THE Student Advocate A PAID SUPPLEMENT March 2010 Vol. 12, No. 2 STAUNTON CITY SCHOOLS NEWSPAPER DIVISION-WIDE NEWS 2 • R.E. LEE HIGH SCHOOL 3 • BESSIE WELLER SCHOOL 4 • A.R. WARE SCHOOL 5 • REGIONAL & STATE OPERATED PROGRAMS 6 THOMAS DIXON SCHOOL 8 • T.C. MCSWAIN SCHOOL 9 • SHELBURNE MIDDLE SCHOOL 10 • SPONSORS 2,5,6,12 FIND UP-TO-THE MINUTE INFORMATION ABOUT STAUNTON CITY SCHOOLS AT www.staunton.k12.va.us inside… (black and white) by Simantha Drew, Grade 12, Mrs. Wilson (chameleon) by Martha Wells, Grade 5, Mrs. Purty “Yes, the economic situation is difficult just now, but with this school division, excellence, service, and dedication remain the watchwords to ensure the best for all students.” — Dr. Steven Nichols, Superintendent
Transcript
THE
Student AdvocateA PAID SUPPLEMENT
March 2010Vol. 12, No. 2
STAUNTON CITY SCHOOLS NEWSPAPER
DIVISION-WIDE NEWS 2 • R.E. LEE HIGH SCHOOL 3 • BESSIE WELLER SCHOOL 4 • A.R. WARE SCHOOL 5 • REGIONAL & STATE OPERATED PROGRAMS 6THOMAS DIXON SCHOOL 8 • T.C. MCSWAIN SCHOOL 9 • SHELBURNE MIDDLE SCHOOL 10 • SPONSORS 2,5,6,12
FIND UP-TO-THE MINUTE INFORMATION ABOUT STAUNTON CITY SCHOOLS AT www.staunton.k12.va.usinside…
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“Yes, the economic situation is difficult just now, but with this school division, excellence,service, and dedication remain the watchwords to ensure the best for all students.”
— Dr. Steven Nichols, Superintendent
2 The Student Advocate | March 2010
Staunton City Schools P.O. Box 900, Staunton, VA 24402
SCHOOL LIAISONSCourtney Chapman Thomas Dixon Elementary
Tricia McPherson T.C. McSwain Elementary
Tammy Sanford A.R. Ware Elementary
Leslie Wagoner Bessie Weller Elementary
Dorothy Miller Shelburne Middle School
Rachel Sellers Robert E. Lee High School
Amanda Thompson Genesis
Erin Smith Governor’s School
Harry Hogshead Valley Vocational Tech Center
Tanner Boyle Shenandoah Juvenile Center
Teri Sumey State Operated Programs
Dr. Steven Nichols Central Office
Requests for additional copies, advertising information, andeditorial submissions should be sent to the following address.The Student Advocate has made every effort to provide accurateinformation. It is not responsible for changes made in schedul-ing after the paper has gone to press. Comments can be sent tothe attention of the editors of the following address:
THE STUDENT ADVOCATEStaunton City Schools • P.O. Box 900 • Staunton, VA 24402-0900
540-332-3920
S U P E R I N T E N D E N T ’ S M E S S A G E
2009-2010 STAUNTON CITY SCHOOL BOARDMrs. Angela V. Whitesell, Chair
Mr. George BallewMs. Sarah CrenshawDr. Roderic L. Owen
Mr. Ronald W. RamseyDr. Daniel Stuhlsatz
Dr. Steven Nichols, SuperintendentMrs. Dori Walk, Asst. Superintendent for Curriculum/Instruction
Ms. Stephanie Haskins, Instructional SupervisorMs. Barbara Smallwood, Health Services
Mr. Paul Sorrell, Supervisor of Instruction and TechnologyMr. William Fenn, Director of Testing
Ms. Susan Ellinger, Instructional Coordinator & State TestingDr. Jelisa Wolfe, Director of Special Education
Mr. Jonathan Venn, School PsychologistMr. H.L. Wade, School Psychologist
Ms. Amy Cannava, School PsychologistMr. Clay Chandler, Director of Human Resources
Mr. Charles Phibbs, Director of FinanceMr. Earl McCray, Director of Operations
Ms. Shirley Eagle, Director of School Food Services
STAUNTON CITY SCHOOLS ISAN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
As required by Federal laws and regulations, the Staunton City School Board does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, disability, age, or national originin employment or in the administration of any of its educational programs or activities.
THE
Student AdvocateEach year in late win-
ter and early spring, localgovernmental bodies acrossthe nation begin their workon the budget for theupcoming year. The Cityof Staunton is no excep-tion. Our work on the
budget typically begins in October, with finalapproval the following May in order to beready for the academic year to begin July 1.Most citizens know very little about howschools are funded and the dimensions of theschool division’s operation. It is essential tounderstand that the work of schools goes onbecause of the commitment of the communi-ty as evidenced through its financial support.In this edition of the Student Advocate, let’sconsider some of the more detailed points ofschool funding and operations.
Schools, by their very nature, are heavily“people centered.” That is, hiring people(teachers and support staff ) to work directlywith other people (students) to provide theirfunction (education), requires schools to con-sume a considerable amount of tax funding.In the current school division budget, the Cityof Staunton allocates about 23.49% of thecity’s total budget to schools. Staunton Cityprovides 42% of needed school operationfunds, while the state of Virginia providesabout 49%, and the federal government onlyabout 9%. It should be noted that all federalrequirements such as No Child Left Behind,special education, etc. must be met if anyschool division accepts even one (1) dollar offederal funding. This may be a perfect exam-ple of the tail wagging the dog when it comesto operation of the school division; here andacross the country.
In Staunton City Schools, it costsapproximately $10,952 to provide each childwith schooling per year. For special educa-tion students, this number rises to $15,384.In the early 1970’s when the federal govern-ment passed legislation mandating specialeducation services, the government promisedlocalities we would receive “dollar for dollar”funding for special education. Since thattime, the federal government’s contributionto local special education funding has neverbeen more than 17 cents per dollar! Theremaining 83 cents per dollar must be madeup by state and local revenue.
These facts should be kept in mindwhen any citizen begins to evaluate the valueof public schools to a community. StauntonCity Schools has a long and proud history. Wesend young people to some of the best collegesin the world-and do it all at a bargain! Asidefrom an education that opens the world to ayoungster, schools also provide a long list oflearning opportunities that are not of a typicalcurriculum. Such things as character educa-tion, patriotism, financial responsibility-thelist goes on and on, and all are a part of ourdaily existence. Additionally, we provide anti-drug education, anti-gang education, sounddecision- making and other qualities that pro-mote the safety of all citizens and the wellbe-ing of the entire community. But it is true-allthis comes at a cost.
The school division is deeply grateful toall who support our work through tax sup-port, political support, volunteering, andbeing proud citizens of the community. Ourtask could not be completed without the teamapproach from all citizens. There are so manythings to find in our school division thatreflect the quality of the community in whichwe live. From attending a patriotic programat an elementary school, to watching childrenraise money for a worthwhile charity, fromattending a spectacular performance or sport-ing event to watching young people growstrong academically...we all have a stake in thesuccess of the school division.
It is a factual statement that schools arethe “economic engine” of a community.Should the schools be of poor quality, busi-nesses will not locate in the community, prop-erty values fall, and a host of other negativefactors come into play. I am proud of the roleStaunton City Schools play in keeping thiscommunity vibrant and strong. While
Staunton City Schools is a large-scale opera-tion (in fact, the largest employer in the City),the employees of the division have a stake inthe success in this community as well. Of theannual school budget, over 62% stays in thecommunity through salaries paid to employ-ees and services purchased here.
In thinking of schools as a large-scalebusiness, there are many elements that escapethe notice of the typical citizen. For example,each day, the school division operates six fullservice restaurants to serve children and staff.In fact, over 40,000 meals are served eachmonth. It should be noted as well that 52%of the children in this school division receive afree or reduced price meal due to their pover-ty level. Moving children is also a challengewith the bus fleet of over 24 buses, drivingover 265,000 miles per year, transporting over1,800 students per day.
With all of the size and complexity of theschool division, the employees of SCS workvery hard to make ours a “small town” schooldivision. This “small town” attitude is a plus.It allows the staff of the school division to bet-ter know each young person, and always workin their best interest, while at the same time tohold those expectations for all children thatthey will do their very best, and achieve greatthings. Yes, the economic situation is difficultjust now, but with this school division, excel-lence, service, and dedication remain thewatchwords to insure the best for all students.Citizens of this community may rest assuredthat the leadership of the school division iscommitted to a strong academic and personaldevelopment program at the lowest possiblecost. Again, thank you for your support...SCSis grateful for your help in making ourschools, and ultimately our community a bet-ter place to live.
Dr. Steven NicholsSuperintendent
The school division is deeply grateful to all who support our work through
tax support, political support, volunteering, and being proud citizens of the community. Our task could not be completed without
the team approach from all citizens.
Freshman Seminar was at first a class wewere skeptical about. We didn’t think 90minutes a day should be used on talkingabout the way things are done in society.Nevertheless, as we become graduates ofthe class, 21st Century Success, we realizeits importance.
Habits both good and bad are a sub-stantial part of the curriculum, and muchof our studies are centered on Sean Covey’sThe 7 Habits of the Highly Effective Teen.Through this book we learned skills perti-nent to today’s society such as proactivity,positive thinking and self-awareness.
During our time in the class, we stud-ied credit, as well as taxes and generalmoney management. A representativefrom a local financial institution visitedone day a week for eight weeks explaininghow to gain control of spending throughmethods such as budgeting and goal set-
ting. We later learned how to establish andprotect our credit, inevitably causing us toask, “Is this something I really need?”
However, one of the valuable andbeneficial things we did this semester waslocate, research and study colleges, careersand other aspirations. We spent a copiousamount of independent time expandingon researching what we wanted to do afterhigh school, and even after college. Someeven thought about what they wouldmajor in.
The importance of this class cannotbe underestimated. With the shrinking jobmarket and rising unemployment, stu-dents are finding it harder than ever to findemployment, even after graduating.Retaining the critical skills offered in thisclass just might be the solution we need aswe head into the new decade as students,workers and citizens.
March 2010 | The Student Advocate 3
Dr. Mark Rowicki, Principal; Mr. Rodney Morris, Ms. Lori Wilt, Asst. Principals1200 N. Coalter Street, Staunton, VA 24401 540-332-3926 • Fax 540-332-3994 R.E. Lee High School
Twenty-First Century Class Addresses Critical Skillsby Sarah Johnson and Annette Taylor, 21st Class, Ms. Tacy
DID YOU KNOW? Forensics IS CSI!The Virginia High School League competitionwas originally formed to provide competition lev-els for public speaking and not sports!Competitors advanced from winning on the dis-trict level to regionals and, finally, to the statemeet, just as the VHSL sports levels are also con-ducted today. Google “forensics” and you will findthat it is from the Latin forensic public, forensic,from forum. In this competition students analyzematerial, interpret it and then present it in a pub-lic forum. Last year’s competitors at Lee were giventee shirts which read “Forensics IS CSI” (compet-ing in speech intensely) to help advertise the club.Another interesting aspect of involvement inforensics activities is that students who competedconsistently raised their SAT scores.For more information on this academic club, con-tact Heather Durham or Susan Polly, coaches. Mary Gray McKinsey, Justin Clifton, Draven Byrd, Ian Buster,
Ricardo Scott, and Baleigh Plott create a board game to review thelessons from The 7 Habits of the Highly Effective Teen.
Dan and Dorothy Baxley
Bob and Terry Boyle
Pat and Steve Claffey
Robert E. Lee High School Booster Club
The Hon. and Mrs. George M. Cochran
Martha and Doug Degen
Doris Dixon
Dick Firebaugh
Kenneth B. Frank
B.H. Grant
Joe and Evy Harman
Ernest M. Holley
Jim and Pam Huggins
Lynne Mackey
Preston and Jane Manning
Dave and Debbie Metz
John Mozian
Dr. Steven Nichols
Margie and Walt Obenschain
John and Karen Peterson
C.K. and Susan M. Polly
Ron Ramsey
Virginia Reid
Doug and Marnie Sheets
Shelburne Middle School NOW Boosters Club
Jane S. Shields
Joyce Shircliff
Mr. and Mrs. William Sibert
Paul and Martha Vames
Hugh and Connie Westfall
Mr. and Mrs. Terry Westhafer
* as of March 15
The Southern Valley District Forensics Meet wasrecently held at Robert E. Lee High School. The GroupAA high school teams represented were Robert E. Lee,Stuarts Draft, Wilson Memorial, Waynesboro,Rockbridge and Fort Defiance. Coordinators for theevent were Kaye Roberts, Lee Athletic Director, and Leeforensics team coaches Heather Durham and SusanPolly. The meet trophy was awarded to WaynesboroHigh School, coached by Erin Widener.
Meet winners in individual categories: (first, second, third winners qualifying them to compete at the Regional Meet)Extemporaneous Speaking/Domestic – Kara
thank youThe students and staff of Staunton City Schools are grateful
to the following individuals whose generosity has made this publication possible! They are true “Student Advocates”!
MORE FROM BESSIE WELLER
4 The Student Advocate | March 2010
Bessie Weller Elementary School Mr. Chris Bryant, Principal600 Greenville Avenue, Staunton, VA 24401
540-332-3940 • Fax 540-332-3959
Tiger in marker by Pamela Rowles, Kindergarten, Mrs. Purty’s class
Honoring Dr. King with a Peaceful Protestby Diane Kester, Kindergarten teacher
The kindergartners wenton a peaceful protestmarch in honor of Dr.Martin Luther King, Jr.The children wanted toprotest the fact that newplayground equipmenthad replaced the oldwooden equipment onthe older children’s play-ground. The kindergart-ners did not receive thesame. They felt thatalthough it was a verygood thing the old wooden structure was gone because of splinters, they felt theirown wooden structure was causing similar problems. After discussing what theycould do, they decided that a peaceful protest march might let Mr. Bryant under-stand how serious they felt about the situation. The children quietly and peacefullymarched through the school holding only signs. They ended the march in the officeand had a “sit-in.” Mr. Bryant came and talked with us. The children expressed tohim that they understood that he could not provide us with new equipment at thistime but would he please remember us in the future. Mr. Bryant told the childrenthat since they had been peaceful and respectful in their request, he would certainlyremember them and commended them on their choice of how to ask for something.All in all, a good lesson was learned by everyone.
Once on a Housetop: An International Holiday Celebrationby Phyllis Holroyd, Music Teacher
On December 14, 2009 Bessie Weller fifth, fourth, and third graders performed aninternational holiday celebration called Once on a Housetop. This musical celebratedthe wonder, joy and the diversity of the month of December. The cast of chimneysweeps danced and sang across the rooftops while cleaning chimneys to discover homescelebrating Hanukkah, Los Posadas, Christmas, and Kwanzaa. Santa filled the chim-ney while the students filled our hearts with the joy of the season!
Kindergarten students protest a new playground to Mr. Bryant.
Chameleon in watercolor by Martha Wells, Grade 5, Mrs. Purty’s class
The cast of Once on a Housetop
Family Fun Fitness NightBy Arlene Nicely
Bessie Weller Elementary School started 2010 off right by holding a Family Fun Fitness Night to promotehealthy minds and bodies through healthy eating and fun exercises. The event was held on Thursday, January 7thand, even with the forecast for bad weather, over 110 students and their families came to participate. Stations wereset up throughout the school thus proving that keeping fit can be a fun challenge. Cup stacking events (thank youCoach Laub) demonstrated lightning quick dexterity, stretching with Honey Bear (from the Staunton RecreationDepartment) gave the younger set a chance to work out muscles along with Mrs. Shaw’s “dance class” held in the gym.The night came to a “fun fitness” end with parents and students participating in a very vigorous game of dodge ball.
This event was made possible through our partnership with the Augusta Health WOW Children/YouthProgram, who provided us with healthy snacks, and the Staunton Recreation Department. Mrs. Lawson’s 5th gradeclass had the most people attending with Mrs. Harvey’s and Mrs. Mitchell’s second grade classes coming in 2nd and3rd. A FAMILY NIGHT FUN FITNESS NIGHT WAS HAD BY ALL!
Honey Bear from the Staunton Rec.Dept. joins the fun.
Cup stacking improves DustinBotkin’s dexterity.
Bradley Shaw learns the importanceof healthy snacking.
SnowBy Brandon BowersGrade 4, Mrs. Rapert’class
Snow fallingfrom the sky.
So brightlike a light.
So softlike a pillow.
March 2010 | The Student Advocate 5
A.R. Ware Elementary SchoolMs. Linda Mahler, Principal330 Grubert Avenue, Staunton, VA 24401540-332-3938 • Fax 540-332-3957
Regina Sexton, Mateo Collares and Dakota Jenkins are con-ducting an experiment using vinegar and baking soda to makea balloon inflate.
Exploring Matter In Second Gradeby Karen Grady, Grade 2 Teacher
Second graders have finished a unit on the states ofmatter. They have explored the terms melting, freezing,evaporation and condensation. The students have been veryengaged in conducting experiments to show each state ofmatter. They have been recording their observations aboutthe experiments and discussing the results. One of thefavorite experiments involved creating a gas. The studentsused a two-liter bottle, balloon, baking soda and vinegar.The students poured vinegar into a two-liter bottle. Theyput baking soda into a balloon. The students attached theballoon to the top of the two-liter bottle and dumped thebaking soda into the bottle. A gas was created causing theballoon to inflate. The students enjoyed being scientists.
Mrs. Pruitt’s class celebratedthe 100th day of school with manyactivities focused on the concept of100. She began the day by readingthe story “One Hundred HungryAnts.” The class counted 100 antsinto two groups of fifty, fourgroups of twenty-five, and tengroups of ten to make 100. Thenthe class generated a list of 100words they could spell. The chil-dren continued their celebrationby using the writing prompt: If I’vetold you once, I’ve told you 100times.... The class enjoyed sharingtheir writings and illustrationswith each other. Lots of fun activi-ties were enjoyed by all on the100th day of school!
During Ms. Wicks’ class100th Day celebration, we notonly worked with numbers andwords, books and counting-weused our bodies to celebrate 100days of school! Using the knowl-edge of grouping, counting by tensand the idea of 100 as a whole, ourclass broke a sweat by doing 100total aerobic exercises. Our kid-friendly exercise ranged fromjumping jacks to toe touches andbody twists to leg kicks. By doing10 different movements ten timeseach, we were able to reach ourgoal of 100 parts of the whole. Theclass enjoyed the activity so much
we did it twice more throughoutthe day! When it was time to getback to work, we wrapped up theactivity with a much needed andwelcomed 100 seconds of silence.A great way to celebrate 100 daysof first grade! In our class, we alsotook time to give a special gift tosomeone special from home bymaking 100 kisses using wild lip-stick. Each student loved the expe-rience, and as you can see, it wasdefinitely good for a laugh!
For their 100th Day celebra-tion, each student in Mrs.DeMarmels’ class brought in 100objects from home. Objectsranged from 100 pennies, 100beans, and 100 buttons to 100Lego pieces. After giving clues andguessing the items, they groupedand counted their 100 objects by10s, 5s and 2s. Then, they groupedand labeled stickers by 5s and 10sto 100 for a wall mural. The muralhangs above the sink, and as theywash their hands they can practiceand recite counting to 100 by 5sand 10s. Who knew we couldcombine math with healthyhabits?! The children also enjoyedcreative writing by answering thefollowing question: If I had $100...Believe it or not, many would savetheir money, or give it to others!Well done, First Grade!
Students can practice counting by 10s, 5s, and 2s.
Making 100 kisses with colorful lipstick is awesome.
100First Grade Celebrates 100 Days of School!by Linda Pruitt, Katie Wicks, Michelle DeMarmels, Grade 1 Teachers
Kindergartners learned about pen-guins with many activities across the cur-riculum. In Mrs. Sanford’s class, penguinparents tried to see how far and how fastthey could walk carrying a penguin egg(bean bag) on the top of their feet to the fin-ish line! Another activity allowed studentsto learn problem solving in math with apenguin problem. “If there are 12 penguinson the ice and 4 went swimming in the sea,how many penguins remained on the ice?”
Mrs. Dekle’s class embraced problem
solving by having students think of ways tosee how penguins could fairly share fish.Students then shared their ideas withothers in the class. It was amazing howthese kindergartners found several waysto solve the problems and explain theirthinking! WOW!
Ms. Kenney’s class took on opportuni-ty to measure with strings of yard just howfar each penguin parent could walk withoutdropping the egg, and then made a graph ofthat information.
The Earth ShakesBy Dalton Cason, Grade 4, Mrs. Sarah King
Buildings fallBridges breakBig line in the middle of the streetPeople dieStuff is left behindNo place to liveHave to live outdoorsMake tent out of sheetsSleep on cold, hard, buggy groundPeople trapped under rocksPeople lose their homesPeople lose familyPeople lose livesPeople lose clothesPeople lose townsPeople lose pets.
MORE FROM MCSWAIN
Penguin Math in Kindergarten
by Tammy Sanford, Jane Dekle, Emily Kenney, Kindergarten Staff
Valley Vocational Technical Center - Ms. Darla Miller, PrincipalGenesis - Mr. Tom Brown, Principal
Governor’s School - Ms. Linda Cauley, DirectorRegional & State Operated Programs
SVGS Presents UrinetownBy Cori McDaniel, R. E. Lee, Grade 12
In a world filled with politicalcorruption, environmental disas-ters, angry mobs, and a few “terrify-ing” cops, two young and hopefullovers follow their hearts and dis-cover their bright and ambitiousdestinies. In the Shenandoah ValleyGovernor’s School TheatreDepartment’s latest satirical pro-duction, Urinetown: The Musical(yes, this really is the title!), we finda world where an unforeseen 20-year drought has taken its toll onthe people of a gothic city, dryingup all water reserves. However,Caldwell B. Cladwell (AaronCrosby) decides to regulate waterconsumption by establishing achain of public bathrooms thatforce the people to pay to use thefacilities. And with the legislative officials on his side, Mr. Cladwell, like many of today’s most corrupt CEO’s,is able to twist the law to create his own mega million dollar fortune. The poor people of the city find it hard-er and harder every day to scrape up the cash required to relieve themselves. And with the threat of exile to themysterious and dreaded Urinetown looming over their heads, the people look to the heroic Bobby Strong(Matthew Riley) to lead them to a happier life. Although Bobby feels a desire to rebel against the fraudulentgovernment, he also finds himself helplessly in love with Mr. Cladwell’s pure and vibrant daughter, Hope(Hannah Woodrum). Bobby must decide whether he wants to lead the people to a better world or wants hislove to grow with Hope. The show allowed the theatre students to explore the different theatrical techniquesthat they study including Bertolt Brecht’s Epic Theatre style. The show was performed at Shenanarts’ Stage 4Theatre in Verona and received critical acclaim for its dry humor and witty musical references. The show wasthe directorial debut of the department’s new theatre teacher, Cassy Maxton.
Bay Watchers Identify Impaired RiversBy Michael Bugas, R.E. Lee, Grade 12
Recently, students in the geospatialclass and environmental science class atthe Governor’s School have teamed upwith Mary Baldwin College and theNational Oceanographic andAtmospheric Administration (NOAA)in response to the recent degradation ofour local watershed. Through the gen-erosity and support from the college andadministration, students from thegeospatial and environmental scienceclasses generated maps of impaired riversin the Shenandoah Valley and throughthese maps, presented what the students felt were the most significant and most influentialstreams to the vitality of our watershed. These locations were presented to a team of profession-als from Mary Baldwin College and NOAA and two optimal sites will be chosen by the judgesin the weeks to come. Throughout the seminar period, students from the Buoy Seminar con-structed two buoys out of PVC pipe and Plexiglas to monitor the water quality of the impairedstreams chosen with data collectors such as turbidity meters, dissolved oxygen sensors, and pHsensors. Ultimately, students from the Governor’s School will use the tools given to them to bet-ter understand the effects that individual habits have on our integral watershed that flows to oneplace: the Chesapeake Bay.
As part of their Governor’s School senior project, Jordan Gurkin, Sarah Carter, and JessicaHalasz spent weeks preparing for a spaghetti dinner and silent auction to raise money that willhelp build clean water projects for communities in Africa. The fund raising dinner was held inthe fellowship hall of a local church on January 29th. Local business gave free gifts for the silentauction while grocery stores donated noodles, pasta sauce, rolls, salad and dessert. After cooking,decorating tables and serving guests, the girls reached their final goal of $1500. Ralph Irons, whoattended the dinner, said, “The event was well organized, the service was excellent and the foodwas great. The event was no less than a five-star dining experience.” The spaghetti dinner was asuccess and hard work will help provide clean water for a small village somewhere halfwayaround the world.
S H E N A N D O A H VA L L E Y G O V E R N O R ’ S S C H O O L
Found PoemBy T’Keyiah Peyton, Grade 10, Ms. Thompson
Walking the lamp lit streetsI reason with myself.I begin to be tortured with throes and longings.I was found wanting,Leaping impulses and secret pleasures.A tempted and trebling sinnerI can bear no more.A fresh terror struck upon my soul:All this, though it whetted my curiosity,Told me little was definiteAn almost morbid sense of shame At the high pressure of spirits in their misdeeds.I was coming home from someplace at the of the world to sit
close by the fireBut not all these together could explain the hitherto disgust,
loathing, and fearAye, it must be that; the ghost of some old sin,The cancer of some concealed disgrace:Punishment coming, years after memory has forgotten and self-
love condoned the fault.Things cannot continue as they are.
G E N E S I S
6 The Student Advocate | March 2010
Angelique Zimmerman reports on the explorationsin Mrs. Tweardy’s Ecology class. She shares with usthe recipes students came up with for the lab.
The purpose of this lab was to find a recipe fora staple food item. A staple food item is somethingeaten regularly. Most of the items fall under thecategory of carbohydrates. We were to make some-thing out of the following: wheat, meat, corn, andother things that are eaten regularly. Most studentschose to use wheat. Some chose meat or anotherstaple food. Each student then researched or creat-ed a recipe that uses that staple food item.
Greg Humphries (LHS) leads the cast in a dance number.
Matt Wertman (WMHS), Adam Underwood (WMHS) andGraham Lohr (SDHS) test the stability of their buoy design.
▲
After reading “Dr.Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,”T’keyiah composedthe following poem:
INGREDIENTS:4 medium potatoes cut in one inch slices2 large tart apple, sliced1 tablespoon sugar4 slices of bacon, cut into I inch pieces1 medium onion, sliced1 tablespoon softened butter1 pound bratwurst1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
Combine ingredients over a medium heat until bratwurst is cooked. Serve warm.
Himmel und Erde,a German dish:
Khayman Smith and Eric Altizer made
March 2010 | The Student Advocate 7
Shenandoah Valley Juvenile Center - Ms. Theresa Davis, PrincipalCommonwealth Center - Teri Sumey, Education Director We Teach the BestGym Named for Retiring Coach Joe WatersBy Tanner Boyle, SPED/technology Instructor
S H E N A N D O A H VA L L E Y J U V E N I L E C E N T E R
V V T C C O M M O N W E A LT H C E N T E R
On January 29, 2010 Coach Joe Waters worked his final day atthe Shenandoah Valley Juvenile Center. His retirement was metwith much sadness as Coach had a way of filling not only thestudents, but also the teachers with laughter, and brighteningeveryone’s day. During his years at SVJC, Coach was able togreatly improve the Physical Education program, as he was ableto supply the students with many different types of exercisemachines, as well as a weight room. Coach Waters strived tomake every student’s day at the center a little bit better with hisdaily Physical Education classes and his daily talks with the stu-dents. He had an uncanny ability to break through many of thestudents’ molds, and to know each of them personally.
Through the years Coach had many achievements andsuccesses. While working as the liaison for the students’ StockMarket team, he won many local competitions, and even wonthe Washington Post stock market game. He was also highlymotivated to get some of the students involved within thecommunity. He was able to get some of the students to volun-teer at the Verona food pantry, where they learned differentaspects of community service. Giving back to the community
was an aspectthat Coachthought washighly impor-tant for the stu-dents to under-stand andappreciate.
In orderto honor the time and dedication Coach put forth at theCenter, he was honored with a party on his final day, and at thecompletion of the party, Coach was led down to the Gymwhere the hallway was lined with teachers, students, and staff.A plaque was then unveiled officially naming the gym, “TheRunning Waters” gym in honor of his service to the facility.
Even though the chapter has closed, Coach will always beremembered for his devotion to the students, as well as being adedicated member of the Shenandoah Valley Juvenile CenterEducation Program. We wish him many good times and hap-piness as he starts the next chapter in his life.
TEACHER RETIREMENTSAfter years of hard work, serviceand dedication, two of ValleyVocational Technical Center’s finestare retiring. Becky Downey beganteaching at VVTC in 1979 in theHorticulture Department. Mrs.Downey was named VVTC Teacherof the Year in 2002. Jenny Keyserhas been teaching for 13 years.Mrs. Keyser taught business educa-tion and is currently providinginstruction in the Teachers forTomorrow program. Mrs. Downeyand Mrs. Keyser are inspired mas-ter teachers who will be missed bystudents, faculty, and administra-tion.
SECOND ANNUAL HAIRSHOW AND EXPOSITIONOn May 7, the Cosmetology pro-gram will be hosting “A Passionfor Hair: Celebrate Life.” Studentswill exhibit their talents, skills andcreativity by performing a varietyof activities including a makeovercompetition. Last year more thantwo hundred people attended theHair Show. The goal of the event isto promote awareness and raisemoney for breast cancer. Therewill be a small admission fee andan opportunity for other donations.All proceeds will go directly to theBreast Cancer Foundation.
The gym is renamed in honor of Coach Joe Waters.
Who Knew Science Could Be So Much Fun? By Vicki Fawcett-Adams, Science Educator
The students attending school at the Commonwealth Center for Childrenand Adolescents learned that lesson first hand from Becky Jaramilo , a NASAeducator. Ms. Jaramilo pulled out all the stops in a two-hour hands-on sci-ence demonstration focused on space exploration, moon surface, measure-ment and discovery learning. She was aninvited guest of the ScienceDepartment, compliments of the NASASpeakers Bureau in Arlington, Virginia.These speakers tailor their presentationsto the individual audience and popula-tion needs providing high energy, highinterest and individualized instructionalmodels for both students and teachers.Everyone agreed this was a great invest-ment of time for the students.
Bringing real science into the classroom and bridging career selection wasanother focus of Commonwealth Center’s Education Program when aninvited guest from WHSV TV brought weather forecasting to the class-room. Mallory Brooke, Daybreak Meteorologist, visited the classroom pro-viding a science lesson and outreach experience for all students. With therecent number of snowstorms her presentation was especially enlighteningfor students and staff. The students were riveted to her every word, askedlots of questions, and especially enjoyed a TV personality who took timefrom her busy schedule to spend with them.
CCCA takes pride in providing a variety of learning experiences for theirstudents and connecting SOL objectives to everyday life. Bringing guestspeakers into the school is a great way to inspire students and broadentheir thinking.
Becky Jaramilo, NASA guest speak-er, helps a teacher with a hands-onscience activity.
Culinary Arts student Cody Humphreys (middle right) was one of sixstudents from Virginia selected to work with Food Network Star, GuyFieri in Norfolk on November 20. Students were selected fromCulinary programs across Virginia that utilize the ProStart curriculum.ProStart is administered by the National Restaurant AssociationSolutions and other state restaurant associations. Guy Fieri hasembarked on a coast-to-coast 22 city road show tour and wanted toincorporate ProStart students to be his interns. Asked about the expe-rience of working with Guy Fieri, Humphreys said, “It was awesome.I learned a lot of new things, especially about the importance ofspeed and teamwork.” Humphreys has been elected as the SkillsUSADistrict Parliamentarian for 2009-2010.
Carpentry teacher KennyHodges was voted ValleyTech Teacher of the Year for2009-2010. Mr. Hodgescame to Valley Tech in 2006from Highland County wherehe had taught BuildingTrades and Carpentry for 15years. Each year theCarpentry students build ahouse that is sold at auctionin June. Stop by to check outthis year’s house if you are inthe neighborhood.
8 The Student Advocate | March 2010
Mrs. Sharon Barker, Principal1751 Shutterlee Mill Road, Staunton, VA 24401
540-332-3934 • Fax 540-332-3973Thomas Dixon Elementary SchoolCould a Dixon StudentBecome a Famous Author?By Odile Heisel, Librarian
Third grade students at Dixon found out the answer is yes;they could become a famous author! Working in pairs, stu-dents used the internet to research the characteristics of afamous author. They created a web page, writing about anauthor, comparing themselves to that author, and posting arelated question to the other students in their class. After allthat hard work, students had a great time blogging respons-es to the questions of their classmates.
In this research project, third grade students learned thatnot everything on the internet is true, that it is important notto copy but to write information in one’s own words, and tocite the source of their information. The blogging helpedstudents practice writing sentences using proper grammar.Using technology was a fun way for students to read, write,and conduct research. They found out they have a lot incommon with famous authors. Even if these students don’tbecome famous, these third graders had great time learning!
Fourth Grade NewsBy Fourth Grade Staff
The fourth graders have been excelling in the second semester.Fractions are our focus in math. We have been comparing, ordering, andsimplifying them. Quiz your child and see how much they know aboutfractions already. In science, the students have been working on electrici-ty and magnetism. Each child had the opportunity to make a switch usingFahnestock clips. The Revolutionary War is the topic of focus for socialstudies. Mrs. Hamric and Mrs. Heisel, our librarian, have been teamteaching this topic and helping students with their projects. In writing, wehave been focusing on verbs and articles. We also held a mini writingworkshop in class where students wrote stories, edited another’s paper,and revised to make a final copy. The fourth graders have been workingvery hard. Come and visit with us anytime!
Fifth Grade: A Rigorous CurriculumBy Fifth Grade Staff
After our second winter break, the fifth graders are working vigorous-ly in all subjects. For math, the main focus right now is fractions.Students have been, and will continue learning differences in fractions,combining fractions to create a whole, improper fractions, and additionand subtraction.
The fifth graders are ability-grouped for reading. Mrs. Aistrop-Vanhook’s class is currently reading “Freedom Riders,” which is a bookprimarily about the Underground Railroad. In Mrs. Lucas’ class, they arecurrently reading “Leanin’ Dog” by K.A. Nuzum. The students are
enjoying studying this book about a young girl from Colorado in the1930’s. This young person struggles to leave the interior of her homebecause of a traumatic experience in her life. She soon befriends a dogthat helps her overcome many of her fears. This is such a remarkable andinspiring book for young people. Mr. Humphrey’s reading class isgoing to soon begin reading an awesome novel, “Maniac Magee.” Thisbook has it all, including life lessons, ethical and moral decision mak-ing, friendship, humor, and sadness. In addition to schoolwork, stu-dents should be reading at least 30 minutes each night!
Mrs. Lucas’s science classes have recently studied matter, light, andsound, and how they all relate to matter. The class is looking forwardto future studies including the Earth, rocks and minerals of Virginia,and oceans. They will also review fourth grade objectives as we getcloser to the SOL.
Mrs. Aistrop-Vanhook is the social studies guru. They are current-ly playing “catch-up” after our winter storms, and will complete a unitfocused on reconstruction.
Mr. Humphrey’s focus is writing, and the writing SOL test wasscheduled for March 3! Currently, the classes are continuing and final-izing preparation for this test. The students have worked hardthroughout the year, mastering writing skills that include compositionof narrative and expository papers, with emphasis on grammar, con-ventions, and organization. After excelling on the SOL, students willturn their attention to research projects that include following a select-ed school for the NCAA “March Madness,” researching a famous per-son of choice, and each student will research a selected state. Near theend of the year, the students may create a play.
During this past summer and fall, the firstgrade teachers took a math class to help themlearn to teach math using a more student-cen-tered approach. The first graders at Dixon arereally enjoying the new and different activitiesthat are being used this year. Children are usingten frames and part-part-whole mats to learnabout numbers, number sense, counting, addi-tion and subtraction. They each have a mathjournal for home. Each month a new calendaris sent home with short daily math activities.These are completed at home and returned toschool at the end of each month. The childrenare very proud to share which was the heaviestthing in the refrigerator, who are the oldest andyoungest members of their house, the numberof windows and doors at home, whether there’smore people in Wal-Mart or at school, 10things they know about the number 10, or howmany hands tall is their tallest parent. Inschool, whether there are two quick minutes toutilize or full 30-40 minute lessons, these activ-ities and tools have helped all of the childrenhave a better understanding of numbers andhow they work.
One of the first graders’ favorite activitiesso far is working with a partner and using story-
boards. These boards are simply pictures of dif-ferent scenes such as a lake, road, cave, corral,tree, store, beach, or garden. Using manipula-tives such as counting bears, the children tell astory. For example, “Five bears are in the cave.Two bears went to pick berries. How manybears are there in the cave now?” After usingmany different storyboards and a variety ofmanipulatives, the children can more easily puttheir stories on paper in the form of math sen-tences. Learning addition and subtraction factsis more fun and meaningful. The children takegreat pride and enjoyment in making up andsolving story problems for themselves and theirfriends.
Another especially fun math day hap-pened on the 100th day of school, January29th. The children discovered that they knew awhole lot about that number. One hundred isthe number of pennies in a dollar, it is 50+50, ithas three digits and two of the digits are thesame, it has one stick number and two circlenumbers, it is bigger than 99 other numbers, itis 10 bundles of 10 straws, it is the only num-ber on the 100s chart with three digits and it isthe last number on the 100s chart, it is less thanone million, it is the same as 10 dimes or 4
quarters or 20 nickels, it is the fingers on tenchildren and the toes on ten teachers, and mostimportantly, it is a party day at school! Somechildren wrote their names 100 times whileothers collected 100 signatures. They countedhow far they could go counting 100 steps downthe hall out of the classrooms. They wrote aboutwhat they would do with $100. “If I had $100,I would buy a pool and a laptop and a horse andget $99 back,” said one little girl. Another childwrote that he would “help the children inHaiti.” All of the children were asked to bringin a collection of 100 items from home. Thesewere used to count, group, and make patterns,sort and classify, add and subtract, design pic-tures, tell stories and in some cases, eat!
The boys and girls are discovering newways to use their math brains every day.
Math Fun at Home!By Therese Rodammer, Math Coach
Dixon students have the perfect solution for having funand learning math on snow days, weekends or really anytimeat all! Mallory S., age 7, enjoys playing math games on theDixon computerwebsite. “It givesme a lot of mathquestions thatmaybe I don’t know,but a lot of them Ido know. It’s justfun to do the games”exclaims Mallory.She highly recom-mends subtractionwith “Math Facts Basketball,” which is available on the site.Matthew H., age 7, agrees. “I like to learn about math and Ilove to play the math games and that makes me happy!”Megan R., age 6, suggests that students check out the web-site because, “They probably would like it a lot!” The stu-dents interviewed for this article raved about “ABCya” infolders from grades 1 and 2.
Christine Tehran, computer teacher, has placed a linkon the Dixon computer website that parents and students areable to access for free. It is a child friendly, educational andsafe website that students may use as often as they wish. Toaccess the link, go to the Dixon website and under “SiteShortcuts” click on “websites for students, teachers and par-ents.” That will take you directly to theikeepBookmarks.com website. Take it from Charles E., age6, who thinks this is a site for everyone. He said, “It helpsme learn what numbers look like and how much the amountis. It’s just fun and silly!”
First Graders Use Their “Math Brains” at Home and SchoolBy First Grade Teachers
McSwain Presents River Childand Once on a HousetopBy Phyllis Holroyd, Music Teacher
On October 22, 2009, fourth grade students per-formed the musical River Child. This performance cel-ebrated and educated the importance of water to ourlives and five of the greatest rivers in the world. The 48characters portrayed the culture and beauty of the Nile,Amazon, Mississippi, Rhine, and theYangtze. The musical reminded us“water is life!”
On December 17, 2009, fifth andthird graders performed an interna-tional holiday celebration called Onceon a Housetop. This musical celebratedthe wonder, joy and the diversity of themonth of December. The cast of chim-ney sweeps danced and sang across therooftops while cleaning chimneys todiscover homes celebrating Hanukkah,Los Posadas, Christmas, and Kwanzaa.The night was filled with energy, loveand joy of the season!
March 2010 | The Student Advocate 9
T.C. McSwain Elementary SchoolMs. Kimberly Crocker, Principal1101 N. Coalter Street, Staunton, VA 24401540-332-3936 • Fax 540-332-3955
Diary of a Tough Kid By Ryan Fix, Grade 3, Mrs. Rainey
Many of our third graders are enjoying the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series of books byJeff Kinney. We decided to write our own diaries of different kids as if we were the kidin the story.
Our baseball game was not going well. It was 8 to 3 and we were losing. I was play-ing third base. Then a very big boy came up to the plate. He smacked the ball to third baseand it hit me right in the face. Shocking pain shot through my body. I wanted to scream butI didn’t. I put my glove down and the game was stopped. The umpire and coaches cameover. I said I was fine but it really hurt. I went into the dugout and got ice. Then I went backin the game. I could hear my dad yell, “Good job, Rex!”
Pretzels, Fettuccine, or Both? By Anita Richardson, Reading Specialist
The novelty factor plays an important role in engaginginstruction. When a kindergarten student decides whether a let-ter can be constructed with pretzels, fettuccine or both, he/she isintegrating letter knowledge and familiarity with spacial relation-ships. A child might not remember if a letter is constructed withstraight lines or curves or both, but he/she will most likely recallif a letter was successfully constructed with pretzels, fettuccine,or both!
Using manipulatives, frequently food, children build emo-tional connections with letters. It is common to hear a kinder-gartner say, “That’s a lowercase “i” because I know it has a cutelittle dot right there!” or “This is a “j” because it looks like I couldhang my jacket on its funny curvy hook!” Important cause andeffect relationships are learned concretely too. Recently, a kinder-garten student decided to construct an “s” with fettuccine,because “When I tried it with a pretzel, it didn’t curve. ItCRACKED!”
Flashcards and rote memory have their place, but I think kidswould unanimously vote in favor of using play dough, cookiedough, pudding, peanut butter, and yes, even pretzels and fettuc-cine to build letters!
100 Cans for the 100th Day!By Mrs. Angela Humphrey, Kindergarten Teacher
Kindergarten students at McSwain elementary got a lesson in helping others while gettingready for their 100th day of school celebration. Leading up to the 100th day of school, studentsin Mrs. Edwards’, Humphrey’s, and Lowman’s classes were asked to bring in canned food withthe goal being to collect 100 cans for charity. Each week students met as a grade level to countcans that were brought to school. Students took turns taping cans in groups of ten and color-ing in a graph to chart their progress. By the 100th day of school the generous group of kinder-gartners had to extend the graph since they collected 170 cans of food. The collected food willbe donated to a local food bank. Way to go kindergarten!
Dictated by Maggie Lowman to Mrs. Richardson, Reading Specialist
I decided to make a snow baby. On her bottom part, I put jewels,styrofoam, and goldfish. On her middle part, I put on a band-aid,some sequins, a seashell, three hearts, and a purple pom-pom.
The top snowball is my snow baby’s head. I put on five but-tons for her mouth. (And that’s how old I am -5!) For the nose, Iput on a gold bow. Then for the eyes, I glued on diamonds. Mysnow baby has rainbow yarn for her hair. (Her hair is a littleshorter than mine.)
My teacher, Mrs. Humphrey, read the book, Snowballs to us. It is written and illustrat-ed by Lois Ehlert. I’ll show you ... Lois Ehlert put a bow on her snow baby, too! And sheput a price tag on her snow baby and a bell around her neck!
I figured out that in the book, Snowballs, Lois Ehlert used snowflakes on the pagesand the snowflakes were really hole-punch circles of paper! She stuck them on there.
Mrs. Humphrey assists the students as they collect canned food for charity.
Snow Baby by MaggieLowman, Kindergarten
Malakhye Richardson designs letters with pretzels.
Photo, top: Cast of River Child from L to R: Tasia Hoover, David Lowman, Henry, Goodson, and Madison Green
Photo, bottom: Cast of Once on a Housetop from L to R, First Row: Peter Tillen, Hannah Lockhart, Nora Saxman;Second Row: Chyna Nolley, Hayes Taibl, Emily Kullman; Third Row: Kathryn Scheider, Christopher Gill, GraceClem, Evan York, Sarah Riddell, Garrett Venn, Callie Bandy
snowbaby
10 The Student Advocate | March 2010
Mr. Richard Fletcher, Principal; Mr. Robert Craft, Assistant Principal300 Grubert Avenue, Staunton, VA 24401
540-332-3930 • Fax 540-332-3933Shelburne Middle SchoolWhen tragedies like the recent events in Haiti
take place, it makes us all pause and reflect on how for-tunate we truly are. At Shelburne, we are fortunate tohave a staff and a group of kids who care and who giveback to our community, our world, and our school inso many ways.
The Global Action Club started this year after 8thgrader Sydney Davis expressed concern to Mr. andMrs. McGlinchy about students who are living in war-torn Uganda. The club has reached out into the com-munity for support through a very successful bakesale, a change drive that was supported by local busi-nesses in downtown Staunton, and basketball con-cession sales at Shelburne. In six weeks, the GlobalAction Club was able to raise over $1,000 to send toShelburne’s sister school, St. Mary’s Lacor, inNorthern Uganda. In January, GAC hosted afundraiser at school to help support the earthquakevictims in Haiti. Students gave donations to sendone of their teachers to “jail” during lunch.
Many advisories are getting into the spirit of givingback. Mrs. McCauley’s students have organized adonation program for our local SPCA, and Mrs. King’sgroup has been giving back to the school by volunteer-
ing in the Shelburne POWERhouse (library). Mrs.Zombro’s advisory decorated over 70 holiday orna-ments, which were delivered to Kings DaughtersNursing Home so that each resident would get one forthe holidays.
Classes and clubs around the building are also“chipping in” to make our community a better place.Students from Mrs. Carson’s Graphic Design classesgave their time to read books they made to students atWare Elementary, and 75 band students volunteeredtheir time to memorize music and march in theVeteran’s Day Parade. The “Green Team” (environ-mental club) works to maintain the sixth grade gardenand picks up trash around the school grounds. TheSCA representatives shopped and gathered donateditems to help provide Christmas gifts for elementaryschool families as part of their Holiday Hugs program.
And how about our student athletes-the freshmenboys’ basketball team donated $120 to help needy fam-ilies at Christmas!
Shelburne is lucky to have such dedicated stu-dents who make a difference in their world, whetherthat is here in our community, in our school, oracross the globe!
B-I-N-G-O at Baldwin ParkBy Addie Jones, School Counselor
Shelburne’s Student Counseling Team sponsored a B-I-N-G-O activity at Baldwin Parkin December for their winter service project. The students enjoyed visiting with the residentsand facilitating bingo games, but most of all they appreciated the healthy dose of competi-tion! The SCT members participated in a variety of ways such as passing out bingo cards,calling numbers, organizing and sharing snacks/drinks and lastly distributing the fun anduseful bingo prizes.
Thanks to all our friendly neighbors at Baldwin Park! We really enjoyed our time spentwith you!
Hearts For Haiti By Susan Gutshall, Art Instructor
Shelburne 7th and 8th grade art students have created ceramic heart pins and pendants with stamped reliefdesigns, which are being sold with all of the proceeds going to relief in Haiti, via “Hands of Grace” ministry. Manywere sold during the Winter Blast family fun night at Shelburne at the Art Department’s Face Painting booth.
As students created their hearts, it was an opportunity to ask questions and discuss a part of the world thatthey had no knowledge of until the news of the devastating earthquake.
This became a valuable lesson in compassion where the students knew that their efforts would be helpingother children and their families in Haiti.
WINTER BLASTBy Dorothy Miller, PAT President
January 29th was a chilly night atShelburne. Many children and adultsbraved the chilly weather and impendingsnow for a fun-filled night of activities,crafts, games, food, and fun.
As you can see from the many pic-tures a fun time was had by all. One ofthe major attractions was the snowboard-ing, which drew even more attentiononce a bull was put in place of the snow-board. Some of the parents attempted toride the bull.
The students especially enjoyed“soaking the teachers” in the spongesplash. There were many “happening”things taking place: basketball games,karaoke, cakewalks, face painting, andan inflatable course. Many childrenand adults participated in the 50/50raffle and the Silent Auction. Onbehalf of the Shelburne PAT, we wouldlike to thank those who came out andsupported this event, which made thisnight a huge success!
Shelburne Gives Back! By Rich Fletcher, Principal
March 2010 | The Student Advocate 11
Federal No Child Left Behind benchmarkscontinue to increase as schools across Virginia seekto meet the ever-tougher pass rates. For the 2001-02 school year, the first year of the No Child LeftBehind Act (NCLB), schools across the US wererequired to have 60% of their students pass a StateEnglish test and 58% pass the math test. For the2009-10, the pass rates have increased to 85% and83% respectively. While Staunton City Schoolshave been able to meet the higher pass rates at mostschools, it has become increasingly challenging asbenchmarks have risen. In order to be successful,all schools are seeking to find new ways to meetstudent needs from kindergarten through grade 12within the current budgetary constraints.
The HistoryThe No Child Left Behind Act was a bipartisaneducation bill passed by Congress in the Fall of2001 which tied federal education dollars directly to29 different standards that schools had to meetbased on test results measured in 7 differentsubgroups of students. The bill required every stateto develop tests that would measure studentachievement against state standards. In Virginia,these standards were the Standards of Learning orSOLs. While the tests were administered in specificgrades (3-8 and selected high school courses), theSOLs were developed for all grades. In total,students would be tested on kindergarten throughtwelfth grade standards.
The implementation of the standards requiredextensive restructuring of curriculum in schoolsacross Virginia. Periodic reviews of the Virginiastandards are conducted resulting in changes to thecurriculum and consequently the tests. Thus,teachers and students must adjust to the curriculumchanges quickly. By 2013-14, all students must meetthese standards in order for schools to satisfy therequirements of the NCLB Act.
The TestsWhile many believe that the Standards of Learningtests require students to simply memorize, the factis that students must have a deep understanding ofmany different processes and be able to apply themin order to be successful. The following is asampling of reading and math skills in which a 3rdgrade student would need to be successful:
• Use apostrophes properly with possessive nouns• Identify important details in a passage• Identify the best reference material for a specific
purpose• Use graphic organizers• Draw conclusions
Math 3 Skills
• Use inverse operations to determine a missingquantity
• Estimate a volume using non-standard measure• Identify a number to make a true inequality
statement• Identify characteristics of a specified geometric
solid• Determine the distance around a polygon.
Given the difficulty of the above skills required of agrade 3 student, it should not be difficult tounderstand the need to begin laying the groundwork early in the education of a child.Kindergarten, first and second grade teachers havethe responsibility to teach their respectivecurriculums, which form the building blocksleading to the third grade SOL tests. This becomesa monumental task as children’s capacity to learncertain concepts is based on their individualdevelopment, which varies greatly between children.Staunton City Schools are staying on the cuttingedge of educational research by providing bestpractice in teaching problem solving, writers’workshop and use of the Parent Resource Van.
The Stakes For the individual school, division and State, thestakes are high. The NCLB Act was designed tohold educational organizations at every level,school, division and State, accountable for studentsuccess. Even when showing improvement, aschool can find itself in the “Not Making AYP”category. In many cases, schools are finding thatone or two students in a single subject have causedthe school to not meet the AYP benchmarks whenthey are meeting the other 28 benchmarks. Once aschool has failed to meet the NCLB goals, theschool division must follow strict guidelines onwhere to allocate federal dollars. Unfortunately,much of the money must go to transportationrather than to areas that would most directly impactstudent learning.
What Can You Do? Parents have long been identified as the child’s firstteacher and because your child is now in school isno reason to stop. Assisting with homework,volunteering and making sure that your child is inschool everyday are just a few of the ways that youcan help to make your children successful. Use thewebsites listed below to support and learn moreabout the Standards of Learning in Virginia.
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