Around this time each year I often write a short message about my grandmother, Fannie Mae Stout. She turns ninety-nine (99) this month, and the family plans to celebrate her birthday this weekend at my home. Indeed, this is a significant moment in her life and in the life of the family. I often think of the events she has experienced during her lifetime. In 1913, when she was born, Henry Ford began the first moving assembly line in the world to build his Model T. The first home electric refrigerator was sold in Chicago for $900. There were 5,000 women who marched on Washington, D. C. demanding the privilege to vote. During her life our world has become such a complicated place to live. For example, Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is the busiest terminal complex in the world. With 2,500 arrivals and departures daily, nearly a quarter of a million passengers pass through it each day. Things will be busy around our house this weekend as we plan to have over 100 members of the family join in Granny’s celebration. While Granny is not a well-educated woman by today’s standards, each of us has learned something from her about life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Upon reflection, Granny has taught me some simple rules to live by:

• Put family first

• Follow the Golden Rule

• Take care of yourself

• Choose a positive attitude

• Have a personal growth plan

• Give more than you receive 

This coming weekend also marks another significant celebration. As we enter the “season of hope,” it is my wish that it be altogether magnificent, therapeutic and reassuring for each of you and your families.

The Pittsylvania County School Board and the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce realizes that strong schools are the result of a dedicated team of educators preparing students for the 21st Century. Each year the Chamber recognizes those on the front line of education in our region who exemplify the highest degree of professionalism, care, and concern for the academic performance of our students. Congratulations to these talented professionals selected as Pittsylvania County Schools Educators of the Year.
 

On Friday, March 30, 2012, a group of approximately 100 members of the Elementary Chorus consisting of students from all of the ten (10) elementary schools in the County performed at the Educational and Cultural Center (ECC) in Chatham, Virginia. The students auditioned at their base schools and were carefully selected to participate in the program. The elementary chorus presentation was a rousing and inspirational performance. The concert was being directed by all of the Elementary Music Teachers which include Leslie Christian at Brosville and Union Hall, Carol Moorefield at Chatham, Angela Hudgins at Gretna, Cassandra Westbrook at Hurt and Mt. Airy, John Martin at Kentuck, Sandra Lawton at Southside, Martin Harris, Jr. at Stony Mill, and Janet Hullender at Twin Springs. 

If you are five (5) years or less from retirement, Virginia Retirement System (VRS) webinars, which have been planned during April, are scheduled to walk you through important retirement decisions such as choosing when to retire, choosing a defined benefit payout, and whether to carry long-term care insurance and optional life insurance into retirement.
 

· Are You On Track?                                April 3, 2012               3:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m.

· Are You Ready to Retire?                      April 17, 2012             3:30 p.m. until 4:45 p.m.

To register, visit their website at http://www.varetire.org/Members/Plan1/Education/Index.asp.

Thus far, my experiences in Pittsylvania County Schools’ classrooms have been interesting, enlightening and engaging. Although my visits have resulted in “snapshots” of what is taking place in the classrooms, there are certain fundamental instructional practices that I am focusing on during these “walk-through” visits.

• Do the students know what they are learning?

• Are students activating their prior knowledge?

• Are students provided think time?

• Do students actively participate in their learning?

• Is the learning objective posted and understood by the students?

• Are measurements being used to assess learning?

• What is the engagement level of the students?

• Does the classroom environment contribute to student learning?

• Is the use of technology being successfully integrated into the instructional program?

This week I have the pleasure of visiting:

• Gretna Elementary School, Wednesday, April 4, 2012, from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 Noon.

• Regional Alternative School, Friday, April 6, 2012, from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 Noon.