January 12, 2021
NewsDaily NewsJanuary 12, 2021

January 25-26, 2021, VSBA Capital Conference, Virtual
Advocacy by local school board members is a year-round job but is never more critical than when the Virginia General Assembly is in session. With the Virginia State Capitol and Pocahontas Building closed to visitors for the unforeseeable future, it is imperative for school…

January 26, 2021, VSBA Orientation for New School Board Members and Superintendents, Virtual
Becoming a new school board member or superintendent is an honor and a privilege. Enjoy a successful and less stressful transition by attending the VSBA Orientation for New Board Members & Superintendents. Many important topics will be covered, including the roles and…

Despite record highs in COVID-19 activity, Danville, Pittsylvania County public schools sticking with in-person learning
Cases of COVID-19 have reached new highs in Danville and Pittsylvania County since the start of the year, but public schools in the region have no immediate plans to revert to an online-only learning environment. Three of Danville’s four highest days of reported positive tests were…

This Year’s Unity Day Celebration to be Virtual
This year, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Unity Day Celebration will be held in two parts. Both parts will be virtual due to COVID-19 restrictions. The Celebration will bring together all segments of our community, including community leaders, educators, students…

Option 1 students in Chesapeake to return to classrooms next week
Chesapeake schools officials say all option 1 students — those who have chosen in-person learning — will begin to return to campus as planned on Jan. 19. The Chesapeake School Board met Monday night to discuss the division’s return to school plan amid a rise in local…

Amherst courts, Madison Heights school temporarily close as county’s COVID-19 cases rise
As positive cases of COVID-19 continue to rise in Amherst County, officials announced temporary closures of two local courts because of concerns related to the virus. A separate announcement from Amherst County Public Schools on Monday said Amelon Elementary…

Henry County indefinitely delays return to hybrid learning
Henry County plans to resume its hybrid learning, it’s just not clear when that will happen. On Monday, the school division announced that it would “postpone its return to hybrid instruction until cases in our community have improved significantly.” Because it is critical for our…

Gov. Northam floats possibility of year-round school, concerning tourism industry
While Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam is “entertaining” the idea of having year-round classes in schools, to help students make up all the learning time lost due to COVID-19, those who make a living on summer tourism want to make sure there’s room to make up money lost because of…

11 health districts will begin vaccinating teachers and other workers
On Monday, 11 Virginia health districts will begin COVID-19 vaccinations of “frontline essential workers,” including police, teachers and grocery store workers, the Virginia Department of Health announced Friday afternoon. Some regions will continue vaccinations of priority group…

Bristol, Va. Schools to remain virtual until Jan. 25
Bristol, Virginia Public Schools will continue virtual learning until Jan. 25. The Bristol, Virginia Board of Education met Monday evening to discuss whether to return to in-person learning or continue virtual learning. The school system returned to virtual learning back on Dec. 14…

Henrico County Public Schools sends out COVID-19 vaccine survey to staff
Henrico County Public Schools on Facebook that they sent out a survey Monday afternoon asking employees’ interest in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Amy Cashwell, HCPS superintendent, said the district is working with the Henrico Health Department to make the…

Poquoson City Public Schools students returning for in-person learning starting Jan. 19
Poquoson City Public Schools will be welcoming students back for in-person learning beginning January 19. School administrators made the announcement on social media Monday afternoon. In the post, administrators say they are excited to welcome back continuum students at all…

Dinwiddie County Public Schools may switch back to virtual learning
The Dinwiddie County Public Schools superintendent may recommend a temporary return to full virtual learning at Tuesday night’s School Board meeting. While the district resumed in-person learning for some students back in September. However, Kari Weston, DWPS superintendent…

Accomack County Public Schools moves to virtual platform until further notice due to increase in COVID-19 cases
Accomack County Public Schools announced it will be moving to a virtual and remote platform until further notice due to the continued increase in COVID-19 cases. The virtual learning starts Monday, January 11. A statement on the school’s website says teachers and staff will report…

Virginia Beach teachers and parents oppose return to in-person learning
On Sunday, a group of teachers, parents and students attended a virtual rally and expressed their concerns about a potential return to in-person learning. During the rally, teachers said they want to stay virtual until Covid-19 cases go down in Virginia Beach. Facebook group ‘Virginia…

All Fairfax County school employees eligible for COVID-19 vaccine as soon as Jan. 16
Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Scott Brabrand announced Sunday that the COVID-19 vaccine will be available to all school employees as a part of the 1b group of other essential workers. The vaccine will be administered through Inova Health in partnership with…

VSBA School Board U
School Board U is an area of the VSBA website filled with learning opportunities for school board members to explore important topics related to your service on the school board. Complete certain courses and earn a certificate for your hard work. For more information visit the member section of the VSBA website. School board members and division staff, please check your email to find the log in and password information or contact VSBA.