February 9, 2010

What's New

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2/08/10 > Hopewell Schools will operate on a normal schedule Monday February 8th.
Hopewell Schools will operate on a normal schedule Monday February 8th.
2/08/10 > Calendar Change
February 15, Presidents Day will be a normal school day, this is a change from the original calendar.
2/05/10 > Schools will be closed February 5th, 12th month personnel are to report on time.
*Hopewell Schools will be closed February 5th, 12th month personnel are to report on time.*
2/03/10 > Schools are closed due to inclement weather. Twelve month personnel are to report at 10:00.
*Hopewell Schools will be closed February 3rd. Twelve month personnel are to report at 10:00.*
2/02/10 > Schools are closed due to inclement weather. Twelve month personnel are to report at 10:00.
*Hopewell Schools will be closed Tuesday, February 2nd. Twelve month personnel are to report at 10:00.*
2/01/10 > Schools and Administrative offices are closed due to inclement weather.
Schools and Administrative offices are closed due to inclement weather. Only essential personnel are to report.
11/08/09 > H1N1 Letter goes home to parents
11/05/09 > H1N1 Information release by VDOE

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) has produced two videos to help prevent the transmission of H1N1 influenza (also known as "swine flu") and seasonal influenza. http://www.doe.virginia.gov/support/health_medical/influenza/index.shtml

5/13/08 > Kindergarten Registration

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION
All children who will be entering kindergarten in September must be registered before they can enroll in school. Registration is for all children who will become 5 years old by September 30, 2008.
Registration begins June 2nd. Visit your child's school anytime between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Registration will continue during the summer months. Extended Hours Registration Wednesday, June 4, 2008 9:00 A.M. TO 6:00 P.M. at Each Elementary School Contact your child's school for further information. Please bring your child with you when you come for registration.

5/13/08 > CGW Teacher’s Receive Grant Opportunities in 2008-2009
CGW Teacher’s Receive Grant Opportunities in 2008-2009


Three Carter G. Woodson teachers are the recipients of grant opportunities for the 2008-2009 school year.

Cindy Bridges, Instructional Technology Resource Teacher, is the recipient of one of the Hopewell Public Schools Foundation Teacher Instructional Grant. Mrs.Bridges’s pod casting project, “Be Powerful, Be Heard” is designed to have students critically analyze messages, use media to engage in civic dialogue, and become media message producers. Students will apply what they learn by producing a 30-60 second Public Service Announcement video on how the media can be used to encourage citizens to be positive and proactive in our community.

Sixth grade teachers, Elaine Moore and Betsy Wickline, are the recipients of the Virginia Department of Education and VCU/TTAC grant to “Flip That Classroom”. “Flip That Classroom” is a project based on redesigning a classroom to utilize research based strategies to increase student achievement. . Mrs. Moore and Mrs. Wickline share a collaborative classroom and will work with the VCU/TTAC staff to complete their classroom make over this summer. The VCU/TTAC staff selected one elementary, middle, and high school classroom to receive the make over from a variety of school division.

“As a staff, we look forward to watching both of these projects unfold and their impact on student achievement. I am extremely proud of the efforts of all staff members at Carter G. Woodson Middle School and their continual effort to provide innovative learning opportunities for the students,” stated principal, Cheryl Webb.
5/13/08 > Enrichment Summer School 2008
Enrichment Summer School 2008
Funded by the 21st Century Learning Communities Grant

This summer there is a limited selection of classes being offered for students in good academic standing in grades 3, 4 and 5. *Pass SOL tests

Where: Dupont Elementary School
Session I - July 14-17, 2008, 8:30-1:00 MTWTh
Session II - July 21-24, 2008 8:30-1:00 MTWTh
(Includes breakfast and lunch)

This summer there is a limited selection of classes being offered for students in good academic standing in grades 6-8. *Pass SOL tests

Where: Carter G. Woodson Middle School
Session I - July 7-17, 2008, 7:30-12:30 MTWTh,
Session II - July 21-31, 2008 7:30-12:30 MTWTh,
No Fridays (includes snack)

For further information call Marilyn S. Brown
Supervisor of Language Arts and Gifted
541-6400
4/02/08 > JUMPING FOR JOY AT DUPONT
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JUMPING FOR JOY AT DUPONT

During the week of March 17, Dupont Elementary School students participated in their annual Jump Rope for Heart program. About 350 children signed up to be in the program this year. This event is orchestrated by the Dupont P.E. teachers, Ms. JoAnn Tucker and Mr. Mike Crosby. Students line up sponsors for donations to the American Heart Association. Resource teachers and parent volunteers help monitor the children as they jump.

This year, Dupont students raised a record amount for the American Heart Association -- $13,362. We’re jumping for joy over our students’ willingness to raise money for such a worthy cause as they work on developing those wonderful habits of good fitness!
4/01/08 > SOL Non-Writing Assessments
SOL Non-Writing Assessments

The Standards of Learning (SOL) non-writing assessments are given to students in grades 3 through 8 and those in designated high school courses every spring.
The SOL tests are mandated by the state through the Virginia Board of Education. SOL scores at the elementary and middle schools are used as part of the decision-making process for promotion or retention. At the Secondary level, passing SOL tests is part of the requirement for graduation with a Standard or Advanced Studies Diploma.

High school students take their tests first. Their schedule begins April 28, 2008 and concludes on May 9. All students currently enrolled in the following classes will be tested: English 11 (Reading), Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, World History I, World History II, United States History, Earth Science, Biology, and Chemistry. Middle school students enrolled in Algebra I or Geometry will be assessed during the week of April 28.

Elementary and middle school students will test May 5 through May 16. Students in grades 3, 5, and 8 will be assessed in reading, mathematics, science and history. Those in grades 4, 6, and 7 are assessed in reading and math.
4/01/08 > Patrick Copeland Elementary School’s Annual Science Fair
On Tuesday, March 18, 10 members of the Hopewell Optimist Club judged the 251 projects entered in the Patrick Copeland Elementary School’s annual science fair. Each participant had to explain and answer questions about the procedures and conclusions. Lead Science Teacher for the school, Laura Audino, organized the entry and judging process. She expressed her appreciation to the Optimist Club for supporting the science fair by purchasing awards for the students, in addition to providing the judges. The PTO also provides assistance to the staff and students by making sure that back boards are available at no cost.
3/05/08 > STEPPING OUT
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STEPPING OUT

What has 90 legs and walks an average of 225 miles per day? The Walk Across America team at Dupont Elementary School!

Forty-five staff members at Dupont have taken on the challenge of pushing a running shoe marker across a huge map of the United States, coast to coast and back. Pedometers calculate steps every waking moment, and the steps are recorded every time 50,000 is reached. Each 50,000 steps translates to a tiny half-inch foot added to the personal chain of the staff member who reaches the milestone. All steps from staff are added, converted to miles, and the schoolwide total pushes the running shoe across the U.S. As the Dupont team walks, the personal chains fill up with foot tokens and the running shoe marker slides across the U.S. map.

In the Walk Across America program at Dupont everybody wins! The staff moves toward being more physically fit. The students witness wonderful models as they watch the adults get enthusiastic about fitness. The entire school enjoys the benefits of an emphasis on a healthy lifestyle.

Mike Crosby, one of Dupont’s P.E. teachers, modeled the school’s program after one he learned about at a state fitness conference. “The American heart Association recommends that we walk 10,000 steps a day. The Dupont Staff Steppers are walking for a stronger heart by setting a goal of 10,000 a day,” Mr. Crosby stated.
3/05/08 > NASA-VCU FIRST Competition
NASA-VCU FIRST Competition
Starts
Thursday, March 6-8, 2008 at Virginia Commonwealth University


There is a strange creature at Hopewell High School lurking in one of its mobile units. It is the creation of the robotics team. Twelve students have been working to create a robot that can stand the challenge of completing various tasks as assigned in each round of the competition. The robot, Blue Devil Automation, created by the robotics team has already been shipped to its designation. Now, the time has come to see if Blue Devil Automation can compete for points based on speed and ability to accomplish tasks. Hopewell’s Blue Devil Automation will be competing with at least 60 other robots. The team had to plan; design and problem solve to make sure that the robot was functioning. Programming to understand the task, collaborating to make decisions, listening to ideas and designing the features were critical elements in building Blue Devil Automation. The goal is to work with each robot in the competition not against the other robots in order to complete each task. This experience reveals what engineers really do and how they work with other design teams to get the jobs accomplished.
The big day has arrived. The contest is scheduled for Thursday through Saturday, (March 6-8, 2008) at VCU’s Siegel Center, 1200 West Broad Street in Richmond on VCU campus. It is FREE and open to the public. It is being brought to us by For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology or FIRST. In 1989, Segway inventor Dean Kamen wanted to inspire students to pursue science, engineering and technology careers. Mr. Alex Salas and Mr. Ron McGarrity are waiting to exhale when the marvelous team from Hopewell High School will show what Blue Devil Automation can really do and bring home the gold. This team is making history for the school division because this is the first team to represent Hopewell in such a competition. The entire school division will be cheering for Blue Devil Automation this weekend. Hopewell Public School is extremely proud of the efforts of this team. Join us in supporting this awesome team who we consider winners from day one.

Refer to http://www.virginiafirst.org website for driving directions and parking, public and team agendas, and team list.

Read "Before You Go"? http://www.usfirst.org/community/frc/content.aspx?id=8480

Site info is posted on FIRST website: http://www.usfirst.org/uploadedfiles/community/frc/events/2008/2008_VA_SiteInfo.pdf

Judging hints: http://www.firstnemo.org/PDF/NEMO-judging_hints_at_the_regional.pdf

Friends and family at home can follow the match result: http://www2.usfirst.org/2008comp/Events/VA/matchresults.html
see photos of the competition: http://www.virginiafirst.org/FRC/photos.shtml
or watch the webcast: http://robotics.nasa.gov/events/2008_frcwebcasts.php#webcasts
3/04/08 > Patrick Copeland Reading Teachers Involving Families in Reading
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Patrick Copeland Reading Teachers Involving Families in Reading


Lead by Angel Allen, the Intervention Team Coordinator at Patrick Copeland Elementary School, the reading teachers have adopted the theme this year: Families that Read Together, Succeed Together. In October at the PTO Family Fun Night, parents and students were invited to read together and have their pictures taken. In November during Family Math Night, parents and students were invited into the math lab to read books together on math topics.

In February, parents of kindergarten students who need a boost from home to make faster progress on the road to literacy were invited to bring their children to school at either 3:45 or 5:30. Parents were given ideas and materials to use with their children while the children prepared their Valentine cards and participated in other activities.
3/04/08 > Tdap Shot Required!
ATTENTION PARENTS OF RISING 6TH GRADERS FOR 2008-09 !!!

Tdap Shot Required!


Dear Parents of Rising Sixth Grade Students:


According to the Code of Virginia, §32.1-46, all 6th grade students are required to have a tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap) booster shot prior to entry into 6th grade, if at least five years have passed since the last shot.

Please review your child’s shot record. This shot may be listed as T, Td, Dtap, and/or Tdap. Call your doctor or local health department if you have questions.

Shots may be obtained from your doctor, military clinics, or the Hopewell Health Department. Shots for school enrollment are free at the Hopewell Health Department by appointment at 458-1297.

You should take documentation of this shot to your child’s elementary school as soon as possible.

YOUR CHILD WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ATTEND CARTER G. WOODSON IN THE FALL 2008 WITHOUT THIS SHOT. PLEASE DO NOT DELAY.

Thank you for your assistance.


Sincerely,




School Nurse





Principal
3/04/08 > Record Attendance at Dupont’s Black History Celebration
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Record Attendance at Dupont’s Black History Celebration

On Tuesday evening, February 12, Dupont students showcased African American contributions to our country in a PTO meeting. With all chairs filled and families standing in the back and spilling over into the lobby, the total attending was estimated to be 475. Many teachers parked elsewhere in the community and carpooled to the school in order to free up space in the parking lot for the Dupont family to meet together. The evening’s event was orchestrated by Ms. Barbie Steed, lead history teacher, and the History Committee at Dupont School.

Under the direction of music teacher Mrs. Julie Gentry, students from each grade level sang such traditional selections as Free at Last, Follow the Drinking Gourd, and Lift Every Voice and Sing. Students in Dupont’s Recorder Club joined in with one of the songs, and a student-choreographed “Freedom” selection was presented by the fourth grade Union Steppers. With upbeat rhythms and animated motions, the children felt and experienced a piece of African American history with enthusiasm and passion.

After the performance, families circulated through the halls of Dupont to enjoy the displays of historic African Americans created by individual classes. Each grade level concentrated on a specific category - such as inventors, musicians, or scientists – with each teacher selecting a specific historic figure to research along with students. Display boards were overflowing with bright pictures, fascinating details, and 3-D objects. Beyond the traditional, the set ups included a PowerPoint presentation and a life-sized model of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. At the end of the PTO meeting all of the display boards were organized on the stage for students to tour through with their class the following day.
3/03/08 > SOL Writing Testing: March 4 and 5, 2008
SOL Writing Testing: March 4 and 5, 2008

The Standards of Learning (SOL) Writing Test will be given to students in grades 5, 8 and 11 on March 4 and 5, 2008. On the first day, students will complete a multiple-choice section. On the second day, the students will be required to write a short essay in response to a given prompt.

The SOL tests are mandated by the state through the Virginia Board of Education. SOL scores at the elementary and middle schools are used as part of the decision-making process for promotion or retention. At the Secondary level, passing the SOL Writing Test is required for graduation with a Standard or Advanced Studies Diploma.
2/29/08 > CTE Newsflash-2
CTE Newsflash-2
(March 2008)


The month of February was Career and Technical Education (CTE) month with a national theme of “Discovering Skills for a Competitive Workforce”. The Hopewell CTE Department in conjunction with other schools in Region I, sponsored several events throughout the month of February to celebrate. On February 7th were the Hopewell High School Annual Eighth Tour of Electives and CTE Open House. Eighth grade students from Carter G. Woodson were bussed to the high school to be taken on a tour of the various CTE and other ninth grade elective classes. The class/program instructors gave a brief overview of their perspective class/program to each group. Students were encouraged to attend the Open House that evening with their parents for a more extensive view of the CTE offerings. For the Open House event the CTE teachers set up displays and handed out informational brochures while they talked to parents and students about specific programs. On February 15th seniors from Hopewell, Prince George, Colonial Heights, Dinwiddie, Charles City, Petersburg, Surry and Rowanty Technical Center were invited to attend a regional career fair funded through a grant from John Tyler Community College (JTCC) PEER Tech Consortium. All participants attended a presentation from the Manufacturing Coalition concerning the newly formed Quick Start Program after which they visited vendors to discuss employment opportunities available in the area. On February 18th, the JTCC PEER and the Region I schools also sponsored a regional staff development for CTE teachers. There were approximately 75 participants who heard four presentations. The luncheon speakers were Mrs. Susan Marshall, PEER Tech Coordinator and Mrs. Elizabeth Creamer, VDOE Director of Secondary Perkins/Tech Prep VCCS.
2/29/08 > SAFETY
SAFETY



We in the Maintenance Department are always concerned about Safety. We try very hard to make sure what we are doing will not be a hazard to ourselves or any one else. Some times that will mean waiting until all the students have left to complete a job; such as loading heavy equipment on a school roof. At times we need to respond immediately to make a dangerous situation safe; for example a broken window or an electrical short.



In addition to the many work orders we complete; here are a few of the safety concerns we have addressed. At Hopewell High School we have installed two new handicapped ramps in the sidewalks for fire drills and bus loading, also additional lighting on the east side of the school. Woodlawn received three new ramps and stairs for their day care trailers. Hand railings where installed at the School Board Office, Dupont, Harry James and Merner Field. The maintenance vans where fitted with new step bumpers and back-up alarms. Carter Woodson had an additional light installed at the front of the building. Dupont has a new camera system and new ramp in the sidewalk at the bus loop. All schools now have outside storage lockers for flammable products.



If you are aware of a safety issue please let me know; my email address is rthomas@hopewell.k12.va.us or you call the School Board Office and ask to speak to me. A work order on the held desk will also bring our attention to the situation.
2/28/08 > Audit Results
Audit results are in!


Hopewell Public Schools has received the 06-07 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. We are pleased to announce that we have received a perfect audit! This is the seventh year in a row that this has been accomplished by the current finance department of the school system. Thanks go out to all of the members of this department for a job well done!
2/25/08 > PRESCHOOLERS CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH
PRESCHOOLERS CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH


Preschool children performed for the monthly Parent Meetings held at Woodlawn Learning Center, Monday February 25, 2008. Children enrolled in Head Start and the VPI preschool programs entertained the parents.

Performances demonstrated the children’s’ knowledge of the accomplishments and contributions of Blacks through out history. Such performances focused on individuals such as Garrett Morgan, Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Jr., Madame C.J.Walker and Stevie Wonder , just to name a few.

A display of a Black History stamp collection was arranged and displayed by Mrs. Brenda Washington, a teacher assistant at Woodlawn.
2/20/08 > City-Wide Spelling Bee
What a dramatic climax to the city-wide spelling bee! The winner, Stephen Wilmot-Doxey, an eighth grader at Carter Woodson Middle School, persevered through seventeen rounds to become the winner of the 2008 Spelling Bee for Hopewell. The winning word was witness. The runner up, Cleo Cole, a fifth grader from Dupont, was eliminated on the word macadamia.
All elementary and middle schools in Hopewell participate in the spelling bee. During the months of December and January, students in each classroom have a spelling bee. The winners on each grade level participate in a school wide spelling bee. The culmination of these events ends at the city-wide spelling bee where there are two representatives from each school.
The Scripts National Spelling Bee is sponsored by The Richmond Times Dispatch. The next step for Stephen is the Richmond Regional Bee at The Library of Virginia on March 1, 2008. Good Luck, Stephen!
2/14/08 > Woodlawn Learning Center Alternative Education Middle School Program
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Hopewell Public Schools
Woodlawn Learning Center
Alternative Education Middle School Program
Teacher: Mrs. K. Coles-Robinson


The students assigned to the Woodlawn Learning Center’s Alternative Education Middle School Program have been studying the major causes and effects of American involvement in World War II by describing major events and turning points on the war in Europe. (Virginia Standards of Learning USII.6b)
This specific area of study was the Holocaust. The Holocaust is an example of prejudice and discrimination taken to the extreme. Areas the students focused on were:
Anti-Semitism
Systematic attempt to rid Europe of all Jews (Genocide)
Imprisonment and killings of Jews and others in concentration/extermination camps
Ghettos
Jewish Resistance





Upon completion of their research the students had to present their work to an audience. In attendance to support our students were, Hopewell Public Schools, Superintendent, Dr. Winston O. Odom,
Building Principal, Mrs. Belinda Piercy, and Alternative Education Coordinator, Mrs. Joyce P. Jones and other students enrolled in the Alternative Program. Thank you for your continued support of our students.







To get acquainted with the topic, the students read the Diary of Anne Frank and got an up close and personal experience by visiting the Virginia Holocaust Museum in Richmond, Virginia.







The staff of Woodlawn Learning Center’s Alternative Education Program strives daily to make this learning experience true and rewarding for ourselves and mostly for the students.

Submitted by,
Mrs. K. Coles-Robinson
2/14/08 > Jacqueline Blick Boone receives the 2008 Distinguished Service Award


 

SchoolCenter Picture

 

In observance of African American History Month, the Hopewell School Board presented Mrs. Jacqueline Blick Boone with the 2008 Distinguished Service Award at the February 12, 2008, School Board meeting. Mrs. Boone's teaching experience includes 35 years with the Hopewell Public Schools, from 1969 - 2004. In 1987 she was voted "The Hopewell Teacher of the Year". She was also the first African American Hopewell Reading Teacher nominated for the Virginia State Reading Association "Virginia Reading Teacher of the Year".

 

2/08/08 > Martin Luther King, Jr. essay contest
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(Hoyle Wang; Ann Mason Bujakowski; Ann Audrey Eliades)

Dupont Teijin Films sponsored a Martin Luther King, Jr. essay contest with the theme, “One Dream, One World, One Community.” The winners for Carter G. Woodson were:
Ann Mason Bujakowski, first place
Ann Audrey Eliades, second place
Hoyle Wang, third place

All three students attended a celebration ceremony on January 19th at John Tyler Community College where they were recognized. The program included musical selections from the Good Shepherd Baptist Church Youth Choir and keynote guest speaker Dr. Rebecca Branch-Griffin.
2/08/08 > African American History Month
African American History Month

Hopewell Public Schools will be participating in the statewide annual African American History Month observance throughout the month of February. The Hopewell School Board and all of Hopewell Schools have developed positive engaging programs to highlight the contributions of local, state, national, and international initiatives and the people of African American culture.

The comprehensive list of programs and activities are listed below:
• February 12, 2008, Hopewell School Board presentation
of the “Distinguished Service Award” at 7:30 p.m., regularly
scheduled School Board meeting.

Hopewell Public Elementary Schools
• There will be musical programs and exhibits. The exhibits will
focus on a person from the category chosen by the history
planner.
• Bulletin Boards will be decorated to reflect African American
History Month.
• African Folktale stories will be read and art activities will be
completed to coincide with the stories.
• Discussions of African American leaders will be held as well as
the students creating booklets of “Famous February Faces”.
• Black History Hall of Fame display will honor Famous African
Americans.

Carter G. Woodson Middle School
• An African American History Program will be held. Students
will portray famous leaders by reciting poems and speeches.

Hopewell High School
• Daily trivia contest over the public address system which
will include African Americans in current events and
non-traditional personalities as well as the traditional
offerings.
• An African American History Assembly will be held.
Both students and faculty will create and participate
In the assembly designed to educate and entertain.

Clarence L. Nicholas, Ed.S.
Director of Student Programs
2/06/08 > Curious About Teacher Credentials?
Curious About Teacher Credentials?

The parents of children in Title I schools have the right to know about the professional credentials of their child’s teacher. In Hopewell, this right applies to all parents of elementary school parents.

The Virginia Department of Education has made it easy for parents and other individuals to learn the qualifications not only of Title I teachers but also for all educators holding an active license issued by the state of Virginia. Simply go the website https://p1pe.doe.virginia.gov/tinfo/ and enter the individual’s first and last name, then click enter. Learn about the type of license, its expiration date, and endorsements. Endorsements are those areas of education for which individuals are qualified.
2/05/08 > Spelling Bee
How are school Spelling Bee champions selected? Each year every teacher in grades 1-5 at Patrick Copeland begins the process by selecting two students who spell against the other classroom winners to determine the grade level winners and runners – up. The process begins in December and continues into the New Year. At the School-wide Spelling Bee which was held on January 25th, the ten grade level representatives competed.

After many rounds of words, Paul Redling, a fifth grader was declared the champion and Willow Hart, a fourth grader came in second place as the school runner up. Both students will compete in the City-wide Spelling Bee at Carter G. Woodson on February 7th.

Arrangements for this year’s competitions were handled by Ms. Pam Klein. Mrs. Deborah Green served as the pronouncer; she was assisted by Mrs. Janet Yandle, Mrs. Diane Quinn, and Mrs. Lisa Fescemyer who served as the judges. All these teachers are members of the school’s Literacy Team.
2/05/08 > Spelling Bee Champions Patrick Copeland
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Patrick Copeland Administrators and Spelling Bee Champions for 2008
Mrs. Myrick, Assistant Principal; Willow Hart, second place winner; Paul Redling, first place winner; and Mrs. Susan Jones, Principal
2/01/08 > Impact Aid
Impact Aid


Parents – Thanks to all of you who filled out and returned the Federal Impact Aid Forms to your child’s school. The grant application has been completed and submitted. This grant should bring the school system approximately $30,000 in the 2008-2009 school year. This grant could not be completed without your help. Thanks again!
2/01/08 > Capital Improvement
Capital Improvement

Stained ceiling tiles, peeling paint, buckets in the hallway; all
familiar sights, until recently.
The very necessary roof replacement project for DuPont Elementary School has
been completed.
The life expectancy of the old roof had expired many years ago and with roof
leaks constantly being reported; it was high time for a new roof.

RCS Roof Consulting Service, Inc of Richmond provided the engineering
design and overall supervision of the project. Specifications included a Twenty
year warranty on the Mechanically Fastened PVC Single Ply Roofing System for the
flat areas of the roof. The slanted areas of the roof are covered with Fifty
year architectural shingles in the signature green color of all Hopewell
Elementary Schools.

International Roofing of Richmond performed the contract from start to
finish; on time and within budget. I would like to thank both companies for a
job well done. I would also like to thank the Hopewell Public School Board for
their wisdom in expediting this project and their commitment to provide
exceptional facilities for the people of Hopewell.

Richard Thomas
Division Manager of Maintenance
& Custodial Services
1/24/08 > The Think Tank At Dupont
THE THINK TANK AT DUPONT

It’s after-school learning with a creative twist! At Dupont Elementary School, 100 plus students take advantage of an extended school day for fun activities in the Think Tank. There’s a touch of academics, with extra assistance in reading and math and acceleration opportunities in math. The Think Tank program tosses in sessions on Spanish, creative writing, fitness, etiquette, technology, choral music, and drama for students in grades 2 through 5, four days per week. Teachers orchestrate the program with funding from the 21st Century Grant.

The Dupont Dynamos drama group and the Regal Eagle Show Choir from the Think Tank perform regularly during the school year for parents, the student body, and community groups. Several Dynamos members recently auditioned for Hopewell High School’s upcoming rendition of “The Whiz”.
1/10/08 > Governor’s Award for Educational Excellence
PRESS RELEASE
January 11, 2008

For Additional Information Contact:

Dr. Winston O. Odom, Superintendent

(804) 541-6400
(Telephone No.)

TWO HOPEWELL CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
RECOGNIZED BY STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION

Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that 89 Virginia public schools have met the rigorous criteria required to earn the Governor’s Award for Educational Excellence. The award is the highest honor under a new incentive program for schools and school divisions created by the Board of Education to advance Governor Kaine’s “competence to excellence” agenda.

“Students in these schools are soaring far beyond the minimum requirements of the Standards of Learning and No Child Left Behind,” said Governor Kaine. “It speaks to the strength of public education in the Commonwealth that the 89 schools that have earned this distinction include schools in rural, suburban and urban communities and schools in every part of the state.”

The Virginia Index of Performance (VIP) program awards points to schools and divisions based on the percentage of students achieving at the advanced level on Standards of Learning assessments and progress made toward educational goals advocated by Governor Kaine and adopted by the Board as part of its comprehensive plan for further strengthening public education in the Commonwealth.

To qualify for the Governor’s Award for Educational Excellence, schools and school divisions must meet all state and federal achievement benchmarks for at least two consecutive years and meet Governor Kaine’s goals for achievement in elementary reading; enrollment in Algebra I by grade 8; enrollment in college-level courses; attainment of advanced diplomas and career and industry certifications; and participation, if eligible, in the Virginia Preschool Initiative. Schools and school divisions also earn bonus points for other performance measures, including the Governor’s Nutrition and Physical Activity Scorecard.

The 89 schools earning the Governor’s Award for Educational Excellence will each receive a display banner and a signed resolution of commendation from Governor Kaine.

Nineteen school divisions and 475 schools earned the Board of Education’s VIP Excellence Award, the second-tier honor in the VIP program. These schools and divisions also have met all state and federal accountability benchmarks for at least two consecutive years and have made significant progress toward goals for increased student achievement and expanded educational opportunity set by Governor Kaine and the Board of Education.

Twenty-five school divisions and 322 schools earned the Board of Education’s VIP Competence to Excellence Award. This award recognizes schools and districts that have met all state and federal benchmarks for at least two consecutive years and are making progress toward VIP objectives reflecting the goals of Governor Kaine and the Board.

“The criteria for all of these awards are rigorous,” said Board of Education President Mark E. Emblidge. “That so many schools and school divisions qualified reflects the commitment of educators across the Commonwealth to excellence and high standards.”

Schools and divisions earning the Board of Education’s Excellence Award and Competence to Excellence Award will each receive a resolution of commendation from the Board.

The Board of Education approved the Virginia Index of Performance in July 2007 in response to Governor Kaine’s call for a formal system to recognize schools and school divisions that exceed minimum state and federal accountability standards. The multi-tiered VIP program provides incentives for improved performance and opportunities for recognition regardless of where a school or school division happens to be on the journey from competence to excellence.

“Minimum standards are not enough to prepare young people for the competition that awaits them in a global economy,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Billy K. Cannaday Jr. “The VIP program provides incentives for schools to challenge students to ever-higher levels of learning and achievement.”

A fourth VIP award, the Board of Education’s Rising Star Award, will be added next fall to recognize schools and school divisions for improved performance with student achievement during 2007-2008 as the baseline from which progress is measured.

The schools in Hopewell receiving the Board of Education’s awards are:

Harry E. James Elementary School – VIP Excellence Award
Patrick Copeland Elementary School – VIP Competence to Excellence Award
12/18/07 > Gear Up Students go to UVA
GEAR UP STUDENTS GO TO UVA

During the 2006-2007 school year, Carter G. Woodson Middle School was awarded the GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness for Undergraduate Programs) grant. The goal of this grant is to increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. GEAR UP grantees serve an entire cohort of students beginning no later than the seventh grade year and follow the cohort through high school. GEAR UP funds are used to provide college visits, financial aid work shops, tutoring, enrichment, field trips, mentoring, career counseling, recreational activities, motivational speakers, as well as provide scholarships to low income students. One of the most recent activities GEAR Up sponsored was a trip to Monticello and the University of Virginia in Charlottesville.

Our 8th grade students were afforded this opportunity on three separate days in December. Each day, approximately 70 students from Carter G. Woodson attended. The students explored Jefferson’s home and were taken on educational tours. At the conclusion of the tours, students traveled to the University of Virginia. While there, they visited the campus and were given the opportunity to experience the bookstore. The student tour guide informed students of programs of study that UVA has to offer. Students were elated with the possibility of attending a college of this magnitude and being able to further their education.
12/18/07 > CTE News Flash
CTE Newsflash

The latest news in Hopewell career and technical education



Hopewell DECA (An association of marketing students) has proven once again to be at the top of its game. Student members from area schools gather at the district level to compete in marketing related events. The events consist of twelve different marketing related categories. The categories include apparel & accessories marketing, business-services marketing, restaurant management, and sports marketing to name just a few. Each category is a case study format and the student has ten minutes to develop their thoughts and present the findings in a role-play scenario with an adult judge, which is usually someone from business and industry.

On December 18, 2007, Colonial Heights, Dinwiddie, N.B. Clements Jr. High, Petersburg, Prince George, and Hopewell High met at Prince George for the district 18 leadership conference. In the end, Hopewell won nine of the twelve competitive events. Hopewell winners include Daisha Scott- apparel & accessories marketing, Marquis Gregory- food marketing, Lacie Horak- marketing management, Sarah Pershing- Job Interview, Carol Forren- selling, Kendall Wilmot- communications, Lettie Taylor- restaurant management, Matt Williams- retail merchandising and Tray Norman- sports marketing.

The next level of competition is the state leadership conference in March.

Stay tuned for a list of state winners!





January 2008 Article







Phyllis K. Slachter

Marketing Coordinator/

DECA Advisor

Hopewell High School

400 S. Mesa Drive

Hopewell, VA 23836

Phone: 804-541-6402

Fax: 804-541-6403
8/14/07 > School Supply Drive a Success!!
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On Saturday, August 11, 2007, hundreds of school supply packets were given to HPS students as they begin to prepare for the 2007-08 school year. Many thanks to CBS 6 For Kids' Sake and Food Lion for their contributions and to the Hopewell Community Center for their participation. An extended thank you to HPS volunteers, Sue Jones, Becky Slagle, and Rick Thomas. Pictured are Clarence Nicholas, Marilyn Brown, Jewel Jones, Iris Walker, Betty Ware, and Alan Hoover.

4/05/07 > Patrick Copeland Student Wins First Place in Art Contest

VSBA 2007 Spring Regional Forum Art Contest

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1st Place Winner

Congratulations to Tay'vaun and Mrs. Elizabeth Cummings, Art Instructor at Patrick Copeland Elementary School for winning first place at the Virginia School Boards Association Art Contest held Wednesday, March 28, 2007 , at J. E. J. Moore Middle School , Prince George County .


Tay'vaun is a second grade student in Ms. Patty Moore's class. His award-winning painting will be framed and displayed on a rotating basis for one year in the offices of the Virginia School Boards Association in Charlottesville , the State Secretary of Education and the State Superintendent of Public Instruction in Richmond .


Pictured with Tay'vaun is Clarence L. Nicholas, Ed.S.,  Director of Student Programs announcing the amazing news!!

2/08/07 > Madie W. Mitchell receives the 2007 Distinguished Service Award

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In observance of African American History Month, the Hopewell School Board presented Mrs. Madie W. Mitchell with the 2007 Distinguished Service Award at the February 6, 2007, School Board meeting. Mrs. Mitchell's teaching experience includes twenty-nine (29) years with the Hopewell Public Schools from, 1962-1991. She was the first African American chairman of Patrick Copeland Elementary's "Odyssey of the Mind", for gifted and talented students.

12/19/06 > Kristin Dewald Earns National Board Certification

Kristin DewaldKristin Dewald, a fifth grade teacher at Patrick Copeland Elementary School, has earned her National Board Certification. Kristin is the first teacher in the Hopewell Public Schools to achieve this honor. National Board Certification is a symbol of professional teaching excellence. It was created so that teachers, like professionals in other fields, can achieve distinction by demonstrating through a demanding performance assessment that they meet high and rigorous standards for what accomplished teachers should know and be able to do. Based on core propositions and standards developed by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, National Board Certification is an extensive year-long assessment of actual teaching practice.


SchoolCenter PictureKristin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Elizabethtown College and a Master of Education in Education degree from Virginia State University. She is currently working on a second Master of Interdisciplinary Studies degree as a K-8 Math Specialist from Virginia Commonwealth University. She started her education career as a sixth grade teacher in North Carolina. Kristin joined the Hopewell Public Schools as an elementary teacher in August 2001 and has taught fourth and fifth grades at Patrick Copeland as well as being the science lead teacher for the past few years. She utilizes innovative and motivating instructional strategies with her students and helps them reach their full potential. She also serves as a teacher leader and mentor for new teachers.


Her personal interests include being a dog owner/handler for the Virginia Search and Rescue Dog Association, an emergency medical technician, an avid reader, travel and sports such as soccer, volleyball and racquetball.


Congratulations to Kristin on her National Board Certification from the Hopewell Public Schools.


For more information on National Board Certification, visit this site: http://www.pen.k12.va.us/VDOE/newvdoe/nbcfaq.html
12/07/06 > Carter G. Woodson Student is Top Ten Finalist in NASA Podcast Competition

Space Exploration and the Generation "Y"

What Are They Thinking?

The 21st Century Explorer Podcast Competition is an Education and Public Outreach project designed to inspire and motivate the next generation of explorers and to compete effectively for the minds, imaginations, and career ambitions of America's young people.


In October, Chris Morris, a physical science teacher at Carter C. Woodson Middle School in Hopewell and four of his 8th grade science students, Dominique, Jamesha, Quinyawna, and Mark, decided to enter NASA's "21st Century Explorer Podcast Competition." ( http://www.explorationpodcast.com/ ) Students created a short audio or video recording to answer the question; "How will space exploration benefit your life in the future?"


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The students worked as a team and assisted each other in creating four excellent individual podcasts. The podcasts were created using the Apple iMac computer that was acquired last year through a donation from a technology company in Richmond, VA ( http://www.alterthought.com/ ). Mr. Monty Jones, Technology Specialist at Carter G. Woodson Middle School, organized the event.


Quinyawna's podcast was chosen as one of the top ten finalists in the nation. Her podcast is located on the Hopewell Public Schools web site at this link ( NASA Podcast ). The final winners were announced on Dec. 7th and are posted at this site www.explorationpodcast.com/winners.php .


The Podcasts were judged on the following criteria:


Content: Is the treatment of the subject matter effective? (storytelling, script, etc.)

Creativity: Do the production elements add to the program? (graphics, SFX, or camera talent, design, animation, etc.)

Execution: Were technical levels maintained? (clarity, levels, distortion, etc.)

Clarity: Was the contestant able to communicate their idea effectively? (objective, story flow, interest, etc.)

Summation: What was the overall impression?


During the period of November 7, 2006 through December 6, 2006, the public voted and selected a "People's Choice" winner. Prizes are awarded in each category for podcasts (audio) and vodcasts (audio and video).

People's Choice (ages 11 - 14): One free passport to Space Camp
People's Choice (ages 15 - 18): One 13 inch MacBook laptop
1st  Place:  One 30GB iPod
2nd Place: One 1 GB iPod Nano
3rd Place:  One 1GB iPod Shuffle

Congratulations to all of the students who participated in the competition.



10/10/06 > Hopewell High is selected as one of Virginia's Outperforming Schools

Hopewell High is selected as one of Virginia's Outperforming Schools- click here to read the article.




9/28/06 > Hopewell Achieves Full SOL Accreditation for 2006
Hopewell schools has achieved full SOL accreditation for 2006. Hopewell is one of 63 out of 132 divisions in Virginia in which all schools are fully accredited. Hopewell is one of 24 out of 132 divisions in Virginia in which all schools have met adequate yearly progress. In addition, Hopewell is one of 20 out of 132 divisions in Virginia in which all schools are both fully accredited and met Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). When you combine both achievements, Hopewell is one of only 18 out of 132 divisions in Virginia in which all schools are fully accredited and all schools along with the division met Adequate Yearly Progress.

Press Release from Dept. of Education
Hopewell's AYP Data
8/08/06 > Fine Arts Staff Among Best in America
6/05/06 > Drs. Singh and Bhuller Outstanding Educator of the Year Award

SchoolCenter PictureMrs. Linda Hahn, a special education teacher at Patrick Copeland Elementary School , was awarded the Drs. Singh and Bhuller Outstanding Educator of the Year Award for 2006.


Studies have demonstrated that there is a direct link between the educational level of a community and its overall health status.  Therefore, the John Randolph Foundation provides a variety of grants to support educational projects. 
 

Although financial aid often determines whether or not a person can reach their educational goals, teachers play a critical role in educating and motivating students.  Acknowledging this philosophy, Drs. Singh and Bhuller have established an endowment to fund the Drs. Singh and Bhuller Outstanding Educator of the Year Award. Drs. Singh and Bhuller are strong advocates of education and they have demonstrated that through this innovative award.

 

To be eligible to receive the Outstanding Educator of the Year Award, the teacher must be a dedicated, knowledgeable and skilled educator with a desire to pursue continued education in his/her respective field of study.  The teacher should be well-rounded and involved in extra-curricular activities at the school, demonstrate scholastic achievement in college courses or in-service training and actively participate in the community.  Teachers are nominated by their schools and the winner is chosen by the John Randolph Foundation.  Mrs. Hahn will receive a $1,000 grant to be used to enhance her teaching skills. 

 

Mrs. Hahn received both her BS in Special Education and her MS in Severe and Profoundly Handicapped Education from Virginia Commonwealth University . She has taught in the Hopewell Public Schools at various locations since 1997. She is currently the Lead Special Education Teacher and the Individualized Educational Plan Coordinator for Patrick Copeland Elementary.

Linda states, "It was in my high school years that I felt drawn to special education by a feeling that I wanted to help children who could not help themselves." She works hard to look past her students' disabilities and look instead at what strength they have to build upon. She looks at disabilities not as limitations, but as challenges to overcome as she strives to take them from the level of skills they have to the level of skills they need to achieve.

 

Mrs. Hahn is well respected for her work by her peers as she was also selected as the Teacher of the Year for Patrick Copeland Elementary School in April.

 
6/01/06 > Brenda Lee is Hopewell's Teacher of the Year for 2007
4/24/06 > Hopewell Teacher Wins Math Award

Patrick Copeland Mathematics Specialist Wins State Award SchoolCenter Picture

Melodye H. Paruszkiewicz, mathematics lead teacher and gifted coordinator for Patrick Copeland Elementary School , was selected for the “Programs that Work” recognition by the Virginia Mathematics and Science Coalition for her outstanding contributions as a Mathematics Specialist in the State of Virginia . This award is given to educators who model exemplary programs that increase the level of students’ successes in mathematics.

A reception and banquet was held March 30th on the VCU campus to honor the recipients of this award. First lady, Anne Holton, was the featured speaker.

Melodye has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Mary Baldwin College and Master of Education degree from the College of William & Mary. She is currently working on a Mathematics Specialists degree from Virginia Commonwealth University .  She has been teaching for six years and has been a mathematics specialist for the past three years.

What motivated Melodye to become a Mathematics Specialist? She says, “As a student, mathematics was my least favorite subject and the one that I struggled with the most.  However, as I began teaching, I found that I loved to teach math.  Through teaching, I began to develop a deeper understanding of math myself.  I now know that my difficulties as a student stemmed from the fact that I was taught math with a chalkboard, pencil, paper, and the math textbook.  If I didn’t understand the traditional algorithm, it was seldom presented differently; we simply moved on to the next topic or problem.  In reflection, I came to understand that students need to be allowed to explore math and to create their own understanding in order to develop an appreciation of the subject.  This is why I teach math – in hopes that I can foster such understanding and appreciation.”

Melodye has implemented several programs at Patrick Copeland Elementary School that provide hands-on activities, a variety of problem solving strategies, and focus on mathematical thinking that has made mathematics more enjoyable for students and their teachers.  Their motivation for the study of math has increased and their understandings have deepened.

Parent involvement has been encouraged through Family SOL Nights for students in grades K-5.  These nights have had “fun” as a theme.  They include a Math Carnival and Holiday Math Crafts and Activities.  These math nights provide parents with the opportunity to share in mathematical learning with their children; they also offer families ideas for games and activities to incorporate at home. 

The program also includes supervising the work of both paid and volunteer tutors who use the Math Buddies Program as the foundation of their work with the students.  The 3M tutors work with pairs of students on a weekly basis on Thursdays.  The 5M tutors from a local industry come on Fridays and work with students in the math lab.

Melodye’s dedication and hard work have made a significant difference in the mathematics program at Patrick Copeland.