SCHOOL BOARD OF THE CITY OF NORFOLK

Minutes of the School Board Special Meeting
February 13, 2008
Recognition Ceremony

The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. in the auditorium of Azalea Gardens Middle School for the purpose of recognizing achievements of students and staff.  Present were:  Mr. Bishop, Mr. Driggers, Dr. McCluney, Dr. Tonelson, Superintendent Jones, Mr. Spencer, Karen Tanner, and Sandie Stocks.  Mrs. Rhodes, Mr. Cook, and Dr. Wright were absent.

Recognitions include:

1. The School Board presented to Denise Wiggins the following resolution for Career and Technical Education month (February):

   WHEREAS, Governor Tim Kaine of the Commonwealth of Virginia officially recognized February 1-29, 2008, as Career and Technical Education Month; and

   WHEREAS, career and technical education services and programs enhance the work force which fosters productivity in business and industry and contributes to America’s leadership in the international marketplace; and

   WHEREAS, the ever-increasing cooperative efforts of career and technical educators, business, and industry stimulate the growth and vitality of our local economy and that of the entire nation by preparing graduates for career fields forecast to experience the largest and fastest growth in the next decade;

   NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the School Board of the City of Norfolk recognizes February 1-29, 2008, as Career and Technical Education Month and congratulates the students and staff.

   The School Board recognized Denise Wiggins and the following students whose photos and career options are posted throughout the city:

   • Welder Ian Reid
   • Pharmacist Paula Parenteau
   • Firefighter Joe Sexton
   • Computer Riel Toribio (Tor-ree-bee-oh)
   • Chef Justin Burrus
     
     
2. Ruth Bryant was recognized for the dedication and attention to detail that has made her an invaluable member of Madison.
   
   
3. Angela Burns chaired the premier Junior District Orchestra event this past January that allowed more Norfolk Public Schools students the opportunity to perform in the orchestra.
   
   
4. Norview High School basketball varsity coach Jonathan Wilson, his staff and the team for establishing a mentoring program where the team members and coaches visited nearby elementary school to read, play basketball, and discuss the importance of academics and benefits to athletics.   The team presented to the Superintendent and School Board a picture collage of the team and their mentoring activities.
   
   
5. The Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) is a veteran’s organization established in 1924 of enlisted members of the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.  The Fleet Reserve Association sponsors an annual essay contest for students. Nearly 4,500 Norfolk Public Schools’ students submitted essays for the contest. 

   Six first place regional winners received savings bonds and medallions from Fleet Reserve Association representatives, Mr. Tom Leisher and Mr. Ed Klavenski along with recognition certificates from the School Board.  They were:

   • Victoria Long, 7th grade, School of International Studies at Meadowbrook
   • Justin Martin, 8th grade, Lafayette-Winona Middle School
   • Caitlyn Homol, 9th grade, Granby High School
   • Adrianne Schneider, 10th grade, Granby High School
   • Kimberly Carmichael, 11th grade, Lake Taylor High School
   • Josh Dillard, 12th grade, Granby High School  
     
     
   In addition, Andre Costa, an eighth grader at Azalea Gardens Middle School, wrote a winning essay on “Why I Am Proud to Be an American” and won third place honors.
   
   
6. The World Class Outstanding Custodial Team Awards for November and December 2007 were presented to Alton McClarin- Building Supervisor, Lake Taylor HS (November), Trina Washington- Building Supervisor, Rosemont MS (November and December), Robert Foreman- Building Supervisor, Easton )November and December), Stanley Williams- Building Supervisor, School Plant  (November and December), and  Patrick Lewis- Building Supervisor, Booker T. Washington HS.
   
   
7. Students who participated n the 23rd Annual Tidewater International Food Service Executives Association event were recognized:
   
   
   1. Amelia Deangeo was part of the two-student team and she prepared a two course meal from the cookbook “At Home with the French Classics” and placed FIRST in this category.  She displayed a meal for one consisting of an entrée plate and a dessert.
      
      
   2. Michael B. Hill placed FIRST in the Decorated Cake category.
      
      
   3. Jermaine J. Hill-Williams was part of the two-student team with Michael Hill and prepared a restaurant platter in which he placed SECOND in this category.  This entry showed two servings of a meat, starch, and vegetable.
      
      
   4. Dana J. Burns was part of a two-student team and prepared a restaurant platter and placed SECOND in this category.  The entry showed two servings of a meat, starch, and vegetable
      
      
   5. Jeffrey D. Powell was part of a two-student team and prepared a two course meal from the cookbook “At Home with the French Classics” and placed FIRST in this category.  He displayed a meal for one consisting of an entrée plate and a dessert.
      
      
8. Karrie Herrick, a fourth grade student at Larrymore Elementary, won first place in the Elks Hoop Shoot Contest for the City of Norfolk for girls age 8-9.  Karrie competed against girls from all over the city to win first place and will now represent Norfolk in the regional competition in Hampton, Virginia.  Karrie is an honor student and a great athlete.
   
   
9. Pearl Bailey, Patricia Nelson, and Richard Thompson, classified employees from the Information Division, were recognized for being named by the Information Division as Employees of the Quarter for their respect and appreciation for their dependability, effectiveness, and ability to full-fill their roles in the Information Division as office professionals.
   
   
10. Courtney Linke of Azalea Gardens Middle School embraced Dr. Jones’s mantra of “head, heart, hands” and decided to organize an after school exercise and fitness program with the purpose of renewing staff members’ bodies, minds, and spirits. At this time of the year, many staff members needed a physical, mental, and emotional boost.
    
    
11. Cavon Mills was recognized for writing and co-directing an original play entitled, “Big Red.”
    
    
12. Dreamkeepers Academy Counselor and Student Mentor Coordinator Tamara Glover and Principal Dr. Doreatha White wrote an article on the benefits of “Student Mentoring in an Urban Community” as part of a Sharing the Dream grant the school received to enhance their student mentorship program. The article was published and featured in the “Third Edition of the Sharing the Dream Promising Practices Spotlight Principal's Handbook.”  The article can be reviewed on pages 32-37.  The book highlights community collaboration, mentors interacting with students, and promoting student achievement within the professional learning community
    
    
13. Dreamkeepers Academy’s Vanguards Patricia Costis (coach), and students; Phillip Riddick, grade 5; Robert Jones, grade 4; Michael LeMelle, grade 4; and Kenny Thompson, grade 4 were recognized for bringing distinction and recognition to themselves and their school for their performance of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech.  They performed at St. Mark Baptist Church, Bank Street Memorial Baptist Church, and St. Paul A.M.E. Church and at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s Annual Tribute to Dr. King.
    
    
14. Therese Wolak Whitehurst, a Granby High School biology teacher, was honored for being named the Virginia Association of Science Teacher’s Annual Outstanding Teacher in Biology award this past November.
    
    
15. Aaliyah Earvin, a seventh grader at Norview Middle School, won a statewide writing contest at the Virginia Music Education Conference in November. She won a free violin outfit, case and bow.  Her essay was chosen from hundreds of applicants.
    
    
16. Booker T. Washington High School Dean Romeo Lambert, and Security Officers Michael Pollards, Niqron Outlaw, Tongia Robertson, Anthony Mason, Anthony Bates were recognized for their professionalism and dedication.
    
    
17. Brenda Johnson, Lecia Whittington and Michelle Boulden, teachers at Campostella Elementary School gave up countless hours during the Veterans Day weekend and holiday to help three new teachers design, organize, and set up their room and classroom management strategies.   They helped with data analysis to organize reading groups; set up learning stations with directions and activities based on the road maps; cut and placed positive sayings around the room to promote positive behavior of students; modeled with the students upon return to school how to move around the room to the stations; and monitored the classes for implementation.  These three ladies are a great example of teamwork, collaboration, character building, and doing what makes Norfolk great.
    
    
18. Glenda Sharpe, a volunteer, community counselor, educator, and school mentor, is a true asset to Jacox Elementary School.  Ms. Sharpe is a part of the Family and Schools Together (FAST) team and encourages cohesion among Jacox staff and the community. The FAST program she facilitates occurs each fall for nine weeks.
    
    Ms. Sharpe facilitates workshops with Jacox parents on stress management techniques, bullying, and also facilitates student group discussions on diverse topics such as drug awareness, self-esteem, and money management.
    
    Ms. Sharpe diligently works as a Substance Abuse Partner in the FAST program and insures that the evening runs smoothly by assisting in setting up, serving, cleaning, or just lending an empathetic ear.

The meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m.

Minutes approved by the School Board:  February 20, 2007