Chesterfield Parent-to-Parent

Swift Creek Middle School has taken over the lead toward winning $1,200! Your PTA can still win!

2011-09-07T14:21:00.000-04:00

Check out the fll results at: http://www.shopchesterfieldfirst.com/

CCPS Meeting Notice

2011-09-07T13:17:00.000-04:00

At 4:30 p.m. Sept. 8 at the School Administration Building, 9900 Krause Road, the Chesterfield County School Board will meet in closed session under Section 2.2-3711(A)(2) of the Code of Virginia to discuss student disciplinary matters and requests for exemption from mandatory attendance for religious purposes that require the disclosure of information contained in students’ scholastic records. (This meeting previously was announced for Aug. 30 but was delayed because the school division was closed in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene.)
Members of the Chesterfield County School Board may meet with the Chesterfield County Council of PTAs/PTSAs at 7 p.m. Sept. 12 at the School Administration Building, 9900 Krause Road.

The Chesterfield County School Board has scheduled these meetings Sept. 13:

● The School Board will hold a work session at 4:30 p.m. at the School Administration Building, 9900 Krause Road, to discuss SOLs and revisions to state requirements for teacher and administrator evaluations. The board will have dinner at 6 p.m.

● The School Board will hold a business meeting at 7 p.m. in the Public Meeting Room, 10001 Iron Bridge Road.

The Chesterfield County School Board will meet in closed session at 4:30 Sept. 19 at the School Administration Building, 9900 Krause Road, to discuss student disciplinary matters under Section 2.2-3711(A)(2) of the Code of Virginia.

For additional information, contact:

COMMUNITY RELATIONS DEPARTMENT

Post Office Box 10 • Chesterfield, Virginia 23832

(804) 748-1433 • fax (804) 768-4383

Equal Opportunity Employer

Get your denim in now!

2011-08-31T18:45:00.000-04:00

http://www.shopchesterfieldfirst.com/

Get your denim in now! Your PTA can still win!

Denim will be accepted at Chesterfield Towne Center until 6 pm on 9/18/2011.
What will the Top Denim Donating Schools win?

A total of $6,000 will be awarded to the PTAs of the schools that collect the largest amount of denim.

Cash prizes will be awarded in all three categories to the top elementary, middle and high schools:

The four schools who are in fourth place will receive $100.

Also, there will be an extra bonus of $200 for the school that

has collected the most denim.
Get your denim in now! Your PTA can still win!

Denim will be accepted at Chesterfield Towne Center until 6 pm on 9/18/2011. Good luck!

Free GED Test in September

2011-08-31T18:09:00.003-04:00

In September, GED® tests are free.

The usual cost is $58, but first-time test takers who register in September will pay nothing to take the test. Chesterfield County Public Schools is able to offer free tests for a limited time thanks to a grant from the Virginia Department of Education.

GED stands for General Educational Development, and a GED certificate is equivalent to a high school diploma. The GED test covers reading, writing, social studies, science and mathematics. In 2010, about 1,000 adults took a GED test in Chesterfield County. Why is earning a GED important? By 2012, according to the Virginia Department of Education, 70 percent of job opportunities will require a technical skills certificate. Entry into certificate programs requires a high school diploma or a GED.

Here’s how to register for a GED test:

• Preregister at www.ged123.org and print out the verification form.

• Bring that verification form and a driver’s license or other government-issued ID to the Adult Continuing Education Office at the Chesterfield Technical Center, 10101 Courthouse Road, during registration hours: 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays.

• Tests are offered each week through December, and GED seekers will select a test date during the registration process.

To pursue a GED, adults must be at least 18 and officially withdrawn from school. There is no prerequisite to taking the GED test, but classes and a learning lab are available for GED seekers who need preparation. Registration for the learning lab costs $30, and prep classes cost $70. Adults who complete 60 hours of preparation will also receive a free GED test.

For more information about GED tests or instruction, call 768-6140 or go online to chesterfield.k12.va.us to see the Adult Continuing Education program guide.

School Board Meeting Notices

2011-08-17T07:19:00.000-04:00

The Chesterfield County School Board has scheduled these meetings on Aug. 23:

At 4:30 p.m. at the School Administration Building, 9900 Krause Road, the Chesterfield County School Board will meet in closed session under Section 2.2-3711(A)(1) of the Code of Virginia to discuss hiring specific employees of the board. The School Board will have dinner at 6 p.m. at the School Administration Building. The Chesterfield County School Board will hold a business meeting at 7 p.m. in the Public Meeting Room, 10001 Iron Bridge Road. (Previously, the 7 p.m. meeting had been scheduled as a discussion meeting.)

At 4:30 p.m. Aug. 30 at the School Administration Building, 9900 Krause Road, the Chesterfield County School Board will meet in closed session under Section 2.2-3711(A)(2) of the Code of Virginia to discuss student disciplinary matters and requests for exemption from mandatory attendance for religious purposes that require the disclosure of information contained in students’ scholastic records.

Earn $1,200 for your PTA

2011-08-15T23:38:00.001-04:00

Earn $1,200 for your PTA by Donating the Most Used Denim at the 3rd Annual Great Denim Days!

What: Designate your favorite Chesterfield County Public School and donate your gently used denim items. The top donating schools will receive cash donations to their PTAs. Denim items will be given to Goodwill to support their mission and help turn jeans into jobs right here in our community.

PTA Award Levels are as follows:

Elementary Schools Middle Schools High Schools

1st Place: $1,000 $1,000 $1,000

2nd Place: $500 $500 $500

3rd Place: $300 $300 $300

The next four Chesterfield County School PTAs that donated the most denim regardless of the school grade will earn $100 each. The Chesterfield County School PTA with the highest amount of donated denim overall will receive an additional $200. A total of $6,000 will be awarded.

When: August 12 - September 18, 2011, during mall hours

How: Ready to donate your denim? Follow these easy steps:

1) Go to www.shopchesterfieldfirst.com/schools

2) Select the school you wish to support and print the voucher.

3) Bring the voucher and denim to Chesterfield Towne Center Guest Services desk near the Food Court.

Tell everyone! Download flyer to print or email.

Click here for Great Denim Days flyer.

Where: Chesterfield Towne Center

11500 Midlothian Turnpike

Richmond, VA 23235

804.794.4661

www.chesterfieldcenter.com

Adequate yearly progress results are announced

2011-08-12T22:53:00.000-04:00

News Release

CONTACT Tim Bullis

Director, Community Relations

748-1433

Adequate yearly progress results are announced

Six Title I schools are among the 20 Chesterfield County elementary schools to make adequate yearly progress for 2011-12 under federal No Child Left Behind legislation, the Virginia Department of Education announced today. Across the school system, the percentage of all students passing state-mandated tests ranged from 92 percent to 86 percent during the 2010-11 school year. Chesterfield County averages surpassed state averages for yet another year.

In addition to the 20 schools that made AYP, seven Chesterfield schools met 28 of the 29 required annual measurable objectives. The division’s pass rates for all students are

• 92 percent in science

• 91 percent in English

• 90 percent in writing

• 88 percent in mathematics

• 86 percent in history

“Despite numerous challenges, our students continue to exhibit progress and outperform their peers across Virginia,” Superintendent Marcus J. Newsome said. “We look forward to making enhancements necessary for continuous improvement and are heartened by recent national conversations about regulatory relief for an outdated law.”

Earlier this week, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced the federal government’s intention to provide waivers for schools not meeting benchmarks outlined in the No Child Left Behind legislation, which is three years overdue for reauthorization. He has estimated that up to 83 percent of the country’s schools will not make AYP this year.

“The federal law has good intentions but, as the secretary has noted, there are fundamental flaws that need to be addressed,” Dr. Newsome said. “As the secretary said, ‘The law has created dozens of ways for schools to fail and very few ways to help them succeed.’ As it stands now, the AYP measuring stick is a severe misrepresentation of the accomplishments of America’s public schools. It undermines the hard work of our teachers and students every day and is not truly representative of the gains made in public education in Chesterfield County and elsewhere during the past five years.”

Chesterfield’s schools exceeded the annual measurable objectives (a total of 1,769 categories) identified by the federal government under No Child Left Behind nearly 91 percent of the time. To be classified as making adequate yearly progress, a school division or school must meet annual measurable objectives in each of 29 categories. Chesterfield County Public Schools met annual measurable objectives in 21 of the 29 federally identified categories, missing benchmarks in four categories by 3 percentage points or less. Because the school division did not exceed measurable objectives, it did not make AYP for only the second time in the past five years. Only four school divisions in Virginia made AYP for 2011-12 based on 2010-11 test results.

Chesterfield County elementary schools making AYP are Bellwood, Bensley, Beulah, Bon Air, Clover Hill, Crenshaw, Enon, Evergreen, Gordon, Grange Hall, Harrowgate, Providence, Reams, Robious, Elizabeth Scott, Swift Creek, Bettie Weaver, Wells, Winterpock and Woolridge.

The seven Chesterfield schools that met 28 of the 29 required annual measurable objectives are Davis Elementary, Greenfield Elementary, Spring Run Elementary, Jacobs Road Elementary, Tomahawk Creek Middle, Cosby High and Midlothian High.

“We’re certainly proud of these schools; making AYP is no small feat this time. A significant increase in expectations across the state and a significant reduction in resources across the state have left what would appear on the surface to be a step backward,” Dr. Newsome said. “In reality, despite regional budget cuts to public education in the range of $150 million that have resulted in the elimination of more than 750 positions, our students are successfully being exposed to more content and learning more skills than students have during any other era in history. Our students, teachers and schools are succeeding!”

During the 2010-11 school year, Chesterfield County Public Schools earned state and national recognition including the What Parents Want Award from SchoolMatch, 100 Best Communities for Young People award from America’s Promise Alliance, Virginia Index of Performance awards for 26 schools and Washington Post Challenge Index recognition for seven high schools. In addition, Chesterfield County Public Schools had Virginia’s only winner of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, Virginia’s only winner of the National Distinguished Principals Award, the nation’s top K-12 health educator and the national Wendy’s High School Heisman winner.

Work being done on the school division’s new comprehensive plan — the Design for Excellence 2020, which builds on the successes of the current Design for Excellence — will result in additional strategies and best practices to help ensure continuous improvement. A continued realigning of the curriculum is expected to help boost student pass rates. This year, central office and school-based staff members will continue to carefully review student achievement data to revise school improvement plans for continued student achievement.

“We remain committed to preparing our students for success in a rapidly changing, global society,” Dr. Newsome said. “Our strategic work with partners — including leaders in the educational field serving on various innovation teams — on the Design for Excellence 2020 will result in a plan that serves as a guide to continuous improvement. Our students deserve nothing less than the community expectation of high-quality educational opportunities in safe, supportive and nurturing learning environments.”

― end ―

CCCPTA/PTSA 2011-2012 Calendar Change

2011-08-12T08:23:00.000-04:00

Please Post: September's Meeting (Reception with School Board) will take place on the 12th.

September 12, 2011

New students should register before school starts

2011-08-10T15:14:00.000-04:00

PTA/PTSA Leaders,

Please share the following infomration with your unit. Feel free to reprint this announcment

School starts Sept. 6. Is your child registered?

Students new to Chesterfield County Public Schools are encouraged to register as soon as possible to attend school this fall.

New students, including incoming kindergartners who missed registration day in April, can enroll at their home school. To determine which school is their home school, families can call 594-1726 or go online to chesterfield.k12.va.us, click “schools,” then “school lookup feature.” Through Aug. 26, summer hours in Chesterfield schools are 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Details about what information to bring when registering for school are available at chesterfield.k12.va.us.

CCCPTA/PTA 2011-2012 Calendar

2011-08-10T08:12:00.001-04:00

2011-2012 Calendar

Chesterfield County Council of PTAs/PTSAs

There are no general membership meetings during the months of June, July or August. The general membership meetings begin at 7 p.m. and are held at the School Board Administration Building, 9900 Krause Road, on the following dates unless notified otherwise. Executive Board meetings begin one hour prior to general meetings.

Sept. 12 Leadership Reception w/Superintendent and Chesterfield School Board/Board Docs Briefing

Know your Representatives

Oct. 17 School Board Candidates forum

Nov. 21 Budget overview/ State PTA Convention results

Dec. 5 Meet and Speak with Your State Legislators

Jan 23 School Board policy review (Public Meeting Room)

Feb. 13 Budget Review

Mar 3 PTA Reflections Ceremony – Cosby High School

March 19 Speaker – Working families in the 21st Century

April 2 Annual Recognition Dinner (Elections) - Thomas Dale High School

May 21 Executive Board 2012-2013 Planning Meeting - (Public Engagement Session)

2011 – 2012 LOCAL UNIT SUSPENSE DATES

(CHECK WWW.VAPTA FOR ADDITIONAL STATE SUSPENSE DATES)

June 15 PTA/PTSA Leaders contact information to council and state offices

Sept. 14 RSVP to School Board reception

Oct. 25 PTA Legislation voting (2011 PLP Tallies) to James River District Director

Dec. 1 Dues to the state office (recommend sending dues monthly)

Dec 5 Reflections first place winning entries to council (School Administration Building)

Chesterfield County Council dues ($25 per unit can be paid at the meeting)
March 1 Dues to state office
March 9 RSVP to Council Recognition Dinner and submit PTA/PTSA success stories

June 30 Last dues payment to state office (remain a Unit in Good Standing!)

Welcome to another great PTA year!

2011-08-10T07:54:00.000-04:00

Dear PTA/PTSA Leaders,
Welcome back (well, almost)!
Attached is the 2011-2012 Chesterfield County Council Calendar. Please incorporate it into your unit calendar. We expect to see every unit represented at all county council meetings. If your unit does not have a county council representative, the duty of attending council meetings should be rotated among board members.

Our updated contact information is still incomplete. Please completed the attached form and email it to , Judi_Anderson@ccpsnet.net . I apologize for sending email to former presidents. Please be patient while we complete our updates. If you can make contact with your replacements and remind him/her to send in the contacts form, we would appreciate the effort. We are missing:

Elementary Middle High
Beulah Carver
Bon Air Falling Creek Cosby
Crestwood Matoaca Meadowbrook
Ettrick Providence Midlothian
Evergreen Robious Monacan
Falling Creek Salem Church
Gordon
Greenfield
Jacobs Rd
Providence
Robious
Salem Church
Weaver

If you have not completed your unit's audit, please do so immediately. Let us know if you need help. Remember, file your IRS Form 990 N online. It's easy and quick.

Eamil a request for information to help you continue to form your special education committee (stellaedw@aol.com). Prepare to be more inclusive this year. Remember, "everychild.onevoice."

Reference Back to School Kits: Fortunately, the registration to receive the Back to School Kit from the National PTA is still active through September 16, using the correct link: http://www.pta.org/3104.asp

Thank you for all you do for our students and the community.

Stella Edwards,

President

Chesterfield County Council of PTAs/PTSAs

CCPS NEWS TIPS

2011-04-04T11:57:00.000-04:00

April 4

Information night
Swift Creek Middle will have an information night for rising sixth-graders in the auditorium 7-8 p.m.
Contact: Patricia Cuenin, 739-6315

Money presentation
Second-graders at Marguerite Christian Elementary will learn about money with the help of Franklin Federal Bank 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Contact: Cynthia Johnson, 530-5733

April 5

Program
At Grange Hall Elementary, the PTA will meet at 6 p.m., and a first-grade program will begin at 7 p.m.
Contact: 739-6265

Reading
Hopkins Elementary kindergartners will visit Barnes & Noble at Chesterfield Towne Center to select a book and participate in story time.
Contact: Donna Venable, 743-3665

Parent coffee
Greenfield Elementary will have a parent coffee in the cafeteria 9:30-10:30 a.m. The topic is “Siblings Without Rivalry — It’s Not Just a Dream.”
Contact: Beth Carter, 560-2720

Engineering
A MathScience Innovation Center representative will teach grades K-2 at Spring Run Elementary about engineering.
Contact: Terri Shepherd, 639-6352

Living museum
Third-grade students at Swift Creek Elementary will present a Mighty Minds Living Museum 6:30-8 p.m. Displays come to life as students portray famous people.
Contact: Karole Parynik, 739-6305

Celebration
Reams Elementary will have a Book It celebration at 2 p.m. to celebrate the 19,347 books students read from October to March.
Contact: Meghan Dorgan, 674-1370

Pizza night
Elizabeth Scott Elementary families will eat 5-8 p.m. at Cici’s Pizza.
Contact: 541-4660
Walking trip
Hening Elementary kindergartners will take a walking field trip to Martin’s grocery store to learn about healthy habits.
Contact: 743-3655

April 6
Blood drive
Watkins Elementary will have a spring blood drive 3-7 p.m. Donors can make an appointment or sign up on appointment sheets distributed to classes.
Contact: Deb Dudley, dadjwd@comcast.net

Soccer
The World Languages Department at Clover Hill High is hosting a World Cup soccer game. Students who take a language may buy a ticket to participate or to be a spectator. There will be one game scheduled to begin at 10:45 a.m.; it will be Spanish classes vs. other world language classes. Proceeds go to the relief efforts in Japan and to the Rich Conklin benefit fund.
Contact: Julia Bates, 639-4940

April 7
Kindergarten registration
Chesterfield County Public Schools will register children for kindergarten 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Children must be 5 years old on or before Sept. 30, 2011. Parents should register their children at the school they are zoned to attend. To find the correct school, parents may call 748-1666 or go online to chesterfield.k12.va.us, then click “schools,” then “school lookup feature.”
Contact: 748-1405

Meeting
The Gifted Education Advisory Committee will meet at 6:30 p.m. at the School Administration Building, 9900 Krause Road.
Contact: 594-1767

Fire safety
Spring Run Elementary second-grade classes will learn fire safety when the fire house visits the bus loop.
Contact: 639-6352

April 7-9

Performance
James River High will perform “Nevermore! Edgar Allan Poe: The Final Mystery.” Tickets are $5 in advance and $7 at the door.
Contact: Alli Oyler, 378-2420, Ext. 4124

April 8
Outreach
Grange Hall Elementary students will donate pet food and pet treats to help Meals on Wheels recipients feed their dogs and cats.
Conact: Michelle Mason, masonm@chesterfield.govvisit

Matoaca Elementary students will visit the west campus of Matoaca Middle.ntact: 590-3130
Reading event
Chalkley Elementary fifth-graders will meet for books and breakfast 8:14-8:45 a.m.
Contact: 674-1300

Exhibition
The Visual Arts Department of Appomattox Regional Governor’s School will present its sixth annual Student Spring Gala Exhibition 6-8 p.m. at the Petersburg Area Art League, 7 E. Old St. in Petersburg.
Contact: 861-4611

Dance performance
At Appomattox Regional Governor’s School, 12 dance majors will perform “What Comes in a Dozen…” at 7 p.m. in the auditorium. Everyone is invited to this free event.
Cntact: Allison Rowe, 722-0200, Ext. 1310

Field trip
Chalkley Elementary kindergartners will visit the Metro Richmond Zoo.
Contact: 674-1300

Spring cleanup
Capital One volunteers will help Chalkley Elementary with spring cleanup and planting.
Contact: 674-1300

Talent show
There wil be a talent show at Marguerite Christian at 6 p.m. in the cafeteria.

Contact: Cynthia Johnson, 530-5733

Competition

Hening Elementary students will travel to Winterpock Elementary at 10 a.m. to compete in a Battle of the Books.

Contact: 743-3655

April 8-9

Robotics competition

Chesterfield County students will participate in regional FIRST robotics competition 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the VCU Siegel Center.

Contact: 748-1405

April 9

Yard sale

The Monacan High Band Boosters will sponsor a yard sale 8 a.m.-noon. The rain date is noon-4 p.m. April 10.

Contact: Amy Duke, 594-3676 or amyduke@aol.com.

Concert

Students from Chesterfield County Public Schools will be among those performing in the all-Virginia band and orchestra concert at 1:30 p.m. at Charlottesville High.

Contact: 768-6245

Bandarama

The Cosby High Titan Band and Hanover High Wind Ensemble will perform at 7:30 p.m. with the University of Virginia Wind Ensemble at Richmond’s Landmark Theater. Tickets cost $5 at the door.

Contact: Earl Shaffer, 639-8340

Carnival

Woolridge Elementary’s spring carnival will run 10 a.m.-4 p.m. rain or shine. There is a silent auction at www.biddingforgood.com/WoolridgePTA.

Contact: Barbara Schaedel, 739-6330

April 11

Tree presentation

A forestry education specialist for the Virginia Department of Forestry will give a presentation to Reams Road Elementary third-graders 2:30-3:10 p.m. and give them trees to plant on Arbor Day.

Contact: Sara Hunt, 674-1370

Skate night

Hening Elementary families will skate at Skate-A-Way 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Contact: 743-3655

Pizza night

Bailey Bridge Middle families will eat 5-8 p.m. at CiCi’s Pizza at Commonwealth Parkway.

Contact: Priscilla Millefolie, 739-6200

Chess

The Chess Club at Hening Elementary will meet at 3:45 p.m. in the library.

Contact: 743-3655

Field trip

Spring Run Elementary fourth-grade classes will visit Pamplin Historical Park.

Contact: 639-6352

April 11-15

Book fair

Hening Elementary will have a book fair during school hours. On April 12, the book fair will also be open starting at 4:30 p.m. for family shopping.

Contact: 743-3655

April 12

Pizza night

Curtis Elementary families will eat 5-8 p.m. at CiCi’s Pizza in Chester.

Contact: 768-6175

Program

Capital One will present Bank It at Chalkley Elementary for parents of students in grades 3-5.

Contact: 674-1300

Assembly

Bailey Bridge Middle will hold Character Assemblies to support positive behavior and academic achievement.

Contact: Priscilla Millefolie, 739-6200

Parents night

Very Informed Parents night will be held at Bailey Bridge Middle for rising sixth-grade parents 6:30-8:30 p.m. Parents may also register their children for STAR 101, a summer prep program.

Contact: Kume Goranson, 739-6200

Bank program

Each fifth-grade class at Matoaca Elementary will have a lesson about saving money. Third-graders will visit the Bank of McKenney for a lesson on saving.

Contact: Jennifer Autry, 590-3100

Field trip

The fifth-grade Center Based Gifted class at Hening Elementary will go to VCU 8:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m. to learn about economics.

Contact: 743-3655

April 12 and April 14

Talent show

Gordon Elementary will present a talent show at 7 p.m.

Contact: Debbie Bacile, 378-2410

April 13

Battle of the Books

Hopkins Elementary students will compete in a Battle of the Books at 9:30 a.m.

Contact: Carolyn Moul, 743-3665

Meeting

The Special Education Advisory Committee will meet 4:30-6 p.m. at the Parent-Teacher Resource Center in the Fulghum Center, 4003 Cogbill Road.

Contact: 594-1732

Parent coffee

Chalkley Elementary parents are invited for coffee 8:30-9:30 a.m. to discuss “What to Do When Your Kids Are Driving You Crazy.”

Contact: Pat Bishop, 674-1300

Picture day

Gordon Elementary students will pose for spring photos.

Contact: 378-2410

April 14

Students of the Year gala

Two Students of the Year from every Chesterfield County school will be honored during a banquet at the Holiday Inn Koger Conference Center 6-8:30 p.m.

Contact: 748-1405

Meetings

Innovation teams are scheduled to meet 4:30-7 p.m.

Contact: 748-1405

Skate night

The Curtis Elementary families will skate at Chester Skateland 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Contact: 748-2058

Conversations

Ettrick Elementary will hold Café Conversations 6-8 p.m. Fifth-grade students and parents will discuss the pressures of middle school and making good decisions.

Contact: Kimberly Reynolds, 520-6005, Ext. 5706

Family event

Providence Middle will hold its fourth annual Family Fun/Fitness Night 6-8 p.m. Performances given by the Swingers Jump Rope Team, Richmond Olympiad, ACAC’s DanceFusion and others. There will also be a blood drive in conjunction with Virginia Blood Services.

Contact: Chuck Anderson, 674-1355

Living museum

Third-grade students at Swift Creek Elementary will present a Mighty Minds Living Museum 6:30-8 p.m. Displays come to life as students portray famous people.

Contact: Karole Parynik, 739-6305

Competition

A Battle of the Books will be held at Providence Elementary at 10 a.m. Reams Road, Jacobs Road and Providence Elementary will participate.

Contact: 674-1345

Dinner

Reams Road Elementary families will eat at Chick-fil-A 5-8 p.m.

Contact: Meghan Dorgan, 674-1370

Field trip

Hening Elementary third-grade students will take a trip to the Virginia Aquarium.

Contact: 743-3655

April 14-15

Performance

Theater students at Swift Creek Middle will present “The Idi-Odyssey” in the auditorium 7-9 p.m.

Contact: Patricia Cuenin, 739-6315

April 15

Report cards

Report cards will be issued to grades K-12.

Contact: 748-1405

Field day

Chalkley Elementary students will have field day for grades K-2 in the morning and grades 3-5 in the afternoon.

Contact: 674-1300

Relative Connections

Chesterfield grandparents raising school-age children are invited to attend Relative Connections 10-11 a.m. at Providence Middle, 900 Starlight Lane. This session will cover success in middle school.

Contact: 768-7878

Performance

Theatre IV will perform twice during the day for students at Elizabeth Scott Elementary.

Contact: 541-4660

Field day

The PTA at Hening Elementary will host a field day.

Contact: 743-3655

Production

Second- and third-grade students at Hening Elementary will see Theatre IV at 9:30 a.m.

Contact: 743-3655

April 16

Regatta

Crew teams from different localities in Virginia will compete at the James River Regatta starting at 9 a.m. Four- and eight-person shells will launch from Robious Landing Park and compete in 1,500-meter sprints. This daylong free event hosted by the James River High crew team will feature varsity and novice races.

Contact: Hank Holswade, 357-4715, or www.jamesriverrowers.org

April 18-22

Spring break

This is spring break.

Contact: 748-1405

April 21

Dinner

Bailey Bridge Middle families will eat at Johnny Rockets in Hancock Village 3-9 p.m.

Contact: Priscilla Millefolie, 739-6200

April 22

Egg hunt

Marguerite Christian Elementary will have an egg hunt at 10 a.m. in the bus loop.

Contact: Cynthia Johnson, 530-5733

Ongoing

Core values

Spring Run Elementary students are participating in a new program called Husky Highlights. The program lets students demonstrate their knowledge of core values by creating songs, skits, raps and poems to perform for their peers during lunch.

Contact: 639-6352

Art activity

Spring Run Elementary students are working with Richmond ceramicist Matthew David Camden during their art classes to create a large sculpture commemorating the 10th anniversary of the school and the 10th anniversary of the core values of Chesterfield County Public Schools.

Contact: 639-6352

DimensionU

Sixteen Chesterfield schools are using educational video games in math classes as an engaging way to master math skills. DimensionU games embed more than 400 math and literacy skills in a multitude of 3- D, interactive formats.

Contact: 748-1405

Educational garden

Watkins Elementary is establishing an educational garden to introduce the concepts of gardening, container gardening, water conservation, rain barrels, composting and eating healthy. A rain barrel and watershed workshop will be held April 30.

Contact: Kristine Pearman, 378-2530

Spanish project

Fifth-graders at Harrowgate and Grange Hall Elementary schools are writing postcards to each other in a Spanish pen pal exchange so that they can practice writing and reading in a second language.

Contact: Amy Miller, 520-6015

Comprehensive plan

Innovation teams are working to update the comprehensive plan of Chesterfield County Public Schools. The innovation teams will meet several times, with the School Board scheduled to receive a report this spring. This process began in the fall with a series of forums focusing on the future of education in Chesterfield County. There are four innovation teams:

• School Board Innovation Team on Mission and Vision

• Innovation Team for Academic Achievement

• Innovation Team for Technology and 21st-Century Skills

• Innovation Team for Citizenship and Core Values

Contact: 748-1405

Mighty Milers

The Mighty Milers will continue at Chalkley Elementary until the end of the year. This program teaches the healthy habit of running or walking. Miles are recorded weekly. The school’s goal is 12,000 miles.

Contact: 674-1300

Recycling

Guys on the Go, a running group for fifth-grade boys, runs the recycling program at Chalkley Elementary. The group focuses on athletics, health and fitness, teamwork, community service and character development.

Contact: 674-1300

Nail spa

A nail spa run by the nail technology students is open at Chesterfield Technical Center Mondays-Fridays 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and Tuesdays until 3 p.m. Call for an appointment.

Contact: Matt Roberts, 768-6160, Ext. 1046

Mail program

Elizabeth Scott Elementary has started a schoolwide mail system. Students may write letters to each other and staff members. Parents are also encouraged to write letters to their child or any staff member. Deliveries take place on Thursdays.

Contact: 541-4660

Mileage Club

The Mileage Club at Greenfield Elementary meets every Tuesday and Thursday 8:30-9:10 a.m.

Contact: Michelle Jenkins, 560-2720

Fresh fruits and vegetables

Five elementary schools are participating in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program: Ettrick, Falling Creek, Bellwood, Chalkley and Bensley (this is Bensley’s second year). Four days a week at Ettrick and Bensley and three days a week at the other three schools, students sample a different fresh fruit or vegetable. Cafeteria staff members prepare big bowls of whatever the day’s item is, then the bowls are delivered to classrooms, where students eat the fruit or vegetable and learn how it grows, where it grows, how it might be prepared, etc. The program continues throughout the school year.

Contact: Ettrick 520-6005, Falling Creek 743-3630, Bellwood 743-3600, Chalkley 674-1300,

Bensley 743-3610

Savings account

Supported by Essex Bank, Watkins Elementary students are learning about banks and savings accounts. So that students can make deposits to their savings accounts, bank representatives come to school Tuesdays for grades K-1, Wednesdays for grades 2-3 and Thursdays for grades 4-5.

Contact: 378-2530

Recycle

Spring Run Elementary’s recycling program runs through the end of the school year. Environmental helpers in grades 1-5 are trained in the recycling process.

Contact: 639-6352

Student council

Midlothian Middle student leaders meet 7:45-8:15 a.m. the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month.

Contact: Christi Prybyla, 378-2460

Chess

The Chess Club at Watkins Elementary meets 8:15-9:10 a.m. the first Friday of every month in the cafeteria.

Contact: rdrvet@verizon.net

Program

Beulah Elementary’s morning program for grades 1-3 takes place before school throughout the year.

Contact: 743-3620

BEST

The BEST program at Beulah Elementary is an after-school program for grades 3-5 and a before-school program for grades 1-3.

Contact: 743-3620

Community service

Midlothian Middle’s Builders Club students meet periodically to plan ways to give back to the community.

Contact: Tracy Ferguson or Kimberly Leedom,

378-2460

Business and Community Resource Bank

The Business and Community Resource Bank offers an easy way to make a difference in schools by connecting people willing to share their knowledge with teachers who need classroom speakers or volunteers. Whether a community member would like to speak about his area of expertise, participate in a career day or mentor a student, the resource bank can make the connection with a school.

Contact: 748-1405

Free supplies for school employees

From Crayons to Computers is packed with donated school and office supplies to be given away. Located in the Spring Rock Green shopping center at 7138 Midlothian Turnpike, the store is open to all Chesterfield County Public Schools employees 2:30-5:30 p.m. on most Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the school year. Donations are tax-deductible.

Contact: 276-7407 or 305-4279

Running

The Running Club at Crestwood Elementary meets every Tuesday 8:30-9:05 a.m.

Contact: 560-2710

Pizza night

Bensley Elementary families eat at the Chester CiCi’s 5-8 p.m. on the first Wednesday of every month.

Contact: 743-3610
Incentive program

Fifth-graders at Spring Run Elementary have an incentive program that gives them an opportunity to earn Husky bucks for appropriate behavior. Every nine weeks, they use their Husky bucks at the fifth-grade store where they make or bring items from home to sell.
Contact: Terri Shepherd, 639-6352

Helping others
Students at Elizabeth Davis Middle are raising money for cancer patients. The class that wins will be treated to pasta.

Contact: Pamela Masters, 541-4700

April 2-3 will overflow with art and science

2011-03-23T22:20:00.000-04:00

Chesterfield’s annual Arts and Sciences Festival features creativity and inventiveness from Chesterfield County Public Schools in visual arts, performing arts and science. Students from every Chesterfield school will participate in the event, which will take place April 2-3 at Thomas Dale High School, 3626 W. Hundred Road. Hours are 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. April 2 and noon-4:30 p.m. April 3. Admission is free. For more information, call 748-1405.

Highlights of this year’s festival include

• hands-on opportunity for everyone who attends the festival to help create an

on-site work of art, coordinated by art teachers Sarah Matthews and Jimi Herd.

• performances by the all-county elementary honors chorus during the opening ceremony at 10 a.m. April 2 and the closing ceremony at 3 p.m. April 3.

― end ―

This year’s flier for the Arts and Sciences Festival was created by Thomas Dale High student Kesha Hayes in homage to Pablo Picasso.

CCCPTA/PTSA Leaders Update #26 - Annual Recognition Dinner+

2011-03-21T23:46:00.000-04:00

Dear PTA/PTSA Leaders,
The Chesterfield County Council of PTA/PTSA Annual Recognitions Dinner is almost here! Please check with your neighboring school’s PTA/PTSA to make sure their presidents and principals have submitted their:

1. Reservations for our annual recognition dinner
2. Success story for the program book
3. Nominations for Volunteer of the Year! (Please take the time to put, "pen to paper" and nominate a worthy volunteer)

If you have questions reference these requirements, please ask immediately. Volunteer parents and teachers are doing their best to make this an evening you will all enjoy , you deserve it! Let’s come together and relax after another year of successful volunteerism in CCPS!

If you are interested in serving on the nominations committee for the council, please let me know before April 11, 2011. You will have one year to develop a slate of officers for the council’s 2012-2014 term.

Kindergarten Registration is April 7th for all of our schools! Let’s make our new parents feel welcomed to the school and PTA1 Please have an, ‘information packet” to give them. Do not assume that new parents and family members know what PTA is. Introduce the Association and all that we do to support parents teachers and our schools, at every level of governance (national, state, local). You can also include free items as well (i.e. coupons, passes, treats).

BOS Public Hearing on the budget is meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 23, 2011, We need to stand up and speak out for quality education for our children!

Remember to Shop Chesterfield First.

Note, the new PTA VOICE is online. www.vapta.org

Thank you for everything you are doing to support our children, schools and community!

Stella Y. Edwards
President,
Chesterfield County Council of PTAs/PTSAs
709 Spring Valley Road
Colonial Heights, VA 23834
(804) 530-1809 (direct)
(804) 691-2122 (mobile)
(804) 862-2205 (office)
(804) 768-4383(fax)
stellaedw@aol.com
www.chesterfieldparent-to-parent.blogspot.com www.vapta.org www.pta.org
" A person has truly become a PTA member when his circle of concern stretches beyond his own child to include all children."

CCPS News Tips

2011-03-21T23:38:00.000-04:00

Here are the weekly News Tips from Chesterfield County Public Schools. You are welcome to cover these activities, but please call the school in advance.

<먔̥> March 17-25

Book fair

Alberta Smith Elementary will hold a book fair during school hours in the library. The book fair will also be open during the spring carnival March 19.

Contact: Liz Hunter, 739-6247

March 18-27

Performance

Appomattox Regional Governor’s School presents “The Trojan Women.” This Greek tragedy begins at 7 p.m. March 18-19 and March 25-26. There will also be 2 p.m. performances March 20 and March 27. Tickets purchased by March 16 are $8 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. Tickets at the door are $10 and $5 for students and seniors.

Contact: 722-0200, Ext. 1206, or tickets@args.us

March 21

Meeting

Members of the Chesterfield County School Board will attend a meeting of the Budget and Audit Committee at 12:30 p.m. in Room 303 of the Lane B. Ramsey Administration Building, 9901 Lori Road.

Contact: 748-1405

Meeting

The Liaison Committee, which includes members of the Chesterfield County School Board and members of the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors, will meet at 4 p.m. at the School Administration Building, 9900 Krause Road.

Contact: 748-1405

Nutrition event

Matoaca Elementary will hold a 2:30 p.m. pep rally to kick off Fuel Up to Play 60, a school wellness program from the National Dairy Council, the Southeast Dairy Association and the NFL. On the following four Wednesdays, students will be introduced to new foods during their lunch times and nutritional games during P.E.

Contact: Ellen Nichols, 590-3100

Field trip

Reams Road Elementary prekindergartners will visit the Children’s Museum of Richmond.

Contact: Meghan Dorgan, 674-1370

Performance

The U.S. Navy Band will perform at Hopkins Elementary at 2 p.m.

Contact: Phil Brooks, 743-3665

Visit

Gates Elementary students will visit Matoaca Middle.

Contact: 590-3130

Club

The Fit 4 Life Club at Swift Creek Elementary will meet at 3:30 p.m.

Contact: 739-6305

March 22

Meetings

In the School Administration Building, 9900 Krause Road, the Chesterfield County School Board will hold a work session at 4 p.m. and a discussion meeting at 5:30 p.m.

Contact: 748-1405

Prekindergarten

This is the third of four dates to submit an application to attend prekindergarten. Students must be 4 years old on or before Sept. 30, show an educational need, meet income requirements and live in the attendance zone of one of the 12 Chesterfield schools that offer prekindergarten. Applications will be taken 4-7 p.m. at Reams Road Elementary, 10141 Reams Road.

Contact: 279-7357, 279-7352 or 594-1671

Family fun

Davis Elementary families will focus on vocabulary during Family Fun Night. A vocabulary parade, with students portraying words, begins at 6:30 p.m., then there will be vocabulary games and activities at 7 p.m. There will also be a book fair and pizza dinner.

Contact: 674-1310

March 22-25

Help for Japan

Clover Hill Elementary students are donating money for Save the Children to help Japan recover from an earthquake and tsunami.

Contact: 739-6220

March 23

Relative Connections

Chesterfield grandparents raising school-age children are invited to attend Relative Connections 10-11 a.m. at Ettrick Elementary. This session will cover success in elementary school.

Contact: 768-7878

Competition

Woolridge Elementary will hold a Battle of the Books for fifth-graders in the cafeteria 9:30-11 a.m.

Contact: Barbara Schaedel, 739-6330

Author visit

Author Kalli Dakos will visit Reams Road Elementary.

Contact: Meghan Dorgan, 674-1370

Reading

Fourth- and fifth-graders at Grange Hall Elementary will meet for Book and Breakfast 8:30-9:05 a.m.

Contact: Rebecca Schneeberger, 739-6265

Visit

Ettrick Elementary students will visit Matoaca Middle.

Contact: 590-3130

Concert

The Petersburg Symphony will perform 7:30-9 p.m. in the auditorium at Swift Creek Middle.

Contact: 739-6315

March 24

Meetings

Innovation teams are scheduled to meet 4:30-7 p.m.

Contact: 748-1405

Instructional event

At 6:30 p.m., Providence Middle will hold an Instructional Fair to give parents and community members information about the curriculum. There will also be a bingo night.

Contact: Dr. Tameshia Grimes, 674-1355

Poet visit

Author and poet Kalli Dakos will share and play her poetry at Falling Creek Elementary all day.

Contact: Lauren Lineweaver, 743-3630

Breakfast

Swift Creek Middle will hold a core values breakfast in the cafeteria 7-7:30 a.m.

Contact: 739-6315

March 24-25

Dance event

“Progression,” a spring dance showcase at Thomas Dale High, will take place at 7 p.m. in the auditorium. The concert includes a multitude of dance styles and choreography by faculty, students and guest artists. Tickets are available at the door and cost $6 or $5 for students. Admission is free for senior citizens and children 5 and younger.

Contact: Denise Purvis, 768-6245, Ext. 697

Field trip

Hening Elementary fifth-graders will go on a field trip to the Richmond Canal Walk.

Contact: 743-3655

March 24-26

Field trip

FBLA and DECA club members from Matoaca High will visit New York City to tour TV and movie sites, see Ground Zero and experience the Sony Wonder Technology Lab.

Contact: Heather Viar, 590-3108

March 25

Meeting

The Chesterfield County School Board will hold a quarterly work session at 10 a.m. at the School Administration Building, 9900 Krause Road. The School Board will discuss the proposed mission, vision and beliefs and to hear an update about the Innovation Teams.

Contact: 748-1405

Jammies for Japan

Students at Watkins Elementary who bring in a dollar or more may wear pajamas to school. The money will be donated to the Red Cross to help Japan.

Contact: Kristine Pearman, 378-2530

Theatre IV

Theatre IV will present “Songs From the Soul” to grades 3-5 at Reams Road Elementary.

Contact: Meghan Dorgan, 674-1370

Visit

Matoaca Elementary students will visit Matoaca Middle.

Contact: 590-3130

Spirit Day

It is Spirit Day at Chalkley Elementary, so students will wear their favorite sports jersey.

Contact: 674-1300

Club

The Fit 4 Life Club at Swift Creek Elementary will meet at 3:30.

Contact: 739-6305

Parent coffee

Watkins Elementary will have a parent coffee in the cafeteria 9:30-10:30 a.m. to discuss “Self Esteem and Body Image in the Elementary Student.”

Contact: 378-2530

March 28

Performance

Woolridge Elementary third-graders will have a recorder performance.

Contact: 739-6330

Club

The Fit 4 Life Club at Swift Creek Elementary will meet at 3:30 p.m.

Contact: 739-6305

March 28-31

Book fair

Hopkins Elementary will have its spring book fair.

Contact: Carolyn Moul, 743-3665

March 29

Concert

Richmond Symphonic Winds will perform in the Swift Creek Middle auditorium 7:30-9 p.m.

Contact: 739-6315

Dinner

Swift Creek Elementary families will eat 5-8 p.m. at Chick-fil-A on Hull Street.

Contact: 739-6305

Breakfast

Providence Middle will hold a core values breakfast at 9 a.m. in the cafeteria.

Contact: Sheila Hage, 674-1355

March 29-31

Presentation

Bettie Weaver Elementary fourth-graders will present a Virginia History Lives wax museum.

Contact: Debbie Baker, 378-2540

March 30

Pyramid concert

Clover Hill High will host a pyramid chorus concert 7-9 p.m. Among the choral groups performing will be Swift Creek Middle and Clover Hill High.

Contact: 739-6315

Parent coffee

Greenfield Elementary will have a parent coffee in the cafeteria 9:30-10:30 a.m. to discuss “Helping Your Child Handle Stress — Are the SOLs That Stressful?”

Contact: Beth Carter, 560-2720

Institute

The Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Positive Parenting Coalition presents its fifth annual institute. Keeping Our Promise by Keeping Our Children Safe will take place 8:30 a.m.-noon at the Fulghum Center. Registration is required.

Contact: 279-1900

Concert

A piano concert by Dmitri Shteinberg begins at 9:45 a.m. at Appomattox Regional Governor’s School. There will be a student piano recital at 7:30 p.m.

Contact: 722-0200

March 31

Prekindergarten

This is the last of four dates to submit an application to attend prekindergarten. Students must be 4 years old on or before Sept. 30, show an educational need, meet income requirements and live in the attendance zone of one of the 12 Chesterfield schools that offer prekindergarten. Applications will be taken 4-7 p.m. at the Fulghum Center, 4003 Cogbill Road.

Contact: 279-7357, 279-7352 or 594-1671

Meeting

The Career and Technical Education Advisory Committee will meet at 8 a.m. in Room 203 of the Chesterfield Technical Center, 10101 Courthouse Road.

Contact: 768-6165

Field trip

Swift Creek Elementary fourth-graders will visit Pamplin Historical Park.

Contact: 739-6305

Parade

Greenfield Elementary will have a vocabulary parade beginning at 2:30 p.m. on the playground. Students will dress up as vocabulary words.

Contact: Doris Dunham, 560-2720

Meetings

Innovation teams are scheduled to meet 4:30-7 p.m.

Contact: 748-1405

Fair

Watkins Elementary will hold a science and engineering fair 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Contact: 378-2530

Fitness event

It is Family Fitness Night at Falling Creek Elementary in the gym. Artwork will also be on display.

Contact: Matthew Capehart, 743-3630

Cards

Woolridge Elementary staff members will collect cards created by students thanking veterans at McGuire VA Medical Center for their service.

Contact: 739-6330

Carnival

Chalkley Elementary will host a carnival and book fair 6-8 p.m. Families will enjoy games, food and prizes.

Contact: Caroline McCormack, 674-1300

Bingo and book fair

Providence Middle will have a book fair in the library 5:30-7:45 p.m. A Bingo night for families will also be held in the cafeteria 6:45-7:30 p.m.

Contact: 674-1355

April 1

Student holiday

This is a student holiday and a staff workday for Chesterfield County Public Schools.

Contact: 748-1405

April 2-3

Festival

The 2011 Arts and Sciences Festival for Chesterfield County Public Schools will be held at Thomas Dale High 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. April 2 and noon-4:30 p.m. April 3. The festival includes visual arts exhibits from every Chesterfield County school, performances by many student groups and the countywide science fair.

Contact: Lin Ferrell, 594-1776

April 4

Information night

Swift Creek Middle will have an information night for rising sixth-graders in the auditorium 7-8 p.m.

Contact: Patricia Cuenin, 739-6315

April 5

Program

At Grange Hall Elementary, the PTA will meet at 6 p.m. and a first-grade program will begin at 7 p.m.

Contact: 739-6265

Reading

Hopkins Elementary kindergartners will visit Barnes & Noble at Chesterfield Towne Center to select a book and participate in story time.

Contact: Donna Venable, 743-3665

Parent coffee

Greenfield Elementary will have a parent coffee in the cafeteria 9:30-10:30 a.m. The topic is “Siblings Without Rivalry — It’s Not Just a Dream.”

Contact: Beth Carter, 560-2720

April 6

Blood drive

Watkins Elementary will have a spring blood drive 3-7 p.m. Donors can make an appointment or sign up on appointment sheets distributed to classes.

Contact: Deb Dudley, dadjwd@comcast.net

April 7

Kindergarten registration

Chesterfield County Public Schools will register children for kindergarten 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Children must be 5 years old on or before Sept. 30, 2011. Parents should register their children at the school they are zoned to attend. To find the correct school, parents may call 748-1666 or go online to chesterfield.k12.va.us, then click “schools,” then “school lookup feature.”

Contact: 748-1405

Meeting

The Gifted Education Advisory Committee will meet at 6:30 p.m. at the School Administration Building, 9900 Krause Road.

Contact: 594-1767

April 8

Outreach

Grange Hall Elementary students will donate pet food and pet treats to help Meals on Wheels recipients feed their dogs and cats.

Contact: Michelle Mason, masonm@chesterfield.gov

School visit

Matoaca Elementary students will visit the west campus of Matoaca Middle.

Contact: 590-3130

Exhibition

The Visual Arts Department of Appomattox Regional Governor’s School will present its sixth annual Student Spring Gala Exhibition 6-8 p.m. at the Petersburg Area Art League, 7 E. Old St. in Petersburg.

Contact: 861-4611

April 9

Yard sale

The Monacan High Band Boosters will sponsor a yard sale 8 a.m.-noon. The rain date is noon-4 p.m. April 10.

Contact: Amy Duke, 594-3676 or amyduke@aol.com.

Concert

Students from Chesterfield County Public Schools will be among those performing in the all-Virginia band and orchestra concert at 1:30 p.m. at Charlottesville High.

Contact: 768-6245

Ongoing

Art activity

Spring Run Elementary students are working with Richmond ceramicist Matthew David Camden during their art classes to create a large sculpture commemorating the 10th anniversary of the school and the 10th anniversary of the core values of Chesterfield County Public Schools.

Contact: 639-6352

DimensionU

Sixteen Chesterfield schools are using educational video games in math classes as an engaging way to master math skills. DimensionU games embed more than 400 math and literacy skills in a multitude of 3- D, interactive formats.

Contact: 748-1405

Spanish project

Fifth-graders at Harrowgate and Grange Hall elementary schools are writing postcards to each other in a Spanish pen pal exchange so that they can practice writing and reading in a second language.

Contact: Amy Miller, 520-6015

Enrichment program

The after-school enrichment program at Evergreen Elementary is scheduled March 15, March 22 and March 29.

Contact: 378-2400

Comprehensive plan

Innovation teams are working to update the comprehensive plan of Chesterfield County Public Schools. The innovation teams will meet several times, with the School Board scheduled to receive a report this spring. This process began in the fall with a series of forums focusing on the future of education in Chesterfield County. There are four innovation teams:

• School Board Innovation Team on Mission and Vision

• Innovation Team for Academic Achievement

• Innovation Team for Technology and 21st-Century Skills

• Innovation Team for Citizenship and Core Values

Contact: 748-1405

Mighty Milers

The Mighty Milers will continue at Chalkley Elementary until the end of the year. This program teaches the healthy habit of running or walking. Miles are recorded weekly. The school’s goal is 12,000 miles.

Contact: 674-1300

Recycling

Guys on the Go, a running group for fifth-grade boys, runs the recycling program at Chalkley Elementary. The group focuses on athletics, health and fitness, teamwork, community service and character development.

Contact: 674-1300

Nail spa

A nail spa run by the nail technology students is open at Chesterfield Technical Center Mondays-Fridays 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and Tuesdays until 3 p.m. Call for an appointment.

Contact: Matt Roberts, 768-6160, Ext. 1046

Mail program

Elizabeth Scott Elementary has started a schoolwide mail system. Students may write letters to each other and staff members. Parents are also encouraged to write letters to their child or any staff member. Deliveries take place on Thursdays.

Contact: 541-4660

Mileage Club

The Mileage Club at Greenfield Elementary meets every Tuesday and Thursday 8:30-9:10 a.m.

Contact: Michelle Jenkins, 560-2720

Fresh fruits and vegetables

Five elementary schools are participating in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program: Ettrick, Falling Creek, Bellwood, Chalkley and Bensley (this is Bensley’s second year). Four days a week at Ettrick and Bensley and three days a week at the other three schools, students sample a different fresh fruit or vegetable. Cafeteria staff members prepare big bowls of whatever the day’s item is, then the bowls are delivered to classrooms, where students eat the fruit or vegetable and learn how it grows, where it grows, how it might be prepared, etc. The program continues throughout the school year.

Contact: Ettrick 520-6005, Falling Creek 743-3630, Bellwood 743-3600, Chalkley 674-1300,

Bensley 743-3610

Savings account

Supported by Essex Bank, Watkins Elementary students are learning about banks and savings accounts. So that students can make deposits to their savings accounts, bank representatives come to school Tuesdays for grades K-1, Wednesdays for grades 2-3 and Thursdays for grades 4-5.

Contact: 378-2530

Recycle

Spring Run Elementary’s recycling program runs through the end of the school year. Environmental helpers in grades 1-5 are trained in the recycling process.

Contact: 639-6352

Student council

Midlothian Middle student leaders meet 7:45-8:15 a.m. the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month.

Contact: Christi Prybyla, 378-2460

Chess

The Chess Club at Watkins Elementary meets 8:15-9:10 a.m. the first Friday of every month in the cafeteria.

Contact: rdrvet@verizon.net

Program

Beulah Elementary’s morning program for grades 1-3 takes place before school throughout the year.

Contact: 743-3620

BEST

The BEST program at Beulah Elementary is an after-school program for grades 3-5 and a before-school program for grades 1-3.

Contact: 743-3620

Community service

Midlothian Middle’s Builders Club students meet periodically to plan ways to give back to the community.

Contact: Tracy Ferguson or Kimberly Leedom,

378-2460

Business and Community Resource Bank

The Business and Community Resource Bank offers an easy way to make a difference in schools by connecting people willing to share their knowledge with teachers who need classroom speakers or volunteers. Whether a community member would like to speak about his area of expertise, participate in a career day or mentor a student, the resource bank can make the connection with a school.

Contact: 748-1405

Free supplies for school employees

From Crayons to Computers is packed with donated school and office supplies to be given away. Located in the Spring Rock Green shopping center at 7138 Midlothian Turnpike, the store is open to all Chesterfield County Public Schools employees 2:30-5:30 p.m. on most Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the school year. Donations are tax-deductible.

Contact: 276-7407 or 305-4279

Access to information

Chesterfield County Public Schools has replaced printed agendas and packets for School Board meetings with an online system. The switch to BoardDocs expands access to documents, uses staff time more efficiently and saves paper and postage costs. Available through the school system’s website (chesterfield.k12.va.us), BoardDocs will improve access to agendas, memos, reports, minutes, votes and policies. Even after meetings adjourn, agendas and related documents will remain available to the public through an online archive.

Contact: 748-1405

Running

The Running Club at Crestwood Elementary meets every Tuesday 8:30-9:05 a.m.

Contact: 560-2710

Pizza night

Bensley Elementary families eat at the Chester CiCi’s 5-8 p.m. on the first Wednesday of every month.

Contact: 743-3610

Lunch program

Hening Elementary’s Lunchlady Program grants lunch wishes to students who cannot pay for their lunch. It is funded by PTA, parents, staff and contributions.

Contact: Kitten Gilmore, 743-3655

Incentive program

Fifth-graders at Spring Run Elementary have an incentive program that gives them an opportunity to earn Husky bucks for appropriate behavior. Every nine weeks, they use their Husky bucks at the fifth-grade store where they make or bring items from home to sell.

Contact: Terri Shepherd, 639-6352

SOL preparation

Watkins Elementary offers a special preparation class to help current and former ESOL students get ready for SOL tests. The class meets twice a week 7:45-8:45 a.m. until March 25.

Contact: 378-2530

Chesterfield schools open Tuesday, Sept. 7th!

2010-09-04T09:59:00.000-04:00

On Sept. 7, more than 59,000 students will begin the school year in Chesterfield County Public Schools, the fifth-largest school system in Virginia and one of the 100 largest school systems in the United States.

We are looking forward to a great school year. PTA/PTSA leaders should support first day of school events. Superintendent Marcus Newsome will visit schools on opening day, accompanied by several School Board and Board of Supervisors members:

• 7-7:45 a.m. at Meadowbrook High, 4901 Cogbill Road, with School Board Chair David Wyman and Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Jim Holland

• 8:10-8:50 a.m. at Thomas Dale High main campus, 3626 W. Hundred Road, with School Board Vice Chair Marshall Trammell and Board of Supervisors member Dorothy Jaeckle

• 8:55-9:30 a.m. at Thomas Dale High freshman campus, 3900 W. Hundred Road, with School Board Vice Chair Marshall Trammell and Board of Supervisors member Dorothy Jaeckle

• 9:55-10:35 a.m. at the new Clover Hill High, 13301 Kelly Green Lane

• 11-11:45 a.m. at Davis Elementary, 415 S. Providence Road, with School Board member Patty Carpenter

• noon-1 p.m. at Crenshaw Elementary, 11901 Bailey Bridge Road, for lunch with School Board member Omarh Rajah and Board of Supervisors member Marlene Durfee.

If you have questions or concerns, contact COMMUNITY RELATIONS DEPARTMENT
Post Office Box 10 • Chesterfield, Virginia 23832, (804) 748-1433 • fax (804) 768-4383

Thank you,

Stella Y. Edwards
President,
Chesterfield County Council of PTAs/PTSAs

How to apply for free or reduced-price school meals

2010-08-09T15:41:00.000-04:00

Chesterfield County Public Schools provides nutritious breakfasts and lunches in every school. Based on household size and income, students in elementary schools, middle schools and Chesterfield Community High School may qualify for free or reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program.

Schools will distribute applications for free or reduced-price meals to all households. Applications are also available online (go to chesterfield.k12.va.us and click on “Forms”), at every school office and at the Food and Nutrition Services Office, 7610 Whitepine Road.

Students who qualify for reduced-price meals pay 30 cents for breakfast and 40 cents for lunch; the full price of breakfast is $1.10 and the full price of lunch is $1.75. During the 2010-2011 school year, the reduced fee will be waived.

Only one completed, signed application per family is required. If a household is not eligible now for free or reduced-price meals but experiences a financial change during the year, then a parent or guardian should contact the school for an application.

Children in households enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly the food stamp program) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families may not have to complete an application for free or reduced-price meals. School officials will determine eligibility based on information from the Virginia Department of Social Services and will notify these households of their eligibility. If SNAP or TANF families are not notified automatically, they may fill out an application for free or reduced-price meals.

Other children who also may be eligible for free or reduced-price meals are homeless, migrant or runaway children; foster children who are the legal responsibility of a welfare agency or court, regardless of the income of the household in which they reside; and children in households participating in the Women, Infants and Children Program.

A formal appeal of the decision can be requested orally or in writing to David Myers, Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance, P.O. Box 10, Chesterfield, VA 23832, phone 743-3717.

Chesterfield County Public Schools News Release

2010-07-30T00:00:00.000-04:00

More than 8,500 students enrolled in summer classes in Chesterfield County Public Schools:

• Summer session began July 6 and continues through Aug. 5 for 5,199 elementary students and 1,397 middle school students. Summer session began July 6 and continues through Aug. 12 for 926 high school students.

• From July 12 through Aug. 5, a Fine Arts Academy is providing visual and performing arts classes for 245 students in grades K-12. Acoustic guitar, theater, photography and sculpture are among the topics. During a gala performance, Fine Arts Academy students will demonstrate their talents 9-11 a.m. Aug. 4 at Manchester Middle School.

• Online classes are offered to high school students, and 784 students are taking algebra, health and physical education, English, biology and other classes online. Online classes end Aug. 5.
Principal mentors
Three Chesterfield principals are now certified as mentors through the National Association of Elementary School Principals. Dr. Marlene Scott of Watkins Elementary and Tina Martin of Greenfield Elementary recently earned Peer Assisted Leadership Services certification, joining Joyce Lanier of Evergreen Elementary who previously earned certification. Principal mentors provide a support system, offering advice and counsel to fellow principals.

NSPRA awards
Chesterfield County Public Schools won four awards this year from the National School Public Relations Association for work produced by the Community Relations Department:

• “Designed for Excellence” won an Award of Excellence, the highest recognition. The Chesterfield Public Education Foundation provided money to produce this brief video about Chesterfield schools. The video is online at www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EfytRcpui4.

• The school system’s redesigned website (chesterfield.k12.va.us) and the Educating a Diverse Community booklet each won an Award of Merit, the second highest recognition.

• The 2009-10 parent handbook won an honorable mention.

— end —

COMMUNITY RELATIONS DEPARTMENT

Post Office Box 10 • Chesterfield, Virginia 23832

(804) 748-1433 • fax (804) 768-4383

Equal Opportunity Employer

PTAs/PTSAs Shop Chesterfield First - $1000 prize for your PTA/PTSA!

2010-07-22T17:53:00.000-04:00

Chesterfield County Council of PTAs/PTSAs Supports

Shop Chesterfield First!

Shop Chesterfield First campaign and a Denim Drive at the Chesterfield Towne Center Mall. You will note that nine PTAs will get at least $100, with the winning PTA getting $1,000!

Support Your School PTA (Parent Teacher Association)/PTSA (Parent Teacher Student Association)
Shop Chesterfield First has partnered with Chesterfield Towne Center to bring you:
Great Denim Days
July 26 – Sept. 12
Donate your gently used denim to support local charities and Chesterfield County PTAs.

How to Support Your PTA:
1) Go to www.ShopChesterfieldFirst.com, click on “School Fundraisers” button on right side, select school, and print voucher.
2) Bring voucher and denim to Chesterfield Towne Center Guest Services Desk located near the Food Court.
PTAs with the most denim donations will win a cash prize:
1st Place - $1,000
2nd Place - $300
3rd - 9th Place - $100/each
*Winners will be determined by the total number of denim pieces donated on their behalf.

Good Luck!

Stella Edwards,
President, CCCPTA/PTSA

Chesterfield names 2011 Teacher of the Year

2010-06-07T23:24:00.000-04:00

For first time, school system selects elementary, middle and high school honorees

Dr. Nancy Hoover is the 2011 Teacher of the Year for Chesterfield County Public Schools. With 14 years of experience, she teaches physics and engineering and is the specialty center coordinator for the Governor’s Academy for Engineering Studies at Bird High School. Her award was announced today at Bird High during a surprise visit from School Board members and Superintendent Marcus Newsome, who brought congratulations, roses, balloons and cake.

“Dr. Nancy Hoover is truly a phenomenal teacher,” said Bird High Principal Beth Teigen in a nominating letter, mentioning Hoover’s creative lesson plans, student mentoring, after-school activities such as the robotics team and rocketry team and outreach to students who might not otherwise consider applying to the engineering program. “If Dr. Hoover sounds too good to be true, she almost is. She … cares deeply for her students.”

From Virginia Commonwealth University, Hoover earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in 1996 and her Ph.D. in 2009. She began teaching physical science in 1996 at Bailey Bridge Middle. She moved in 2000 to Bird High, where she teaches physics and engineering and where in 2005 she took on the additional duties of specialty center coordinator.

“I did not follow a traditional path to teaching,” Hoover said. “I was what was tactfully called a ‘re-entry’ student and graduated at the age of 40. … Despite my late entry into the teaching profession, I think I have always had the heart of a teacher — getting a thrill out of figuring something out or applying some new knowledge to solve a problem. I consider myself lucky to now have the chance to do that every day with students.”

Annually, every Chesterfield school selects a Teacher of the Year. This year, for the first time, Chesterfield County Public Schools selected from those honorees an Elementary School Teacher of the Year, a Middle School Teacher of the Year and a High School Teacher of the Year, then chose the overall Teacher of the Year from those three honorees. Cynthia Piazza, who teaches Title I math at Harrowgate Elementary, is Chesterfield’s Elementary School Teacher of the Year. Charmaine Crowell-White, who teaches speech and drama at Tomahawk Creek Middle, is Chesterfield’s Middle School Teacher of the Year. Piazza and Crowell-White also learned of their awards today during surprise visits from School Board members and the superintendent.

The next step is submitting Nancy Hoover’s nomination to the Virginia Department of Education, which will select eight regional Teachers of the Year, then choose the Virginia Teacher of the Year from the eight regional winners.

Superintendent to propose one-time 2 percent payment for employees

2010-05-26T23:46:00.000-04:00

School system expects $15 million fund balance this year Superintendent to propose one-time 2 percent payment for employees

Budget projections indicate that Chesterfield County Public Schools will end the current fiscal year with a fund balance of about $15 million. Superintendent Marcus Newsome will propose at tonight’s School Board meeting that about $6.5 million of the savings be used to provide school system employees with a one-time payment equal to 2 percent of their base salary.

In a letter to employees, Dr. Newsome wrote, “The School Board and school administration recognize the sacrifices, dedication and hard work exhibited by Chesterfield County Public Schools employees during these challenging times. … It is my hope that this proposed action will help compensate for the lack of a pay increase this year, prepare returning employees for reduced resources next year and provide some assistance for those affected by our reduction in force.”

If the School Board approves the proposal, employees will receive this one-time payment before June 30.

The remainder of the savings — about $9 million — must be returned to the Board of Supervisors based on Virginia law. The superintendent will recommend that the School Board ask the Board of Supervisors to return that money for one-time use in FY 2012, which begins on July 1, 2011.

About $15 million was saved from the school system’s $572 million budget for fiscal year 2010 by conserving fuel and other utilities, leaving positions vacant and participating in a one-time holiday provided by the Virginia Retirement System.

— end —

COMMUNITY RELATIONS DEPARTMENT

Post Office Box 10 • Chesterfield, Virginia 23832

(804) 748-1433 • fax (804) 768-4383

Equal Opportunity Employer

“Million Hours of Power” campaign for the 2010-2011

2010-05-21T00:39:00.000-04:00

The following is being sent on behalf of Chuck Saylors, National PTA President.

Friends,

As the first man to serve as National PTA President, I can attest that PTA offers a place for fathers, grandfathers and other caring men. And with today’s challenges, it is also no longer acceptable for any dad or significant male to leave the academic and social development of our children on the shoulders of women.

Want to know how important male engagement is to PTA’s future? Ask the Ft. Wayne (Indiana)Area Council of PTAs, which increased its membership by 30 percent last year. They cite their father and male engagement efforts as the reasons why membership is on the rise. PTA thinks male engagement is so critical that during the upcoming national convention in June, we will announce the start of an exciting new project to engage hundreds of thousands of men across America in investing powerfully in our youth. We hope to engage more men in PTA and in the future success of our children.

Together with the PTA's Men Organized to Raise Engagement (MORE) alliance, and the National Fatherhood Leaders Group, PTA will launch the “Million Hours of Power” campaign for the 2010-2011 school year. Through this effort, men will be asked to volunteer three hours of service to their children – both their own along with kids in their communities. Whether they mentor, read to a child or attend a PTA meeting, we want to see men become more visible in schools and in their neighborhoods.

To kick off this historic campaign, I would like to invite you to join me and Super Bowl-winning coach, Tony Dungy for a special invitation-only reception and rally. It will be held on June 11, 2010 at 1:30, at the convention hotel.

Please respond to Michael Knowles at mknowles@pta.org by May 27, 2010 if you can join us.

Warm regards,

Charles “Chuck” Saylors

Chesterfield County Council Elects new PTA Leaders

2010-05-20T07:03:00.000-04:00

“Volunteerism – Our Investment in Acedimic Excellence”

The Chesterfield County Council of PTAs/PTSAs elected new leaders at its May meeting. The following officers will serve a term of two years:

President - Stella Y. Edwards

Vice President - Melissa Thompson-Sheehan

Secretary - pending

Treasurer - Caroline Moses

Bermuda District Vice President- Monique Daniel

Clover Hill District Vice President- pending

Dale District Vice President- LaVonn Creighton

Matoaca District Vice President -pending

Midlothian District Vice President - Julie Shaw
The newly elected Council Executive Board will conduct an orientation and planning session on Tuesday, June 7, 6:00 PM- 9:PM at the School Administration Building. Council Bylaws must be reviewed prior to attending the session. Nominations for pending positions will also be considered.

Congratulations to all the new PTA/PTSA leaders. We look forward to working together on behalf of ALL students.

Thank you for your service,

Stella Y. Edwards

President,

Chesterfield County Council of PTAs/PTSAs

IRS Form 990 file by May 17, 2010

2010-05-13T00:04:00.000-04:00

Issue Number: 2010-11

Inside This Issue

Many Tax-Exempt Organizations Must File 990 Series Returns by May 17 to Preserve Tax-Exempt Status

Register Now for Workshops for Small and Mid-Sized 501(c)(3) Organzations.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Many Tax Exempt Organizations Must File 990 Series Returns by May 17 to Preserve Tax-Exempt Status

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A crucial filing deadline of May 17 is looming for many tax-exempt organizations that are required by law to file their Form 990 series return or risk having their federal tax-exempt status revoked. Any organization that fails to file for three consecutive years automatically loses its federal tax-exempt status.
Organizations should note that, absent a request for an exension, there is no grace period from filing by the original due date. Organizations may request an extension of their filing date by filing Form 8868 by the original due date.
For more information on what form or notice an organization must file to avoid automatic revocation, go to IRS.gov.

PTA/PTSA Council Election meeting May 17th

2010-05-12T23:55:00.000-04:00

The Chesterfield County Council of PTAs/PTSAs will hold its elections meeting on Monday, May 17, 2010 at the School Administration Building at 7:0 PM. Each unit is authorized to have three voting delegates (check your bylaws). We will vote on officers for the 2010-2012 term. Potential candidates my run from the floor without prior notification.

Thank you,

Stella Edwards,
President

CCCPTA/PTSA Annual Awards and Recognition Dinner

2010-03-29T08:08:00.001-04:00

Dear PTA/PTSA Presidents and Friends,

The council's awards and recognition dinner is scheduled for April 19, 2010. All are invited, presidents, principals, board members, etc. Please send in the registration from before April 7 to Verena McCall, council treasurer. You can also email the form (or names) so that we can have the count for the caterer.

Reminder: We need your unit volunteer success story submitted by April 2. Email it to Wendy_Morgan@ccpsnet.net. I am attaching another sample copy (from last year) of what you might submit. Please do not sit on this assignment. Your principal should not have to do this at the last minute because the PTA/PTSA is not being responsible. Principals do not appreciate attending this, "command performance" event, and not see their school volunteer achievements listed in the program.

Attached is the Volunteer of the Year form. Please take the time and nominated a deserving volunteer. Submit by April 2.

We need to know if your PTA/PTSA has 100% teacher memberships by April 2.

Due Dates:

April 2 -

* Volunteer of the Year nomination for Elementary, Middle and High school PTA/PTSA.

* Name of the units with 100% teacher memberships.

* Volunteer success in your school. Email to: Wendy_Morgan@ccpsnet.net

April 7 -

* Annual Awards and Recognition Dinner registration ( email names to Verena for our food count).

If you have questions, call me at 691-2122 or 862-2205. Please do not wait until after the due dates and say you did not understand...

Each year the dinner gets better and better! This year we will include fundraising vendors to assist you with next years activities. The vendors will be on site at Thomas Dale High School from 5:00 PM- 6:30 PM on April 19 (before the dinner). Anyone can come out and see the vendors.

Thank you and have a great week!

Stella Y. Edwards
President,
Chesterfield County Council of PTAs/PTSAs
709 Spring Valley Road
Colonial Heights, VA 23834
(804) 530-1809 (direct)
(804) 691-2122 (mobile)
(804) 862-2205 (office)
(804) 768-4383(fax)
stellaedw@aol.com www.chesterfieldparent-to-parent.blogspot.com www.vapta.org www.pta.org
" A person has truly become a PTA member when his circle of concern stretches beyond his own child to include all children."

Audit finds 99.3% efficiency - CCPS A+ system

2010-03-26T13:25:00.000-04:00

March 26, 2010

Dear Chesterfield County citizens,

The current economic climate and massive funding cuts of $80 million over two years are forcing changes in Chesterfield County Public Schools.

Numerous audits have demonstrated the efficiency and effectiveness of our school system, but we must continue to ensure that we are making the best use of every taxpayer dollar and that the great majority of those dollars go into classrooms.

That is why the School Board and I asked last year to participate in Virginia’s efficiency review program. Many school divisions across the state have benefited from this independent, third-party review, which is financially supported by the commonwealth of Virginia.

Virginia contracted with MGT of America, which sent a team of financial and educational experts to study the noninstructional operations of Chesterfield County Public Schools. The auditors investigated, observed, surveyed and interviewed to find out all about our school system. Their report includes 58 commendations of our operations and 77 recommendations of ways to improve. The governor’s office reviewed and approved the report.

Of the 77 recommendations in the report, 21 have fiscal implications — 10 would save money, while 11 call for spending additional funds. Implementing all of the recommendations would save $4.5 million during the 2010-11 school year, which represents 0.7 percent of our operating budget. While we are already moving to implement several of the recommendations, I am pleased that our school system is currently operating at 99.3 percent efficiency. On Chesterfield’s grading scale, 99 percent is an A+!

An overview of the report accompanies this letter, and I hope you will take time to read it. The entire, 333-page efficiency review report is available at chesterfield.k12.va.us.

Sincerely,

Marcus J. Newsome, Ed.D.

HOUSE PASSES HEALTH CARE BILL

2010-03-22T00:00:00.002-04:00

The U.S.House of Representatives passed health care reform Sunday night. The bill now goes to President Barack Obama, who fought for the legislation. A companion package of changes still needs to go to the Senate.

Textbook review scheduled during April

2010-03-21T23:33:00.000-04:00

Chesterfield County Public Schools is seeking community input in the selection of a textbook for a social studies class titled “The Bible: Its Impact on History.” The high school class will be offered for the first time in the 2010-2011 school year.

Textbooks being considered will be on display 3-7 p.m. on April 1, 3-7 p.m. on April 2 and 4-7 p.m. on April 14 in the boardroom of the School Administration Building, 9900 Krause Road. Parents and other community members are invited to review the books and fill out evaluation forms for the textbook review committee.

A recommendation on which textbook to adopt is expected to go before the Chesterfield County School Board this spring, and students who register for the class will begin using the new textbook in September. Funds for the textbooks are included in the current budget.

Here is the course description for the semester-long class: “Academic knowledge of the Bible is a valuable intellectual asset. The Bible asserts an influence in the study of over 2,000 years of Western culture, art, music, literature, history and public debate. The purpose of this course is to enable students to acquire an understanding and appreciation of the Bible’s major ideas, historical and geographical contexts along with the impact of the Bible on later history. The course will include the study of the Bible in its historical, sociological and cultural contexts and its impact on later cultures, societies and religions.”

CONTACT Tim Bullis

Director, Community Relations

748-1433

March 18, 2010

Tony Dungy's All Pro Dad/PTA fatherhood school involvement program

2010-03-21T22:43:00.000-04:00

Thanks so much for all you are doing for families! We are proud to partner with the National PTA to bring you the All Pro Dad’s Day fathers and kids breakfast program. All Pro Dad’s Day is an excellent way to reach out to your school fathers that includes good food, fun and meaningful conversation. Best of all, everything is provided at no cost! Simply log on to http://www.allprodad.com/teamcaptain/ and sign your school up. When prompted to pay, simply enter the promo code “PTA” and we’ll waive the costs. We are really looking forward to working with you! Please forward this on to the members you working with you! Please forward this on to the members you work with.

Also, we have a program for mothers and their children called iMOM Morning. Again, everything is provided at no cost. Check it out at: http://www.imom.com/morning.
Please let me know if you have any questions. See you all in Memphis. Tony and Lauren Dungy look forward to meeting you there. Thanks!
Bryan Davis
Director of All Pro Dad and iMOM

Chesterfield Superintendent named 2010 Region I Superintendent of the Year

2010-03-13T09:46:00.000-05:00

CCCPS News Release For immediate release

Chesterfield Superintendent Dr. Marcus J. Newsome has been unanimously chosen as 2010 Region 1 Superintendent of the Year. Dr. Newsome joins Chesterfield County Public Schools’ two most recent superintendents – Dr. Bill Bosher and Dr. Billy Cannaday – in earning this regional recognition.

With almost 60,000 students in 64 schools, Chesterfield County Public Schools is among the 100 largest school divisions in the country and the fourth largest in Virginia. Under the leadership of Dr. Newsome, Chesterfield County Public Schools is the largest school division in Virginia to have all schools fully accredited under Virginia’s Standards of Learning for two years in a row. It is also the third straight year that the division has made adequate yearly progress under the federal No Child Left Behind legislation.

“Dr. Marcus Newsome is the clear choice to serve as Region 1 Superintendent of the Year. His impeccable integrity and dynamic leadership has made Chesterfield Schools a national model for high performing districts,” said Dr. Winston Odom, Superintendent of Hopewell Public Schools and Chair of the Region I Superintendent’s Group.

In 2007 Dr. Newsome envisioned and championed the development of the Design for Excellence, a dynamic six-year strategic plan that illuminates the path to

achieving the School Board’s vision of every school as a thriving, dynamic and inspiring educational environment that produces self-directed learners with 21st-century skills and traits.

“Dr. Newsome has led the transformation of Chesterfield County Public Schools by developing the action plans necessary to connect the school system’s mission and vision with the improvements required in each individual school. In addition, he has accepted the challenges of these difficult economic circumstances and has exhibited great leadership,” said School Board Chair David Wyman.

Chesterfield schools continue to show improvement while outperforming state and national averages. Narrowing achievement gaps and working to ensure all children have the skills they need to succeed in the 21st century are two top goals. Over the last three years students have made dramatic gains to close achievement gaps in English, including a 10 point increase among limited English proficient students, eight point gain among students with disabilities and five point gain among African American students.

Dr. Newsome will now compete against colleagues from Virginia’s seven other regions for the title of 2010 Virginia Superintendent of the Year.

― end ―

Congratulations to Dr. Newsome, we look forward to his selection as the 2010 Virginia Superintendent of the Year!

CCCPTA/PTSA

Help Reduce Cuts To Pre-K12 Education Take Action!

2010-03-02T06:05:00.000-05:00

Write Senate Budget Conferees Today
The House and Senate Conferees Will Be Meeting In The Days Ahead To Decide How Deeply To Cut Funding For Our Schools. Send A Message To Senate Conferees Now!

http://capwiz.com/nea/va/issues/alert/?alertid=14743881&queueid=4751987531

A Letter to our Senators

2010-02-22T12:10:00.000-05:00

Good morning. My name is (name deleted) and I am a resident of Chesterfield County. I have a first grader and a third grader in our public schools. I am also a substitute teacher and the PTA President for their school. I have seen how hard our teachers work with the resources they have and have been in their shoes as a long term substitute. Our children are our future – they will shape our communities, our workforce and our government. Please help guard the resources we have for public education as an investment in the future of Virginia.
I am of the understanding that the Senate of Virginia will be making decisions regarding the budget that will be reported on Sunday, February 21. It appears that the House will make draconian cuts to public education.
If you don't stand up and lead, Virginia’s children will be robbed by budget cuts.

•The state budget cuts will steal from $1.2 to $1.8 Billion from our schools over two years.

•If these cuts are made we will have cut $2.1 billion (16.3%) from K-12 funding since March of 2008.

•These cuts will significantly damage the quality of our children’s education.

•Even short term cuts will have long term effects on our kids.

These cuts will steal our children’s future by engendering:

•Layoffs of an estimated 30,000 school personnel

•Mushrooming class sizes

•Loss of critical programs that will affect students and working parents

•Less personal instruction for at risk kids

•Long term effects on our children.

Don't let it happen. Act now to stop this theft.

•Take a balance approached to the budget. Consider Senator Locke’s SB 705 or the elimination of the car tax scheme as means of reducing the cuts.

•Our children have a constitutional right to a high quality education.

Some say there is a political consequence to raising taxes. I believe there will be a political consequence to dismantling a system of public education that has served us well. Nothing is more important to economic development than education. If you sit on your hands our children and the future of our great commonwealth will be ill served.

I urge you to show courage. Stand up for public education.

Business Council supports $1 tax rate

2010-02-22T12:06:00.002-05:00

The Chesterfield Business Council of the Greater Richmond Chamber issued the following statement after review of proposed budgetary cuts for Chesterfield County:

The Chesterfield Business Council of the Greater Richmond Chamber supports Chesterfield County setting the real estate tax rate so that taxes paid by most residents would not exceed the amount paid last fiscal year.

The Chesterfield Business Council understands the challenging budget decisions facing the Board of Supervisors, School Board, and Administration. We encourage County officials to give thoughtful consideration as funds are allocated to ensure that every dollar spent improves government and schools, and that expense reductions drive efficiency and minimize waste. Clearly, substantial reductions are necessary in both the County and public school budgets that will have significant impacts on levels of service. Given the extraordinary budgetary cuts that must be made this fiscal year—and possibly continue into next fiscal year—the Business Council believes that a tax rate adjustment is warranted to prevent the significant deterioration of essential services.

We believe the tax rate should be set no higher than necessary to offset the decrease in revenue resulting from the average 4.8 percent decline in residential assessed values. In other words: The net change in taxes due to the combination of assessed values and rate should be, at most, revenue-neutral. The effect would be that most residents would pay no more real estate tax than they did last year.

We ask our County leaders to protect Chesterfield County’s economic, civic and educational reputation by making fiscally sound decisions regarding the property tax rate. And we encourage Chesterfield County residents to support this necessary step to offset some of the extreme budget expenditure reductions that must be made this year

Reprinted from Foward Chesterfield.org

School Board Meeting Notice

2010-02-19T07:33:00.000-05:00

The Chesterfield County School Board has several meetings scheduled:

• The School Board will meet in closed session at 4 p.m. Feb. 23 at the School Administration Building, 9900 Krause Road, for discussion or consideration of an employee disciplinary matter pursuant to Section 2.2-3711(A)(1) of the Code of Virginia (one item). The board will have dinner at 5:30 p.m.

• Also on Feb. 23, the School Board will conduct a business meeting at 7 p.m. in the Public Meeting Room, 10001 Iron Bridge Road. The board is scheduled to vote on the FY 2011 budget.

• The School Board will meet in closed session at 4 p.m. March 1 in the Instruction Division Center, 600 Southlake Blvd., for discussion or consideration of student disciplinary action pursuant to Section 2.2-3711(A)(2) of the Code of Virginia.

• The School Board will meet in closed session at 10 a.m. March 2 at the School Administration Building, 9900 Krause Road, for discussion or consideration of an employee disciplinary matter pursuant to Section 2.2-3711(A)(1) of the Code of Virginia (one item).

COMMUNITY RELATIONS DEPARTMENT

Post Office Box 10 • Chesterfield, Virginia 23832

(804) 748-1433 • fax (804) 768-4383

Equal Opportunity Employer

Delegate Kirk Cox- TAKE ACTION, NOW!

2010-02-17T13:57:00.001-05:00

Dear PTA/PTSA Leaders and Friends.

It is imperative that everyone TAKE ACTION now!

http://www.kirkcox.com/

Dear friends: This link is to Delegate Kirk Cox's website. On this site, there is a survey for his constituents, I would guess all legislators have a survey like this. It is very disturbing that currently, transportation outranks education and public safety as a priority in this survey. Legislators actively quote these community surveys when making their points at the legislature. If you think education should be a bit higher on the list you may wish to complete this survey. If you are not in Delegate Cox's district, you may wish to check your legislator's website and let your priorities be known. You can find out who your legislator is by going to the General Assembly's website. Budget recommendations come out on Sunday, so time is of the essence...

DON’T WAIT UNTIL IT’S TOO LATE – BE HEARD NOW ON THE TAX RATE ISSUE!

2010-02-17T08:08:00.000-05:00

I have been involved in volunteer efforts throughout Chesterfield County for the last ten years, which certainly does not make me an expert on anything, but identifies me as a continued advocate for the quality of life in Chesterfield County. All of us have been fortunate to reap the benefits of our affluence in tax dollars for federal, state and local levels.

You read the newspapers and know - the bottom has fallen out (like many of our own retirement funds, etc) and even though we all agree that we need to tighten our belts we don’t want to compromise our core services – the reason we all chose to live in this county.

If we want to sustain a reasonably stable quality of life we need to stabilize that deficit and the only way to do that is to raise our tax rate. Understand that every one of us have seen our property assessments decline - which equals a decrease in county revenues. While we all love the fact that our taxes have decreased the result is horrific. Add to that the fact that our state leaders are facing the same budget issues and have identified SIGNIFICANT cuts to all localities. What will these reductions do to our police, our fire, our libraries and EDUCATION? What will Chesterfield look like in 2015 (not so far away!)?

SO, while our county leaders need to tighten their belts at every level and efficiently reduce waste, there is still NO WAY to maintain even basic service levels without an increase in our tax revenues.

The Board of Supervisors needs to take note and advertise an increased tax rate on February 24th to allow us to maintain those basic core services. It may not be generally understood, but the advertised tax rate does not set the tax rate; it just means that the final rate that is voted on and adopted by the Board cannot exceed the rate that is advertised on February 24.

I’m going to play from the script of Will Shewmake and his comments to the Board at their February 10th meeting: “Every citizen deserves a meaningful opportunity to be heard on what the tax rate should be and what level of services the county and the school system provide.” That opportunity will be lost if the Supervisors do not advertise a revenue neutral tax rate. Voice your opinion and be heard. Tell our Supervisors to step up to the plate and advocate for our County NOW on February 24th – before the opportunity is lost and the quality and value of life as we know it in Chesterfield County becomes an icon of the past.

Leslie Haley
Midlothian, VA

Contact your Senator, Now!

2010-02-16T06:27:00.001-05:00

Leadership Is Needed in Virginia's Senate

Take Action!
Send Your Senator a Message Now!

Leadership is Needed from the Senate! Send your Senator a Message Now!
Crucial decisions regarding K-12 funding will be made Monday in the Virginia Senate. Please send a message to your senator urging him/her to stand up for public education.Click on "Take Action" now!

James River District PTA Annual Meeting

2010-02-16T06:20:00.003-05:00

Serving: Counties of Amelia, Chesterfield, Dinwiddie,
Prince George, Powhatan, Cities of Colonial Heights, Hopewell, Petersburg

Invitation: James River District PTA/PTSA Presidents, Principals and representatives

Subject: James River District PTA Annual Meeting, Dinner, and Awards program

You are invited to the James River District PTA Annual Meeting and Dinner, Monday, March 29, to take place at the Chesterfield Technical Center, located at 10101 Courthouse Rd., Chesterfield, VA 23832…adjacent to L.C. Bird High.

Registrations must be postmarked by Wednesday, March 17, 2010. Cost is $22.00 per person for the dinner, but the meeting only is FREE.

There will be NO late or on-site registrations for dinner IF you have not contacted the Director that you will pay on-site! You must call by March 17 if you pay on-site. You must register whether or not you eat or attend just the meeting.
*************************************************************************************
We must know who and how many are attending (Chesterfield Technical Center must know the number of people it will be serving!) so adequate food/drink, seating, and printed materials are provided. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!!!

We would like to see representatives from all PTAs/PTSAs in our District. Plan on attending! This is the only business meeting of the year for the James River District. We must vote on the Other Income Budget, and elect new officers for 2010-2012. We will present Membership Awards, recognize Volunteers of the Year, and have door prizes. Look for old friends, make new ones, and plan on a good time!

Registration:5-6 p.m., dinner: 6 p.m. The FREE meeting begins promptly at 7 p.m.

Make checks payable to: Virginia PTA, subject line: James River District dinner, and mail to: Terri M. Sweeney, 8242 Marwood Dr., Richmond, VA 23235. Note on envelope: JRD PTA dinner. Note on check: unit name and contact numbers.

ALL units should send a member representative and/or any other delegates. Invite your principal and send any representative from your PTA that wishes to attend…be sure to tell your board about this meeting!

Any questions?
Contact Terri M. Sweeney, District Director @ 745-2884, 647-5051 or rsweeney1@comcast.net, or John Hart, Sr., 1st Asst. Director @ 943-1745 or petersburgpta@yahoo.com.

Remember, in order to vote…your unit must be in good standing (bylaws current or in process and membership dues paid!)…remember to bring your PTA membership card for verification!

Message to the Board of Supervisors

2010-01-31T12:08:00.002-05:00

Dear Mr. Gecker, Mr. Holland, Ms. Durfee, Ms. Jaeckle and Mr. Warren,

I know most of you know me because of my commitment and involvement both in county activities and in particular with our schools over the last decade. Like many others, I will clearly tell you that the excellent school system and services of Chesterfield County are what attracted us to purchase in this county.

What I’m very concerned about now, like many other citizens, is the status of our budget and the inaccurate and inarticulate information that is flowing in the media and among our citizens. I have been involved enough to understand some very important pieces that I think very few others are putting together:

1 – I am concerned that we are among the lowest in per-pupil spending in the state. While we can all agree that we would like to remain “lean and mean” we also know that at some point being among the lowest in per-pupil expenditures is going to cost us in other ways – meaning our return on investment. We are not among the lowest in the state in our cost-of-living; we are not among the lowest in the state in our socio-economic basis; and we are not among the lowest in the state on our average property values. In addition, we know that we have one of the largest geographical areas in which to provide these services, which increases our costs. It is not to our credit, nor yours, for us to rank in the lowest quartile for per-pupil spending. This is going to catch up with us and it will be too late. We will be looking back saying “if only we knew then” and “if only we had better allocated resources.” Let’s not be among those who have to look back and ponder our past mistakes. Our current per-pupil spending is not a laudable accolade!

2 – In no way do I think that education should take priority over other county services that involve public safety, etc. but I am concerned that education should not take a backseat either (in reference to Mr. Davenport’s comments that without pubic safety there is no need for education). We all know, including Mr. Davenport, that the better educated our population the lower the crime rate, the less need for increased safety patrols and the better managed our court system is. I am concerned that budget figures look like education is going to take a bigger hit than the rest of the county will in terms of budget shortfall.

3 – I’m not at all impressed nor do I think it does anything but undermine public confidence to read all the contrary statements and comments coming from your board regarding our budget situation. I will add that while you have criticized the School Board for their lack of transparency over the last few years, they have been incredibly transparent and forthcoming with specific information and dialogue regarding the budget process and spending (though I’m sure we will all agree that that has created its own can of worms with discrepancies and misinformation that leads to misunderstandings). I would expect this board to be just as transparent and forthcoming about county shortfalls and county spending. I have not seen this type of detailed data.

4 – While we all agree that the school system has been well funded over the past 7-8 years, let’s not forget that the county government has enjoyed the same affluence with tax dollars. Where and how wisely have those funds been spent? My understanding of the facts I’ve seen is that over the last 3 previous years (06-08) the county tax revenues increased by an average of almost 14%, while the monies the county allocated to schools increased only 7% - how does that equate when schools receive over 50% of the county’s budget monies?? Where and how have those monies been spent on the county level? Need I remind you that Chesterfield County Schools have been recognized in the Top 100 school systems in the country which brings recognition to our county and increases our appeal as a very desirable place to live and raise a family. We don’t want to see that jeopardized!

5 – My last point is that while I understand that we all need to tighten our belts and absorb the impact of our dire times (as I am a state employee and under the same constraints) I don’t think our school system should sustain anything more than their fair share. In other words, if the school system received approximately 61% of local funds last year why are we only slated to receive approximately 58% in the upcoming year? The argument that this is consistent with the percentage of enrollment to the total county population is inaccurate – the percentage of enrollment to the total county population has decreased only .55% while the proposal serves to decrease the school’s percentage by approximately 4%. And reiterating my comments from above, this county has been flush with monies in past years; well in excess of the monies allocated to our schools and while the schools have returned over $12 million to the county coffers in unspent dollars that are now being withheld – what has the county done with their excesses? Are there any excesses? Those are monies that other localities are counting on right now to fund them through these lean times. I’ve heard no commentary on county savings that we can fall back on. Do such funds exist from our county general fund? And if not, why not?

All this to say – under these dire circumstances I call upon this board to make the hard choice to attempt to bring our local revenues to at least a revenue neutral position. I know you have all heard from many of your constituents on this very issue and are struggling with the concept of raising our tax rate. You owe it to your public to advertise an increased tax rate that would at least sustain a revenue neutral base and then LET THE PUBLIC BE HEARD! Take the high stance and let your constituents tell you if you’re on the right track. I think you’ll be surprised what you hear!

Sincerely,

Leslie Haley
Past President Chesterfield County Council of PTA/PTSAs
SAFE Board Member

PTA Day at the General Assembly February 1

2010-01-28T14:45:00.003-05:00

If you have not registered for PTA Day at the General Assembly, you can still attend the Monday morning session and accompany the Chesterfield County Council of PTAs/PTSAs team to meet with our legislators at 10:30 AM in conference room 5 West in the General Assembly Building (corner of East Board and 9th). The council will be taking a bus, which will depart the School Admin Building at 7:30 AM. If you are interested in riding with the council, contact Stella Edwards prior to Friday, January 28, 2010, at 804.691.2122 or 804.862.2205. You will need to review our message via talking points.

We hope to see you in Richmond. Our children are counting on US!

School Board Budget Meetings

2010-01-28T14:38:00.001-05:00

Several meetings are scheduled in connection with the superintendent’s proposed budget for FY 2011. Members of the public are welcome to attend. Meetings that take place in the Public Meeting Room, 10001 Iron Bridge Road, will be televised live on Comcast Channel 17 and Verizon Channel 27.

• Jan. 29 — There will be a joint meeting of the Chesterfield County School Board and Board of Supervisors at 9:30 a.m. in the Eanes-Pittman Public Safety Training Center, 6610 Public Safety Way.

• Feb. 2 — The School Board will hold a budget work session at 5 p.m. in the Public Meeting Room.

• Feb. 9 — The School Board will hold a public hearing on the budget during a 7 p.m. meeting in the Public Meeting Room.

• Feb. 15 — The School Board will hold a budget work session at 5 p.m. in the Public Meeting Room.

• Feb. 23 — The School Board is scheduled to vote on the budget during a 7 p.m. meeting in the Public Meeting Room.

SOS-- Save our Schools

2010-01-23T00:37:00.001-05:00

Dear PTA/PTSA Members and Friends of Education,

We cannot continue to sit and waste another day sitting around allowing our children's educational opportunities erode, our teachers and aide lose jobs, and our quality of living be depleted. Please write to as many newspaper and web sites as possible, and let decision-makers know what you think about our budget situation.

Please post and share with as many people as possible:

IMPORTANT DATES:

Tuesday, January 26 - School Superintendent submits his recommended school budget to the School Board
School Board meeting, 7:00 PM

Wednesday, January 27 - Board of Supervisors meeting (these are the elected officials who approve the school's budget and set the tax rate). WE MUST SPEAK AT THIS MEETING. All PTA/PTSA members are expected to attend this meeting. We must let decision-makers know what we want for children.

JOIN our teachers and support personnel for a rally at 5:30 before the BOS meeting.

Monday, February 1 - PTA DAY at the General Assembly, 0800 -12:00 PM- We are chartering a bus for our members to go to Richmond, meet with our legislators and be back to the county before the end of the school day. More details later on the bus pickup points and time.
Go online and register for the day (www.vapta.org)

Monday, February 8 - PTA/PTSA Council meeting -7:00 PM

Saturday, February 20 - PTA Reflections Awards Ceremony, 2 PM Meadowbrook HS

PLEASE use the remarks below as you like, post to websites, and share with members and friends, NOW:

SOS - Save Our Schools
We are potentially losing our schools as we know them, and balancing our budget woes on the backs of our children won't cut it.

Did you know that the school division faces $42 million in cuts to its operations next year? That's on top of millions and millions in cuts this year. The $42 million in cuts is equal to about 500 jobs (many teachers and aides) AND a salary reduction for some of our most underpaid residents -- teachers. These levels of cuts WILL affect the classroom.

Did you know the county government faces the prospect of cutting ONLY $14 million. That's right, our schools must cut $42 million while our county government must cut $14 million. I thought I heard county leaders say at their public budget meetings that education was a priority. A priority what -- target?

We've read the recent media reports, and should support:

1. The school division's efforts to recoup the savings the school division has accrued, and returned to the county coffers during the past two years;
2. We support the school division's request that the county government continue to fund our public schools at the same percentage next year as they are this year (61 percent this year; proposed 58.6 percent next year);
3. We also support increasing the tax rate to support public education and other critical public services.

We can do without an extra pizza each month if it means our children are properly educated.

We can pay a few dollars more now OR our children can pay dearly later.

Thank you,
Stella

Important reading...
http://www.roanoke.com/editorials/wb/233817

Stella
Stella Y. Edwards
President,
Chesterfield County Council of PTAs/PTSAs
709 Spring Valley Road
Colonial Heights, VA 23834
(804) 530-1809 (direct)
(804) 691-2122 (mobile)
(804) 862-2205 (office)
(804) 768-4383(fax)
stellaedw@aol.com www.chesterfieldparent-to-parent.blogspot.com www.vapta.org www.pta.org
" A person has truly become a PTA member when his circle of concern stretches beyond his own child to include all children."

Contact your BOS, NOW

2010-01-19T22:55:00.003-05:00

Dear PTA/PTSA Members and Friends,

Now is the time to step up and speak out to save our community as we currently enjoy it. Let our supervisors know that education, safety and fire fighters comes first. We must pay for what we want, and the BOS needs to know our desires. We want to make sure our tax rate is announced at a level that will allow for options in planning for our county's largest budget shortfall in history.

Bermuda District
Dorothy Jaeckle

Office: (804) 748-1211
Home/Voice Mail: (804) 748-4364
Fax: (804) 717-6297
Home (804) 748-4364
E-Mail: jaeckled@chesterfield.gov
Dale District
James M. "Jim" Holland, Vice Chairman

Office: (804) 748-1211
Fax: (804) 717-6297
Voice: (804) 768-7528
E-Mail: hollandj@chesterfield.gov

Clover Hill District
Arthur S. (Art) Warren

Office: (804) 748-1211
Voice Mail: (804) 768-7396
Fax: (804) 717-6297
E-Mail: warrena@chesterfield.gov
Matoaca District
Marleen K. Durfee

Office: (804) 748-1211
Voice Mail: (804) 768-7400
Fax: (804) 717-6297
E-:Mail: durfeem@chesterfield.gov

Midlothian District
Daniel A. Gecker, Chairman

Office: (804) 748-1211
Voice Mail: (804) 768-7397
Fax: (804) 717-6297
E-mail: geckerd@chesterfield.gov
County Administrator
James J. L. Stegmaier

Office: (804) 748-1211
Fax: (804) 717-6297
TDD: (804) 748-1910
E-Mail: countyadministrator@chesterfield.gov

Clerk to the Board of Supervisors: Contact this person to be placed on the list to speak at the BOS meetings.
Janice Blakley

E-Mail:
blakleyj@chesterfield.gov

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 40
Chesterfield, VA 23832-0040

Phone:
Office: (804)-748-1200
Fax: (804)-717-6297

Hours:
Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Thanks,

Stella Edwards
President,
Chesterfield County Council of PTAs/PTSAs

PTA/PTSA Leaders Update #24 Council Meeting

2010-01-08T16:58:00.002-05:00

Every unit needs to be present at the next council meeting on Monday evening at 7:00 PM. A continued quality of life in our community is dependant on a system of high level of quality education. Now is the time to step up and speak out. However, you need to know the facts. Get what you need at this meeting. See you on Monday!

Mark your calendars for Wednesday, January 27 at 7:00 PM. We will attend the Board of Supervisors meeting. This body needs to hear from the entire Chesterfield community on "our" budget issues. If you have moved to Chesterfield from an area of higher cost of living and found this community to be a "goldmine," be very, very concerned. Our way of life is in danger, if we do not help our elected leaders make the best decisions for today and the future. Get involved, now.

Presidents should have received your information packets fro the state office. Please pass on the enclosed information to your members. The deadlines are important, and several of them are due by the end of January.

Thanks,

Stella
Stella Y. Edwards
President,
Chesterfield County Council of PTAs/PTSAs
709 Spring Valley Road
Colonial Heights, VA 23834
(804) 530-1809 (direct)
(804) 691-2122 (mobile)
(804) 862-2205 (office)
(804) 768-4383(fax)
stellaedw@aol.com
www.chesterfieldparent-to-parent.blogspot.com
www.vapta.org
www.pta.org
" A person has truly become a PTA member when his circle of concern stretches beyond his own child to include all children."

2010 School Budget Update

2010-01-08T16:37:00.003-05:00

http://ccpsnet.net/CCPS/operations/budget/budget.htm
****************************************************************************
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Marcus J. Newsome, Ed.D., Superintendent
January 5, 2010

Dear Colleagues:

Through your good work, Chesterfield County Public Schools continues to maintain an excellent reputation for quality education. Like other school divisions in Virginia and across the country, however, the worst economic recession in a generation threatens to drastically reduce school funding and likely change education as we know it.

The latest information indicates our school division faces $40-50 million in cuts for FY2011. Our projection is based on the state budget proposed by Gov. Tim Kaine on December 18, financial targets provided by county leaders, and expected cost increases for employee benefits. The numbers are larger than previously reported due in part to decreases in state revenue and the Governor’s proposal to eliminate $19.5 million in federal stimulus funds originally designated for our FY2011 budget. As you recall, stimulus funds allowed us to preserve more than 250 positions this year.
The FY2011 projection remains fluid, however, as a new governor may offer budget
amendments and the General Assembly still must act. In addition, not included in the $40-50 million estimate is any potential real-estate tax rate increase, which could help reduce the number of cuts required for the division. Gov. Kaine recently reminded General Assembly members that “Virginia has gone well beyond finding efficiencies and doing more with less. We have been forced to make cuts in programs that directly affect the lives of Virginians.”

Having already made significant cuts to the FY2010 budget, Chesterfield County Public Schools has gone well beyond finding efficiencies as well. Making good on our pledge to preserve the integrity of our classrooms, approximately $24 million of the $32 million cut in FY2010 came from central office and non instructional support areas. While additional reductions in central office will continue, cuts directly impacting classrooms are inevitable in the FY2011 budget.

Recent audits have documented that CCPS is a highly efficient school division whose resources are focused on the classroom. We anticipate that a state-supported efficiency review will include commendations highlighting savings
from joint county-schools services, effective school staffing and a per-pupil expenditure that is hundreds of dollars less per student than similar school divisions. Later today, you will receive an e-mail about a survey that will allow all employees to play a role in the budget process. Survey items were compiled with input from many parts of our community, including teachers, parents and business leaders. I hope you will take a few minutes to complete the survey, sothat your responses can be considered as the School Board and Superintendent prepare a budget for the Board of Supervisors.
We face major challenges as a school division, but it is my sincere hope that we can face them together. Thank you for your continued professionalism and commitment to our students.

Sincerely,
Marcus J. Newsome, Ed.D.
OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT
Post Office Box 10 · Chesterfield, Virginia 23832
(804) 748-1405 · fax (804) 796-7178
Equal Opportunity Employer

From the Arts in Educatoin Chairman

2010-01-08T16:32:00.001-05:00

Please attend the Council Meeting this Monday, Jan. 11th at the Chesterfield Admin Building! Our Beloved PTA President Stella Edwards has many exciting events planned as we discuss the budget.

The next big event: General Assembly Day on Feb. 1.( budget, budget, budget) More details to follow from Stella...

Hopefully, most of the 48 schools in Chesterfield County have already had or are having before Feb. 20th, their own Reflections Program award ceremony for the students that participated in their school which is also called the "Local level".

And now for what you have all been waiting for....

The Council PTA/PTSAs Reflections Program Award Ceremony and- PTA Founders Day Celebration -will be held on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2010 from 2 until 4 pm at Meadowbrook High School, 4901 Cogbill Rd. Richmond, VA 23234.

All of the first place winners from your school will be receiving invitations directly from the Chesterfield Administration Offices. First place winners from the 48 schools that participated this year will gather with their families and certificates will be handed out. It is on this day that the students will all find out if they placed at the Council level of competition. If they are first place winners in the Council, their entry has moved on to compete at the DISTRICT level of competition. (Terri Sweeney will be contacting them at this level and her District Award Ceremony will be held on Feb 26th at Clover Hill Elementary).At our program, Dr. Newsome will have a few remarks to our program participants and then Meadowbrook High School students will perform, before we enjoy refreshments in the cafeteria area.

All Arts in Education Chairs (or PTA VP of Programs or PTA Presidents in each school- if you do not have a Arts in Education Chair) are asked to bring one item for the reception and 6 red roses or 6 red carnations so that all of the children can receive this flower along with their certificate this year. This is the 40th year of Reflections and that is symbolically celebrated with the color red, so wear something red to the event if you wish! Buy a red hat to wear too!

Food items to choose from, pick ONE from the following:

12 -24 cupcakes (red icing if possible) or 12-24 sugar cookies with red sprinkles of some sort

12-24 bottles of water (small or large bottles)

one platter of little square pimento cheese or tomato or cucumber or humus sandwiches

one bowl of strawberries and some chocolate sauce for dipping (please bring toothpicks too)

one platter of cherry tomatoes with a cheese cube attached with a toothpick

Please decide which item you wish to bring now and email me asap so we can plan around that and also confirm to me that you can bring the 6 red flowers at the same time.

We have a dedicated team helping with this event but we need more help. Please pick a committee below that you can help with and let me know asap and also let me know if you will be attending the event on Feb. 20. We would love to see all of you arrive at 12 noon Saturday and also come out on Friday (Feb 19) to help put up the art gallery from 4 till 8 if you can.

Certificate and Ribbon Committee: Juliet Shaw and Melanie Byers

Food Committee: Rupa Bandyopodhyay, Karen Watkins

Art /Literature Gallery Set Up Committee: Sheila Pleasants, Kelly Springs and April Hovjacky, Melissa T. Sheehan, Bryan Sheetz

Music Composition and Dance Choreography Viewing set up: Meadowbrook High PTA (bringing TV and Boom box) and Jeff Dean

Program Flow/Invitations/24 table delivery: Stella Edwards, Tim Bullis

Assistance for the children at the stairs going up to the stage and down on Feb 20: Meadowbrook High PTA volunteers

Program: Nicol Tinsley, Melissa Thompson Sheehan

Thank you for ALL you have already done to make the Reflections Program a success at your own school. May our efforts together make the Feb. 20th Award Ceremony very special for all of the children present. The new theme for the 2010-2011 year is "Together We Can!", go to www.vapta.org to check out the new forms, etc and encourage the teachers to incorporate this theme in the spring coursework if at all possible. Students can submit their new projects to you any time between now and Mid October 2010. Print out the forms, and information packets soon for your PTA Board so they can now select who will run the program next year for your school and you can start training them. Don't forget there will also be a PTA summer training intensive for all of the Arts in Education Chairs to attend as well with their Treasurer and President, etc.(location to be announced) let the "new person" know that too, so they will feel more comfortable.

Thank you again and again and please call me with any questions.

Melissa Thompson Sheehan, Council Arts in Education Chair

...Then, you make the budget cuts

2009-12-03T23:24:00.002-05:00

Dear PTA/PTSA Leaders and Friends,

I apologize if you do not hear from me as often as you would like...

Critical assignment (before close of business tomorrow):

You have 50 million dollars to cut from our award-winning school division's budget. Please email me your top three items you think should be cut from our school's budget. Do not over analyze the request, just think with your head and not your heart (if possible).
1.
2.
3.

If you have time this weekend, canvass your members and neighbors and ask the same question of them. Please bring their recommended cuts to our meeting on Monday, December 7, 2009, 7:00 PM, 9900 Krause Road, School Administration Building (our state legislators are attending this meeting).

This is NOT a futile request. What is fertile? ...Complaining after decisions are made. Please let your voices be heard at every turn.

Thanks again for all you are doing for our children and our community!

Stella Y. Edwards
President,
Chesterfield County Council of PTAs/PTSAs
709 Spring Valley RoadColonial Heights, VA 23834
(804) 530-1809 (direct)
(804) 691-2122 (mobile)
(804) 862-2205 (office)
(804) 768-4383(fax)
stellaedw@aol.com
http://www.chesterfieldparent-to-parent.blogspot.com/
http://www.vapta.org/
http://www.pta.org/
http://www.justice4all.org/
" A person has truly become a PTA member when his circle of concern stretches beyond his own child to include all children."

CCCPTA/PTSA Next Meeting, Monday Dec. 7th

2009-12-01T08:28:00.003-05:00

The next meeting of the Chesterfield County Council of PTAs/PTSAs has been scheduled for Monday, December 7, 2009, at the School Administration Office, 5900 Krause Road, Chesterfield , Virginia 23832

"Is there education wothout legislation?" - Meeet and speak with your legislators before the general assembly session begins.

"Don't Throw Away the Key"

2009-11-23T06:55:00.000-05:00

Take Action Today!!

The “Don’t Throw Away the Key” Campaign is encouraging Virginia residents to take action to change Virginia’s system of trying and incarcerating youth as adults in Virginia.
Here’s how you can help:

1) Have Your Voice Heard!

JustChildren of the Charlottesville Legal Aid Justice Center released a new report calling on Virginia policy makers to reexamine the state’s current system for trying youths as adults. The report, Don’t Throw Away the Key: Reevaluating Adult Time for Youth Time in Virginia, examines the impact of the 1996 law changes finding that the law is overly broad, unbalanced, can be unfairly applied, and lead to increases in youth re-offending rates. The report’s findings and recommendations are timely as the Virginia State Crime Commission is currently studying the issue of trying youth as adults and is expected to issue their recommendations on December 15.

A copy of the report and the stories from the Richmond Times Dispatch and Daily Progress can be found on our website, www.dontthrowawaythekey.org.

Please consider writing letters to the editors of these two newspapers supporting the recommendations included in the report:

1. Richmond Times DispatchP.O. Box 85333Richmond, VA 23293letters@timesdispatch.com

2. Charlottesville Daily Progress685 Rio Road WCharlottesville, VA 22901www.dailyprogress.com/cdp/news/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/

The Virginia Organizing Project has useful tips for writing letters to the editor. For guidelines and sample letters please visit: http://www.virginiaorganizing.org/articles/writing_letters.php

2) Sign On!
We encourage everyone to get their organization to sign on to the Campaign sign on letter supporting reform of the Virginia system of trying youth as adults. This letter will be circulated to the Virginia State Crime Commission Members in November. To sign-on, contact Kate Duvall at 434-977-0553 ext 146 or at kate@justice4all.org

3) Mark your calendar!Attend the December 15th Virginia Crime Commission meeting. If you are in the Northern Virginia or Norfolk areas, are interested in attending the meeting in Richmond and need a ride, please contact Liane Rozzell at (703) 338-3289 or liane@favyouth.org

Location: Virginia General Assembly Building in RichmondTime: 10 amBring: Your friendsWear: "Don't Throw Away the Key" button

4) Join Us! Check us out on Facebook! Join our Fan Page!
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Dont-Throw-Away-the-Key-Campaign/145011352671?ref=mf

5) Spread the word!
For flyers, talking points, actions kits and more, visit: www.dontthrowawaythekey.org

Thank You- Midlo Day Parade Participants

2009-11-04T01:33:00.003-05:00

Thank you to everyone who represented Chesterfield County Council of PTAs/PTSAs in the Midlothian Day Parade!

A special thanks to Mrs. Melissa Sheehan, coordinator, and Mrs. Debbie Levenson, driver, and to Providence Middle School (including the Principal, Mrs. Grimes): students Jordan Sheehan, Alexis Scott, and Autum Dishmon Swift Creek Middle: Joseph Kearns Tomahawk Creek Middle: Jared Bullano JB Watkins: Kate Curran and Riley Burch Greenfield Elem: Eric Blosser Evergreen Elem: Bryce Naiman and Mikayla Acosta.

Election Day/Bone Marrow Drive

2009-10-23T08:37:00.004-04:00

PTA/PTSA Members:

Your help is needed for the Election Day/Bone Marrow Drive.
The Chesterfield Public Education Foundation and the Rudi Johnson Foundation will participate in a bone marrow registration drive on Election Day at five sites. These drives will take place from 8-11 a.m. and from 4-7 p.m. on Nov. 3 at the schools referenced below.

We have students lined at each of the schools to assist. However, we are in need of 3-4 parents at each of the two times. These folks would be handing out applications, checking to make sure they’re completely filled out and handing out swab kits.

Will you step up and help in this much needed drive?

Clover Hill High – need 3-4 parents from 8-11 a.m. and 3-4 parents from 4-7 p.m.

Bird High – need 3-4 parents from 8-11 a.m. and 3-4 parents from 4-7 p.m.

Midlothian High – need 3-4 parents from 8-11 a.m. and 3-4 parents from 4-7 p.m.

Thomas Dale High – need 3-4 parents from 8-11 a.m. and 3-4 parents from 4-7 p.m.

Ettrick Elementary – need 3-4 parents from 8-11 a.m. and 3-4 parents from 4-7 p.m.

We will schedule a 30-minute meeting next week to brief the volunteers. If you are willing to help, please email Stella at, stellaedw@aol.com .

"I volunteer to help at Thomas Dale High from 4-7 p.m., will you join me?"

Thanks,
Stella

Shop Chesterfield!

2009-10-08T07:14:00.003-04:00

Where you shop makes a difference. Shop Chesterfield!

A modern mall in the heart of a retail corridor. Quaint shops waiting to be explored.
The biggest retail names in electronics. A variety of gardening and homeimprovement
stores.

Whether it’s something you need,something you want, or something your taste buds crave, you can find it in Chesterfield County.

Need another reason to shop in Chesterfield?
How about this? Last fiscal year, state sales tax revenue generated by purchases
made in Chesterfield County provided $49.9 million to county schools. Or this?
Each resident spending $3 a day in Chesterfield would generate about $2.6
million a year in local revenue. That’s money that pays for the quality public services you expect from your local government: from great schools, to safe
neighborhoods, to exceptional parks.

Click on link fo your website or newsletter.

School Board meetings

2009-10-08T07:07:00.002-04:00

The Chesterfield County School Board will hold a quarterly work session at 8 a.m. Oct. 8 in the School Administration Building, 9900 Krause Road. The board will receive the annual report of the Chesterfield Public Education Foundation and will review proposed policies.

School Board members will attend meetings of the Budget and Audit Committee at 8:30 a.m. Oct. 9, at 10 a.m. Oct. 20, at 9 a.m. Nov. 12, at 1 p.m. Nov. 17 and at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 9 in Room 502 of the Lane B. Ramsey Administration Building, 9901 Lori Road.

At 8 a.m. Oct. 12, members of the Chesterfield County School Board will meet with members of the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors. This meeting of the Liaison Committee will take place in Room 502 of the Lane B. Ramsey Administration Building.

At 2 p.m. Oct. 12, the School Board will meet in closed session to discuss possible student disciplinary action pursuant to Section 2.2-3711(A)(2) of the Code of Virginia. This meeting will take place at the Instruction Division Center, 600 Southlake Blvd.

The Chesterfield County School Board will meet Oct. 13:
· The board will have dinner at 4:30 p.m. at the School Administration Building, followed by a 5 p.m. work session to review the technology master plan for 2010-2014.

· At 7 p.m. in the Public Meeting Room, 10001 Iron Bridge Road, the School Board will conduct a business meeting. The meeting will include a pre-budget public hearing. This is an opportunity for people to speak about the budget for the 2010-2011 school year before a budget is proposed. People who wish to speak are asked to contact the School Board clerk at 748-1497 to add their name to the speakers list for this public hearing. Each person may speak up to three minutes.

— end —

Harrowgate Elem PTA is having a Carnival!

2009-10-02T15:44:00.001-04:00

Our school is turning 50 years old and we are having a Carnival this Saturday at Harrowgate Elementary School from 10 - 2 to celebrate. In lieu of admissions we are asking for food donations for the Central VA Food Bank. We will have balloon animals, face painting, games and concessions. Please bring your children, grand children, nieces, nephews, etc. for a free day of fun. Attached is a list of items that the Food Bank is in need of. I look forward to seeing you Saturday. Please pass this along to anyone you think may be interested.

Stephanie Roberts
President 2009 - 2010
Harrowgate Elementary School PTA
399-8123 Cell

Chesterfield educator named Region 1 Teacher of the Year

2009-09-25T13:24:00.003-04:00

At Tomahawk Creek Middle School, Carolyn Wilkerson is usually the person behind the camera, taking photos of students in sports competitions and other school activities.

Today, Wilkerson was on the other side of the lens when school officials announced that she has been named the Virginia Region 1 Teacher of the Year, making her one of eight regional winners now in the running to become the 2010 Virginia Teacher of the Year.

She is the ninth Chesterfield teacher in 13 years to be selected as the regional honoree. A former corporate engineer, Wilkerson left that career to become a middle school teacher. “I have been teaching for six years now, and I love every minute of it,” Willkerson wrote recently. “My former principal said that I am a born teacher — I just had to take a different path to figure that out for myself!”

Jeff Ellick, principal of Tomahawk Creek Middle School, wrote this about Wilkerson: “Carolyn is the epitome of a 21st-century teacher. Her caring nature, warm smile and heartfelt inspirational passion to teach are simple contagious. … I can state with 100 percent certainty that every student, parent, staff, administrator and member of the greater Richmond community who has come to know her would unequivocally say that she is the most unassuming and dedicated teacher ever!”
This is Wilkerson’s second year at Tomahawk Creek Middle School. She is currently teaching classes in physical science and geometry. Previously, she taught at Swift Creek Middle School.

Her career path brought her home: Wilkerson grew up in the Midlothian area and attended Watkins Elementary, Robious Elementary, Robious Junior High and Midlothian High. She earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Virginia, earned a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Richmond and completed the Gateway to Teaching Career Switcher Program through the University of Virginia.

The photos Wilkerson takes are used in school publications and on a web site she created for Tomahawk Creek teams (TCMSTimberwolves.com). She also helped found a spirit club for Tomahawk Creek Middle and coached the LEGO® robotics team at Swift Creek Middle.

In addition to Chesterfield County, Region 1 of Virginia encompasses the school systems of Charles City County, Dinwiddie County, Goochland County, Hanover County, Henrico County, New Kent County, Powhatan County, Prince George County, Surry County, Sussex County and the cities of Richmond, Petersburg, Colonial Heights and Hopewell.

Virginia’s eight regional Teachers of the Year were selected from more than 100 candidates chosen by their school divisions. The candidates submitted portfolios highlighting their accomplishments, teaching philosophy and community involvement. A panel of representatives from professional groups and educational associations reviewed the portfolios and will interview each of the eight regional Teachers of the Year this fall to select the 2010 Virginia Teacher of the Year.

Speak up for Students! September 30, 7:00 p.m.

2009-09-22T23:14:00.003-04:00

The Virginia Board of Education is holding four regional hearings
across the state to hear directly from Virginians like YOU.

What: Public Hearings on
the Standards of Quality
When: September 30, 7:00 p.m.( signups begin at 6:30 p.m.)
Where:
• Alexandria:
West Potomac High
School, Kogelman
Theater, 6500 Quander
Road, Alexandria

• Chesapeake:
Joliff Middle School,
1021 Joliff Rd.,
Chesapeake

• Pulaski County:
Pulaski County High
School, 5415 Cougar
Trail, Dublin

• Richmond:
Maggie L. Walker
Governor’s School,
1000 North Lombardy
St., Richmond

Caps hurt kids!
No permanent cuts!
Let’s keep our promise
to Virginia’s students!

PTA Leadership Webcast Instructions for TODAY

2009-09-22T14:19:00.002-04:00

A Reminder...

Tuesday, September 22 at 5 pm CST

The webcast will feature National PTA President Charles J. “Chuck” Saylors and National PTA CEO Byron V. Garrett. During this one-hour webcast, they will address the Common Core State Standards Initiative, support for military families, and other topics that affect PTA leaders.

To participate, go to http://www.pta.org/National_State_Leaders/webcast-viewer.html. When prompted for a username and password, enter the following:

· Username: parents

· Password: takeaction

The broadcast will begin at 5 pm CST. You should be able to see the Webcast Viewer prior to the webcast. If you cannot, please contact me.

If you have questions and have not submitted them, please e-mail them to info@pta.org (put webcast questions in the subject line). We will try to get as many of the questions answered as possible. If you think of a question during the webcast, e-mail it to rcraig@pta.org.

Thank you and enjoy the webcast. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me.

Randy Craig | Editorial Manager

T 800.307.4782 | 312.670.6782 Ext. 322

F 312.670.6783

rcraig@pta.org | www.pta.org

Connect with National PTA® on: Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Fotki | Delicious

________________________________

National PTA®

541 North Fairbanks Court, Suite 1300

Chicago, IL 60611-3396
National PTA® comprises millions of members devoted to helping every child succeed by getting involved in their education, health, and safety. Founded in 1897, the association promotes and supports opportunities for families to effectively participate in their children’s lives.

Last minute PTA/PTSA training opportunity

2009-09-18T14:47:00.003-04:00

Last minute opportunity for PTA leaders training!

Date: Tomorrow, Saturday, September 19, 2009
Time: 10:00 Am - 12:00 PM (Petersburg City Public School division is conducting a Parent Summit from 8:00 AM - Noon, PTA training is part of this Summit).
Location: 725 Wesley Street
Petersburg, Virginia 23803
Contact Person: John Hart, Petersburg Citywide Council President
(804) 943-1745
Training Focus: President
Treasurer
Bylaws (clinic for those of you with Bylaws update due immediately or this year)
Legislation (getting the vote)

Virginia PTA 2009 State Convention
November 13-15, 2009
Fredericksburg, VA
Please go the www.vapta for more details and registration (save $ with earlier registration!).

See you on Monday night. 6:00 PM School Board Reception
7:00 PM Council Meeting (see attached calendar, note suspense dates at the bottom of the calendar).

Thanks,

Stella

Stella Y. Edwards
President,
Chesterfield County Council of PTAs/PTSAs
709 Spring Valley Road
Colonial Heights, VA 23834
(804) 530-1809 (direct)
(804) 691-2122 (mobile)
(804) 862-2205 (office)
(804) 768-4383(fax)
stellaedw@aol.com
www.chesterfieldparent-to-parent.blogspot.com
www.vapta.org
www.pta.org
" A person has truly become a PTA member when his circle of concern stretches beyond his own child to include all children."

Chesterfield schools open Sept. 8

2009-09-04T18:06:00.001-04:00

CCPS News Release

On Sept. 8, more than 58,000 students will begin the school year in Chesterfield County Public Schools, the fourth-largest school system in Virginia and one of the 100 largest school systems in the United States.

Superintendent Marcus Newsome, School Board members and Board of Supervisors members will visit several schools on opening day. Here is the superintendent’s schedule:

• 7:30-8:05 a.m. at Midlothian High (Midlothian District)

• 8:15-8:50 a.m. at Swift Creek Middle (Clover Hill District)

• 9:05-9:40 a.m. at Manchester Middle (Clover Hill District)

• 9:55-10:30 a.m. at Gates Elementary (Dale District)

• 10:40-11:10 a.m. at Curtis Elementary (Bermuda District)

• 11:30 a.m.-12:05 p.m. at Matoaca Elementary for lunch (Matoaca District)
— end —

School Board meetings

2009-09-04T18:04:00.000-04:00

The Chesterfield County School Board will meet Sept. 8:

· At 4:45 p.m. in the School Administration Building, 9900 Krause Road, the School Board will meet in closed session to discuss possible student disciplinary action pursuant to Section 2.2-3711(A)(2) of the Code of Virginia.

· The board will have dinner at 5 p.m. at the School Administration Building, followed by a 5:30 p.m. work session on the annual report of the Gifted Education Advisory Committee.

· At 7 p.m. in the Public Meeting Room, 10001 Iron Bridge Road, the School Board will conduct a business meeting.

The Chesterfield County School Board will meet in closed session Sept. 10 at 9:30 a.m. in the School Administration Building to discuss a specific employee pursuant to Section 2.2-3711(A)(1) of the Code of Virginia.

CCPS News Release

2009-09-03T16:54:00.000-04:00

For immediate release

Recently, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced that the President of the United States will speak to the nation’s schoolchildren in an address to be delivered on Sept. 8. That day, the President intends to emphasize the importance of education to our children, nation and future.

By Sept. 8, many schools across the nation will have been in session for several days or weeks. However, this is the first day of school for most of Virginia’s children. Dr. Patricia Wright, the Superintendent for Public Instruction for the Commonwealth of Virginia, has advised local school divisions to consider the demands of the instructional day on Sept. 8 in determining whether to broadcast the President’s live address.

Chesterfield County Public Schools takes pride in its staff’s ability to welcome students back to school in a positive and well-organized manner. Though Chesterfield County Public Schools embraces the President’s message on challenging students and is grateful for the support he has extended in the form of federal stimulus funding for public education, we do not wish to interfere with our staff’s ability to repeat past opening day successes.

Teachers and administrators will have access to the content of the speech in the future and may use it within their curriculum and programs as appropriate. Should a school choose to show the President’s message at a later date, building administrators will honor parents’ requests to provide alternative activities for students.
— end —

Elizabeth Scott Elementary Combats Childhood Obesity

2009-09-01T13:38:00.002-04:00

PRESS RELEASE
Atlanta, August 31, 2009

Congraulations!
Elizabeth Scott Elementary School Receives Grant to Combat Childhood Obesity

ING Run For Something Better School-Based Running Programs Help Students Learn Healthy Lifestyle Changes During Peak Physical Development Years

ING today announced Elizabeth Scott Elementary School (Chester, Virginia) as one of 50 recipients of a $2,000 grant to help students combat childhood obesity. Through its ING Run For Something Better School Awards Program, financial services leader ING, in partnership with the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE), is helping to introduce fifth- through eighth-grade students across the country to the benefits of running through school-based running programs.

Elizabeth Scott Elementary School will receive $2,000 in funding to support its new ING Run For Something Better program, offering students a minimum of an eight-week running program that will conclude with a culminating running event in celebration of the students’ achievements. NASPE has developed unique running lesson plans, based on the National Standards for Physical Education (NASPE, 2004), and specifically targeted for fifth- through eighth-grade students. These activity plans, coupled with other program materials such as distance logs and a running journal, will aid in the development of running skills and preparation for a culminating running event.

“We are pleased to offer schools a grant that encourages healthy lifestyles changes, personal development, goal-setting and group participation,” said Rhonda Mims, president of the ING Foundation and senior vice president, Office of Corporate Responsibility and Multicultural Affairs. “ING is committed to making it easier for schools to not only close the gap in student achievement, but also advance student physical well being through ING Run For Something Better.”

Grant awards were available in all states to public elementary or middle schools for running programs that targeted fifth- through eighth-grade students. Over 300 schools applied for the ING/NASPE School Awards Program. A NASPE review board consisting of 100 teachers and education administrators reviewed all applications.

Nearly one-third of U.S. children and teens are now overweight or obese. Inactive and obese children risk multiple consequences including reduced bone strength, Type 2diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol levels and asthma. If addressed at an early age, many of these conditions can be avoided. NASPE Executive Director, Charlene Burgeson, said “NASPE is appreciative to ING Run For Something Better for helping our efforts to promote the importance of children’s physical fitness and provide teachers and coaches with resources they need to create fun and practical running programs for their students.”

CCPS Calendar of Events

2009-09-01T12:02:00.002-04:00

Calendar of events in Chesterfield County Public Schools
You are welcome to cover these activities, but please call ahead to let the school know you are coming.

Sept. 2
Senior parent meeting
Parents of rising seniors at Lloyd C. Bird High School will attend Project Graduation at 6 p.m. to will go over important information needed for graduation.
Contact: 768-6110

Sept. 8
First day of school
The 2009-10 school year begins.
Contact: 748-1405

School Board meeting
At 7 p.m. in the public meeting room, 10001 Iron Bridge Road, the School Board will conduct a business meeting.
Contact: 748-1405

Sept. 14
School Health Advisory Board
The School Health Advisory Board will meet 7-9 p.m. at the School Administration Building, 9900 Krause Road.
Contact: 594-1757

Sept. 16
Special Education Advisory Committee
The Special Education Advisory Committee will meet 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Parent Teacher Resource Center, 4003 Cogbill Road.
Contact: 594-1732

Sept. 17
Career and Technical Education Advisory Committee
The Career and Technical Education Advisory Committee will meet at 8 a.m. at the Chesterfield Technical Center, 10101 Courthouse Road.
Contact: 768-6165

Assembly
Providence Middle sixth grade will have an assembly at 9:30 a.m. in the auditorium.
Contact: Shirl Leverett, 674-1355

Ongoing
UR the Future Leadership Program
Providence Middle and the University of Richmond are partnering for the second year in a leadership program. The UR the Future Leadership Program will connect 18 eighth-grade students from Providence Middle with faculty and students from the University of Richmond’s Jepson School of Leadership Studies. This is the first program the University of Richmond has conducted with middle school students. Five sessions are scheduled throughout the year during which Providence Middle students will work with University of Richmond students and faculty in workshops, team-building exercises and breakout sessions designed to explore the concepts of leadership.
Contact: Shirl Leverett, 674-1355

Distracted Drivers in School Zones

2009-09-01T11:52:00.002-04:00

September 1, 2009

Good morning. Safe Kids USA just released the report, Distracted Drivers in School Zones: A National Report, which examined the relationship between distractions and an increased risk of child-car collisions in school zones. Included in the report and based on road-side observations of drivers in active school zones:

- Out of the 41,426 cars that were observed traveling through an active school zone, one in six drivers were distracted
- Both male and female drivers had high distraction rates
- Cell phone/electronics was the leading distracter, followed by eating/drinking/smoking, reaching/ looking behind, grooming, and reading
- Female drivers were more distracted by cell phones and grooming activities than men
- Males and females were distracted by eating, reaching behind, and reading about equally
- Drivers of larger vehicles such as sports utility vehicles, pickup trucks, and minivans were more distracted than car drivers
- Regardless of gender, if the driver was not wearing their seatbelts then they were 35% more likely to be distracted as compared to drivers using seatbelts
- Drivers in states that restrict the use of handheld electronics for all drivers (regardless of age) were 13% less likely to be distracted as compared to drivers in states that have no restrictions

To view or download the complete report, click on the link: http://www.usa.safekids.org/wtw/documents/Research08.pdf or visit the Safe Kids USA Web site at http://www.usa.safekids.org/tier3_cd_2c.cfm?content_item_id=27371&folder_id=301.

As children return to school, discussing the following tips with them could prevent a serious child-car collision injury in a school zone and elsewhere:

Safe Kids USA - Top Tips

Be a Safe Kid
- Always cross the street with an adult until age 10
- Pause your music, hang up the cell phone and don’t text until you’ve safely crossed the street
- Never play hand-held games while walking
- Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks
- Look left, right and left again when crossing
- Always walk, never run, when crossing streets
- Walk on sidewalks or paths
- Walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible if there are no sidewalks
- Never run out into the street or cross in between parked cars

Be a Safe Driver
- Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods and school zones
- Eliminate any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings
- Watch for children on and near the road in the morning and after school hours

School Bus Safety
Safe Kids USA also offers children these reminders from the National Association for Pupil Transportation:
- Arrive at the bus stop five minutes early.
- While waiting for the bus, stay in a safe place away from the street. Stand at least 5 giant steps (10 feet) away from the edge of the road.
- Wait until the bus stops, the door opens, and the driver says it's okay before stepping onto the bus.
- Be careful that clothing with drawstrings and book bags with straps or dangling objects do not get caught in the handrail or door when exiting the bus.
- If something falls under or near the bus, tell the driver. Never try to pick it up yourself!
- When you get on or off the bus, look for the bus safety lights and make sure they are flashing.
- Be alert to traffic. When you get on or off the bus, look left, right, left before you enter or cross the street.
- Stay in your seat and sit quietly so that the driver is not distracted.
- Some school buses now have seat belts. If you have seat belts on your school bus, be sure to learn to use the seat belt correctly.

Feel free to view or download the Division’s Pedestrian & School Bus Safety Fact Sheet,http://www.vahealth.org/injury/data/factsheets/Pedestrian%20and%20School%20Bus%20Safety%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf, for additional information on school and bus safety for children. Or you can order Pedestrian & School Bus Safety tip cards (http://www.vahealth.org/Injury/tipcards/PedestrianSchoolBus.pdf) from DIVP, by completing and faxing back the DIVP order form,http://www.vahealth.org/Injury/documents/2008/pdf/orderform081508.pdf.

All the best,
Lenny Recupero
Division of Injury and Violence Prevention
Virginia Department of Health
109 Governor Street, 8th Floor
Richmond, Virginia 23219
Phone: (804) 864-7734
Fax: (804) 864-7748
E-mail: Leonard.Recupero@vdh.virginia.gov
Web Site: www.vahealth.org/injury

CCCCPTA/PTSA 2009-2010 Calendar

2009-08-25T09:27:00.004-04:00

CCCPTA/PTSA 2009-2010 COUNTY COUNCIL CALENDAR

There are no general membership meetings during May, June, July or August. The general membership meetings begin at 7:00 p.m. and are held at the School Board Administration Building, 9900 Krause Road, on the following dates unless notified otherwise. Executive Board meetings begin one hour prior to general meetings. The meeting schedule is as follows:

Sept. 21 Leadership Reception w/Superintendent and Chesterfield School Board -
“Are our schools safe enough?” – School Security Update with Tim Mallory
PTA Special Education Committees and Special Education PTAs ~ Update

Oct. 19 Preparation for school budget - “What you need to know- School Staffing
“Money Matters ~ For Everyone”

Nov. 16 A necessary dialogue - “Cultural Competence ~ race and ethnicity”

Dec. 3 PTA/PTSA Legislation - “Is there education without legislation?
Meet and speak with Your Legislators

Jan 11 Collaboration with Chesterfield Citizens for Excellence in Education
(CC4EE)
“The School Division’s Plan for Budget Year 3”

Feb. 8 Dr. Newsome – County/School Budget Review

Feb. 20 Reflections Awards Ceremony and PTA Founders Day – Meadowbrook High

March 16 “Parents’ Café” – PTA/PTSA Networking –
Opportunity to meet with vendors for 2010-2011 Budgetary planning

April 20 Annual Recognition Dinner - Chesterfield Technical Center

May 18 Executive Board Planning Meeting

2009 – 2010 LOCAL UNIT SUSPENSE DATES
(CHECK WWW.VAPTA FOR ADDITIONAL STATE SUSPENSE DATES)

June 15 PTA/PTSA Leaders contact information to council and state offices

Sept. 14 RSVP to School Board reception

Oct. 25 Legislation voting (2010 PLP Tallies) to James River District Director

Nov. 16 Reflections first place winning entries to council
Chesterfield County Council dues ($15.00 can be paid at the meeting)

Dec. 1 Dues to the state office

March 1 Dues to state office

April 5 RSVP to council Recognition Dinner

June 30 Last dues payment to state office (keep your good standings rating!)

School Board meetings - August 2009

2009-08-06T21:05:00.002-04:00

The Chesterfield County School Board will meet Aug. 11:
· At 4:30 p.m. in the School Administration Building, 9900 Krause Road, the School Board will hold a work session to review policy.
· At 7 p.m. in the Public Meeting Room, 10001 Iron Bridge Road, the School Board will conduct a business meeting.

At 8 a.m. Aug. 14, members of the Chesterfield County School Board will meet with members of the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors. This meeting of the Liaison Committee will take place at the School Administration Building, 9900 Krause Road. School Board representatives on the committee are Marshall W. Trammell Jr. and U. Omarh Rajah.

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
CHESTERFIELD, VIRGINIA

August 11, 2009

School Board Administration Building 4:30 P.M.
The Public Meeting Room 7:00 P.M.
10001 Iron Bridge Road
Chesterfield, Virginia 23832

SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS

Marshall W. Trammell, Jr., Bermuda, Chairman
David S. Wyman, Dale, Vice-Chairman
Dianne E. Pettitt, Clover Hill
U. Omarh Rajah, Matoaca
Patricia M. Carpenter, Midlothian

Dr. Marcus J. Newsome, Superintendent

WORK SESSION

4:30 P.M.
Policy Review and Discussion/ Central Office Board Rooms

Meeting Agenda

7:00 P.M.
THE PUBLIC MEETING ROOM

A.Call to Order Mr. Marshall Trammell-Chairman

Invocation – Mr. David Wyman

Flag Salute – Mr. Omarh Rajah

B.CONSENT AGENDA *
Agenda Approval ( as presented or amended by prior announcement of the Clerk)
Acceptance of Minutes
- May 7, 2009 Joint Meeting with Board of Supervisors
- June 23, 2009 Regular School Board Meeting
- July 6, 2009 Closed Meeting for Consultation with Legal Counsel
- July 21, 2009 School Board Retreat
Memo # 49 Recommended Personnel Actions (as presented or amended by prior announcement of the Clerk)

* A School Board member may request that any item on the consent agenda be separated for School Board discussion and individual action during this portion of the agenda.

C. Awards and Recognitions

Memo #51 Recognition of Student Successes

D. Board Committee Reports

E. Superintendent’s Report

F. ACTION ITEMS

Instruction

Memo #50 Approval to Collect Data on Federally Connected Students

G. Public Comment

H. Discussion Agenda

I. Announcements, Communications, and School Board Comments

J. Adjournment

General Information

The Chesterfield County School Board will meet as follows for the Calendar Year 2009: January 13 and 27, 2009; February 10, 2009; March 10 and 24, 2009; April 28, 2009; May 12, 2009 (Fulghum Center); May 26, 2009; June 23, 2009; August 11, 2009; August 25, 2009 (School Board Administration); September 8, 2009; September 22, 2009 (Fulghum Center); October 13, 2009; October 27, 2009 (Fulghum Center); November 10, 2009; and December 8, 2009. Closed meetings and work sessions will begin at 5:30 p.m. and will be held at the School Administration Building, 9900 Krause Road, Chesterfield, Virginia. The regular meetings will begin at 7:00 p.m. and will be held at the Public Meeting Room, 10001 Iron Bridge Road, Chesterfield, Virginia. Public Engagement work sessions are held at the Thomas R. Fulghum Center, 4003 Cogbill Road and will begin at 7:00 p.m. If the place or time of a meeting is changed, the public will be notified.

Following is the procedure by which the public may speak before the School Board at regular meetings:

1. Persons wishing to comment on action items must notify the School Board Clerk's office by 2:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting; they will be heard when each item is considered.

2. Persons wishing to be heard during the public comment period(s) must notify the School Board Clerk's office by 2:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Comments during the public comment period(s) are limited to items not on the agenda.

3. Individuals shall limit their comments to three minutes.

4. Comments on an action item shall be relevant to that item. Comments during the public comment period(s) shall be relevant to Chesterfield County Public Schools.

5. Comments that contain profanity, vulgar language, or are likely to disrupt the orderly conduct of the meeting are prohibited.

Request your Official PTA Leaders Kit

2009-08-06T19:03:00.003-04:00

Turn Possibilities into Realities

All local, council, district, and region PTAs must register to receive the free Official PTA Kit. Units can access the kit registration form through the personalized URL sent via e-mail and postcard or by going to

https://www.pta.org/local_leader/kit/kitorder.asp

The national PTA Information Center is available to help units register and can be reached at (800) 307-4782.

Help ensure that all your units get their kits. Use all state communications vehicles to spread the word about the kit registration process: the state PTA website, newsletters, leadership trainings, convention, school visits, and more.

Through OMDR, states can see which units have registered for their kits, when they would like them sent, and to what address. Please follow up with units that have not yet registered.

Help units get their kits in time to go back to school!

Learn more about the kit contents and registration process at PTA.org/OfficialKit.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, and European Congress only: Please disregard the kit registration process described above. Kit delivery for local and council/district/region units in your state is being managed by the state PTA office. The state PTA will be responsible for communicating to units about kit delivery. The order form will not allow units in these states to register for a kit.

This mailing was sent by National PTA, 541 N. Fairbanks Ct. #1300, Chicago, IL 60611-3396. General requests and inquiries may be sent by mailing the above address, calling 800-307-4PTA (4782), or emailing info@pta.org.

Welcome Back!

2009-08-06T18:32:00.003-04:00

Dear PTA/PTSA Leaders and Friends,

Well, its that time of year. Hopefully everyone had a great summer and look forward to another successful year for Chesterfield County Public School Division. Because of volunteers, our students are realizing their potential. …And that’s our goal!

I look forward to providing the kind of leadership that will enable you to do the best job possible in your PTA/PTSA work.

When you need your council, we are here to support you in everyway. I will see all of you at our first general meeting and School Board PTA Leaders Reception on, Monday, September 21, 2009, 6:30 PM at the School Administration Building, 9900 Krause Road, Chesterfield, Virginia 23235.

Thanks,

Stella Y. Edwards
President,
Chesterfield County Council of PTAs/PTSAs
(804) 530-1809

Welcome 2009-2010 PTA /PTSA Leaders

2009-06-17T19:14:00.004-04:00

Congratulations New Leaders.

Welcome to the Chesterfield County Council of PTAs/PTSAs. We are ready and able to assist you with your every PTA need. Please do not hesitate to contact us at any time. There are no silly questions...

June 15, 2009 was the due date to have your leaders contact information submitted to the state office and the council. If you have not taken care of this task, please do so at this time. I need your email address ASAP. My primary means of communicating with you is via email. If you prefer me contacting you by some other means, let me know immediately.

This week you should be receiving your PTA Leaders kit in the, “snail” mail. National PTA provides a big box of goodies to help you start your new PTA year. There is something in the box for each of your board members and committee chairpersons. If you have not received this box by the end of June, please let me know.

Remember to have your audit completed after June 30, 2009, and prepare to complete your IRS Form 990. You must send a copy of your IRS 990 Form to the state office. Do not allow your treasurer to touch the financial records before the audit is completed. Remember, every elected leader on your board has the fiduciary responsibility for the unit finances (not just the treasurer).

I am happy you decided to stand up and take on a leadership role in PTA.

See you next week at the National PTA Convention, and at our state leadership training July 11-12, 2009 at James River High School (yes, right here in our county).

Thanks,

Stella

Stella Y. Edwards
President,
Chesterfield County Council of PTAs/PTSAs
(804) 530-1809
(804) 691-2122
Email: stellaedw@aol.com

Use the PTA Network - Share Information on Swine Flu (H1N1)

2009-05-01T20:12:00.002-04:00

PTA and the Swine Flu (H1N1):

The federal government on April 26, 2009, declared a public health emergency after several cases of swine flu were confirmed in the United States. It is expected that more cases will be confirmed in the coming days. A number of US schools have been affected and are taking appropriate precautions to avoid the spread of the disease.

PTA suggests that all schools and PTA units follow the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other appropriate agencies, in response to preventing the spread of flu germs. Also, utilize the support system and network that PTA naturally provides for your school to ensure effective and efficient communication among parents and families.

Using the PTA Support System:
Let members know how they can participate by clearly sharing resources from health departments, PTA, CDC, and other local, state, and national sources. Identify specific issues or concerns in which PTA could be involved at your school. Make issues and communication goals real to members so they can participate and assist at school, work with other parents, and/or help the children at the school, or in the community at large.

Use your local PTA website to bring attention to current issues and PTA efforts at your school, the surrounding district and, even, surrounding communities. Post news bulletins on your home page, devote part of your PTA newsletter or e-mail communications to Swine Flu (H1N1), and add links to the school and district web sites. Add the widget from the CDC, which links to the most current information about the Swine Flu (H1N1): http://www.hhs.gov/web/library/index.html#HHSWidgets.

Build a communication network to disseminate important information quickly and efficiently. Send email alerts when new information becomes available and phone parents to quickly disseminate information to your PTA membership. Keeping parents informed with current and accurate information is key.

Create and participate in bulletin boards on your PTA website to share information with PTA members and parents. Post resources that will offer parents accurate information, answers to their questions, and education materials for their family. Offer your school principal the opportunity to contribute and/or host an “online chat” with your members to clear up concerns or misinformation.

Reach Out Beyond the PTA Circle as a PTA unit. Be a resource to community decision makers. Be at the table for discussions involving school policy and action plans for addressing the Swine Flu (H1N1). Talk to your school principal and district administrators. Go to the school board meetings to ensure PTA has a voice.

Partner with your school nurse to ensure the correct information is shared with your parents. School nurses have a good perspective on the spread of germs within the school environment. They can answer many questions parents may have about the Swine Flu’s (H1N1) symptoms and prevention and are a credible resource in your school community.

Encourage current active members to contact friends, neighbors, and colleagues to tell them about PTA network efforts. Approach people from other organizations with similar concerns and interests and attend school-related and community events where a PTA presence would be welcome to share information and concerns.

Important Resources:
The National Parent Teacher Association: www.pta.org
Helping Parents Talk to Children
Parent Tip Sheet
PTA Communication Task List
Resources for Schools and Children

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/key_facts.htm

US Department of Health and Human Services: http://www.hhs.gov/

US Department of Education: http://www.ed.gov

Swine Flu (H1N1) Widget for Your Web Site:

http://www.hhs.gov/web/library/index.html#HHSWidgets

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has asked the American Association of School Administrators to collect information about school closures related to swine flu in the United States. To track school closures and dismissals nationwide, we are asking all schools that close or have closed to complete the AASA Swine Flu School Closures Form at http://aasa.hodgsonconsult.com immediately.

Register for kindergarten or apply for prekindergarten April 16

2009-04-14T11:25:00.001-04:00

CCPS NEWS RELEASE

What — Between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. April 16, Chesterfield County families need to register their children to attend kindergarten this fall. Applications will also be accepted for a limited number of prekindergarten classes offered in 12 of Chesterfield’s 38 elementary schools.

Where — Parents should take their children to the elementary school they are zoned to attend. To determine which school to go to, parents may call 748-1666 or go online to chesterfield.k12.va.us.

Kindergarten — Kindergarten is offered in every Chesterfield elementary school. A child must be 5 years old on or before Sept. 30 to attend kindergarten in the 2009-2010 school year.

Prekindergarten — A limited number of prekindergarten spots are available in 12 schools to provide school-readiness skills to eligible children with the greatest need. To apply, students must live in the attendance zone of a school with a prekindergarten program.
● Preschool is offered for children who will be 4 years old by Sept. 30, who show an educational need and who live in the attendance zone of Bellwood, Bensley, Beulah, Chalkley, Davis, Ettrick, Falling Creek, Harrowgate, Providence or Reams elementary school.
● Head Start is offered for children who will be 3 or 4 years old by Sept. 30, whose families meet federal income guidelines and who live in the attendance zone of Bellwood, Bensley, Chalkley, Marguerite Christian, Ettrick, Falling Creek, Harrowgate or Hopkins elementary school.

Please note about prekindergarten — Prekindergarten applications are accepted from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. so that families may arrive at the time most convenient for them. Families should not arrive before 9 a.m. because prekindergarten is not first come, first served. Children are selected for the limited number of prekindergarten spots based on need.

What to bring — For kindergarten or prekindergarten, parents must bring proof they live in Chesterfield and a certified copy of their child’s birth certificate. For a list of acceptable proofs of residency, go to chesterfield.k12.va.us. The child’s Social Security number is requested. Families applying for prekindergarten must also bring two recent pay stubs as proof of income. Before the first day of school, kindergarten and prekindergarten parents must provide a record of a doctor’s exam within the past 12 months and medical records listing the date of their child’s immunizations.

For more information — Parents may call their zoned school or go to
chesterfield.k12.va.us.

SSEAC meets April 23-24, 2009

2009-03-24T13:23:00.000-04:00

The State Special Education Advisory Committee (SSEAC) will meet on April 23-24, 200

Location:
Holiday Inn Express
Richmond - Downtown
201 East Cary Street
Richmond, VA 23219
804-788-1600

http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ex/1/en/hotel/ricec

Persons needing special accommodations, including sign language interpreting should contact Ms. Cathy Pomfrey (Email: Cathy.Pomfrey@doe.virginia.gov ) or by phone: 804-225-3252 Voice; 800-422-1098 TTY by April 10, 2009.

This agenda and other information are available at: http://www.doe.virginia.gov/VDOE/Instruction/Sped/sseac.html.

In case of inclement weather, call 804-225-2707, after 2:00 PM on the previous day, for recorded information on cancellation.

VIRGINIA STATE SPECIAL EDUCATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE

2009-03-24T13:21:00.001-04:00

SUBCOMMITTEE TO REVIEW ANNUAL PLANS FOR STATE OPERATED PROGRAMS AND VIRGINIA SCHOOLS FOR THE DEAF & BLIND

APRIL 30, 2009

A subcommittee of the State Special Education Advisory Committee (SSEAC) will meet to review the Annual Plans of State Operated Programs and the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind-Staunton. Meetings of the SSEAC are open to the public. This meeting includes time to receive public comment.

The meeting will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2009 in Richmond at the Virginia Department of Education James Monroe building, 101 North 14th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219 in the Wilson Conference Room on the 20th floor at 10:00 AM – 12:00 noon. A public comment period will be from 11:00- 11:30. Those persons wishing to make public comment but not able to attend the meeting may submit a written statement that will be read at the meeting.

For additional information, to request special accommodations, or to send written comments, please contact Ms. Sheryl Smith by April 20, 2009:

Ms. Sheryl Smith
Phone: Voice (804) 225-2932, TTY toll-free (800) 422-1098, TTY local (804) 371-2822
Fax: (804) 371-8796
Email: Sheryl.Smith@doe.virginia.gov
Mailing Address: Virginia Department of Education, 101 North 14th Street, Richmond, VA 23219

Meeting dates changed; residents urged to attend Supervisors’ town hall meetings.

2009-03-20T12:46:00.000-04:00

Courtesy of Chesterfield Citizens for Excellence in Education

Chesterfield Citizens for Excellence in Education – including its partner, the Chesterfield County Council of PTAs/PTSAs – has reconfigured its schedule of rallies in support of public education. Two rallies have been held to date, with between 350-400 residents coming out to support appropriate levels of funding for Chesterfield schools.

“The turnouts have been better than expected,” said Tom Miller, a member of CCEE’s executive committee. “As it did in 2004, when it approved a bond referendum for schools with a whopping 87 percent approval rate, the community once again is coming out to support its students. We encourage all residents to continue to join us at these rallies to remind those who appropriate funds that public education is a top priority in Chesterfield County.”

CCEE originally announced a schedule of seven rallies, with at least one being held in each of Chesterfield County’s five magisterial districts. Because of conflicts with other county meetings, two of the originally scheduled rallies are being cancelled and another is being postponed.

“We feel it is important for our citizens to have the opportunity to speak directly with their representative on the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors,” said Don Hall, a member of CCEE’s executive committee. “Since the time we originally announced our rally schedule, several supervisors have set town hall meetings within their districts. Therefore, we have decided to suspend some of our rallies and encourage all residents to attend the supervisors’ meetings to learn more about the county’s FY2010 proposed budget.”

All rallies begin at 7 p.m. and will be held in the auditorium.

• March 17 – Evergreen Elementary
• March 18 – Watkins Elementary
• March 23 – Hopkins Road Elementary

“We also encourage residents to attend meetings held by their supervisors and voice their support for quality education in Chesterfield County,” Hall said.

Residents are encouraged to attend town hall meetings:

•March 17 – Dale District Community Meeting at Meadowdale Library (7 p.m.)
•March 19 – Matoaca District Community Meeting at Bailey Bridge Middle School (7 p.m.)
•March 23 – Midlothian District Community Meeting at Midlothian Middle School (7 p.m.)
•March 24 – Bermuda District Community Meeting at Thomas Dale High School (7 p.m.)

“In addition, we would hope that those residents committed to maintaining the excellent educational system now found in Chesterfield County would attend the Board of Supervisors budget public hearing on March 25,” Miller said. “Supervisors were elected to represent our best interests. It is in our best interest to properly fund a high-quality education system as well as many other services provided by the county that will be a benefit to all who call Chesterfield home. This is a case of priorities, and Chesterfield residents need to be heard on what their priorities are so our elected officials can make the right decisions. It is not pitting one board against the other, but it is balancing the priorities across the spectrum of county services – not the least of which is quality education.”
About Chesterfield Citizens for Excellence in Education: Chesterfield Citizens for Excellence in Education is a group of citizens deeply concerned about cuts to Chesterfield County Public Schools’ FY2010 budget. It is made up of local residents, business persons and PTA members. For additional information about CCEE, visit citizens4ed.org.

About the County Council of PTAs/PTSAs: There are more than 20,000 parents and residents in Chesterfield County who are members of school PTAs. The County Council is the umbrella organization for all PTAs in Chesterfield. For additional information about the County Council, visit http://www.chesterfieldparent-to-parent.blogspot.com/.

School Board meeting notices

2009-03-19T16:37:00.000-04:00

The Chesterfield County School Board will meet March 24 and March 27:

March 24
The School Board will meet for a 5 p.m. dinner and a 5:30 p.m. work session in the School Administration Building, 9900 Krause Road. The School Board will hold a business meeting at 7 p.m. in the Public Meeting Room, 10001 Iron Bridge Road.

March 27
The School Board will hold an 8 a.m. closed meeting in the School Administration Building to discuss specific employees pursuant to Section 2.2-3711(A)(1) of the Code of Virginia. At 10 a.m., the board will hold a quarterly work session in the School Administration Building to discuss fleet management services, data dashboards and the professional growth and performance plan for teachers.

Visit chesterfield.k12.va.us for more information on the School Board’s meeting schedule.

Fort Lee Job Fair - open to the public

2009-03-18T16:36:00.002-04:00

ATTENTION PTA Members and Friends,

FORT LEE JOB FAIR
SPRING 2009

APRIL 28, 2009
10 A.M. TO 2 P.M.

FORT LEE, VIRGINIA
LEE CLUB, 1100 LEE AVENUE, BUILDING 9009

Sponsored by: Virginia Employment Commission (VEC)
In Partnership With
The Army Career & Alumni Program (ACAP)
The Army Community Service (ACS)

CCCPTA/PTSA and Chesterfield Citizens for Excellence in Education (CC4EE) Update

2009-03-16T00:27:00.000-04:00

The purpose of today's CC4EE Update is to encourage you to communicate with your elected officials on the 2010 Chesterfield County Budget and in particular Mr. Dan Gecker of the Midlothian District who is on record as stating he is hearing more from museum advocates than school advocates

Step #1. Get informed. Please read the press articles at the links below and pay specific attention to Supervisor Gecker's words.

http://www.chesterfieldobserver.com/news/2009/0304/news/006.html

http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/news/local/article/CSKL09_20090308-223010/225037/

http://www.chesterfieldobserver.com/news/2009/0311/news/007.html

Step #2. Send Supervisor Gecker an email to let him hear our voice! The email address is: geckerd@chesterfield.gov or call his office at (804) 768-7397.

Suggested themes for your emails/phone calls are:

a. In our community, Education is a priority.

b. The County cut $13M from the school budget - WHY when we are funding items such as $360,000 on Adult Athletics, could this be reduced and be more self sustaining? $105,000 on the "ability to gather significant political intelligence", pg 12 on the Inventory of County Programs and Services and $850,000 on the Chesterfield University for "skills, and abilities (for County employees) needed to excel in their positions", could this be reduced?

c. Our Community says "CHILDREN FIRST!"

Step #3. Attend and ask questions or state your priorities at the Board of Supervisor's Community Meetings, they are shown on the County web site:

http://www.co.chesterfield.va.us/PublicAffairs/events/

You might want to make a special effort to attend Supervisor Gecker's next meeting. Monday, March 23 - 7:00 p.m. at Midlothian Middle School - Auditorium. Address is 13501 Midlothian Turnpike, Midlothian, VA 23113.

Directions at: http://ccpsnet.net/CCPS/schools/midlo_middle/midlo_mid_directions.htm

Please forward this to your friends. Send an email to CC4EE@aol.com to be added to our distribution list!

CHILDREN FIRST!

Citizens Rally for Public Education

2009-03-06T17:50:00.004-05:00

March 6, 2009 For immediate Release

Citizen, parent groups unite to rally for public education
Leaders call for citizens to show support for investment in county’s children

Chesterfield Citizens for Excellence in Education and the Chesterfield County Council of PTAs/PTSAs are joining forces to hold rallies for public education at seven Chesterfield schools during the next two weeks. The first rally will be March 9at Harrowgate Elementary School in the Bermuda District. Rallies in each of Chesterfield County’s other magisterial districts are planned.

“While the federal stimulus package has allowed the Superintendent and School Board to restore many of the instructional positions originally proposed for elimination, the school division still faces many challenges ahead,” said Don Hall, a member of CCEE’s executive committee. “Chesterfield County Public Schools is the premiere school division in Virginia; the largest system with all of its schools fully accredited. The teachers, support staff and administrators are preparing our students for success, and our county is the beneficiary. The vitality of our community is at stake.”

Added Stella Edwards, president of the County Council of PTAs/PTSAs:“As parents,
supporters and tax-paying citizens, the 20,000-plus members of Chesterfield school PTAs provide a powerful voice for all children. We encourage all parents to attend these rallies to voice their support for public education in Chesterfield. We cannot afford to sit idly by as our children’s future is affected by decisions made today.”
All rallies begin at 7 p.m. and will be held in the auditorium.

• March 9 – Harrowgate Elementary
• March 12 – Bensley Elementary
• March 17 – Evergreen Elementary
• March 17 – Hopkins Road Elementary
• March 18 – Watkins Elementary
• March 19 – Grange Hall Elementary
• March 23 – Reams Road Elementary

Earlier this week, the Chesterfield County School Board approved an operating budget
for FY2010 that is $32 million less than its current operating budget. A late addition of $20 million from the stimulus package recently approved by Congress helped the school division avoid laying off hundreds of employees and avoiding dramatic changes to the delivery of services.

“Our community has become very accustomed to the high-quality educational
experiences providing by Chesterfield County Public Schools,” said Tom Miller, another CCEE executive team member. “While the new federal funding helps, we must be aware that this funding is very temporary and our school division needs our help. Every resident benefits from the investment in public education.”
_____________________________
About Chesterfield Citizens for Excellence in Education: Chesterfield Citizens for
Excellence in Education is a group of citizens deeply concerned about cuts to
Chesterfield County Public Schools’ FY2010 budget. It is made up of local residents,
business persons and PTA members. For additional information about CCEE, visit
citizens4ed.org.

About the County Council of PTAs/PTSAs: There are more than 20,000 parents and
residents in Chesterfield County who are members of school PTAs. The County Council
is the umbrella organization for all PTAs in Chesterfield. For additional information
about the County Council, visit http://www.chesterfieldparent-to-parent.blogspot.com/.

School Board approves its budget

2009-03-04T18:05:00.005-05:00

Dear PTA/PTSA Leaders and PTA Friends,

Thank you to those who attended the School Board meeting last night! We are pleased with the approved budget, but realize we are not out of the "woods" yet. Please keep in mind the BOS must approve the School Board's budget, and hopefully show us how they will sure up needed school funding in the not so distant future. Note the message below from CCPS Director of Community Relations, Mr. Bullis. Take the time and go to the website and review the budget. Thanks, Stella

Good afternoon!

Last night, the Chesterfield County School Board approved a $571.6 million operating budget for Fiscal Year 2010.

Information about the budget – including a letter from Superintendent Marcus J. Newsome to staff and documents that show positions restored to the budget – is available online at http://chesterfield.k12.va.us/budget/index.htm.

We hope you will take a moment to review this information. As the Superintendent points out in his letter, the school division is in much better shape today than it was this time last month. However, challenges remain ahead in these tough economic times.

Thank you for your continued support of Chesterfield County Public Schools!

Tim Bullis

Director, Community Relations

Chesterfield County Public Schools

chesterfield.k12.va.us

804-748-1433

School Board Budget Meeting tonight

2009-03-03T14:45:00.002-05:00

Dear CCCPTAs/PTSAs Leaders and Friends,

The schools are closed today, but the School Board Budget Meeting is as scheduled, 5:30 PM in the Public Meeting Room.

Hope to see you there.

Thanks,

Stella

Stella Y. Edwards
President,
Chesterfield County Council of PTAs PTSAs
709 Spring Valley Road
Colonial Heights, VA 23834
(804) 530-1809
(804 691-2122
stellaedw@aol.com
www.chesterfieldparent-to-parent.blogspot.com
" A person has truly become a PTA member when his circle of concern stretches beyond his own child to include all children."

School Board Budget Meeting tonight

2009-03-03T14:45:00.001-05:00

Dear CCCPTAs/PTSAs Leaders and Friends,

The schools are closed, but the School Board meeting is as scheduled, 5:30 PM in the Public Meeting Room.

Hope to see you there.

Thanks,

Stella

Stella Y. Edwards
President,
Chesterfield County Council of PTAs PTSAs
709 Spring Valley Road
Colonial Heights, VA 23834
(804) 530-1809
(804 691-2122
stellaedw@aol.com
www.chesterfieldparent-to-parent.blogspot.com
" A person has truly become a PTA member when his circle of concern stretches beyond his own child to include all children."

CCPS NEWS TIPS

2009-03-03T14:43:00.001-05:00

Here is a calendar of events in Chesterfield County Public Schools. You are welcome to cover these activities, but please call ahead to let the school know you are coming.

Feb. 20-March 5
Book fair
Gordon Elementary will hold a book fair during school hours. On March 5, the book fair will be open and there will be a family dinner starting at 5:30 p.m.
Contact: 378-2410

March 2-6
Book drive
In honor of Dr. Seuss’ birthday, Cosby High is collecting gently used books for all ages to give to Read Aloud Virginia.
Contact: 639-8340

Read Across America Week
Watkins Elementary will celebrate reading and Dr. Seuss all week. Every day will be full of activities. Friday will feature guest readers from the community, including local celebrities. Friday is also dress-up day, with different grades wearing different wacky items.
Contact: Susan Holt, 378-2530

Read Across America Week
Crenshaw Elementary will celebrate Read Across America Week. Events include Character Dress-Up Day, children’s engineering projects and guest readers. On Friday, all students are invited to participate in a reading parade at 9:45 a.m. around the bus loop that will showcase classroom banners based on Dr. Seuss books.
Contact: Jen Piskorowski, 739-6250

March 2-17
Food and reading
Wells Elementary is combining a food drive for the Central Virginia Foodbank with the school’s Read Across America celebration.
Contact: Martha McCulloch or Jane Conner Burchett, 768-6265

March 2-20
Pennies for Patients
The Student Council Association at Marguerite Christian Elementary is asking students, teachers and staff members to donate spare change. The Pennies for Patients drive will benefit a local hospital.
Contact: Jenny Riggs, 530-5733

March 2-31
Youth Art Month
Spring Run Elementary will celebrate Youth Art Month by displaying various artworks at Heith’s Ice Cream Factory at Woodlake. Mrs. Kelly, art teacher at Spring Run will also send postcards to students through its Wee Deliver program and have them read them to their class.
Contact: 639-6352

March 3
School Board meeting
The School Board will hold a special called meeting at 5:30 p.m. in the Public Meeting Room, 10001 Iron Bridge Road. The board is expected to adopt its operating budget for FY 2010.
Contact: 748-1405

World’s largest four-square game
Two Chesterfield schools are part of an attempt to set a four-square world record. From noon to 12:15 p.m., students at Crestwood and Hening elementary schools will play four-square, as will students at thousands of schools across the country.
Contact: Crestwood at 560-2710 or Hening at 743-3655

Technology
Gates Elementary will host Tantalizing Technology Time 6:30-8 p.m. to show parents the technology that students use every day. Parents will discover ELMOs, NEOs, COWs, flip cameras and Promethean boards.
Contact: 768-6195

Pizza night
Grange Hall Elementary families will eat at CiCi’s 4-8 p.m.
Contact: 739-6265

Skate night
Chester Middle families will skate at Chester Skateland.
Contact: 768-6145

Field trip
Representatives from the MathScience Innovation Center will present an in-school field trip to Ecoff Elementary first-grade classes.
Contact: 768-6185

March 4
Pizza night
Reams Road Elementary families will dine at CiCi’s Pizza 5-8:30 p.m.
Contact: 674-1370

Banquet
Manchester High will hold a winter sports banquet at 6:30 p.m. in the cafeteria.
Contact: Larry Stewart, 590-3108, Ext. 216

Field trip
Second-year students in the Cisco Networking Academy at the Chesterfield Technical Center will spend a day at the Cisco Worldwide Technical Assistance Center in Raleigh, N.C.
Contact: Linda Lester, 768-6160, Ext. 1005

Awards
Cosby High will hold a winter sports awards assembly in the auditorium at 6 p.m.
Contact: 639-8340

March 4-5
Musical
Watkins Elementary third-grade students will present a musical titled “In the Pages of a Book,” which focuses on Dr. Seuss and reading. Performances for the student body are scheduled at 9:30 a.m. March 4-5. A performance for parents is scheduled at 7 p.m. March 5 in the cafeteria.
Contact: Chuck Rhode, 378-2530

March 5
Poetry Out Loud
Matoaca High student James Russell will compete in the statewide Poetry Out Loud event at the Library of Virginia.
Contact: 590-3108

Field trip
Photography students from Matoaca High will visit the Virginia Historical Society.
Contact: Sarah Gladwell, 590-3108, Ext. 801

Book and breakfast
Bellwood Elementary will host a book and breakfast in the library 8:30-9:15 a.m. for students in prekindergarten through second grade.
Contact: 743-3600

Pictures
Bellwood Elementary students will take spring photos.
Contact: 743-3600

Pyramid concert
The Cosby Titan Band will present its annual pyramid concert with Swift Creek Middle and the Longwood University wind symphony at 7 p.m. in the Cosby High theater. Tickets are $5 each.
Contact: Earl Shaffer, 639-8340, Ext. 8421

Pyramid concert
Midlothian High chorus will host its annual pyramid concert with Evergreen Elementary and Midlothian Middle at 7 p.m.
Contact: 378-2440

Family dinner night
Ettrick Elementary families will dine at Uno in Colonial Heights 5-10 p.m.
Contact: Robin Littell, 520-6005

Game
Matoaca High will host a Medford basketball game vs. James River at 11:15 a.m.
Contact: Penny Edwards, 590-3108

Book and breakfast
Ecoff Elementary will enjoy a book and breakfast in the library at 8:30 a.m.
Contact: 768-6185

Forensics
Matoaca High will host a regional forensics competition at 4 p.m.
Contact: Jeff Clevenger 590-3108, Ext. 834

Coffee
Matoaca High Principal Stephen Cunningham will speak with parents over coffee at 7 p.m.
Contact: 590-3108

March 5-6
Field trip
Fifth-grade students from Bellwood Elementary will visit the MathScience area at Harrowgate Elementary.
Contact: 743-3600

March 5-7
Trip
Marketing students from Matoaca High will visit New York City.
Contact: Susan Ford, 590-3108, Ext. 264

March 5-12
Book fair
Marguerite Christian Elementary will host a book fair during school hours.
Contact: Chris Bachmann, 530-5733

March 5-13
Book fair
Alberta Smith Elementary will host a book fair during school hours in the library. On March 7, the book fair will also be open 1-4 p.m. for family day.
Contact: Liz Hunter, 739-6295

March 6
Performance
Matoaca High will travel to Manchester High for a show choir competition.
Contact: Brad Berkley, 590-3108, Ext. 258

Parade
Woolridge Elementary will have a Dr. Seuss parade at 9:30 a.m., then parents will read to students.
Contact: 739-6330

Pictures
Curtis Elementary will have spring portraits and class photos taken at 8:30 a.m.
Contact: Brenda Bush, 768-6175

Spirit day
Grange Hall Elementary will show school spirit by wearing school colors.
Contact: 739-6265

Field trip
Chester Middle eighth-grade students will visit Swift Creek Mill Theatre.
Contact: 768-6145

Performance
Students will perform original choreography by Kate Southall, a senior Appomattox Regional Governor’s School, at a dance festival in Norfolk.
Contact: Molly Higbee, 722-0200

Party
Marguerite Christian Elementary third-grade students will have a reading incentive party in the cafeteria at 2:45 p.m.
Contact: Pat Johnson, 530-5733

March 7
District band festival
Chesterfield school bands will travel to Goochland High to compete in the district festival.
Contact: 594-1772

March 7-8
Recorder performance
Spring Run Elementary fourth-grade students will present three recorder performances. On March 7, they will perform at 8:45 a.m. and at 9:30 a.m. for other grades at Spring Run. At 6:30 p.m. March 8, they will perform during a PTA meeting.
Contact: 639-6352

March 9
Meeting
Salem Church Elementary PTA will meet.
Contact: 768-6215

Meeting
The School Health Advisory Committee will meet 7-9 p.m. at the School Administration Building, 9900 Krause Road.
Contact: 594-1757

Awards
Clover Hill High will host winter sports awards night.
Contact: 739-6230

Meeting
Cosby High will hold a spring sports parents meeting in the auditorium at 7 p.m.
Contact: 639-8340

Program
Third-grade students at Marguerite Christian Elementary will present “Dig It” during a 7 p.m. PTA meeting.
Contact: Ellen Sapko, 530-5733

March 9-13
Jump Rope for Heart
During P.E. classes, Matoaca Elementary will participate in Jump Rope for Heart to benefit the American Heart Association.
Contact: 590-3100

Jump Rope for Heart
During P.E. classes, Jacobs Road Elementary will participate in Jump Rope for Heart to benefit the American Heart Association.
Contact: 674-1320

Book fair
Davis Elementary will host a “Master the Art of Reading” book fair during school hours. On March 10, the book fair will also be open 6:30-8:30 p.m. and author Betty Bruce Shepard will sign her book “Virginia: An Alphabetical Journey Through History.”
Contact: Wendy Collins, 674-1310

March 9-20
Pet drive
The Chester Middle Student Council Association is holding a toy and food drive for the Richmond Animal League.
Contact: Carly Keating, 768-6145

March 10
Pyramid concert
Clover Hill High will host a choral pyramid concert at 7 p.m. Fifth- and eighth-grade choruses from all of the elementary and middle schools in the Clover Hill High feeder pattern will perform, as will Clover Hill High’s six choruses. The climax of the concert will be all choruses — about 500 students — singing “May You Always Have a Song.”
Contact: 594-1772

Meeting
Grange Hall Elementary will hold a PTA meeting at 5:30 p.m. followed by a program performed by first-grade students at 7 p.m.
Contact: 739-6265

Performance
Reams Road Elementary PTA will meet at 7 p.m. Second-grade students will perform “Dig It!” about ancient civilizations.
Contact: 674-1370

Performance
Ettrick Elementary first-grade students will perform for the PTA at 7 p.m. in the cafeteria.
Contact: 520-6005

March 11
Presentation
First-grade classes from Salem Elementary will visit Gates Elementary to view a flag presentation titled “Little Men.”
Contact: 768-6215

Visit
Representatives of the MathScience Innovation Center will visit first-grade students at Bellwood Elementary.
Contact: 743-3600

Dine to donate
Curtis Elementary will dine at Applebee’s in Chester 5-8:30 p.m.
Contact: Brenda Bush, 768-6175

Parent coffee
Greenfield Elementary will sponsor a parent coffee titled “Video Games/TV Effects” presented by Whitney Kern.
Contact: 560-2720

Meeting
The Special Education Advisory Committee will meet 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Gates Elementary.
Contact: 594-1732

March 11-14
Performance
Chester Middle students will perform “Dear Edwina Junior” at 3 p.m. March 11 and March 14 and at 7 p.m. March 12-13.
Contact: 768-6145

March 12
Textbook review
Chesterfield County Public Schools is seeking community input in the selection of a textbook for a high school class in algebra, functions and data analysis that will be offered for the first time in the 2009-2010 school year. Two math textbooks are being considered. Copies will be on display 8 a.m.-5 p.m. in Room 517 of the Instruction Division Center, 600 Southlake Blvd. Parents and other community members are invited to review the books and fill out evaluation forms for the textbook review committee.
Contact: 748-1405

UR the Future Leadership Program
Providence Middle and the University of Richmond are partnering to pilot a leadership program. The UR the Future Leadership Program connects selected students from Providence Middle with faculty and students from the University of Richmond’s Jepson School of Leadership Studies. This is the first program the University of Richmond has conducted with middle school students. Full-day sessions remain on March 12 and June 3, during which Providence Middle students will work with University of Richmond students and faculty in workshops, team-building exercises and breakout sessions designed to explore the concepts of leadership.
Contact: Tameshia Grimes, 674-1355

Chick-fil-A night
Salem Elementary families will dine at Chick-fil-A in Chester.
Contact: 768-6215

Science fair
Swift Creek Middle students will compete in a science fair 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Contact: 739-6315

Meeting
Chester Middle will hold a PTA meeting at 6 p.m. in Room 9.
Contact: 768-6145

Skate night
Curtis Elementary families will skate at Chester Skateland 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Contact: Brenda Bush, 768-6175

Induction
Chesterfield Community High will hold its inaugural induction for the National Honor Society.
Contact: 768-6156

March 12-13
Munchies for Moms
Spring Run Elementary will host Munchies for Moms 7:30-8 a.m. in the cafeteria. Students with the last names A-M will attend March 12, and students with the last names N-Z will attend March 13.
Contact: 639-6352

March 13
Author visit
Candice Ransom, a Virginia author best known for her book “The Promise Quilt,” will visit Matoaca Elementary.
Contact: 590-3100

Spirit day
Grange Hall Elementary will show school spirit by wearing school colors.
Contact: 739-6265

March 13-14
Book fair
Wells Elementary will hold a book fair at the Barnes & Noble near Brandermill. Teachers will read aloud.
Contact: Barbara Mascia, 768-6265

March 14
Regional spelling bee
Michael Whalon, an eighth-grade student at Bailey Bridge Middle, correctly spelled “binoculars” to win the countywide spelling bee on Feb. 5. A.J. Baker, an eighth-grade student at Robious Middle, finished in second place. Michael will compete in the regional spelling bee at 1 p.m. at the Library of Virginia.
Contact: 748-1405

Dance
Thomas Dale High will host its seventh annual Military Ball at the Cultural Art Center of India, 6641 Ironbridge Parkway, 6-11 p.m. Military officials will attend. Tickets cost $20.
Contact: 768-6245, Ext. 643

March 16
Math Night
Bettie Weaver Elementary will host Math Night 7-8:30 p.m. for students and families. Teachers will demonstrate math games and share ideas that reinforce math Standards of Learning.
Contact: 378-2540

Pictures
Cosby High will take spring sports pictures in the stadium at 2 p.m.
Contact: 639-8340

Meeting
The Chesterfield County Council of PTAs/PTSAs
Will meet at 7:00 PM at the School Admin Building.
PTSA leaders will present their After Prom planning, and the School Board’s budget will be presented.
Contact: Stella Edwards, 530-1809

March 17
Meeting
“Night at the Museum” is the theme for the Curtis Elementary PTA meeting 5:30-7 p.m. All students will have art on display, and second-grade students will present a short musical in the cafeteria at 7 p.m.
Contact: Ruth Palczynski, 768-6175

Terrific Kids
Nicole Jordan from Chester Kiwanis will be at Marguerite Christian Elementary to present Terrific Kids certificates at 9:30 a.m.
Contact: Mandy Gray, 530-5733

Family night
Salem Elementary will dine 5-8 p.m. at Five Guys in Chesterfield Meadows Shopping Center.
Contact: 768-6215

March 18
Early release
Chesterfield County students will get out of school three hours early.
Contact: 748-1405

March 19
Science event
Fourth- and fifth-grade students at Falling Creek Elementary will participate in Super Saturated Science Day, funded by a grant from DuPont.
Contact: Lenora Dean, 743-3630

Meeting
The Career and Technical Education Advisory Committee will meet at 8 a.m. at the Chesterfield Technical Center.
Contact: 768-6165

Chick-fil-A night
Curtis Elementary families will dine at Chick-fil-A in Chester.
Contact: 768-6175

Skate night
Grange Hall Elementary families will skate at 6:30 p.m. at Skate-A-Way, 3330 Speeks Drive.
Contact: Laura Marshall, 739-6265

Battle of the Books
Wells Elementary students will compete in a Battle of the Books 9-10 a.m.
Contact: Jane Harrington, 768-6265

Resource night
Crenshaw Elementary will host resource night 6-8 p.m. Activities include karate, music and living art presentations by fifth-grade students posed as famous paintings.
Contact: 739-6250

Talent show
Chalkley Elementary will host its fourth annual talent show 6:30-8 p.m. There will be singing, dancing, jump-roping and guitar playing.
Contact: 674-1300

Meeting
Cosby High will have a college admissions workshop in the auditorium at 7 p.m.
Contact: 639-8340

Shoe drive
Grange Hall Elementary will participate in the Soles4Souls shoe drive and accept donations of gently worn or new shoes for children and adults.
Contact: 739-6265

March 19-20
Opportunities Days
More than 2,300 10th-grade students will visit the Chesterfield Technical Center to explore classes for next year.
Contact: 768-6160

March 19 and March 23
Field trip
Third-grade classes from Marguerite Christian Elementary will visit the Richmond River Walk.
Contact: Pat Johnson, 530-5733

March 20
Performance
Theatre IV will perform “Songs of the Soul” for grades 3-5 at Wells Elementary.
Contact: 768-6265

Hobby fair
Fifth-grade Center Based Gifted students at Marguerite Christian Elementary will present their annual hobby fair.
Contact: Christine Henry, 530-5733

Spirit day
Grange Hall Elementary will show school spirit by wearing school colors.
Contact: 739-6265

March 20-22
Competition
Clover Hill High choruses will compete in the Cabell-Midland Show Choir Invitational in West Virginia.
Contact: 739-6230

March 21
Festival
The district chorus festival will be held at Manchester High.
Contact: 594-1772

Tournament
Cosby High students will participate in the Scholastic Bowl tournament at 9 a.m.
Contact: 639-8340

March 22
Open house
Students, parents and members of the public are invited to explore the 28 career and technical education programs at the Chesterfield Technical Center during an open house 1-3 p.m. On hand to answer questions and demonstrate activities will be teachers, administrators, students and business partners of the school. At the Chesterfield Technical Center, students can enroll in a technical course and still maintain a college-preparatory schedule at their high school. Students in some Tech Center courses earn college credit through the community college system. Students in grades 9-11 may apply for admission to the Technical Center.
Contact: 768-6160

March 23
Presentation
First-grade students at Marguerite Christian Elementary will watch a flag presentation in the cafeteria at 2 p.m.
Contact: Kim Eckard, 530-5733

Parent-child reading group
Chester Middle will have its monthly parent-child reading group 7-7:45 p.m. in the library. The book this month is “Black Duck” by Janet Taylor Lisle.
Contact: 768-6145

Presentation
Cosby High will induct Beta Club members at 7 p.m.
Contact: 639-8340

March 23-25
Fund-raising to compete nationally
Culinary students from Manchester High won the management section of the Virginia ProStart Student Invitational sponsored by the Virginia Hospitality and Travel Association. The team of Sherrie Daniels, Alexa Smith, Alissa Ritchie, Casie Whorley and Ozzie Seshie will represent Virginia during national competition April 24-26 in San Diego. The students will hold dinners to raise travel money:
· On March 23, Outback Steakhouse off Hull Street Road is holding a Manchester High culinary night and will donate 10 percent of sales. Diners must have a Manchester High coupon, which they can receive by dropping by the school, located at 12601 Bailey Bridge Road, or by e-mailing Manchester High culinary arts teacher Pamela Sloan at Pamela_Sloan@ccpsnet.net.
· On March 24, Chick-fil-A on Hull Street Road is doing the same thing, donating 10 percent of sales for diners who bring in a Manchester High coupon.
· On March 25, Manchester High culinary students will hold a dinner 6-8 p.m. in the school commons. Students will prepare and serve hors d’oeuvres, caesar salad, carved meats, side dishes and desserts. Tickets cost $20 and must be purchased in advance.
Contact: Pamela Sloan, 739-6275 or Pamela_Sloan@ccpsnet.net

March 23-27
Book fair
Salem Elementary will host a book fair during school hours in the library.
Contact: 768-6215

March 23-April 3
Book fair
Swift Creek Middle will host a book fair during school hours in the library.
Contact: 739-6315

March 24
Pictures
Wells Elementary will take spring pictures.
Contact: 768-6265

Math/science fair
Wells Elementary PTA will sponsor a math/science fair for K-5 students at 6:30 p.m.
Contact: 768-6265

Talent show
Chester Middle will present its annual Music deLite Talent Show 7-9:30 p.m.
Contact: 768-6145

Art and music
Bellwood Elementary will celebrate art and music during a PTA meeting at 6:30 p.m. Fourth-grade classes will perform and every student will have art on display.
Contact: 743-3600

March 25
Field trip
Fourth-grade students from Reams Road Elementary will visit St. John’s Church in Richmond to learn about Patrick Henry and the American Revolution.
Contact: 674-1370

Community connection
Members of the Clover Hill High Marching Cavaliers will travel New Orleans to donate their talent and to make a charitable contribution to Chalmette High School located in St. Bernard’s Parish, La. The Marching Cavaliers will combine with the Chalmette High band to perform “Lest We Forget” by James Swearingen at 11 a.m. March 27 at the National World War II Museum. Clover Hill has raised $1,500 to donate to St. Bernard’s Parish. Students and chaperones are paying for travel expenses.
Contact: Steve Conley, 739-6230

Presentation
First-grade students at Wells Elementary will have a flag presentation 1:30-2 p.m.
Contact: Christine Dickson, 768-6265

Presentation
Matoaca Middle will present a musical program to fifth-grade Center Based Gifted students in the cafeteria at Marguerite Christian Elementary at 10 a.m.
Contact: Christine Henry, 530-5733

Pictures
Chester Middle students will take spring pictures.
Contact: 768-6145

Luncheon
Cosby High will host a Health Science luncheon in the forum.
Contact: 639-8340

March 25-26
Play
Swift Creek Middle students will perform one-act plays in the cafetorium at 7 p.m.
Contact: 739-6315

March 25-April 1
Partnership with Japan
For the 10th year, Clover Hill High will participate in a student-and-faculty exchange program with Japan. Clover Hill High will host eight students and two teachers from Saitama, Japan, as part of the Sister Cities Program March 25-April 1, then Clover Hill students and teachers will travel to Japan in June to complete the exchange.
Contact: David Tuskey, 739-6230

Ongoing
Free GED tests
In March, GED® tests are free. The usual cost is $45, but first-time test takers who register in March will pay nothing to take the test. Chesterfield County Public Schools is able to offer free tests for a limited time because the Adult Continuing Education Office received a grant from the Virginia Department of Education. Registration for GED tests takes place at the Chesterfield Technical Center 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays. To register, applicants must bring a valid ID issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles; bringing a Social Security card is recommended. Preregistration is available online at www.ged123.org. To pursue a GED, adults must be at least 18 and officially withdrawn from school. Offered weekly through May 31, the GED test covers reading, writing, social studies, science and mathematics.
Contact: 768-6140

Bulldog Mileage Club
Grange Hall Elementary students, staff members and parents are invited to participate in the Bulldog Mileage Club 8:30-9:15 a.m. on Wednesdays starting March 4.
Contact: Deb Ernesto, 683-5491

Winning slogan
Lisa Witt’s third-grade class at Matoaca Elementary created an award-winning Earth Day slogan for Fort Lee: Salute our Earth, Go Green! The slogan will be featured on banners and on fliers that Fort Lee will use to invite schools throughout the region to participate in its Earth Day activities on April 30.
Contact: Lisa Witt, 590-3100

Pennies for Patients
The PTA at Ettrick Elementary is asking students, teachers and staff members to donate spare change on Thursdays through March 26 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, which uses the money for patients and research.
Contact: Robin Littell, 520-6005

Online artwork
Parents of Watkins Elementary students can view their children’s artwork online at www.artsonia.com. The school currently ranks No. 1 in the state and in the top 10 nationwide in the amount of artwork posted.
Contact: 378-2530

Canine companion
The latest addition to the Matoaca High family is Zach. Trained through Canine Companions for Independence, Zach is a 2-year-old yellow lab who resides with Penny Edwards, teacher and coach for students with moderate mental disabilities. There are only 161 Canine Companions for Independence dogs in the United States; six of these in Virginia. Matoaca High is the first Chesterfield County school to receive a trained dog from Canine Companions for Independence.
Contact: 590-3108

Scholastic Art and Writing Awards
Chesterfield students won dozens of awards in the regional Scholastic Art & Writing Awards of 2009. Coordinated annually by the Visual Arts Center of Richmond, the competition is open to all students in grades 7-12 throughout the Richmond region. The regional exhibition of Gold Key and Silver Key winners runs through March 19 at the Visual Arts Center, 1812 W. Main St. in Richmond.
Contact: Visual Arts Center, 353-0094

Mad Science Club
Matoaca Elementary fourth-grade students in the Mad Science Club will meet after school Feb. 17 through March 24.
Contact: Jessica Gaynier, 590-3100

After-school enrichment
Grange Hall Elementary after-school enrichment takes place 3:45-4:45 p.m. on Thursdays through March 26. Topics include Young Rembrandts, golf, hip-hop dance, science, cooking, tennis, arts and crafts, magic, yearbook committee and flag football.
Contact: Jill Schroen, 739-6265

After-school enrichment
Watkins Elementary will hold after-school enrichment classes on Wednesdays through March 11. Students will explore karate, cheerleading, scrapbooking and other areas.
Contact: Maggie Lewis, 378-9697

Recycling project
The National Honor Society at Matoaca High has an ongoing recycling project, with recycling bins in practically every classroom, the library and office.
Contact: Nicole Buckner, 590-3108, Ext. 327

Parents as Educational Partners Program
The school system’s English for Speakers of Other Languages Department is again offering Parents as Educational Partners sessions. P.E.P. provides classes for non-English-speaking parents of Chesterfield students. Parents learn about their child’s school as they learn to speak English. The free program is under way at Davis Elementary at 3:45 p.m. on Tuesdays through March 24 and at Falling Creek Elementary at 5 p.m. on Mondays through March 30.
Contact: Terry Franson, 743-7024

After-school enrichment
Bensley Elementary began its second season of Project Dance on Nov. 10. Dance classes will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays to teach ballet and jazz to students in grades 2-5. The program will end in April with a recital.
Contact: 743-3610

Art display
Grange Hall Elementary artwork will be on display at Heith’s Ice Cream at Woodlake Crossing during the second week of each month.
Contact: Kathy Glotz, 739-6265

Going green
Wells Elementary is going green with a schoolwide recycling program.
Contact: Amanda Moody, 768-6265

Chess club
Fourth- and fifth-grade students at Wells Elementary will play chess after school every Wednesday.
Contact: Rob Motrynczuk, 768-6265

Tutors
Every Tuesday and Thursday, Carver Middle students visit Wells Elementary to tutor students.
Contact: 768-6265

Broadcasting
The Broadcasting Club of Wells Elementary meets monthly.
Contact: Charlene Chapman, 768-6265

Reading nights
Harrowgate Elementary will hold Family Reading Nights through May on the first and third Thursday nights of the month when school is in session 6-8 p.m.
Contact: 520-6015

Family resource room
Chalkley Elementary now offers a family resource room to help parents help their children succeed in school. The room holds a computer with Internet access, information on how to help children academically and socially, encouraging notes parents can personalize to give their children, parenting videos and more. The family resource room is open 8 a.m.-3:15 p.m. on school days. A staff member is available to help Mondays through Wednesdays.
Contact: Pat Bishop, 674-1300

Free supplies for school employees
From Crayons to Computers is packed with donated school and office supplies to be given away. Located in the Beaufont shopping center at 7138 Midlothian Turnpike, the store is open to all Chesterfield County Public Schools employees 2:30-5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays when school is in session. Donations are welcome.
Contact: 276-7407 or 305-4279

Mad Science Club
Bensley Elementary fourth-grade students in the Mad Science Club will meet every Monday and Tuesday until April. Students will do hands-on experiments and be eligible to compete in the school science fair.
Contact: Erin Hansard, 743-3610

After-school enrichment
Ecoff Elementary will have after-school activities 4-5 p.m. every Thursday through March 27.
Contact: 768-6185

Adult Continuing Education
Adult Continuing Education offers workforce training, GED classes, English for Speakers of Other Languages and enrichment classes throughout the school year. A program guide is available at chesterfield.k12.va.us.
Contact: Debbie Hinton, 768-6140

Math textbooks available for review March 12

2009-02-26T14:00:00.000-05:00

Chesterfield County Public Schools is seeking community input in the selection of a textbook for a high school class in algebra, functions and data analysis that will be offered for the first time in the 2009-2010 school year.

Two math textbooks are being considered. Copies will be on display 8 a.m.-5 p.m. March 12 in Room 517 of the Instruction Division Center, 600 Southlake Blvd. Parents and other community members are invited to review the books and fill out evaluation forms for the textbook review committee.

A recommendation on which textbook to adopt is expected to go before the Chesterfield County School Board this spring, and students will begin using the new textbook in September. Funds for the textbooks are included in the current budget.

CCCPTA/PTSA ACTION ALERT!

2009-02-24T11:49:00.002-05:00

Dear PTA/PTSA Leaders and Friends,

I want to thank you for, "hanging in there" and speaking out for our students, teachers and schools. You are doing an awesome job. However, our work is far from over. While the School Board is finalizing its budget based on our input, the budget (money) must be approved by the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors (BOS).

ACTION: Please attend meetings/public hearings of the BOS to lend your support for our schools budget. The BOS are a step away from the day-to-day needs for leading a great school system. The communications from you are imperative to show our interest in the school system and to help them succeed in their Strategic Goal, "To be known for extraordinary quality of life in Chesterfield County." The BOS needs to hear from parents and citizens by any means necessary. We need to be heard in all district meetings. It takes three (3)of five (5) votes to pass or kill the budget. Our children need you now, more than ever. Show up, speak out, email and call to make them listen to you. Join me...

Meet with Dan Gecker Thursday, Feb. 26 7:00 PM Bon Air Elem School
8701 Polk Street
TOPIC: Making Decisions in Today’s Economy: An Update on Chesterfield County’s FY2010 Budget
SPEAKER: Allan Carmody, Director, Budget & Management

The BOS is the only body with authority to approve the school board's budget. This is how the process works. If you hear otherwise, it is wrong and I would like to personally know who might be misleading our parents. We might want to look at the feasibility of supporting legislation to give the School Board the authority to generate funding for schools (a subject for our next PTA legislative meeting).

Let all BOS members hear from you:

Bermuda District
Dorothy Jaeckle
Office: (804) 748-1211
Voice Mail: (804) 768-7398
Fax: (804) 717-6297
Home (804) 748-4364
E-Mail: jaeckled@chesterfield.gov

Dale District
James M. "Jim" Holland
Office: (804) 748-1211
Fax: (804) 717-6297
Voice: (804) 768-7528
E-Mail: hollandj@chesterfield.gov

Clover Hill District, Chairman
Arthur S. (Art) Warren
Office: (804) 748-1211
Voice Mail: (804) 768-7396
Fax: (804) 717-6297
E-Mail: warrena@chesterfield.gov

Matoaca District
Marleen K. Durfee
Office: (804) 748-1211
Voice Mail: (804) 768-7400
Fax: (804) 717-6297
E-:Mail: durfeem@chesterfield.gov

Midlothian District
Daniel A. Gecker, Vice Chairman
Office: (804) 748-1211
Home: (804) 320-3490
Voice Mail: (804) 768-7397
Fax: (804) 717-6297
E-mail: geckerd@chesterfield.gov

OTHER IMPORTANT MEETINGS:

On March 11, Superintendent Marcus Newsome is scheduled to present the school system’s budget to the Board of Supervisors at 3 p.m. in the Public Meeting Room.

· On March 25, the Board of Supervisors will hold a budget public hearing at 6:30 p.m. in the Public Meeting Room.

· On April 15, the Board of Supervisors is scheduled to vote on the budget at 3 p.m. in the Public Meeting Room.

· On April 28, the School Board is scheduled to adopt the budget during a 7 p.m. business meeting in the Public Meeting Room.

Thanks for all you are doing for our children and community.

Stella Y. Edwards
President,
Chesterfield County Council of PTAs/PTSAs

Citizens get involved... The Budget Process

2009-02-24T07:52:00.001-05:00

Citizens need to become more involved in the budget process. You can do this by going to the Chesterfield County Public Schools web site (http://www.chesterfield.k12.va.us/), clicking on the "FY2010 Budget Update" link then click on the "Schools Master Program Review". What you will see here is a listing of School programs and their costs as well as where reductions have taken place. For rest of the County Budget, click on the County Master Program Review which takes you to the County's web site, click on "Inventory of County Programs and Services" and you see a listing of county programs and services and their costs.

Education Reform/Federal Stimulus Package

2009-02-11T20:50:00.003-05:00

Dear PTA/PTSA Leaders,

Below is an overview of a brief conference call with Sec. of Education Arne Duncan earlier this afternoon. He provided an overview of the education portion of the federal stimulus plan, and these are the notes taken by one of the VEC members. She thought you might find the information of interest.

3 purposes of the Stimulus plan’s education component: (1)to protect children; (2)to save/create jobs; (3)to push reform

He recognized that as many as 600,000 education-related jobs are currently at risk and stressed the importance of investing in education---“educating the way to a better economy”

He referred to this as a historic boost in education funding that would:

(1)Provide $$ to avert lay-offs

(2)Increase Title I monies

(3)Increase IDEA monies

(4)Increase Pell Grant monies

(5)Provide $$ for modernization/capital improvements (in House Bill---not in Senate bill)

(6)Provide $$ to raise standards, build quality assessments, build human capital/ensure teacher and principal quality, recognize excellence, invest in innovation

He mentioned a report being released today by the Hope Street Group that is an analysis of the stimulus plan’s education reform measures: http://hopestreetgroup.org/recovery-education-reform

He said both the House and Senate versions of the recovery packages included rigorous standards and assessment systems; comprehensive/useful data systems; teacher quality provisions; plans for innovation and growing what works.

This package is being developed quickly---by the end of this week of first of next week, and officials will move quickly into the implementation phase. It will be closely scrutinized, and the intent will be to use every dollar in smart ways that help students learn.

PTA/PTSA Leaders meet with School Board reps

2009-02-11T18:00:00.004-05:00

Dear CCCPTAs/PTSA Leaders,

Below is your meeting schedule for "fireside" chats with your School Board representatives on the subject of the proposed budget. If you have questions, contact Carol Timpano, Clerk to the School Board, at 748-1497. After attending your meeting, email me your thoughts. I will share them on our Blog.

Bermuda District Monday, February 16 7:00 PM Thomas Dale High School
(Mr. Trammell)

Clover Hill District (Mrs. Pettitt)
and Dale District ( Mr. Wyman) meet together.
All PTAs/PTSAs and community are invited to attend this session.
Tuesday, February 17 5:30 PM Manchester Middle School

Midlothian District Wednesday, February 18 7:00 PM James River Library
(Mrs. Carpenter)

Matoaca District Thursday, February 19 6:00 PM School Admin Building
(Mr. Rajah)

School Board Meeting notices

2009-02-11T17:01:00.003-05:00

Chesterfield County School Board NEWS RELEASE

The Chesterfield County School Board continues to work on the FY 2010 budget.
The board’s third work session on the budget will take place Feb. 17 as scheduled, but the site has changed to Manchester Middle School, 7401 Hull Street Road, which can seat more people than the previously announced site. Board members of school PTAs are invited to meet 5:30-6:30 p.m. with the School Board for a conversation about the budget. At 6:30 p.m., the School Board will begin its work session.

The School Board has added a fourth work session on the budget, which will begin at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 24 in the Public Meeting Room, 10001 Iron Bridge Road. Also on Feb. 24, the School Board is scheduled to approve the budget during a 7 p.m. business meeting in the Public Meeting Room.
Here are remaining dates in the FY 2010 budget process:

· On March 11, Superintendent Marcus Newsome is scheduled to present the school system’s budget to the Board of Supervisors at 3 p.m. in the Public Meeting Room.

· On March 25, the Board of Supervisors will hold a budget public hearing at 6:30 p.m. in the Public Meeting Room.

· On April 15, the Board of Supervisors is scheduled to vote on the budget at 3 p.m. in the Public Meeting Room.

· On April 28, the School Board is scheduled to adopt the budget during a 7 p.m. business meeting in the Public Meeting Room.

Information about the proposed FY 2010 budget for Chesterfield County Public Schools is online at chesterfield.k12.va.us. Community members who have questions or comments about the budget are invited to review the information, attend a meeting or e-mail ccpsinfo@ccpsnet.net.

The Chesterfield County School Board will hold a retreat to discuss internal governance 7:30-10:30 a.m. Feb. 16 in the School Board conference room in the School Administration Building, 9900 Krause Road.

Analysis of the state budget proposals’ effects on public schools

2009-02-11T10:01:00.001-05:00

Analysis of the state budget proposals’ effects on public schools
Press conference Speaker: Kathy Burcher, representing the PTA
Virginia Education Coalition
February 10, 2009

On behalf of Virginia’s public school students and the Virginia Education Coalition, I thank the members of the capitol news media for giving us your time this morning.

I will issue a brief statement on behalf of the Virginia Education Coalition and then will entertain questions. We are fortunate to have several resource people in the room who can deal with any technical questions that you might have.

It is not our coalition’s purpose or desire to choose sides between the House and the Senate…or the Governor. Instead we are reacting to our review of the separate spending plans based on the following criteria:

1. Are the cuts in education funding temporary in nature, or will they harm public schools well after the recession is over?
2. Are Programs for At-Risk students protected?
3. Are recommendations for tax policies reasonable?
4. What are the differences in per-pupil spending in the two budgets?

Our first question for evaluating the budget proposals is, are the cuts in education funding temporary in nature, or will they harm public schools well after the recession is over?

· The House budget includes permanent cuts by accepting the support staff ratio as proposed by the governor. Future budgets would be built off of this reduced base.

· The manner in which the Senate reduces K-12 funding is not permanent and does not change the funding formula for future years. The Senate preserves the long-standing funding methodology for K-12 education in Virginia.

Our second question is, are programs for At-Risk students protected?

· The House proposal jeopardizes programs for at-risk children by allowing localities to reduce their local funding.

· By maintaining the required local effort, the Senate version protects these crucial programs for at-risk students.

· Examples of the programs are…

· Pre-Kindergarten Program

· K-3 Classroom Reduction, and

· Early Reading Initiative

Our third question is, what are the differences in per-pupil spending in the two budgets for 2009-10, compared to the Governor’s budget?

· The House proposal provides 4,908 dollars in per-pupil support, compared to 4,881 dollars provided by the Senate. Both of these are lower than the Governor’s proposed 4,921 dollars in per-pupil state support.

· The total K-12 spending proposed by the House is nearly 16 million dollars lower than that proposed by the Governor, while the Senate proposal is nearly 48 million dollars lower than the Governor’s proposal. The Senate amount reflects reduced or deferred textbook funding.

Governor’s proposal: $4,921 total $5,922,528,464
House Proposal: $4,908 $5,906,538,339
Senate Proposal: $4,881 $5,874,711,334

And, our final question is, are recommendations for tax policies reasonable, and do the tax decisions provide needed reforms that bring in new revenue during this time of fiscal challenge?

· The House is commended for capping the dealer discount for collecting sales tax and for reforming the sales tax payment schedule for large retailers. These two actions bring in an estimated 112 million dollars in combined new revenue.

· The Senate did not follow suit. It did include an accelerated sales tax schedule that results in a one-time shift in tax revenue to enhance the budget, but without providing an ongoing revenue increase.

· Regrettably, the cigarette tax increase and restructuring of the estate tax have been rejected by both houses, forgoing 155 million dollars in revenue from the cigarette tax and 102 million dollars from restructuring the estate tax.

· The House could have enhanced spending by 257 million dollars and the Senate could have added 369 million dollars if they had made different taxing decisions.

Beyond the analysis, it is important to note that the House has included a tuition voucher measure in the budget that has been repeatedly rejected by the Assembly and that will take funds away from public schools.

We stand united in opposition to any proposal—tuition vouchers or tax credits—that will divert funds from public schools. The House, through a back-door process, has included a voucher bill in the budget, without allowing the proposal to stand or fall on its own merit.

When teachers and staff are being laid off and education programs for children are being slashed, it is no time to create a new entitlement for private schools.

Today, as we offer this analysis based upon the budget policy decisions proposed by the Governor and the two houses of the General Assembly, we deeply appreciate the approach taken by the Senate, taking the long view with full intention of restoring the cuts when the recession is over. Their refusal to alter existing funding methodology to the long-term detriment of K-12 funding is most appreciated.

However, make no mistake. These cuts will have a devastating effect on our schools and on the children they serve. Teachers will be laid off, programs will be eliminated, class sizes will increase, and schools will be less safe than they are today.

In our collective memories, we do not recall cuts to K-12 education of this magnitude. A few of us remember the cuts during the Godwin and Wilder administrations when, like today, we faced recessions. But never have we seen cuts to K-12 of as these proposals represent. We know that when updated revenue projections are released on the 16th these cuts will deepen.

Before we entered this recession, Virginia’s state support for schools sadly ranked 37th in the nation—down from 32nd just last year—and we ranked only 30th in teacher salary, while Virginia is the 10th wealthiest state in the nation.

Virginians must face up to the fact that our tax structure is inadequate to support core state services. And, Virginians must decide if, in the years ahead, they will disinvest in the education of the next generation.

Public Hearing on the CCPS Budget

2009-02-06T13:16:00.002-05:00

Feb. 10 meetings
The focus of the School Board’s Feb. 10 budget work session will be a review of school and department programs and expenditures. The work session will begin at 5 p.m. Feb. 10 in the Public Meeting Room, 10001 Iron Bridge Road. This is 30 minutes earlier than previously announced.

Also on Feb. 10, the School Board will hold a public hearing on the budget at 7 p.m. in the Public Meeting Room. People who wish to speak during the School Board’s public hearing are encouraged to register in advance by calling 748-1497 and placing their name on the speakers list.

Dear Parents,

It is imperative that you attend this meeting to make sure your voice is heard on behalf of our children, teachers and school employees.

Thank you,

Stella Y. Edwards
President,
Chesterfield County Council of PTAs/PTSAs

Budget work sessions and public hearings scheduled

2009-01-30T14:23:00.002-05:00

CCPS NEWS RELEASE

Information about the proposed FY 2010 budget for Chesterfield County Public Schools is online at chesterfield.k12.va.us. Community members who have questions or comments about the budget are invited to review the information, attend a meeting, speak during a public hearing or e-mail ccpsinfo@ccpsnet.net.

The Chesterfield County School Board will discuss the proposed FY 2010 budget during several meetings:

· On Feb. 3, the School Board will hold a budget work session at 5:30 p.m. in the Public Meeting Room, 10001 Iron Bridge Road. This work session will focus on
Ø proposed teacher and support staff reductions and their impact and
Ø proposed state and federal legislation, including legislation in the Virginia House of Delegates regarding a possible early retirement incentive program and funds for education in the U.S. economic stimulus package.

· On Feb. 10, the board will hold a 5:30 p.m. work session in the Public Meeting Room.

· Also on Feb. 10, the School Board will hold a public hearing on the budget at 7 p.m. in the Public Meeting Room. People who wish to speak during the School Board’s public hearing are encouraged to register in advance by calling 748-1497 and placing their name on the speakers list.

· On Feb. 17, the School Board will hold a third budget work session at 5:30 p.m. in the School Administration Building, 9900 Krause Road.

· On Feb. 24, the School Board is scheduled to approve the budget during a 7 p.m. business meeting in the Public Meeting Room.

· On Feb. 24, the School Board is scheduled to approve the budget during a 7 p.m. business meeting in the Public Meeting Room.

· On March 11, Superintendent Marcus Newsome is scheduled to present the school system’s budget to the Board of Supervisors at 3 p.m. in the Public Meeting Room.

· On March 25, the Board of Supervisors will hold a budget public hearing at 6:30 p.m. in the Public Meeting Room.

· On April 15, the Board of Supervisors is scheduled to vote on the budget at 3 p.m. in the Public Meeting Room.

· On April 28, the School Board is scheduled to adopt the budget during a 7 p.m. business meeting in the Public Meeting Room.

Student, staff and school honors and activities

2009-01-29T11:32:00.002-05:00

CCPS News Release

Black History Month scholarships
As part of Chesterfield County’s celebration of Black History Month, eight high school seniors will be awarded Leaders of the 21st Century scholarships. Winners of the $1,000 scholarships to a Virginia college were chosen based on grades, extracurricular activities and response to this essay question: What are you currently doing to promote racial and cultural understandings in your school and community? Philip Morris and Capital One provided the scholarship funds. Here are the winners, who will be recognized during a Feb. 20 business breakfast for Black History Month:
· Adrienne Harden of Bird High School
· Ryan Horn of Thomas Dale High School
· Nikole John of James River High School
· De’Ron Lee of Cosby High School
· Priya Pansuria of Meadowbrook High School
· Brittany Roots of James River High School
· Nenneya Shields of Cosby High School
· Lauren Stewart of Midlothian High School

Virginia winner
Joyce Lanier, principal of Evergreen Elementary School, is the Virginia winner of the James D. Mullins Leadership Award. She will receive her award from the Virginia State Reading Association during the group’s Feb. 20-22 conference in Arlington. The award recognizes administrators who demonstrate exceptional support for reading.

Veterans of Foreign Wars honor
Anne Canipe, who teaches ninth-grade world history at Cosby High School, was named by the Veterans of Foreign Wars as Virginia’s High School Teacher of the Year during a Jan. 17 ceremony. The award recognizes those who teach citizenship and promote America’s history

Visitors from England
Educators from England will visit Chesterfield County Public Schools Feb. 14-21. As part of the Teacher International Professional Development Program, 11 middle and high school educators will study academic initiatives and visit several schools. Some of the group will visit Bailey Bridge Middle School, Cosby High School and Midlothian Middle School. Others will visit the Chesterfield Technical Center, Midlothian High School and Swift Creek Middle School. A similar group visited Chesterfield schools in 2006.

Graduates in the spotlight
Three graduates of Chesterfield County Public Schools are highlighted in a booklet published by the Virginia Department of Education. Titled “r u ready? Life After High School,” the booklet focuses on career and technical education and features 17 students from across Virginia. Chesterfield graduates in the spotlight are
· Asghar Odwani, a graduate of Clover Hill High School now attending VCU who took Oracle, C++ and Java classes at the Chesterfield Technical Center
· Jason Murphy, a graduate of Monacan High School now attending VCU who studied legal systems administration at the Chesterfield Technical Center
· Matthew Davis, a graduate of Manchester High School now attending Hampton University who studied biotechnologies and forensics at the Chesterfield Technical Center

Online art gallery
Several Chesterfield schools have been recognized for displaying student artwork via Artsonia, an online art gallery featuring creations from throughout the United States. For the 2007-08 school year, four of Virginia’s top 10 Artsonia schools were in Chesterfield County:
· No. 1 was Elizabeth Scott Elementary School, where Heather Staton teaches art. Since September 2007, Scott has posted 3,964 artworks online.
· No. 2 was Enon Elementary School, where Christopher Butt teaches art. Since October 2005, Enon has posted 3,651 artworks online.
· No. 6 was Grange Hall Elementary School, where Kathy Glotz and Lisa Anderson teach art. Since January 2007, Grange Hall has posted 1,764 artworks online.
· No. 8 was Beulah Elementary School, where Ann Schumm teaches art. Since January 2006, Beulah has posted 1,030 artworks online.

Chesterfield schools have what parents want

2009-01-23T09:50:00.001-05:00

CCPS NEWS RELEASE

Chesterfield schools again have been recognized as outstanding: The school system has earned its 16th What Parents Want Award.

In 2008, the top 16 percent of the nation’s 15,571 public school divisions earned the What Parents Want Award from SchoolMatch, which is an independent service that helps corporate employees nationwide find schools matching the needs of their children.

“Chesterfield County has many reasons to be proud of its public schools,” Superintendent Marcus Newsome said. “Residents who are relatively new to Chesterfield were likely attracted to this community by our schools. For people who grew up in Chesterfield and continue to make this their home, it is likely they were a student in our schools — and maybe their parents and grandparents were, too.

“Chesterfield residents know that our schools are preparing children to be successful in the 21st century. Not only do we have what parents want, Chesterfield County Public Schools also has what students, employees, businesspeople and community members want.”

SchoolMatch bases the What Parents Want Awards on these criteria:
· a close match to what SchoolMatch users most often request, including competitive test scores, solid academics, accreditation, recognition for excellence by a national foundation or the U.S. Department of Education, competitive teacher salaries, instructional expenditures, library expenditures and small class size

· availability of programs at the secondary level

School Board Meeting Tuesday, January 27

2009-01-21T19:39:00.002-05:00

Tuesday, January 27 School Board meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. and will be held at the Public Meeting Room, 10001 Iron Bridge Road, Chesterfield, Virginia. The superintendent is scheduled to present his budget recommendations to the board. PTAs/PTSAs should remind members to be present and if they plan to speak, follow the procedures below:

1. Persons wishing to be heard on action items must notify the Superintendent’s office by 2:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting; they will be heard when each item is considered.

2. Persons to be heard on non-agenda items will be heard during the specified section of the meeting.

3. It is requested that an individual conduct his/her presentation in three minutes.

Thank you,

Stella Edwards
President,
Chesterfield County Council of PTAs/PTSAs

CCPS NEWS TIPS

2009-01-21T19:28:00.002-05:00

For more information, 748-1433, fax 768-4383, ccpsinfo@ccpsnet.net

Jan. 1-31
Bullying Prevention Month
January is designated as Bullying Prevention Month by the Virginia School Boards Association, but eliminating bullying is a year-round effort: Chesterfield County Public Schools operates under the core values of respect, responsibility, honesty and accountability. The school system’s standards of student conduct prohibit bullying. One of the top goals of the school system’s Design for Excellence strategic plan is safe, supportive and nurturing learning environments.
Contact: Martha Mullen, 743-3710, or Mary Lib Morgan, 594-1667

Book drive
Salem Elementary will collect used books in good condition for classroom libraries.
Contact: 768-6215

Jan. 18-20
Field trip
Anne Canipe, social studies teacher at Cosby High, will take student to Washington, D.C., for the presidential inauguration. This is the eighth presidential inauguration trip she has led.
Contact: Anne Canipe, 639-8340

Jan. 20
Skate night
Author Kevin O’Malley will visit Elizabeth Scott Elementary families during Skate Night at Chester Skateland 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Contact: 541-4660

Spirit night
Salem Elementary will host a spirit night at Five Guys at Chesterfield Meadows.
Contact: Paige Eckard, 768-6215

PTA meeting
Wells Elementary’s PTA will enjoy “Rhythms ’Round the World” at 6:45 p.m.
Contact: 768-6265

Jan. 20-Feb. 6
Penny project
The Student Council Association at Gates Elementary will sponsor a penny project.
Contact: 768-6195

Jan. 21
Postponed
A community review of science textbooks scheduled for Jan. 21 has been postponed.
Contact: 594-1790

Book and breakfast
At 8:30 a.m., Falling Creek Elementary will have a Stop! Look! and Read! book and breakfast for students in prekindergarten through second grade and their parents.
Contact: Ann Muttart, 743-3630

Reading night
Swift Creek Elementary third-grade students and their families will enjoy a quiet evening listening to what their child has written this winter. Students will wear pajamas, bring a blanket and enjoy hot chocolate.
Contact: Suzanne Buckley, NBCT, 739-6305

Chick-fil-A night
Chester Middle families will dine at Chick-fil-A 5-8 p.m.
Contact: 541-4660
Jan. 21-22
In-school field trip
The Young Scientists Group will visit fourth-grade students at Elizabeth Scott Elementary.
Contact: 541-4660

Jan. 22
Parent coffee
Greenfield Elementary will hold a parent coffee. The topic is “Helping Your Child Deal with Bullying.”
Contact: 560-2720

Concert
Beginner sixth-grade band and jazz band at Swift Creek Middle will present a winter concert at 7 p.m. in the cafetorium.
Contact: Trish Cuenin, 739-6315

Meeting
The Career and Technical Education Advisory Committee will meet at 8 a.m. at the Chesterfield Technical Center.
Contact: 768-6165

Meeting
Falling Creek Elementary will hold a 6:30-8 p.m. meeting for fifth-grade families about transitioning into middle school.
Contact: Ann Muttart, 743-3630

Skate night
Wells Elementary families will skate at 6:30 p.m. at Chester Skateland.
Contact: Shelly Waltz, 768-6265

Chick-fil-A night
Elizabeth Scott Elementary families will dine at Chick-fil-A in Chester 5-8 p.m.
Contact: 541-4660

Jan. 23
Concert
Beginner sixth-grade orchestra at Swift Creek Middle will present a winter concert at 7 p.m. in the cafetorium.
Contact: Trish Cuenin, 739-6315

Parent coffee
Ettrick Elementary will have a parent coffee 9:30-11 a.m. in the CIS cottage.
Contact: Kimberly Reynolds, 520-6005

Spirit day
Grange Hall Elementary Bulldogs will wear their school colors for spirit day.
Contact: Laura Marshall, 739-6265

Jan. 26
Student holiday
Students will be out of school.
Contact: 748-1405

Reading group
The parent-child reading group at Chester Middle will discuss “Airborn” by Kenneth Oppel 7-7:45 p.m.
Contact: 768-6145

Blood drive
Chester Middle will hold a blood drive 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Walk-ins will be accepted through 12:45 p.m., but it is best to make an appointment by e-mailing carly_keating@ccpsnet.net.
Contact: 768-6145

Jan. 27
School Board meeting
The Chesterfield County School Board will meet at 7 p.m. in the public meeting room, 10001 Iron Bridge Road.
Contact: 748-1405

Family fitness night
Clover Hill Elementary will hold its annual fitness night for third- and fourth-grade students 6-8 p.m. The event will include martial arts instruction, fitness activities, healthy food samples, relaxation stations and a meet-and-greet with the Richmond Kickers.
Contact: 739-6220

Jan. 28
Boston Brass
Boston Brass will perform at Manchester High. Band students will spend part of the afternoon with Boston Brass musicians in rehearsals and clinics, then take the stage to perform with Boston Brass during the 7:30 p.m. concert. Tickets cost $15.
Contact: 739-6275, Ext. 108, or william_mccarney@
ccpsnet.net

Orientation
Fifth-grade students from Salem Elementary will attend an orientation at Salem Middle 10:15-11 a.m.
Contact: 768-6215

Visitors
Longwood University health and physical education students and professors will visit Ginny Heintzelman’s P.E. classes at Spring Run Elementary.
Contact: 639-6352

Jan. 29
Concert
The Cosby High orchestra will present a concert at 7:30 p.m.
Contact: 639-8340

Luncheon
There will be a health science luncheon at Cosby High.
Contact: 639-8340

Skate night
Salem Elementary families will skate 6:30-8 p.m. at Chester Skateland.
Contact: 768-6215

Math night
Chalkley Elementary will hold a family math night 6:30-8 p.m.
Contact: 674-1300

Jan. 29-30
In-school field trip
Representatives of the Science Place will visit second-grade classrooms at Elizabeth Scott Elementary.
Contact: 541-4660

Jan. 30
Dance
Swift Creek Middle will sponsor a dance for sixth- and seventh-grade students.
Contact: 739-6315

Spirit day
Grange Hall Elementary Bulldogs will wear their school colors for spirit day.
Contact: Laura Marshall, 739-6265

Book and breakfast
Wells Elementary will host a 7:30-8:20 a.m. book and breakfast for grades 4-5. “The 39 Clues” series will be discussed.
Contact: Marqquite Copeland, 768-6269

Bingo
Grange Hall Elementary will hold a bingo night in the cafeteria 5:30-8:30 p.m. Pizza will be served 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Contact: Chris Glowatsky, 739-6265

Jan. 31
Dance event
The dance company from the Visual and Performing Arts Specialty Center at Thomas Dale High will perform at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. during the Virginia Dance Festival at James River High.
Contact: Pam Barton, 768-6245, Ext. 664

Feb. 2
Performance
Second-grade students at Matoaca Elementary will perform songs to wish Abraham Lincoln a happy 200th birthday after the PTA meeting.
Contact: 590-3100

Feb. 3
Pizza night
Grange Hall Elementary families will enjoy pizza 4-8 p.m. at CiCi’s.
Contact: 739-6265

Feb. 4
Hearts for Soldiers
Grange Hall Elementary will collect Valentine wishes for members of the U.S. military stationed overseas.
Contact: 739-6265

Feb. 5
Meeting
The Gifted Education Advisory Committee will meet at 6:30 p.m. at the School Board Administration Building, 9900 Krause Road.
Contact: 594-1767

Feb. 5, 7 and 13
Performance
The Midlothian High Theater Department will present the first play in a two-part series by Steven Dietz. “Foolin’ Around With Infinity” will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 or you can purchase a package deal of both plays for $15.
Contact: 378-2440

Feb. 6, 12 and 14
Performance
The Midlothian High Theater Department will present the second play in a two-part series by Steven Dietz. “Ten November” will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 or you can purchase a package deal of both plays for $15.
Contact: 378-2440

Feb. 6
Parent Coffee
Greenfield Elementary will have a parent coffee titled “Body Image/Self Esteem” with Melissa Ackley.
Contact: 560-2720

Spirit day
Grange Hall Elementary Bulldogs will wear their school colors for spirit day.
Contact: Laura Marshall, 739-6265

Barnes & Noble Night
Grange Hall Elementary Bulldogs will have a Barnes & Noble Night.
Contact: Laura Marshall, 739-6265

Feb. 7
Polar Plunge
Bailey Bridge Middle staff members are participating in the Special Olympics Polar Plunge in Virginia Beach.
Contact: Matt Fuquay, 739-6200

Ongoing
Mad Science Club
Matoaca Elementary fourth-grade students in the Mad Science Club will meet after school from Feb. 17 through March 24.
Contact: Jessica Gaynier, 590-3100

Literature project
Students at Salem Elementary will read “Flat Stanley” and mail Stanley dolls all over the United States. When friends and relatives receive a Stanley paper doll, they will dress him up in clothing appropriate for their region, take pictures and return him to the kindergarten. Students will have an opportunity to read letters describing Stanley’s adventures.
Contact: 768-6215

Community outreach projects
Clover Hill High collected more than 1,100 cans of cat food for Rikki’s Refuge in Orange County, a no-kill shelter with more than 1,200 animals including 600 cats. The pet food drive was one of several community service projects at Clover Hill High: The Student Council Association and Key Club collected more than 5,000 cans of food for the Central Virginia Foodbank, and the Key Club collected more than $800 for UNICEF and provided gifts for a family with six children.
Contact: 739-6235

Young Men on a Mission
Young Men on A Mission is a new organization for selected eighth-grade boys at Providence Middle. The goals of the group include: personal pride, academic success, awareness of higher education and career opportunities, dressing for success and forging new friendships and mentoring relationships with staff members. On Nov. 21, the group toured the University of Virginia. On Feb. 19, Young Men on a Mission will meet with Superintendent Marcus Newsome, then go out to eat.
Contact: Shirl Leverett or David Ellena, 674-1355

Wee Deliver
Since Oct. 1, as part of the classroom literacy stations, students at Ecoff Elementary have been writing letters and notes to classmates throughout the school and dropping them into a custom-built mailbox. The senior postmaster collects the mail and files it based on delivery location. The junior postmaster delivers the mail to classrooms. Halls have been named after the core values of Chesterfield County Public Schools.
Contact: Jeanne Hensel, 768-6185

Community service
GED students from Chesterfield Community High are maintaining the Government Center Trail located across from the Chesterfield Technical Center. Every other week, the students will clear debris and trash from the trail. Through this partnership with the county Parks and Recreation Department, students will identify wildlife and plants along the trail, construct a park bench and use map reading skills.
Contact: Letitia Johnson, 748-6156

After-school enrichment
Bensley Elementary began its second season of Project Dance on Nov. 10. Dance classes will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays to teach ballet and jazz to students in grades 2-5. The program will end in April with a recital.
Contact: 743-3610

Going green
Wells Elementary is going green with a schoolwide recycling program.
Contact: Amanda Moody, 768-6265

Chess club
Fourth- and fifth-grade students at Wells Elementary will play chess after school every Wednesday.
Contact: Rob Motrynczuk, 768-6265

Tutors
Every Tuesday and Thursday, Carver Middle students visit Wells Elementary to tutor students.
Contact: 768-6265

Broadcasting
The Broadcasting Club of Wells Elementary meets monthly.
Contact: Charlene Chapman, 768-6265

Reading nights
Harrowgate Elementary will hold Family Reading Nights through May on the first and third Thursday nights of the month when school is in session 6-8 p.m.
Contact: 520-6015

Family resource room
Chalkley Elementary now offers a family resource room to help parents’ help their children succeed in school. The room holds a computer with Internet access, information on how to help children academically and socially, encouraging notes parents can personalize to give their children, parenting videos and more. The family resource room is open 8 a.m.-3:15 p.m. on school days. A staff member is available to help Mondays through Wednesdays.
Contact: Pat Bishop, 674-1300

Free supplies for school employees
From Crayons to Computers is packed with donated school and office supplies to be given away. Located in the Beaufont shopping center at 7138 Midlothian Turnpike, the store is open to all Chesterfield County Public Schools employees 2:30-5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays when school is in session. Donations are welcome.
Contact: 276-7407 or 305-4279

Mad Science Club
Bensley Elementary fourth-grade students in the Mad Science Club will meet every Monday and Tuesday until April. Students will do hands-on experiments and be eligible to compete in the school science fair.
Contact: Erin Hansard, 743-3610

Adult Continuing Education
Adult Continuing Education offers workforce training, GED classes, English for Speakers of Other Languages and enrichment classes throughout the school year. A program guide is available at chesterfield.k12.va.us.
Contact: Debbie Hinton, 768-6140

Feb. 9
Meeting – Superintendant presents the CCPS Budget Review
Chesterfield County Council of PTAs/PTSAs
7:00 p.m., School Administration Building,
9900 Krause Road.
Contact: 530-1809

Feb. 14
Chesterfield County Council PTAs/PTSAs Reflections Awards Ceremony and PTA
Founders Day
L. C. Bird High Schools’ Auditorium
Contact: 530-1809

PTAs/PTSAs, Communicators Network Meeting tonight

2009-01-15T13:05:00.003-05:00

CCCPTA/PTSA Leaders,

If you did not attend the Communicators Network's initial meeting at Bird High School last week, you should attend the meeting tonight at Midlothian High School. This is a very important meeting of important communicators in the county, and you are one of them. You are needed at this critical time. Let us not shortchange our children down by not speaking up on their behalf.

See you tonight!

Stella Edwards,
President
Chesterfield County Council of PTAs/PTSAs

Chesterfield students invited to help with National Day of Service project

2009-01-13T18:51:00.000-05:00

Students and teachers from Chesterfield County Public Schools will travel Monday, Jan. 19, to Anacostia Park in Washington, D.C., to participate in a special project on the National Day of Service. They will help plant 44 trees in honor of Barack Obama, who the next day will be sworn in as the 44th president of the United States.

To cover the Jan. 19 event, please contact Reese Gordy, 739-6275 or 241-8535, who teaches earth science and oceanography at Manchester High.

CCCPTA/PTSA Food Drive

2009-01-07T21:55:00.004-05:00

PTA/PTSA Leaders,

We may be starting the New Year off with many challenges, but we still have many reasons to be thankful. We are a blessed people! However, throughout our community, a sure sign of families in need, is the dwindling of resources in our food banks/pantries.

The Chesterfield County Council of PTAs/PTSA is sponsoring a Food Drive beginning Monday January 12 -16, 2009 (yes, next week!). We are asking PTAs/PTSAs to set aside a box labeled "PTA Food Drive" in your school (please get approval form your principal, first). Promote the food Drive through flyers, word of mouth, teachers, principal making a home phone call to all students, and anything other means to communicate to students and parents. The council will arrange to pick up the food items on next Friday. That's it!

Send me an email indicating that your unit will participate so that we will know where to send the drives for pick-ups on Friday, January 16, 2009.

Thank you to those units who have already agreed to participate, and to PTAs/PTSAs who held Food Drives earlier in the school year.

Everything you do is greatly appreciated. You are all excellent volunteers!

See you tomorrow night at the Superintendent’s Communicators Network initial meeting at Bird high School, 7:00 PM.

Thank you,

Stella

Stella Y. Edwards
President,
Chesterfield County Council of PTAs PTSAs

See flyer information below:

FOOD DRIVE
To Benefit Our Area Food Pantries

January 12-16, 2009
Participating PTA/PTSA Units Collect Food
CCCPTA/PTSA will arrange for pick on Friday, January 16, 2009

List of Suggested Items
NON-Perishable Foods: Canned Goods, Baby Food, Cereal, Beans, Grains, Pasta
Paper Products: Toilet Paper, facial Tissue, Baby Wipes
Toiletries: Shampoo, Soap, Lotion, Deodorant, Razor, Toothpaste, Toothbrush, Shave Cream
Diapers: Both Baby and Adult Size
Cleaning Supplies: Laundry Detergent, Dish Liquid, and Basic Household Supplies

Note: Please do not limit yourself to the above items.
Any non-perishable item you would use will be appreciated.

Contact Stella Edwards for additional information, at(804) 530-1809,email:stellaedw@aol.com

More teachers attain National Board Certification

2009-01-06T12:36:00.002-05:00

The Chesterfield County Council of PTAs/PTSAs congratulates our school division’s new national board certified teachers (see announcement below).

*****************************
CCPS News Release

Eleven additional Chesterfield teachers recently achieved National Board certification, which is one of the highest credentials in education. This brings to 78 the number of National Board Certified Teachers working in Chesterfield County Public Schools.

According to the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, Chesterfield County Public Schools ranks fifth among Virginia school divisions in the total number of National Board Certified Teachers.
The new National Board Certified Teachers from Chesterfield County Public Schools and other local school systems will be honored during a pinning ceremony at 5 p.m. Jan. 7 at Virginia Commonwealth University in the W. E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts, 922 Park Ave. in Richmond.

Here are Chesterfield’s new National Board Certified Teachers:
· Meredith Ford, English teacher at Providence Middle School
· Gregory B. Goehle, math teacher at Lloyd C. Bird High School
· Renae F. Hedrick, library media specialist at Cosby High School
· Ritamarie Hensley, English teacher at Cosby High School
· Rebecca Hodell, English teacher at Thomas Dale High School
· Linda Fernald Honaker, music teacher at Bettie Weaver Elementary School
· Victoria Jordan, teacher for students with moderate disabilities at Evergreen Elementary School
· Amanda Moody, teacher for students with learning disabilities at Wells Elementary School
· Carolyn A. Moul, library media specialist at Hopkins Road Elementary School
· Jacqueline Neidle, teacher for students with autism at Gordon Elementary School
· Donald Wilms, English teacher at Manchester High School

A voluntary process established by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, certification is achieved through a rigorous performance-based assessment that takes one to three years to complete and measures what accomplished teachers should know and be able to do. Designed to recognize and reward great teachers ― and to make them better ― the process includes teachers being assessed on their knowledge of the subjects they teach and building a portfolio that includes student work samples, assignments, videotapes and a thorough analysis of their classroom teaching.