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NEWSLines: FEBRUARY 2012
In this issue:
State requires students to have financial know-how
This year's high school freshmen will have to meet a new state requirement before they graduate in 2015: Completion of a one-credit course in economics and personal finance. But, while the requirement is new, the subject matter is part of the existing K-12 curriculum in Newport News Public Schools. And, students are already putting financial know-how into practice at a dozen schools that have a banking partnership.
The General Assembly passed the legislation in 2005 and directed the Virginia Board of Education to establish learning objectives for students. Full implementation of the law was delayed until the current academic year. The legislation also requires students to have an academic and career plan, beginning in middle school. School banks and credit unions are encouraged and enabled in the law, too.
NNPS counselors currently are working with seventh-grade students to develop six-year academic plans, according to Claudia Hines, supervisor of school counseling. The Career Pathways program helps students focus on the future, beginning in pre-kindergarten. The goal is that by high school, they not only have a career plan, but workplace experience in the form of job shadowing or a mentorship – and a portfolio. Read more...
Many hands make Science Fair happen
 View photos on NNPS Facebook! |
The afternoon sun angles into the Gildersleeve Middle School library, spotlighting clusters of men and women at library tables, which are covered with clipboards and papers. The adults read quietly, conferring occasionally.
The four dozen scientists, engineers and educators have assembled to judge the work of middle-school students in the school's science fair. They review judging guidelines and project abstracts and listen to last-minute instructions from lead science teacher Tim Criner before dispersing to classrooms to assess the students' work.
Scott Morelen and Floyd Shipman have been to a lot of Gildersleeve science fairs. The school has held 21 of the events, and Criner, pointing to stars adorning the men's nametags, says Morelen and Shipman have been judges in every one. Shipman is a retired NASA engineer. His late wife, Lydia, was an NNPS teacher who taught science at Gildersleeve. Morelen works for Dominion Virginia Power. Other judges are professors at Christopher Newport University or Hampton University. Some work for Jefferson Lab or NASA Langley Research Center. Read more...
| View photos on NNPS Facebook! |
Process is demanding.
Six more Newport News Public Schools teachers have completed the process of earning National Board Certification in their respective specialties.
The demanding National Board Certification process can take up to three years. It requires more than 300 hours spent putting together a "career portfolio" of teaching materials, student work and multimedia examples. A reflective written component looks at teaching goals, methods and results. The candidates also have to undergo an assessment.
Teachers need three years of experience and a valid Virginia teacher license before applying. (The program does not replace the state licensing program.) NNPS now claims 64 nationally board-certified teachers.
The newly certified teachers are:
- Sabrina Carnesi, Crittenden Middle School, Library Media;
- Karen Digiorgio, Crittenden Middle School, Library Media;
- Justin Giroux, Warwick High School, Adolescence and Young Adulthood English;
- Erin Hudson, Woodside High School, AYA Social Studies/History;
- Elizabeth Kent, McIntosh Elementary School, Literacy;
- Christine Steigleman, Hidenwood Elementary School, Middle Childhood Generalist.
Menchville teacher Kari Egnot's certification in Math has been renewed. The certification, available in 16 subject areas, is valid for 10 years.
| View photos on NNPS Facebook! |
Program airs 100th episode.
NNPS-TV staffers have won more than a dozen awards for their work during 2011.
An August episode of "Teach Green" about a kayak camp for middle-school students was awarded an Award of Excellence in the annual Communicator Awards contest, which recognizes excellence in marketing and communications.
The television production team, consisting of Station Manager Jim Anklam, Producer Nicholas Long and Video Production Technician Aaron Moore, also won two Communicator Awards of Distinction, for "News in a Minute" and for green/eco-friendly news.
Staffers won seven Videographer Awards, which honor creative work in the video industry. Awards of Excellence went to the news show "This Just In" and an episode of "News in a Minute."
The Telly Awards honor outstanding local, regional and cable television programs, as well as video and film productions and web commercials, videos and films. NNPS-TV won three Telly awards for episodes of "Teach Green" and "News in a Minute." The programs highlighted green initiatives at NNPS-TV and reading at Riverside Elementary School.
NNPS-TV also received national recognition for graphics. The Pixie Awards honor outstanding work in graphics, effects and animation. The NNPS-TV team won a Gold Award for graphics in "This Just In" and a Platinum award for the opening motion graphics in "Inquiry Process."
The production team also received a Communitas Award for community service and social responsibility for its "Teach Green" initiative.
NNPS-TV recently aired its 100th episode of "This Just In." The weekly program, which began airing in March 2010, is a roundup of news about NNPS students, staff and schools.
NNPS-TV, which airs on Cox Channel 47 and Verizon's Channel 17, also airs School Board meetings, athletic events, district student recognitions and graduation ceremonies. It offers half-hour profiles of NNPS schools in the close-up "Focus on Education," which airs monthly.
"Sports Highlights" began airing in February 1992. "Fuzion Fitness" is a recent addition to the programming lineup. The half-hour workout show, which features NNPS and NNPS-TV alumnus Alexis Perkins, can now be seen in Hampton, Portsmouth, Suffolk and Virginia Beach, or online: http://www.nnpstv.com/
Foundation to mark anniversary.
Newport News Public Schools and the Newport News Education Foundation will sponsor the 2012 Business & Education STEM Summit to boost community knowledge about the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) initiative and related career opportunities.
The event, which will be held at Jefferson Lab March 29, also will mark the 20th anniversary of the Newport News Education Foundation and will recognize founding members and key education initiatives sponsored by the foundation.
Students win in PTA's Reflections contest
Six advance to state competition.
Newport News Public Schools students earned 19 awards in the Peninsula District PTA Reflections Contest. This year's theme was "Diversity Means..." Students who earned Outstanding Interpretation Awards (first place) will compete at the state level. Awards of Excellence translate to second place, with Awards of Merit equaling a third-place finish. View the winners...
Student archers on target for state tournament
View the top finishers in the NNPS National Archery in the Schools Program tournament. This is the first year in which several elementary schools competed. Team winners were Richneck Elementary School, Gildersleeve Middle School and Warwick High School. Washington finished second and Hines third among middle schools. Woodside High School was second. The state tournament will be Feb. 25 in Doswell.
Warwick has won the state title during three of the past four years. Gildersleeve was third in the state for 2011. This is the fourth year for the city tournament, in which 220 archers competed. The National Archery in the Schools Program is a joint venture between the state departments of Education and Game and Inland Fisheries. The program promotes student education, physical education and participation in the lifelong sport of archery.
NNPS students win state honors in Career Dreams contest
Five Newport News Public Schools students took first or second place in the statewide "My Career Dreams" poetry and poster contest. The students' art and poetry will be entered into the "My Career Dreams" national contest. First-place winners are Leilani Vazquez, Kiln Creek Elementary School, poster; A'marion Hicks, Jenkins Elementary School, poetry; and Will Davis, Hines Middle School, poster. Second-place prizes went to Maiya Jirova, Kiln Creek, poster; and Jahnissha Dance, Denbigh High School, poster.
Students learn about careers in "Make it Work" program
Newport News Public Schools is encouraging students to use Spring Break, April 2-9, to learn about careers. As part of the Career Pathways initiative, the division has established the "Spring Break" Make It Work!" program, which helps match high-school students with companies offering internships and job-shadowing opportunities during spring break.
"Students can use part of their spring break to gain valuable experience about career skills and opportunities," says Superintendent Ashby Kilgore. "It's a great way for students to develop contacts in the business world and for businesses to help shape their future workforce."
Last year, more than 50 students reported to work with these businesses and organizations during spring break: Newport News Shipbuilding, Ferguson Enterprises, Virginia Educators Credit Union, Riverside Health System, Boys & Girls Clubs, Thomas Nelson Community College, ECPI, Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center.
During the week, students worked with organizations in a variety of occupations and were provided guidance on career-readiness skills including speaking and listening, problem solving, work ethic, positive attitude, independence and initiative, self-presentation, attendance and teamwork.
NNPS Career Pathways Supervisor Ann Ifekwunigwe says now is the time for companies to learn more about "Spring Break! Make it Work!" so they can participate in April.
"We are inviting businesses and organizations to offer Spring Break internships for our students. We will help ensure that this is a positive experience for students and participating employers," says Ifekwunigwe.
She says participating in the "Spring Break: Make it Work!" program as a student or business is easy with advance preparation. Businesses will be provided with information to help them set up a meaningful and productive experience for students. Students will be provided with guidelines for behavior and must, along with their parent or guardian, complete an application and permission form.
For more information, contact Ifekwunigwe at 881-5461, ext. 12226, by email at ann.ifekwunigwe@nn.k12.va.us or visit the NNPS Career Pathways web site.
Screening appointments are now available for the First Step Preschool Program for 4- and 5-year-olds. First Step provides developmental activities to enhance a child's readiness for school. NNPS has four early childhood centers that host full-day programs. The program is free.
Assignments are based on the parents' home address. There are approximately 18 students per class, which are taught by a teacher and an assistant. Transportation is provided, and bus stops at day-care providers may be available if the provider is located in the student's school zone. Workshops and activities for parents are an important part of the program.
First Step students enter kindergarten the following school year. To be eligible for the program the child must turn 4 years old before September 30, 2012 or 5 during October, November or December 2012.
NNPS Preschool Screening is used to rank students for school-readiness. The ranking list is used to invite students with the greatest school-readiness need first, until all spaces are filled. When a First Step Center reaches capacity, the rankings are used to develop a waiting list for each First Step Center. Children are invited as space becomes available.
For a preschool screening appointment, please call 283-7788, ext. 12183, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Children born between Jan. 1 - Sept. 30, 2007 are eligible for kindergarten. Please contact your zoned elementary school for more information or to register.
Decisions about applications for NNPS magnet programs are expected to be mailed to parents by the end of February. All applicants will be notified by mail. Applicants who are not selected will remain on a waiting list through January 2013. More than 2,000 applications were received for the 2012-13 academic year.
Parents invited to participate in Youth Career Expo
The 2012 Youth Career Expo will take place from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. March 6 at the Hampton Roads Convention Center. The event is hosted by the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, the Peninsula Council for Workforce Development and Peninsula school districts. Last year's event won the Virginia Department of Education 2011 Creating Excellence Award.
The Expo will include career assessments, mock interviews and workshops in resume writing. This year's theme is "A World of Opportunity." During the Expo, students will be able to talk with representatives from 13 "worlds" of business, industry and education, including construction, advanced manufacturing, government/public safety, finance, hospitality, STEM, defense, education, automotive, green jobs, real estate, health care and the "World of Newport News Shipbuilding."
Parents also will have the opportunity to participate in a session that begins at 1:30 p.m. For more information or to register, visit www.youth-career-expo.com.
Bus card available for age 17 and under
Newport News youth age 17 and under (and at least 38 inches tall) can register to receive a Ride On Bus Card good for unlimited free bus rides on any regular routes of Hampton Roads Transit originating in Newport News. A photo ID and the Ride On Bus Card must be presented at the time of each bus ride.
To register, a parent/legal guardian must be present and fill out all appropriate forms. The participant must provide proof of age and residency.
Registration is available during normal operating hours at the following locations: Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism Main Office at City Center, Denbigh Recreation Center, Doris Miller Community Center, Midtown Community Center, Newport News Public Libraries, the Career Cafe at Patrick Henry Mall, South Morrison Family Education Center, and the Office of Children, Youth and Families.
The pass is valid through the end of January 2013. For more information, call 926-1400. A complete list of rules and registration forms are online.
Fifth graders at Hidenwood Elementary School recently were given a choice of 10 enrichment groups to attend on Wednesdays. They spent five weeks learning an activity they had chosen, including basketball, Latin dancing, photography, card games, jewelry making, creative writing and origami. The fifth-grade groups invited second-graders to attend the groups as well, and for five weeks the fifth-graders taught the younger students. Hidenwood students learned how to teach and learn from others, how to work in groups, and how to solve problems among their peers. Elizabeth Koch Crispino
Fifth-grade students in Jennifer Tull's class at Richneck Elementary School have been studying plate tectonics. They worked collaboratively to research the topic and then wrote a newscast about a natural disaster. Deb Eggers
The third-grade team at Carver Elementary School recently participated in the Empty Bowls fundraiser for local groups that help fight hunger. Not only did the staffers make bowls, but five of them also volunteered at the event. Some fifth-grade students also made pinch pots, which were on display at the event, held at the Peninsula Fine Arts Center. Francie Pearce
The Advanced Origami Club meets from 4-5:30 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at Pearl Bailey Library, excluding holidays. Youths ages 8-18 can learn how to make more challenging animals and boxes. The club's next meeting is March 1. Registration is required and is ongoing online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling the library, 247-8677. 2510 Wickham Ave.
Children ages 4-7 can celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday with a special story time, games, cupcakes and more from 10-11 a.m. March 2, at Main Street Library. Also, Kenya the Klown will create zany and fantastical balloon hats for kids. Registration is required and begins Feb. 17 online at www.nngov.com/library/custom/onlinereg or by calling Main Street Library, 591-4858. 110 Main St.
Children ages 6-10 can build their confidence by reading aloud to trained therapy dogs in the Paws to Read program from 3-4 p.m. March 3 at Grissom Library. Parents must fill out a permission slip and may accompany their children. Dogs are accompanied by trainers. Paws to Read is usually held on the first Saturday of each month, excluding holidays. No registration is required. Call Grissom Library, 369-3190, for information. 366 Deshazor Drive.
Admission to the Peninsula Fine Arts Center will be free during Free Admission Weekend March 3-4. ARTventure family activities will take place Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Activities are free for PFAC members, $2 for non-members. The center will be open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. 101 Museum Drive. 596-8175.
The Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center will host Pizza and Movie Night at 6 p.m. March 9. The featured film is "The Cat in the Hat." Free. 2410 Wickham Ave. 247-8950.
Everyone can be Irish on St. Patrick's Day. City Center at Oyster Point will celebrate all things Irish from 5-8:30 p.m. March 17. The U2 tribute band Vertigo will perform, along with the Newport News Police Pipes & Drums, Rhythm of Ireland School of Irish Dance, Glasgow Kiss and Stirling Bridge. Irish food and beverages will be available for purchase. Children can make shamrock necklaces, play corn hole or get their faces painted with shamrocks. Free. Free parking.
NNPS Calendar and Events
NNPS school calendars and marking periods can be viewed at www.nnschools.org/calendars.
NNPS NEWSLines is published by Newport News Public School Office of Community Relations, 12465 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23606. Director, Public Information and Community Relations: Michelle Price. NEWSLines Editor: Marguerite Hargreaves. Contributing writer: Erica J. Colston.