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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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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

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

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.

Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Ty M. HarrisDirector of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is deeply committed to enhancing the success of diverse students, staff, and the community, as part of the broader goal to enrich the educational experiences and success of every student in the division. The director ensures that equity is embedded in the work of all schools, centers and departments through development and implementation of diversity, equity, and inclusion and student achievement. The office is comprised of a director, coordinator and administrative associate who drive the division’s efforts to create safe, welcoming and equitable teaching and learning environments.

Additionally, the office partners with all departments, schools/centers and the broader community to help develop initiatives aimed at fostering more awareness, advocacy and action. The office reports to the Superintendent of Schools to ensure consistent communication exists with respect to the division’s strategic goals and core values. The office provides leadership and strategic oversight of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives across the division.

The director serves as liaison to the Virginia Beach Human Rights Commission and Minority Business Council. The director also serves as an ombudsman to offer neutral, guidance on a variety of equity issues for students and families of VBCPS. Because every situation is unique, the office has discretion to determine how to appropriately respond to a specific situation. Depending on the particular facts and circumstances of a reported situation, the office will typically respond by conducting an investigation, facilitating an alternative resolution, or referring the matter to another department for further guidance and action.

diversity, equity and inclusion