2021 Budget Workshop, May 6, 2021
Join us for the VSBA’s Budget Training workshop to learn more about the importance of The Board’s Role in Developing the School Budget. In this virtual workshop, based on member requests, board members will learn their role in the budget process and how it relates to the…
First Annual VSBA Student Essay Contest, Deadline April 30
The Virginia School Boards Association is holding a personal essay/speaking contest where the winner will have an opportunity to present before an audience of more than 300 school board members and administrators at the 2021 Virtual VSBA Conference on Education held July 20…
The pandemic forced these high-schoolers to work full time. So they’re going to class at night.
In a routine familiar to millions, class began when the three high-schoolers shut the doors to their bedrooms, opened their computers and logged into Zoom. But it was almost dark outside, just after 7 p.m. The teacher waiting on the video call was donating his time, working without…
In reversal, Alexandria schools will adopt 3 feet of distancing in classrooms
In a reversal, Alexandria City Public Schools will adopt three feet of distancing in classrooms through the end of the academic year after the school board voted in dramatic fashion to repeal the superintendent’s decision earlier this week in favor of six feet. After the vote Thursday…
Virginia to test students, staff in schools for COVID-19 in pilot program
Virginia is launching a new program to test students and staff in schools for COVID-19. The pilot program will provide interested schools with rapid tests that can provide results in as little as 15 minutes through the end of the school year. Schools can use them to test for regular weekly…
Some RPS students head back to the classroom, school leaders to get fall reopening update
For the first time since the pandemic started, some Richmond Public Schools students will head back to the classroom Monday. Last month, school board leaders approved a plan that would bring around 800 students back through the end of the school year in June. The plan…
High school theater stays active during pandemic
An out-of-this-world experience has come to Amherst County High School’s drama program for a spring production of “The Aliens Have Stolen Our Wives,” an original play written by ACHS instructor Patricia Emmert and her husband. The challenges of COVID-19 have led Emmert…
Kids are returning to classrooms. But what will happen to those who stay at home?
Prescott Noll, 15, almost never asks questions in class anymore. Ever since masked children began filing into classrooms in Loudoun County, Va., in February — while Prescott kept learning from home — catching teachers’ attention has become a hassle. Messages sent in a class…
Federal funding to boost projects for Halifax County Public Schools
Officials with Halifax County Public Schools are hoping to use federal funding to tackle majority of upcoming capital improvement projects. On the table are $1.28 million of capital improvements that include a variety of projects ranging from painting, curtain replacement…
Norfolk art teacher creates virtual museum using students’ artwork
Famous French painter Edgar Degas once said, “Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” One art teacher in Norfolk is giving her students a different point of view by showing they are just as creative virtually as they are in the classroom. For Southside STEM Academy…
One student looks back on a COVID year
Eden is a junior at Rappahannock County High School. That’s not her real name, but she asked not to be identified. For most of this school year, she has been on a hybrid schedule of two days in school, three at home. Next week, she will start attending in-person classes four days a…
Schools are doing something right
Dr. Marc Bergin, at his first news conference last month the day after being hired as Bedford County’s new superintendent of schools, said he is not coming in with preconceived notions about what he wants to change. He said he’s going to spend his first year listening. Dr. Bergin…
Gretna High School student wins Virginia Lottery’s ‘Thank a Teacher’ art contest
For one Gretna High School student, art began as a therapeutic outlet to navigate the emotional and developmental challenges he faced as a child. Now, a blossoming young adult, this student has won a statewide art contest to selflessly earn thousands of dollars for Gretna High…
Professionals Needed For Virtual Career Chats
Professionals throughout the City of Falls Church are invited to participate in this year’s Virtual Career Chats. Members from a variety of industries are needed to talk with the City’s high school students about their post-high school career path, including interests, education and…
GHS makes graduation plans
Galax High School will hold a full outdoor graduation ceremony on June 12. Schools Superintendent Susan Tilley said students will be socially distanced, as well as their friends and family in the stands. As for tickets, ”We expect to be able to give each student an adequate…
Schools Face Shortage of Mental Health Professionals as Students Slowly Return
As students return to school buildings after a year of unprecedented stress, public schools across our region are operating with fewer counselors and psychologists than recommended by national experts, according to an investigation by the News4 I-Team. Some districts face…
VSBA 2021 Food for Thought Competition
The VSBA would like to invite you to participate in the eighth annual Food for Thought Competition, a friendly competition between Virginia’s school divisions to showcase their programs that combat childhood hunger, provide healthy school meals, and encourage…
Webinar, April 22, 2021 Project IGuardian
Project iGuardian is presented by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Project iGuardian is an HSI initiative “designed to inform youths, parents, and educators about the risks that children face in the online environment” that also “aims to arm educators…