VSBA Virtual Annual Convention, Day 2 Daily Crier
Check in on what today’s session of the Annual Convention has in store for you. Join our coffee and convos session at 8 a.m., or meet us for the General Session at 9 a.m.
Poquoson School Board votes unanimously to bring sports back in December
The Poquoson School Board decided it’s time to bring sports back to school. At Tuesday night’s 6 p.m. meeting, members voted 7-0 to allow approve the district’s “Return to Athletics” plan. Practice starts the week of December 6 in accordance to the Virginia High School League…
Fairfax school board questions superintendent over decision to delay in-person learning
Members of the Fairfax County School Board on Tuesday questioned the superintendent over his sudden decision to delay in-person learning for thousands of students in Virginia’s largest school system. Superintendent Scott Brabrand announced Monday afternoon that local…
Loudoun School Board Adopts Triggers to Close Classes if Virus Spikes
The Loudoun County School Board on Tuesday voted to shut down in-person learning for all students if community spread trends for COVID-19 cross two thresholds. Under the action, if the number of new cases per 100,000 residents exceeds 200 during a 14-day period and the…
Shenandoah County Public Schools implements new mask requirements
Shenandoah County Public Schools will require students over the age of five to wear masks at all times inside school facilities, even when six-foot physical distancing is maintained. According to a press release from Shenandoah County Public Schools, the new requirement will begin…
Campbell Co. Public Schools announce COVID-19 case at Altavista Elementary School
Campbell County Public Schools announced on Tuesday that an individual has tested positive for COVID-19 at Altavista Elementary School. The COVID-19 positive individual has been informed to isolate and any associated close contacts have been informed to begin their…
Newport News Public Schools Superintendent to update ‘Return-to-Learn’ plan
As some Hampton Roads school divisions send students and staff back to virtual instruction, the Newport News Public School division is making plans for its next steps for in-person learning. NNPS Division’s Superintendent, Doctor George Parker, said he wants to lay out the return to…
RPS’ graduation rate remains the lowest in the state, with Latino students falling the furthest behind
Although Richmond Public Schools’ on-time graduation rate ticked up a percentage point to 71.6% last school year, the system held the lowest rate in the state for the third year in a row, and had the highest dropout rate. Armstrong High and the Richmond Alternative School saw…
Keeping Schools Safe: School leaders worry ‘lack of transparency’ in Washington County, VA Schools amid COVID-19 pandemic, others have different perspectives
School leaders in Washington County, Virginia said they are concerned about how administrators are handling safety, as some schools in the system re-enter virtual learning. Education leaders are worried about whether or not school systems are doing the best they…
No Kid Hungry Virginia gives nearly $111,000 to Tri-Cities area schools for meal programs
No Kid Hungry Virginia has given schools and organizations in the Tri-Cities area nearly $111,000 to help with child nutritional programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We continue to be thankful for the compassionate and dedicated school nutrition teams across the state…
LCS keeps watchful eye on Virginia COVID-19 trends amid new restrictions
Lynchburg City Schools is continuing to keep a watchful eye on COVID-19 trends in Virginia. At an LCS work session on Tuesday night, the district said that it hopes to bring back as many students as possible for in-person learning if they can do so safely. Last week, Governor…
Bristol, Virginia school officials report increased cases of homelessness during pandemic
The financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is taking a toll on families across the region. Schools are reporting an increased number of students recognized as homeless. “If we can’t meet the basic, primary, human needs of our kids to make sure they’re fed, in a safe place…
Chesterfield education group seeks help from state leaders, citing county’s ‘reckless, chaotic, secretive’ reopening process
A Chesterfield County education group is demanding state intervention, citing a county school reopening process it described as “reckless, chaotic [and] secretive.” Chesterfield Educators United has asked Gov. Ralph Northam, state Secretary of Education Atif Quarni and state…
School board sets aside much of Tuesday’s agenda
Much of the Mathews County School Board’s agenda was set aside Tuesday night due to new state COVID-19 restrictions, with the only action items being the approval of personnel actions and monthly claims. The agenda for the meeting, which lasted less than 45 minutes (including…
Portsmouth delays in-person school return for students and staff
The Portsmouth School Board has delayed the in-person return for staff and students in response to rising case numbers and teacher concerns. Employees were to return to schools next Monday, and students were to start returning in phases for two days a week in…