Greetings!
Dr. Jelisa Wolfe, the executive director of student services and preschool director, is saying farewell to Staunton City Schools this summer as she retires after 24 years of dedicated service to our school division. Her passion for our students and her contributions to SCS are deeply appreciated.
She wears many hats, and her job will be split into several positions, resulting in the following changes across the division starting July 1:
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Nate Collins, principal of Staunton High School, has been promoted to executive director of student services.
Tammy Lightner, an assistant principal at Staunton High School, has been promoted to Staunton High principal.
Kristy Pelina will join SCS as the preschool and childcare coordinator at Dixon Educational Center after serving in similar roles in Augusta County.
Bari Nixon joins SCS from the Redmond School District in Redmond, Oregon, as the director of special education.
Dr. Katherine Robinson of Staunton joins our special education department as a board-certified behavior analyst-doctoral level (BCBA-D).
Please join us in congratulating these team members!
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80 Trout Get a New Home in Lewis Creek | |
Watch Our Teachers Win $10,000, Dawbarn Award | |
Shelburne Teacher in the Running for Virginia Teacher of the Year | |
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Eight teachers across the Commonwealth were simultaneously surprised by one of the most prestigious announcements possible for educators in April.
Brandy Johnson, a 7th-grade Language Arts teacher at Shelburne Middle School, was one of the eight educators in Virginia announced as the 2024 Teacher of the Year for their region. Mrs. Johnson is the winning teacher for Region V, which includes 20 school divisions in the Shenandoah Valley and Central Virginia.
This school year, Mrs. Johnson was selected by her colleagues as the Shelburne Middle School Teacher of the Year and was then chosen by an SCS panel as Staunton City Schools Teacher of the Year.
McKenzie Snow, the Deputy Secretary of Education at the Virginia Department of Education, made a surprise appearance at a Shelburne faculty meeting to announce Mrs. Johnson's award. Making it even more special, the 2023 Region V Teacher, Lori Peltonen of Staunton High School, was there to help deliver the award to Mrs. Johnson.
Read more.
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Thank Your School Nutrition Team on May 5 | |
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Our school nutrition professionals take enormous pride in being a positive part of our student's education. They work hard to serve delicious and nutritious meals that complement our learning environments because they know a hungry or undernourished child can't succeed in the classroom.
SCS is proud to have one of the top-rated scratch-cooking and fresh food school meal programs in the nation. Please help to recognize our school nutrition team on School Lunch Hero Day May 5 with a simple thanks, a special compliment, or social media shout-out on our School Nutrition Facebook page.
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Have a Party in the Park May 7 | |
The bands and choirs of the elementary, middle and high schools are coming together to throw their annual Party in the Park this Sunday. Students will perform from 3-7 p.m. Sunday, May 7, at the Gypsy Hill Park bandstand, showcasing their talent and the music and band programs in SCS.
It's a free event, but food trucks will be on-site for guests to purchase meals and treats, including Smiley's Ice Cream, Sweet Baby Cheeses, Perk Place Coffee, Blue Ridge Pizza, Valley Pike BBQ and Soul Food Joint.
We hope to see you there!
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Shelburne PTA President Earns State Recognition | |
Jessica Wiley, PTA president at Shelburne Middle School, was recently named Volunteer of the Year by the Virginia PTA.
Her work inside and outside the middle school has been outstanding for students and staff. We are grateful to Jessica and the PTA volunteers at each of our schools for their commitment to our staff and students.
Read more about Jessica.
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SHS Students to Perform at Blackfriars Playhouse May 14 | |
The Storm Theater of Staunton High School will perform London Assurance at Blackfriars Playhouse at 7 p.m., Sunday, May 14.
This opportunity was made possible through a partnership with the American Shakespeare Center and will give our students the fantastic experience of performing on a professional stage.
The play will also be performed at the high school at 7 p.m. on May 12 and 13 in the Black Box Theater.
Tickets are $8/person, and VIP seating is $10. The public is invited to attend.
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Youth & Family Listening Session | |
The City of Staunton’s DEI Commission invites Staunton youth and families to join them for a listening session at 6 p.m., Wednesday, May 17, at the Staunton Public Library.
Your voice is important. Register and list any accommodations you may need at bit.ly/StauntonDEIListening. For more information about Staunton’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission, visit www.staunton.va.us/diversity.
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Schools Partner for African-American Heritage & Multicultural Festival | |
The African-American Heritage Festival Foundation is reviving its annual festival post-pandemic with a new name and the addition of multicultural celebrations.
Staunton City Schools, Augusta County Public Schools, and Waynesboro Public Schools are partnering with the Foundation to host the African-American Heritage & Multicultural Festival in September. The school divisions will bring storytelling, performers, and a sharing of customs from immigrant students and families living in the Valley.
The festival will be held September 16-17 at Gypsy Hill Park in Staunton. The festival will feature arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, storytellers, musicians, entertainers, and activities that showcase the diverse cultures found in our region. Stay tuned for the event lineup in the coming months.
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116 West Beverley Street
Staunton, VA 24401
Phone: 540.332.3920
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