June 2016

Impact Today…Vision for Tomorrow

In This Issue Superintendent’s Message

2 SCPS Teachers and Staff The 2015-16 school year has been Receive Top Honors extraordinary from a number of valuable perspectives. With our 3 Office Of Student Support individual and collective work being Services Highlight guided by our division strategic plan, SCPS continues to make significant 4 Congratulations to the SCPS strides relative to continuous Class of 2016! improvement. Our students again achieved at higher levels when 5 Looking for Ideas to Keep viewing multiple measures of success. Your Student Busy This Our high quality staff continued to Summer? successfully respond to increasing and more rigorous accountability 6 Wal-Mart Community Grant standards and expectations. Program Supports Two SCPS School Initiatives Our parents and community partners provided strong support, as SCPS This closing edition of IMPACT further 7 AP Capstone Senior Showcase received critical and significant local identifies and reinforces so many of the and state funding increases for the people, structures and events that both 8 NSWC Federal Credit Union FY17 school year. Thanks in large part create and culminate the quality in Supports SCPS Initiatives to our school board and local board of motion that our school division strives supervisors, our school division will to sustain and enhance. Also included be able to manage rising mandatory is information we hope is helpful as increases, increase staff positionswe move into the summer and begin SUMMER HOURS to support an increasingly diverse to prepare for the 2016-17 school year. student population, continue increases I remain so proud to serve this school in salary and compensation for over board and school community. Thank 3,000 employees, and maintain forward you for the unique role you play in ALL SCHOOLS momentum in proactively addressing supporting SCPS. AND important capital improvement ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES projects. Have a wonderful summer! MONDAY - THURSDAY 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM Dr. S. Scott Baker

www.spotsylvania.k12.va.us SCPS TEACHERS AND STAFF RECEIVE TOP HONORS 2016 Division Teacher of the Year Carolyn Kleinert, Spanish Teacher at Freedom Middle School, has been selected as the SCPS 2016 Division Teacher of the Year. Miss Kleinert believes that great teachers must be equally passionate about their students as they are their content. “My classroom environment is a safe place where risks are encouraged and mistakes are seen as steps of growth and achievement,” said Miss Kleinert. Her principal, Alan Jacobs, calls her a leader and a role model within his school and the region. Her undergraduate degree is in Elementary Education and Spanish. She holds a master’s degree in World Languages through George Mason University. She has taught Spanish in Spotsylvania County since 2004. She has traveled extensively to Spain, Guatemala, Peru, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic as part of service and mission teams.

Virginia Association of School Classical Association of the Middle Librarians Librarian of the Year West and South Ovatio Teaching and Sarah Downing Outstanding Service Award Elementory School Middle School High School Freedom MS Mark Keith Mentor Teacher of the Year Mentor of the Year Mentor of the Year Riverbend HS Casey Reding Tanya Hall Claire Sumner 4th Grade Teacher English Teacher Special Education Teacher Spotswood ES Spotsylvania Middle Riverbend HS

Riverbend HS Special Education Teacher Birgit Shipman named Mary Washington Healthcare Spirit of Women Teacher of the Year. Photograph: (L to R) Christine Rogucki, Birgit Shipman, MWHC Representative, and Dr. Troy Wright

Elementary School Middle School High School New Teacher of the Year New Teacher of the Year New Teacher of the Year Lindsay Rose Lindsey Ellinger Rebecca Williams Special Education Teacher English Teacher Health & Physical Education Cedar Forest ES Spotsylvania MS Teacher Spotsylvania HS Livingston ES Nurse Susan Stover named Mary Washington Healthcare Graduate of Chancellor High Spirit of Women Nurse of the Year. Photograph: (L to R) Terri Cagle, School, Class of 2010 MWHC Representative, Susan Stover, Mr. Stover, and Alex Wilmer

TOGETHER - WE PREPARE OUR STUDENTS FOR THEIR FUTURE 2 OFFICE OF STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES HIGHLIGHT

The Office of Student Support Services (OSSS) provides students with services that offer access to and participation in school and community activities that are age appropriate and meet the educational needs of the student. “The services provided to students with disabilities are planned with long term outcomes in mind,” says Tedra Richardson, Executive Director of Student Support Services.

“Annual goals and objectives consider development in the areas of curriculum and instruction, functional skills regarding their individualized • General Education Classes such as: independent functioning, instructional programs made through • Inclusive/Collaborative General social and emotional functioning, a collaborative team effort. Education Classes communication, and career skills to • Pull-Out/Resource Services help the student be successful and This school year, approximately • Consultative/Monitoring Support confident in their abilities,” continued 2,760, or 12% of the 23,817 students • Self-Contained Services Ms. Richardson. enrolled in SCPS received Special • Home Based Instructional Services Education support. Special Education • Early Childhood Special Education SCPS complies with the Individuals instruction and support is not a “one- (ECSE-Preschool aged 2 - 5) with Disabilities Education size-fits-all” model. There is a range of • Private day and residential schools Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA) options considered on an individual supporting the rights of students basis, which includes the following: Additionally, OSSS provides services— with disabilities to have decisions such as Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Music Therapy, and Speech and Language Therapies—to support students’ individualized special education program.

Throughout the year, OSSS hosts multiple events to help build awareness and provide students hands-on experiences. Events include a sensory egg hunt, Special Games, Special Olympics, disability awareness essay and poster contests, and the Little Feet Meet.

At the Special Games held at , Call 540.834.2500 for more information MHS students volunteered to assist with the day’s activities or visit www.spotsylvania.k12.va.us, which included obstacle courses, relay races, soccer, click on Student Support Services , and a moon bounce. under the Departments tab.

3 www.spotsylvania.k12.va.us KIDS ON THE GO CONGRATULATIONS TO THE SCPS CLASS SUMMER FEEDING OF 2016! This year over 1,700 students will graduate from the five SCPS high PROGRAM schools. To date – the SCPS Class of 2016 has been awarded more than $47,300,000 in scholarship awards! And more award notifications are This summer, Kids On the being received every day. Go, a program hosted by the Fredericksburg Regional Food 73% Bank, will be providing nutritious, of graduating Seniors are planning freshly prepared meals to children to attend a 2 or 4 year school to 18 years of age and younger at continue their education the following locations:

June 21 - August 25 Tues., Wed., Thurs. Noon - 1:00 p.m. of graduating Spotswood Elementary 62% Seniors received an 400 Lorraine Ave Advanced Diploma Fredericksburg, 22408

June 22 - August 25 Tues., Wed., Thurs Noon - 1:00 p.m. 4% Salem Church Library of graduating Seniors will be 2607 Salem Church Road entering the Military Fredericksburg Virginia 22407 8% June 28 - August 18 of graduating Seniors will Tues., Wed., Thurs. be entering the Work Force Noon - 1:00 p.m. Chancellor Middle School 15% 6320 Harrison Road of graduating Seniors plan to Fredericksburg, Virginia 22407 participate in apprenticeship programs, vocational/trade schools, or focus on other opportunities

Best of luck goes to each of our graduating seniors as they begin the next chapter in their lives.

4 LOOKING FOR IDEAS TO KEEP YOUR Let’s Get Ready for STUDENT BUSY THIS SUMMER? Kindergarten! As the 2015-2016 school year winds down…it is time to START thinking about Kindergarten Registration! It is important to get students enrolled EARLY!

Pre-registration can be completed through the SCPS website Check out these resources and activities! • Visit the SCPS website for Summer Camp Information (www.spotsylvania.k12.va.us) www.spotsylvania.k12.va.us Once you have pre-registered, please • Visit a local Library or the website (www.crrl.org) for Kids Summer go to your zoned Elementary School Reading program to complete the registration process. • Visit the Spotsylvania Parks & Rec website www.spotsylvania.va.us/parksandrec Registration documents you will need Other ideas include: include: • Read for 30 minutes every day • Go on a Nature Walk and explore your own back yard…create a • Child’s birth certificate BINGO card of things you might see and find to make it a game • Parent’s ID • Play a board game or build a puzzle • • Visit one of the local battlefields Residency Verification documents • Write a story or poem • Immunization and Health Record • Make a comic book • Tuberculosis Risk Assessment Form • Ride a bike • Legal Custody/Guardianship • Play in a sprinkler • Create an outdoor obstacle course documents, if applicable • Arts & Craft projects • Ebola Form • Home Language Survey For more ideas, be sure to look online or check local stores for kid-friendly workshops and activities.

Please visit the SCPS website at www.spotsylvania.k12.va.us for more details.

5 Wal-Mart Community Grant Program Support’s School Initiatives

Livingston Elementary and Post Oak shared Principal Terri Cagle. The Post Oak Middle School also received Middle schools each received a $500 Wal-Mart Community Grant funds a $500 Wal-Mart Community Grant. Wal-Mart Community Grant in May. will be used to build an outdoor track The funds will be used to help provide with a “park-like” atmosphere for healthy snacks to students for after Livingston Elementary School will use the school community. “We believe school activities and during the the grant to help support their goal that the track will help our students Standards of Learning tests. “The Club to teach their students about mind reach their potential of being well- Kids program will provide additional and body wellness. They believe that rounded citizens,” shared Teresa Baxter, snacks for children, allowing them to students need to be physically active Livingston Elementary staff member. focus on their education and achieve in order to be academically successful. “It is our hope that they will live by our goals that will help them succeed,” said “Our staff strives to promote healthy example and one day will be willing and Principal Karen Foster. lifestyle habits that students will be able to give back to their community.” able to practice throughout their lives,” Many thanks to Wal-Mart for their continued support of SCPS!

“Our staff strives to promote healthy lifestyle habits that students will be able to practice throughout their lives.”

- Terri Cagle Livingston ES Principal

Livingston ES check presentation (left to right) Teresa Baxter, Terri Cagle, and Larry Thomas

Post Oak MS check presentation (left to right) Karen Foster, Cathy Jackson, and Larry Thomas

TOGETHER - WE PREPARE OUR STUDENTS FOR THEIR FUTURE 6 AP Capstone Senior Showcase Stay connected with AP Capstone™ is an innovative share their AP Seminar experience SCPS… be sure to diploma program offered by the through the AP Capstone Senior College Board that equips students Showcase. FOLLOW us! with independent research, collaborative teamwork, and The Showcase was held in late May communications skills that are and the seniors presented condensed increasing sought by colleges. The versions of their favorite research program consists of two AP courses projects to the community. The SpotsylvaniaCountyPublicSchools – AP Seminar and AP Research. topics ranged from the ethics and implications of the modification of “This cross-curricula program human genes to the legal rights of allows students to work in groups chimpanzees. and independently and helps them observe different perspectives Sam Shelley who collaborated @SpotsySchools based on that collaboration,” said with Sam Hix on a presentation Emily Wessel, AP coordinator for about physician assisted suicide SCPS. “The level of work done being legalized in the United States by our students surpassed our shared that through her research she expectations for the program and changed her opinion. “This is a hard was a great experience not only for conversation to have on a personal SpotsySchools students but our teachers as well.” level,” said Miss Shelley, “We hope that our presentation will help Riverbend High School is one motivate others to discuss the topic SCPS is looking to increase parent of eight schools in the state of and understand its importance.” Virginia selected for the AP and student engagement on social Capstone Program pilot. This year, At the awards ceremony and media outlets. Posts on Instagram are 82 students participated in the reception following the student pilot program, of them, 15 were presentations, Ms. Geer challenged currently highlighting student art work seniors. The seniors only had the each to student to fight and work hard opportunity to participate in the in everything they do and presented (#SCPSStudentWork). While Twitter AP Seminar portion of the program each of the students a book that that tweets and Facebook posts remind the so Ms. Geer, AP Capstone teacher, personified their goals and interests. asked the graduating students to community about a variety of events and activities in the community.

Beginning in August 2016, there will be a monthly theme for posts and tweets. Stay connected to be a part of the fun! Riverbend High School AP Capstone senior students show off their gift from teacher Ms. Geer after completing their AP Capstone seminar presentations at the Senior Showcase in May.

7 www.spotsylvania.k12.va.us Calendar of Events NSWC Federal Credit Union Supports SCPS Initiatives July 2 Stars & Stripes Event Spotsylvania Courthouse Stop by our booth! August 6 Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive Southpoint Wal-Mart 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Mr. Jim Ball – Chair of NSWC Federal Credit Union’s Board of Directors, Lisa Wescoat, Stephanie Lyles, and Lauren Polen accept the VSBA Honor Roll September certificate and a resolution signed by the School Board. 6 First Day of School Recently, the School Board certificate, and an $100 bill all recognized NSWC Federal Credit provided by NSWC FCU. Union (NSWCFU) as a Virginia School Board Association In addition, NSWC FCU sponsors 2016-2017 School Business Honor Roll recipient for events and activities that directly their dedication to the staff and benefit SCPS students and staff Instructional Calendar students of Spotsylvania County. such as the Spotsylvania Education Foundation’s tournament that At the February 8, 2016, school board NSWC Federal Credit Union funds classroom IDEA grants and meeting, the School Board approved sponsors numerous staff and the annual retirement celebration, the Instructional Calendar for the student programs including SCPS’ which includes providing dinner 2016-2017 school year. It is posted Get Spotted staff recognition and the grand prize of $500 travel on the Division’s website at www. program. Each month SCPS certificate to one lucky retiree. spotsylvania.k12.va.us. To access it, staff can nominate fellow staff click on the calendar button at the members to be “spotted.” Human Partners in Education like NSWC top of the page. Resources staff along with NSWC Federal Credit Union are vital to Federal Credit Staff visit each of the success of SCPS. Thank you the four winning nominees and for your continued support. present them with a poster, shirt,

Become a Partner In Education

Whether you are a business, parent, or community member, we are looking for Partners in Education. For more information, visit the Division’s website www.spotsylvania.k12.va.us, Community tab and click on Partners in One of the many “Get Spotted” Education on recipients Katelyn Neal (Courtland the drop down ES Nurse) “gets spotted” by Lauren menu. Polen, NSWC FCU business representative.

8 8020 River Stone Drive, Fredericksburg, VA 22407 P 540.834.2500 F 540.834.2550 www.spotsylvania.k12.va.us