October 3, 2011

Last week the Virginia Department of Education released the official 2011-2012 accreditation ratings. In Pittsylvania County, 18 of 18 (100%) schools met State standards for student achievement in English, mathematics, history/social science and science. I am proud of the commitment, dedication, effort and expertise demonstrated by the instructors in the classrooms of ALL Pittsylvania County Schools. Our administrators, teachers, and support staff worked diligently and faithfully in the execution of their assigned duties. During the year they inspired, cajoled, motivated, affirmed and persuaded students to give their best effort which has resulted in the continued improvement of academic performance. For these reasons and many others, I am extremely proud of our accomplishments. I have included the final 2011-2012 accreditation ratings for your perusal.

Twin Springs Elementary School and Union Hall Elementary School had ALL four core accreditation ratings in the 90’s. Chatham Elementary School, Mt. Airy Elementary School, Dan River High School and Tunstall High School missed attaining this noteworthy distinction with three out-of-four scores in the 90’s.

Recently, the Virginia Department of Education released the new Graduation and Completion Rates for high schools across the State. The index system awards full credit for students who earn a board-recognized diploma and partial credit for students who earn GEDs and local credentials, as well as for students who are still enrolled and expected to return for a fifth year of high school. High schools must have a graduation and completion index of at least 85 for full accreditation. Overall, the graduation and completion rate of 87% is three (3) points higher than last year for Pittsylvania County Schools. Individual high school graduation and completion rates include:

Please join me in congratulating our students, teachers, guidance counselors, administrators and support staff on attaining this noteworthy accomplishment.

Please join me in congratulating Ms. Teresa Montgomery, Teacher Aide at Stony Mill Elementary School, on her selection as Pittsylvania County Schools’ Employee of the Week. Please click on the following link to find out what our employees do to make this A Great Place to Learn and Work! http://www.pcs.k12.va.us/staff/employee-of-week/2011-2012/

The Tunstall High School Interact and Beta Clubs combined to send 80 Blessing Bags to God's Pit Crew. The two (2) gallon ziploc bags were filled with coloring books, colors, pencils, writing tablets, toys and notes to the children who will receive them. God’s Pit Crew will distribute the bags to children at disaster sites. The spirit of charitable giving is another shining example of why Pittsylvania County Schools is A Great Place to Learn and Work!

The annual American Heart Association Walk was held on Thursday night, September 29, 2011, at Gretna Middle School with approximately 200 people in attendance. Walkers and businesses, along with students from Gretna Elementary School, Gretna Middle School and Gretna High School, connected to raise over $11,600.00 for this worthwhile cause. The walk is held in memory of Drake Robertson, a beloved Gretna Elementary School student, who lost his battle with heart disease in September 2005. Walkers of all ages enjoyed entertainment, music, food and fellowship during this community-wide event. Students, parents, staff and community members involved in service learning opportunities is another shining example of why Pittsylvania County Schools is A Great Place to Learn and Work!

Recently, third grade students at Gretna Elementary School dressed in camouflage to enhance their study of Standards of Learning (SOL) 3.4 which states the student will investigate and understand that behavioral and physical adaptations allow animals to respond to life needs. Key concepts included hibernation, migration, camouflage, mimicry, instinct, and learned behavior. Engaging students in the learning process is another shining example of why Pittsylvania County Schools is A Great Place to Learn and Work!

Approximately 17 percent of students from nine-out-of-ten elementary schools participated in the "Read Your Way to the Race" reading challenge. A total of 663 students met the goal of reading 15 books or chapters during August and September. The establishment of a reading habit is a great way to start the school year! The students who met the reading challenge goal are eligible for a free ticket to the Kroger 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Race on October 29, 2011, OR to the TUMS Fast Relief 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Race on October 30, 2011

Visit http://www.pcs.k12.va.us/media/index.html to (1) request media presence on site to cover an upcoming event or (2) to request media coverage (without media on site) of an upcoming event or (3) to report news from a past event. Thank you for identifying the great things happening in our schools!