Charlottesville Education Channel 14 on Comcast Cable.
Air Quality and Other Updates, June 8, 1:15pm
Dear CHS staff and families–
We are excited to celebrate the class of 2023 tonight at Ting Pavilion at 7pm.
We are actively monitoring air quality conditions in Charlottesville due to smoke from Canadian wildfires that has descended into our region. As I write this, we are in the “red” level of poor air quality (2 levels on the chart are higher than red). Levels may fluctuate throughout the afternoon, and NOAA’s Rapid Refresh forecaster indicates that local levels may improve to yellow by this evening.
We will hold the one-hour event downtown as scheduled. Due to the air quality, masking is recommended (though graduates of course can remove their mask before walking the stage).
Each family will need to follow their own judgment about the event. This is especially true if you have a family member who is in the “sensitive” category, which includes “people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, and pregnant people.”
If anyone chooses to stay home, consider watching via our free livestream. Viewing options include:
Charlottesville Education Channel 14 on Comcast Cable.
Also, check back on this web page in the days/weeks after graduation, where we’ll have information about free professional photography from the evening. Learn more about photos and more, below.
We hope and expect that it will be a lovely occasion of celebration. Go Black Knights!
Mr. Pitt
Parking The Market and Water Street Parking garages are free tonight.
Drop-off Times
Students should arrive at Key Rec Center no later than 5:45pm
The gates open at Ting for audience members at 6pm (event staff will inspect bags upon entrance — no clear bags needed)
Soccer Games We are cheering on our boys and girls soccer teams as they compete in the state class 3 “final four.” However, VHSL is monitoring conditions for tomorrow’s games in Fredericksburg. Coaches will keep players updated, and we will post any updates for fans on CHS social media accounts.
With just a week-and-a-half left before summer break, I want to say thank you to all those in the school division who are already working hard to make next year (and the years after that) successful.
Here are just a few examples:
Groundbreaking for our modernized middle school will happen on the last day of school. I appreciate Principal Rodney Jordan and his team at Buford for making a thoughtful plan for how our students can continue to succeed while their campus is under construction. Click here for project details.
‘Tis the season for staffing changes, and I am always thrilled when we find the talent we are looking for within our division. Two examples: Johnson’s longtime principal Summerlyn Thompson is becoming principal of Walker School, and former Clark principal and instructional coach Dr. Anna Isley will be heading up our division’s professional learning. We also say thank you to this year’s retirees, who are listed below. And if you or a friend is looking for a great employer, consider Cville Schools!
We are working with colleagues at ACPS to prepare for the smooth transition of CATEC to Charlottesville City Schools leadership in summer 2024. And we are continuing to finalize our five-year strategic plan to guide our work through 2028.
Of course, it’s not “all work and no fun.” To encourage our 12-month staff to adopt a summer mindset, schools and offices will be closed on Fridays this summer. In addition, some of our central office staff will be working out of various locations while the Dairy Road office gets a light renovation. We’re still happy to help you — but call or email first so you are sure to find us.
With love, Royal A. Gurley, Jr.
REMINDER: There is early dismissal on the last day of school, Friday, June 9.
Elementary (PreK-grade 4) dismisses at 12:00pm.
Walker & Buford dismiss at 12:45pm.
CHS dismisses at 1:40pm.
LMA dismisses at 11:30am.
So proud of the Class of 2023! Our seniors celebrated at the annual CHS Decision Day in May.
APPROVED/UPDATED CALENDARS FOR 2023-24 & 2024-25
At the May School Board meeting, the Board approved a slight change to the 2023-24 calendar – adding one more teacher workday to allow schools to be closed during the presidential primary election on March 5, 2024. In addition, the Board approved the 2024-25 academic calendar, which starts and ends one week earlier. Remember, you can subscribe to our Google Academic Calendar and have these dates automatically appear on your phones or devices.
$17.6 MILLION TO SUPPORT BUFORD MODERNIZATION, PLUS A POSSIBLE NEW NAME
The Virginia Department of Education has awarded our division a $17.6 million grant to support the modernization of Buford Middle School, including the renovation of the fine arts building, a terraced outdoor classroom, and a redeveloped school garden. The three-year construction and renovation project begins immediately after school ends this year. Students will not be displaced during construction – they will first learn in existing spaces while new spaces are built, and then they will learn in new spaces while existing spaces are renovated.
Additionally, the Board is soliciting feedback on the question of renaming the school “Charlottesville Middle School” when students begin using the new building in August 2025. This recommendation follows a trend in avoiding school names that honor specific individuals, and recognizes that the school will become the site where all City students first come to learn together. This recommendation is time-sensitive since we will soon need to start ordering custom materials for the redesigned school. The Board will discuss this recommendation as part of its project update on Thursday, June 1, and they will vote on the matter on June 27. Email the Board at schoolboard@charlottesvilleschools.org. Click here to see slides, or stay tuned at Thursday’s Board meeting to learn more.
CHS STUDENTS: STATE DEBATE CHAMPS AND MORE
–Congratulations to your CHS Black Knights, the No. 2 VHSL Debate Team in Virginia, led by Nava Khurgel and Alison Bird, who won the state championship for the Public Forum event. CHS also claimed third in Public Forum (Solly Goluboff-Schragger and Sophie Brissett), as well as eigth in Lincoln-Douglas (Lily Curtis).
— Three films by the CHS Film Club have been named “Official Selections” of the VHSL Film Festival, to be honored with a screening and awards presentation on June 3. Buy tickets for the festival here.
— CHS senior Jacob Lightbourne is helping foster creativity in the community through his Eagle Scout Service Project.
— Congratulations to the five CHS seniors each awarded a scholarship from the 100 Black Men of Central Virginia: Eddison Duolo, Rocco Fleming, Robel Gabramedhin, Malchiel “Scoot” Jones, and Noah Ivery. Many other scholarships will be announced at the Senior Celebration event on Tuesday, June 6, 6:30pm in the CHS atrium.
— Eight (!!) students earned invitations to state Governor’s School this summer: Wren Ackerman (Agriculture), Alison Bird (French), Jay Conklin (Math, Science, and Technology), Nulia Obiorah (Japanese), Rose O’Shea (Humanities), Jinho Park (Visual Art), Luke Voelme (Theater), and Ev Wellmon (Instrumental Music/Piano). Congrats to all!
— Our track & field athletes will be competing at states on Friday & Saturday in Lynchburg. Our boys & girls soccer teams play in their regional championships on Thursday evening (boys host Monticello HS at 6:00 while girls are on the road at Wilson Memorial at 6:30). Both teams have already punched their tickets for the state tournament! Go Black Knights!
SCHOOL BOARD ELECTIONS: 4 SLOTS OPEN, CANDIDATES ENCOURAGED TO APPLY
Candidates are encouraged to consider running for School Board this election cycle! Following the established protocols, this is an election year when 4 seats are open. [Updated 6/2:] Mr. James Bryant, Dr. Sherry Kraft, and Ms. Lashundra Bryson Morsberger have announced that they do not intend to run for re-election; Ms. Jennifer McKeever will announce her decision about running at a later date. Mr. Bryant, Dr. Kraft, and Ms. Bryson Morsberger expressed their appreciation for the chance to serve and encouraged candidates to consider this important opportunity. Information about running for School Board is here; materials – including the required public petitions – are due on June 20 to be on the ballot this November.
FAMILY RESOURCES: FREE TUTORING
The state of Virginia has launched several programs to support students, including free 24/7 tutoring resources as well as grants that are available to families to pay for tutors or other learning resources.
—Free Tutoring: Engage Virginia is a free program to help families in areas such as academics, attendance, and college or career readiness. Learn more and register for options such as free homework assistance or 24/7 tutoring.
—Family Grants for Tutoring: Families can apply for learning grants to provide student tutoring (up to $1,500 or $3,000, depending on family income). The family chooses the tutor from a pre-approved list of service providers, and the state pays the grant award directly to the provider. For more information click here.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES IN THE FALL: FAMILIES HAVE A NEW OPTION
As we look ahead to the fall, we have been rethinking our school supplies lists in several ways. Our first task has been simplifying the supply lists across schools and grades. And while we remain thankful for the work of the Back to School Bash committee, we are also creating a new system to help our families have access to the supplies they need. Families who need assistance can register below and pick up supplies when they arrive at the school’s open house or meet-and-greet for the new school year.
–Want to register for assistance with school supplies? www.tinyurl.com/ccsschoolsupplies
–Want to donate to the cause? Backpack wishlist | School Supply Wishlist
THANK YOU, RETIREES!
Congratulations to the following staff members who will be celebrating their retirement at the end of this school year (listed with their current school and years of service). We honored them with a reception last week, but if you know one of these folks, join us in saying, “Thanks for your service to our schools!”
— Moses Bright, Johnson Elementary School (17 years)
— Belinda Bullock, Jackson-Via Elementary School (7 years)
— David Dierolf, Charlottesville High School (5 years)
— Mik Dietlin, Division Administration Office (19 years)
— John Donnadio, Charlottesville High School (12 years)
— Mary Douglas, Charlottesville High School (17 years)
— Robert Dunnenberger, Walker Upper Elementary School (35 years)
— Susan Higgins, Burnley-Moran Elementary School (11 years)
— Suzan Hiller, Charlottesville High School (25 years)
— Joyce Johnson, Walker Upper Elementary School (34 years)
— Suzan Roberts, Lugo-McGinness Academy (30 years)
— Teresa Seto, Greenbrier Elementary School (9 years)
— Mary Beth Shelar, Walker Upper Elementary School (24 years)
— Gregory Thomas, Lugo-McGinness Academy (9 years)
— Benjamin Weiner, Venable Elementary School (22 years)
STRATEGIC PLAN IS GETTING CLOSE
The 2023-28 Strategic Plan for our division is beginning to take shape, thanks to the significant community input we received from our initial survey as well as the work of our Steering Committee, principals, and Executive Leadership Team. There is still time for you to take a survey to give your feedback. The plan will continue to be refined throughout June, with a presentation to the School Board at their June 27 meeting. The Board will vote on the final plan at their August 3 meeting.
NEW COMMUNICATIONS TOOL COMING: PARENTSQUARE
We are excited to announce that our division will begin transitioning to a new, unified communications tool called ParentSquare this summer. ParentSquare allows families to stay connected with schools (including teachers, administrators, club leaders, coaches, PTO leaders and more) with a user-friendly online portal or app. Featuring 2-way translation for more than 100 languages, this social-media-like tool combines the functions of our School Messenger and Remind tools – and it will provide our division a website update, too. Want to learn more?
VDOE SEEKS INPUT ON ENGLISH CURRICULUM STANDARDS
The VDOE invites the public’s feedback on the 2017 English Standards of Learning as a part of its regularly scheduled review and revision. The 2017 English Standards of Learning can be accessed on the Virginia Department of Education’s website. Public comment may be offered through this form provided on the Virginia Department of Education website, or by emailing vdoe.english@doe.virginia.gov.
Final Call for Enjoying Student Art on the Downtown Mall: All month, our community has enjoyed the artwork of more than 500 Charlottesville City Schools students from pre-K to grade 12 on display in storefronts up and down the mall. Here are some Burnley-Moran Bobcats spotting Bobcat art. If you’d like to see it, hurry over — the art is coming down starting Friday afternoon.
A Bird in Hand: In iSTEM at our elementary schools, students have been learning firsthand about the science of life by caring for eggs in their classrooms. Here are two recently hatched chicks in the hands of a Greenbrier student (left) and a Venable staff member (right).
Signing Day: Congratulations to all our Black Knights celebrating School-to-Work Signing Day at CATEC! These graduating CHS students have accepted job offers for careers in cosmetology, nurse assistant, and auto body and service technology. Learn more here.
Find more info and events on our website, social media, or our Google calendars!
If you do not choose to upload proof of residency and other documents (see list here), someone from your child’s school will be in touch later about how you can bring the documents to the school.
For Fall 2023 Kindergarteners Who ARE Currently Attending Cville Schools Preschool (and other returning students)
What is the required documentation to enroll in Charlottesville City Schools?
Students enrolling in the Charlottesville City Schools for the first time must provide:
Original birth certificate (or certified copy)
Proof of residency
Mortgage, lease, real estate tax statement OR
Driver’s license/government-issued photo ID plus current utility bill (electric, gas, water/sewer)
A completed Virginia School Entrance Health Form showing that the child has received a physical examination performed by a physician within a year of enrollment. (Required for new students in preschool-grade 5; required for all kindergartners, even if they were enrolled in the preschool program.) Suggestion: Call your doctor’s office to ask if they’ll fax your child’s form to your school. Fax numbers are listed with school registrar contact list, above, or on this page.
A completed immunization record (for all grades; part of the School Entrance Health Form)
Custody or guardianship paperwork (if necessary)
Don’t have everything? Bring what you have to the school, and they will help you.
The 2023-28 Strategic Plan for our division is beginning to take shape, thanks to the significant community input we received from our initial survey as well as the work of our Steering Committee, principals, and Executive Leadership Team.
We now need to hear feedback on our draft foundational language (mission, vision, values, Portrait of a Graduate) as well as draft priorities and goals.
Options for you to give feedback about the strategic plan: Take a survey! Join a focus group (discussion will be focused on the survey questions)! Or do both!
Community Zoom Focus Groups: Thursday, May 11, 6:30pm. Register here.
If you can’t attend the zoom, but wish to speak with someone or set up an alternate meeting time, email johnsod2@charlottesvilleschools.org.
Note: student and staff groups will also be held.
Translation Traducción ترجمة Tafsiri अनुवाद ترجمه
Translators and interpreters are available. This survey and our website can be translated with Google. Call or email your school for help. You can also text 434-953-1802.
Si tiene preguntas acerca de las escuelas de Charlottesville, llame a nuestra línea telefónica en español al 434-245-2548. Un profesor de español le devolverá la llamada.
NOW IN DEVELOPMENT: Strategic Plan 2023-29
This page will provide updates about the process of developing a new strategic plan to guide Charlottesville City Schools from August 2023 through July 2029.
Timeline:
March – April 2023: public feedback (survey, committee meetings)
April – May 2023: review public feedback, draft plan (committee meetings, focus groups, Board work session)
June 2023: present plan at the June 2023 Board meeting
Summer 2023: Board approval
August 2023: Start implementation
February 28: Stakeholder Survey now closed
Thank you to the 1,173 members of our community who participated! Results from this survey will inform the creation of the draft plan. Stay tuned for updates.
Translation Traducción ترجمة Tafsiri अनुवाद ترجمه
Translators and interpreters are available. Our web site can be translated with Google. Call or email your school for help. You can also text 434-953-1802.
Si tiene preguntas acerca de las escuelas de Charlottesville, llame a nuestra línea telefónica en español al 434-245-2548. Un profesor de español le devolverá la llamada.
February 2023: Public Survey Opens, Steering Groups Hold First Meetings
First meetings held with steering group and with administrative leaders to review expectations, other organizations’ strategic plans, and the profile of a Cville Schools graduate.
January-February 2023: Hiring of Insight Education Group, Overview of Plan Development Process
In May 2017, our School Board adopted a new strategic plan to guide our schools through the year 2023. This plan was created out of nearly 50 meetings with parents, students, employees, community members, and more. We are excited about our goals for academic excellence, safe and supportive schools, and organizational supports. Please read on to learn more about the plan and about how we’ve already begun to advance these ideas for the benefit of our community.
The artwork of more than 500 Charlottesville City Schools students from pre-K to grade 12 is now on display throughout the Downtown Mall.
For the first time, the division’s ArtConnections: Jeff Suling Annual Art Exhibit has moved out of the schools and onto Main Street, with student artworks hanging in more than two dozen businesses. The exhibit launches today, with an opening celebration planned for this Friday evening, May 5, during First Fridays at the CODE building. The art will be on display the entire month of May.
Visitors to the Downtown Mall can use this map to find all of the art, which spans from the Violet Crown to the Office of Human Rights.
“I am so thrilled that our whole community will get to witness the talent, expressiveness, and imagination of our city’s young people,” said Aaron Eichorst, fine arts coordinator for Charlottesville Schools, who organized the exhibition. “This exhibit is a testament to how deeply our division values the arts and how our teachers nurture students’ creativity all year long.”
The Charlottesville Schools ArtConnections annual exhibit is a more than 40-year tradition.
More information about the Opening Celebration this Friday:
CHS Jazz Band performs at 7:30pm at the CODE building courtyard
At sundown (approx. 8pm) there will be a special student art projection on the wall of the CODE building.
Charlottesville City Schools presents our 2023 Summer Opportunities online hub. This page is full of academic and enrichment opportunities for your children which are run by our division, the City of Charlottesville, or program partners in our schools. These offerings are either free, financially accessible, or offer scholarships. While not a complete list of all the happenings in Cville this summer, this resource is meant to give families a starting point for enriching their children’s time off from school. We will update this list as additional information is available.
I could not be more excited to let you know that after twenty years of talking, planning, and hoping, we will start work on modernizing our middle school in June.
After receiving construction bids earlier this spring, last week the Charlottesville City Council approved moving forward with the project. The total anticipated cost will be $91.8 million, which is the City’s first significant investment in school facilities since the opening of CHS in 1974.
What will this investment offer our students, staff, and community? This modernized middle school will meet the educational, safety, environmental, and accessibility standards of today, upgrading facilities that have been largely unchanged since their construction in the 1960s. This modernization will bring all the City’s 6th- through 8th-graders into one building, and it marks the first step in creating a centralized preK center at Walker School. And for the first time in decades, 5th-graders will learn in their neighborhood elementary schools. This project is a win for our whole community. Read on (below) to learn more.
Want to say thank you? I do! Join me in thanking the City Council for their ongoing support of our schools, including this exciting middle school modernization!
With love, Royal A. Gurley, Jr.
REMINDER: No School (Teacher Workday) on Friday, April 28.
(We apologize that this date was not included on the printed art calendars.)
Curious about how your student fits into the construction and modernization plans for the middle school? Use this chart. Other questions? Read on below.
MORE ABOUT MIDDLE SCHOOL MODERNIZATION
—Just the facts: Middle school construction is planned to start in June 2023 and finish in August 2026; Buford students will continue learning in the existing facility while construction is underway. To see how your child will be impacted by the project, check the above graphic.
—Upgrades included in this modernization:
Education – new spaces will support engaged learning, community-building, and instructional needs
Safety – a variety of internal safety features will accomplish the goal of connecting all learning spaces into one building so that students and staff do not need to walk outside between class changes
Lighting – all learning spaces will have natural light, which has been shown to boost both learning and mental health
Ventilation – there will no longer be noisy in-room heating and cooling units. The new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system will result in reduced noise levels and improved air quality; in addition, windows will be operable to safely allow for fresh air on good-weather days
Energy – with fossil-free geothermal energy and many other efficiencies, the new facility will slash energy consumption by two-thirds
Accessibility – including a ground-floor main entrance, this design will resolve the many accessibility challenges that the 1965 construction presented
—Want to learn more? We are in the early days of getting a green light on this project. After the construction contract is finalized, the City and contractor will develop a plan with expected project phases and timelines. We will keep you posted – especially those staff, students, and families who will be at Buford next year or during the years of construction. Find architectural renderings and slides from last week’s School Board update.
Congratulations, Golden Apple Winners! This year’s Golden Apple Teaching Awards have been announced. Cheers to the following, and thanks to our sponsors, Mr. Richard Nunley and Better Living Building Supply and Cabinetry.
PLANS CONTINUE FOR SMOOTH TRANSITION OF CATEC IN JULY 2024
At their Thursday meeting, the Board discussed plans underway for a smooth transition in administrative leadership of CATEC in July 2024, when Charlottesville City Schools will become the sole owner. The same number of slots will remain available to ACPS students, and the school divisions will create multi-year agreements to avoid sudden changes that could interrupt smooth operations. Read more here.
REMINDER: SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS
Now’s the perfect time to make summer plans for students of all ages! Check out our online hub for enriching summer activities, high school classes, internships, and more offered by our division, the city, and partners in our schools: Click here to browse. (See something else that should be added? Let us know).
COMING SOON: REGISTER FOR KINDERGARTEN
Do you have (or know) a child who will be 5 by September 30? Start gathering up the documents you’ll need to register them for kindergarten. Forms will be ready later this month. The list of needed documents are posted here (and links to the forms will be posted on this page, as well).
LAB SCHOOL FOCUSING ON COMPUTER SCIENCE COMING TO BUFORD
The University of Virginia and Buford Middle School are joining forces to design a lab school focusing on computer science. Supported by a planning grant from the Virginia Department of Education, the lab school project will build on existing computer science partnerships between UVA and Charlottesville City Schools. The goal of the lab school is to teach computing skills through student-led, project-based learning at the middle school. With continued state approval, the lab school will offer a program pilot in summer 2024 before a planned opening in the fall 2024. Learn more here.
COME JOIN US — AS AN EMPLOYEE OR VOLUNTEER
The schools can always use a hand, and if you have ongoing availability, consider applying as a substitute or regular employee! From mentoring to substitute teaching, we have a wide variety of volunteer and paid opportunities.
CHS MUSICIANS EARN 13TH BLUE RIBBON
CHS earned its 13th Blue Ribbon Award for Excellence from the Virginia Music Education Association after its band, choir, and orchestra’s top groups received superior ratings. Well done, directors Will Cooke, Jason Hackworth, and Emily Waters! Put these spring concerts on your calendar so you can hear these musicians for yourself:
–CHS Choir: Wednesday, 4/26, 7pm, MLKPAC
–CHS Band, Sunday, 5/7, 3pm, MLKPAC
–CHS Orchestra, Tuesday, 5/16, MLKPAC
CVILLE SCHOOLS STUDENT ART SHOW COMING TO DOWNTOWN MALL IN MAY
Throughout May, Cville Schools will exhibit our student art in storefronts and inside businesses along the Downtown Mall. As part of the City’s “First Fridays” event, on Friday, May 5 at 7:30pm, the CHS Jazz Band will play in the CODE building courtyard just before a CCS student art show is projected on the CODE building walls around 8. As an added bonus, the regional high school art show will be at the McGuffey Art Center, in addition to all there is to see at our downtown art galleries. Just as our students used to take field trips to the CHS gym to see the art exhibition, they will now visit the mall to check out the art. Thanks to Fine Arts Coordinator Aaron Eichorst and our talented art teachers for reimagining this 40-year tradition!
JOHNSON TEACHERS MODEL THE SCIENCE OF READING
Three Johnson teachers are exemplars of science-based reading research: Kristi Hartwell, Maelys Croce, and Janelle Irwin are now a part of a statewide library to support other schools implementing evidence-based literacy instruction. Brava! And thanks to Summer Thompson and Steph Tatel for supporting. Click to read more.
NEW COMMUNICATIONS TOOL COMING: PARENTSQUARE
We are excited to announce that our division will begin transitioning to a new, unified communications tool called ParentSquare this summer. ParentSquare allows families to stay connected with schools (including teachers, administrators, club leaders, coaches, PTO leaders and more) with a user-friendly online portal or app. Featuring 2-way translation for more than 100 languages, this social-media-like tool combines the functions of our School Messenger and Remind tools – and it will provide our division a website update, too. Want to learn more?
FEEDBACK NEEDED: CITY TO UPDATE ZONING
The Zoning Ordinance governs the development of buildings and use of land. The City is working to update the ordinance to support the Affordable Housing Plan and Comprehensive Plan, address flaws, and make it easier to understand and use. They are currently gathering feedback on the first two parts of the draft zoning, which includes the zoning districts, map, and development standards. On the website, there are several ways to learn more (including recorded presentations) – please review and share your feedback in April!
SCHOOL NAMES, 2024-25 CALENDAR, STRATEGIC PLANNING
—School Naming Process: The Board voted to pause on deciding on new names for Burnley-Moran and Johnson. The two schools’ staffs will continue discussions about names that would better reflect the schools’ place and purpose. In addition, as part of the consent agenda, the Board clarified that the new name for Venable will be Trailblazer (singular) to avoid confusion moving forward.
–The 2024-25 calendar was discussed, with a vote scheduled in May. The calendar received positive feedback in the community survey, and the Board was supportive of the calendar, which would mean that school would start and stop one week earlier in the 24-25 school year. Need to see the 2023-24 calendar?
—Strategic plan: Beth Cheuk reviewed progress made by the steering committee, working in conjunction with school administrators. The division’s mission, values, vision, and “portrait of a graduate” are nearly ready for discussion with focus groups, and work has begun on the division’s priorities and goals.
—Read the April Mini-Minutes here
–Find the full calendar of budget meetings and input opportunities here. Interested in future meetings? Sign up to receive notices of School Board meetings.
More Looks at Cville Schools
Bringing good cheer: The CHS Cheerleading Team proudly represented Cville Schools at the 74th Annual Charlottesville Dogwood Festival Parade this weekend, walking the route with City of Charlottesville Pupil Transportation school bus drivers.
Welcome, sunshine!: Jackson-Via students enjoyed a little extra time outdoors on the first truly springy day.
Buford goes to Washington: The eighth grade traveled to Washington, D.C. to visit the Capitol, the Lincoln Memorial, the National Mall, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, and more. As part of the trip, they met our local representative, Rep. Bob Good (right).
Find more info and events on our website, social media, or our Google calendars!
Opinion Sought on Recommended Name Change for Buford Middle School (June 5, 2023)
Groundbreaking for Modernization Project Set for Friday, June 9
As part of the plans for modernizing Buford Middle School, Charlottesville Superintendent Dr. Royal A. Gurley Jr. has recommended a name change to Charlottesville Middle School effective August 2025, when students are planned to begin using the new building on the school campus.
The School Board discussed the possible name change at Thursday’s meeting and plan to vote on the decision at their next meeting on Tuesday, June 27. The schools began seeking community feedback on the question on May 25. Community members can email schoolboard@charlottesvilleschools.org to register their input.
The decision is time-sensitive since some items that include the renovated school’s name have long planning or order-fulfillment timelines. For instance, a committee is currently being formed to make decisions about signage and other environmental graphics.
“This recommendation follows the current trend to move away from school names that honor individuals,” noted Dr. Gurley. “In addition, it indicates that we are essentially building a new school serving grades 6-8. The recommended name is fitting since this middle school will become the place that welcomes all Charlottesville sixth-graders from their neighborhood elementary schools.”
Groundbreaking Ceremony on June 9 The project will soon be underway. A groundbreaking ceremony will be held with Buford students and staff on the last day of school, Friday, June 9 at 9am. Interested media should connect with Beth Cheuk (cheukb1@charlottesvilleschools.org) or Amanda Korman (kormana1@charlottesvilleschools.org).
Other Project Updates Work on the three-year project will begin on Monday, June 12. Project leaders briefed the School Board last night, celebrating the award of a $17.6 million state grant in support of the project and releasing a slide deck full of renderings showing the future facilities. They also discussed the “big picture” for how students will continue learning on the campus. First, students will learn in the current classrooms while the new facilities are constructed. Later, students will learn in the new building while the older portion of the campus is renovated. And finally, the presentation discussed the formation of the environmental graphics committee and the recommended name change.
VDOE Awards Charlottesville City Schools $17.6 Million for Middle School Modernization (May 2023)
The Virginia Department of Education has awarded Charlottesville City Schools a $17.6 million grant to support the modernization of the city’s middle school.
The grant, part of the VDOE’s School Construction Assistance Program, will enable Charlottesville to achieve the full estimated $91.8 million scope of its middle school project—including the renovation of the fine arts building, a terraced outdoor classroom, and a redeveloped school garden—without compromising funding for other school facility needs or capital improvement projects.
The City of Charlottesville oversees city school facilities, and the middle school modernization will be its first significant investment in school facilities since the opening of Charlottesville High School in 1974. It will bring all the City’s 6th- through 8th-graders into one completely renovated and expanded building that meets today’s educational, safety, environmental, and accessibility standards.
“We appreciate the schools’ diligence in pursuing all funding opportunities,” said Charlottesville Mayor Lloyd Snook. “With all the inflationary pressures we face to fund so many important priorities, this grant is a major contribution.”
Construction at Buford Middle School will begin shortly after the school year ends on June 9. Students will continue to learn at the school during the three years of construction.
“As the schools brought forth this project for final approval, we and the City were eyeing this grant program with great hope,” noted Charlottesville Schools Chief Operations Officer Kim Powell. “I cannot begin to tell you how excited and thankful we are to have the state’s support on this project.”
Other related school facilities projects on the horizon include the creation of a centralized preK at Walker Upper Elementary School (which currently serves fifth and sixth-graders) in conjunction with returning fifth-graders to the six neighborhood schools. Other significant facilities improvements include the multi-year replacement project for the CHS roof which is starting this summer.
Charlottesville Schools Superintendent Dr. Gurley noted, “This grant is instrumental in helping the city achieve the full scope of the middle school project without straining support for other facilities needs. We appreciate the support from both the City and the Commonwealth.”
Letter from Dr. Gurley (April 2022)
Dear staff, students, and families–
I could not be more excited to let you know that after twenty years of talking, planning, and hoping, we will start work on modernizing our middle school in June.
After receiving construction bids in March, last week the Charlottesville City Council approved moving forward with the project. The total anticipated cost will be $91.8 million, which is the City’s first significant investment in school facilities since the opening of CHS in 1974.
Aerial view of the modernized middle school on the current Buford campus
What will this investment offer our students, staff, and community? This modernized middle school will meet the educational, safety, environmental, and accessibility standards of today, upgrading facilities that have been largely unchanged since their construction in the 1960s. This modernization will bring all the City’s 6th- through 8th-graders into one building, and it marks the first step in creating a centralized preK center at Walker School. And for the first time in decades, 5th-graders will learn in their neighborhood elementary schools. This project is a win for our whole community. Read on (below) to learn more.
Want to say thank you? I do! Join me in thanking the City Council for their ongoing support of our schools, including this exciting middle school modernization!
–Dr. Royal A. Gurley, Jr.
More Information
Main Entry and Drop-off Area for Modernized Middle School
Just the facts: Middle school construction is planned to start in June 2023 and finish in August 2026; Buford students will continue learning in the existing facility while construction is underway. To see how your child will be impacted by the project, check the above graphic.
Upgrades included in this modernization:
Education – new spaces will support engaged learning, community-building, and instructional needs
Safety – a variety of internal safety features will accomplish the goal of connecting all learning spaces into one building so that students and staff do not need to walk outside between class changes.
Lighting – all learning spaces will have natural light, which has been shown to boost both learning and mental health
Ventilation – there will no longer be noisy in-room heating and cooling units. The new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system will result in reduced noise levels and improved air quality; in addition, windows will be operable to safely allow for fresh air on good-weather days
Energy – with fossil-free geothermal energy and many other efficiencies, the new facility will slash energy consumption by two-thirds
Accessibility – including a ground-floor main entrance, this design will resolve the many accessibility challenges that the 1965 construction presented
Want to learn more? We are in the early days of getting a green light on this project. After the construction contract is finalized, the City and contractor will develop a plan with expected project phases and timelines. We will keep you posted – especially those staff, students, and families who will be at Buford next year or during the years of construction.
The University of Virginia and Buford Middle School are joining forces to design a lab school focusing on computer science.
Supported by a planning grant from the Virginia Department of Education, the lab school project will build on existing computer science partnerships between UVA and Charlottesville City Schools. The goal of the lab school is to teach computing skills through student-led, project-based learning at the middle school. With continued state approval, the lab school will offer a program pilot in summer 2024 before a planned opening in the fall 2024.
Dr. Jill Dahl will lead the project as the schools’ Community Partnerships Liaison. Dahl is currently in her fifth year of leading Lugo-McGinness Academy, Charlottesville’s alternative learning center for high school students. Dahl has more than a decade of experience in Charlottesville City Schools, with responsibilities ranging from assistant principal at Clark School to principal at Charlottesville High School.
Dr. Jill Dahl will lead the Lab School at Buford.
“I’m so excited to take on this new role as we work closely with UVA and many other community partners to bring these important computer science skills into the classrooms and lives of our middle schoolers,” said Dahl. “Students and staff will be directly empowered by this lab school.”
Last year, the General Assembly appropriated $100 million for the development of new lab schools throughout the commonwealth, including $5 million for planning grants to pay initial short-term costs associated with designing a new lab school.
While student outcomes are the primary focus, the lab school plan includes another important goal: teacher development. Leveraging UVA’s top-ranked teacher education program, the school will be designed to develop educators’ expertise in planning and leading a learning environment that breaks out of the typical classroom mold.
The lab school will include resources and expertise from several UVA departments as well as a number of local community partners. UVA’s School of Education and Human Development has taken the lead on developing the lab school’s initial proposal, with close coordination with the UVA Equity Center. Other UVA departments involved include the School of Data Science, the School of Engineering’s Department of Computer Science, the Youth-Nex research center, and the Remaking Middle School initiative. Local community partners include the Boys and Girls Club, Tech-Girls, Computers 4 Kids, and Piedmont Virginia Community College.
“Part of what makes this lab school so compelling is the way it weaves together the good work, expertise, and resources of so many community partners,” noted Jennie Chiu, an associate professor in the UVA School of Education and Human Development who has helped craft the lab school proposal.
The plan centers on robust professional learning, real-life application of computer science skills, and the latest research on youth development.
“This lab school has the potential to help us reimagine how we teach and support our students in a way that draws on our vibrant community resources,” added Dahl. “When we combine these plans with the construction work that will soon modernize our middle school, it’s clear that we can really make positive change in our school and community.”
The Golden Apple Awards honor outstanding educators in Charlottesville and Albemarle who have demonstrated excellence in teaching and involvement in the community outside the school.
2023 Winners
CHS
Mason Goldman, English Teacher
Her nominator writes: “My student said after the first day with Ms. Goldman they had learned more in one day than in the previous 6 weeks. My recent graduate also had her for English at CHS and was a fantastic resource for college essay writing, even during the spring of 2020, when covid had pushed class online. She has taught every grade and level of English, and in each and every class she is creating literary experiences. She chooses texts that are rigorous, and she is able to draw kids into those texts emotionally, intellectually, and socially.”
Buford
Charlotte Nelson, Mathematics Teacher
Her nominator writes: “The way that she connects with ALL of her students is incredible. She excels at being a team player and stepping up to the plate for the Buford Math Department. Charly does not stop at the classroom; however, she helps out with athletics at Buford and is the girls head lacrosse coach at Charlottesville High School. Charly carries her same philosophies into her coaching. Charly supports her students in their endeavors and extracurricular activities. She’s an active member of the school community and engages with parents on a regular basis.”
Walker
Erika Trent, Sixth Grade Teacher
Her nominator writes: “Erika Trent is a phenomenal teacher, mentor, and a shining example of a master teacher. I have had the pleasure of working with her first as her student teacher, then as a colleague, and now as the lead of our PLC. Another reason that Erika deserves this award is her ability to set high expectations, hold students to them, and help raise students up to meet them. She is firm, but caring, and clear in communicating both her expectations and specifically what needs to be done to meet them.”
LMA
Melvin Grady, Alternative Ed Teacher
His nominator writes: “I consider Mr. Grady an outstanding candidate for The Golden Apple Award because of his passion in his teaching to the students, caring about well-being of students and co-workers, being a role-model for the students, setting the example of standards and showing compassion.”
Burnley-Moran
Carol Busching, Fourth Grade Teacher
Her nominator writes: “She engages deeply with them about who they are, who they want to be, what they want to do. She listens to them. She helps them have difficult conversations. She believes in students’ ability to learn and teach each other. She puts students into groups, and she is strategic about how she does this. Sometimes she groups students who vary in achievement levels and sometimes she groups students with similar achievement levels.”
Clark
Gabriela Moore, Kindergarten Teacher
Her nominator writes: “She thinks about him as a whole person, and offers solutions and suggestions to help him improve not just academically but also socially. Mrs. Moore is very transparent with the curriculum that she is teaching to her class with her weekly newsletters giving updates and ways we, as parents, can help enhance/continue the students learning at home.”
Greenbrier
Teresa Seto, Fourth Grade Teacher
Her nominator writes: “To encounter a teacher that has the ‘gift’ of teaching in a way that is effective; the ability to truly understand the needs of individual students; approaching teaching with inspiration and compassion; an energetic teacher who promotes open communication and building connections with parents to allow them to be part of the education process — well, that is rare. Ms. Seto is a RARE GEM. Ms. Seto creates such a fun, engaging, diverse, learning environment, and learning experience. She teaches with lots of enthusiasm and pushes her students to be the best they can be.”
Jackson-Via
Maegan Thim, First Grade Teacher
Her nominator writes: “Mrs. Thim celebrates my child’s victories while also encouraging him to try harder. She makes him feel safe to bring his authentic self to school and helps him connect deeply with his classmates. I have watched my child blossom in so many
ways while in Maegan’s class. She pushes herself as well as the students to reach their
potential.”
Johnson
Jillian Smith, Special Education Teacher
Her nominator writes: “My son has been fortunate to have her as his Special Education teacher for the past 3 years. In that time, she has cultivated his curiosity about the world, helped to soothe his anxiety and school avoidance, challenged him to overcome his struggles with executive functioning, and bolstered his self confidence in the face of low self-esteem and frequent negative self-talk.”
Venable
Suzanne Harris, Kindergarten Teacher
Her nominator writes: ” While working with a diverse group of students, Sue Harris has continued to put forth effort in collaborating with other specialists to ensure the needs of every student are being met and setting them up for greater success. She cares for each individual child and shows them love, compassion, and empathy. Sue Harris is such an asset to Venable and the Cville community.”
About the Golden Apple Awards
Candidates for this award are teachers at any level (preschool through grade 12) and in any discipline who have demonstrated excellence in teaching and involvement in the community outside the school.
A nominee exhibits the following characteristics:
Creates a love of learning in students of all abilities and backgrounds.
Stimulates thought and provokes student dialogue.
Challenges students to reach high standards and expectations.
Understands the needs of students individually and collectively and meets those needs with determination, enthusiasm and imagination.
Involves families in the education process.
Winners receive a $500 grant for classroom materials or professional development. Sponsored by Better Living Building Supplies and Cabinetry.
Previous Golden Apple Award Recipients from Cville Schools
2022 Winners
CHS
Andrew Josselyn, English Teacher
His nominator writes: “Andy is an imaginative classroom instructor who is constantly looking for ways to make school relevant to teenagers’ lives. Andy’s creativity and commitment to improving our school community make him a huge asset to CHS.”
Buford
Matthew Resnick, History Teacher
His nominator writes: “Mr. Resnick has made his civics and economics classroom a safe, supportive space for all of his students. His classroom is filled with student-created artifacts that promote a culturally responsive, inclusive space for all students.”
Walker
Bridget Drain, Special Education Teacher
Her nominator writes: “Most notable is Ms. Drain’s commitment to helping students with marginalized identities find representation in the classroom setting. She not only builds relationships that are grounded in trust and respect, but sustains these connections long after her students leave her care.”
Burnley-Moran
Huma Ahmad, Speech Language Pathologist
Her nominator writes: “She takes all of her time to help children who have special needs with reading or writing down to math reach their potential. She takes out the time to hear the parents and come to conclusions on what is best for the child.”
Clark
Caitlin Natale, Second Grade Teacher
Her nominator writes: “Every time I am in her classroom, there is a palpable love of learning. No matter what she is doing, the students yearn to engage with her.”
Greenbrier
Brenning Greenfield, Kindergarten Teacher
His nominator writes: “Mr. Greenfield makes learning engaging (with his infusion of music), meaningful (such as with his classmate writings to celebrate their ‘Reading Stars of the Week,’) and rigorous as he encourages his students to think outside the box and embrace challenge.”
Jackson-Via
Melanie-Ann Johnson, Gifted Education Teacher
Her nominator writes: “Melanie Johnson has been an inspiration this year and in past years in her work with students, her outreach to the families of Jackson-Via and the larger community of Charlottesville.”
Johnson
Lindsay Kamide, Reading Specialist
Her nominator writes: “Our daughter loves the time she spends with Ms. Kamide and we love how she meets her where she is and is always on point with book recommendations that she will actually enjoy reading.”
Venable
Jenny Isaacs-Lowe, Special Education Teacher
Her nominator writes: “Jenny Lowe is an exceptional educator and a vital asset to the Venable community. She is an advocate for all students and families, and she believes deeply in each student’s ability to learn and reach high standards in school.”
2021
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2021 Winners: Kelsey Cox of Burnley-Moran; Amit Kapur of Clark; Desiree Conner of Greenbrier; Michel Ann Sizemore of Jackson-Via; Michelle Schettler of Johnson; Allison Shields of Venable; Maggie Pfuntner of Walker; Shinay Henderson of Buford; Matt Terillo of Charlottesville High School; Denise Meyer of Hospital Ed
2020
20202 Charlottesville Schools Golden Apple Award recipients
11 teachers from Charlottesville City Schools are among the outstanding recipients of the 2020 Golden Apple Awards presented by Better Living Building Supply & Cabinetry.
These awards are presented annually to nominated faculty members from the public and private schools in Albemarle County and Charlottesville City.
Award recipients receive a Golden Apple, as well as gift certificates from local businesses. As a “Golden Apple” teacher, each recipient is also eligible to receive a $1,000 Golden Apple Grant to be used for classroom materials or to support the recipient’s continued professional development.
Congratulations to the following 2020 winners: Lisa Johnson Black (Hospital Ed), Kelsey Cary (Lugo-McGinness), Mary Caitlyn Cordone (Clark), Matthew Deegan (CHS), Kavita Kumar (Greenbrier), Calder McLellan (Venable), Kathryn Salem (Jackson-Via), Brandy Walker (Buford), Lisa Wallace (Burnley-Moran), Cianna Washburg (Walker), and Lindsay Wayland (Johnson). Congrats to these amazing teachers! You can watch the virtual ceremony here.
2019 Charlottesville City Schools Golden Apple Award Recipients
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Click on each each portrait to hear what they had to say!
2019 Winners: Kathy Claus- Greenbrier Elementary, Melissa Combs- Venable Elementary, Will Cooke- Charlottesville High School, Maelys Croce- Johnson Elementary, Robin Ellis- Clark Elementary, Meaghan Fenton- Jackson-Via Elementary, Chris Lorigan- Burnley-Moran Elementary, Michael McCrory- Lugo-McGinness Academy, Melissa Mitchem- Buford Middle, and Kevin Paquette- Walker Upper Elementary.
2018 Winners: Latoya Brown (Buford Middle), Mary Johnston (Burnley-Moran Elementary), Nicole Armstrong (Charlottesville High), Jessica Taylor (Clark Elementary School), Briana Barns (Jackson-Via Elementary School), Laura Schaaf (Johnson Elementary), Harry Hill (Lugo-McGinness Academy), Leslie S. Hunter (Venable Elementary School), Sarah Lloyd (Walker Upper Elementary School), and Patrick Beale (Greenbrier Elementary School).
2017 Winners: Melvin Grady (Buford), Jessica Powley (Burnley-Moran), Brian Kayser (CHS), Ashley Riley (Clark), Amy Jones (Greenbrier), Lisa Utz (Jackson-Via), Lorena Caballero Bower (Johnson), Michael McCrory (Lugo-McGinness Academy), Nicole Driggs (Venable), and Samantha Pagni (Walker).
2016 Winners: Cindy Cartwright (Venable), Mary Craig (Clark), Shannon Gillikin (Jackson-Via), Ron Green (Greenbrier), Jenn Horne (CHS), Patricia Luke (Buford), Alex Piedra (Walker), Leslie Scalley (Johnson), Tracy Weaver (Burnley-Moran)
2014 Winners: Sara Epperly (CHS); Julia Evatt, (Walker); Dina Fricke (Clark); Andy Jones (Buford); Karen S. Minor (Venable); Stephanie Randolph (Johnson); Lauren Elizabeth Sandridge (Greenbrier); Andra M. Skeen (Burnley-Moran); Kristin Ullrich (Jackson-Via)
2013 Winners: Jessica Bennett (Greenbrier); Nikki Y. Franklin (Jackson-Via); Renata Germino (Buford); April Hoffman (Johnson); Scott Mace (CHS); Virginia Monroe (Walker); Zoë Padrón (Clark); Michael Salvatierra (Venable); Rachel Savoy (Burnley Moran)
2012 Winners: Virginia Hill (Walker); Adam R. Hoppe (Greenbrier); Allison Kennedy (Jackson-Via); Maggie Lovett (Johnson); Traci Martin (Venable); Katherine Witthauer Murah (Clark); Susan S. Muse (Buford); Lauren Penniman (Burnley-Moran); Lester L. Wainwright (CHS);
2011 Winners: Amanda “Amy” Thompson (Buford ); Kathy Umbdenstock (Burnley-Moran); Susan M. Garfinkel (CHS); Dawn Y. Reddick (Clark); Amanda Sherriff (Jackson-Via); Michelle M. Smith (Johnson); Brenda Payne (Venable); Lynne Herman (Walker); Ann Parks (Greenbrier)
In person, ticketed event:
THANK YOU, RETIREES!
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2019 Winners: Kathy Claus- Greenbrier Elementary, Melissa Combs- Venable Elementary, Will Cooke- Charlottesville High School, Maelys Croce- Johnson Elementary, Robin Ellis- Clark Elementary, Meaghan Fenton- Jackson-Via Elementary, Chris Lorigan- Burnley-Moran Elementary, Michael McCrory- Lugo-McGinness Academy, Melissa Mitchem- Buford Middle, and Kevin Paquette- Walker Upper Elementary.