[PC News] March Meeting Postponed,
Board of Supervisors Public Hearing March 9
Shelley Payne
shp33 at alumni.virginia.edu
Thu Mar 3 13:00:08 EST 2005
Parent Council News
March 3, 2005
http://avenue.org/parentcouncil <http://avenue.org/parentcouncil>
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Topics in This Issue:
* Reminder: March Meeting Postponed
* School Board Meeting Postponed
* Board of Supervisors Public Hearing
* Facts About Albemarle County Schools
* Middle School College Presentation
* Family/Teacher Extravaganza
* Golden Apple Awards
* PREP/Parent Resource Center Workshops
* Program on Bullying
* University of Virginia's Engaging the Mind Lecture Series
* April Parenting Classes
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Reminder: March Meeting Postponed
The Parent Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, March 1st, has been
postponed until Tuesday, March 8th.
School Board Meeting Postponed
The School Board meeting originally scheduled for February 24 has been
postponed until March 7th beginning at 6:30 p.m. in Room 241 of the County
Office Building. The agenda for this meeting includes the Middle School
Program Review and Scheduling Considerations and a Redistricting Update.
Both of these agenda items will be subject to public comment. Interested
persons may sign up to speak starting at 5:30 P.M. The Middle School
Program Review Instructional Report dated February 15, 2005 may be viewed
at: http://www.wheeleronboard.com/docs/ms-program-review20050215.pdf
Board of Supervisors Public Hearing
Please remember that the public hearing for the Board of Supervisors (BOS)
to review the proposed school budget is scheduled for March 9th at the
County Office Building Auditorium, beginning at 6 P.M. Sign-ups to speak
will begin at 5:00 P.M. Parent Council has reserved Room 235 from 5 to 10
P.M. for Parent Council members and guests. Remember that we are
challenging Parent Council representatives to have at least 10 people attend
from their school! Also, mark your calendar for the second BOS public
hearing on Wednesday, April 6 at 6 p.m. in the County Office Building
Auditorium.
Facts About Albemarle County Public Schools
Facts About Our Schools, Our Educators and Our Students
Student Enrollment
* 12,356 students—13% African American, 79% Caucasian, and 8% Other
(Asian, Native American, and Hispanic)
Customer Satisfaction (2004 Albemarle County Citizen Satisfaction Survey)
* 85% of county residents report satisfaction with the educational
services we provide to children and adults
* 92.3% of residents with children currently attending our schools
report satisfaction with the quality of education their children are
receiving
About Our Schools
* 16 community-based elementary schools enrolling between 130 and
514 students
* 5 middle schools educating between 395 and 677 students
* 3 comprehensive high schools enrolling between 1,056 and 1,657
students
* Murray High School (public charter high school) with 93 students
* CATEC (vocational high school) in partnership with
Charlottesville City Schools
* Ivy Creek School (special needs school) in partnership with
Charlottesville City, Fluvanna, Greene, and Nelson County Schools
* Enterprise Center (alternative program) for grades 6 to 12
* All 3 comprehensive high schools are accredited by the Southern
Association of Colleges and Schools
Academic Programs
* Over half of all graduating seniors have completed at least one
rigorous Advanced Placement course
* Over 70% of Albemarle County students who take AP tests score a 3
or higher, generally qualifying them for college credit or placement in
advanced courses upon entering college
* 80% of our students pursue post-secondary education
* Students enjoy high-speed Internet access, state-of-the-art
digital equipment, and a student-to-computer ratio of 4:1 or better
throughout the division
* Students at risk of not achieving academic success get help from
various intervention programs, including Bright Stars (our version of Head
Start), Academic Learning Project Schools (ALPS), Phonological Awareness
Literacy Screening (PALS), and Title I (reading and language arts)
* Our high school World Languages Program offers instruction in
Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and Russian, as well as Classical Greek
and Latin
* Conversational Spanish will be phased into elementary schools
beginning in 2005
* Middle schools will offer block scheduling and math and language
arts for students academically at risk to maximize their academic
achievement beginning in fall 2005
* Students are introduced to 6 broad “career pathways” and
post-high school opportunities that include employment as well as additional
training and education
* CATEC has introduced new training programs in animation,
barbering, and criminal justice to round out its offerings in audio, media,
and communications; automotive technology; construction technology; health
services; information technology; legal and protective services; and service
industries, such as cosmetology, culinary arts, and early childhood
education
Test Results
Standards of Learning (SOL)
* 100% of our schools are fully accredited by the Commonwealth of
Virginia
* Over 90% of our students passed the Grade 11 SOL reading and
literature exam and the writing exam
Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SAT)
* 81% of our seniors took the SAT in 2003
* Our students’ combined SAT scores reached an all-time high of
1096 in 2003, approximately 70 points higher than the national average
Instructional Staff
* Albemarle County employs approximately 1,300 teachers and
teaching assistants
* More than half of our teachers have advanced degrees, and 9 have
achieved certification as master teachers by the National Board for
Professional Teaching Standards
* Albemarle County is one of only 4 school divisions in Virginia
that employs an equity and diversity coordinator
Transportation
* Our Transportation Department carries more than 12,000 students
on 163 buses nearly 11,220 miles daily, covering an area of 740 square miles
Budget
* The School Board is currently reviewing a proposed 2005-06 budget
of $127 million
* More than 75% of our overall budget supports classroom
instruction
* Nearly 66% of revenues for the schools come from local sources
* Our per-pupil expenditure in 2003-04 was $8,469
Middle School College Presentation
Wednesday, March 16th is the date for the middle school college
presentation: Never To Early to Explore College Choices, presented by Allen
Freeman, Gifted Resource Teacher, Albemarle High School.
When: March 16th, 7-8 p.m.
Where: Jack Jouett Middle School Cafeteria
Audience: Middle school parents and students (6-8 grade)
Hand outs will be available. Please look for information to come home with
your child in the next few weeks.
Family/Teacher Extravaganza
The Parent Center is sponsoring a Family/Teacher Extravaganza on Saturday,
March 19. Their special workshop and events are geared towards providing
both families and educators with an enjoyable and enriching day on the
Downtown Mall. The events are provided in conjunction with StoryFest, a
program of the Virginia Festival of the Book.
Workshop, 10:00 - 11:30 am:
"Children's Challenging Behaviors in School - How Parents and Teachers Can
Work Together" with Barbara Kaiser, educator and author. We encourage
parents and educators to come together to discuss and learn more about ways
to work cooperatively to address challenging behaviors at school. This
workshop is geared towards addressing elementary age students.
Barbara Kaiser, early childhood consultant, family counselor, and author has
over 25 years experience in childcare and education. She has taught at
Acadia University in Nova Scotia and authored articles that range from
challenging behaviors to addressing cultural diversity. She is co-author of
Meeting the Challenge: Effective Strategies for Challenging Behaviors in
Early Childhood Environments and Challenging Behaviors in Young Children:
Understanding, Preventing, and Responding. She joins us following
participation as keynote speaker at the annual conference of the Virginia
Association of Early Childhood Education.
Fun Children's Activities, 9:30 - 11:30 am
"The Hungry Dragon" Puppet Show by Carol Ziemer, Songs, Games and More!
While parents are at the workshop, your children are invited to enjoy our
fun children’s activities. One of our special highlights includes Carol
Ziemer - teacher, counselor and artist - presenting a special puppet show,
“The Hungry Dragon”.
Family & Educator-Friendly Silent Auction with music by Silvertones,
9:30-2:00 pm
While on the Downtown Mall please be sure to stop in to browse the many
wonderful items, goods and services from over 40 businesses, artisans and
organizations. Of special note to educators is a personal consultation from
the UVA Teachers Resource Center. All proceeds will go to The Parent
Center, a nonprofit organization working to support the most important
influences in a child’s life – their home and school. The silent auction
participants/donations include: Williamson Wood, Gesher Institute, UVA
signed footballs, guitar lessons, Wild Bird Crossing, the Needle Lady, All
Things Remembered, Portrait Sitting, music CD’s, Express Car Wash, A Cut
Above, UVA Teacher Consult, The crystal connection, Gift Baskets, ladies
workout express, Bicycle Tune-Up, and Door Prizes!!
For teachers: One of our Silent Auction highlights includes a personal
consultation from the University of Virginia Teaching Resource Center.
"Whether you want help brainstorming ideas about a new learning activity
you're considering or would like research-based advice on best teaching
practices, consider spending an hour with an expert. Michael Palmer, a
Faculty Consultant at the University of Virginia Teaching Resource Center,
can help with all you teaching concerns during this relaxed, confidential
consultation about your teaching."
All activities are located on the east end of the Downtown Mall, at 501 East
Main Street (just below Duplex Copy and The Visitor’s Center) with thanks to
the Charlottesville Parking Center. Questions? Contact Miriam Rushfinn at
The Parent Center 434/817-1234 or mrushfinn at theparentcenter.org
<mailto:mrushfinn at theparentcenter.org>
Golden Apple Awards
Please remember to turn in your Golden Apple nominations! Due to the snow
days late applications should still be accepted, but please turn them in to
your local school by the end of this week.
Nominate a teacher and show your appreciation and support! Nomination forms
are available form the local schools or online at
www.betterlivingvirginia.com or www.k12albemarle.org
<http://www.k12albemarle.org/>
QUESTIONS? Contact Regina Kirk, Albemarle County Schools, 296-5820, or at
rkirk at albemarle.org <mailto:rkirk at albemarle.org> .
PREP/Parent Resource Center Workshops
Free Workshops For Parents, Teachers, and Community Agencies.
Developing Minds: Parent Strategies Video by Dr. Mel Levine
Dr. Levine has pioneered innovative programs to enhance the understanding
and management of students' learning difficulties.
Watch the video and join us for a presentation by Dr. Julia Blodgett,
licensed clinical psychologist and clinical assistant faculty at UVA, Karen
Ferrer, Albemarle County School Psychologist, and Andrea Esperat, School
Psychology Intern about Dr. Levine's concepts and insights, with time for
audience discussion.
Leave with:
* * A better understanding of learning differences
* * Strategies for identifying developmental strengths and
weaknesses
* * Interventions that work to strengthen children's
functioning
Tuesday, March 15, 2005, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at the Albemarle Resource Center,
1200 Forest Street, Charlottesville.
For more information and to register call: PREP/Parent Resource Center
975-9400 ext. 2342 or sblech at albemarle.org
Bi-Polar Diagnosis in Children. Presented by Dr. Ron Heller,
Child/Adolescent Psychiatrist
Friday, March 25, 2005, 2:00 - 3:15 p.m. at the Ivy Creek School, 227 Lambs
Lane, Charlottesville. SPACE IS LIMITED. Please RSVP by calling the
PREP/Parent Resource Center at 975-9400 ext. 2342 or email
sblech at albemarle.org
Program on Bullying
Bullies and Victims: Parents Can Make a Difference
A program presented by Dr. Peter Sheras, psychologist, author, and UVa
professor to be held on Tuesday, March 15, at 7:00 pm at Jack Jouett Middle
School.
Albemarle County Schools are developing anti-bullying programs to train
students, teachers, and administrators to stop bullying. Parents can
increase the effectiveness of these programs through their involvement. In
this way the schools can partner with caregivers in creating a community
that discourages bullying. Join us for a night with an anti-bullying expert
who will offer practical suggestions on how to discourage bullying in our
school community.
"Parents can do a great deal to prevent their children from becoming
bullies, victims or even passive bystanders--but only if they take the time
to understand the dynamics of bullying relationships, encourage their
children's trust and confidence, and intervene in effective ways when
necessary," says Dr. Sheras.
"Parents, teachers, policemen, counselors and other professionals [must]
work together to change the social climate so that bullying is no longer
considered an acceptable form of expression."
Dr. Sheras has worked for the past 29 years with teenagers and their
families on issues related to victimization, bullying, depression, and
violence. He helped found and direct the Virginia Youth Violence Project,
coordinates a local school crisis network, advises federal and state
governments on youth and violence, and serves on a research team that
evaluates anti-bullying programs in schools.
University of Virginia's Engaging the Mind Lecture Series
It is our pleasure to invite you to an upcoming free public lecture as part
of the University of Virginia's statewide community lecture series Engaging
the Mind. We designed this series to offer everyone the opportunity to hear
from UVa's top scholars and teachers, in a free public forum.
"Kids and Teachers: What Makes for Success in School"
Dr. Robert Pianta
William Clay Parrish Jr. Professor of Education
What are the ingredients of a quality classroom? What aspects of teaching
lead to increased student performance? Tensions regarding what to do about
low-performing schools, how to improve the quality of teaching, and how to
raise test scores through balanced and meaningful instructional experiences
are critical parts of educators' work. These issues and questions will be
the focus of this talk, which will draw upon the largest set of actual
observations in pre-kindergarten to 5th grade classrooms across the United
States.
March 3, 2005
7:00 - 9:00 P.M.
The Jefferson Theatre (on the Downtown Mall)
Charlottesville, VA
For directions to The Jefferson Theatre please visit:
http://www.jeffersontheater.com/directions.htm
<http://www.jeffersontheater.com/directions.htm>
April Parenting Classes
February and April Parenting Classes Accepting Enrollment! Children,
Youth, and Family Services Family Connections Program will be offering the
following parenting classes and workshops starting in February:
4/12/05 “Six Easy Steps,” a six week 1-hour (6 - 7:30 P.M.) Tuesday evening
parenting class for parents of 3 - 12 year olds held at the Downtown Library
Cost: $15 for all 6 classes as well as some optional individual-coaching
home visits for at risk parents and families. Call Beth Adams at 296 4118 x
224 to register.
4/14/05 “Surviving The Teen Years, “ a six week 1-hour (6 -7:30 P.M.)
Thursday evening parenting class for parents of 13-18 year olds. This class
will be held at the Parks Edge Community Center near Albemarle High School.
Cost: $15 for all 6 classes as well as some optional individual-coaching
home visits for at risk parents and families. Call Jack Gallagher at 296
4118 x 257 for more information or to register.
3/16/05 Transparenting Class, a 4 hour parent education program, which
focuses on the parenting needs and challenges for parents who are separated
or divorced but still need to work together on parenting issues. Parents can
attend together or separately if still in conflict. Classes are held the
3rd Wednesday of each month from 4-8 p.m. $50 fee. We have a sliding scale
for participants who cannot afford the entire fee. Call Gail Dunne at
434-296-4118 ext. 235 for more information or to register.
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