Transitioning with Transparency - Students, teachers, and parents are all concerned over Gov. Northam's closure of schools for the remainder of the academic year. What does this mean for my student? As guidance and support comes from Dr. Lane, VA State Superintendent, our board will be tasked to craft new guidelines and expectations for our students and teachers in this school year and the next. As we vote in new board members, we need leadership who have the best interest of our children in mind, as well as being mindful of the strain being put on our teachers and parents. My goal is to work hard to make sure every need is being met and that it is done so with appropriate communication to the community. We must make sure we educate our children, without putting undue pressure on our teaching staff and parents.

 

McHarg Reconstruction & Temporary McHarg/Belle Heth Combined Campus - The plan to move McHarg Elementary students and staff to Belle Heth Elementary for the duration of the McHarg reconstruction is still moving ahead. Consideration will need to be made for the safety and support of staff during the move out and move in of the schools. Costs for construction are always huge and a close eye will need to be kept on keeping the budget in check while addressing the facility needs of students and staff. With aging buildings serving our Intermediate and High School students, conscientious spending on each project is mandatory. I will represent students, teachers, and parent interests as the McHarg/Belle Heth transition moves forward as well as keeping a keen eye on the budget. I will communicate with RCPS parents and the community as progress is made. I have a child who is a rising 6th grader and will be directly impacted by the changes. We want this change to be smooth and successful for all students, teachers, and parents.

 

Mental Health - We know that many of our city’s children experience difficult home lives, struggle with food insecurity, are stressed with the new changes to school structure, and often face an uphill climb to reach expected standards of learning. Our teachers are doing everything within their power to address every students' needs - both educationally and emotionally. I believe we need to fund more school-wide trainings for our teachers to learn skills in identifying and supporting students in need of mental health care. We also need to provide assistance to our teachers who can be overwhelmed with the weight of their student’s trauma. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, my skill set can help inform the Board of needed mental health education.

 

Dalton & RHS: Scheduling, Policies, and Classes - As we return to school schedules in the fall, One Lunch and late start on Wednesday mornings may become the time and tools our teachers need to address missed academic skill building from this spring. I will work with the School Board to assess this new schedule to best serve our students, teachers, and parents. Communication is KEY between the schools and our families to disseminate information on the schedule, policy changes and enforcement, and to collect student and parent input. I have a child at Dalton Intermediate, so I have a vested interest in making sure his needs are being met with the schedule, the policies, as well as the classes he’s offered. Our teachers are working hard to help every student rise to meet the state Standards of Learning (SOL) requirements. I am as passionate about reaching the students who struggle as I am meeting the needs of our gifted students. I want to make sure that every child is receiving the support and education they need to achieve their potential, from those struggling to those succeeding.