PWCS moving forward with remote learning; Dr. Walts delivers remarks on Continuity of Learning plan
During the April 1, 2020, School Board Meeting, Dr. Walts reiterated that his highest priority is ensuring the health and safety of students, staff, and families. He shared his thoughts and concerns regarding the impact of COVID-19 on our community, and he expressed his appreciation for all those who are helping our students and families in a variety of ways.
He also began laying out the learning and grading plan for all students for the remainder of the year.
Read Dr. Walts' full remarks
Details are forthcoming on the Continuity of Learning Plan. We thank you for your understanding and patience as we work to provide our Virtual Schoolhouse.
Learn more about SwimKids
This ad supports SPARK, the Education Foundation for PWCS.
 We are #PWCSProud of our outstanding students and alumni who are putting their skills to good use making personal protective equipment (PPE) for our area heroes — the nurses, doctors and first responders. Read more
PWCS School Food and Nutrition Services team continues to ensure students are fed each day
PWCS has been approved by the Virginia Department of Education to serve meals to parents/guardians without students present. Read more
Virginia moving to approve the cancellation of Standards of Learning (SOL) tests for the 2019-20 school year
The U.S. Department of Education has given Virginia permission to cancel federally mandated Standards of Learning (SOL) tests during the 2019-20 school year. In addition, the Virginia Department of Education is exploring options for canceling the administration of state-required SOL tests (writing, social studies and history - not required by the federal law). Visit the VDOE website and look for the News Releases section at the bottom of the page.
You count! Census 2020
Help support funding for schools, roads, and more. Complete your 2020 Census form online, by phone, or mail: Every person counts. Read more
Good News
PWCS names Neil Beech Principal of the Year
 |
|
Neil Beech has been principal of Osbourn Park High School for nine years and was recently named principal of the School Division's 13th high school. Read more |
PWCS names Matthew Grimsley Teacher of the Year
 |
|
Matthew Grimsley is a high school technology education and science teacher at Independence Nontraditional School where he created the school's first Career and Technology Education (CTE) program. Read more |
Rosa Parks Elementary School principal receives National Distinguished Principal Award
 |
|
Sue Danielson has been named Virginia’s recipient of the 2020 National Association of Elementary School Principals National Distinguished Principal Award. Read more |
Below are a few examples from our incredible educators who are continuing to provide important learning activities during our closure. |
|
 |
Stonewall Jackson High School's Jerome Hruska shares the best way to measure your personal strike zone right from home
 |
|
Jerome Hruska, technology education teacher at Stonewall Jackson High School, is the public address announcer for Major League Baseball's Washington Nationals. He also contributes to the Nationals community outreach program providing STEM/STEAM lessons and professional development.
In this video lesson, Hruska, with help from his son Tyler, teaches how to measure your "strike zone."
For more on this lesson and other activities, visit the Nationals STEM Education website.
|
DIY! Students at Porter Traditional School create homemade phones
Fifth-grade teacher Karen Garay is continuing science experiments at home with a do-it-yourself (DIY) assignment to learn more about the science of sound. The DIY project challenged students to make homemade phones out of cups and string.
The phones are fun to make, but also simple in design. "Make the phone with two paper or plastic cups and some string,” Garay explains. “Get someone from your family to take one end and go around the corner and whisper to you."
After conducting their experiments, students shared their results with Garay through Seesaw, an online digital portfolio and communication tool that is secure for students to use at home.
|
|
 |
No caterpillar left behind at Kyle Wilson Elementary School
 |
|
Prior to the school closure, Jennifer Booth, kindergarten teacher at Kyle Wilson Elementary, was teaching her students lessons about the life cycle with some help from the class caterpillars. Booth took the insects home with her so that the lessons could continue. Students were able to watch time lapsed videos of the metamorphosis as the caterpillars formed their chrysalis, then emerged as butterflies over a two-week period. Booth shared the action with her students by sending photo and video updates. |
School is closed – now what? Tips for supporting your children’s social, emotional, and mental health
 |
|
While educators prepare resources to support our children’s continued academic learning, intentionally supporting our children’s emotional well-being during these unpredictable and stressful times is our job. The ”Supporting your Children’s Social, Emotional, and Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic” article from the Confident Parent, Confident Kids website offers some ideas for setting yourself and your child up for success while you are at home together, such as creating a family “coping kit.”
(Wellness resources for this section of The Scoop are shared thanks to assistance from staff in the Office of Student Services.)
|
 Note: Adele Jackson's visit to Ellis Elementary School took place prior to school closures due to COVID-19. Read more
|
