In the news
11th Annual Back to School Fair August 26, 2017
The Westmoreland County Branch of the NAACP, in partnership with Westmoreland County Public Schools, will host the 11th Annual Back to School Fair, August 26, 2017. The event will be held at Montross Middle School from 2 pm to 6 pm and will include activities for the whole family. Montross Middle School is located at 8884 Menokin Road, in Montross. All Westmoreland County students and their families are invited to attend this back-to-school event.
Pastor Darryl Fisher, Chair of the Westmoreland County Board of Supervisors, will be the keynote speaker at the Saturday event. Additionally, students and parents will have the opportunity to meet with school faculty, principals, school board members, and other support school staff. Attending students will be given an assortment of school supplies in backpacks geared toward each grade level. Students must be present to receive a back pack of school supplies.
The Westmoreland County Sheriff’s Department will be present to provide valuable public information such as Safety and Drug Abuse prevention materials. Several other local agencies will also be speaking to interested persons about their agencies.
Participants will be treated to the sounds of Earl Cox and The New Creations, featuring Juanita Cox. They will be performing during the afternoon. Free food and drink and games and other activities will be available to the guests. Member of the community who wish to donate money or school supplies to assist the NAACP in their mission may contact Mrs. Carolyn Fisher at 804-472-3794.
Pastor Darryl Fisher, Chair of the Westmoreland County Board of Supervisors, will be the keynote speaker at the Saturday event. Additionally, students and parents will have the opportunity to meet with school faculty, principals, school board members, and other support school staff. Attending students will be given an assortment of school supplies in backpacks geared toward each grade level. Students must be present to receive a back pack of school supplies.
The Westmoreland County Sheriff’s Department will be present to provide valuable public information such as Safety and Drug Abuse prevention materials. Several other local agencies will also be speaking to interested persons about their agencies.
Participants will be treated to the sounds of Earl Cox and The New Creations, featuring Juanita Cox. They will be performing during the afternoon. Free food and drink and games and other activities will be available to the guests. Member of the community who wish to donate money or school supplies to assist the NAACP in their mission may contact Mrs. Carolyn Fisher at 804-472-3794.
Deputy Will England Named SRO for Montross Middle School
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Westmoreland County Public Schools has a new School Resource Officer (SRO) at Montross Middle School. Deputy Will England was introduced to the WMLCPS administrative team by the W&L SRO, Senior Deputy Kim Simon. Deputy England will assume his new duties at the beginning of the 2017-2018 school years. He was born and raised in Westmoreland County and is a graduate of Washington & Lee High School.
The Westmoreland County Sheriff’s Office School Resource Officer is “designed upon the “Basic Triad Concept” of being a law enforcement officer, teacher, and counselor to the school community. That community consists of the school administration, faculty, staff, parents, students, and the schools’ surrounding community.” According to the WMLSO website, “the central mission of the law enforcement-educator partnership is student success. When students succeed, the entire community succeeds. Student success contributes to community safety; students who experience success and make positive contributions within their schools become productive citizens in the larger community.” Senior Deputy Simon, noted the SRO position is one that builds positive relationships and trust. “The uniform is there for earning trust. We are a member partner of the staff and administration.” Both Senior Deputy Simon and Deputy England have had patrol experience and have received additional specialized training and evaluation to earn a spot on the SRO team. In addition to their roles at the schools, they work as D.A.R.E. instructors for the county. They also work closely with the rest of the Sheriff’s Office to help reduce crime and other issues related to the youth in the county. Westmoreland County Public Schools welcome Deputy England to our district and look forward to working with he and Senior Deputy Simon. |
W&L GEAR UP Students Attend JMU STEM Academy
Seven W&L GEAR UP rising sophomores boarded a bus this past Sunday to attend a GEAR UP Virginia College Prep and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) program at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA. The camp was designed to help students develop an early awareness of the skills needed for successful college enrollment and allow the students to have a full college experience. The students attended three days of a specific college class in Biology studies. Students attending the program were divided into three groups for the STEM studies; “Bugs to Barcodes: an interdisciplinary science program presented by the JMU Biology department that provides students with hands-on experience in design thinking, experimental design, data collection and analysis, and digital manufacturing (3D printing) using mosquito vector-borne diseases as the course focus.” Track one was Ecology, where students learned techniques in fieldwork and collection. The students built mosquito traps using a 3D printer. Track two was Bioinformatics, where students learned to blend computer science and biology to identify and code data collected from the field work. Track three was Molecular Biology and Genetics where students focused on vector-borne disease at the molecular level. The students evaluated mosquito DNA sequences in order to identify which species are more susceptible to diseases.
W&L GEAR UP students who attended the camp include Aliyah Booker, Ne’Kya Day, Cameron Fisher, Rayshad Gaskins, Shane McNeill, Andres Murillo, and Trinity Petitt. All the students participated in the final day science showcase in the main ballroom on campus. Their classroom projects were displayed and students took turns explaining their scientific reviews to visitors at the program.
In an effort to increase student college enrollment and success and to transform the lives of low-income families and their communities, GEAR UP Virginia (GUV) began offering college preparatory services and skills development to a cohort of seventh-grade students at 28 middle schools in 15 school districts beginning in 2014-15. These students will receive support through their first year of college, following high school graduation in 2020. This summer 21 Washington & Lee High School GEAR UP students attended two SPED summer camps. Westmoreland County Public Schools is the only school district in the Northern Neck to have been selected for the GEAR UP program.
W&L GEAR UP students who attended the camp include Aliyah Booker, Ne’Kya Day, Cameron Fisher, Rayshad Gaskins, Shane McNeill, Andres Murillo, and Trinity Petitt. All the students participated in the final day science showcase in the main ballroom on campus. Their classroom projects were displayed and students took turns explaining their scientific reviews to visitors at the program.
In an effort to increase student college enrollment and success and to transform the lives of low-income families and their communities, GEAR UP Virginia (GUV) began offering college preparatory services and skills development to a cohort of seventh-grade students at 28 middle schools in 15 school districts beginning in 2014-15. These students will receive support through their first year of college, following high school graduation in 2020. This summer 21 Washington & Lee High School GEAR UP students attended two SPED summer camps. Westmoreland County Public Schools is the only school district in the Northern Neck to have been selected for the GEAR UP program.
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New administrators announced
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Collectively, they represent 93 years in education. The new administrators for Westmoreland County Public Schools (WMLCPS) assembled together for the first time this week at the annual WMLCPS Administration Retreat. Beginning their new roles are Roger Coleman, Principal, Washington & Lee High School; Jarvis Bailey, Assistant Principal, Washington & Lee High School; Edward Bowen, Principal, Montross Middle School; Christie Douglas, Assistant Principal, Montross Middle School; and Jane Geyer, Assistant Principal, Cople Elementary School.
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unveiling of the signs
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It has been a long time coming!!! On a hot, muggy, summer afternoon, July 11, 2017, a group of Westmoreland County Public Schools’ administrators, School Board members, staff, teachers, a small contingent of students and Westmoreland County Board of Supervisors’ representative, gathered in the former corn fields of the Chandler Farm to unveil the sign announcing the location of the proposed new high school.
Arriving in a bright yellow school bus, the group gathered around the tightly wrapped signs as a small ceremony marking this momentous occasion occurred. Reflections were done by Russ Culver, Westmoreland County Board of Supervisors, Ralph Fallin, Chairman of the Westmoreland County Public Schools’ School Board, and Dr. Michael Perry, Superintendent, Westmoreland County Public Schools.
The unwrapping of the new sign was done by Dr. Michael Perry and Dr. Daniel Wallace, the Westside of the sign and Russ Culver and Ralph Fallin, the Eastside of the sign. A loud cheer went up from the crowd when the sign emerged along with a few horns honking from the passing cars. The gathered folks quickly grabbed their cameras and posed in front of the new sign. One attendee likened the event to a “family wedding party,” due to all the group pictures being taken.
“This is such a happy occasion for our schools and community,” noted Dr. Michael Perry. “This new school will enable us to offer our future students expanded opportunities in the fields of Career and Technical education, math, sciences, and the arts. Because of the community involvement in the planning process, the community will be able to take advantage of walking trails, indoor cultural facilities and recreational facilities. We thank all our many stakeholders who have made this dream a reality.”
The Westmoreland County Public Schools’ School Board consists of Ralph Fallin, Chair; Dr. Daniel Wallace, Vice-Chair; Iris Lane; Patricia Lewis; and Sandra Ramsey.
The Westmoreland County Board of Supervisors is represented by Darryl Fisher, Chairman; W.W. Hynson, Vice-Chairman; Russ Culver, Dorothy Dickerson-Tate; and Larry Roberson. The Westmoreland County Administrator is Norm Risavi.
Special thanks were given to contributors: Al’s Custom Signs, Colonial Beach; Victor McCoy, Frame Design, W&L Class of 1980; Gerald Hackett, staining of the frame, W&L Class of 1981; Wes James (plants), W&L faculty; and Malcolm Lewis (golf cart), W&L faculty and W&L Class of 1983.
The sign committee consisted of Patricia Lewis, School Board member, W&L Class of 1983; James Cook, Assistant Superintendent, W&L Class of 1980; Ricky Wilkins, Maintenance Supervisor, W&L Class of 1976, Butch Ramsey, Maintenance Assistant, and Victor McCoy, W&L Class of 1980.
Arriving in a bright yellow school bus, the group gathered around the tightly wrapped signs as a small ceremony marking this momentous occasion occurred. Reflections were done by Russ Culver, Westmoreland County Board of Supervisors, Ralph Fallin, Chairman of the Westmoreland County Public Schools’ School Board, and Dr. Michael Perry, Superintendent, Westmoreland County Public Schools.
The unwrapping of the new sign was done by Dr. Michael Perry and Dr. Daniel Wallace, the Westside of the sign and Russ Culver and Ralph Fallin, the Eastside of the sign. A loud cheer went up from the crowd when the sign emerged along with a few horns honking from the passing cars. The gathered folks quickly grabbed their cameras and posed in front of the new sign. One attendee likened the event to a “family wedding party,” due to all the group pictures being taken.
“This is such a happy occasion for our schools and community,” noted Dr. Michael Perry. “This new school will enable us to offer our future students expanded opportunities in the fields of Career and Technical education, math, sciences, and the arts. Because of the community involvement in the planning process, the community will be able to take advantage of walking trails, indoor cultural facilities and recreational facilities. We thank all our many stakeholders who have made this dream a reality.”
The Westmoreland County Public Schools’ School Board consists of Ralph Fallin, Chair; Dr. Daniel Wallace, Vice-Chair; Iris Lane; Patricia Lewis; and Sandra Ramsey.
The Westmoreland County Board of Supervisors is represented by Darryl Fisher, Chairman; W.W. Hynson, Vice-Chairman; Russ Culver, Dorothy Dickerson-Tate; and Larry Roberson. The Westmoreland County Administrator is Norm Risavi.
Special thanks were given to contributors: Al’s Custom Signs, Colonial Beach; Victor McCoy, Frame Design, W&L Class of 1980; Gerald Hackett, staining of the frame, W&L Class of 1981; Wes James (plants), W&L faculty; and Malcolm Lewis (golf cart), W&L faculty and W&L Class of 1983.
The sign committee consisted of Patricia Lewis, School Board member, W&L Class of 1983; James Cook, Assistant Superintendent, W&L Class of 1980; Ricky Wilkins, Maintenance Supervisor, W&L Class of 1976, Butch Ramsey, Maintenance Assistant, and Victor McCoy, W&L Class of 1980.
Congressman Wittman Visit
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Congressman Rob Wittman was visited by Westmoreland County Public Schools’ Superintendent, Dr. Michael Perry and Ralph Fallin, Chair of the Westmoreland County School Board, on July 7, 2017. The visit coincided with the upcoming unveiling of the new high school sign. Dr. Perry and Mr. Fallin both spoke on the importance of the new school and the expansion of career and technical education preparation courses. Congressman Wittman noted that only 47% of new college graduates have a position awaiting them in their chosen fields while students who are in technical trained fields, such as electricians, are employed 78% of the time.
All agreed that Westmoreland County Public Schools is correct in planning for additional Career and Technical education classes. In the future, graduates will be able to enhance their career paths “right at home.” The Dahlgren base will be increasing by over 500 technical jobs, such as coding and engineering, in the near future. Mr. Wittman noted that on a recent visit to the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), he was shown that electrical positions, such as elevator designers and workers, are in great demand. The union is desperately looking for young people to train in electrical fields. With less than six years of training and apprentice time, they can be earning six figure incomes. Dr. Perry and Mr. Fallin spoke about the new planned school and how the school board and administration listened to the people of the area in planning the new school. They brought design samples to show the layout and proposed interior of the new high school. Among the items emphasized to Congressman Wittman were the CTE wing, the auditorium, and the fitness wing. Dr. Perry asked for Congressman Wittman’s assistance in finding funding opportunities for the various components of the new building. All agreed that we must start career planning in the elementary level. It is imperative to have students have a plan of study by the fourth grade. Congressman Wittman also pledged to explore possible flexibility in applying the composite index in limited ways for the two counties that share multiple school divisions. Westmoreland County Public Schools appreciate the Congressman for allowing Dr. Perry and Mr. Fallin the opportunity to visit with him. |
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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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