K-12 Education
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from public policy organizations influencing the debate on education policy.
Featured Stories
FCPS Adapted Physical Education Teacher Named National Teacher of the Year by SHAPE
FALLS CHURCH, Virginia, April 26 -- Fairfax County Public Schools issued the following news on April 24, 2024:
Cadi Doyle, an adapted physical education (APE) teacher at Waples Mill and Oakton elementary schools, has been named the National Teacher of the Year for Adapted Physical Education by the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE). Doyle received the award at the SHAPE America national convention, held in Cleveland last month.
Her lessons are comprehensive and designed based on individuality, but she was chosen for the award because she goes above and beyond. For example, Doyle
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FALLS CHURCH, Virginia, April 26 -- Fairfax County Public Schools issued the following news on April 24, 2024:
Cadi Doyle, an adapted physical education (APE) teacher at Waples Mill and Oakton elementary schools, has been named the National Teacher of the Year for Adapted Physical Education by the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE). Doyle received the award at the SHAPE America national convention, held in Cleveland last month.
Her lessons are comprehensive and designed based on individuality, but she was chosen for the award because she goes above and beyond. For example, Doylehas developed a secondary transition program guide for teachers to use to support students ages 14 years and older to prepare for their transition beyond high school. She also developed a unified basketball team where students with and without disabilities played together as equal teammates.
Doyle needed to submit a video as part of the selection process. Her video showcased gymnastics instruction. Students were paired up and developed a sequence of gymnastics movements that they practiced and presented to the class. The groups combined students with and without disabilities. Students were provided ownership over their learning to select their gymnastic movements, and supported one another through the practice.
Within FCPS, Cadi leads professional development sessions for both health and physical education and adapted physical education programs. She has been a guest lecturer for the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse's adapted physical education course, and has engaged in research discussions with a professor at Old Dominion University around inclusion as a philosophy and not a placement.
The National Adapted Physical Education Teacher of the Year award recognizes full-time APE teachers that have at least five years of experience with a minimum of 50 percent of their job responsibilities in APE, and who have received the state and district Teacher of the Year awards. Doyle was chosen over finalists from the Eastern and Midwest districts, and received a plaque and free SHAPE America conference registration.
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Original text here: https://www.fcps.edu/news/fcps-adapted-physical-education-teacher-named-national-teacher-year-shape
Seven FCPS Students Named Winners of 2024 National Merit Corporate-Sponsored Scholarships
FALLS CHURCH, Virginia, April 25 -- Fairfax County Public Schools issued the following news:
Seven Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) students have been awarded 2024 corporate-sponsored scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. The students are part of a group of more than 770 National Merit finalists chosen to receive scholarships financed by corporations, company foundations, and other business organizations.
Winners of the corporate-sponsored scholarships, with their probable career fields in parentheses, are:
* Harika Akundi of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science
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FALLS CHURCH, Virginia, April 25 -- Fairfax County Public Schools issued the following news:
Seven Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) students have been awarded 2024 corporate-sponsored scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. The students are part of a group of more than 770 National Merit finalists chosen to receive scholarships financed by corporations, company foundations, and other business organizations.
Winners of the corporate-sponsored scholarships, with their probable career fields in parentheses, are:
* Harika Akundi of Thomas Jefferson High School for Scienceand Technology (TJHSST) (aerospace engineering), National Merit General Dynamics Corporation Scholarship.
* Ishara Shanmugasundaram of TJHSST (computer science), National Merit General Dynamics Corporation Scholarship.
* Nathaniel Kurland of Woodson High School (engineering), National Merit Boeing Scholarship.
* Alina Yanzi Chen of TJHSST (finance), National Merit General Dynamics Corporation Scholarship.
* Kinnari Chaubal of TJHSST (biochemistry), National Merit Leidos, Inc. Scholarship.
* Claire Peng of TJHSST (neuroscience), National Merit Dr. James R. Schlesinger Memorial Scholarship.
* Rishabh Prabhu of TJHSST (quantitative analysis), National Merit GEICO Scholarship.
Corporate sponsors provide merit scholarship awards for National Merit finalists who are children of their employees, who are residents of communities the companies serve, or who have college majors or career interests the sponsors want to encourage.
Corporate-sponsored merit scholarship awards are renewable for up to four years of college undergraduate study and range from $1,000 to $10,000 per year. Others provide a single payment between $2,500 and $5,000. Recipients can use the awards at regionally accredited U.S. colleges or universities of their choice.
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Original text here: https://www.fcps.edu/news/seven-fcps-students-named-winners-2024-national-merit-corporate-sponsored-scholarships
Jackson Public Schools: Jim Hill HS English Teacher Named Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction
JACKSON, Mississippi, April 25 -- Jackson Public Schools issued the following news:
Tracee Thompson, a 20-year English teacher at Jim Hill Senior High School, was recently selected as a Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction by The National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS).
The award is named after one of the organization's founders, Claes Nobel, a senior member of the family that established the Nobel Prizes. The Educator of Distinction recognizes outstanding role models who have made a lasting difference in a student's life by encouraging them to strive for excellence.
Each year, student
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JACKSON, Mississippi, April 25 -- Jackson Public Schools issued the following news:
Tracee Thompson, a 20-year English teacher at Jim Hill Senior High School, was recently selected as a Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction by The National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS).
The award is named after one of the organization's founders, Claes Nobel, a senior member of the family that established the Nobel Prizes. The Educator of Distinction recognizes outstanding role models who have made a lasting difference in a student's life by encouraging them to strive for excellence.
Each year, studentmembers of NSHSS are invited to nominate the educator who has made the most significant contribution to their academic career for the Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction award. A role model to pupils, Tracee was nominated by a student for outstanding dedication and commitment to excellence in the profession.
In 2008, Thompson brought her expertise to Mississippi to teach English II in the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program at Jim Hill High School. From 2017 - 2019, Ms. Thompson served as a High School Subject Area Supervisor in the JPS curriculum department.
Any mentee who was coached by Ms. Thompson can attest to her passion, expansive content knowledge, and integrity, but her heart is for the students in her classroom.
"My students are my driving force," Ms. Thompson said. "I live to see them become the best readers and writers they can be and appreciate the power that literature, both fiction and non-fiction, has to offer."
The 20-year eduacator says her mother was her first teacher.
"She taught me the need to be educated. She made sure I attended integrated schools to learn to get along with others, and to understand that I was competing with all types of people. She showed me how to work hard and always encouraged me to choose a career that I loved."
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Original text here: https://www.jackson.k12.ms.us/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=4&ModuleInstanceID=779&ViewID=6446EE88-D30C-497E-9316-3F8874B3E108&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=45707&PageID=1
Colin Powell Elementary School Teacher Named 2024 Washington Post Teacher of the Year
FALLS CHURCH, Virginia, April 25 -- Fairfax County Public Schools issued the following news:
Laura Senturia, a fourth-grade teacher at Colin Powell Elementary School, has been named the 2024 Washington Post Teacher of the Year. This recognition is for educators who have exemplified excellence in their profession by inspiring learning, encouraging individual growth, demonstrating subject matter expertise, fostering collaboration, and leading by example. She was selected from a group of 19 finalists who teach at schools in Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia.
Senturia has taught at
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FALLS CHURCH, Virginia, April 25 -- Fairfax County Public Schools issued the following news:
Laura Senturia, a fourth-grade teacher at Colin Powell Elementary School, has been named the 2024 Washington Post Teacher of the Year. This recognition is for educators who have exemplified excellence in their profession by inspiring learning, encouraging individual growth, demonstrating subject matter expertise, fostering collaboration, and leading by example. She was selected from a group of 19 finalists who teach at schools in Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia.
Senturia has taught atPowell Elementary School since it first opened its doors in 2003 and is known for fostering a welcoming, collaborative environment inside and outside of the classroom.
"Laura Senturia has dedicated her life to teaching children and those that have been given the opportunity to learn from and with her have been forever changed in the most amazing ways," says nominator Jamie Luerssen, principal of Powell. "Ms. Senturia is the type of teacher that goes above and beyond to show her students how much she cares. Her love of children shines through in all that she does. For example, she is known to attend events outside of school such as little league games. As a result, her students know she cares about them and they thrive under her care."
Senturia also serves as a mentor for fellow teachers, sponsors the Student Council Association, and has led fundraising initiatives to support: Pennies for Patients, building a school in Africa, providing a service dog for a veteran, buying books for a school in need, a food bank in California, the American Cancer Society, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation, among others.
Her nominators also spoke of Senturia's dedication to all students, including those with learning or social challenges. One nominating parent says that Senturia has been a "superhero" to her family for creating a "safe space that allows students to learn and reach their highest potential."
A graduate of Brandeis University and Lesley University, Senturia was recognized as the FCPS Honors 2023 Outstanding Elementary Teacher and also received Powell Elementary School's 2016 Human Relations Award. As the Teacher of the Year, she will receive $7,500 and be profiled in the Washington Post and on the Post's website (https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2024/04/23/washington-post-teacher-of-the-year-2024-laura-senturia/).
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Original text here: https://www.fcps.edu/news/colin-powell-elementary-school-teacher-named-2024-washington-post-teacher-year
Cincinnati Public Schools: Walnut Hills High School Ranks First in Ohio
CINCINNATI, Ohio, April 25 -- Cincinnati Public Schools issued the following news:
Congratulations to Walnut Hills High School for clinching the coveted title of top public high school in Ohio, according to U.S. News and World Report! Nationally, Walnut Hills High School Ranked #118. The ranking takes into account a range of factors, including performance on AP(R) Exams, proficiency in Mathematics, Reading and Science, graduation rates and other indicators.
The achievement reflects Walnut Hills High School's dedication to academic excellence. With a rigorous curriculum that challenges students
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CINCINNATI, Ohio, April 25 -- Cincinnati Public Schools issued the following news:
Congratulations to Walnut Hills High School for clinching the coveted title of top public high school in Ohio, according to U.S. News and World Report! Nationally, Walnut Hills High School Ranked #118. The ranking takes into account a range of factors, including performance on AP(R) Exams, proficiency in Mathematics, Reading and Science, graduation rates and other indicators.
The achievement reflects Walnut Hills High School's dedication to academic excellence. With a rigorous curriculum that challenges studentsto think critically and creatively, Walnut Hills cultivates exceptional graduates to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!
Read more about the ranking at U.S. News & World Report:
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/ohio/districts/cincinnati-public-schools/walnut-hills-high-school-15134
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Original text here: https://www.cps-k12.org/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&DomainID=154&ModuleInstanceID=3150&ViewID=6446EE88-D30C-497E-9316-3F8874B3E108&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=7546&PageID=708
Chicago Public Schools: Three North Lawndale Schools Partner With Community to Launch STEAM Programming in SY 2024-2025
CHICAGO, Illinois, April 25 -- Chicago Public Schools issued the following news release:
Chicago Public Schools (CPS), in collaboration with many community partners, is honored to announce the creation of a science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) programming in North Lawndale for the 2024-25 School Year. The partnership involves three current CPS schools; Chalmers School of Excellence, Johnson School of Excellence, and The Collins Academy High School, and promises to provide students with a well-balanced education that deepens their knowledge in STEAM subjects, starting in elementary
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CHICAGO, Illinois, April 25 -- Chicago Public Schools issued the following news release:
Chicago Public Schools (CPS), in collaboration with many community partners, is honored to announce the creation of a science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) programming in North Lawndale for the 2024-25 School Year. The partnership involves three current CPS schools; Chalmers School of Excellence, Johnson School of Excellence, and The Collins Academy High School, and promises to provide students with a well-balanced education that deepens their knowledge in STEAM subjects, starting in elementaryschool and continuing through high school - yielding more graduates prepared for in-demand STEAM careers.
"We are excited to celebrate this strong academic opportunity in North Lawndale, which has been the result of years of community-led partnerships," says CEO Pedro Martinez. "Our goal is to meet students and families where they are, investing in and strengthening our neighborhood schools and local communities. We look forward to seeing North Lawndale students thrive and graduate prepared to succeed in college and careers."
Among those most excited are the school leaders who will oversee implementation: Principal Romian Crockett (Chalmers), Principal Steve Fisher (Johnson), and Principal LeKenya Sanders-Sharpe (Collins). These principals, in addition to their students and families, share enthusiasm for the program, citing a long awaited need for opportunities in the neighborhood.
"This new academic programming is a welcomed addition to our North Lawndale schools, enriching teaching and learning to support a stronger Chicago workforce for tomorrow," said Chief Shontae Higginbottom who oversees schools in Network 5 on the West Side of the city. "Our collaboration with our dedicated community partners, families and staff reminds us again that we are better together."
A nearly decade-long collaborative effort among community partners drove this programming forward. In 2015, North Lawndale Community Action Council (NLCAC)/North Lawndale Community Coordinating Council (NLCCC) Education Committee developed a Quality-of-Life Plan that included the creation of the STEAM Partnership. The group has sought investment to support this new educational opportunity, and since 2017, member organizations of the NLCAC/NLCCC and CPS have worked together to make the project a reality.
"It is exciting that the North Lawndale NLCAC/NLCCC Education Committee's six-(6) year-vision of transforming two elementary schools and one high school into STEAM Partnership Magnet Academies, is becoming a reality in the North Lawndale Community," writes Dr. Betty Green and Dr. Leonard Moore, co-chairs of the NLCAC. "This was a community-led process to develop the "Next Chapter" for the North Lawndale's Quality-of Life-Plan."
The programming reflects the District's focus on equity and commitment to strengthening neighborhood schools, which will be further outlined in the District's next five-year strategic plan. Currently, 43 percent of all students in North Lawndale - and 63 percent of high school students - travel outside of their community to access their education. This new STEAM Partnership will not only mean shorter commute times for students to access a high-quality education, but it is a model that may be used in other parts of the city to ensure greater equity in the CPS educational experience.
Beginning in School Year 2024-25, students in the area will have access to a robust STEAM curriculum that will be integrated into the courses at these three schools. A STEAM curriculum promotes creative and critical thinking, cross-disciplinary problem-solving, and gives students the opportunity to investigate, analyze, solve problems and work in teams. To ensure students are prepared for post-graduation, they will also have opportunities to earn college credit or an associates degree in high school, mentorship and paid internships, industry-approved certifications, and scholarships.
These opportunities are available due to Collins' conversion into an early college STEAM high school, becoming one of 14 such Early College STEM/STEAM High Schools. Another 37 elementary schools offer STEM and STEAM programming across the District. Career forecasts show that 80 percent of jobs created in the next decade will require some form of math and science skills.
The STEAM Partnership will evolve over the next few years in instruction, course offerings and enrichment experiences including engineering, robotics, chess, coding, Spanish and French, book clubs, and more. The District will invest in STEAM staffing and supports, including professional development, at each school over the next five years. The District will consider long-term capital improvements as part of the District's Educational Facilities Master Plan.
Currently, CPS Office of Teaching and Learning and the three school teams are developing their specific curricula, training educators, and preparing the environments to best serve each program for the launch in fall 2024. Families can apply through the regular GoCPS process. Any student that lives in the attendance boundary is guaranteed admission.
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About Chicago Public Schools (CPS)
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is dedicated to providing a high-quality education to all students, beginning with the District's free full-day preschool programming for four-year-old scholars and continuing through neighborhood, magnet and selective-enrollment elementary schools that provide a rigorous K-8 education with schools that specialize in the fine arts, world language and culture, dual language, STEM, International Baccalaureate (IB), classical programs, and more. The rising District-wide freshmen-on-track and high school graduation rates reflect the hard work of the CPS community, including families, staff, and students across 635 schools. CPS celebrates the diversity of its more than 322,000 students who cite 182 home languages.
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Original text here: https://www.cps.edu/press-releases/2024/april/north-lawndale-steam/
Charleston County School District: Parents at Hunley Park Invited to Workshop to Learn About Resources
NORTH CHARLESTON, South Carolina, April 25 -- Charleston County School District issued the following news release:
Alexandra Maddock, the speech-language pathologist, at Hunley Park Elementary School, recently collaborated with the school's special education teachers (resource and low-incidence), school psychologist, and autism itinerant to host a workshop for parents of children with disabilities. The workshop was a great resource for parents and a way to stay informed and aware of the assistance offered to families.
Community partners that participated in the event include:
* Beach Cowboy
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NORTH CHARLESTON, South Carolina, April 25 -- Charleston County School District issued the following news release:
Alexandra Maddock, the speech-language pathologist, at Hunley Park Elementary School, recently collaborated with the school's special education teachers (resource and low-incidence), school psychologist, and autism itinerant to host a workshop for parents of children with disabilities. The workshop was a great resource for parents and a way to stay informed and aware of the assistance offered to families.
Community partners that participated in the event include:
* Beach CowboyFitness
* Medical University of South Carolina: SPARK (Simons Foundation Powering Autism Research for Knowledge)
* ARC of the Lowcountry
* Charleston Therapeutic Recreation
* Learning Disabilities Association of South Carolina
Agencies also provided take-home resources for families.
The event was open to families from Lambs and W.B. Goodwin Elementary Schools. Families listened to presenters, and a sensory room was provided for families who needed childcare.
"We're hoping to make this an annual event," said Maddock. "The idea for the event stemmed from one of our district's pillars of [wrap around] services. When we recognized that families didn't realize there were outside resources they could utilize, I set the plan to host this into motion. We appreciate the local agencies and businesses that partnered with us to make this happen and we are grateful for the support they provide our families."
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About the Charleston County School District
Charleston County School District (CCSD) is a nationally accredited school district committed to providing equitable and quality educational opportunities for all of its students. CCSD is the second-largest school system in South Carolina and represents a unique blend of urban, suburban, and rural schools spanning 1,300 square miles along the coast. CCSD serves approximately 50,000 students in 88 schools and specialized programs.
CCSD offers a diverse, portfolio of educational options and specialized programs delivered to the students of CCSD through neighborhood, magnet, IB (international baccalaureate), Montessori, and charter schools and programs. Rich educational opportunities for students include programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM); music and other creative and performing arts; career and technical preparation programs; and military; dual credit; and many more.
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