Henrico County Public Schools

Need a manicure, pedicure, car wash or wheel alignment? Our students can help! 💅 🛞

Reminder: The ACE Center at Highland Springs Community Expo is today (until 6 p.m.) and Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 100 Tech Drive! ACE students are offering a variety of services as well as products for sale, a silent auction, student-led workshops and more!

HCPS again leads Virginia in educators earning national board certification, among top 20 nationally

Certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards is the profession’s highest mark of accomplishment. This year, 28 Henrico County Public Schools educators met that remarkable standard, earning national certification status for the first time. In addition, 19 HCPS educators renewed their certifications. The group of newly board-certified HCPS educators is the largest of any Virginia school division this year. Nationally, just 19 divisions had more educators earn this prestigious designation. HCPS led such large school systems as New York City, Philadelphia and Seattle.

“I’m so proud of what this group has accomplished,” said Amy Cashwell, HCPS superintendent. “Board certification is the teaching equivalent of climbing a mountain. Educators reach this pinnacle on top of the already rigorous demands of daily instruction. Certification is a testament to their commitment and love of teaching.

“Since 2020 HCPS has led Virginia in new board-certified instructors and we will continue to do everything we can to support new cohorts of instructors as they pursue this mark of accomplishment.”

Among the 47 HCPS educators earning or renewing certification were teachers, school counselors, school administrators, innovative learning coaches, a reading coach and an exceptional education coordinator. They were recognized in a pinning ceremony Feb. 26, along with teachers from the city of Richmond and the counties of Chesterfield, Hanover and Powhatan.

To become certified, educators must submit detailed portfolios for review by their peers. The portfolios include videos of the candidates’ teaching, documented professional accomplishments, reflective essays and examples of student work. Instructors must also pass an exam relevant to his or her subject and level of instruction.

HCPS educators earning certification in 2024 from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards:

• Michelle Abrams-Terry, Brookland M.S.
• April Barlett, Greenwood E.S.
• Sarah C. Barrow, Douglas Freeman H.S.
• Melissa Bennett, Colonial Trail E.S.
• Lauren Blackburn, Henry Ward E.S.
• Emily Bradley, Raymond Pinchbeck E.S.
• Jessica Bray, Glen Allen H.S.
• Holly Condon, J.R. Tucker H.S.
• Aimee Connolly, Elizabeth Holladay E.S.
• Jacquelin Raye Cooper, Crestview E.S.
• Terri Crenshaw, HCPS Exceptional Education Department
• Carlee Earl, Greenwood E.S.
• Kimberly Evans, Advanced Career Education Center at Highland Springs
• Christy Fields, Mills Godwin H.S.
• Yael Fletcher, Rivers Edge E.S.
• Ashley H Heckel, Raymond Pinchbeck E.S.
• Lorin Hullett, David Kaechele E.S.
• Jules Irvin-Rooney, J.R. Tucker H.S.
• Kristen Knarr Roberts, Tuckahoe E.S.
• Scott Miles, Greenwood E.S.
• Sarah Oliver, Deep Run H.S.
• Sarah-Henning Snellings, Douglas Freeman H.S.
• Mia Tambellini, Deep Run H.S.
• Megan Walton, Mills Godwin H.S.
• Lauren White, Douglas Freeman and Mills Godwin high schools
• Michele Wilhelm, Maybeury E.S.
• Marlotte Williams, Anthony Mehfoud E.S.
• Joshua Young, Mills Godwin H.S.

HCPS educators recognized for renewing their certification:

• Whitney Beaton, Henrico H.S.
• Kelly Becker, David Kaechele E.S.
• Sara Blackburn, Anthony Mehfoud E.S.
• Amy Earle, Deep Run H.S.
• Brittany Fennell, HCPS Exceptional Education Department
• Nikki Ficor, Raymond Pinchbeck E.S.
• Melissa Glanden, Varina E.S. and Anthony Mehfoud E.S.
• Andrew Hall, Glen Allen H.S.
• Valerie Hume, Maybeury E.S.
• Theresa Katz, Mills Godwin H.S.
• Laila Marshall, Shady Grove E.S.
• Charlotte S. Mason, Holman M.S.
• Joshua McKeon, Mills Godwin H.S.
• Ashley Melnichak, HCPS Division of Teaching and Learning
• Dana R. Morris, Highland Springs H.S.
• Lindsey Pantele, Douglas Freeman H.S.
• Carrie M. Simmons, The Academy at Virginia Randolph
• Amy Stills, The Academy at Virginia Randolph
• Alayna Tignor, Holman M.S.

"It's kind of celebrating chalk as a medium. And it's something that only really exists in a school setting: a chalkboard."

One of the only old school chalkboards at Short Pump Middle School can be found in the classroom of art teacher Brendan Rossner, who has used chalk to merge two of his biggest passions: art and football. 🎨 🏈

For 15 years, Rossner has used the full surface of a classroom chalkboard to draw a Super Bowl mural. His annual project continued with this year's Eagles-Chiefs matchup, depicting Philadelphia's Saquon Barkley and Kansas City's Chris Jones with the Super Bowl LIX logo.

“Our staff loves it. I try to share it with former colleagues who moved on to other schools,” said Rossner, who who is in his 18th year of teaching at Short Pump Middle. “There are a lot of younger siblings coming through my classroom that are like, ‘Oh, my sister told me you do this!’ It’s just a cool little tradition.”

So cool! Read more about his murals on our website: https://www.henricoschools.us/article/2066207

12:35 p.m. update: The tornado warning for northwest portions of the county has ended, but heavy rain and high winds remain.

If another tornado warning is issued anywhere in the county, schools in the warning area will follow their safety plan and shelter in place. Staff will not be available to answer phones or sign students out early during the warning. We appreciate your continued understanding.

Keep an eye on ParentSquare and your email for the most up-to-date information.

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WEATHER UPDATE: HCPS is aware of the tornado warning for northwest portions of the county until 12:30 p.m., and schools are taking steps to keep students safe.

Students and staff at schools in the warning area are sheltering in place in hallways and classrooms until the warning expires and the immediate danger passes. Because everyone is remaining in place, staff is not available to answer phones or sign students out early.

We appreciate your understanding. Thank you.

HCPS is monitoring weather forecasts for potentially strong storms this afternoon. As a reminder, each school has a safety response plan in place that includes tornado drills for students and staff. Any weather-related changes to school operations or after-school activities will be communicated as soon as possible.

YAY MASHANDA THOMAS! Mashanda Thomas, a student support interventionist at the Academy of Virginia Randolph, is today's "Yay of the Day" honoree! Superintendent Amy Cashwell honored her recently. 🌟

YAYWORTHY:

Nominators Korey Lamb and Kateresea Ford said:

"She always goes above and beyond putting the needs of others before her and encouraging everyone to be their best self even when faced with adversity. She is a light of positive energy and a integral part of our school community.

"Mashanda makes a positive impact on our building in the way she selflessly shows up for students and staff each day. However, Ms. Thomas has led the way in establishing a positive climate and culture at AVR by organizing our AMAZING annual talent showcase, Starstruck! She spent weeks helping to prepare student participants and give them the boost of confidence they need to perform in front of their peers. In addition to the exceptional student performances, she coordinates phenomenal guest speakers who share their stories to help motivate and inspire our students. Everyone from DJ Lonnie B (local long-time DJ) to Jon Burkett (CBS6 News), Samuel Veney (owner and operator of Philly Vegan), Noah O (owner of Charged Up and AVR alumnus) and local comedian Bam Bam, just to name a few. She pulls this program together at least twice a year and it just keeps getting better and better. Starstruck brings light, joy and inspiration to our campus, and none of it would be possible without Ms. Thomas."

Thank you for all you do, Mashanda Thomas, to make a positive difference and move HCPS forward!

• No. 56 in a series. Nominate a staff member for a "Yay of the Day" at https://www.henricoschools.us/yay-of-the-day.

This weekend, you're invited to the 10th annual HCPS ARTS Festival! 🖼️

The free divisionwide festival — ARTS stands for artists, residents, teachers and students — celebrates the creativity of our HCPS students and staff and brings together talented young artists and the local arts community.

Explore vibrant artwork from every HCPS school and support HCPS' creative spirit Saturday and Sunday (March 8-9) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Glen Allen High School (10700 Staples Mill Road).

We had a great turnout at the last "Hidden in Plain Sight" event! If you missed it, here's another opportunity to take part in this informative discussion about identifying and addressing teen alcohol and drug use. 👉️

The next Hidden in Plain Sight is Tuesday, March 11, starting at 5:30 p.m. at Hermitage High School (8301 Hungary Spring Road).

Along with an interactive presentation on how spot signs of teen drug and alcohol use, the event will include:

• Guest speaker Karleen Wolanin, the founder of Virginia Fentanyl and Substance Awareness
• Rapid 'REVIVE!' training for life-saving opioid overdose medication Naloxone (also known as Narcan)
• A meet-and-greet with service providers

Henrico parents and guardians are encouraged to attend.

Come to the ACE Center at Highland Springs Community Expo on Thursday and Friday! Learn more about the ACE Center's 12 programs, check out products and services for sale, bid in a silent auction, take tours of program labs, learn new skills and buy concessions! 🤝

Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday at 100 Tech Drive in Highland Springs.

Check out what's available:

• Manicures and pedicures
• Car washes and vacuuming
• Multipoint car inspections
• Four-wheel alignments
• Free child safety fingerprinting
• Student-made products for sale
• Silent auction to support students
• Student-led workshops (electrical and HVAC)
• ACE Center apparel for sale
• Tours of the ACE Center’s 12 program areas
• Representatives from local colleges
• Concessions available for purchase

https://bit.ly/ACEExpo2025

Apply for the HCPS Early Learning Preschool program for the 2025-26 school year! 🙌

The application window is currently open for Henrico children who will be 4 years old on or before Sept. 30, 2025, and families who meet certain income and eligibility requirements.

Learn more about our preschool program and apply at https://www.henricoschools.us/preschool.

Happy National School Social Work Week (March 2-8) and National Social Work Month! 👏

This year's theme from the School Social Work Association of America (SSWAA) is "Unite to Ignite: Celebrating our Impact," highlighting the passion of school social workers who unite communities to ignite positive change in the lives of students, families, and schools.

Our school social workers are trained mental health professionals who promote the social, emotional and academic success of all students through the identification, prevention and elimination of barriers that interfere with learning. They provide a vital link between the home, school and community with the goal of making our students in need happier, healthier and stronger learners!

Please help us thank all our (evergrowing!) team of school social workers for their important efforts!

https://www.henricoschools.us/page/school-social-work-services

YAY AMANDA MORGAN! Amanda Morgan, a Spanish teacher at Glen Allen High School, is today's "Yay of the Day" honoree! Superintendent Amy Cashwell honored her recently at Glen Allen. 😄

YAYWORTHY:

Carter Jiancristoforo, one of four student nominators, said:

"She's made me fall in love with Spanish, and finally enjoy Spanish after years of dreading it. She takes her time getting to know each and every student. She makes sure its a community not just a classroom. I'm usually pretty shy, but in her class I've never been shy, and I've always felt comfortable in her class."

Jack Bateman said:

"She is an amazing teacher and really connects with the students while still helping them learn and suceed. She helped me start my love of the Spanish language. She will take her time while teaching to make sure everybody understands. She makes sure everybody feels comfortable speaking up and nobody gets made fun of, its like one big familia. She is my favorite teacher, and I feel comfortable talking to her and like she is a safe space."

Trainor Caumont said:

"She encourages the use of Spanish in her class and nourishes students by assisting them. When some of our class was falling behind, she caught them up along with the rest of the class and everyone learned more that day."

Daniel Border-Roldan said:

"She is a great teacher and helps the students connect with each other. She makes a positive impact by helping us with our assignments."

Thank you for all you do, Amanda Morgan, to make a positive difference and move HCPS forward!

• No. 55 in a series. Nominate a staff member for a "Yay of the Day" at https://www.henricoschools.us/yay-of-the-day.

Carlehr Swanson, 2024 Miss Virginia, had an important lesson for the students at Ratcliffe Elementary School's Black History Month assembly Thursday: Don't give up. She talked about the importance of perseverance, for icons of Black history and for the Ratcliffe students as they pursue their dreams.

A product of Highland Springs High School and Fairfield Middle School, Swanson told the crowd that it took her 10 years and six tries to win the crown. Playing the snare drum in the Highland Springs marching band also taught her about persistence.

"We practiced all summer in the hot sun and every day after school. It wasn't easy and sometimes I did not like it. But no matter how much I didn't like it, my mom would not let me quit. Maybe she knew how important a lesson like never quitting had benefitted those in the past and would ultimately benefit future Carlehr."

Swanson, a U.Va. doctoral candidate in critical and comparative music studies, played keyboard and sang three songs. Students sang along, snapped their fingers and provided backing vocals. The assembly also featured student dances and songs, a poetry reading and students dressed as important historical figures like Harriet Tubman, Oprah Winfree and astronaut Mae Jemison.

Ratcliffe was her 60th school visit in a 72-school Virginia tour.

Reminder: Sign up and donate $5 to participate in tomorrow's 1 Mile Mental Health Fun Run & Walk at Godwin High School to support mental health awareness! Everyone in the community is invited to take part in the event, which runs 9-11 a.m., and all proceeds will go to the Cameron K. Gallagher Foundation.

The event is being put on by the No Eagle Left Behind and Active Minds clubs at Godwin. Food and drinks will be provided. Register via the QR code or at the following link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSem5b_pQ4bwbEer9LXtt28DpnohNa-ArCEGp7yTK0wuqNnoQg/viewform

YAY MARSHALL RAMEY! Marshall Ramey, a health and physical education teacher at Tuckahoe Middle School, is today's "Yay of the Day" honoree! Superintendent Amy Cashwell honored him recently at Tuckahoe. 💪

YAYWORTHY:

Nominator Mary Mae Snyder said:

"He has a smile on their face every single day, and it makes everyone feel good. He is caring, kind and helpful.

"When I had broken my toe the only thing I could do really was walk and sit. The first day I came in with a broken toe, Mr. Ramey asked me what had happed and I told him and we both laughed. I walked toward the stage to sit down but he stopped me and asked me to help him that day. He has helped me be a better person in many ways. Even though my toe is not broken anymore I can still do the attendance and help out during class. Thank you Mr. Ramey!"

Thank you for all you do, Marshall Ramey, to make a positive difference and move HCPS forward!

• No. 54 in a series. Nominate a staff member for a "Yay of the Day" at https://www.henricoschools.us/yay-of-the-day.