UWNSV acknowledges Volunteer of the Year
The United Way of the Northern Shenandoah Valley held a celebration to conclude its 2022 campaign which featured the announcement of the Volunteer of the Year Award to Susan Brooks.
The award has been given for over 25 years to recognize distinguished volunteer’s service to the community.
Brooks is passionate about volunteerism and the impact each individual can have on their community.
She has served on numerous community boards and advisory committees for organizations like the Frederick County Economic Development Authority Board, Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, and Frederick County Public Schools among others.
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FCPS receives grants for cafeteria upgrades
Frederick County Public Schools was awarded four National School Lunch Program Grants totaling $113,240.
A total of $1.46 million was given to 54 schools from around Virginia in equipment grants.
New and replacement kitchen equipment will be distributed to Apple Pie Ridge Elementary School, Admiral Richard E. Byrd Middle School, and Sherando and Millbrook High Schools using funds from the grant.
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FCPS outpaces Virginia in on time graduation rate
Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) announced that their on time graduation rate has exceeded the state’s average.
This is the 10th consecutive year FCPS’ on time graduation rate has exceeded the state’s average on time graduation rate.
The Virginia Department of Education confirms that FCPS’ on time graduate rate for the class of 2022 was 94.6 percent.
Virginia’s on time graduation rate average is 92.1 percent.
This is the fourth consecutive year the FCPS’ rate has climbed.
Since 2011 high schools have had to meet an annual benchmark for graduation to earn state accreditation and Frederick County has gone from 85 percent to nearly 95 percent.
Interim School Superintendent John Lamanna says the community should take great pride in the Frederick County School systems’ graduation rate especially given the challenges of the past few years.
Lamanna points out that the rate is a testament to the perseverance of students, families, staff and administrators.
FCPS offers an online survey for residents to add their thoughts on what they believe to be the qualifications that are necessary for the next School Superintendent here.
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FCPS holds forums to find a superintendent
The firm assisting the Frederick County School Board to find a new superintendent announced two public forums to find the right person to fill the position.
Two forums will be held and an online survey will be launched Oct. 10 for the public to add their thoughts on who should fill the position.
BWP and Associates will hold the first public forum Tue. Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. at the Sherando High School Auditorium.
The second forum will be held at James Wood Middle School Auditorium also at 7 p.m. Wed. Oct. 12.
The public is encouraged to offer their thoughts on what experiences, qualities and skills they feel a person should possess to be the next Superintendent of Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS).
For those who cannot attend the public forums an online survey will open starting Oct. 10 and be available through Oct. 18 with a link to become available at the FCPS’s website and each induvial school website through the survey period.
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FCPS/FCSO investigates school threats
Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) announced that they became aware late Sept. 5 of rumors circulating on social media of possible violence erupting at Admiral Richard E. Byrd Middle School Sept. 6.
The FCPS system contacted the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) and other local agencies to ensure the safety of students and staff at the school.
After investigation the threats were not believed to be credible by the FCSO.
However you may notice increased law enforcement at the Richard E. Byrd Middle School Sept. 6 out of an abundance of caution.
The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office and other officials are thoroughly investigating the situation and taking steps to secure the school.
Anyone with any information in the matter is asked to contact the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office.
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FCPS recognizes support staff
Frederick County Public Schools Interim Superintendent John Lamanna recognized five outstanding support staff employees with the school division’s yearly awards.
Ed Lambert was named Bus Driver of the Year for his service to students over the last 15 years at Greenwood Mill Elementary School and Millbrook High School.
Zach Stiles received the Gala Award as the Security Officer for James Wood High School.
The Macintosh Award was presented to Amy Peschken who is an instructional assistant at Admiral Richard E. Byrd Middle School.
The Rome Award for school nutrition services staff was given to Amber Hammons of James Wood Middle School.
The winner of the York Award, which is designated for specialists, is Brandy Bennett at Senseny Road School.
The recipients of each award received $500 and a plaque.
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FCPS announce 2023 teacher of the year recipient
Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) announced their teacher of the year recipient in an email.
English Language Learner Teacher Madison Baker has been chosen as teacher of the year 2023.
Baker is the English Language Learner Teacher at Red Bud Elementary School and is a Millbrook High School graduate.
Interim Superintendent of FCPS John Lamanna surprised Baker at work with the 2023 teacher of the year award Aug. 23.
Baker has worked for Red Bud Elementary since 2018 as well as working as a substitute teacher for Loudoun and Frederick Counties.
She has also worked as a full time Spanish teacher in Loudoun County as well as a being a teacher with Heart for Change in Columbia South America.
Baker was one of three finalists for teacher of the year that included Sara Landis of Evendale Elementary School and Crystal Marshall of Sherando High School.
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FCSO reminds motorists of school bus safety
Children are back to school across the Valley with Frederick County Public Schools returning on Monday.
The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind motorists to be extra cautious in school zones and around buses.
School zone signs will be turned back on during designated times.
Some of those with lower speed limits enforced.
Passing a school bus from any direction is a Class 1 misdemeanor under the Reckless Driving statute.
This is important because children entering or exiting a bus can be unpredictable.
The only time motorists can pass a school bus with it’s stop sign out is if the roadway is divided by a positive barrier like a grassy median or jersey wall.
Cars travelling in the same direction the bus must stop but those on the other side of the barrier may continue.
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WPS seeks an interim board member
The Winchester Public School (WPS) Board addressed the departure of School Board Member Karen Holman at their Aug. 8 work session.
Holman submitted her resignation July 18 due to accepting a job that precludes her form being an elected official.
School Chair Marie Imoh suggested former Board Member Vincent Dibenedetto fill the vacancy.
DiBenedetto was suggested due to the lack of time involved in selecting a replacement and his 8 years experience as a former Board Member.
There is still time to become involved if you are interested in serving on the board contact the Winchester School Board or attend an August 22 public hearing at John Kerr Elementary School.
A special meeting of the School Board has been called to selected a replacement on Aug. 30 at their Administrative Building on Washington Street.
The Aug. 8 session of the board lasted just over an hour with a link to the meeting video here.
The discussion on the interim replacement occurs in the last 10 minutes of the meeting.
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FCPS offers an immunization clinic
Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) announced that they will be hosting an immunization clinic in conjunction with the Frederick Winchester Health Department.
The clinic will offer a variety of vaccinations Wed. Aug. 10 from noon until 4 p.m. at the former Robert E. Aylor Middle School at 901 Aylor Road in Stephen City.
The clinic will offer Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Meningococcal and others including the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.
A certificate of immunization will be provided for each vaccine administered the day of the event.
Questions can be directed to the Frederick Winchester Health Department by calling 540-722-3470.
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