2005 Model Partnerships
Learn how to establish a partnership with Virginia Beach City Public Schools.
Oceana Naval Air Station and Strawbridge Elementary School
This military partnership was initiated to help support student academic achievement, as well as social and life skills. It also provides a way for sailors to become involved with community service. This partnership operates in a multitude of ways-from Lunch Buddies to supporting school events. The partners participated in military celebrations, such as Veterans Day, at which they presented the Colors for the National Anthem and displayed the uniforms of the various armed services. Students had the opportunity to visit the Tuskegee Airmen during Black History Month, giving them the opportunity to see and hear a true piece of history. However, a true favorite activity among staff is the individual time sailors spend with Strawbridge students. Teachers report that students clamor to work with the sailors, and that they always look forward to their arrival. The partners share in the rewards as well. According to one, "Volunteering is great, helping the kids is enlightening, and giving the teachers that extra hand is a combination of things we all can appreciate." Well done!
Community United Methodist Church and Kempsville Elementary
Since 2001, the CARES program (which stands for Children Afterschool Recreation and Education for Success) has worked to ensure that no child is left behind at Kempsville Elementary School. The goals of this program are to help achieve academic success, build self-confidence in students through a nurturing environment, provide a safe after school environment for students, and give them positive feedback. Teachers select twelve first and second grade students, who are transported to the Community United Methodist Church after school one day a week. At the church, students get a snack, outside time, and one on one tutoring. Students are closely matched to their mentor, and develop close bonds with them. Students blossom in this program, and both parents and teachers report marked improvement in academic achievement. It's clear that this partnership truly CARES about Kempsville students!
Final Kick Sports and Louise Luxford Elementary School
This partnership has given Luxford students a run for their money! It all started with a running club and a partnership with Final Kick Sports. A handful of students and staff joined the club and got together once a month for fun. With the help of Coach Bob Schneidwind from Final Kick, this club has blossomed into a weekly Cardio Respiratory Day where every student runs/walks a mile during their PE time. Coach Bob is there every week to cheer the students on, and students have even been invited to run the last mile of the Shamrock Marathon! Virginia's First Lady, Lisa Collis, even came to Luxford to award students the Healthy Kids Gold Medal. Thanks to this partnership, Luxford students are getting a kick out of fitness!
Kiwanis Club and Cox High School
The partnership between the Kiwanis Club and the Key Club of Cox High School is designed to help students see themselves as part of the larger community and to promote the spirit of volunteerism in students. Throughout the school year, the Kiwanis and Key Clubs work jointly on many projects, including picking up trash as part of the city beautification program, feeding the homeless at the Judeo-Christian Outreach Center, collecting food for the Hampton Roads Foodbank, and collaborating to support each organization's fundraising efforts. Through this relationship, students at Cox learn the value of community outreach and being a good citizen. This partnership has taught Cox students that by helping others, they build a strong community. Through their annual Mix Cox pageant (which is sponsored by the Kiwanis), students raise money that is donated to local charities-their concern for service is enhanced by the example set through this partnership.
Department of Public Utilities and Bettie F. Williams Elementary School
Whenever there's a need at Bettie F. Williams, Public Utilities can be counted on to lend a hand. Always ready to participate in SOL and PTA nights, with volunteers and door prizes, their involvement provides invaluable support to the school. During the holidays, this partner established an Angel Tree and made sure that every child listed on it received clothing, shoes, and toys-assuring a happy holiday. They take care of needy families in the school community as well, delivering food baskets to many families during Thanksgiving and Christmas. However, their involvement doesn't stop there! They support student involvement in the arts through their annual calendar contest that features student artwork on their Water Awareness Calendar, which is distributed to staff members and students. They even volunteer every year to work at the book fair, and provide thirty $5.00 gift certificates for students who cannot afford to buy books at the event. Their dedication to Williams students is comprehensive and a testament to their support of this community-and as one Williams staff member said, "our students and their families have learned to truly appreciate and love the Department of Public Utilities".
Virginia Symphony Orchestra and First Colonial High School
First Colonial High School and the Virginia Symphony Orchestra make beautiful music together! This partnership has hit many a high note through its varied activities, including band students attending Virginia Symphony Orchestra concerts, musicians presenting workshops at First Colonial, a Woodwind Night and Brass Night held at the school, and complimentary VSO tickets given to students. One of the Virginia Symphony associate conductors even came to First Colonial to rehearse with the Wind Ensemble. As a result of this partnership, three Honors Chamber Ensembles were formed for FC Band Students. The signature event of this year's partnership activities took place in March, when the entire Virginia Symphony traveled to First Colonial and performed a concert for the entire school community. The arts are alive and well at First Colonial!
Armada Hoffler and Bayside High School
From Groundhog Job Shadow Day to a Girls' Field House for the athletic department, this partnership brings the world of professional opportunities to Bayside students. As a result of activities associated with this partnership, two students have expressed a newfound resolve to study law; another was motivated to improve her grades so that she could one day work in a professional environment like the Town Center. Armada Hoffler's employees are devoted to Bayside students-making themselves available to speak to various classes, including Education for Employment, Leadership, Business Law, Marketing, among others. They have even donated money to purchase a Freedom flag for the school. The Groundhog may have seen his shadow this year, but for Bayside High School's Groundhog Job Shadow Day, the sun was shining bright--thanks to their dedicated partner, Armada Hoffler!
Cox Communications and the Advanced Technology Center
This workforce development partnership provides additional learning experiences to students interested in the fields of telecommunication and information technology. The classroom experiences provided through this partnership lead to certifications in a number of different fields. The technical instruction and field trip components, in addition to the mentoring provided by Cox representatives, result in many more students being prepared, with industry certifications, to meet the future workforce demands of the industry. In addition, Cox provided a scholarship to an outstanding Skills USA student, guest speakers, field trips, and presentations. This comprehensive partnership truly helps ATC students stay connected with their chosen field.
Electronic Systems and the Advanced Technology Center
This partnership provides workforce development activities to ATC students, supplementing classroom instruction with practical, hands-on experiences. Electronic Systems has provided ATC students with mentors and internship sites, and students receive technical instruction leading toward Cisco Certified Network Associate certification. Through teaching students about industry and market trends, as well as giving them specific and marketable skills, Electronic Systems has augmented its pool of well trained employees, while giving ATC students hands on training they could not get from classroom instruction alone. According to one intern, "Interning at ESI helped me to increase my knowledge about networking and it was a really great experience."
Naval Dental Clinic and White Oaks Elementary
For ten years, the White Oaks school community has enjoyed a partnership with the Naval Dental Clinic in Norfolk Virginia. These dedicated partners have served the school with dedication and commitment, acting as mentors, providing academic reinforcement, working with Kids Voting and helping with the Book Fair. The students at White Oaks eagerly anticipate the arrival of these partners, and form strong bonds with them through these relationships. Teachers enjoy having the assistance provided by these partners, whose helping hands free more time for them to devote to instruction. Students benefit from outstanding role models, not only of military members, but as outstanding examples of the service that can be provided through volunteerism. One member of this partnership remarked that "children are the seeds we plant for our future, our leaders for tomorrow." This partnership provides an outstanding example of the contribution made by our military community, and the benefit they provide to schools and our community in general. Folks are all smiles at White Oaks!
Bryant & Stratton College and Princess Anne High School
The partnership with Bryant & Stratton is designed to provide Princess Anne High School Juniors and Seniors with the resources they need to make informed career and workplace choices. The activities of this partnership are varied, but include several types of presentations designed to teach students basic career skills such as portfolio development, resume writing, interviewing techniques, professionalism and goal setting. Students participate in field trips to Bryant & Stratton, where they become familiar with college life and have the opportunity to participate in pre-college activities. Over the five years that this partnership has been in existence, nearly 800 Princess Anne students have benefited from these activities, and over 30 students have enrolled in Bryant & Stratton's programs. After one presentation, one student remarked that it had been a "wake up call for life"!
USS America Carrier Veterans and Brookwood Elementary School
Since 1988, this partnership has provided assistance to the faculty and staff of Brookwood Elementary School. This multigenerational partnership brings a special warmth and wisdom to the community of Brookwood. Partners visit regularly, often bringing snacks for the kindergarteners. They work with students, helping them boost their reading skills through the Accelerated Reader program. Students love to see their name on the wall of fame and enjoy the warmth of reading aloud to someone. Staff loves these partners for their assistance with many tasks, and especially appreciate the cookies they bring to their classes. USS America volunteers reward good citizenship among students, and students are motivated to make good behavioral choices as a result of their support. For over fifteen years, the USS America has steadfastly partnered with Brookwood Elementary, setting an example of longevity and commitment.
STIHL, Incorporated and the Virginia Beach Technical and Career Education Center
The Tech Center's partnership with STIHL has brought "MORE POWER" to Tech Center students! Through the efforts of John Keeler and STIHL staff, working in partnership with the Tech Center, the Outdoor Power Equipment class came to exist. This class was made possible through STIHL's participation and leadership, along with their generous donation of tens of thousands of dollars worth of equipment for instructional use. Thanks to STIHL, the program opened with a fully equipped classroom and lab space that is second to none in the area. STIHL employees also provided industry representatives as guest speakers, accompanied student tours of their facilities, and allowed employees to serve on the Craft Committee for the program. In return, STIHL has the advantage of increasing their workforce potential, addressing the current shortage of skilled employees in the industry. The first students will complete the program this spring, and most will graduate with multiple OPE industry certifications. The partnership between STIHL and the Tech Center has resulted in a solid foundation for success-and students who are well 'equipped' to succeed in their future careers.
Office of Gifted Education and Academy Programs and The Chrysler Museum of Art
This partnership exists to facilitate the SAPLINGS program, which stands for Students and Parents Learning Intellectual Growth Strategies. This parent-education program teaches parents simple techniques for encouraging the development of thinking skills in our children. As part of the Emerging Scholars Initiative, designed to encourage identification of students in the VBCPS gifted program, target schools were invited to participate in this program. Through this citywide partnership with the Chrysler Museum of Art, families from participating schools had the opportunity to visit the Chrysler Museum. While at the museum, students receive a tour of the facility, while parents receive an orientation. At this orientation, parents learn strategies for interacting with their children. These strategies are called COWLICKS, which stands for counting, observation, words, letters, imagination, compare and contrast, kinesthetics, and senses. Parents report that as a result of these visits, they feel more comfortable visiting the museum, and would be more likely to engage in culture rich activities with their children. Participating schools have increased opportunity to screen these students for gifted services, using anecdotal records taken during the tour. This collaborative relationship between the Chrysler Museum and VBCPS truly brings culture into the schools!
Kempsville Middle School and Providence Elementary
Students helping students is the name of the game of this partnership. Since 2001, students from Kempsville Middle School have worked with first through fourth grade students at Providence one hour a day, at least once a week. These mentors help facilitate writing assignments, monitor morning work, and assist with reading. This program has grown from twelve middle school mentors to forty five-and in the words of one mentor, "it makes me feel good to know I'm helping somebody". Students regularly ask "will my mentor be here today?" and eagerly anticipate having their mentor to talk to, read to, and spend time with. The mentors are given the opportunity for community service, and also gain self-confidence and understand the meaning of commitment. This 'win-win' partnership is a true example of the dedication and kindness of young people.
ATA Black Belt Academy and Salem Elementary School
These dedicated partners have earned a Black Belt in partnering with Salem Elementary! This relationship runs the gamut of activities and ATA has been involved in every aspect of the school community. According to Salem's Principal, "we couldn't do it without them!" ATA's members have taught Taekwondo to all students in grades 1-5 during PE, along with SOL correlated lessons in self control and positive, healthy habits. But their contribution doesn't stop there! This partner purchased books for over 80 families to keep during Reading Month, donated the funds to purchase planners for 550 Salem students, and provided mentors, Field Day assistance, and educational after school programs for students. One Salem parent commented that it is "refreshing that they not only give us monetary donations, but they also manage to commit their time. Their positive influence is seen throughout the school on a weekly basis." The effect of this partnership is perhaps summed up best by Salem's PTA President, who said "We can't ask for a better Partner in Education!"
Virginia Department of Social Services and Virginia Beach Central Academy
Since 1998, Central Academy students have learned the concept of volunteering through this partnership with Respite Daycare. Four times per year, students from Central Academy visit the Respite Daycare. The big kids spend time with the little ones, doing puzzles, coloring, blowing bubbles, swinging on the swings and making crafts. At Christmas, Central Academy holds an "Adopt a Child" activity, where students and staff donate gifts for the children, which are delivered to the daycare by Central Academy's students. The relationships formed as a result of these visits are so close that often Central Academy students often want to bring their child home with them, and the little ones cry because they don't want the students to leave. This is a wonderful lesson for the older students who realize the benefit and joy of helping others, and that community service has intrinsic rewards. Students are eager to take part in this program, and after graduation, often report that the Respite Daycare visits were among their most memorable experiences of their school years.
ERM Media and Salem High School
The two major guiding philosophies of Salem's Visual and Performing Arts Academy are for students to be exposed to and participate in a variety of art strands and also to create professional opportunities for academy students. Salem's partnership with ERM Media has provided both! During the premiere year of the academy, ERM Media's president, Robert Winstin, acted as artist-in-residence, and was instrumental in advising administration on musical selections for academy students. Once school began, he conducted after-school performance classes in instrumental techniques. Students in these classes have played in two performances and Academy Showcases. ERM Media even provided a recording technician and equipment to record a professional quality CD. This CD was sold by academy students to raise funds for the program, and was played at radio stations across the country. ERM Media and Salem High School sound like a winning team!