connection parent & community
A NEWSLETTER FOR STAFFORD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS FAMILIES & THE COMMUNITY
IN THIS ISSUE 2
School Buzz
3
For Parents
4
Appreciation Days
4
Important Student Dates
5
Upcoming Events
6
Partners in Education
Publisher: Office of Strategic Communication and Community Engagement Editor in Chief: Tiffany Twine, Community Engagement Manager
Stafford County Public Schools scpscommunications@staffordschools.net
FEBRUARY 2017
Parents Offer Input on Redistricting
Community Session Discusses High School Overpopulation The Stafford County School Board is examining a variety of options, including redistricting, to address the increasing current and projected enrollment of students in the division. The increasing number of students at Colonial Forge High School is of particular concern at this time. On January 26, Parents and Community Members attended a Community Input and Information Session at Colonial Forge High School. The meeting was designed to provide information about the current and expected growth in our school community and to allow an opportunity for all citizens to engage in a collaborative process to identify possible solutions. “We have great schools in Stafford County. It’s important for the school division to be efficient and good stewards when it comes to Redistricting. We want to use our resources in an efficient manner. We have to do something different to make good use of space,” said Stafford County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. W. Bruce Benson. The January 26 meeting was the first of several meetings that will occur prior to any School
Board adoption of any redistricting plan. High School Redistricting Dates: • February 16, 2017 - 5:30 p.m. - Professional Development Center 13 - Work Session • March 1, 2017 - 7 p.m. - Colonial Forge High School - Public Hearing • March 2, 2017 - Alternate Date in Case of Inclement Weather • March 14, 2017 – On School Board Agenda for School Board Meeting Please visit our website at www.staffordschools. net for more information on Redistricting.
School Buzz
News from our Schools Superintendent Unveils FY2018 Proposed Funding Request Last month, Stafford County Public School’s Superintendent Dr. W. Bruce Benson released the superintendent’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 proposed funding request of $282,239,030. This is a 4.86 percent increase over the FY2017 budget. This year, the non-compensation budget was prepared in Munis, the new financial management system. The superintendent says the division has made significant improvement in the level of detail justifying projected expenditures. Dr. Benson indicated that the funding request is designed to support the division’s strategic plan goals and specific division budget goals previously adopted by the School Board. “We are committed to moving this division forward in a sustainable manner, using our adopted comparison divisions as a baseline to improve our competitive position. SCPS teachers, administrators and staff inspire and empower students to succeed in life to further their education, citizenship and work. By providing this funding request, it improves our ability to ensure that students attain the All Century Learner skills and abilities to thrive,” said Dr. Benson. Goals: • Close gaps in student achievement • Reduce class size • Provide market-based compensation systems for all SCPS employees Priorities: • Implement staffing standards from the approved staffing plan • Instructional Curriculum/Program and Personnel Alignment • Formulate standardized budget building process utilizing features of the MUNIS financial system, including a zero-based budgeted approach for designated program areas • Monitor on a monthly basis, spending and revenue, particularly salary lapse Key upcoming dates on the budget calendar include: • February 28, 2017: School Board’s Consideration and Approval of the FY 2018 Budgets For information regarding the FY18 Budget with Stafford County School Board, please visit the website at www.staffordschools.net.
Historical Wonder at Stafford Elementary School Stafford Elementary School (SES) has a historical wonder on campus. Located in their back field is a Southern Red Oak Tree. Arborists have estimated its age to be over 200 years old. In 2008, the tree was registered on the Virginia Tech Big Tree Registry and is within the top ten of the largest oaks in the state. SES staff began efforts to bring awareness and health back to the tree and are seeking support and information from the Stafford community. While the tree is not registered as a historical tree, efforts are underway to begin this process. In 1862, Union soldiers cut trees and destroyed buildings during a fourteen-month occupation. They erased 200 years of physical history. (Eby, J. “Land of Herrings and Persimmons”pp.vi, 682-693, 2015). The old oak tree at SES would have been a young sapling at this historic time in our nation’s past and a remaining link to those who came before us. If any former staff or members of the community have information about the history of the tree, know of significant events that have occurred near it, or are interested in helping preserve the historical wonder, please contact Stafford Elementary School at 540658-6340. Additionally, SES would like to thank the Bartlett Tree Experts and the Stafford Elementary Parent/Teacher Association for their support in helping begin preservation. The tree is truly a magnificent landmark!
North Stafford High School Student Selected for United States Senate Youth Program Stafford County Public Schools is proud to announce that Mazzen Shalaby, a North Stafford High School student, was selected as a delegate to the 55th annual United States Senate Youth Program. The event takes place March 4-11, 2017 in Washington, D.C. He was chosen from across the state to be part of the group of 104 student delegates who will attend the program’s 55th annual Washington Week. Read more at www.staffordschools.net.
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PARENT & COMMUNITY CONNECTION
For Parents
Helpful News for your Family PulsePoint App Helps CPR-Trained Citizens Save Lives
Partners in Policymaking
When someone goes into sudden cardiac arrest, what happens in the minutes before the ambulance arrives can mean life or death. Available today, all Stafford County citizens trained in CPR may download a free app called PulsePoint to their smartphones and receive immediate notification if someone nearby goes into sudden cardiac arrest.
The Virginia Board for People with Disabilities (VBPD) is seeking applicants for the next class of Partners in Policymaking (PIP), to begin September 2017. This program is ideal for people with developmental disabilities and parents of children with developmental disabilities. Participants build their advocacy and leadership skills by hearing from state and national experts on how to impact local and state policies.
Stafford Hospital Foundation raised funds through its annual Golf Cup Tournament last September to partner with Stafford County Fire & Rescue and the not-for-profit Gwyneth’s Gift Foundation to make the PulsePoint app available and to place more for automated external defibrillators, or AEDs, in public facilities.
Learning how to build positive partnerships between families and community leaders (to include schools, employers and elected officials) help shape inclusive communities and quality education. Graduates of the PIP program will have the skills to improve the lives of those with disabilities and build stronger communities for everyone at the local and state levels.
Here’s how PulsePoint works. When a 911 call comes in to Fire & Rescue on a sudden cardiac arrest, the EMS dispatcher sends an alert via PulsePoint to all CPR-trained users within a certain radius of the victim. Users also receive the location of the nearest AED so they can administer CPR or defibrillation until EMS arrives. Fifty-seven percent of U.S. adults say they’ve had CPR training, and most would be willing to use CPR or an AED to help save a stranger’s life. Yet only 11 percent say they’ve used CPR in an actual emergency. PulsePoint will enable more citizens in Stafford County to make the most of their lives-saving skills. Download the app at PulsePoint.org.
PARENT & COMMUNITY CONNECTION
For more information and details on how to apply, visit www.vaboard. org. Applcations are due March 31, 2017.
Join the SCPS Team SCPS School Nutrition is currently hiring part-time Cafeteria Workers. Visit www.staffordschools.net to apply and view a full listing of all employment opportunities.
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February Appreciation Days & Important Student Dates
Virginia School Board Appreciation Month
VSBA School Board Clerk Appreciation Week
In recognition of the dedicated service of school board members throughout Virginia, February is designated as School Board Appreciation Month. This is the time to show recognition and increase our understanding of how local board members work together to provide a better future for our children. Please join Stafford County Public Schools and the state to salute the men and women who provide grassroots governance of public schools. Make a special effort to tell each school board member that his or her hard work is noticed and truly appreciated.
Join us in recognizing SCPS School Board Clerk Roberta Euring for a job well done. It takes a concentrated effort on the part of all those she serves: school board members, superintendents, administrators, school staff, students, and the community. Even though showing appreciation should be a year-round process, taking advantage of the designated VSBA School Board Clerk Appreciation Week, February 20-24, assures that vital employees like Euring receive the thanks they deserve.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed individuals can change the world; indeed it’s the only thing that ever has.” —Margaret Meade
Stafford County School Board
Holly Hazard Hartwood District Chair
C. Scott Hirons Falmouth District Vice Chair
Irene Egan Aquia District
Jamie Decatur Griffis - Widewater District
Christopher Connelly Garrisonville District
Patricia Healy Rockhill District
Dewayne McOsker, Jr. George Washington District
Appreciation Days
Important Student Dates
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7 Report Cards (Grades K-12) 17 Interim Report (Grades 9-12, 4x4 Block Courses) 20 School Closed – Presidents Day 28 Early Release Day – Elementary and Head Start ( No Afternoon Preschool)
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National African American History Career and Technical Education Virginia School Board Appreciation National School Counseling Week Crossing Guard Appreciation Day VSBA School Board Clerk Appreciation Week
PARENT & COMMUNITY CONNECTION
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Upcoming Events February 4
High School All-District Band Concert 4 p.m. | Brooke Point High School Free and open to the public.
February 6
Fine and Performing Arts Advisory Committee Meeting 6 p.m. | Alvin York Bandy Administrative Complex, Professional Development Center, Room 16 Telecommunication Commission Committee 7 p.m. | County Administration Conference Room of the George L. Gordon, Jr., Government Center, 1300 Courthouse Road Parents and guardians with concerns about their internet access are invited to participate in this committee meeting. Knowing most school aged children need access to the internet to complete assignments, area providers want to hear your concerns. Behind the Wheel (BTW) Parent/Student Meeting 7 p.m. | Mountain View High School Students and parents must attend the meeting together. Please arrive 15 minutes early for sign-in process. No one admitted 10 minutes after the meeting begins. Gifted Advisory Committee Meeting 7:30 p.m. | Alvin York Bandy Administrative Complex, Professional Development Center, Room 16
February 8
Crossing Guard Appreciation Day Capital Improvement Planning Advisory Committee Meeting 6:30 p.m. | Alvin York Bandy Administrative Complex, Planning and Construction Conference Room PARENT & COMMUNITY CONNECTION
February 9
Town Hall Meeting & Information Session on High School Redistricting Options Garrisonville District 7 p.m. | Anthony Burns Elementary School Garrisonville District Schools includes Anthony Burns Elementary, Hampton Oaks Elementary, H. H. Poole Middle, North Stafford High, Park Ridge Elementary, and Winding Creek Elementary.
February 11
Middle School All-District Chorus Concert 2:30 p.m. | Stafford High School Free and open to the public. High School All-District Chorus Concert 3:30 p.m. | Stafford High School Free and open to the public. Middle School District Band Concert 3 p.m. | Brooke Point High School Free and open to the public. Stafford County School Board Work Session 9:30 a.m. | Alvin York Bandy Administrative Complex, Professional Development Center, Room 13
February 23
Town Hall Meeting & Information Session on High School Redistricting Options Falmouth District 6:30 p.m. | Falmouth Elementary School Falmouth District Schools includes Falmouth Elementary, Ferry Farm Elementary, and Margaret Brent Elementary.
February 25
Elementary District Chorus Concert 4 p.m. | Mountain View High School Free and open to the public. 6th Annual STEM Summit 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Massaponax High School The 2017 STEM Summit is a one-day event hosted by the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce designed to bring together students, teachers, public officials and businesses from Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania and King George to see STEM in action. For more information on School or Non-Profit Groups, contact Brenda Conway at bconway@spotsylvania.k12.va.us and Businesses contact Sheri Wikert at sheri@ fredericksburgchamber.org.
February 13
Career and Technology Education Advisory Committee Meting, Alvin York Bandy Administrative Complex, Professional Development Center, Room 16 and Lab 2
February 14
School Board Work Session and Meeting 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. | Alvin York Bandy Administrative Complex, Executive Session Room and School Board Chambers
February 16
School Board Work Session - High School Redistricting 5:30 p.m. | Professional Development Center, Room 13
February 20
Presidents Day - All Schools and Offices Closed
Sensory-Friendly Performance featuring the Rappahannock Pops Orchestra 10 a.m. | Brooke Point High School Admission is FREE and open to the public. Please request tickets at scpsartsdepartment@gmail.com.
February 28
School Board Meeting 7 p.m. | Alvin York Bandy Administrative Complex, School Board Chambers Early Release Day - Elementary and Head Start (No Afternoon Preschool) • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Save the Date March 1
School Board Public Hearing - High School Redistricting 7 p.m. | Colonial Forge High School (If canceled due to inclement weather, the rescheduled date is March 2, 2017.) 5
Partners in Education
Community Business Partners Support our Schools and Students Student Scholarships Available
Barnes & Noble “My Favorite Teacher Contest”
Stafford Education Foundation (SEF), the education foundation for Stafford County Public Schools (SCPS), established a scholarship award in the amount of $2,000 for five graduating high school seniors at each high school who intend to pursue studies to enter the teaching profession.
The nation’s largest retail bookseller and a leading retailer of content, digital media and educational products, announced the start of the 2017 “Barnes & Noble My Favorite Teacher Contest,” which for the past seven years provided middle and high school students the opportunity to tell their communities how much they appreciate their teachers.
Eligibility Criteria: • The applicant must be a graduating senior attending a SCPS high school who plans to further their education by enrolling in an accredited community college or four year college or university; • The applicant must have maintained a minimum 2.8 GPA during their high school career and provide a high school transcript including first semester grades for their senior year; • The applicant must answer two essay questions about their commitment to education and teaching; • The applicant must also submit a full essay regarding a teacher that has inspired them; • The applicant must demonstrate leadership and commitment to school and community through involvement in school and community activities, including work experience and public service. The application packet is available at http://www.staffordschools.net/ SEF. The scholarship funds are disbursed directly to the accredited college or four year college or university. Applications must be typed and received by April 1, 2017. Mail or Hand Delivery: Stafford Education Foundation, 31 Stafford Avenue, Stafford, VA, 22554 Email: SEFScholarship@staffordschools.net 6
Students can nominate their teacher by writing essays, poems or thank-you letters that share how their teacher has influenced their life and why they appreciate and admire them. The national winner is recognized at a special community celebration at their local Barnes & Noble store, and the winning teacher’s school will receive $5,000. The student who writes the national winning essay, poem or thank-you letter will win a $500 Barnes & Noble Gift Card and a NOOK. The Barnes & Noble My Favorite Teacher Contest submission period began January 4, 2017, and ends March 1, 2017. Students who want to participate must submit their essay or poem to Barnes & Noble Fredericksburg by March 1. Only middle and high school students and active teachers employed in elementary, middle or high schools in the United States are eligible to win. More details on the contest rules, photos and the winning essay from the 2016 Contest, is located at www.bn.com/myfavoriteteacher.
Virginia Lottery Super Teacher Nominations The Virginia Lottery Super Teachers nominations are due February 13. In partnership with the Virginia PTA and the Supply Room Companies, they will select eight educators from across the state in the spring as a Super Teacher and each will receive $2,000 in cash and $2,000 in classroom supplies. Please spread the word and hopefully a passionate, creative and innovative educator you know could be the next Super Teacher. Learn more at www.vasuperteacher.com PARENT & COMMUNITY CONNECTION
Become a Partner in Education
and organizations in the community to promote the common goal of improving educational opportunities for SCPS students.
SCPS seeks partners to work with us in designated platforms and meet specific engagement thresholds. The Community and Business Partner program provides opportunities to link schools, administrative departments and division employees with businesses
We are excited to learn more about your goals and the possibility of a mutual partnership. Begin your partnership by completing our Community and Business Partner Starter Form.
New Community Partnerships Support Teachers
Canstruction
Stafford County Public Schools (SCPS) is grateful for the support of Community Business Partners. Their support, services and resources improves educational opportunities for our students.
The 5th Annual Canstruction Event was held January 12-16 at the Spotsylvania Towne Centre. Canstruction is an international charity competition where an “official” team of five consisting of students, teachers, and businesses, compete to design and build giant structures made entirely of canned goods.
The Office of Strategic Communication and Community Engagement is pleased to announce its new Community and Business Partnership Program. The Community and Business Partner Program provides opportunities to link schools, administrative departments and division employees with businesses and organizations in the community to promote the common goal of improving educational opportunities for SCPS students. Here are the current partners participating in the program:
This year, Canstruction yielded 21,915 pounds of food and $757 in donations. This provides 19,776 meals to our community. Participating groups obtained their own supply of canned goods either through donations, sponsorship, or purchasing. Official rules stated that completed structures must not exceed the height, length, and width of 10’x10’x10’. At the close of competition, on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, all of the food was donated to the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank to support residents in Planning District 16. This year’s theme, Driving Out Hunger, provided teams with a starting point that allowed their creativity to flourish throughout all phases of design and implementation. Students communicated, collaborated, applied citizenship skills and used critical thinking and creativity while seeking wellness for one’s self and others.
Make an appointment with the Community Engagement Manager, Tiffany Twine, at twinetn@staffordschools.net to learn more about the Community and Business Partner Program.
Timely Donation Supports Collect for Kids Initiative On January 27, the Stafford County Fire and Rescue Department delivered additional school supplies to Rocky Run Elementary School in support of their ongoing Collect for Kids initiative. They delivered $250 worth of supplies as a direct result of a donation by the Stafford County Rotary Club District 7610. A special thank you to District 7610 Rotarian Carol Foley for the timely donation.
Canstruction engages students in meaningful, service-learning activities that reinforce classroom instruction. Teams incorporate STEM principles and design skills to create a Canstruction structure. Students enjoyed brainstorming sculpture designs, determining which food labels met their design needs, estimating the number of cans and time allotted for design implementation. In addition, students applied reading and social studies skills to research and understand food poverty and hunger in their community and how their Canstruction efforts address the need. Save the date for next year’s event: January 11-15, 2018.
Chatham Art Contest The Friends of Chatham, in conjunction with the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County Battlefields National Military Park, are sponsoring an Art Contest associated with their Artisans, Art, and History Day at Chatham Manor on Saturday, April 8, 2017. The art contest is only open to K-12 Stafford County Public School students. All Stafford students are encouraged to enter the Art Contest. Please note that students do not have to be enrolled in a visual art class in order to participate in the contest. Artwork can be 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional. The art teacher in each school will serve as the point of contact and collector of submissions in each school. School submissions are due to the art teacher by Friday, February 24, 2017.
Mountain View Learn and Serve Structure Title: “I Think I CAN, I Think I CAN” Description of the Structure: Our structure is a train and cars made entirely out of cans. Structure Weight: 714 pounds Visit www.staffordschools.net to see more Canstruction Teams.
PARENT & COMMUNITY CONNECTION
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Stafford County Public Schools 31 Stafford Avenue Stafford, VA 22554 540.658.6000 • www.staffordschools.net
parent & community connection
February 2017
ABOUT SCPS Stafford County Public Schools (SCPS) has an enrollment of more than 27,000 students with 30 schools. The district is located south of Washington, DC and serves a diverse population with suburban and rural communities. Although the school district has experienced rapid growth, the county has maintained a commitment to educational excellence. Support from the board of supervisors and the community have enabled the school district to maintain, improve and expand school facilities, transportation offerings, and instructional programs. Commitment to an excellent student-teacher ratio has enhanced quality instruction and attention for students. Significant technology advances ensure that students have the opportunity to learn practical work.