 for Flexible Seating Spaces!

Michelle Carlsen, a teacher at Gibson, received a Community 500 Impact Project Sponsorship from Middle Border Forward at the beginning at the school year. Carlsen's project was called 'Flexible Seating for Flexible Learning'. She received $500 to incorporate flexible seating into her classroom - stools, pillows, rugs, rolling chairs, cushions, a coffee table, lap trays, carpet squares, scoop chairs, and rubber bands for the chairs.

If you have a classroom project that needs funding, apply here. The current application cycle ends September 30th! #partnershipsmatter

Teen Program Celebrates First GED Graduate!

Allen Paulk is the first GED Teen Graduate for this school year. His teachers and staff were so excited about this accomplishment that the class celebrated with a cake. Allen will be missed by his teachers, but they are excited about him moving on to DCC. Good luck Allen.

If you, or someone you know, could benefit from a GED Diploma or additional training, our doors at ACEC are open for business. Stop by 141 Goode Street or call Mary Dumont at 434.799.6471. #everychildeverydayeveryclassroom

Constitution Day at Bonner!

Faculty and staff at Bonner Middle School wore red, white, and blue on September 17th to celebrate Constitution Day! Social studies classes also honored the day in all grades with lessons and activities about this foundational document. #everychildeverydayeveryclassroom

Healthy Virginians Week Promotes Healthy Eating!

This week is Healthy Virginians Week. During this week DPS serves a FFVP (Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program) snack every day. Looks like our kids at Schoolfield are enjoying their fruit snacks! #everychildeverydayeveryclassroom

Dress for Success Day at Woodrow!

Mrs. Prunty’s 5th grade class dressed up this week for their Wednesday Dress for Success Day to represent leadership and they looked AMAZING! Thanks for setting a great example! #WoodrowWilsonIntermediateSchool #Lions #DPS #EverychildEverydayEveryclassroom

Kudos to Mr. Poole!

On Tuesday September 17, 2019, Mr. Grant Poole, Music Teacher at Grove Park and Northside Preschools, presented an Early Childhood Music Workshop to the students studying Music Education at the University of Lynchburg. The two hour workshop consisted of a lecture/discussion portion where topics ranged from philosophies, methodologies, and strategies for early childhood music education. During the second hour of the workshop, the students participated in age appropriate music activities, and discussed the process that was used in designing and implementing the activities.

Mr. Poole will present early childhood music workshops later this fall at the Virginia Music Educators State Conference, and the North Carolina Music Educators State Conference. #everychildeverydayeveryclassroom

Breakfast Buddies at Gibson!

The kids love it when the Danville Police Department visits their school! #partnershipsmatter

FIT Night at Woodberry Hills!

FIT Night with Coach Rojas was a huge success! #everychildeverydayeveryclassroom

TEACHERS! TEACHERS! TEACHERS!

History United will be providing a Teacher Content Academy. They will be providing lunch, historical tours, and a chance to learn from historical icons that you will be able to take back to the classroom. All content is in line with SOL's. Don't hesitate to sign up as the bus will fill up quick.

Registration by email info@historyunited.org

Ruby B. Archie Public Library Donates School Supplies!

This is the second year the Danville, VA Public Library has provided the amnesty program called Supplies for Fines. Patrons were able to donate school supplies and for every item the library waived $2 in fees in fines.

This program ran for the entire month of August 2019. The library collected 384 items and distributed them to DPS this week.

Left to right: Anne Moore-Sparks, Community Engagement and Business Partnership Specialist for Danville Public Schools and Nancy Thompson, Circulation Supervisor for Danville, VA Public Library. #partnershipsmatter

New Playground Open for Business!

Woodrow Wilson's new playground is complete and the students LOVE IT!!

#WoodrowWilsonIntermediateSchool #DPS #EverychildEverydayEveryclassroom

Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month!

September is National Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month. The Health Career Academy Nursing Assistant Students are wearing YELLOW today to help bring a greater awareness to the needs of Pediatric Cancer Research. A portion of all HCA fundraiser’s during the 2019-2020 school year will be donated to the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation. Visit nationalpcf.org to find out how you can help make a difference. Remember research is the only way to find a cure. #everychildeverydayeveryclassroom