Local schools trending positively according to SPSF scores

Many local schools are trending in the right direction according to the second year of scores of Virginia’s School Performance and Support Framework or SPSF.

The scores place each school in categories from Approaching Expectations, Meets Expectations, or Distinguished.

Results showed that sixteen of nineteen schools in Frederick County Public Schools increased their overall scores.

Bass Hoover Elementary saw the largest increase and rose 7.7 points to 82.5 points.

Sherando High School maintained the distinguished category above the 90 point threshold points with James Wood and Millbrook seeing increased scores this year and rated Meets Expectations.

For Winchester Public Schools, all seven saw earned SPSF scores above 80.

John Handley High School was named to the Distinguished Category with a Framework score of 99.3.

Virginia Avenue Charlotte DeHart Elementary School achieved the milestone of moving out of the Approaching Expectations category which reflects the continued improvement at the school. 

Some trends from across Virginia include:

  • 3 out of 4 schools decreased chronic absenteeism
  • 99% of schools reached accreditation
  • On average, schools increased their SPSF scored by 4-5 points

Below is a snapshot of school districts throughout Region 4:

For more information on SPSF from the Virginia Department of Education, click here.

For more information from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

WPS secures $17 million grant for Quarles expansion

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Winchester Public Schools was awarded a $17.38 million grant from Virginia’s School Construction Assistance Program to support the Garland R. Quarles Elementary School and Early Learning Center project.

This is the second largest grant awarded to school divisions across Virginia.

The project is the largest in WPS’s 10 year Capital Improvement Plan and would construct a new K-5 Elementary school and repurpose a portion of the existing building for a centralized preschool program.

The expansion of Quarles would make several division wide changes possible including the return of 5th grade to elementary schools which would alleviate space at Daniel Morgan and the Emil & Grace Shihadeh Innovation Center.

To complete the project, WPS still needs approximately $69.5 million to $86.9 million.

According to the release, WPS is still in search of external funding and highlighted that the district has secured roughly $37 million over the last 10 years in competitive grants to supplement funding.

Residents of the City of Winchester will also vote on additional funding for capital projects this November following the district’s identification of $135 million in capital needs over the next 10 years. 

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

FCPRD 5K benefitting Bright Futures receives “glowing” response

Frederick County Parks and Recreation and Run at the Top once again teamed up with Bright Futures for the Third Annual Glow All Out 5K to benefit students in Winchester and Frederick County Public Schools.

Participants gathered at the grounds of Evendale Elementary and Admiral Byrd Middle schools before taking off on the event donning glow necklaces, neon facepaint and light up costumes from under a glowing, inflatable arch start/finish line.

The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office also assisted in the race with road closures near the schools to ensure the runners’ safety.

In the announcement from FCPS, Bright Futures Program Coordinator Elise Stine-Dolinar said, “It’s wonderful to see our community champions come out to celebrate our work and go the extra mile to support Bright Futures. Through our partnership with Frederick County Parks and Rec, and the generosity of more than 400 runners and 30 volunteers, we hope to exceed last year’s fundraising total of $5,000!”

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Kylie Zoller appointed to Winchester School Board

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Winchester Public Schools announced the appointment of Kylie Zoller to fill the At-Large seat on the Winchester School Board.

The seat was left vacant following the passing of Stuart Eiland in May.

Zoller was appointed during a special meeting on Monday, June 29th.

She will serve in an interim capacity for the remainder of the current term until the next regularly scheduled election.

Zoller is a graduate of John Handley High School and parent of Winchester Public School students.

She has experience in early childhood education and currently serves as a Developmental Specialist with Infant Toddler Connection at Grafton.

Zoller is already an active member in WPS through volunteer leadership and has served as PTO President at Virginia Avenue Charlotte DeHart and on the School Readiness Committee for the Campaign for Grade Level Reading.

She was also a participant in the Superintendent’s Advisory Council and Parent Advisory Committee.

In the announcement, Zoller said, “I am honored to have the opportunity to serve on the Winchester School Board… My commitment is to listen, collaborate, and make thoughtful decisions that help ensure Winchester Public Schools continues to provide an excellent education for every student.”

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here. 

WVU basketball legend selected as next principal at JKES

Winchester Public Schools announced the selection of Kevin Pittsnogle as the next Principal of John Kerr Elementary School.

Pittsnogle currently serves as Principal at Martinsburg North Middle School and has experience as an assistant principal at both middle and high school levels.

Under his leadership at North Middle, Pittsnogle helped the school exit both State of Emergency and Comprehensive Support and Improvement Status within one year.

Pittsnogle is a native of Martinsburg and regarded as one of the best basketball players in West Virginia University history after leading the Mountaineers to back-to-back Sweet 16s in the mid 2000s.

He still holds the WVU record for most games played in a career with 128 and is 2nd all time in 3 point FG percentage with 41.1%.

He will begin his role at John Kerr following the retirement of Kimberly Pryor.

In the announcement, Superintendent Jason Van Heukelum said, “Kevin Pittsnogle is a results driven leader who understands how to build strong school cultures and support both students and staff… We are excited to welcome him to Winchester Public Schools.”

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here. 

WPS names new Principal of Quarles Elementary

Winchester Public Schools announced the appointment of Jennifer DiMarco as Principal of Quarles Elementary School.

DiMarco has over 20 years of experience in childhood education and most recently served as Assistant Principal and Interim Principal at Quarles.

She also has experience as a Multi-Classroom Leader at Virginia Avenue Charlotte DeHart Elementary School and as a preschool and Lead Teacher for the English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program at Quarles.

DiMarco received her Master’s in Early Childhood Education from James Madison University and an endorsement in School Administration and Supervision from Shenandoah University.

In the announcement, Superintendent Jason Van Heukelum praised DiMarco as a “thoughtful and dedicated leader who brings a strong sense of purpose to her work… We are proud to name her Principal and look forward to the continued positive impact she will have on students, staff, and families.”

DiMarco reflected on the announcement and said, “It is an honor to be named Principal of Quarles. This community means so much to me, and I am excited to continue partnering with our dedicated staff and families to create a school where every student feels connected, supported, and empowered to succeed.”

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here. 

WPS searches for Superintendent’s Advisory Council members

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Winchester Public Schools is still searching for new members to the Superintendent’s Advisory Council for the 2025-2026 School Year.

As a member of the council, community members can share ideas and insights they believe will help increase family and community engagement across all the schools in Winchester.

The goal of the group is to create a more connected and supportive learning environment.

A brief form must be filled out online to indicate interest in joining the advisory council.

On the form, applicants will provide contact information, a brief explanation on their reason for wanting to join the Superintendent’s Advisory Council, and their role in the Winchester Public Schools community.

A link to that form is available here.

For any questions, contact: WPS Equity and Family Empowerment Coordinator Dr. Veronique Walker- walkerv@wps.k12.va.us.

All meetings will take place at the Douglas School from 6- 8pm and will be held on December 10th, March 11th, and May 13th.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

WPS honored The Douglas School over the weekend

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Winchester Public Schools celebrated The Douglas School this weekend with an honorary basketball game and the unveiling of a new Virginia Historical Highway Marker.

The school served African American students in Winchester and the surrounding counties from 1927 until 1966.

John Handley High School hosted Douglas Bulldogs Night on Friday with both boys and girls basketball teams wearing blue and white replica jerseys from the historic school.

Alumni attending the game were recognized at halftime and received a standing ovation from the crowd.

Then on Sunday, a new Virginia Historical Highway Marker was unveiled at 598 North Kent Street.

Attendees were then welcomed to an open house inside the recently renovated school which now includes a museum display on the school’s history and district offices.

Winchester Public Schools thanked the Adams Family Foundation for their funding of the marker.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

WPS expands use of weapons detectors

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Winchester Public Schools announced the expansion of weapons detectors to sporting events at John Handley High School and to Daniel Morgan.

Starting December 10th, spectators will pass through the OPENgate System of non-intrusive weapons detectors.

Visitors will walk through the two gray poles at the entrance and will not have to remove bags.

Small, purse type bags are permitted but larger bags should remain home or in their vehicles.

Daniel Morgan will implement four weapons detectors beginning January 6th at the Middle School and January 13th for the Intermediate School.

Students entering through the bus loop or car loop will remove their Chromebooks from their book bags, and then pass through the detectors before starting the school day.

Weapons detectors will be implemented at Daniel Morgan athletic events at a later date.

Winchester Public School Students and athletic event spectators are encouraged to review common items that set off weapons detectors before arrival.

Some of the items mentioned in the release from WPS include:

  • Adult-size scissors
  • Aerosol cans
  • Cameras
  • Chromebooks and other laptops (students will remove Chromebooks from backpacks before entering)
  • Eyeglass cases
  • iPads and other tablets
  • Metal utensils, such as forks
  • Three-ring binders larger than 1.5 inches
  • Umbrellas
  • Water bottles with metal components
  • Wheeled, rolling backpacks
  • Keys and cell phones will not set off alarms.
  • Please Note: This is not a comprehensive list of items that may set off the weapons detectors.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Local students begin return to school

Many of our area’s local students return to school this week.

Winchester Public Schools began Monday.

Warren County and Shenandoah County Public Schools will return to session Tuesday.

Frederick County students in Kindergarten, Sixth Grade, and Ninth Grade start on Wednesday, August 14th for Transition Day, which is back for its second year.

The rest of the FCPS students begin on the 15th.

Clarke County students head back after the conclusion of the Clarke County Fair on August 20th, and the final school district to return to session is Page County on August 26th. 

School Zone Speed Limits will return as well with many areas utilizing speed cameras.

When traveling near schools watch for students walking to or from school, especially in Winchester which expanded walk zones last year.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.