March 23, 2021
NewsDaily NewsMarch 23, 2021

March is VSBA Equity in Education Month
In an effort to encourage equity in education, the VSBA Board of Directors has designated the month of March as VSBA Equity in Education Month. For more information on the month-long webinar series, a copy of the governor’s proclamation and additional resources follow the link above.

2021 VSBA Title IX: Best Practices In Training & Compliance
With claims of sexual harassment and sexual misconduct hitting newsstands everywhere, Title IX coordinators and other senior staff need to be confident in their knowledge and enforcement of their divisions’ policies. Prevention and thorough investigations are the best ways to…

Local teachers building positive relationships with students during the pandemic
Every Monday WAVY News 10 is featuring local teachers who stared down the pandemic and found special ways to reach their students in this land of virtual learning. It’s part of our Virtual Victories series. “Really my most important focus is on building relationships with the students…

Bedford County teacher recognized for impact on students and community
A Bedford County teacher is being recognized with state-level awards for her contributions to career and technical education. Elizabeth Wendland, a teacher at Bedford’s Susie G. Gibson Science and Technology Center who instructs two dual enrollment classes — Early Childhood…

Portsmouth schools double the planned raises for teachers and staff next year
Teachers and staff in Portsmouth would get raises next year under the budget approved by the School Board last week. The $168 million operating budget calls for 4% raises for all employees, double what the district had initially planned to offer, thanks to additional state…

Fredericksburg schools to extend school day for in-person students
The school day for hybrid students in Fredericksburg City Public Schools will be extended by two hours beginning April 6. The new school day will run from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. for elementary students and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for secondary students. Hybrid students will still attend two days…

Students enjoy in-class theater
For the last 18 years, Louisa’s Rotary Club has sponsored the Barter Players to put on live theater performances for Louisa County Public Schools students. Delivering live performances to students during a pandemic required extra legwork to keep the tradition alive. The Rotary…

32 Henrico teachers earn board certification
Thirty-two Henrico teachers have received certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, the nation’s highest mark of accomplishment. Henrico County Public Schools said this is the most teachers in the division to get the certification. In addition to…

Kamras: Richmond Public Schools may need more local, state money after federal aid expires
Richmond officials fear that efforts to remediate the COVID-19 pandemic’s disruptive impact on students, particularly those learning to read, could falter if federal aid lapses in two years without new money from the city or state. With the support of $55 million in federal CARES Act dollars…

Student writers recognized for Black History Month essays
Three area students were honored for writing essays based on African American History in a contest sponsored by the Culpeper Branch of the NAACP for Black History Month. Cerena Quiñones, Catherine Lomis and Lajoya Banks were recognized Thursday evening for their…

‘A Reminder of Our Sense of Community’ in Fairfax City
Multi-use development Boulevard VI is replacing the former Paul VI High School along Fairfax Boulevard in Fairfax City. And to honor the site’s historic importance, plus the City’s quality of life, developer IDI Group asked Fairfax High art students to create murals for its construction…

Byrd Band returns to the stands, if not the field
The William Byrd High School Marching Terriers band will be performing at this week’s home football game against Patrick County on March 18—despite the many challenges of playing an instrument, practicing, and performing during a pandemic. The band members won’t actually…

Blacksburg High School student among first female Eagle Scouts
A Blacksburg High School freshman has just landed the highest Scouts Boy Scouts of America rank – called the Eagle Scout. Jacqueline “Jack” Cooper is the first female in the Blue Ridge Mountains to receive it. Cooper started training with BSA at just 10 years old with her brother…

High school golfers help raise $22,000 for Virginia veterans
On a sunny spring day at the Highlands Golf Club in Chesterfield, a class project by two James River High School seniors ended up raising tens of thousands of dollars to help combat veterans in Central Virginia. James Dacey and Peyton Jones are both in a course called…

Stafford School Board chair to run for House of Delegates
Holly Hamilton Hazard, chair of the Stafford County School Board, announced Friday she will seek the Republican nomination for the 88th District seat in the Virginia House of Delegates. The seat is currently held by Republican Del. Mark Cole, who has served in the legislature…

VSBA School Board U
School Board U is an area of the VSBA website filled with learning opportunities for school board members to explore important topics related to your service on the school board. Complete certain courses and earn a certificate for your hard work. For more information visit the member section of the VSBA website. School board members and division staff, please check your email to find the log in and password information or contact VSBA.

2021 VSBA Business Honor Roll Open Now
Local businesses have the power to shape community attitudes about public schools. Every spring, the VSBA Business Honor Roll provides a way for local school divisions to recognize local businesses for their support, especially as schools face increasing budget uncertainty…