It Only Takes One

In 2021, fentanyl was the leading cause of death among Americans ages 18 to 49, more than car accidents, gun violence or suicide.

This isn’t the future we envision for our young people. 

Earlier this month, our middle and high schools launched a drug awareness and prevention campaign called "It Only Takes One," which aims to educate students and their families about the risks of drug abuse. The governor's new executive order on drug overdoses in schools was a launching pad for the program.

We plan to collaborate with various expert partners for the rest of the school year, including substance abuse counselors, school resource officers, and medical professionals to organize activities and invite guest speakers that enlighten students and staff about the dangers of illicit drugs.

We will keep our middle and high school families updated about upcoming activities and resources, so stay tuned for more information. 

We are one family, one school, one community.

Working together as one to keep our students alive and well. 

More Top News

Staunton Elks Give Warmth and Comfort to Preschoolers

The Staunton Elks Lodge 351 donated more than 100 coats, pajamas and one outfit each to every preschool student this fall. Their philanthropic work with our schools has been ongoing for over a decade, and they continue to uphold their motto, "Elks Care, Elks Share."

The donations were made possible through approximately $6,500 in grant funding from the national Elks organization, supplemented by contributions from club trustees as needed.

Preschoolers also received hats and gloves for the winter. We appreciate their continued support and kindness.

Kwadwo Donkor Honored as Athletic Trainer of the Year

The Virginia Athletic Trainers Association (VATA) recently named Athletic Trainer Kwadwo Donkor as the Vito Perriello Secondary School Athletic Trainer of the Year.

He was presented with the award by VATA President Michael Kotelnicki at the organization's annual meeting in January, who said in part: "Those that nominated him laude him for his selfless dedication to the athletic training profession, the VATA, the students he mentors, and his patients. Kwadwo has served as the founding co-chair of the VATA DEIA Committee, where he works diligently to ensure that all members of the VATA are acknowledged and feel a sense of belonging, to feel seen and respected not only as a healthcare professional but as an individual. Thank you, Kwadwo, for your dedication to the athletic training profession!"

Mickens Reaches Milestone 100th Win as Boys Basketball Coach

Head Coach Terrell Mickens got the 100th win of his coaching career on Jan. 18 when he coached the varsity boys basketball team to a 106-80 victory over Fort Defiance High School. We appreciate the amazing job he does mentoring young athletes and helping them excel both on and off the court. Congratulations, Coach Mickens!

Shelburne Band Kicks Off T-Shirt Fundraiser

Show your appreciation for our Shelburne Middle School band with one of these newly released t-shirts! You'll be supporting a fantastic cause, as all proceeds from t-shirt sales go toward the band program's continued success. The band is taking orders online now. If you don't have a student in the program but would still like to support the band, your order can be picked up at Shelburne when they arrive.

Division-Wide Art Show, Writing Contest Sparks Creativity

A juried art show featuring 27 exceptional art pieces created by students from all schools in our division was recently held at Shelburne Middle School.

Ten pieces from this exhibit were selected for an Artful Reflections Writing Contest, which offered SCS students and teachers the opportunity to write an original piece of poetry or prose inspired by the featured artworks.

The gallery was open for middle school language arts classes and elementary students interested in enjoying the art and participating in the writing contest. The winners of the contest will be announced before Spring Break.

Honoring the Teacher and Support Staff Person of the Year

The school board honored Stacey Mooneyham, the business teacher at Shelburne Middle School, and Melissa Van Fossen, the registrar at Staunton High School, on January 9th for their exceptional work. Mooneyham was recognized as the Teacher of the Year, and Van Fossen received the Support Staff Person of the Year award. Mooneyham has taught at Shelburne for 16 years, while Van Fossen has worked for SCS in various roles for 25 years.

Mooneyham and Van Fossen were selected as finalists from a pool of 15 teachers and support staff of the year in their respective schools or departments. The staff at each school nominates and votes for their fellow colleagues before a committee chooses one of the representatives as the final division-wide teacher of the year or support staff person of the year. We congratulate all the honorees.

Whimsically Witchy Nets Over $5,300 for the Arts

Staunton City Schools' elementary music and art programs received a $5,333.17 donation from the Whimsically Witchy annual Halloween display and fundraiser earlier this month.

The event was organized by Camille Dierksheide, an SCS parent, who puts up a spectacular Halloween display at her home and invites visitors to experience it with a donation. We are immensely grateful to Camille and the Staunton community.

Hollister Sponsors Holiday Gifts for 19 SCS Families

Hollister Inc. collaborated with SCS to sponsor gifts and resources for more than a dozen families during the holiday season. SCS staff provided a wish list to Hollister, who graciously fulfilled the list for 70 children and adults — a total of 19 families.

Hollister's staff then delivered the gifts to the families just before Christmas. We appreciate their kindness and compassion toward our students and their families.

Who is JLARC, and Why Do They Want to Overhaul the Way Virginia Pays for Public Education?