March 2008 - Virginia Beach City Public Schools

Volume 17 No. 6
March/April 2008
Kaleidoscope
For Employees of Virginia Beach City Public Schools
Superintendent’s Spotlight Award
You may recall that we announced in the September edition of Kaleidoscope the creation of a new award, Superintendent’s Spotlight Award, specifically designed
to recognize employees who go beyond what would normally be expected in the execution of their jobs or duties. We requested that employees nominate those
who best exemplified these qualities:
• Consistently exceeds expectations.
• Contributes in an exemplary manner.
• Significantly improves processes or quality of life.
• Makes exceptional contributions to their office/department, school, or division as a whole.
• Assumes leadership roles that have benefited others.
Numerous nominations were received and then reviewed by a committee of employees using an objective evaluation rubric. We are pleased to announce that
10 outstanding employees were selected to be the first Superintendent’s Spotlight Award winners. Each winner learned of his or her selection when Dr. Merrill
in a surprise visit to schools and offices personally presented the awards – plaques and special “spotlight” pins – to the honorees.
Congratulations to each and every winner. To be selected by one’s peers based on their perceptions of how well you do your job is a high honor indeed.
Larry Ames
principal,
Seatack Elementary School
Karen Boone
data management analyst, Office
of Organizational Development
Patricia Cartwright
special needs bus driver assistant,
Office of Transportation Services
Marlene Johnson
cafeteria manager,
Landstown High School
Don Newsome
bus driver,
Office of Transportation Services
Peggy Simeone
assistant principal,
Thalia Elementary School
Recharta Walston
third-grade teacher,
Seatack Elementary School
Jennifer Wright
teacher assistant,
Parkway Elementary School
C.J. Jones
head night custodian,
Corporate Landing Middle School
Betty Newsome
bus driver,
Office of Transportation Services
Features
DAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Our Children Are Counting On Us!
Annual School Climate Survey
Slated for April. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2008 VIRGINIA SCHOOL CENSUS
Did You Know. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Virginia Beach City Public Schools will join school divisions across the state in conducting
the 2008 Virginia School Census. The census count in Virginia Beach began in March
and will conclude on July 15, 2008. The purpose of the census is to count the number
of school-aged children in our city.
Teachers of the Year, .
Reading Teachers of the Year, .
Distinguished Educators!. . . . . . . . 4
“An accurate census count is important because the number of children counted will
determine the amount of state sales tax that the school division receives for education,
but we need to hear from each resident, not just those who have children. We owe the
benefit of a complete and accurate census to the children in our community. Approximately $76.4 million was received in FY 2007-2008,” said Chief Financial Officer Farrell
E. Hanzaker, who is overseeing Virginia Beach City Public Schools’ census outreach.
Out and About. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
The census form takes just a few minutes to complete and asks only for the number of
children, ages 5-19, who claim a Virginia Beach residence at any time during 2008. Census officials request that
parents or guardians whose children are in public school, private school, home school, college, the military, correctional
facilities, residential treatment facilities, and/or are otherwise at home, complete and return the census form.
PDP Points for Symposium.
for Educators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
A yellow census form was mailed to households in March with the deadline of March 31 for returning completed
forms from this initial mailing. Parents were strongly urged to respond as soon as they received the census form because
follow-up mailings are an additional expense to taxpayers. Census takers will be deployed to residences from which
there has not been a response. continued on page 2
Why Does Gender Really Matter?. . 8
Shortshorts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Win this Car!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Bravo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2
our children are counting on us continued from page 1
To increase cost savings, residents may also reply to the census online by visiting vbschools.com and clicking on 2008 Virginia School Census, using the address
code printed on the census form.
Information gathered from the 2008 Virginia School Census remains confidential and cannot be shared with the Internal Revenue Service, the Department
of Social Services, the Department of Immigration or any other government or private entity.
School divisions are mandated by the State to tally the data from the 2008 Virginia School Census and report one single count to the Virginia Department
of Education. Student or parent names and dates of birth are NOT reported to the State.
Those who have questions may contact Fran Thomas, Census Coordinator, at [email protected] or at 263-1163.
Daughters of the American Revolution Honor
Outstanding History Teachers
Congratulations to the VBCPS teachers recently recognized by Virginia Beach’s four chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution as outstanding
teachers of history. In a celebration held February 26 at the School Administration building, five middle and high school teachers were honored for their
expertise as exemplary teachers. In addition, 11 high school students were honored for their scholarship, one from each of the division’s comprehensive high
schools, while four fourth graders were judged the best in writing an essay about “What the Flag of the United States of America Means to Me.” The fourth
graders who were honored attend King’s Grant, Red Mill, Windsor Woods, and Woodstock elementary schools. This year marks 31 years that the DAR
has held this annual award ceremony during which the organization commemorates important events in our nation’s history as well as recognizes teachers
and students for their knowledge and expertise. Each of Virginia Beach’s four DAR chapters nominates secondary American history teachers who illustrate
these qualities: expert knowledge of American history; the ability to foster a spirit of patriotism and loyal support for our country; and the practice of
maintaining high academic standards that require excellence from students. The teachers honored in the recent ceremony received a certificate in addition
to a medallion commemorating the famous Revolutionary War naval battle, the Battle Off the Virginia Capes. This year’s honorees include…
• Diana Watson
Princess Anne High School
Virginia and U.S. History; AP Government; and IBMYP Government teacher presented by Audrey Lee Skutnik, Vice Regent, Adam Thoroughgood Chapter
• Jayme Ruth Gruden
Landstown Middle School
seventh-grade social studies teacher
presented by Audrey Lee Skutnik, Vice Regent, Adam Thoroughgood Chapter
• David Bisset
Tallwood High School
Virginia and U.S. History teacher
presented by Rosemary Barker, Francis Land Chapter
• Howard Baumgardner Brandon Middle School
seventh-grade social studies teacher
presented by Rosemary Barker, Francis Land Chapter
• Matthew Brinton
Kempsville High School
Virginia and U.S. History teacher
presented by Lila R. Davis, Regent, Lynnhaven Parish Chapter
Pictured left to right are Landstown Middle School social studies teacher
Jayme Gruden, Tallwood High School Virginia and U.S. History teacher
David Bisset, Princess Anne High School Virginia and U.S. History,
AP Government, and IBMYP Government teacher Diana Watson,
Kempsville High School Virginia and U.S. History teacher Matthew Brinton,
and Brandon Middle School social studies teacher Howard Baumgardner.
Annual School Climate Survey Slated for April
As the end of the school year approaches, it is time once again to take stock of our progress as a school division. In the coming weeks, teachers,
counselors, specialists and building administrators will be asked to complete a survey about your school. It is your opportunity to share your
perceptions of the instructional programs, communication, safety and discipline, interpersonal relationships, and the physical school environment
within your school. The information will be helpful as school administration sets objectives for the coming school year.
The annual School Climate Survey should take about 10 minutes to complete. To streamline the process, surveys will once again be completed
on-line. An outside vendor, K-12 Insight, will provide the Department of Research, Evaluation, and Assessment with responses for tabulation.
The company uses email addresses to ensure that there can only be one response per participant. However, before providing the survey data
to the Department of Research, Evaluation, and Assessment, the company deletes all e-mail addresses from the data. As long as you do not
include personally identifiable information in your written comments, your survey responses will be completely anonymous.
Watch your e-mail for a message from Dr. Jared Cotton, assistant superintendent for the Department of Research, Evaluation, and Assessment. He
will provide you with specific details about the survey process and a link to an external Web site which contains the survey. Your participation is
key. Your responses will be compiled with those of fellow staff members in your building and a summary report will be provided to your principal.
Questions regarding the content of the survey should be directed to Dr. Lisa Banicky, research specialist in the Department of Research,
Evaluation, and Assessment at 263-1150.
Kaleidoscope March/April 2008
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Did You Know
Longevity honored!
K through 12, from Scholastic books.
Congratulations to all those employees recently honored for their tenure
with VBCPS! At a festive dinner at the Virginia Beach Convention Center,
259 employees marked their 25-, 30-, 35-, and 40-year anniversaries with
the school division. In fact, 129 veterans marked 25 years; 94 were marking
30; 32, thirty-five years; and four, 40. From teachers to administrators
to support service staff, the honorees represented a real cross section of
VBCPS. Incredibly, if all the years of service were added together, the total
would be an astonishing 7,325 years. Imagine if that were computed into
days and hours!
Parkway Elementary elected to donated some of the books to Vickie Stephenson, one of the coordinators of a volunteer in education tutoring group.
In addition, more books were donated to the REACH Foundation which
supports the reading libraries for 12 safe houses for the homeless in the
Hampton Roads area and to the Princess Anne High School pregnant teens
group for students to read themselves and to use to read to their babies. “The
neatest thing about this is that the children are really excited, both to be
reading the books and to
be able to share them with
children who need them.
The gift of the love of reading is a good thing,” says
Magyar.
The Virginia Beach school division is fortunate to have such loyal staff
members who have devoted so many years to children. Of all those honored,
special recognition was reserved for our 40-year veteran employees, First
Colonial High School health and physical education teacher Fred Britton;
Salem Middle School seventh-grade teacher Clementine Hall, and bus drivers Freida Gaidowski and Janice McCrae. That is a milestone, indeed, and
definitely one worth celebrating!
Pictured left to right are 40-year VBCPS
veterans Freida Gaidowski and Fred Britton
being congratulated by Superintendent
Dr. James Merrill and School Board
Chairman Dan Edwards.
education reading/homework tutoring group at the Twin Canals Apartments
in Virginia Beach; and Heidi Magyar, Reading Recovery Teacher at Parkway Elementary.
Jesse Jackson a speaker at four high schools
The Reverend Jesse Jackson, noted civil rights leader and originator of the
Rainbow Push Coalition, was a featured speaker at four high schools –
Tallwood, Salem,
Kempsville, and
Landstown – as part
of the schools’ celebration
of Black History Month.
Pictured is 40-year VBCPS veteran
Janice McCrae receiving her award from
Superintendent Dr. James Merrill and
School Board Chairman Dan Edwards.
Pictured is Dr. Adolph Brown from
Hampton University, Kempsville
High School principal Shea Paisley,
and Rev. Jackson.
Luxford Elementary
first-grade teacher Janet
Gordon, Luxford assistant
principal Tim Sullivan,
John B. Dey principal
Lee Capwell, and Horace
Gordon, the husband of
honoree Janet Gordon.
Career Connection
The Offices of Technical and Career Education and Programs for Exceptional
Children recently sponsored their 13th Annual Career Connection: Transition
to the Future information night, held March 13 at the Advanced Technology
Center. More than 400 middle and high school students and their parents attended the event and took advantage of the opportunity to speak with some
of the approximately 100 career and community agency representatives about
careers and occupations as well as transition services. Career strands represented included business and marketing; fine arts; health and human services;
and engineering and technology. In addition, such career fields as tourism
and hospitality, the marine industry, landscape services, and financial services
also participated. Congratulations to event co-chairs Technical and Career
Education trade and industrial
education coordinator Daniel
Smith and Programs for
Exceptional Children transition
specialist Amy Schuiteboer
for another successful event!
Advanced Technology Center (ATC)
engineering technology (ET) students
demonstrate to Ann Marie C. Garvey,
ATC assistant director, the process that
they used to program the ET robot.
Parkway Elementary students win the Whoopi
Parkway Elementary School’s Reading Recovery teacher Heidi Magyar was
the winner of a contest sponsored by Scholastic Books called the Whoopi!
We're Reading! Sweepstakes. With an ultimate goal of reading 100 books,
reading groups and individuals charted the number of books they read.
Once students met the goal, Magyar notified Scholastic Books of their
achievement and they were entered into the sweepstakes. Out of more
than 17,000 entries from across the country, Magyar’s class was one
of the 100 classrooms selected to receive 1000 books of all levels of reading,
Kaleidoscope March/April 2008
Pictured left to right: Parkway
Elementary principal Toni Diggs;
Vickie Stephenson, coordinator
for the “United in Him” volunteer in
Gifted Teachers of the Year
Congratulations to gifted resource teachers (GRT) Cathy Peterson and
Marie Culver, both of whom have been named as Citywide Teacher of the
Year for Gifted Education. Peterson is the GRT at Princess Anne Middle
School and represents secondary education while Culver is the GRT at
Holland Elementary School and, as such, represents elementary education.
Peterson is a two-year veteran educator in gifted education and previously
served as a sixth-grade teacher for language arts and social studies. Her
willingness to work with students and
teachers alike in an effort to expand
opportunities for learning for gifted
students is a hallmark of her work.
On Monday, February 25, Peterson
was surprised by Kelly Hedrick,
Director of Gifted Education,
and PA Middle principal James Pohl,
with the news of her honor.
Princess Anne Middle GRT and
Secondary Education Gifted Teacher
of the Year Cathy Peterson and
PA Middle principal James Pohl.
Culver is a 20-year VBCPS veteran educator. For the past three and a
half years she has served as a gifted resource teacher at Holland Elementary.
Prior to this, she served as a second-grade gifted cluster teacher and a second-grade teacher, respectively, at Windsor Oaks Elementary. Culver earned
a Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in
elementary education with a reading concentration. She received her
Gifted Education Endorsement from the University of Virginia in 2005.
She has been published in A Tapestry of Knowledge, Volume IV, written a
gifted second-grade unit, Our Changing World with Economics, and has
been awarded multiple Virginia Beach
Education Foundation grants for
The Secret Garden-Children and Nature
Growing Together in Harmony projects.
Holland Elementary School GRT Marie
Culver and Director of Gifted Education
Kelly Hedrick.
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Congratulations Teachers of the Year, Reading Teachers
of the Year, Distinguished Educators!
Congratulations to Julie Perritt, who was
selected as Malibu Elementary Teacher of
the Year for 2009. Perritt (pictured right) is
a graduate of Florida State University and
has been with Malibu since 1998. Secondgrade teacher Kathy Benson (pictured left)
was named a Distinguished Educator.
Congratulations to fifth-grade teacher
Maria Arnett who was named 2008-2009
Teacher of the Year for Ocean Lakes
Elementary School.
Constance Solheim has been named Princess
Anne Middle School’s Teacher of the Year for
the 2008-2009 school year. Currently teaching
seventh-grade language arts, her credentials include
a Bachelor of Arts degree in French earned from the
University of Wyoming, followed by a Master of
Arts degree in English from O.D.U. Solheim is no stranger to professional
recognition, having previously received Teacher of the Year honors while
teaching at Corporate Landing Middle School. Presently serving as lead
teacher for her seventh-grade core, Solheim also co-sponsors the SCA.
According to colleagues, “her high expectations for her students and her
systematically planned learning activities stretch the students’ knowledge
to a deeper level.”
Congratulations to Virginia Beach
Middle School 2008-2009 Teacher
of the Year Toni Case (right) who is
pictured here with VB Middle principal
Rita Simpson (left). She has served as a
special education teacher for 10 years.
Three Oaks Elementary Teacher of the Year finalists are “Distinguished
Teachers” and include (left to right) second-grade teacher Jodi Strack,
physical education teacher Tom Warren, first-grade teacher Heather
Baitman, fifth-grade teacher Ed Gibbs, third-grade teacher Stacey Moore,
and guidance counselor Brenda Hall.
Three Oaks Elementary teacher of
the year for 2008-2009 is third-grade
teacher Stacey Moore pictured with
principal Lisa Hannah and assistant
principal K.C. Houck.
Corporate Landing
Elementary is proud to
present 2008-2009 Teacher
of the Year Stacey Pittman.
She is a preschool teacher
and coordinator for the
special education committee
at the school. She is pictured
here with assistant principal
Patricia Mashek (left) and
principal David French.
Kaleidoscope March/April 2008
Joanie Wood, (left) guidance
counselor at Thalia Elementary,
was selected the school’s 20082009 Teacher of the Year.
Peggy Simeone (right), assistant
principal, made the announcement
at the January faculty meeting.
Congratulations to first-grade teacher Peggy
Arnold who was selected as Windsor Oaks
Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year.
Arnold is pictured with principal Michael
Maloney during a recent SCA spirit day
to support Reading Month with “Pajama Day.”
First Colonial High
School principal Dale Holt
congratulates work and
family studies teacher
Brenda Samdahl as
Teacher of the Year.
Larkspur Middle School has
selected art teacher Ed Obermeyer
as the Teacher of the Year for the
2008-2009 school year. Pictured
left to right are principal Dianne
Cunningham, Kristine Egnatz,
Obermeyer’s wife and assistant
principal at Great Neck Middle
School, and Ed Obermeyer.
Glenwood Elementary School
principal Susan Stuhlman (left)
presents fifth-grade teacher
Melinda (Mindy)Tomchik
her congratulatory flowers in
honor of her being selected
Teacher of the Year for 2008-2009.
Fifth-grade teacher Loryna Arnold has been
selected as Centerville Elementary’s Teacher
of the Year. In her sixth year at Centerville,
she has taught for nine years and currently
co-sponsors the SCA.
Old Donation Center’s reading resource specialist
Camille Grabb has been chosen ODC’s 2008-2009
Teacher of the Year.
Salem High School
is honored to recognize
algebra teacher and
girls varsity soccer coach
John Byzewski as its
Teacher of the Year.
He is a retired Marine
Corps Lieutenant
Colonel who began
his second career as
an educator and coach
at Salem in August 2000. Byzewski’s children attended Salem High and his
oldest son Jason now teaches and coaches at Salem as well. John Byzewski
(left) with Principal Dr. Don Robertson.
Sarah McGhee, orchestra teacher at Plaza Middle School, has been named
the school’s Teacher of the Year for 2008-2009.
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Christopher Farms Elementary School
proudly announces the 2008-2009
Teacher of the Year, September Johnson.
She is a music teacher and has been
teaching for 13 years.
Congratulations to sixth-grade social studies teacher Cameron Cook
who has been named Independence Middle School’s 2008-2009
Teacher of the Year.
Brookwood Elementary is proud to announce its teacher of the year
is Beverly Stemen. She is a third-grade teacher and academic coordinator
for Brookwood as well as the third-grade chairperson.
Congratulations to Newtown Elementary School computer resource
specialist Aimee Clarke and reading resource teacher Crystal Felton.
Clarke was selected as Teacher of the Year and Felton, Reading Teacher
of the Year.
Sheila Holley (left), Title I math
resource teacher, was selected
as Rosemont Elementary
School’s Teacher of the Year
for 2008-2009. She is pictured
accepting flowers from principal
Miriam Freeman (right).
Woodstock Elementary
School salutes its Teacher
of the Year Kathy Verrey.
Verrey, pictured with
principal Greg Furlich,
is a second-grade language
arts teacher.
Matt Orebaugh, a physical
education teacher, was
selected Diamond Springs
Elementary’s first teacher of
the year. Orebaugh has taught
for a total of eight years, five
of which have been in Virginia
Beach City Public Schools.
He has served as a physical
education teacher, basketball
coach, safety patrol coordinator, wellness ambassador, bus
coordinator, and administrative
intern. Not only is he a dedicated teacher, but he is also working towards
his second Master’s Degree. Diamond Springs Elementary is honored to
have Matt Orebaugh as its teacher of the year. Pictured are Teacher of the
Year Matt Orebaugh and Diamond Springs principal Shirann Lewis.
Princess Anne Elementary School
is pleased to announce that Kristin Hildum,
a VBCPS educator for 19 years and the
school’s librarian for five years, was selected
as its Teacher of the Year. Known
for her innovative and challenging
lessons, Hildum has made the library
a fun-filled destination for the
school’s children.
Landstown High School is proud to announce that coach and AVID
instructor Dwight Robinson has been selected Teacher of the Year.
Congratulations to Lynnhaven Elementary Teacher of the Year
Robert J. Smith. Smith is a gifted resource teacher and a graduate
of State University of New York at Oneonta where he received a
Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master’s degree in education.
He also has an Educational Specialist degree in administration from
The George Washington University. Smith has taught in Virginia Beach
for 38 years.
Pembroke Meadows Elementary is proud to have Terry Ritzel as its
2008-2009 Teacher of the Year. She is a fifth-grade teacher at PMES.
Congratulations to College Park Elementary School’s 2008-2009
Teacher of the Year Janette Wilson who is a third-grade teacher.
Congratulations to second-grade teacher Lisa Marler who was recently
selected the Teacher of the Year for 2008-2009 at Parkway Elementary
School.
Kristin Peterson, a fourth-grade teacher at Malibu Elementary School,
was selected as the school’s 2008 Reading Teacher of the Year.
Judy Frantz, first-grade teacher at Linkhorn Park Elementary,
was chosen Reading Teacher of the Year.
Larkspur Middle School has selected reading specialist Jennifer Green
as the school’s Reading Teacher of the Year.
Windsor Woods Elementary School has selected library media specialist
Joanne Hart as the 2008 Reading Teacher of the Year.
Congratulations to reading teacher Isabelle Wilkenson who was recently
named Cooke Elementary’s Reading Teacher of the Year.
Congratulations to speech teacher Pamela Roberts for being chosen as
Pembroke Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year for 2008.
Congratulations to Landstown Elementary School’s Reading Teacher
of the Year, Kris Haberdash. She teaches second grade.
Landstown Elementary School is proud to announce its 2008-2009
Teacher of the Year, second-grade teacher Rhonda R. Coursen.
Congratulations to Ocean Lakes High School math teacher Josephine Letts
on being recently selected the school’s 2008-2009 Teacher of the Year. Math
teacher and SCA adviser Lori Burwell, band director Leah Greber, English
teacher Adrian Hayes, and English teacher and department chairperson
Nicole Morgenthau were honored as Distinguished Teachers.
Congratulations to Ocean Lakes Elementary School fifth-grade teacher
Maria Arnett on being named her school’s 2008-2009 Teacher of the Year.
Kelly Jennings, a physical education teacher, was named Salem
Elementary’s Teacher of the Year.
Congratulations to Sara Lockett who was named 2008-2009 Teacher
of the Year for Cox High School. Lockett was honored at a presentation
to the faculty and a reception was held to honor her and the four Cox High
School Teachers who were named Distinguished Educators. She has taught
at Cox since 2003. Lockett earned National Board Certification this year
and teaches business education classes and information technology.
Congratulations to second-grade teacher Laura Hart who was selected
as the 2008-2009 Teacher of Year for Fairfield Elementary School.
Three Oaks Elementary has recognized kindergarten teacher Amy Walters
as Reading Teacher of the Year. She has been teaching for 10 years.
John B. Dey Elementary first-grade teacher Mandy Yates has been
recognized by her peers as Reading Teacher of the Year. She has been
at the school for the past three years and has also taught in the Maryland
school system.
John B. Dey Elementary is pleased to announce that Jody Carroll, computer resource specialist, has been chosen as the Teacher of the Year. Carroll
has been the computer resource specialist at John B. Dey for four years.
Kaleidoscope March/April 2008
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6
Out & About
Landstown High School
staff and faculty put their
hearts into the cause for
February American Heart
Association (AHA) month
by donating $5 to wear
jeans and wearing
something red. School
RN Carol Bluestein
coordinated the event
which raised $457
for the AHA.
Willie Kee, health and physical education teacher, received the
I Make a Difference Award at Princess Anne Middle School.
His ability to reach students both in the classroom and on the
athletic field make him a worthy recipient. As a soccer coach
whose teams have achieved great success, Kee has truly enriched
the student athletes' lives that he has touched. Congratulations
to this outstanding teacher!
❤
Ramona Mays, custodian at Kempsville Middle School, was “Tagged
by the Superintendent” for demonstrating efficiency and effectiveness at
work. Mays retired from the Army in 2003, and is in her second year at
KMS. KMS faculty and staff heartily agree that her presence makes the
school a better place to work. Congratulations, Ramona!
Larkspur Middle School sixth-grade social studies teacher
Trenace Riggs was “Tagged by the Superintendent” for her
endless dedication to the LKMS students and staff.
Point O’View Elementary music teacher Liz Griffin
reads “Big Bad Wolf Is Good” by Simon Puttoch during
the WPOV Morning Show to help promote Get Spotted
Reading Month. Other guest readers were Ed Timlin,
principal, Pam Pastros, assistant principal, Leslie
Quinlan, reading resource teacher, Kellee Kraft,
library media specialist, and Lynne Henry,
guidance counselor.
Troops in Iraq enjoy
Valentine cards from the
students at Rosemont
Elementary.
Point O’View Elementary fifth-grade teacher
Vicki Satterwhite (right) raised $1250 to benefit
the Special Olympics Virginia in her fourth Polar
Plunge. She was joined by Shaun Suddeth who also
volunteers in her classroom. This is the fourth time
Satterwhite has taken the “Polar Plunge.”
Carl Moye, custodian at Newtown
Elementary for 31 years, is definitely
on the move as he leads students and
staff into the “new” Newtown.
Kaleidoscope March/April 2008
Gehan El-Faham, recently received the
I Make A Difference Award at Princess
Anne Middle School. Noted around
the building for her wit, warm smile,
and pleasant nature, “Gigi," who
hails from Egypt, displays the qualities
of adaptability and dependability so
important to the position she holds, that
of Permanent Substitute. Students are
comfortable when they know that she is
instructing the class. Congratulations!
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Susan Esposito, a third-grade teacher
at Centerville Elementary, has been
Tagged by the Superintendent for her
contributions to the school. She is a
13-year veteran teacher with the
last eight years spent at Centerville.
Ronald Kaczmarek, art teacher at John B.Dey
Elementary, recently completed a beach scene
mural for the front foyer of the school.
Kaczmarek is pictured with his masterpiece.
Jessica Frohlich received the I Make A Difference Award at Princess
Anne Middle School. She serves as a special education teacher assistant
and according to fellow workers never hesitates to go above and beyond her
duties. She is energetic and always helpful, bringing her ready smile and
cheerful outlook to the classroom and school. With such an approach,
she can't miss making a difference in the lives of her special students daily.
Month
performed for Black History
neck Elementary School,
Bird
from
ance
r
choi
guid
a
ry
w,
enta
orro
The Voices of Tom
the direction of Birdneck Elem
e.
School. The choir is under
rett
tary
Eve
men
ine
Ele
her
ven
Kat
l
nha
cipa
Lyn
prin
at
with Lynnhaven Elementary
left)
d
ture
(pic
es
Jam
ph
counselor Ral
Special education teacher Maria
Poranski shows her enthusiasm
for Glenwood Elementary
School’s Crazy Hat and Hair
Spirit Day held in February.
School Board member Michael Stewart shared a pictorial collection of famous African Americans with fifthgrade students at Kempsville Meadows Elementary School, discussing how they are inspirations to us all.
Students asked questions and discussed the importance of knowing about famous African Americans. Kempsville
Meadows Elementary assistant principal Valerie Cason talks with Stewart during his visit to the school.
Alanton Elementary kindergarten teacher Pam Zettervall
became Thing 1 and served her students green eggs and ham
in celebration of Dr. Seuss' birthday. Which is stranger –
Thing 1 or the green eggs?
The Advanced Technology Center
engineering technology and modeling and
simulation classes participated in Engineering
Day at Old Dominion University on
February 15, 2008. Students were provided
with an opportunity to tour college classes,
meet students and professors as various engineering projects were demonstrated to the
students. In addition, students toured the
Occupational Technical Studies (OTS)
department and learned about the
opportunities of becoming a Tech Ed teacher.
Pictured from left are Dr. John M. Ritz,
Professor and Chair, Occupational and
Technical Studies, Ron Garrison,
engineering technology instructor and
OTS graduate, and William Jackson,
modeling and simulation instructor.
February 11 through 15 was “I Love Salem”
week at Salem High School. Unbeknownst
to principal Don Robertson, the SCA
organized a “Don’s the Man” Day. Shirts
with Don’s the Man printed on them were
given to teachers to wear and banners
proclaiming the same sentiment were hung
around the building.
Kaleidoscope March/April 2008
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8
Why Does Gender Really Matter?
By Krista Barton-Arnold, principal, Princess Anne Elementary School
You may have noticed, the topic of gender seems to be everywhere. Gender
gaps, boys and reading, girls underrepresented in math and science, NCLB
allowing for gender-specific classrooms if the reasons for the separation
are academic in nature – all are in the news. However, just because topics
such as these are being debated on the national stage does not mean that
we understand all the ramifications for our own classrooms and schools
locally or even for our own children. Yet, as is oftentimes true, abstract
concepts or subjects become pressing when they affect us in our own lives.
In my case, my interest, in fact my passion for this subject, comes from
highly personal experiences with my son, Aidan, who is now in his
first year of middle school.
Some specific strategies are easy to implement and can make a big difference.
For example, teachers might develop basic interest surveys, get to know
their students, ask parents what their kids enjoy reading. Also, providing
opportunities to have single gender reading activities is helpful. If you are
not ready to go full tilt and have a gender specific classroom, train two
teachers on a grade level, pair them up, and provide separate reading
instruction. Even the room arrangement has an impact. As a point of
information, these kinds of strategies are being practiced throughout
Virginia. Check out the Web site, www.singlesexschools.org.
My story may be familiar. Like most teacher moms, I did everything I was
supposed to do with Aidan. I read to him and fed him a bottle at the same
time. I exposed him to literacy constantly. I read him all MY favorites,
Charlotte’s Web, The Cricket in Times Square, The Magic Treehouse series
although I did notice that while I was reading, he seemed to glaze over
and “check out.” Then, in first grade, he qualified for PALS and didn’t meet
the benchmarks for the DRA. I was stunned. How could it be possible?
We had many frustrating nights with me sitting on the couch with him
trying to get him through sight words in his book. But one night stood
out more than the others. I had just asked Aidan what he wanted to read
and if there were anything special he wanted to read. His answer? He said
he wanted to read the verbiage on a poster in his room picturing a Star Wars
warrior (whose name now escapes me) dressed in his uniform with all kinds
of weapons. Now I glazed over, just at the thought of plodding through
complicated, make-believe science fiction gabble.
That incident, however, became the turning point for me in learning to
follow Aidan’s lead. We traveled to the Spiderwick series, and Gregor and
the Underworld. Then, to any historical fiction about wars as well as to
almost any book that was nonfiction, especially if it had to do with science.
It wasn’t easy, it didn’t happen overnight, and he had teachers to whom I will
be forever grateful. Aidan finished up elementary school being able to read
above grade level and passing his fifth grade English SOL in the high 500’s.
Admittedly, there are new challenges in middle school. Aiden continues to
resist reading and comprehending most fiction, especially when the topics
are of little interest to him. A life lesson for him has been, and continues
to be, that sometimes you have to read and comprehend material that is
foreign or difficult. Thankfully, he left elementary school with the skills
to be successful in that endeavor.
Looking back, I realize how easy it was for me to jump to conclusions. I used
labels such as “low” and “reluctant reader” to describe Aidan much too readily.
It never occurred to me that his brain didn’t work exactly like mine nor were
his interests the same. That he truly did not care about Wilbur or that spider,
whatever her name was, simply never crossed my mind. As frustrating as it
was, I finally faced the reality that Aidan really wasn’t motivated to read simply
to please adults, not me or his teachers. Regardless of what the “Accelerated
Reader Store” had to offer, he didn’t care. What motivates Aidan (and most
readers) is interest in the topic, pure and simple.
Once I realized this, I started to read anything I could get my hands on
about boys and reading. I became a regular visitor to the Web sites
www.guysread.com and www.boysread.org. I looked at our school scores
closely and started copying articles and sharing information with teachers
and parents. I realized that the characteristics I noticed in Aidan that
were so foreign to me were common in boys and being written about
and discussed everywhere.
In the January issue of “Principal” there is an article
called “Leveraging Gender Differences to Boost Test
Scores” by Bill Costello. Now that gets my attention!
Costello points out that the strategies he suggests
are familiar to most of us. The question is, however,
have we implemented them in the classroom? Are we
taking the time to offer choice, real choice, based on
the interests of the specific children who are in our
classrooms this year? Are we making the brain-based
research available to our teachers to back up these
strategies? Certainly, there is a wealth of research
available. There is also evidence that teachers who
are trained in gender differences are less likely
to diagnose a learning disability as the reason for
a boy’s reading difficulty than those who don’t
understand the research. When the research is
applied, test scores do rise.
Kaleidoscope March/April 2008
Although I have talked mostly about boys because of my son Aidan, research
is also clear that these techniques are even more beneficial for girls. For
example, the research shows that girls function well in comfortable settings
such as couches and bean bags. Not so for boys! Their brains turn off when
they get in a reclining mode. Another difference is that girls can easily handle
group assignments and are eager to please their teachers. They also prefer
books that focus on character relationships and are much more likely to take
risks when there are no boys in the classroom. In contrast, boys typically are
interested in plot development. Using literacy circles concentrating on plot
and action for boys and character development and relationships for girls can
help facilitate increased communication, fluency and comprehension in both
sexes. Assessment can be tricky as well. For example, boys tend to do well
if they are able to respond to what they read through a hands-on activity
such as acting out a scene, drawing or mapmaking, story telling, or creating
a timeline. Girls, on the other hand, tend to score better on traditional tests.
Although there is enough brain research to support the idea that there
are gender differences in learning style, I have been conducting my own
“clinical” trials. I watch total strangers who read, men in airports and
book stores. I ask them about their reading preferences, what started
them reading, and the kinds of things they liked reading in school. It is
amazing to me how similar their answers are. Of those I questioned, most
like nonfiction and are faithful newspaper readers. Not much interested
them in school as far as reading instruction other than when their teacher
read aloud to them. It’s funny how most of us can recall an awesome book
being read to us by a beloved teacher. Once they get over my asking them
these bizarre questions, it comes down to this: Those who love reading love
to talk about what they like to read.
There is almost as much information available about the significance
of gender on math. Did I mention that in Aidan’s class in
middle school there are 26 boys and 4 girls? Why? The answer
is simple: He is in core English and advanced math and science.
That is the typical profile for boys. Perhaps it’s a rhetorical
question, but why are we still lagging so far behind in getting
girls into higher levels of math and science classes? Perhaps
that is an article for another time. However, if I have piqued
your interest and you want to learn more, a good book to read
on the subject is Why Gender Matters by Leonard Sax. Or,
e-mail me for more information at [email protected].
And in the meantime, keep reading!
Thank you to Krista Barton-Arnold for contributing her article,
Why Does Gender Really Matter?
vbschools.com | your link to Hampton Roads’ largest school system
9
ShortShorts
Welcome to Terrie Pyeatt, the new
Director of the Office of Internal
Audit. She joined the Virginia Beach
City Public School division on February
1 when she assumed her new duties.
Pyeatt has extensive experience in
finance, accounting, and auditing with
her most recent experience being that
of Controller for the City of Portsmouth.
Prior to that position, she worked for
the City of Chesapeake and also served
as an auditor for KPMG. Pyeatt holds
a Bachelor of Science in Business with
an emphasis in Accounting from the University of Rhode Island. She is also
a certified public accountant.
Emmanuel “Manny” Cenizal is the new
coordinator of Secondary Mathematics
in the Department of Curriculum and
Instruction. Prior to this promotion,
he served as the Mathematics Teacher
Specialist for five years. Cenizal began his
teaching career in 1996 as the Math 8
and Algebra I teacher at Brandon Middle
School, where he was selected Teacher of
the Year before moving to central office.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree
from Southern Illinois University at
Carbondale, a Master of Science degree
in secondary mathematics from Old Dominion University, and a Certificate
of Advanced Study in educational administration from Old Dominion
University. Cenizal is also a graduate of The Futures Project Principals’
Academy VI. He is an Adjunct Professor of Mathematics at Strayer
University and Tidewater Community College. A retired naval engineering
officer, Cenizal has also served as an instructor, curriculum developer,
school director, and Engineering Training Division director for all the
naval engineering schools at Fleet Training Center in Norfolk.
Heather Allen joins the Department
of Media and Communications
Development as the new partnership
coordinator. However, she is very familiar
with VBCPS having formerly served
for eight years at Ocean Lakes High
School teaching Spanish, public speaking, leadership skills development,
and journalism. Allen also was the
school’s media liaison, Student Council
advisor, leadership workshop instructor,
and newspaper advisor. For the past year,
she worked at the University of Virginia
Alumni Association, serving as Assistant Director of Alumni Affairs. At the
Alumni Association, Allen worked with young alumni programming, class
reunion activities, volunteer management, and regional partnerships.
Allen is a Virginia Beach native and a product of Virginia Beach schools.
She attended Cooke Elementary, Virginia Beach Middle, and First Colonial
High School. She earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s from the University
of Virginia.
Welcome to Keith A. Walke who is a
new project manager in the Department
of Technology (DOT). As such, he is
responsible for leading a team engaged in
numerous projects involving technology
in schools and offices. Walke serves as
the daily supervisor of development team
members and provides quality assurance,
technical guidance, task oversight and
prioritization as well as training. He is
also responsible for tracking the status
of projects, serving as a main point-ofcontact between DOT and other departments, and spearheading project definitions, analyses, plans, reports, and
presentation. Walke formerly was Project Manager for Spirit Cruises, LLC,
where he was instrumental in the origination and development of software,
implementations, and the IT department. Overall, he has more than18
Kaleidoscope March/April 2008
years of experience in managing IT implementations that have supported
companies ranging from information technology and engineering services to
healthcare. A Hampton Roads native, Walke was born in Portsmouth and
raised in Virginia Beach. He graduated from Old Dominion University with
a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems. In addition, he
holds the following certifications: Microsoft Exchange Server Certification;
Windows Server Certification; and Microsoft SQL Server Certification.
Doug Wren fills the position of assessment specialist in the Department of
Research, Evaluation, and Assessment.
He comes to VBCPS from his previous
position as a coordinator in the division
of support services in DeKalb County
Schools, Georgia. Wren also served
in the Department of Research and
Evaluation in DeKalb as a specialist
as well as a teacher in several DeKalb
County schools. Among them were
the Kittredge Magnet School for High
Achievers and Evansdale Elementary
School. Wren earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University
of Georgia, a Master of Science in Recreation Administration from Virginia
Commonwealth University, and an Ed.D. in elementary education from
the University of Georgia.
VBCPS schools honored for excellence
Creeds Elementary
John B. Dey Elementary
King’s Grant Elementary
Kingston Elementary
Governor Kaine and the Virginia Board of Education recently
announced that 62 of Virginia Beach schools’ testing schools
have earned awards of excellence. Five schools – Creeds
Elementary School, Kemps Landing Magnet School,
King’s Grant Elementary School, Old Donation Center,
and Princess Anne High School – are recipients of the
prestigious Governor’s Award for Educational Excellence.
This is the highest honor under a new incentive program
to advance the Governor’s Competence to Excellence
agenda. The school division as a whole and 35 individual
schools earned the Board of Education’s Virginia Index
of Performance (VIP) Excellence Award while an additional
22 schools received the Board of Education’s VIP Competence to Excellence Award. Congratulations to these
62 schools, their students, teachers, administrators and
support staff.
Congratulations to six of our schools, Red Mill Elementary
School, John B. Dey Elementary School, Kingston
Elementary School, Strawbridge Elementary School,
Old Donation Center, and Kemps Landing Magnet.
These schools recently received special acknowledgment
from the Commonwealth of Virginia for their academic
excellence. The Virginia Department of Education
recognized each of the schools for its exemplary performance
on the SOLs. In addition to being fully accredited for
the past two consecutive years, each school scored a
passing rate of 95 percent or above in all four core
academic areas. Based on this outstanding record of
achievement, the six schools will receive a waiver from
the state and automatically earn full SOL accreditation
through 2009-2010. Congratulations to the hard-working
students and staff at these schools.
Kemps Landing Magnet
Princess Anne High
Red Mill Elementary
Old Donation Center
Strawbridge Elementary
vbschools.com | your link to Hampton Roads’ largest school system
10
PDP Points for Symposium
for Educators
An exciting professional development opportunity, a one-day symposium – Race Relations and the Arts
– will be presented by Norfolk State University and the Virginia Arts Festival on Saturday, April 12,
from 8:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Attucks Theatre in Norfolk. The symposium focuses on Alan Paton’s
1949 award-winning novel, Cry, the Beloved Country, and the Paton-inspired musical drama Lost in the
Stars by Kurt Weill and Maxwell Anderson. “Speakers will address the importance of Paton’s work in
today’s South Africa and how best to teach this global classic, plus its stage and film adaptations in a
contemporary American classroom.” Registration and materials are free. Lunch (by Carrabba’s) is $10.
Race Relations and the Arts has been pre-approved as a non-division sponsored activity for music
educators and is available as an alternative request option for other disciplines. Attendees can garner
five PDPI hours. To reserve your space, please call 282-2816 or e-mail [email protected].
Kaleidoscope March/April 2008
vbschools.com | your link to Hampton Roads’ largest school system
11
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Tagged by the Superintendent
One employee at every school is selected for this
honor each semester. The award is given based on
the employee's dedication and service to the field
of education and to the students of Virginia Beach
City Public Schools.
Larry Bowman, physical education teacher
and Girl’s basketball coach, First Colonial
High School
Marti Crutcher, fourth-grade teacher,
Green Run Elementary School
Vanessa Hailey, reading specialist,
Landstown Middle School
Jackie Hassell, sixth-grade math teacher,
Salem Middle School
Michelle Hazuda, first-grade teacher,
Seatack Elementary School
Lileous Holloway, school improvement
specialist, Independence Middle School
Mary McCauley, cafeteria manager, Malibu
Elementary School
Betsy Prince, guidance counselor,
Christopher Farms Elementary School
Gladys Puckett, library assistant, Corporate
Landing Elementary School
Crystal Ricks, sixth-grade MYP science teacher,
Plaza Middle School
Jeannette Stokes, second-grade special education
teacher, New Castle Elementary School
Christina Troxell, computer resource specialist,
Parkway Elementary School
I MAKE A DIFFERENCE
The “I Make A Difference” award is given to
an employee of the school to recognize his or her
accomplishments and contributions to the educational process and to the students. Employees are
nominated by a fellow employee for the award.
Brandon Middle School
Ira Banks, head security assistant
Brookwood Elementary School
Jill Blake, media specialist
Diane Hernandez, library assistant
Laura Ilvento, fourth-grade teacher
Mary Oesterreich, fourth-grade teacher
Jennifer Watson, third-grade teacher
Vickie Wiggs, third-grade teacher
Christopher Farms Elementary School
Stacy Beebe, third-grade Spanish
Immersion Academy teacher
Mandy Dodson, assistant
Marie Grindle, fourth-grade teacher
Phil Hull, computer resource teacher
Emma Jeter, fourth-grade teacher
Melissa Laguitan, third-grade teacher
Mercyd McBee, head custodian
Karen Millman, special education teacher
Wende Phillips, administrative associate
Jill Teetor, school nurse
College Park Elementary School
Debbie Rubin, Title I math teacher
Corporate Landing Elementary School
Susan Byrom, first-grade teacher
Robin Herndon, second-grade teacher
Amy Jordan, office associate
Kelly Teach, teacher assistant, special education
John B. Dey Elementary School
Heather Quinn, fourth-grade teacher
Donna Steward, second-grade teacher
Fairfield Elementary School
Barbara Allen, custodian
Alvin Ashburn, custodian
Betty Blake, office associate
Kim Johnson, data technician
Julie Peperak, gifted resource specialist
Kathy Thomas, custodian
Barbara Worrell, custodian
First Colonial High School
Matt Delaney, assistant principal
Glenwood Elementary School
Mary Acree, kindergarten teacher
Rebecca Benedict-Miller, special education
teacher
Shelia Bowen, kindergarten teacher
Elaine Domalewski, preschool assistant
John Fritz, music teacher
Betsy Hess, preschool teacher
Joy Lepere, preschool teacher
MaryPat Logsdon, preschool teacher
Lisa Lowrie, preschool teacher
Peggy Muse, music teacher
Kelly Paitsel, kindergarten teacher
Debra Smith, security assistant
Angie Sullivan, kindergarten teacher
Julie White, third-grade teacher
Pepi Vermeulen, office associate
Green Run Elementary School
Sandy Clutter, attendance office associate
Howie Conger, physical education teacher
Henry O’Neill, guidance counselor
Norma Owens, general assistant
Keith Snowden, security assistant
Jacqui Stanford, special education teacher
Kellam High School
Bowen Beacham, guidance counselor
Kathleen Boyd, guidance counselor
Monte Bryant, guidance counselor
Cathy Delaney, guidance counselor
Amanda Hansen, guidance director
Victoria Lang, guidance counselor
Kemps Landing Magnet School
William Brown, school improvement specialist
Jayne Luna, guidance office associate
Stacey Martinson, guidance counselor
Francis Thompson, head guidance counselor
Kempsville High School
Betty Barmes, special education teacher
John Baumgardner, computer resource
specialist
Linda Cohen, English teacher
Scott Kayser, math teacher
Meri Smith, English teacher
Tim Wolf, special education teacher
Kempsville Meadows Elementary School
Cheryl Beardsley, art teacher
Sharon Cronin, library media assistant
Amanda Dawson, fifth-grade teacher
Donna Faison, guidance counselor
Ronnie Ferebee, data specialist
Kate Hunter, school nurse
Mouna Jinna, custodian
Bonnie Klucz, physical education teacher
Nancy Larmore, second-grade teacher
Jane Master, general assistant
Deanna Moretz, library media specialist
Monique Santos, kindergarten teacher
Karen Slagle, first-grade teacher
Renee Spratling, security assistant
Landstown Middle School
Carole Hoes Anthony, sixth-grade English
teacher
Allen Bostian, physical education teacher
Les Elliott, head custodian
Ashley Godfrey, special education teacher
Karen Mayo, sixth-grade math teacher
Elizabeth Rapier, teacher assistant
Deb Wilder, data technician
Larkspur Middle School
Sue Borkoski, sixth-grade math teacher
Angela Boyd, guidance counselor
Olivia Coronato, sixth-grade social studies
teacher
Mary Ann Davis, algebra readiness instructor
Mark Meador, seventh-grade math teacher
Diane Morgan, sixth-grade social studies
teacher
Carlos Parker, security assistant and basketball
and track coach
Amanda Peterson, social studies teacher
Trenace Riggs, sixth-grade social studies
teacher
Jackie Wilson, math teacher
Ocean Lakes Elementary School
Stephanie Austin, special education teacher
Rachel Burkett, cafeteria assistant
Danielle Craven, special education teacher
Dorine Doughty, cafeteria assistant
Wanda Henderson, school secretary
Gracie Morris, cafeteria assistant
Denise Mowry, special education teacher
assistant
Sandy Trimback, cafeteria assistant
Bernadette White, cafeteria manager
Old Donation Center
Renee Doheny, third-grade teacher
Sunny Erwin, school office associate
Camille Grabb, reading specialist
Debbie Mangosing, general assistant
Jane McClellan, guidance counselor
Genal West, physical education assistant
Plaza Middle School
Kim Baker, seventh-grade English teacher
and department chair
Chadney Cross, custodian
Angela Dear, English teacher
Carolyn Griffin, custodian
Robert Holloway, custodian
Cindy Kube, science teacher
Princess Anne Elementary School
Margarita Jasinskas, cafeteria assistant
Johnnie Ransom, head night custodian
Diane Swan, cafeteria manager
Victor Venice, custodian
Winnie Backman, security assistant
Beverly Berman, first-grade teacher
Melissa Bruckner, special education teacher
Nancy Howard, special education assistant
Staci Neuman, kindergarten assistant
Cara Wehman, special education assistant
Kaleidoscope March/April 2008
Princess Anne Middle School
Wendy Bunn, physical education teacher
Red Mill Elementary School
Ann Hobbs, second-grade teacher
Karen Scott, second-grade teacher
Janice Williams, head night custodian
Salem High School
Diane Anderson, math department chair
Stuart Callahan, social studies teacher
Virginia Gnadt, social studies teacher
Ken Holmes, math teacher
Charles Johnson, social studies teacher
Barrie Mitchell, guidance counselor
Daisy Natalio, special education teacher
Cheryl Staat, data technician
Barbara Whaley, computer resource specialist
Salem Middle School
Linda Barilla, attendance secretary
Dana Cho, eighth-grade English teacher
Cynthia Eblacas, custodian
Laura Johnson, eighth-grade English teacher
Jo Marie Larkin, band director
Becky Owen, art teacher
Jim Palmiere, eighth-grade civics teacher
Katie Warnock, health and physical education
teacher
Strawbridge Elementary School
Ruth Angoluan, cafeteria staff
Amiele Barakey, physical education assistant
Karen Barry, second-grade teacher
Steve Gallop, custodian
Romeo Genota, custodian
Heidi Greenly, kindergarten assistant
Diane Jakubek, physical education assistant
Ginger Jones, second-grade teacher
Mike Kinzel, physical education teacher
Ann-Marie Laden, school nurse
Sally McDaniels, cafeteria staff
Pennie McGanty, second-grade teacher
Kerri McNaughton, art teacher
Heidi Mundy, second-grade teacher
Amber Phillips, second-grade teacher
Barbara Reger, cafeteria staff
Beth Runzo, physical education assistant
Kay Sidmore, cafeteria staff
Debbie Sirois, cafeteria staff
Alison Shope, first-grade teacher
Colleen Spirelis, first-grade teacher
Kay Taylor, physical education assistant
Kelly Thomas, kindergarten teacher
Mary Lou Urquhart, school nurse
Dinah Viner, physical education assistant
Amy Wise, PALS teacher
Thalia Elementary School
April Brewer, special education assistant
Stephanie Clifford, third-grade teacher assistant
Paula Euerle, third-grade teacher
Ryan Foster, fifth-grade teacher
Heather Piccoli, art teacher
Jeannette Reynolds, third-grade teacher
Linda Southerland, special education teacher
Three Oaks Elementary School
LaTonya Clark, custodian
Dave Connery, fifth-grade teacher
Sandy Dickerson, teacher assistant
Ed Gibbs, fifth-grade teacher
Bobbi Hite, fifth-grade teacher
Patty Roberts, teacher assistant
Patti Taylor, special education teacher
Kelli Whalen, fifth-grade teacher
Lori Wharton, teacher assistant
Carolyn Williams, fifth-grade teacher
Virginia Beach Central Academy
Jane Evans, teacher assistant
Damarie Lopez-Troche, technology teacher
Jacqueline McPherson, office associate
Maria Washington, guidance office associate
Windsor Oaks Elementary School
Debra Anderson, cafeteria assistant
Connie Carlock, kindergarten assistant
Bonnie Conway, kindergarten assistant
Sharon Dick, cafeteria manager
Marianne Haffey, kindergarten teacher
Terina Haldiman, kindergarten assistant
Ann Hurd, assistant principal
Mary Lou Kantirakis, office manager
Michael Maloney, principal
Norene Skiles, library media specialist
Who’s Who Among
America’s Teachers
Congratulations to the following outstanding
teachers who have recently been selected for
inclusion in Who’s Who Among American
Teachers. In order to be selected for this honor,
a teacher must be nominated by a student who
has been selected for inclusion in Who’s Who
Among American High School Students®,
Who’s Who Among American High School
Students-Sports Edition and students honored
in The National Dean’s List®. Selected students
have the opportunity to honor those teachers
who have contributed to their lives and their
futures. High school or college students who
have been cited for academic excellence
themselves are invited to nominate one teacher
from their entire academic experience.
Katie Knapp, computer resource specialist
at Windsor Oaks Elementary School,
was recently honored in the 2007-08 edition
of Who’s Who Among American Teachers
& Educators.
School and Office Awards
and Honors
Congratulations to Old Donation Center’s
Stock Market team of fourth graders who
placed first out of 135 teams competing in
this region and third in the state. The students
started with $100,000 to invest over a ten-week
period. They also had an additional $100,000
they could borrow and invest. Their winning
stock was First Solar (FSLR). The purpose
of the Stock Market program is to teach and
reinforce critical thinking, decision making,
cooperation and communication, independent
research and the concept of saving and investing.
Congratulations to Princess Anne Elementary
School on raising $10,800 at the school’s
Founder’s Night Dinner. The event was
spearheaded by PTA Volunteer and
Chairwoman Janine Sarach. The money
will benefit the school’s Scholarship Fund.
Brandon Middle School’s “Chargers for
Change” Club is proud to announce it recently
held a faculty-student team basketball game
played before a packed house of 700 spectators.
The event generated $1023 which will be
donated towards the education of children
in Uganda. Special kudos to the brave and
fearless faculty basketball teams that
participated! And congratulations as well
to the eighth-grade team members who
learned first-hand that they can make a
difference as they strive to become world
citizens. Congratulations also to student
activities coordinator Patrick Mackey and
club sponsors social studies teacher Joyce
McCracken, English teacher DeTonya
Parham, and algebra teacher Heather
Bender who assisted students in staging
the event. Gifted resource teacher Carolyn
Stamm is the sponsor of the club.
Congratulations to Landstown High School
staff and faculty for joining thousands of men,
women, companies, organizations, and cities
across America in their support of National
Wear Red Day on Friday, February 1, 2008.
The day celebrates the American Heart
Association's ongoing research and education
about women and heart disease. Landstown
High School’s school nurse Carol Bluestein
spearheaded the event!
Congratulations to Lynnhaven Middle School
on receiving a $1000 grant from the Virginia
Commission for the Arts and the National
Foundation for the Humanities. The grant
will fund a collection of beautifully laminated
poster prints depicting some of America’s
greatest works of art, including paintings,
sculpture, architecture, and crafts. The
posters are designed to enhance teaching,
bringing some of America’s greatest works
of art into the classrooms. Grant committee
members include art teacher Robyn Johnson
and library media specialists Janice Jester
and Carol Hodges.
Landstown Middle School donated $162
to the Princess Anne Court House Volunteer
Rescue Squad. These funds were raised
during the Silent Auction at the Holiday
Faculty Breakfast.
Congratulations to Red Mill Elementary
School on the success of its “Reading for
Others” read-a-thon. Thanks to the generosity
of the students and their families, $6,500
in donations was raised in support of cancer
awareness through the “A Dolphin’s Promise”
project and the ZIMs Foundation (Zimmerman
for Multiple Sclerosis).
First Colonial High School raised $2,276
for the American Cancer Society in honor
of faculty members stricken by the disease.
Ocean Lakes High School, Tallwood High
School, and the First Colonial High School
Booster Club also contributed. This amount
far exceeds the goal of $1,000 originally set.
Congratulations to Brandon Middle School
on being selected the Middle School of the
Month for February by WHRO.
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The Bayside Middle School SCA has donated
$200 to the American Cancer Society’s Relay
for Life. Students raised the money by charging
$1 for students and staff to have the privilege
of wearing a hat in school for a day.
Centerville Elementary’s SCA sold over
600 candygrams in their Valentine’s Day
project, “Showing Someone You Care While
Giving the Gift of Learning.” The money
raised was donated to the Virginia Beach
Reading Council to support literacy worldwide
through the Center for Children’s Happiness,
an orphanage in Cambodia. The funds will
be used in building a library and stocking
a bookmobile.
Congratulations to Landstown Middle School’s
CHROME Club on taking first place in the
middle school category of the Egg Drop,
one of the many design contests sponsored
by Old Dominion University during its
Engineering Open House on February 16.
Club sponsors are guidance counselor
Rose Johnson and reading specialist
Vanessa Hailey.
The partnership between Windsor Oaks
Elementary School and the U.S. Navy Fleet
Readiness Center Midlant Site Oceana has been
recognized as a 2007-2008 Model Partnership
by the Virginia Beach City Public Schools
Partnership Advisory Link. The partnership
provides a mentoring program for students
throughout the school.
Salem High School’s DECA Chapter sponsored
a schoolwide community service project for
The Leukemia Society’s Pasta for Pennies
fundraiser. The school collected $1,300 and
Tom Clouser’s world history class earned a
free Olive Garden lunch by raising the most
money. Marketing teacher Kimberly B. Manoso,
marketing teacher and department chair
Ruth Adams, and marketing teacher
Hope Costanza serve as DECA sponsors.
Vox Harmonia, the advanced choir of the
Visual and Performing Arts Academy at
Salem High School, earned unanimous
“Superior” (1) ratings at the Virginia Music
Educators Association District 2 Choral Festival,
held at Ocean Lakes High School on Saturday,
March 15. The choir sang the Robert Shaw/
Alice Parker arrangement of the spiritual
“John Saw Duh Numbuh,” and Charles Ives’
polytonal composition “67th Psalm.” Both
selections are considered Grade VI literature,
the most challenging level of adjudicated
music. The choral director at the Visual and
Performing Arts Academy is Don Krudop.
Individual Awards and
Recognition
Trantwood Elementary would like to
congratulate the winners of the Distinguished
Educators Award for 2007-2008, Beth Bianchi,
special education teacher, and Janet Roewer,
reading resource teacher.
Congratulations to Cox High School’s
distinguished educators for 2008-2009,
English teacher Deb Erskine; science teacher
Joe Gentry; mathematics teacher Elizabeth
Pugaliese; and library/media specialist Judy Rea.
Congratulations to Princess Anne High
School English teacher Betty Hunt who
was recently recognized as Teacher of the
Month for December.
In a VBCPS survey of trash recycling
completed recently, Princess Anne High
School recycled the most trash last year
with 29,211 tons. Congratulations on a
great “green” effort!
Congratulations to Princess Anne High
School’s "For the Love of It" award-winners:
Gina Faison for her enthusiastic embrace of
teaching IB Biology; Carrie Gantt for teaching
next year’s pilot class of teachers for tomorrow;
Eileen Ouelette for her tireless efforts with
yearbook and volunteerism; Jairo Padilla
for his awesome social chairman efforts;
and Beth Thomas on doing a great job as a
permanent substitute teacher.
Congratulations to Virginia Beach Central
Academy English teacher Carly Monahan on
receiving a Virginia Commission for the Arts
Teacher Incentive Grant for this school year.
Congratulations to Ray Devera and Malou
Fontelera who were recently recognized as
Salem Middle School's environmental engineers
for the months of December and January.
Landstown High School has selected Academy
Magnet English 10 instructor Amos Fodchuk
as a 2008 Distinguished Teacher of the Year.
Jennifer Krzewinski, Kemps Landing sixthgrade science teacher, received a grant from
the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund Advisory
Committee for $10,735. The grant goes towards
the Tiger Team Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s
three-day/two-night trip to the Chesapeake Bay
slated for June.
Congratulations to the Kempsville High
School Teacher of the Month for January,
Adam Schultz, an extraordinary art teacher
and soccer coach.
Debbie Balsiger, commercial foods teacher
at Virginia Beach Central Academy, has been
inducted into the Golden Key, an academic
honor society.
Landstown Middle School would like to
congratulate reading resource teacher Vanessa
Hailey on being a 2007 Honoree for the
Apple for the Teacher Award.
Psychology teachers Betsy Fuqua from
Princess Anne High School and Sue Faulkner
from Salem High School presented a session –
“You Can Teach an Old Psychology Teacher New
Tricks” – at the National Council of the Social
Studies Annual Conference in San Diego, CA.
Landstown High School dual enrollment
English instructor Roberta Riddick won the
Apple for the Teacher Award for her outstanding
contributions to the field of education.
Congratulations to Landstown High School
chorus director Martha Springstead and
Ocean Lakes High School chorus director
William Boardman on having 21 students
and 22 students, respectively, selected for the
All-district Chorus. Approximately 1,500
students auditioned for the honor.
Green Run Elementary School extended day
kindergarten assistant Denise Knox was named
"Staff Member of the Quarter" by the Green Run
Homes Association.
Cathy Whittecar, fifth-grade teacher at
Centerville Elementary, was a guest expert
on test-taking and the SOL tests for a
WAVY TV KidTalk episode.
Congratulations to the Cox High School
World Quest team on being selected to
represent the region in the national competition
in April. The team is coached by government
teacher Virginia James who is also the
yearbook adviser.
Congratulations to the Kempsville High
School Teacher of the Month for December,
Barry Graham.
Ocean Lakes High School English teachers
Lori C. Molodow and Nicole Morgenthaw
recently presented at the National Council of
Teachers of English Conference in New York
City. Their presentation, "Dolphins Go Digital,"
mapped the progression and digital migration
of the senior writing portfolio which employs
collection, selection, and reflection with
an overarching metaphor. Their goal is to
assist students to become competitive in a
multi-modal world.
Congratulations to Cox High School Latin
teacher Lorraine Bennett. Eight of her Latin
students captured 25 awards at the recent
Latin Day held at Christopher Newport College
in January.
Thoroughgood Elementary fifth-grade teacher
Lori Rose was chosen to be one of 10 teachers
in the Lynnhaven River watershed to participate
with her students in growing spartina alterniflora
in the classroom and transplanting the grass
plugs in a wetland restoration area in the spring.
Students will research reasons why this type
of grass is important to our wetlands’ survival.
They will be assisted by two first-grade classes
in the project as well.
Sandra Baker’s sixth-grade class at Brandon
Middle School collected over 1,300 cans of
food for the Food Bank.
Kim Manoso, Salem High School marketing teacher, was a presenter at the National
Association for Career and Technical Education
Conference in December.
Mitzy Cromwell, media specialist at
Plaza Middle School, has been invited
into the Golden Key International
Honor Society.
Congratulations to several VBCPS teachers
on winning awards in the Virginia Council
on Economic Education 2007 Economic
Educator awards program. First Colonial
High School social studies teacher Matthew
Wallace won first place for the category,
Lesson 6-12, based on his entry, Monetary
Policy: Increasing/Decreasing the Money Supply.
Independence Middle School social studies
teacher James Young was awarded second place
in the category of Lesson 6-12 for his entry,
International Trade and Virginia’s Global Economy.
Pembroke Meadows Elementary second- and
third-grade teacher Lauren Colla won second
place for the category, Lesson K-5, for her entry,
When You’re in Need.
Congratulations to Officer Betty Green,
Plaza Middle School's resource officer,
who was recently honored at the Crime Solvers
dinner as Resource Officer of the Year.
Ocean Lakes High School art teacher,
Cindy Copperthite has been selected by the
College Board's Advanced Placement Program
and Educational Testing Services to serve as a
reader at the College Board's 2008 Advanced
Placement Reading in Art History.
Windsor Oaks Elementary School received a
$2,000 Teach Award from Best Buy, Co., Inc.,
for incorporating interactive technology into its
curriculum. Best Buy Teach Awards of $2,000
were given to 1,300 schools to sustain or enhance
existing educational programs. Katie Knapp,
computer resource specialist at Windsor Oaks,
submitted a writing project entitled Publish It!
in which fifth-grade students publish a book of
original writing samples composed throughout
the school year. This $2,000 award will be used
to enhance the project by adding student-created
digital photography to the book.
The Salem High School Teacher of the Month
for January is math teacher Mary Harrison.
Congratulations to Princess Anne High School
French teacher Michele Christenson on being
named Teacher of the Month for January.
Congratulations to math teacher and SCA
adviser Lori Burwell, band director Leah
Greber, English teacher Adrian Hayes, and
English teacher and department chairperson
Nicole Morgenthau on being honored as
Ocean Lakes High School Distinguished
Teachers.
Congratulations to Elise Williams, fourth-grade
teacher at Bettie F. Williams Elementary, on
being selected as the Distinguished Educator of
the Year! Her hard work and dedication to the
profession made her an excellent candidate for
this award.
Salem High School marketing teacher
Ruth Adams passed the National Retail
Federation Sales and Service Certification
test and is now a certified Customer Service
Professional.
Theresa Meenan, Salem High School special
education teacher, was selected as the Teacher
of the Month for December for all of her
continuous dedication to Salem High School.
Tonia Waters, Plaza Middle School special
education teacher and Pep Club sponsor, was
named Teacher of the Month.
Afek Taragan, MYP math teacher and yearbook
sponsor, has been selected as Plaza Middle
School's Teacher of the Month.
Congratulations to Rosemont Forest
Elementary School teacher assistants
of the month:
September 2007 – Denise Swartzwelde,
who works with special education teacher
Mary Telinde;
October 2007 – Lita Gedro, who works with
Karen Bridges in second- and third-grade
special education classes;
November 2007 – Denise Dallatore, who
has been at Rosemont Forest for 20 years
and has held various positions. Presently
she is the school’s security assistant.
December 2007 – Laura Schnuit, who has
been at Rosemont Forest for 12 years and
has held various positions. Presently she
is a kindergarten assistant working with
kindergarten teacher Donna Dinwiddie.
Congratulations to Charlene Guiliani on being
chosen Pembroke Elementary School's Teacher
Assistant of the Year for 2008.
Congratulations to Marie Wanersten, Salem
Middle School's bookkeeper, who was recently
recognized by the Chairman of the School
Board for excellence in financial performance,
specifically, for a perfect audit for the 2006-07
school year. This accomplishment is achieved
by less than a handful of bookkeepers each year.
Degrees/Certifications
Conferred
Crystal Ricks and Tom Quinn, International
Baccalaureate Middle Years Program teachers at Plaza Middle School, have completed
all requirements for the degree of Master of
Education in Educational Leadership and Policy
Studies from Virginia Tech.
Kenny Boulier, seventh-grade math teacher
at Plaza Middle School, completed all
requirements for the degree of Master
of Education in Educational Leadership
from The George Washington University.
Lisa Novotny, nursing instructor at the
Technical and Career Education Center,
has earned her Master's in Nursing from
Old Dominion University. Her major
concentration is Family Nurse Practitioner.
Lynnhaven Elementary School would like
to congratulate Meg Mirabito, computer
resource specialist, and Brooke Rogers, firstgrade teacher, on the completion of their
NETS*T Certification. They have attained
their National Educational Technology
Standards for Teachers certificate through
James Madison University's partnership
with the Microsoft Corporation.
Jane Dearborn, marketing teacher at
Virginia Beach Central Academy, has
passed the National Retail Federation Sales
and Service Certification test. This is a
direct benefit to her students since they
will now be eligible to sit for both exams
for verified credits.
Linda Lavender, Advanced Technology
Center Computer Network Administration
instructor earned her MCSA (Microsoft
Certified System Administrator) credential
March 5, 2008. To achieve this level of
certification, Lavender sat for and passed
the Microsoft Server, XP Professional, and
Infrastructure exams. In addition, she also
passed the Computing Technology Industry
Association (CompTIA) A+ and Network+
certification tests.
The mission of the Virginia Beach City Public Schools, in partnership with our entire community, is to ensure that each student is empowered with the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the challenges of the future.
Notice of Non-Discrimination Policy All members of the Virginia Beach Public School community are reminded that the School Board of the City of Virginia Beach and all Virginia Beach City Public Schools prohibit discrimination on the basis of race,
color, religion, sex, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy and childbirth, or marital status. School Board policies and supporting regulation (Policies 2-33, 4-4, 5-7, and 6-7 and Regulation 5-44.1) provide equal access to courses, programs,
counseling services, physical education and athletics, vocational education, instructional materials, and extracurricular activities.
To seek resolution of grievances resulting from alleged discrimination or to report violations of these policies, please contact the Title IX Coordinator/Director of Student Activities at 263-2020 (for students) or the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources
at 263-1133 (for employees).
James G. Merrill, Ed.D., Superintendent
Kathy O’Hara, apr, Assistant Superintendent Media and Communications Development
Section 504 Should you have any questions concerning the application of Section 504, please direct them to the school division’s Section 504 Coordinator,
the Director of the Office of Programs for Exceptional Children at: Laskin Road Annex, 1413 Laskin Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23451, (757) 263-2400
Bonnie Fischer, Editor
Georgia Liguid-Miller, Graphic Designer
No part of this publication may be produced or shared in any form without giving specific credit to Virginia Beach City Public Schools.
Sandi Maxwell, Production Assistant