FEDERAL PROGRAMS

• Christine Mooney
  Program Administrator
  (757) 283-7788 x.12187
• Chris McLaughlin,
  Supervisor, Federal Programs
  283-7788 x.12185
• Shelly Zimbro,
  Supervisor, Federal Programs
  283-7788
• Jennifer Test, Office Manager
  283-7788 x.12188
• Mary Gayle, Bookkeeper
  283-7788 x.12184
• Carol Morgan, Secretary
  283-7788 x.12183

RELATED LINKS

• - Title I Schools
• - Overview of Schoolwide Programs
• - Title I for Parent Involvement
• - First Step

Federal Programs

The Office of Federal Programs manages funding received by the school division through federal and state sources. This funding enables students, teachers and other staff members to have equitable opportunities for achievement and professional growth. The Federal Grants office distributes funds from two federal grants, Title I School Improvement grants, Title I Distinguished School grants, and one state grant, the Virginia Preschool Initiative.

• Title I, Part A: Improving the Academic Achievement of the Disadvantaged
  This grant ensures students in schools with the highest concentrations of low-income families have fair, equal, and significant opportunity to obtain a high-quality education and reach proficiency on state academic assessments. Funds provide reading and math support in 14 elementary schools and 4 preschool programs.
   
  A combination of Title I, Part A and state funds are used to provide a preschool program in Newport News Public Schools. First Step is a literacy-based program for 4- and 5-year-old children located in 89 classrooms throughout the city.
   
  Eighteen parent involvement specialists are funded through Title I, Part A and serve 18 Title I schools and the First Step program. The program support parents in building and developing partnerships with schools to help children achieve the state’s high academic standards.

  Title I, Part A funds are used to provide teachers to support students in reading and/or math.  (Download list of Title I schools in Newport News.)

  Supplemental Educational Services (SES)
  Title I funds provide Supplemental Educational Services (SES) to eligible students. Eligible students are all students from low-income families who attend Title I schools that are in their second year of school improvement, corrective action, or restructuring in accordance with No Child Left Behind legislation. Newport News Public Schools is one of four districts in the state of Virginia participating in a pilot program which permits Title I schools in their first year of school improvement to participate in SES to ensure more students receive free tutoring. Public School Choice Tile I funds provide Public School Choice to students who attend a Title I school that is in its first year of school improvement.

  Public School Choice
  Tile I funds provide Public School Choice to students who attend a Title I school that is in its first year of school improvement.
   
  Download enrollment information about Supplemental Educational Services and Public School Choice.

• Title II, Part A: Preparing, Training, Recruiting High Quality Teachers and Principals
  Funds from this grant are used to increase student achievement by increasing the number of highly qualified teachers, paraprofessionals, principals and other staff members. Funding includes substitutes/stipends for new teachers and mentors, and reimbursement for teachers and paraprofessionals for courses. Funds provide professional development for school, staff and central office administrators in leadership and school improvement.
   
  Twelve teachers serve as coaches for teachers in low-achieving elementary and middle schools for the purpose of building the capacity of teachers to serve all learners effectively as measured by schools making adequate yearly progress. Coaches in reading, math, and science work with teachers on improving the quality of instructional strategies. Activities focus on effective instructional strategies, methods, and skills, and use the state SOL content and assessments to improve teaching practices and NCLB subgroups of students’ academic achievement.

  Two (2) Instructional Specialists in literacy to offer classroom professional development to new and continuing contract teachers in identified school and a Secondary Science Technology Resource Teacher (2/5 time) provides training for teachers in using equipment, mentoring new teachers, troubleshooting problems with students, and professional development on integrating technology and science standards into lessons.

Inititatives

Provide additional opportunities for early childhood education and a consistent and coordinated program of intervention in K-5

• Provide Supplemental Educational Services at Palmer ES.
• Provide training in implementing the new First Step curriculum
• Expand Earobics Training and materials to all third grade classrooms

Increase parental involvement to support academic achievement of ALL students

• View School, Family, and Community Parnerships Powerpoint (5 MB Download)
• Provide Parent Involvement Specialists at each Title I school and early childhood center
• Provide professional development training in "Learning at Home" activities to support the 4th type of school, family and community involvement of the National Network of Partnership Schools Model.
• Provide Partners in Print, a parent involvement program for beginning readers
• Assist with the implementation of “Family University Network”—workshops and activities for parents
• Assist with the divisionwide implementation of the National Network of Partnership School and to support the efforts of the divisionwide PTA by actively participating on the divisionwide PTA Council

Improving staff and teacher quality by providing and managing funds to promote the recruitment, professional development and retention of a quality workforce

• Provide substitutes for observing and conferencing for all newly hired teachers and second year teachers who continue in the mentoring program
• Provide supplements/stipends to trained mentors
• Provide paraprofessionals and teachers with opportunities to take courses to meet the NCLB highly qualified criteria by contracting with a college/university, the Educational Testing Service (ETS), and individuals
• Provide professional development funds for schools, staffs, and central office administrators in leadership and school improvement
• Literacy/math coaches for teachers in low-achieving elementary and middle school