In the news
remembering graicelynd johnson
There were many tears and memories shared during the beautiful dedication ceremony for the “Garden of Grace.” The memorial garden at Montross Middle School was dedicated on June 12 to the memory of Graicelynd Johnson, a seventh grade student who passed away earlier this year. Created by Robert and Amanda Gilhuly and children, the garden features a large arbor with a seating space beneath it. Tall, graceful plants are abloom with colorful flowers attracting Graicelynd’s favorite butterflies. Mr. Johnson, Graicelynd’s father, built a large wooden seat for the garden.
The Johnson family and their relatives joined Montross Middle School principal, Michael Hurdle, staff, WMLCPS School Board members, Chair, Ralph Fallin and Patricia Lewis, Montross Middle School students, and Central Office staff at the ceremony.
The program began with Mr. Hurdle introducing the Johnson family. Montross Middle School students, Abigail Bennett, Gabrielle Brown, Jordan Martin, Samantha Newton, and Makayla Snyder, read short poems in her memory. Mr. Johnson then cut a pink ribbon officially opening the garden. During a reflection period, several of Graicelynd’s instructors spoke about the presence she had made in their classrooms. Following a moment of silence, the attendees then met in the Montross Middle School library for refreshments and the presentation of a school yearbook to Graicelynd’s parents.
Montross Middle School recognized the following benefactors who contributed to the creation of the “Garden of Grace;” Ralph Fallin and Ebenezer United Methodist Church, $500 donation; Walkers’ Mulch, mulch; Mrs. Nicia Lucas, Sissons’ Gardens, Garners’ Produce, Murphy’s Seed, Bridgette’s Florist, and the Carrot Cottage, flowers and plants; the Robert and Amanda Gilhuly family and the 6th grade Language Arts classes, garden preparation.
One of the poems on the program best reflected the event; “Our joys will be greater, Our love will be deeper, Our lives will be fuller, Because we shared your moment.” A plaque will be placed in the garden at a later date.
The Johnson family and their relatives joined Montross Middle School principal, Michael Hurdle, staff, WMLCPS School Board members, Chair, Ralph Fallin and Patricia Lewis, Montross Middle School students, and Central Office staff at the ceremony.
The program began with Mr. Hurdle introducing the Johnson family. Montross Middle School students, Abigail Bennett, Gabrielle Brown, Jordan Martin, Samantha Newton, and Makayla Snyder, read short poems in her memory. Mr. Johnson then cut a pink ribbon officially opening the garden. During a reflection period, several of Graicelynd’s instructors spoke about the presence she had made in their classrooms. Following a moment of silence, the attendees then met in the Montross Middle School library for refreshments and the presentation of a school yearbook to Graicelynd’s parents.
Montross Middle School recognized the following benefactors who contributed to the creation of the “Garden of Grace;” Ralph Fallin and Ebenezer United Methodist Church, $500 donation; Walkers’ Mulch, mulch; Mrs. Nicia Lucas, Sissons’ Gardens, Garners’ Produce, Murphy’s Seed, Bridgette’s Florist, and the Carrot Cottage, flowers and plants; the Robert and Amanda Gilhuly family and the 6th grade Language Arts classes, garden preparation.
One of the poems on the program best reflected the event; “Our joys will be greater, Our love will be deeper, Our lives will be fuller, Because we shared your moment.” A plaque will be placed in the garden at a later date.
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Jordan Tate - Attendance leader
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It isn’t often that you meet someone who has been “perfect” most of their life. Washington & Lee High School senior, Jordan Tate is one of those unassuming individuals who have accomplished a major goal in his school career; he has achieved perfect attendance for fourteen years, pre-K through 12.
Having perfect attendance was not his goal in pre-K at Cople Elementary. Jordan said he has a high immune system and is seldom ill. But he also has a love for education, as reflected by his grades. That desire, and the fact that perfect attendance became a way of life by first grade, gave Jordan a stable educational goal. Jordan has his sights set on two different career paths at this time; technology and culinary arts. He enjoys the preciseness of both of these. Jordan, a winner of the John Bowie, Jr. Technical Scholarship, plans on attending Rappahannock Community College and then will decide on his major. Having lived in the Northern Neck all of his life, he sees education as a means to explore careers and different areas. Jordan is the son of Katina Shelton and James Tate. He has demonstrated that he can accomplish anything he sets his mind to. Jordan says he follows this rule for success in life,” You may fall, you may fail, but you never quit.” Congratulations on a successful school career and demonstrating how education can pave the way to a successful future. |
yadapp conference students named
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The Youth Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Project (YADAPP) is a unique peer leadership opportunity that fosters substance use prevention and healthy communities. Led by Washington & Lee High School SRO, Deputy Kim Simon, four students have been selected to attend the upcoming conference at Longwood University July 17-21.
The students, Hazen Shryock, Justin Slater, Chelsea Garner, and Zoe Sanborn will attend the topical workshops, hear from internationally known motivational speakers, learn peer leadership and prevention best practices, and develop a strategic plan to address alcohol or drug use among their peers. After the conference, participants will return to their schools and communities to implement their STAN Plan with their team. |
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Claire Whitman Named W&L High School Valedictorian
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Washington & Lee High School is proud to announce the top ten students of the class of 2017. Named valedictorian was Claire Dawn Whitman. Salutatorian is Nicholas Keith Fones. The remaining top ten students are (3) Alexia Ayanna Hackett; (4) Keshyra Darteece Smith; (5) Carrie Loren Minor; (6) Briana Joyce Richards; (7) Jessica-Anne Danielle Smith; (8) Feneel Ajay Patel; (9) Timothy Ryan Henry; and (10) Keith Jensen Feller. Salutatorian Nicholas Fones and Alexia Lambert were also recognized for receiving Associate Degrees from Rappahannock Community College.
Graduation for the class of 2017 is Saturday, June 17, at 9:00 am at the Washington & Lee High School football field. |
Virginia Governor and Secretary of Education Walk with W&L Senior
It was an exciting day for the Washington & Lee Seniors first “Senior Walk.” Virginia Governor Terence R. McAuliffe and Secretary of Education, Dr. Dietra Y. Trent, celebrated with the senior class as they proudly walked the hallways of Cople Elementary School to the cheers of Cople students.
Senior walks have become a popular trend in the last few years throughout the country. Seniors are as excited as the elementary students they are visiting. That was evident throughout the morning as soon as the Washington & Lee High School graduating class of 2017 appeared from the familiar yellow school bus at Cople.
Cople Elementary students, staff, and administrators outdid themselves with celebrating the seniors. Lines of cheering students waving pom-poms and encouragement banners were on every corner. The seniors were led past the Cople cheer squad with the Eagle mascot upon arrival. Governor McAuliffe and Secretary Trent, along with Westmoreland County Public School administration, School Board members, and local officials, greeted the arriving seniors. The familiar tune of “Pomp and Circumstance” played over the loud speakers as the students proudly marched down the halls of Cople. Following the class of 2017, the Governor and Secretary of Education and the local dignitaries greeted all the cheering Cople students and teachers during the walk.
Before leaving for W&L, Governor McAuliffe and Secretary Trent visited the first grade class of Mrs. Woods. The Governor graciously read to the first graders and answered their questions. Upon arrival at W&L, senior Ethan MacNamara introduced the Governor and the Secretary of Education to the assembled senior class. The Governor spoke to the students about being good citizens and wished them well in the future. He then posed for pictures with the seniors and assorted staff before leaving for another appointment. Secretary Trent met with many of the teaching staff, including 40 year veteran teacher, Wesley James.
Among those attending the festivities were Darryl Fisher, Chairman, Westmoreland County Board of Supervisors; Chairman, Ralph Fallin and Sandra Ramsey, Westmoreland County School Board members; Superintendent, Dr. Michael Perry; Cathy Rice, Deputy Superintendent, James Cook, Assistant Superintendent; W&L principal, Jane Geyer; Sarah Beth Vernon, W&L’s Virginia College Advisor; the Governor’s and Secretary of Education’s staff; Hannah Elliott, Editor, Westmoreland News; and assorted WMLCPS staff members.
Congratulations to the Class of 2017. May you continue your walk to success and happiness.
Senior walks have become a popular trend in the last few years throughout the country. Seniors are as excited as the elementary students they are visiting. That was evident throughout the morning as soon as the Washington & Lee High School graduating class of 2017 appeared from the familiar yellow school bus at Cople.
Cople Elementary students, staff, and administrators outdid themselves with celebrating the seniors. Lines of cheering students waving pom-poms and encouragement banners were on every corner. The seniors were led past the Cople cheer squad with the Eagle mascot upon arrival. Governor McAuliffe and Secretary Trent, along with Westmoreland County Public School administration, School Board members, and local officials, greeted the arriving seniors. The familiar tune of “Pomp and Circumstance” played over the loud speakers as the students proudly marched down the halls of Cople. Following the class of 2017, the Governor and Secretary of Education and the local dignitaries greeted all the cheering Cople students and teachers during the walk.
Before leaving for W&L, Governor McAuliffe and Secretary Trent visited the first grade class of Mrs. Woods. The Governor graciously read to the first graders and answered their questions. Upon arrival at W&L, senior Ethan MacNamara introduced the Governor and the Secretary of Education to the assembled senior class. The Governor spoke to the students about being good citizens and wished them well in the future. He then posed for pictures with the seniors and assorted staff before leaving for another appointment. Secretary Trent met with many of the teaching staff, including 40 year veteran teacher, Wesley James.
Among those attending the festivities were Darryl Fisher, Chairman, Westmoreland County Board of Supervisors; Chairman, Ralph Fallin and Sandra Ramsey, Westmoreland County School Board members; Superintendent, Dr. Michael Perry; Cathy Rice, Deputy Superintendent, James Cook, Assistant Superintendent; W&L principal, Jane Geyer; Sarah Beth Vernon, W&L’s Virginia College Advisor; the Governor’s and Secretary of Education’s staff; Hannah Elliott, Editor, Westmoreland News; and assorted WMLCPS staff members.
Congratulations to the Class of 2017. May you continue your walk to success and happiness.
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Nancy Ristau Named WMLCPS Division Teacher of the Year
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No matter how many years you teach, there is still an element of surprise when the superintendent and assistant superintendents show up at a teacher’s classroom holding a large box and flowers. Nancy Ristau , an English teacher at Washington & Lee High School was thoroughly shocked when it was announced that she had been selected as the WMLCPS Division Teacher of the Year.
Mrs. Ristau was very surprised by her selection as division teacher of the year. “While I am unsure who I was even up against, I value what each teacher has to offer and feel that we all should be recognized. I am honored that I was selected; however, it takes a village to raise a child, and I am only one person and voice in this village.” Four teachers were selected from each of the Westmoreland County Public Schools by their peers to be considered for the honor of school teacher of the year and then one is selected for the division teacher of the year. Receiving a large eagle statue were Rebecca Bowen, Cople Elementary School Teacher of the Year; Shannon Burgess, Washington District Elementary School Teacher of the Year; Allison Ondovcik, Montross Middle School Teacher of the Year; and Nancy Ristau, Washington & Lee High School Teacher of the Year. Westmoreland County Public Schools congratulates each of our exemplary teachers and thanks each of them for their valuable contributions to our district. |
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architects meet with students
Students from Washington & Lee High School and Montross Middle School came to the Westmoreland County Public Schools’ central office to meet with architects from the firm Grimm & Parker. Meeting in the School Board meeting room, the students looked at various blueprints of the proposed new high school. Grimm & Parker representatives included Melanie Hennigan, Paul Klee, Scott Eschbach, and Martice Tucker.
Discussions were held on what the students might find important in a new school. In the first group of students, several students and teachers talked about the use of the amphitheater area. The architects had the group visualize a theatre with a smaller “footprint” that could be utilized by more than one group. Hard questions were asked of the group; how many functions are held a year, would they use movable seating, would a classroom be available, and how many people come to events?
Students were asked to express what they wanted in an arrival experience. Most agreed that using a covered walkway was an important way to leave the bus. Others mentioned a glass ceiling, and the use of round tables versus long tables. The Grimm & Parker group referred to the area as a “collaboration commons area.” Students became excited as the architect representative spoke about the dining commons and the new way of choosing food choices. There would be no more single line options only. Students would have a choice of food types; a salad and fruit bar, variety food, and grilled foods.
A great deal of discussion was held regarding the sports and media arts areas. Students asked how spaces would be defined and would there be a designated area for wrestling. Other discussions explored the locker room spaces, health clinic, and media commons. Students were very excited about the extra space for weight training, a Jacuzzi, and training and workout areas for both men and women.
The library space will be reviewed and examined for better utilization. Some of the ideas given to the architects included maker spaces in the school, a computer collaboration lab, and better classroom design.
This is only the beginning of the building process. Grimm & Parker Architects will review all the suggestions and start their preliminary designs. When a student asked when the school will be finished, she was told the class of 2021 will probably be the first graduating class in the new school. The principals guiding the design of the new school site are listed by the architects; for the community, for the students, fully leveraged, and forward looking. The principals guiding the design of the school are to celebrate learning, celebrate the individual, and celebrate the collective and to be resourceful. For everyone, it has been a unique experience in planning for our student’s futures.
Discussions were held on what the students might find important in a new school. In the first group of students, several students and teachers talked about the use of the amphitheater area. The architects had the group visualize a theatre with a smaller “footprint” that could be utilized by more than one group. Hard questions were asked of the group; how many functions are held a year, would they use movable seating, would a classroom be available, and how many people come to events?
Students were asked to express what they wanted in an arrival experience. Most agreed that using a covered walkway was an important way to leave the bus. Others mentioned a glass ceiling, and the use of round tables versus long tables. The Grimm & Parker group referred to the area as a “collaboration commons area.” Students became excited as the architect representative spoke about the dining commons and the new way of choosing food choices. There would be no more single line options only. Students would have a choice of food types; a salad and fruit bar, variety food, and grilled foods.
A great deal of discussion was held regarding the sports and media arts areas. Students asked how spaces would be defined and would there be a designated area for wrestling. Other discussions explored the locker room spaces, health clinic, and media commons. Students were very excited about the extra space for weight training, a Jacuzzi, and training and workout areas for both men and women.
The library space will be reviewed and examined for better utilization. Some of the ideas given to the architects included maker spaces in the school, a computer collaboration lab, and better classroom design.
This is only the beginning of the building process. Grimm & Parker Architects will review all the suggestions and start their preliminary designs. When a student asked when the school will be finished, she was told the class of 2021 will probably be the first graduating class in the new school. The principals guiding the design of the new school site are listed by the architects; for the community, for the students, fully leveraged, and forward looking. The principals guiding the design of the school are to celebrate learning, celebrate the individual, and celebrate the collective and to be resourceful. For everyone, it has been a unique experience in planning for our student’s futures.
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mrs. quinn's pre-k class visits the school board office
For many years, the Westmoreland County School Board office staff has visited Mrs. Quinn’s pre-K class as part of Cople Elementary School’s Sponsors for Success program. Every month, SBO staff put together a visit to the children. They read to the students, do art crafts, or just visit with the students. For the month of May, the staff invited Mrs. Quinn’s pre-K class to visit the School Board office and bus garage.
The students arrived to the office in a flurry of giggles and goggling. Marching in line, one by one, the pre-K boys and girls entered the main School Board building and visited the various offices, including a trip to the Superintendent’s, Dr. Michael Perry’s, office. There they were greeted by Dr. Perry and Ralph Fallin, chair of the School Board. They proceeded down the hall, stopping by each office for a special treat.
The students then went next door to the secondary building and visited the offices of various staff personnel for more goodies. A big treat was a visit to the WMLCPS bus garage where they observed a bus going up on the mechanic’s lift. The students oohed and awed as the bus went higher and higher on the lift.
They finished up the day in the remodeled School Board office. Students were seated as they received a final treat from Mrs. Hickman and food services. After they finished their snacks, the tired, but excited, group headed back to Cople Elementary School. In their thank you notes, the pre-K students thanked the School Board staff for their many treats and all the fun activities they participated in.
The students arrived to the office in a flurry of giggles and goggling. Marching in line, one by one, the pre-K boys and girls entered the main School Board building and visited the various offices, including a trip to the Superintendent’s, Dr. Michael Perry’s, office. There they were greeted by Dr. Perry and Ralph Fallin, chair of the School Board. They proceeded down the hall, stopping by each office for a special treat.
The students then went next door to the secondary building and visited the offices of various staff personnel for more goodies. A big treat was a visit to the WMLCPS bus garage where they observed a bus going up on the mechanic’s lift. The students oohed and awed as the bus went higher and higher on the lift.
They finished up the day in the remodeled School Board office. Students were seated as they received a final treat from Mrs. Hickman and food services. After they finished their snacks, the tired, but excited, group headed back to Cople Elementary School. In their thank you notes, the pre-K students thanked the School Board staff for their many treats and all the fun activities they participated in.
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dr. daniel wallace, the nitrogen man visits mms
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Dr. Daniel Wallace, Westmoreland County School Board, dazzled students and teachers when he brought a vat of liquid nitrogen to Montross Middle School to demonstrate several principles of science on March 27th. He began the presentation by using a block of paraffin wax and aluminum foil to demonstrate how scientists make inferences based on observations. He then proceeded to place several objects into the -321 degrees Fahrenheit nitrogen, such as a daffodil, a balloon animal, a tennis ball, a banana, and pennies. As he removed each item from the liquid nitrogen, Dr. Wallace taught students about how the extreme cold changed the physical properties of the objects. By the end of the presentation, the students had learned a great deal of scientific concepts, and had also thoroughly enjoyed Dr. Wallace’s engaging presentation.
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new flags at washington district
It was a patriotic opening at the Washington District Elementary School PTO meeting on April 3, 2017. Members of the American Legion Post 252 of Montross and the Westmoreland Ruritans presented an American Flag and a State Flag to Washington District Elementary School. Alerted to the condition of the former flags and flag pole stands at the elementary school by Westmoreland County School Board Chair, Ralph Fallin, the two groups quickly gathered forces and replaced both the national and state flags and the flag holders. Eddie Sanford, Ruritan member, noted, “The Westmoreland Ruritans were very happy to participate in this effort.”
Presenting the flags to the school, American Legion members Bobby and Margaret Greene marched the new flags proudly to the front of the room and placed them into the new flag holders. American Legion member Larry Greene then proceeded to talk to the students and the parents about the history of the American flag and how it has changed over the years. He delighted the crowd with his knowledge of the flag and obvious reverence of what the American flag stands for.
The main speaker for the evening was Deputy Kim Simon who spoke to the crowd on Internet Safety. Showing a cartoon film to the crowd, she had the audience laughing and talking seriously about this important topic. Among the topics she discussed were talking to strangers online, Facebook, and most importantly, how not to bully people.
The third grade students entertained the crowd with two final tunes. Westmoreland County Public Schools thank the American Legion and the Westmoreland Ruritans for their generous donation of the new flags and stands for Washington District Elementary School.
Presenting the flags to the school, American Legion members Bobby and Margaret Greene marched the new flags proudly to the front of the room and placed them into the new flag holders. American Legion member Larry Greene then proceeded to talk to the students and the parents about the history of the American flag and how it has changed over the years. He delighted the crowd with his knowledge of the flag and obvious reverence of what the American flag stands for.
The main speaker for the evening was Deputy Kim Simon who spoke to the crowd on Internet Safety. Showing a cartoon film to the crowd, she had the audience laughing and talking seriously about this important topic. Among the topics she discussed were talking to strangers online, Facebook, and most importantly, how not to bully people.
The third grade students entertained the crowd with two final tunes. Westmoreland County Public Schools thank the American Legion and the Westmoreland Ruritans for their generous donation of the new flags and stands for Washington District Elementary School.
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