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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.

School Health Advisory Board

Mission Statement

The Virginia Beach City Public Schools established a School Health Advisory Board (SHAB) in 1991. Its primary purpose is to advocate for student health, and to advise the school division regarding student health issues and school health programs. The SHAB meets quarterly during each school year at the Laskin Road Annex and is comprised of volunteers which includes: parents, school employees, health professionals, and community representatives.

Contact person:

Heidi Sowala, VBCPS Coordinator of Health Services, 757.263.2025

School Health Advisory Board Members

Heidi Sowala, MSN, RN - Chairperson
Coordinator of Health Services
757.263.2025 (w)

Sheila Jones, Coordinator
Health and Physical Education

Sandra Fabian
Community Outreach Program Manager
Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters

Jackie Corfey, RN
School Resource Nurse, Health Services Office

Grace Aspiras
Benefits Program Specialist, Consolidated Benefits Office
City of Virginia Beach/Virginia Beach City Public Schools

Steve M. LePock, II
Risk Manager, Office of Risk Management

Valerie Lewis, Nutrition/Training Coordinator
Office of Food Services

Roseann Liberatore, RDN, LDN, Parent
Manager Youth Wellness, The Dairy Association

Susan Roenker
Occupational Safety Specialist, Office of Risk Management

Heidi Sowala, RN
Nursing Specialist, Health Services Office

John Smith, ED. D
Director Office of Food Services, School Administration Annex