WHATʼS INSIDE:
First-ever Challenger Day | Pg. 6
Spotlight on: Blazer Blast rewards students GRAD/PLC Center | Pg. 8 for acts of kindness | Pg. 7
Tis the Season
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The most noticeable thing about Anna Wong, a senior at Tucker High School, is her love of life and kind demeanor. As the grandchild of Chinese immigrants who came here with nothing, she has been raised to not only appreciate everything and everyone around her, but to give back as much as she possibly can.
appiness and goodwill emanate from her, even if it’s just in passing.
Little Sisters of the Poor and the Daily Planet, but wanted to do something different, something big.
“I have such a full, amazing life,” Wong said. “Everything comes easy for me, so I have to give back more.” For weeks, as she was trying to fall asleep, Wong would have passing thoughts of what she could do to really make an impact. She had volunteered at
Finally, it came to her. She would organize a show where students and teachers could perform, and the proceeds from the show would go to help those in need. She would call it “Movements,” in reference to people being moved to move others.
“I think helping people is something that comes from within,” Wong said. “Even though we are all so different and we go through different struggles, it’s important to come together and help each other.” Tucker students and staff took the theme of “Movements” to the stage in the form of music, monologues and poetry. As word got out about the show,
students were ready and willing to help in any way they could. Wong said “Movements” evolved into something extremely emotional and personal for everyone involved. The show was everything she hoped it would be and more, raising nearly $2,000 in monetary donations and items for the Daily Planet. She was inspired by how intimate many of the see TIS THE SEASON, Pg. 3
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Reflecting on all we can be thankful for Dr. Patrick Russo
Superintendent of Schools
A The Henrico Education Foundation’s 2nd Corporate April 11, 2013 at University of Richmond’s Jepson Alumni Center 3:30 - 6:00 pm
Call 652-3869 to learn more. team. Sponsor a Z! of the BUZ BEE part
www.HenricoFoundation.org
school days
s we celebrate many holidays this season, it reminds us how fortunate we are to work and live in a county that continues to be supported and committed to quality education. Thanks to the vision of the Henrico County School Board and the support of our Henrico County Board of Supervisors and County Manager, Henrico County Public Schools continues to thrive and provide an outstanding education to all students. With this support and everyone’s expectation for excellence in our schools, it is no wonder that the HCPS vision is to be The PREMIER School District in the United States. We had a great 2012-13 school opening in spite of some transportation difficulties, which have now been resolved. Teachers and staff started preparing our students for the rigors of our education system on the very first day of school. We are so fortunate to have one of the best, if not the BEST, group of professionals and support staff teaching and working with our children. Please know and be assured that every one of our staff members is
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he ABCD award is presented to various Henrico County Schools’ support personnel who have made significant contributions that improved job efficiency, quality of services, safety, or conserved resources; performed a humanitarian or heroic act; or who responded proactively by anticipating needs and solving problems without specific direction and have gone Above and Beyond the Call of Duty.
The winners for October were: Vicki Lawson of Longan ES, Sandy
Again, thank you for all your past and continued support in our pursuit of education excellence. Together, we will continue to work toward our vision of becoming The PREMIER School District in the United States – and we will succeed! Sincerely,
Over the past three years, Henrico County Public Schools has experienced a $58 million reduction in allocated revenues which has resulted in a 14 percent overall
Lowell of Longan ES and Darlene Thompson of Ridge ES. The winners for November were: Constance Durvin of Harvie Elementary School, Pat Zirkle of Tucker High School and Sherry Bowman of Transportation.
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The Henrico Education Foundation in partnership with the Henrico Federal Credit Union joins us in recognizing these individuals by providing a check to each recipient.
truly dedicated to the education and support of the students in Henrico County. Some of the highlights of Henrico County Public Schools as we progress through the 2012-13 school year include: • 97 percent of schools are fully accredited • 25 percent overall four-year reduction in the number and instances of student suspensions • Highest student enrollment in AP classes to date • Our focus to close the Achieve- ment Gap and continue our vision for our Excellence with Equity Initiative • The implementation of our 2nd Advance College Academy offering at Highland Springs High School, which will be our 13th specialty center in HCPS
budget reduction. We are now operating at the same budget figure as we operated at during the 2006-07 school year. While we have been challenged to maintain our level of financial support, we have not compromised the level of educational excellence in our school division. We will continue to be challenged in this area as the county has projected an additional $11 million reduction in revenues for the 2013-14 school year. The School Board and administration will again develop a budget around three major points: • Every full-time staff member will have a position for the coming school year; • Staff salary raises; and • Minimal impact to instructional programs
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One-On-One In-Home Tutoring
December 2012
November ABCD winner Sherry Bowman. Constance Durvin and Pat Zirkle are not pictured.
October ABCD winners (L to R) Vicki Lawson of Longan ES, Sandy Lowell of Longan ES and Darlene Thompson of Ridge ES.
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TIS THE SEASON songs and monologues were, as students and teachers both exposed some of their most private thoughts and experiences on stage. Wong’s favorite thing about Tucker High is the diversity she encounters every day. She even partially attributed the diverse backgrounds of its students to the show’s success. “I hate that I live in this huge happy bubble while others have so much hurt in their lives,” Wong said. “The greatest thing I had to offer was something that shared my strengths and the strengths of people around me.”
” monologue
ents Anna’s “Movem An excerpt from
home with comfortable ve living in a food. I lo ve I lo g. I nin t. or ee y m sw good book. up in bed ever t cereal. I love anything a e m ith es w ak w up uggling the sun breakfas iends. I me. I love sn I love when I love eating I love my fr ersity around oken family. love to sing. by faithI ed n. nd a loving, unbr hool here. I love the div te ou of rr su every so sc ch and being y brother ur m ighborhood ch of ne love going to d e to un th ing so in go e on runs ocolate boys! I love e smell of dinner and th ch to t ing ho I love going lk ing ta ink ve th dr girl. I lo watching baking. I love ring thunderstorms and ve ve lo lo love being a I I . s. er rt ach hu e. love wat porch du that my stom ach. I love…loving my lif ful people. I tting on the no. I love si ghing so hard e be playing the pia hen it snows. I love lau en. I love walking on th w a De with cookies g popcorn. I love Paul tin movies and ea ould you? hate too. W ift] pretty full of m I’ at th [pause, mood sh y that ess h I could sa eling wouldn’t gu fe e time…you le. And I wis d m op ba sa pe a e y f, th all el ci at its Espe by But ve in hating. d thing…but I don’t belie stuff is a ba d at ba th e y th sa g to I like ink hatin is full, w, I don’t th what makes it better. t to be in th I honestly. No is never . at while I ge ng ing th hi th te yt d ha an ba I a in . ld ge ul wor towards en able to ind d smiles on our s about this have never be he lot of thing le as a ab op te pe un ha , r I ge he . many ot I do hate lly with hu at I struggle us bubble, so ourselves si er. I hate th happy, luxurio Deen and I are stuffing ked by grimaces of hung graver than body image ula mar e will stances far hate that Pa perpetually rving than m e to circum are starving, and more dese people everyday eat little du r te rs ee he faces, people ot sw d le ed by acking whi e smarter an hile I be surround to resist sn ople who ar d violence, w like this, or hate that pe peril, fear, an it’s like to be able to a school t go ids to problems. I am e ity liv hat e opportun that people ed back never know w never have th res. I hate s be welcom me kids will in their futu they’ll alway couldn’t hate that so e I ow . sh kn ne who believe at d bo th an a , te ut en broken to love. I ha th it. I hate that the door sh w am ho sl , s have never ev es kid ili m their fa teach their wasn’t wor hate that rents don’t to fight with ought living together. I that some pa was so unhappy he th to grow old ’s going t he go t r he inside. I hate ha ve w at ne th they know . I hate o busy . I hate that e it hurts too much to to ck m lu have her baby I’ d e ba us ca us have such sometimes be y life, and the eye beca m le in op of m good people pe s hi r es ok fo I can’t lo re enough nce the fulln I will never know, sometimes, just don’t ca people will never experie ffering hate that I There is su at many s. th eir through. I te th ha of I f. lty el cu ys fi m dif t e ou caring ab preciate th be able to ap tand. I will never r unders ve ne ill w I and pain ople I care t for the pe heart n do the leas y ca e] m us I e pa of g lik on pit el [L fe the cry with is it that I d horror in t an n’ hy n ca W io . I at d ss tr le an , frus help in front of me the kind of tears that is feeling of I hate feeling th ies cr e’s dy er bo Th out l… ost? hen some I’m talking ab about the m mans powerfu it kills me w crying either— hich I believe makes hu Like when… cial kind of w sometimes. rfi y, pe s th ar su pa a te em y em m t mean ion and can’t give th them. I don’ pth of emot people to people. I el a certain de the faces of e something in make you fe giv ss to ine e at pp er ha how else sp n de ut ow —b so ur es yo am im , somet thrusting ’s why I s you can do I think that but it seems I know that derstanding. noxious thing t wrong to feel happy, no or even my un y is one of the most ob s it’ pp ? I know who are unha is pure….happiness, then even earlier… th grade, maybe f. can I share el ys m it to the seventh er use of d e tt ar nc be si ho a is to ing ve arch wrong of what I lo I’ve been se t s. ou ay e w or r m fo e searching ggling to mak So I’m still el that stru hate. te. But I fe the things I er ov I’m…despera rly te g dwelling bit — Anna Won my time than
“Organized Recess” at Montrose a big success
“We have done some research and gathered that organized recess decreases discipline incidents,” said Montrose Principal Dana Baldacci. “So we decided this year we’d do several days a week of organized recess, and through this grant, we are able to do it.”
with all the supplies to make “Organized Recess” at Montrose a big success. Capital One volunteers came out to repaint the blacktop and then again after the makeover was complete to show students how to safely use the equipment in a variety of games that aimed at fostering participation and fair play. Each classroom also received a bucket full of new recess materials that encourage students to interact and play with one another in a collaborative way.
“This is a great opportunity that Capital One gives us to give back to the community and the neighborhood,” said Tim Gunn, a Capital One employee. “It’s been a great experience. One of the kids Baldacci said she wanted to give even said it was better than field day, so special thanks to 5th-grade teacher Nicole that’s just sort of the icing on the cake for Field for spearheading the grant process us.” and to Dixie Sports for coming through
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ontrose Elementary School students jumped rope, played hopscotch and participated in games of foursquare on their newly painted blacktop during recess. Only now, recess for Montrose students is a little different. With the help of a grant from Capital One, Montrose was able to launch “Organized Recess,” a time of day where students can participate in cooperative games that double as “teachable moments” in the areas of social skills and good citizenship.
Capital One volunteers re-paint the blacktop at Montrose Elementary.
t Students from Montrose Elementary play on their newly painted blacktop during “Organized Recess”.
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December 2012
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Stuart starts hRoberson of off for is engine and Moseley Arc Golf To education at is on his way hitects the 14th urnamen to t. Annual tee HEF erviof Sup n. d r a o B he gree on of t l toward the n n a B ’ Pat O e bal rives th sors d
ht) t to rig ete f e l m nd P , (fro t Team , Teki Hall a nament, n ie l C r l w l The Ne pke, Jeff Ha e at the tou title. c Bob Du ook first pla ulting for the t ons Toole Slait C t u o g beatin
Dean Jarrett, the HE F board president, br ings the pain as he putts one in for a birdie.
HEF on the fairway to success T
he Henrico Education Foundation (HEF) could not have asked for a more beautiful day at its 14th Annual Golf Tournament held at Hunting Hawk Golf Club. The event raised more than $44,000 for the foundation, which helps schools and students around Henrico County. Thanks to the 24 teams that came out to support HEF, the foundation will be better able to enrich learning experiences, provide grants for educators and develop community collaborations for the 2012-13 school year. “The Tee-Off for Education event has grown significantly since its beginning 14 years ago. It is a major fundraising event for the foundation, but also a strong community event,” said Susan Stanley, HEF’s executive director. “County government officials, school board members, educational leaders and business executives come together for a great cause and enjoy a day of golf. It can’t get any better than that.”
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Students at Springfield Park learn history through art
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tudents in Ashley Cogbil’s class have been learning the history of Greek and Native American culture for the past few weeks, but Mrs. Cogbil is not a Social Studies teacher. Mrs. Cogbil is the art teacher at Springfield Park Elementary and she made it a point to bring in a professional artist from the area to talk with students and help teach them throughout a couple of class periods. When she looked at the history/social science SOL requirements, she thought David Camden, a professional potter from Ashland, would be the perfect match. He is well versed on pottery styles ranging from Raku to Pueblo and has had more than 30 years
experience teaching this art form all over the Richmond area. Ms. Cogbil’s third, fourth and fifth grade classes took to Camden immediately and delved into the historical significance of pottery from many different eras while also getting a hands-on learning experience. Cogbil emphasized how important it is for students to be able to learn in a more interactive way. “I think it brings learning to life and makes it more relevant and meaningful,” Cogbil said. “It gives (students) a chance to problem solve and use critical thinking skills to bring it all together. It’s not just words in a textbook.”
Award-winning author visits Holman Middle School
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tudents from around the county got a treat when Donna Jo Napoli visited Holman Middle School to oversee a writing workshop and discuss her work. Fifty students from every middle school in the county were in attendance and the event was also live-streamed on HCPS-TV so all students were able to listen.
Donna Jo Napoli’s books chosen for Henrico students are “Bound,” “The Magic Circle,” “King of Mulberry Street,” “Beast” and “Alligator Bayou.” In her 68
books for readers of all ages, her writing ranges from contemporary fiction and fantasy to historical novels. Her books have won national awards, including the Sydney Taylor Award, the Parents’ Choice Gold Award, the Golden Kite Award (and an honor book), the Anne Izard’s Storytellers’ Choice Award, the Frances and Wesley Bock Book Award, the Sons of Italy National Book Club selection, as well as numerous American Library Association best book awards.
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Award-winning author Donna Jo Napoli signed books for students after teaching a writing workshop for middle school students across the county.
Professional artist David Camden helped teach Mrs. Cogbil’s class about pottery from different time periods and places. He also taught students new and creative design techniques.
Camden, whom the students endearingly call “Clayman,” completely agreed. One of his favorite things when watching students create is how imaginative and resourceful they can be.
just enjoy the process…its been so much fun for me, I’m constantly reminded that they don’t get this freedom very much, it’s such a structured environment a lot of the time.”
“It’s really important to me that it is their design, that we will launch their idea but ultimately it’s their own,” Camden said. “I love that they are so open and they
Henrico’s newest elementary school named
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uring a surprise presentation at the October School Board Meeting, Dave Kaechele learned that students would soon be attending a school named after him. Kaechele has represented the Three Chopt District for nearly 33 years and the Henrico community, as well as the Henrico County School Board thought it only appropriate that he get recognition for his many years of service. “I am honored by this, but if you could find a name that people could pronounce perhaps…you’re going to have a lot of explaining to do over the years,” Kaechele said with a laugh. “It’s been a great honor to serve for all those years… and it’s nice to enjoy it.” David A. Kaechele Elementary School, located in Short Pump on Pouncey Tract Road, is slated to open next Fall.
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December 2012
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Veterans Day: November 11, 2012
Veterans visited h istory c High Sc la hool an d spoke sses at Hermit their co age to stud mbat ex e perience s overse nts about as. ic t io ang patr chorus s remony. h ig H in w Ce The God erans Day t e V a g in r songs du
s play student d n y. a b ool ssembl le Sch eterans Day a d id M d FMS V Fairfiel ing the r u d s g son
First-ever Challenger Day hits one out of the park
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arly on a cool, fall morning volunteers and organizers from all over the county gathered at the Tuckahoe Little League complex and hurriedly organized last-minute touches in preparation for the first-ever Challenger Day Event. At 8:45 a.m., the fi rst set of students got off the bus to cheers and applause and then rushed over to Challenger Field, many of them experiencing baseball for the first time. The HCPS Exceptional Education staff, The Henrico Education Foundation (HEF), I Have A Dream-Richmond, Capital One and Tuckahoe Little League worked together for nearly five months to create an event that would allow more than 300 students with significant disabilities to participate in a fun and hands-on learning experience. “We are working with our community partners…to help students with disabilities work on their social skills,” said Bondy Shay Gibson, the assistant superintendent of Exceptional Education and Research and Planning. “They have more opportunities to interact with their peers and interact with adults in the
ball,” said Sarah Midkiff, a contractor for Capital One and one of the organizers of the event. “I played softball…when I was a kid and remember how much I loved it and that feeling that everyone is rooting for you and right now I could not be more thrilled.” After getting some time on the field, students got to Students were welcomed and cheered on by parents, teachers, staff bowl, play beanbag toss and and more than 200 volunteers at the start of Challenger Day. participate in other exciting games, they got a team community, and have an opportunity to photo taken and created a handprint engage in a lot of sports activities that collage. help build so much resiliency and self “Challenger Day is a great example confidence and communication skills, of what can happen when community (which are) things that we really want partners and school staff collaborate to our students to have to be successful.” design meaningful activities for kids,” Capital One provided more than said HEF’s Program Manager, Paula 200 volunteers for the effort. Volunteers Roop. “The Exceptional Education staff helped teach students how to catch, hit from the top down had a ‘can do’ atand throw and some were part of a rather titude, thinking out of the box to make large cheering squad as well. magic happen for students. HEF was “I know a lot of these kids may never proud to work with everyone to make have had the experience to play base- Challenger Day such a success.”
Capital One volunteers helped students learn how to hit during the first-ever Challenger Day, held at the Tuckahoe Little League complex.
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Twin Hickory ES teaches students the value of good character, giving back
The quarterly Blazer Blast is a way to get students excited about being leaders, doing good deeds and lending a helping hand. A committee of parents and teachers came up with this innovative concept as a way to recognize good character traits in students, support those in need
Mr. Dussault got students excited to play a children’s engineering game during the first Blazer Blast of the year.
in the Twin Hickory community, and increase school spirit. According to Mr. Dussault, over the years, the school has built on those three core concepts and Blazer Blasts have taken on a life of their own.
likely they are to get prizes or participate in games at Blazer Blast. “This year in particular we are focusing on what it means to be a leader,” Dussault said. “Teachers are highlighting classroom discussions and activities that revolve around imagination, cooperation, determination, and compassion. These character coins help teachers recognize students who are going above and beyond.” Teachers stomped on tomatoes to make ketchup as a part of Twin Hickory’s fun-filled Blazer Blast.
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rincipal Mike Dussault’s voice boomed over the microphone as students trotted happily into the auditorium at the first Blazer Blast event of the school year at Twin Hickory Elementary. He congratulated students on an overflowing “Coat Corral” that housed gently used coats that students donated to the less fortunate, and thanked the packed house of parents and community partners for coming out to support the Trailblazers. No sooner than students sat down, did the Chick-filA cow and Twin Hickory’s own mascot, Blazer the dog, come out to congratulate students on an exceptional first quarter. Students went into a frenzy and danced to “Who Let the Dogs Out” as Blazer came down the aisle.
Varina High School takes it to the house... of worship
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ast winter, Varina High School held a meeting and spaghetti dinner for families and students who were having trouble academically. The turn out was low and the staff at Varina was discouraged. They began brainstorming ways in which Varina staff could successfully reach out to the community, and the idea for “Take it to the House” was born. Principal Tracie Omohundro and her staff made it a point to go where families in Varina go to reach out to them…church. This summer, the staff identified more than 35 major congregations throughout the Varina district and sent out letters hoping to build relationships within the church community. They have already attended several services to speak to parents of current and rising Varina students about the school. “We attended Gravel Hill Baptist Church and St. John’s Catholic Church.
We reached over 250 community members and several dozen school community members,” Omohundro said. “We discussed academics, extracurriculars, parent involvement, graduation requirements, safety and facilities. We were well-received and inspired by the positive response of the students, parents and community members.” On November 11th, Assistant Principal Cody Streightiff and staff member Gena Jones went to Village of Faith Ministries and spoke to the congregation during the service with the hope of increasing community participation and to inform the public about all the great things going on at Varina. “The biggest thing we want people to know is we’d love to have support and have people come out to not just football games but to all the other
“Imagine attending an event that combines the Academy Awards, the Super Bowl, and a Mega charity event, all rolled into one. That’s the best way to describe a Twin Hickory Blazer Blast,” he said. Throughout the year, students get “character coins” for various positive behavior or acts of kindness throughout the day, and the more they earn, the more
Gena Jones speaks with a Varina High School parent after the church service at Village of Faith Ministries.
great things we’re doing,” Streightiff said. At the end of the service, Varina parents crowded around an information table, asked questions and made connections. “We want to send the message that if we are already doing all these great things now, look how much more we could do if the community came together,” Jones said.
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Spotlight On: The GRAD/PLC Center A fresh start to an on-time graduation
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his year, Henrico County Public Schools launched two new program centers, the Generating Recovery of Academic Direction (GRAD) Center and the Performance Learning Center. The GRAD Center offers students a fresh opportunity to work in a small group setting to develop the skills and curriculum knowledge necessary to be successful, while a blended instructional model allows high school students in the Performance Learning Center to accelerate through coursework in a non-traditional setting to earn a high school diploma.
vironment where you may have had some problems…and we don’t focus on that, we focus on who you are and the person that we see when you come in our door. We are here to support you. For many students, because they had some challenges in their previous
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“For us, when students come into our building, everyone is given a fresh start,” said Christie Forrest, the principal at the centers. “You get to leave your home school en-
school environment, coming here gives them a new opportunity to recreate themselves.” According to Forrest, students don’t have to worry as much about peer pressure and are in more of a businesslike environment. Class sizes are a little smaller, and teachers are able to give students the individualized attention they need. Teachers devote more time to each student, and in turn, students are motivated to do better. The hope is that these centers will help empower struggling students and they will stick it out in order to graduate from high school.
“There is no stigma attached to needing support here,” Forrest said. Some students only need a few credits in order to reach the required amount to get a high school diploma. This environment allows them to complete the credits required with few distractions. As of October 2nd, the center had its fi rst graduate and according to Forrest, several more students are expected to earn diplomas before winter break. “We expect that the GRAD Center and Performance Learning Center will help to improve graduation rates for our students in Henrico County,” she said.
GRAD Center principal Christie Forrest and Communities in Schools liaison Jasen Cooper celebrated the center’s very first graduate, Christopher Orpiano.
Nuckols Farm named 2012 National Blue Ribbon School
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tudents looked like a sea of blue as they sat excitedly in the auditorium at Nuckols Farm Elementary during the school’s Blue Ribbon Celebration. The school held a ceremony and was visited by Deb Delisle, assistant secretary for the Offi ce of Elementary and Secondary Education from the U.S. Department of Education as well as many diplomats from around Henrico County. Nuckols Farm was one of seven public schools and two private schools in Virginia to be named a 2012 National Blue Ribbon School. The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public and private elementary, middle and high schools where students perform at very high
levels or where significant improvements are being made in students’ levels of academic achievement. Since 1982, the U.S. Department of Education’s National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has honored America’s most successful public and private elementary, middle, and high schools. “We are just so excited,” said Nuckols Farm Principal Mary Cox. “Nuckols Farm Elementary has a tremendous staff and community that are dedicated to excellence every day and the success of each one of our students. This award is such an honor and we see it as a springboard for continuing to grow and achieve.”
Henrico County School Board Diana D. Winston Chair Three Chopt District
Beverly L. Cocke Vice Chair Brookland District
Lamont Bagby Fairfield District
Lisa A. Marshall Tuckahoe District
John W. Montgomery Jr. Varina District
Dr. Patrick Russo Superintendent
Principal Mary Cox hugged Deb Delisle, assistant secretary for the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education from the U.S. Department of Education, during the Nuckols Farm Blue Ribbon Award Ceremony.
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