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Summer 2022 News & Highlights

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A Word from Dr. Gurley

Dear staff and families –

I hope your summer is off to a great start.

an image of dr gurleyI’m writing with an update about school transportation – and it’s not the update I wanted to give. But despite the City’s best efforts to hire more school bus drivers, we expect to have even fewer bus routes this fall than last year. This national school bus driver shortage is not going away, so it’s time for us to look at new solutions. Here is an overview of the strategies and investments we are putting into place starting this fall:

  • Strategy 1: Maintain bus service for special-education students
  • Strategy 2: Expand and support walk zones (0.75 mile, or a 20-minute walk, for elementary; 1.25 miles, or a 30-minute walk, for Buford/CHS). Ways we’ll support walkers include: additional crossing guards and “walking school buses.”
  • Strategy 3: Encourage older students to use public transit (CAT) where possible
  • Strategy 4: Collaborate with community partners to support biking to school
  • Strategy 5: Begin use of small school buses that do not require a commercial driver license (not available for start of school year)

These strategies are still in the works but you can read more here.

What you can do immediately to help:

  1. If you haven’t already done so, make sure to re-register your student(s) (which includes updating bus requests) to help the City plan routes. (See directions below.)
  2. Join me to talk about proposed solutions followed by a walk to school at “Talk and Walk Sessions” in July in various neighborhoods:
    • Wednesday, July 6, 5-6:30pm, Westhaven
    • Friday, July 15, 12-1:30pm, Friendship Court, 418 Garrett St.
    • Friday, July 22, 12-1:30pm, Hearthwood Apartments, 2111 Michie Drive
  3. Consider how you and members of your community can support these efforts: Sign up here to stay informed and/or express your interest in helping, such as working as a crossing guard or walking school bus leader.
  4. If you want to work toward a more walkable, bikeable city, get connected with the Piedmont Mobility Alliance.

I appreciate how difficult these changes are for so many in our community. At the same time, like any educator, it is in my nature to take the long view: If we invest well in this different approach to school transportation, our community will have safer routes for walking and biking, better public transit, and healthier outcomes for both people and the planet.

We will continue to be in touch with you over the summer on this important issue. Please read below for more updates from our division.

Sincerely,

Dr. Royal A. Gurley, Jr.

Superintendent

a group of graduating girls in cap and gowns

Congratulations to the 280 graduates of the CHS Class of 2022! Relive the joy and pride of our June 9 ceremony at Ting Pavilion with free high-resolution downloads of photos or the video of the event.

  • power school logoOnline re-registration forms are now open so you can update your bus requests, phone numbers, and more to get ready for next year. (This process does not guarantee a spot on the bus next year, but it will help the City make plans for next year’s school bus routes since the bus driver shortage continues.) You can re-register your child by logging into the PowerSchool website (the app will not work for this). After you login, select your first student (at top) and click “Re-Registration” at the left. Update your old data and answer new questions. After each student, return to PowerSchool, select a new student’s name (at top) and click Re-Registration to repeat the process. Need help? Call your school. Thanks for updating your records and renewing your permissions each year!

  • a hand holding a covid test sampleSummer COVID PCR testing for students and staff will occur through August 10 at the MLK Jr. Performing Arts Center at CHS on Wednesdays from 1-2pm. Participants who expect to test regularly (more than once or twice) should use this form to sign up so that pre-printed labels will be available. (Sign up again even if your student tested during the school year.) If you plan to come as needed (after you’ve been exposed or if you’re planning to travel), you can just show up and complete forms on-site. Learn more here.

  • back to school bash logoSave the date for our annual Back to School Bash: Saturday, August 20, 10am-12pm. At this family-fun event, we give away free backpacks and school supplies to all in our community who need them. New this year: No registration necessary! To make the event a success, we are asking for the support of our community: Purchase supplies from our Amazon Wishlist

  • ymca logo​​​​​​​
    Registration is open for the YMCA After School Program in Charlottesville City Schools (formerly the CLASS program) for the 2022-23 school year! Please note that waiting lists are being formed at some schools. 

More Looks at Cville Schools

a picture of students dancing at the buford block party on june 18

The Buford community came out to the first Buford Block Party on June 18. Click here for video of the fun!

 two new elementary school principals: Ms. Chantel Beverly, left, leads Venable, and was previously the assistant principal at Greenbrier. Mrs. Carmella Johnson, right, leads Clark,

We are excited to introduce our division’s two new elementary school principals: Ms. Chantel Beverly, left, leads Venable, and was previously the assistant principal at Greenbrier. Mrs. Carmella Johnson, right, leads Clark, and was previously the assistant principal of Johnson. Welcome, Ms. Beverly and Mrs. Johnson!

an image of family day with students and families playing

Come on out to Ix Art Park for Multilingual Family Play Days! Tuesdays, 3-5pm, through August 2, a partnership between our schools and Wildrock. Click here to view the flyer



Find more info and events on on our website, social media, or our Google calendars!

Find us on the web at charlottesvilleschools.org

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