Please join in recognizing Mr. Patrick Gray, custodian at Chatham High School, on his selection as Employee of the Week for Pittsylvania County Schools. Please click on the following link to find out what employees do to make this A Great Place to Learn and Work! http://www.pcs.k12.va.us/staff/employee-of-week/

SOAR Program Provides Scholarship Opportunities for Students:

SOAR Virginia is an early commitment scholarship program created to inspire and assist high school students to reach their post–secondary education goals. To participate, eligible students pledge to meet program requirements. In return, participating students receive a range of assistance and accumulate scholarship support of up to $2,000 to apply toward their post–secondary education expenses.

SOAR Virginia is a unique program created by Virginia 529 to further its mission to make college more affordable and accessible to all Virginians. Participating students must agree to the requirements of the program’s pledge as follows:

• I will maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.

• I will meet with my early commitment advisor regularly.

• I will complete financial literacy training during high school.

• I will behave in a manner consistent with my school’s Code of Student Conduct.

• I will attend school regularly without unexcused absences.

• I will participate in community service activities.

• I will complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) during my senior year.

• I will apply to an eligible educational institution, including a 2- or 4-year college or university or technical school.

General Assembly Approves Local Option State Health Insurance Plan:
The General Assembly passed SB 364 authorizing the Virginia Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM) to develop an insurance plan under the local option health insurance plan with benefits similar to those in the State employee health insurance plan and that uses a single rating group. On August 24, 2016, Pittsylvania County Schools’ Administrative and financial personnel participated in a webinar hosted by DHRM which provided initial information regarding the process it will take to determine the viability of such a plan. To be feasible, a minimum enrollment of 5,000 employees and 10,000 members is required. Local governments, school divisions, other political subdivisions and elected officials, as well as their dependents, are eligible to participate. Pittsylvania County Schools’ staff is following this initiative closely and apprising the School Board during each phase of how this insurance plan compares to the current plan.

Healthy Virginians Week:
Next week, September 12-16, 2016, has been designated as Healthy Virginians (HVA) Week by the General Assembly. This annual event is designed to highlight healthy eating and physical activity for students and Virginians of all ages. Please support HVA Week by celebrating with healthy Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Program (FFVP) snacks provided to students each school day.

In Our Schools:
Several schools, including Dan River High School, Dan River Middle School and Tunstall High School held ceremonies commemorating Patriot Day on Friday, September 9, 2016. Each ceremony recognized the significance of September 11, 2001, and memorialized those who died and the first responders who took action on that day. In Sheriff Mike Taylor’s address to the students at Dan River Middle School, he talked about his experience on 9/11 as the Trade Center Buildings came down, parts of the Pentagon were destroyed, and Flight 93 crashed in a field in Pennsylvania. He said he first experienced a feeling of disbelief, and then his thoughts were that maybe this was an accident. When the plane exploded into the second Trade Center, he said anger arose deeply within him. As the day continued and time lapsed, he began to have a feeling of resolve. A horrendous act of terrorism had happened, and in its aftermath the best of America shown through. Like Sheriff Taylor, each of the speakers acknowledged the impact that day had on their lives and recognized the acts of heroism portrayed by many. First responders from local fire and rescue stations, State Police, Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Department, and Danville Police, as well as service members from all branches of the military and American Legion Posts, were recognized and thanked for their service.

I greatly appreciated the invitation to attend these events. They were truly inspirational and highlight the exceptional staff and student body we have in our school division. We have so much of which to be proud and thankful.

The faculty and staff of Gretna Elementary School will celebrate the school’s 20th Anniversary on September 18, 2016, from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Please click here to view the invitation to this event.

Twin Springs Elementary School will celebrate its 20th Anniversary on September 20, 2016, with a hot dog dinner from 4:30 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. and a program beginning at 6:00 p.m. Please click here to view the invitation to this event.

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research will host the 44th Annual Danville-Pittsylvania County Schools’ College Night on Tuesday, September 13, 2016, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Please click here to view the announcement for this event.

The Dan River Middle School (DRMS) FFA Chapter held its first meeting of the year on September 7, 2016. Fifty-eight (58) members were present! The Chapter selected officers as follows: President – Sabrina Wiles, Vice President – Lilly Jones, Secretary – Haley Wade, Treasurer – Skyler Powell, Reporter – Adriana Pizzino, Sentinel – Dillon Rojas and Student Advisor – Kaitlyn Riffe. FFA members are currently conducting their annual Virginia Diner nut fundraiser. Each member’s earnings will pay for their FFA dues, fall trip and spring trip. The sponsors and members encourage everyone to support their club. Those interested in providing support may do so by contacting Lesley Bassett at 822-6027.

The Dan River Area FFA Alumni and Friends will be meeting on September 25 at 6:00 p.m. in the Dan River Middle School cafeteria. The purpose of this group is to provide support to the Dan River High School and Dan River Middle School FFA Chapters. If you would like more information, please contact FFA Advisor Lesley Bassett at 822-6027.
 

Mark Your Calendars:

• School Board Disciplinary Committee Meeting – September 12, 2016, @ 6:00 p.m., SBO Boardroom
• Title I District Parent Advisory Council Meeting – September 13, 2016, @ 10:00 a.m., SBO Boardroom
• School Board Meeting – September 13, 2016, @ 6:30 p.m. closed and 7:00 p.m. open, SBO Boardroom
• Ag Day – September 14, 2016, 9:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m., Geyer Farm
• Ag Day – September 15, 2016, 9:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m., Geyer Farm
• Principals’ Meeting – September 15, 2016, @ 9:30 a.m.
• Instructional Principals’ Meeting – September 15, 2016, @ 1:00 p.m.
• Initial MAP Assessment Window Ends September 16, 2016
• Family Life (Dan River High School) – Grade 9, September 15-19, 2016, Grade 10, September 13-14, 2016
• PALS Screening - Grades 1-3, Ends September 23, 2016
• PALS Screening - Grades PK-K, September 21, 2016 through October 19, 2016
• Character Word of the Month – Trustworthiness
• VSBA Bullying Prevention Month – October 2016
• Job Assessment Tool (JAT) window – September 6 – 16, 2016