I have known most of you since you were in third grade. Over the past 10 years I have watched in pride as you have grown into a class of leaders, teachers, healers, scientist, technicians, advocates, athletes, artist, musicians, and actors. During your fifth grade Promotion Ceremony, I promised to watch you walk across this stage tonight. Little did I know that I would be here on stage with you.
Over the past several years many of you “with shock and awe” have praised me for my accomplishments and that I greatly appreciate. However, I am who I am today because of you, our students, and the successes each of you have shown over the years. Each time one of you looks at me with amazement and says, “Wow, you were my principal and now you are the superintendent! You’ve come a long way!” I always respond, “I know but it is because of you.” It’s true and I mean it from the bottom of my heart.
I know and expect to see you many times in the future, but I can’t send you officially on your way until I leave you with some advice. My hope for each of you is that you have joy in your life as I do through finding your purpose, helping others, and surrounding yourself with family and friends. I pass on to you the following advice:
A Little Perspective Goes A Long Way – The difference between those who overcome challenges and those who succumb to them is largely one of attitude and perspective. Embrace challenges and setbacks as not just refining moments, but also as defining moments. Don’t fall prey to challenges; learn from them.
Keep The Faith – Don’t fear life. Don’t allow obstacles to impede your progress. Don’t let someone else define possible or impossible for you. The world can take many things from you, but your faith is not one of them. Only you can surrender your faith so never lose hope.
Life Is All About People - Relationships are the biggest asset you have. Your world will be greatly impacted by those whom you choose to include and exclude from your life. Be kind to others, but most importantly, be intentional. Think “selfless” as opposed to “selfish.” Family and friends are worth more than job titles. Life is about people – not things. The funny thing is, if you do right by people, material things will never be an issue.
Stand Out From The Crowd – Everyone has unique gifts and talents, and the earlier you discover and develop yours the better off you’ll be. Build your personal brand, become a subject matter expert, and guard your reputation. Everyone has a personal brand – the question is will it be built by default or by design.
Be Serious About What You Do, But Don’t Take Yourself Too Seriously - Humor can provide needed relief when times get tough.
Success vs. Significance – It’s important to realize there is not one definition of success. Success means different things to different people. As you continue your journey of personal and professional growth, it’s my hope your sights will shift from the pursuit of success to the passionate pursuit of significance. Find something bigger than you, and become a passionate, committed servant of whatever that cause or endeavor may be.
Learning Doesn’t Stop When You Graduate – Learning is a life long endeavor. The minute you stop learning is the minute you give opportunities to others. Always look to challenge and refine your thinking. Life is about learning and unlearning, and developing and growing. Don’t waste your experiences – view them as learning opportunities.
And last but not least, happiness and joy are not one in the same. Happiness comes and goes; it’s fleeting at best. Joy, however, is something that can be found in any circumstance or setting. It’s the joyful people who stand out to me. They are the lemonade makers – the ones who see the best in people, not the worst. Regardless of the hand they’re dealt, they don’t complain or become bitter. They remain joyful and continue pushing forward in pursuit of their dream.
And here ends ten years of official advice from me. Please make sure you come visit me often. I have faith in each and every one of you as you begin your new adventures and I wish you the very best. Watching you grow over the past ten years has brought much joy to my life. Thank you.
*Be sure to check out the layout in the Farmville Herald of the Class of 2013.
CuCPS Highlights:
Last week, the School Board approved the proposed amended budget and the Board of Supervisors appropriated funds for the 2013-2014 school year. Full time employees will receive a 2% raise for the upcoming school year. Professional staff contracts have been distributed and are due back by May 22nd. Support staff contracts will be distributed following the June School Board meeting.
Congratulations goes to Mr. Paul Nelson who was named the 2013 Teacher of the Year for Cumberland County Public Schools. Special recognition goes to the 2013 Teacher of the Year from each school:
CCES: Mrs. Jean Pino
CMS: Mrs. Kimberly Page
CHS: Mr. Paul Nelson
Rising Senior, Mary Huddleston, has been approved as the 2013-2014 Student Liaison to the School Board. Ivy Arbaugh was approved as the Alternate Student Liaison.
Kailyn Gilliam has been selected to be the representative for Girls State in June.
Fine Arts Night was wonderful. The artwork was outstanding and I heard much growth in our music program. It was great to see the students and audience so excited about the performances.
Congratulations to our boys and girls track teams for their efforts in Goochland. Girls finished as the James River District Runner-ups. The boys finished 5th. Teams were placed by Annesha Harris, District Champion in 100 & 300 meter hurdles, in doing so qualifying for States in the 100 meter hurdles with a top fourth time in the state and school record of 16.55. Congratulations also goes out to Matthew Horton, District Champion in the 1600 meters with a personal record of 4:53.
A special thanks goes out to Ms. Whittaker and her students who landscaped in front of the School Board Office and sign on route 60. They did an outstanding job. Their beautiful work puts a smile on my face each morning as I walk into my office.
Congratulations to Alexa Massey! Her art has been chosen to be displayed at the Hull Education Center at Longwood University from the fall of 2013 to the spring of 2014.
Check out our Facebook page for pictures from:
CMS 5th Grade DARE Activities
5th Grade Career Fair
CMS Relay for Life Recess
CCES Relay for Life Recess
1st Graders Visit the Public Library
CHS Principal, Jeff Scales, was appointed to the SVCC Board of Directors by the Board of Supervisors.
Summer Reading 2013 Lists are posted on our website.
Events for the Week:
Monday
8:30 3rd Grade Awards
8:45 CMS Awards Ceremony
10:00 1st Grade Awards
1:00 2nd Grade Awards
6:00 Gov. School Senior Dinner
Tuesday
Last Day of School for Students/Early Dismissal (CCES at 12:45 and CMS/CHS at 1:00)
Wednesday
Teacher Workday
PBL PD Workshop 8:00-12:00
CHS Math Meeting 2:00
Thursday
VSBA Policy Workshop
Virginia Board of Education Meeting (Health Science Academy Approval)
This Friday, the Class of 2013 will graduate from Cumberland High School! What an exciting time in one's life. This is a time to reminisce, celebrate accomplishments, and plan for the future. The above poem was written by senior Emilee Meinhard. I thought the poem was very fitting for the class since the theme when they were in elementary school was Reach for the Stars!
Beginning with the Governor's School Senior Symposium and CHS Senior Night, we have been celebrating the successes of the Class of 2013. On Friday, seniors presented their Senior Projects with confidence and pride. I also spent time at the SVCC Dual Enrollment Dinner and had the pleasure of watching 30 students walk in the SVCC Graduation on Saturday for earning an Associates Degree or Certificate (one year of college). I am very proud of these children I met while in third grade and now have grown into such wonderful young adults.
Below is information compiled by seniors Quinn Duty, Kayla Higgins, and Mason Dukes about the Class of 2013. Enjoy!
History for the Class of 2013
Compiled By:
Quinn Duty, Kayla Higgins, Mason Dukes
Cumberland County High School
The Graduating Class of 2013 has accumulated the following vital statistics, not only throughout their lifetimes, but during their journey through elementary, middle and high school:
Background:
We are a class of 93 seniors.
We have 52 males and 41 females.
Five of us were born in 1993, forty-three of us were born in 1994 and the rest of us were born in 1995.
Five of us were born in January, three in February, eleven in March, five in April, four in May, six in June, nine in July, five in August, seven in September, twelve in October, ten in November and twelve in December.
We have a total of 251 siblings, consisting of:
126 brothers
125 sisters
Traveling:
We have visited 38 states and Alexander Drummond has visited the most with 22.
We have not visited 12 states: Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Vermont, Wisconsin and Washington.
The state most visited is North Carolina with 31 people.
We have been to 6 countries other than the United States of America: Mexico, England, Scotland, Egypt, Jordan and Canada.
Alexander Drummond has visited the most with 5 countries.
The country most visited was Canada.
School Days:
We sent out 262 college applications.
Twenty-three of us plan on attending a community college. Fourteen of us plan on attending a trade or technical school. Forty-two of us plan on attending a four-year college or university and the rest of us are undecided.
We plan on attending Southside Virginia Community College, John Tyler Community College, Virginia Tech, Hampden-Sydney College, Longwood University, Old Dominion University, Mary Baldwin, Liberty, Hampton, Colorado Tech University, The Art Institute, Virginia Commonwealth University and Wingate.
We have received over $250,000 in scholarships.
Extra-Curricular Activities:
We have participated in 22 community and extra-curricular activities including:
Blood Drive
Relay for Life
Canned food drives
Christmas Mother
Christmas Parade
Cumberland County Clothes Closet
Patriots Day
FBLA
NHS
Yearbook
4-H
Rifle Team
SCA
After Prom Committee
School Board Liaison
Student Panel
Forensics
Theatre
Project Discovery
JROTC
HOSA
Youth Groups
Sports and Musical Talent:
We have played a variety of musical instruments including:
Trumpet
Drums
Saxophone
Guitar
Banjo
Snare Drum
Bass Guitar
Piano
We have played numerous sports including:
Basketball
Cheerleading
Cross Country
Football
Soccer
Softball
Track & Field
Volleyball
Golf
Baseball
Wrestling
The Class of 2013 has had a variety of experiences. These experiences are, in part, what have made our class so interesting and unique. They have all been important sources of learning and have shaped who we have become today.
The Extension Office is providing funds to install a solar powered system for running irrigation timers and small loads as well as compost and mulch for the Research Garden!
For the time you've invested in our daughters and sons.
For the places you've taken them,
and you've taken them far!
For leading and guiding them, to their North Star!
For your timeless energy that never seems to tire.
For that special talent you possess to inspire!
For making your students the best they can be.
For trying to teach them all to see;
How far they can fly and how high they can soar.
For making them all crave to learn more!
You've challenged their minds, their hearts and souls.
You've taught them it's possible to reach for their goals.
And as they journey through life near and far,
We will always remember their SHINING STAR!
Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! We appreciate our talented, dedicated, and hard working teachers at Cumberland County Public Schools. Be sure to thank a teacher this week!
Important CuCPS Information:
The proposed amended 2013-2014 School Operating Budget can be viewed at www.cucps.k12.va.us. The School Board will approve an amended budget at the May 13, 2013 School Board Meeting.
The Summer 2013 Reading Lists can be found on our website at www.cucps.k12.va.us.
CuCPS Highlights:
Senior Night 2013 was celebrated last week with the theme, A Night with the Stars! A special thanks goes to all the organizations, businesses, and individuals that made the over 38 scholarships possible. Pictures of Senior Night can be found at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cumberland-County-Public-Schools-VA/243780738968428.
The ROTC Change of Command Ceremony took place last Friday. Sylvia Fusari is now the Battalion Commander!
CuCPS has been awarded a Governor's Youth Development Academy Grant. We will be working on this grant with Amelia, Buckingham, Lunenburg, and Prince Edward.
The elementary school has been approved for a True Value Paint Grant.
Check out the Cumberland, Get Off the Couch 5K Video:
“Cumberland County has so much potential. I really hope to see more young people return to the area and invest in our community—raise their families here, start businesses, take on leadership roles in local government. I think the future of Cumberland really depends on young people with deep roots in this community branching out and bringing back the best of what they’ve learned.” - Justin Reid
Events for the Week:
Thursday
SVCC Dinner (6 pm)
Friday
Senior Project Day
Early Dismissal for Students (CCES at 12:45; CMS/CHS at 1:00)
The end of the school year and graduation is just around the corner! During the hustle, bustle, and the insanity of the end of a school year, it is hard to remain inspired. However, I ask each of you to take moments throughout the day and during events this month to take a close look at the accomplishments of our students. There you will find great celebrations, pride, and motivation. When talking with our seniors about their future plans (whether it is college, the military, or going into the workforce), they have dreams and aspirations that we have been a part of developing. When I observe and speak with our elementary students, they are having fun and proud of their learning. They want to show and tell everything! So step back from the hustle and bustle, and you will see bright, young individuals with great minds and talents!
Our students are our inspiration! We are developing life long learners and good citizens! Isn't that why we are in public education? When I visit classrooms and events each week, I find myself truly amazed by our students. Thanks to each of you for your hard work and dedication to the students of Cumberland County! It does pay off!
CuCPS Highlights:
218 students attended the CHS Good Behavior Breakfast last week for receiving no discipline referrals and having good attendance!
Many students participated in the Get Off the Couch, Cumberland! 5K last Saturday!
Jeanne Robinson, Emilee Meinhard, and Addison Gills received scholarships from the Ruritan Club last week.
The CHS Prom with the theme, A Night of Mystery, was wonderful! I enjoyed seeing everyone dressed up and having such a good time together! Congratulations to Prom King and Queen, Mason Dukes and Kamren Gilliam, and Prom Prince and Princess, Cody Tyson and Ivy Arbaugh! Pictures can be found at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cumberland-County-Public-Schools-VA/243780738968428.
Duke Decision Day: Senior Justus Dowdy signed to attend and play football at Hampden Sydney College last Friday.
Cumberland Middle School student, Nikyia Green, has been selected as a Virginia State Finalist in the 2013 National American Miss Pageant.
Many thanks to all who supported the CCES drive for the American Heart Association and the Jump Rope For Heart program in honor of Regan Martin! The"We Jump", "We Shoot", We Save - Be a Hero!" campaign netted:
CCES Faculty/Staff = $ 580.00
Student donations = $3,846.94
Total = $4,426.94
Our "Best-Dressed Door" contest winner was the First Grade Team!
When we come to it
We must confess that we are the possible
We are the miraculous, the true wonder of this world
That is when, and only when
We come to it.
(from "A Brave and Startling Truth" by Maya Angelou)
Thanks to the CuCPS students and staff that participated in Patriot Day: JROTC; Mr. Scales; Mr. Lee with the Marching Band and Chorus; the Learn and Serve students along with Ms. Whittaker and Mrs. Fleischman selling plants in the Greenhouse; the Juniorettes, and many, many more! It was great to see the community join together by celebrating our heritage and enjoying the events and fellowship.
CuCPS Highlights:
We are very proud to announce the Valedictorian and Salutatorian for the Class of 2013. Justus Dowdy has been named Valedictorian and Jeanne Robinson, the Salutatorian. Congratulations to both of these outstanding seniors!
Congratulations to senior Mason Dukes who has been selected as one of the 1,000 Gates Millennium Scholars for the GMS Class of 2013. He is commended for his strong leadership, community service, and academic achievements. More than 54,000 students applied, making this year’s the largest and most competitive group of candidates in the program’s history. We are very excited for Mason to join the community of Gates Scholars and very pleased to confer this distinct honor that distinguishes him as a Leader for America’s Future™.
We have 30 seniors that will be graduating this May from SVCC with an Associates Degree or Certificate (one year of college)!
Check out the Library Mural, created by senior Kasey Marshall, at the Cumberland Public Library. Great Job, Kasey!
Congratulations to Geoffrey Oliver who placed 4th in the FBLA state competition for Digital Video Production.
Check out the article about Alex Bapties in the Farmville Herald titled, Bapties Earns Fourth in the USA At Army JROTC Air Rifle Championship.
I enjoyed attending the GSSV Junior Research Symposium Program last week. The following students presented:
Mary Steward: Do You See What I See?: The Effect of Eye Color on the Accuracy of Distance Vision
Kailyn Gilliam: Can You Hear Me Now: The Effect of Time Talking on a Cellphone on the Amount of Electromagnetic Radiation Emitted
Sylvia Fusari: Shockingly Green: The Effects of Electricity on the Growth Rate of the Wisconsin Fast Plant
Mary Huddleston: Sweet Tooth for Your Streptococcus: The Effect of Various Concentrations of Xylitol on Preventing the Growth of Streptococcus mutans
Kyra Trent: Shake It, Don't Break It!: The Effect of Vibrations on Lactobacillus casei
Nyesha Byakatonda and Chelsea Deane: Caffeine It Up! The Effect of Different Caffeine Concentration on the Rate of Growth of Various Plants
Last week was filled with student presentations and performances which I found very uplifting and inspiring! This is the time of the year that we observe, evaluate, and celebrate our students' accomplishments! For the second month in a row, the School Board meeting last Monday was packed with students, staff, and community members along with families for recognition of excellent citizenship, art, writing, and participation in various activities. On Tuesday, the high school inducted new members into the National Honors Society. On Thursday, middle school students in 7th and 8th grade presented their projects at the CMS Science Fair. On Friday, seniors who attend the Governor's School presented in the Senior Symposium. The week ended with the CMS and CHS Theatre group's outstanding performances of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz! After leaving the performance Saturday evening and attending the above mentioned showcases of success, I felt very humbled and thankful that I work with such a wonderful and dedicated group of students and staff. We truly are Student Centered, Teacher Inspired!
I am now going to digress a bit (more detailed information about our students' successes can be found in the CuCPS Highlights section). The Administrative Council is studying the book, Failure is NOT an Option (3rd Edition) by Alan Blankstein. One of our assignments in Chapter 1 was to share a favorite quote and explain why the quote was most meaningful. As I was reading, I came across a passage that really embodies why I think public education is critical to our students, community, and the world. It represents the importance of public education that I feel levels the playing field in reference to future opportunities for many of our students.
Leaders in Western society have long articulated the close tie between a strong public education system and democracy itself (Dewey, 1927; Glickman, 2003; S. J. Goodlad, 2001; Putman, 2000; Ravich, 2011). Schools are clearly for the common good, and they serve as the gateway to, and potential equalizer for, economic and life success for millions of underserved children.
As Michael Fullan (2003a) states, "A high-quality public school system is essential, not only for parents who send their children to these schools but also for the public good as a whole" (p. 4). Diane Ravich (2011) explained it this way: "Education is key to developing human capital. The nature of our education system- whether mediocre or excellent- will influence society far into the future. It will affect not only our economy, but also our civic and cultural life" (p. 223). Failure is no more an option for the institution of public education than it is for the children within that institution (p.4-5).
CuCPS Highlights:
Pictures and highlights of recognition from the April School Board meeting can be found at www.cucps.k12.va.us.
The following students presented at the Gov. School Symposium last week on the following topics:
Emilee Meinhard on Blue Shrimp Cocktail: The Effect of Astaxantin on Neocardinia Heteropoda
Chris Pence on It Just Makes Scents: The Effect of Scents on Heart Rate, Blood Pressure, and Respiration
Tia Johnson on You're in for a Rough Ride: The Effect of G-forces on Heart Rate
Terrell Liggins on Do Judge a Book by Its Cover: The Effect of Background Color on a Teenager's Book Selection
Jeanne Robinson on What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger: The Effect of Insecticide on Exposure on Gradual Resistance in Hippodamia Convergens
Addison Gills on Can You Hear Me Now: The Effect of Levels of Auditory Obstruction on Awareness of Teenagers?
The following students earned awards at the CMS Science Fair:
I asked students on the Superintendent's Student Panels what they thought they needed in order to be successful learners, workers, and citizens. Our students know exactly what they need. Here is what they had to say!
Elementary:A very insightful group of elementary students ranging from six years old to nine, brainstormed the following list of skills that they feel they need for their futures. I was truly impressed that every member of the group knew what he/she wanted to do upon graduation. I had future authors, lawyers, police, vets, artists, lifeguards, and farmers in my company!
Spelling
Physically Fit
Current Events/News
Knowledge of Laws
How to Look up Information (Research)
Organization
Knowing Right from Wrong
Math Skills
Know how to Compromise with Others
Brainstorming
Kindness and Consideration
Swimming
Creativity
Innovation
Multitasking
Home Economics/Life Skills
Understanding New Information
Learning Different Languages
Imagination
Communication Skills: Read, Write, and Presenting
Social Skills
College Ready
Know how to Use Different Tools/Resources
Safety
Responsibility
Respect of all Creatures
Wellness
Be the Best You can Be through Practice and Hard Work
Being Good Listeners
Know how to Judge and Evaluate
Self Confidence
Middle:I was very impressed about how much our middle school students knew about what they needed to know in order to run a business or organization!
Research Skills
Patience
Personal Finance
Strong Academic Skills
Collaboration
Oral and Written Communication
Technology
Professional Dress
Math Skills
Science Concepts
Home Economics (cooking, sewing, taking care of the household)
Social Skills (especially how to interact with others)
Learn Multiple Languages
Know the Law/Right from Wrong
Business Skills
Stress Management
Time Management
Critical Thinking and Speculation
Originality and Creativity
Flexibility
Good Listeners and Focus
Management Skills in Building Capacity
Debate and Persuasion
Continuous Improvement
Respect
Know How to Sell Yourself/Self Confidence
Making Good First Impressions
Know What You Want in an Employee
Be the Best at What You Do
Build Professional Relationships
Investment
Setting and Monitoring Goals, Planning
Customer Service
Professionalism
Do What is Best for the Company
Strong Work Ethic
Entrepreneurialism
Supporting Others
High:A couple of the high school students are getting ready to graduate and starting to get a little nervous about college being right around the corner! This may have a lot to do with many of their responses!
Think on Your Feet
Patience
Respect
Self Confidence
Confidence
Honesty
Reliability
Courage
Enthusiasm and Initiative
Well Rounded
Fluent in Numerous Languages
Metacognition
Honor
Math Skills
Reading Skills
Spelling
Professionalism
Oral and Written Communication (including cursive writing)
Challenging Work
Pride in What You Do
Strong Work Ethic
Adaptive and Agile
Creativity
Cultural Exposure and Experiences
Technology
Time Management
Setting Priorities
Stress Management
Health and Fitness
Athletics
Community Service
Personal Finance
Problem Solving and Critical Thinking
Persistence
Goal Setting
Recognition
Intrinsic Motivation
Independence
Collaboration
Open Mindedness
People Skills
Analytical
Acceptance of Different Cultures
CuCPS Highlights:
Our new girls soccer team did a stellar job against a more experienced Prince Edward! Check out the article in the Farmville Herald.
792 people attended the CCES Showcase! CCES Team WIN raised $2,500.00 at the Book Fair during the event and sold $300.00 in raffle tickets!
The following staff members were recognized at the SVRTC Awards Luncheon:
Division Technology Teacher Award: Mr. Vince Kesner
School Technology Support Award: Mrs. Norma Crenshaw
Division Technology Support Award: Mr. Chris Hartley
The following student artwork was entered into the VSBA Southside Regional Art Contest:
Elementary: Phillip Brockwell
Middle: Christian Allen
High: Serena Muhammed
Congratulations to students who recently earned CTE Certifications:
Shannon Eppes, CNA
Shaunice Lewis, CNA
Candace Taylor, CNA
LonDajai Paige, CNA
Mackenzie Parker, CNA
Colin Haislip, MOS: Microsoft Office Word 2010
Tirrany Foster, MOS: Microsoft Office Word 2010
Cassidy Meacham, MOS: Microsoft Office Word 2010
Eric Westerhoff, MOS: Microsoft Office Word 2010
DeCarlos Langhorne, MOS: Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2010
Princess Royall, MOS: Microsoft Office Word 2010
Corey Patterson, MOS: Microsoft Office Word 2010
Benjamin Westerhoff, MOS: Microsoft Office Word 2010
Destani Jackson, MOS: Microsoft Office Word 2010
William Kinney, MOS: Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2010
Damien Bevins, MOS: Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2010
Quincy Venable, MOS: Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2010
Calvin Foster proudly stands by his artwork displayed at the LCVA Youth Art Exhibit.
The purpose of public education is to prepare students to be competitive global learners, workers, and citizens. 2025 will be the year that our current kindergartners will graduate from high school. What skills will our students need to be competitive in 2025? In the book, The Leader's Guide to 21st Century Education, Ken Kay and Valerie Greenhill list eight perspectives on societal change that require schools to change:
The Workforce: The majority of jobs now require employees to be able to communicate, critically think, and interact with people. Memorization and "following instructions" are no longer the order of the day.
The Flat World: The flat world requires that people are self-directed. If a person needs to be managed they are no longer employable.
The Service Economy: Today, 80% of the country's jobs are in the service economy (headed to exceed 85%). Educators, doctors, lawyers, accountants, bankers, health care workers, electrical engineers, etc. are all included in the service economy. The service economy includes anyone who engages with customers, clients, or patients.
Citizenship: The demands of citizenship are much greater today than they were 50 years ago. These challenges require more complex thinking, empathy, civility, and sophisticated forms of interactivity.
Pace of Change: Change is now the "hallmark of our culture".
Design and Innovation: There is a growing importance of creativity, innovation, and design in our economy. Cost is no longer the only factor in purchasing. Daniel Pink points out that highly innovative environments empower a "culture of learning" which exhibit:
Collaboration, Crossing of Boundaries, Intrinsic Motivation, Responsible Risk Taking, and Creation of Knowledge.
Information: Information used to be largely static and could be fixed in a textbook. We now live in a world of ever-increasing information.
Technology
* You can read more about these eight perspectives in the book, The Leader's Guide to 21st Century Learning, by Ken Kay and Valerie Greenhill.
Please reflect, is your classroom instruction, parenting, community support preparing our children to be productive in 2025? I am asking our student panels to reflect on the same question. I will share what students think schools should be teaching in order to prepare them for their futures in my next Blog! Stay Tuned!
Artwork by Serena Muhammed at the LCVA Youth Art Exhibit
Two Great Examples of Strong Community Support and Involvement:
The Foundation/Centra 5K Run for Scholarships raised $11,462! This money will go to scholarships for Cumberland graduates!
The Cartersville Garden Club has been awarded a grant totaling $1,100 and has allocated an additional $150 to the 21st Century Learning Garden Project at CuCPS!
Parents: Please take the following Technology Needs Survey:
Artwork by Alexander Drummond at the LCVA Youth Art Exhibit
CuCPS Highlights:
Congratulations to Alex Bapties who participated in the Junior ROTC Inter-Service National Championship Air Rifle Meet this weekend. He is now the 7th best shooter out of all the JROTC services - Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines. There were over 7,300 cadets who participated this year which puts Alex in the top 0.1%!
Sophomore Alexa Massey earned 3rd Place at the VHSL State Forensics Meet in Harrisonburg this weekend. She competed in Impromptu Speaking.
Bus drivers, Roxanne Hammond, David Brown, and Margie Davis, placed 3rd place in the Bus Rodeo this weekend!
Hola, hallo, bonjour, hello, ciao, kumusta! This is Foreign Language Week!
The first annual Foundation/Centra 5K Run for Scholarships was held on Saturday across High Bridge. There was a break in the weather and with a wonderful turnout of 100 participants, the event was a success. It was great watching our students, staff, businesses, and community members working and participating in the event together! What a extraordinary example of collaboration and teamwork! A special thanks goes to the Foundation Board who planned and prepared for the event and to Linda Lineweaver and Pat Bickel for their outstanding coordination! My husband and I both participated by WALKING in the 5K and we did cross the finish line!
With having accumulated seven missed days for inclement weather, the schedule for the end of the school year is as follows:
Monday, May 20, 2013: Full Day of School
Tuesday, May 21, 2013: Last Day of School for students/Early Dismissal Day for Students (CCES: 12:45; CMS/CHS: 1:00)
Wednesday, May 22, 2103: Teacher Workday
CuCPS Highlights:
Highlights from the March School Board meeting can be found on our website at www.cucps.k12.va.us.
Congratulations to our students who competed and attended the FBLA Regional Competitions at Longwood University. All 1st and 2nd Place Winners are eligible for State Competitions, which will be held in Reston VA on April 12th and 13th .
Business Calculations, 2nd Place – Chelsea Deane
Desktop Publishing, 3rd place – Ariel Hampton and Tirrany Foster
Digital Video Production, 1st Place – Geoffrey Oliver
Health Care Administration, 3rd Place – Justin Coleman
Help Desk, 3rd Place – Xaivia Royall
Parliamentary Procedures Team, 3rd Place – Jamal Watson, Owen Boatwright, Dakota Boyles, Andrew Brown
Spreadsheet Applications, 3rd Place – O’Layna Tyree
Word Processing II, 1st Place – Terrell Branch
Congratulations to Chelsea Deane – The newly elected Longwood Region FBLA President, and State Vice President.
Lyndsay Tapases, from Channel 13 in Lynchburg, spoke to second grade last week. She spoke about different types of storms and how they are formed; the water cycle; and different types of precipitation.
Events for the Week:
Monday
3:30-5:00 Conversational Tools Workshop (Optional for Staff)
Tuesday
10:00 CCES Supt. Student Panel Meeting
2:00 CHS Supt. Student Panel Meeting
6:00 Gov. School Joint Board Meeting
Friday
CCES Book Fair Begins
Sunday
2:00-4:00 Longwood Center for Visual Arts Youth Exhibit