Mr. Chairman, members of the Board, citizens of our community, my report this evening includes brief highlights of some recent activities and a few accomplishments of our students and staff.

We recently honored our school system’s custodians at our sixth annual Custodial Appreciation Day on January 28th at Landstown High School. During this event, the custodial staffs from 11 of our schools were recognized for their exemplary practices. These 11 custodial teams were selected by a committee of their peers for their attention to cleanliness, attitude, and efficiency. This year’s celebration set a record for attendance with 600 custodial staff participating in Custodial Appreciation Day. Without a doubt, this celebration reinforces the important role our custodial staff plays in the daily operation of our school division!

Many of our schools have been participating in activities to celebrate Black History Month. From learning about noteable Black Americans to celebrations of culture and heritage, students and staff have been engaged in African American literature, music, and art activities throughout February.

Students at Bayside High recently had an opportunity to learn about a wide variety of careers when they participated in a “Ground Hog Job Shadow Day” at Armada Hoffler, one of the school’s partners in education. Students experienced a day of “corporate” life and had opportunities to learn during a day “on the job”.

Our annual breakfast for realtor’s was held last Thursday at the Advanced Technology Center. Topics of discussion included redistricting efforts and VBCPS academies, specifically our newest academy, Global Studies and World Languages at Tallwood High School. Real estate agents had the opportunity to receive information about district initiatives and to ask questions of Donald Greer, Mary Ann Burritt, and myself.

Advanced Technology Center instructors John Joanides (Joe-a-nee-dez) and Kirt Schuldt have recently coordinated a series of technology driven workshops for ATC teachers and students on emerging Microsoft technologies. Microsoft staff assisted with the presentations, which enabled ATC students and staff to engage in Information Technology currently practiced in the field.

You may be interested to know that February 10th marked the 100th day of school for students following a traditional school year calendar this year. Our kindergarteners often celebrate this day, counting to 100 and making 100 – day glasses. Students at Centerville Elementary celebrated Day 101 by dressing as dalmations!

Several congratulations are in order this evening. . .

Students and staff at Cooke and Windsor Oaks elementary schools deserve accolades for being selected as 2005 Distinguished Title I Schools for Virginia. Only 77 schools in the commonwealth receive this award which is based on meeting set criteria for SOL test scores, meeting Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) mandates, and by exceeding all Annual Measurable Objectives in English and Math for two consecutive years.

Congratulations to students and staff at Seatack Elementary for receiving a $1,000 grant from Wal-Mart Import Distribution Center. The funds will help support the school’s after school tutoring program.

Kudos to Jennie Sue Flannagan, Science Coordinator, for being selected to serve on a National Science Teachers Association Publication Review Panel for a three-year term.

Hats off to Dr. Mike Kelly, Principal at Lynnhaven Middle School, for being published in “The Crucial Link”, a publication of the Virginia Middle School Association. Dr. Kelly was also one of four middle school principals featured in the Winter 2005 edition of this publication.

Mr. Chairman, this concludes my report for this evening.