Monthly Archives: February 2014
Message from the Superintendent About Black History Month (2014)
Dear Colleagues:
I want to thank you for taking the time this month to shine a light on Black History as we honor, celebrate and narrate the stories of African Americans.
When I think about the importance of Black History Month, I am reminded of something an African-American educator said years ago in a staff meeting when asked by a colleague why we needed to single out Black History as a special event. Continue reading
EduWidgets: Make Content Fun
EduWidgets authoring tools may be used to create, share and customize widgets (self-contained applications) to enliven digital content on websites, e-books, interactive whiteboards, and other digital classroom devices. Teachers and students can use EduWidgets to create interactive timelines, sequences, graphs, and images. Teacher registration is available now at www.eduwidgets.org. The authoring tools will undergo beta testing for approximately six weeks. Users are encouraged to report technical issues or suggest enhancements to the tool during the beta test period. Continue reading
House App Contest: February 1 – April 30, 2014
This year marks the first annual Congressional Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Academic Competition, the “House App Contest.” This new competition is designed to engage student’s creativity and encourage their participation in STEM education fields. Established by Members of the U.S. House of Representatives in 2013, this competition is a nationwide event that allows high school students from across the country to compete by creating and exhibiting their software application, or “app,” for mobile, tablet, or computer devices on a platform of their choice. Continue reading
Relationship Between School Climate and Several Academic & Behavioral Measures
School administrators and teachers: Please consider these findings and recommendations as you consider development of behavior management plans for the remainder of this year and into next year. Continue reading
Age of Jefferson: Free, Online 6-Week Course
This President’s Day, February 17, in tribute to Thomas Jefferson’s legacy in public education, the University of Virginia and Monticello are launching their first-ever, collaborative Massive Open Online Course, providing a unique opportunity for anyone, anywhere, to learn about the “Age of Jefferson.” Continue reading
Parenting Power Workshop on March 15
Super FAFSA Week Is Coming to PVCC This Saturday, Feb. 8
Super FAFSA Week (formerly known as Super Saturday) is a service project offered by the Virginia Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (VASFAA) where individuals seeking funding for postsecondary education receive FREE, professional assistance in completing the federal financial aid form, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is the form used by colleges, universities, and career-technical schools across the country to determine eligibility for federal and many state financial aid programs.
This Saturday, February 8, Piedmont Virginia Community College will be hosting this financial aid assistance event! Continue reading
Budget Update
Dear Colleagues:
Last evening, the School Board signaled their support for sending my funding request to the Board of Supervisors with no change. The School Board will take a formal vote at their February 13 meeting. They also will include in their resolution, a list of potential expenditure cuts that would be considered if the request is not fully funded once we receive final state and local government revenue numbers. Continue reading
Green Workday Standard Operating Procedure
On Friday, March 28, 2014, the school division will offer eligible employees the opportunity to participate in a “Green Workday.” School staff will commute via internet and telephone. Buildings will be in “weekend mode,” with reduced use of heating and air conditioning, fuel, and electricity. Students will not be attending school. Continue reading