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Two Virginia Beach schools recognized as national models for college and career readiness
Two Virginia Beach schools recognized as national models for college and career readiness

Great Neck and Salem Middle schools in Virginia Beach have once again received distinction as AVID National Demonstration Schools. This elite designation has been awarded to only 200 of 8,000 AVID schools in the United States and around the world. AVID National Demonstration Schools exhibit a college and career readiness culture through rigor and high expectations for all students throughout the school.

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Community Listening Sessions Scheduled March 25 – April 3 ​​​​​​​ to Gain Resident Input on Future Election System

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (March 13, 2023) – The City of Virginia Beach, in partnership with the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia, will hold a series of community listening sessions between March 25 and April 3. Residents will have an opportunity to provide their input on the City’s election system and how they elect their representatives. Feedback will be captured by the event moderators and provided to City Council in a final report.

Two Virginia Beach schools recognized as national models for college and career readiness
Two Virginia Beach schools recognized as national models for college and career readiness (opens in new window/tab)

Great Neck and Salem Middle schools in Virginia Beach have once again received distinction as AVID National Demonstration Schools. This elite designation has been awarded to only 200 of 8,000 AVID schools in the United States and around the world. AVID National Demonstration Schools exhibit a college and career readiness culture through rigor and high expectations for all students throughout the school.

Students with "EllRay Jakes is Magic!" book
VBCPS plans a magical month of reading with All District Reads (opens in new window/tab)

Ask any Virginia Beach fifth grader what they’re reading in March, and they’ll all answer the same thing — “EllRay Jakes is Magic!” That’s because Virginia Beach City Public Schools is participating in an exciting literacy program called All District Reads, which puts a free book into the hands of every fifth grader and encourages them to read aloud and discuss the story with their families, classmates and community.

Seatack Elementary School

Why Seatack Elementary School?

After extensive conversations with organizers of An Achievable Dream, site visits and examining the schools’ data, the School Board became convinced that this is a program that would benefit Virginia

Beach school children. An Achievable Dream has an impressive track record. Upon graduation, 100 percent of its graduates were attending college or trade school or had enlisted in the military.

The School Board entered into a contract with An Achievable Dream to start a program in Virginia Beach. Seatack Elementary School was selected as the home for many reasons:

  • There is a proud history of community and parental support that school administration believes will facilitate a successful program start-up;
  • School system leadership believes the expanded opportunities inherent in An Achievable Dream will improve the chances of success for some very deserving students.
  • The student enrollment at both Seatack Elementary and Birdneck Elementary is lower than what the buildings will accommodate. This is important as An Achievable Dream provides students the opportunity to participate in extended school day offerings, including enrichment and remedial assistance. These kinds of activities do require adequate space. Those Seatack families that do not want to commit to having their children particiapte in the program will be able to receive an out-of-zone transfer to Birdneck.