The Southampton Spotlight: October 2023 Edition

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OCTOBER 2023 EDITION

The Southampton Spotlight A Southampton County Public Schools Publication

Building a Strong

Captured from left to right: Anthony Rawlings with CES Librarian, Mrs. Erin Harcum

Dear SCPS Parents, Guardians, and Community Members, Welcome back as we begin our new 2023–2024 school year! We are excited to, once again, fill our classrooms with students, our hallways with laughter, and our fields with sports.

This year's theme is "Building a Strong Foundation." As we strive to provide our students with better opportunities, we also want to ensure they have the resources and the confidence to tackle any challenges they may face in the future. We know our students can excel by reviewing the basics and fortifying their foundation. Ergo, we must work together as a community to create a strong foundation for our students to thrive. Please continue promoting student attendance, reviewing homework, participating in school events, and supporting the athletes at their games. Your involvement matters, and it makes a difference!

Many of our staff and students contributed to the making of this newsletter. In this issue, you will find highlights about the first weeks of school, staff profiles, and valuable resources concerning education, health, and housing. The administrators, teachers, staff, and I are dedicated to supporting our students and families. Please reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns.

This is going to be a fantastic year! Welcome back!

Building a Strong Foundation,

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Gwendolyn Shannon, Ph.D. Division Superintendent

CONTRIBUTING STUDENT WRITERS

MOBILE HEALTH CLINIC AT SCPS

ACADEMIC AND HEALTH RESOURCES

SIGHT WORDS AND MATH TIMES TABLES

PGS. 2—3

PG. 7

PG.8

PG. 9

Division Superintendent Gwendolyn Shannon, Ph.D.

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SMS’ Contributing Student Writer Paris Newsome

Captured from left to right: SMS Virtual Learning Coach, Ms. Imani Dyson; Paris Newsome, and SMS Language Arts Teacher, Mrs. Jennifer Peace

I am Paris Newsome, an eighth-grade student at Southampton Middle School (SMS). I began attending this school in the 2022 school year. Throughout my journey here, I’ve learned several things about myself. I used to be a person that was so quick to give up on things when they got tough. While attending Southampton Middle School, I’ve gained a lot of self-confidence due to the fact that all my teachers believe in me. Two of my favorite teachers are Mrs. Peace [the Language Arts Teacher] and Ms. Dyson [the Virtual Learning Coach for Civics and Economics]. They are very encouraging and always say positive things when I need a helping hand. Southampton County Middle School is a school where you can be yourself. And everyone is willing to help.

One of the most important things I’ve noticed about the staff at SMS is that they are always willing to go the extra mile; feeling left out will never be an option. Every so often, SMS will host different activities for the students, such as the “Sneaker Ball.” The Sneaker Ball is a large event that students look forward to attending. Seeing everyone come together as one really made me feel welcome.

I am proud to be a student at Southampton Middle School, and I enjoy attending every day as a student. I found myself trying to “fit” in, but I learned that you don’t have to do that if you have good and positive energy. After completing eighth grade, I would love to go to Southampton High School. I really love the school and would love to continue going here. I look forward to doing more things. I thank all the staff for the help when I need it the most.

Captured from left to right: Paris Newsome with SMS Language Arts Teacher, Mrs. Jennifer Peace

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SHS’ Contributing Student Writers Drama Club

Written By: Christine Frohlich Last year, the drama club was revived. This year, the junior director of the Drama Club, Haleigh Switzer, and Mrs. DuBois are bringing new energy.

The club is made up of the director’s circle, teams, actors, and backstage crew.

The director's circle takes the ropes in leading the Drama Club. It includes the junior director, stage manager, assistant stage manager, communicator, and writer and editor. Next up, the team leads are the heads of the backstage departments that help the show move forward.

These teams are the front of the house, the light and sound department, the makeup department, the costume department, the stage and props design team, and the backstage crew.

Actors and actresses make up the spotlight, while the backstage crew makes the magic happen behind the scenes. Rush week was a way for the Drama Club to make its way into the groundwork of the school.

It has been about ten years since the Drama Club put on a production for the school assembly. This year, the club is planning on doing not one but two productions. In December, the club will be putting out a small Christmas production for the people of Southampton High School and the whole county to see. In spring 2024, the Drama Club plans to produce a massive show for the school and the local community.

Varsity Football Cheer Team Written By: Gabriella Outlaw

The 2023-2024 Varsity Football Cheer Team is off to a fantastic start. They are coached by two phenomenal Southampton County Public Schools teachers, Sheena Rawlings and Jessica Banks. This year, the team has four seniors: Gabriella Outlaw, Kayla Golden, Mariah Smith, and Alaya Cutler. The four seniors look forward to stepping onto the track every Friday, hearing the crowd's screams and the band's tunes, and seeing the football players playing on the field.

When it comes to supporting the football players and promoting school spirit, the cheerleaders are always willing to show excessive love. Southampton High School's first pep rally of the year was the same day as the football players' first home game. The cheerleaders had a very compact and busy week, with only two days to prepare for the first home game and create a routine for the pep rally. Even after enduring long, rigorous practices, the cheerleaders chose to stay and work on a banner until 8 PM to ensure it would be completed in time.

Nonetheless, even through their busy schedules, our cheerleaders prepared a superior banner for the football players to run through for the game. The banner read, "Now wave goodbye." The message was meant to intimidate the other team. Since they are called the Waves, the cheerleaders thought it would be clever to incorporate the name into the banner. Southampton's cheerleaders have no problem going the extra mile to show their support for their school.

The 2023-2024 football cheer team has a bond like none other.

The graduating seniors will miss all the enjoyable memories they have made while also cherishing the moments to come. They truly appreciate the sisterhood and friendships they have formed from being on the team.

The cheer team looks forward to seeing alumni at the upcoming homecoming game. Southampton High School's football cheerleaders would like to wish everyone a successful year, and they hope to see you at the games!

Captured right: Gabriella Outlaw

Captured right: Christine Frohlich

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Riverdale Elementary School

Captured from left to right: Cathryn Dolan and Talia Cooper

Written By: Hillary Story Riverdale Elementary School is off to an exciting start. Co-Principals Paul Kea and Amesheia Warren started the school year with a special event, Popsicles and Principals, on August 21st. Meeting the students who came out to enjoy a popsicle in the heat was a pleasure. Even Charlie the Cardinal made an appearance.

The Open House on the afternoon of August 31st had a great turnout of parents and students.

Everyone was excited to see the inviting classrooms created by our excellent teachers. Supplies were dropped off in anticipation of the upcoming first day of school. And, of course, the first day of school was a blast! All of the wonderful energy brought by new and former Riverdale students and staff was positively invigorating.

Look for photos of our extraordinary students and staff on the Riverdale Elementary School Facebook page. The page is updated often with pictures of celebrations, positive referrals, creative classroom activities, fundraiser information, and upcoming school events.

There are many new and upcoming activities for our students to explore with their families. The first interactive family event will be our Literacy

Pumpkin Family Challenge. This activity is optional but so much fun for students and families. Participants are asked to decorate a pumpkin as their favorite storybook character. Naturally, students are encouraged to get creative with their pumpkins. All pumpkins must be turned in to the primary office between Monday, October 16th, and Wednesday, October 18th. We ask parents to bring pumpkins between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM to avoid the morning bus and afternoon pick-up traffic.

All Literacy Pumpkin Family Challenge entries will be on display during our Title I Annual Meeting and Fall Festival, which takes place on October 19th from 5:30 to 7:00 PM. Families and students can join us for treats, food, books, pumpkins, and more. We look forward to seeing everyone that evening. Stay tuned for more exciting events and activities at Riverdale Elementary School!

Captured from left to right: Meadow Alewine and Anthonella Rodrigues

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Nottoway Elementary School Written By: Lynn Varian Even though the school year has just started, Nottoway Elementary School (NES) students and staff are already building their team spirit. Students have been busy helping with announcements, earning positive referrals by acting as good citizens, and assisting new students in finding their way to class. The teachers are also fueling the camaraderie with lessons and activities on citizenship during social studies classes.

Additionally, Mrs. Haywood’s fourth-grade class created a wall display for everyone to see. The display shares that although they are different, they all fit into the fourth-grade puzzle. Go, Team Nottoway!

Captured above: Brinsley Beale

Captured above from left to right: Destiny Moody and Aundrea Clary

Southampton High School’s Math Class Written By: Wilhelmine “Willow” Bellevue

What do you get when you combine holiday lights with an animated math teacher? Mr. Tayvon Alston's Southampton High School (SHS) class, of course! Alston has taught Algebra I & II, Algebra Functions, Geometry, and Pre-Calculus for four years. His classroom has a laid-back atmosphere where students can work in groups or independently. The holiday lights, combined with Alston's bubbly personality, brighten the classroom. After Alston's lesson and homework review, the students work independently or in groups. Alston walks around the classroom, hopping from table to table to ensure his students are engaged and empowered to complete their assignments.

pieces together, even if it takes time for them to get it. For example, he provides students with tutorial videos and stays after school to assist them.

According to Alston, he likes connecting with his students and watching them mature academically, socially, and athletically.

"Math takes practice. The more you practice the problems, the better you will be at math. I always tell my parents my kids might not like the work, but they will enjoy sitting in my class," Alston said, laughing.

Nick Barton, one of Alston's 11th-grade students, plans to use his mathematical skills to go into real estate flipping, where one renovates property before reselling to make a profit.

"Mr. Alston will teach you how to solve a problem in several ways. I like that because you are not forced to solve a mathematical problem just one way; you can pick what works for you," Barton said.

Alston shared how math is like a puzzle for him, and he enjoys helping students put the Captured from left to right: Aedan Aldrich, Math Teacher Tayvon Alston, and Nick Barton

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Over 40 Years of Cheering Written By: Wilhelmine “Willow” Bellevue Theodore R. Hayes III, also known as Theo, is the mascot for the Southampton Indians football team. Theo has hardly ever missed a game and has been cheering for the Southampton Indians for over 40 years. Theo is one of eight siblings who attended Southampton County Public Schools (SCPS). According to Theo's sister, Margret Saunders, Theo has loved the Southampton Indians since he was young. She even recalled Theo attending the games when she was in high school.

"From the time Theo started Southampton (SCPS), Theo loved Southampton. Theo took it upon himself to become a mascot. Once he started dressing up and attending the games, a couple of friends built his Indian headgear for him," said Saunders. "Even when the high school did have a mascot, Theo was still the mascot. He was always out there and cheering the kids."

Saunders shared that being a mascot for the Southampton Indians allows Theo to give back to the school community. Theo takes his mascot responsibilities so seriously that he puts the games before his personal life.

"Theo puts Southampton on top. If there is a family event on the same day of a game, Theo will go to the Southampton game. He is sincere in his dedication to the football team."

— Margret Saunders Captured in photos: Theodore R. Hayes III

In November 2021, the Superintendent of SCPS, Dr. Gwendolyn Shannon, and the Southampton County School Board proclaimed November as Theodore R. Hayes III Month. Every time Theo puts on his mascot gear, he gives it his all. After all, the Southampton Indians are his pride and joy.

Captured below: Theodore R. Hayes III as a teen

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Resources for Parents and Guardians Science  National Geographic Kids National Geographic Kids

 NASA Kids’ Club - Play Games and More at NASA Kids' Club! | NASA

English Language Arts  Reading is Fundamental - Literacy Tracker | RIF.org  PBS Learning - PBS LearningMedia | Teaching Resources For Students And Teachers

 Science News Explores - Science News Explores |

News from all fields of science for readers of any age (snexplores.org)

 SCI Show Kids - SciShow Kids - YouTube  Nat Geo Kids - Nat Geo Kids - YouTube

 Seussville - Explore - Seussville  KCAdventures - 50+ FREE Read Aloud Books Online (kcedventures.com)

 ReadTheory - ReadTheory | Free Reading Comprehension Practice for Students and Teachers

 Fact Monster - Homework Center: Science

 ReadWorks - Reading Passages (readworks.org)

 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - Species | U.S. Fish &

 Flocabulary - Educational Hip-Hop Songs & Videos for All

Wildlife Service (fws.gov)

Subjects, K-12 (flocabulary.com)

 SpellingCity - Vocabulary Words - Spelling Practice Phonics Games for Kids (spellingcity.com)

Math 

 Funbrain - Games, Videos, and Books for Kids - Funbrain  Audiobooks for Kids & Teens - Kids Teens (audiofilemagazine.com)

 Bedtime Math - Bedtime Math – We inspire kids to love math so they embrace and excel at it.

 Khan Academy- Khan Academy | Free Online Courses,

 DogoNews (ELA & Science) - DOGO News - Kids news articles! Kids current events; plus kids news on science, sports, and more!

Lessons & Practice

 Abcya - Number Race: Number Values • ABCya!  MooMoo Math- MooMooMath and Science - YouTube  The Organic Chemistry Tutor (Math &Science) - The Organic Chemistry Tutor - YouTube

 Math Playground - Math Games | Math Playground | Fun for

Homeless Shelters/Temporary Housing

Kids

 Math Illuminations - Illuminations: Search (nctm.org)  Maths Chase - Maths Chase - Times Tables Games - Fun MathsTests

 Southampton County Public Schools

McKinney-Vento Liaison, Dr. Harris-Muhmmad Email: smuhammed@southampton.k12.va.us Phone: 757.653.7438

 Union Mission Ministries: Men, Women and Children

Health Services  ODU Community Care Mobile Health Clinic Website: communitycare-odu.com Email: ODUCommunitycare@odu.edu Phone: 757.45.CARES (22737)

 Agape Counseling and Therapeutic Services Inc. Website: agapecounselingva.com Phone: 757.244.3500

 Family Preservation Services

Website: fpscorp.com Email: Referrals@FPSCorp.com Phone: 540.344.9501

 Tidewater Youth Services Commission Website: tyscommission.org Phone: 757-488-9161

 Stepping Stones

Website: steppingstonescounselingservices.org Phone: 757.516.7886

Website: Union Mission Ministries – Norfolk Homeless Shelter & Recovery Program Phone: 757.627.8686

 Salvation Army: Men’s Shelter

Website: The Salvation Army USA Phone: 757.622.3471

 Samaritan House: Shelters and Programs for

Permanent Housing Website: Home :: Samaritan House (samaritanhouseva.org) Crisis Response Hotline:757.430.2120 Homeless Hotline: 757.587.4202

 ForKids, Inc: Families with Children

Website: Family Homelessness | ForKids | Norfolk, VA Office Phone: 757.622.6400 Hotline for housing crisis: 757.587.4202

 The Genieve Shelter

Victims of Domestic Violence Website: HOME | The Genieve Shelter Phone757.251.0144

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Resources for Parents and Guardians MULTIPLICATION TABLES

SPELLING WORDS

Health Services

SIGHT WORDS

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Capron Elementary School Written By: Kathy Thompson Learning and fun go hand in hand for Capron Elementary School's (CES) Kindergarten students. Mrs. Holland and Miss Taylor have been providing the students with fantastic opportunities to review the letters of the alphabet with their ABC Bootcamp. The students engaged in sound picture maps, participated in handwriting activities, and made headbands for each letter. Lastly, the students used chocolate chip cookies to make letters.

The children enjoyed taking turns pouring the mix into the bowl, adding the necessary ingredients, mixing, and observing the cookies baking in the toaster oven. The best part, however, was the taste testing as they devoured the delicious cookies they helped to prepare. What a memorable educational activity the children experienced in learning a new alphabet letter.

Captured above from left to right: Principal of Capron Elementary School, Mrs. Devonda Gary with Imani Artis

Meherrin Elementary School Written By: Lynn Varian The Meherrin Elementary School Eagles would like to express their deepest appreciation for the monetary donation for school supplies from Past Master Al Briggs and the Courtland Masonic Lodge #85. Their love and support make them an invaluable part of the MES team. Thank you for investing in the future of our community!

Captured above from left to right: Ezra Gillette and Levi Jennings

Captured above from left to right: Amy Hinson, Abby Geary, Principal Susan Fowler, Past Master Al Briggs, and Dawn Wise

Captured above: Principal of MES, Mrs. Susan Fowler

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Southampton County Public Schools Mission Statement Did you know that all district work revolves around our six major Division Goals?

Our six goals are as follows:

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Vision Statement

Expand Learning Opportunities and Increase Student Achievement

Expand Our Safe and Healthy School Culture and Climate

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2

Expand Professional Training and Improved Employee Retention

The vision of Southampton County Public Schools is all students will be successful, productive, lifelong learners in an ever-changing world.

Contact Us Should you have any questions regarding the Southampton Spotlight Newsletter, please contact Willow Bellevue via email at wbellevue@southampton.k12.va.us or by phone at 757.650.2016

Southampton.k12.va.us

Expand Community and Parental Partnerships

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Through the combined efforts of the staff, students, families, and community, our mission is to ensure a quality education in a safe environment that will prepare students to be successful learners and productive citizens in an ever-changing society.

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Expand Capital Improvement Efforts and Acquire More Fiscal Resources

Expand Opportunities to Make School More Equitable for All Students

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facebook.com/scpsdistrictva PO Box 96 Courtland, VA 23837 Scan here to read more newsletters