VBCPS Superintendent Tim Jenney Garners National Gifted Award Virginia Beach School Board Chairman Dan Edwards is pleased to announce that Dr. Timothy R. Jenney, superintendent of Virginia Beach public schools, has been named the National Association for Gifted Children's Administrator of the Year (NAGC). The prestigious award was presented to Dr. Jenney during NAGC's Annual Convention in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Thursday, November 8 at the organization's Assembly Meeting. Executive Director of NAGC Peter D. Rosenstein notified Dr. Jenney of the honor by letter, noting that the award "...is presented to you as the Superintendent of Schools of Virginia Beach City Public Schools for your exemplary work and efforts in increasing the scope and quality of gifted education programs at every level - from elementary to high school - in your school district." The honor came with an award of a plaque and carried with it an honorarium in the amount of $1,000. During Jenney's tenure as superintendent, the division has opened a full-time elementary magnet school, Old Donation Center, as well as a resource cluster program in each elementary and middle school. This dual model provides students and parents with options for services from which they can choose. Other improvements to the gifted program include: expanding Kemps Landing Magnet School, a full-time, gifted middle school magnet, by 25 percent; expanding the Ocean Lakes High School Mathematics and Science Academy; and paving the way for the A2 (Arts and Academic Academies) Concept. In addition, Dr. Jenney has supported the adding personnel to the gifted program that include gifted resource teachers, a gifted education coordinator, and teachers for the magnet programs. The NACG is a non-profit organization of parents, teachers, educators, community leaders and other professionals who unite to address the unique needs of all children and youth with demonstrated gifts and talents. In addition, the organization concerns itself with those children and youth who may be able to develop their talents as well as those who may be able to develop their talent potential with appropriate educational experiences. The NAGC has corresponding state affiliations across the country as well as affiliations with other gifted national and state organizations. For more information about the NAGC Administrator of the Year Award presented to Dr. Tim Jenney, please contact the Department of Media and Communications Development at 427-4320. ###