At its Jan. 14 meeting, the School Board of the City of Virginia Beach elected Kathleen Brown as chair and Carolyn Weems as vice chair. Brown has served on the School Board for two years and Weems for 22 years.
Seatack Elementary School
Why Seatack Elementary School?
An Achievable Dream (AAD)serves nearly 400 students in grades kindergarten through fifth grade at Seatack Elementary. An Achievable Dream Academy brings equity to education by providing opportunities for student success in school and life.
Key Program Elements:
● Culture of hope and high achievement: AAD instills a sense of hope, ambition, and belief in students' potential, cultivating an environment where high achievement is the expectation, and students are encouraged to set and pursue ambitious goals.
● Extended Academic Time: Students receive extended academic time to focus on learning, with a 200-day school year, 8.5-hour day, 4-week summer intersession, and Saturday School for small-group interaction/engagement.
● Social Rotation: Students participate in social rotations, where they engage in lessons and activities focused on developing social skills, emotional intelligence, character building, and teamwork, ensuring they are well-rounded individuals ready to navigate various social environments. These include but are not limited to ethics, speaking green (standard business English), etiquette, mindfulness, and conflict resolution.
● Field Trips: Students take part in over 60 educational field trips each year at no cost, offering hands-on learning experiences that enhance their understanding and retention of academic subjects.
● Clubs: A variety of clubs are available for students to join, providing opportunities for them to explore interests, develop skills, and engage in extracurricular activities outside of the classroom.
● College and career readiness activities: AAD students participate in activities like college and business field trips, and career days to gain exposure to various career paths and higher education options, helping them make informed decisions about their futures.
● Parent/guardian engagement: AAD fosters strong partnerships with parents and guardians, encouraging active involvement in their child's educational journey through workshops, events, and regular communication, creating a support system at home and school.
● Wrap-around supports: AAD offers comprehensive support services to address students' emotional, social, and academic needs, including counseling, mentorship, and access to resources that ensure they thrive both in and out of the classroom.