Local News
School Board approves CTE & special ed plans, security equipment contract, & more
The Warren County School Board on Wednesday, April 6, unanimously approved several action agenda items, including a contract to install security equipment, a contract for solid waste removal, the annual special education plan, an interagency agreement between Warren County Public Schools (WCPS) and RSW Regional Jail, and an annual plan for career and technical education (CTE).
All School Board members were present during the regular meeting, including Chair Kristen Pence, Vice-Chair Ralph Rinaldi, and board members Andrea Lo, Antoinette Funk, and Melanie Salins.
The first board approval was to award a $70,843 contract to Richmond, Virginia-based National Security, and Door Corp. for the installation of card readers at WCPS elementary schools.
WCPS Assistant Superintendent for Administration George “Buck” Smith said division staff in August 2021 submitted a grant application through the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) for security equipment enhancements at four of the five elementary schools.
The grant request was for the installation of card readers for the exterior doors at Hilda J. Barbour, Ressie Jefferies, Leslie Fox Keyser, and E.W. Morrison elementary schools, which have little or no electronic door access systems, Smith explained.
“The card readers will alleviate the need for staff to have exterior door keys, which are frequently lost,” Smith told the board members in making the contract request.
Smith noted that the card readers give staff the ability to immediately activate or deactivate any card that is reported lost or stolen and offers the capability for school administrators to track who is entering the buildings, through which door, and on what day and time. Staff also will be able to create multiple access levels to further enhance the physical security of the buildings, he said.
While WCPS had requested $100,000 from VDOE, the division received notification in January that WCPS had been awarded $56,127 of the requested amount. The grant stipulates that there must be a 25 percent local match (which totals $14,031.75) and all equipment and installation must be completed by June 30, according to Smith.
The second board approval was for a renewal contract for the 2022-2023 school year for Republic Services, which handles the solid waste and dumpster container service for WCPS. The current renewal period with Republic Services expires on June 30, with one renewal year remaining, said Smith, who told School Board members that Republic Services requested a 4.2 percent increase from the previous year’s costs of $68,000.
“Staff has reviewed the requested annual increase amount and confirmed that the requested amount is within range of the CPI,” said Smith, referring to the Consumer Price Index for March.
The local needs assessment is required documentation under the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, also known as Perkins V, which was signed into law by former President Donald Trump on July 31, 2018. The bipartisan measure reauthorized the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (Perkins IV) and continues Congress’ commitment in providing nearly $1.3 billion annually for CTE programs across the nation.
As part of receiving grant dollars, Perkins V calls for updated CTE Local Needs Assessments every two years, Baker said. The report includes data on CTE student performance; program size, scope, and quality; program alignment to the labor market; program implementation; program staff recruitment, retention, and development; and program access and equity.
In Warren County, for example, Baker said that data on the CTE’s program alignment to the labor market showed some “surprising information,” namely that while data sources show national manufacturing sector jobs are down 12 percent, “all local manufacturers are in desperate need” of employees, she said.
“We are working with local manufacturers on specific course work that has transferable skills, including small engine repair and ag fabrication, as well as a potential boot camp for 12th graders that would end with a hiring event,” Baker said.
Following her presentation, Baker proposed that the board approve the 2022-2023 Local Perkins CTE Plan as presented “with the knowledge that amendments will occur as information becomes available.”
Specifically, the 2022-2023 local plan for CTE Perkins funds provides Warren County with funding to purchase materials and equipment, support professional development, and support members of identified special populations engaged in CTE student organizations, Baker explained, noting, “The funding assists us in providing the equipment, training, and related resources that will enable our students to be workforce ready.”
VDOE deems the provided information as “substantially approvable” in its present form, said Baker. And while final numbers are not yet available from VDOE, it is expected that the funding will be similar to the numbers presented in the plan, which she said are reflective of last year’s allotment. An amendment to the plan will occur and be submitted to VDOE when feasible, Baker added.
The School Board approved the plan.
Other action
Among its final actions for the evening, the board also approved both the Interagency Agreement between WCPS and RSW Regional Jail for the provision of special education and related services to eligible inmates, as well as the 2022-2023 Special Education Annual Plan.
WCPS Director of Special Services Michael Hirsch presented both the agreement and annual plan for approval. The 2022-2023 Special Education Annual Plan includes an application for federal funding in the amount of $1,227,721 for 611 Part-B and $31,841 for 619 Part-B with total funding of $1,259,562 to be approved for submission to VDOE, he said.
Additionally, the interagency agreement with the jail will be included in the annual special ed plan, said Hirsch.
The board also approved the Title II/IV Parent Advisory Committee. Title II provides federal funding to states and districts for activities that strengthen instructional leadership and teacher quality in all schools, especially those with a high proportion of children in poverty, while Title IV, Part A provides funds for programs and activities to improve students’ academic achievement.
During the process of developing the school system’s application for these funds, it is the responsibility of the school system to seek input on the needs of the school division regarding the grant funds from various stakeholders, including parents, said WCPS Elementary School Principal Lisa Rudacille.
The School Board members also voted unanimously to accept with gratitude a Giant/Martins Feeding School Kids check donation of $10,339.64 for the WCPS Food Service Department, and voted 4-1, with Salins voting nay, to adopt the Code of Conduct for school board members offered by the Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA).
After an approximately two-hour public meeting, the board convened in a closed meeting to discuss the superintendent’s midyear evaluation. In fact, prior to the start of the 7 pm meeting, the School Board authorized a closed meeting that started at 6 pm to discuss a student discipline report.
Click here to watch the Warren County School Board’s April 6 regular meeting in its entirety.
Local News
Illuminating Futures: Celebrating Achievements and Exploring Quantum Computing at ‘This is IT!’ Event
The “This Is IT!” club of Warren County, Virginia, marked another milestone as a hub for budding IT enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds. The club, which started in 2023, has quickly become a cornerstone for students interested in the ever-evolving world of information technology.
At the ‘This is IT!’ club gathering at the Samuels Public Library on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, students and community members came together to celebrate and learn. The club includes 9th to 12th-grade students from public, private, and homeschool backgrounds and is aimed to ignite curiosity and reward academic excellence in information technology and quantum computing.
The ceremony kicked off with an introduction by Melissa Chapman, an instructor involved with the club. She set the stage for a night that was not only about recognition but also about expanding young minds. “Understanding the vocabulary of quantum computing is the first step towards mastery,” Chapman remarked, highlighting the importance of foundational knowledge in this cutting-edge field.
The focal point of the evening was the guest lecture by Dr. Bruce Chesley, an aerospace engineer who adeptly connected the seemingly distant realms of space exploration and quantum computing. With palpable enthusiasm, Dr. Chesley described how quantum technologies could revolutionize our approach to exploring the cosmos. His talk made the complex topics accessible and entertaining, captivating the aspiring scientists in attendance.
Amidst the talks, the club took a moment to honor its bright young members through a scholarship awards ceremony. Scholarships were awarded to students who have shown exceptional prowess in STEM fields. These awards are a testament to the community’s support for its young learners and a major encouragement for them to pursue further education in technology. The winners were Jude O’Neal, Elijah Hambric, Jack Gillespie, Benedict Keough, Matthias Biedler, and Uli Duke.
Local News
The Apple Blossom Coronation Legacy Continues for the Historical Event
For the first time in the history of the Shenandoah Apple Bossom Festival® three consecutive generations in a family will have served as Queen Shenandoah. Susan Ford Bales, Queen in 1975, and Tyne Vance Berlanga, Queen in 2001, will be accompanying Joy Elizabeth Berlanga as she assumes her role as Queen Shenandoah XCVII.
The Crowning Ceremony entertains from regal pomp and circumstance to joyful enthusiasm of Little Maids and Pages who are ever present to serve their Queen. The youthful court interchange historical and educational facts from the British Crown to learning about a United States President – to asking, “Who has the Crown?,” and with dancing. The Queen will be crowned at the memorable Coronation celebration under the direction of Elaine B. Aikens. The Ceremony to install the new sovereign is sponsored by Morgan Orthodontics, on Friday, May 3 at 1:30 p.m.at Handley High School. President Gerald Ford crowned Susan. Susan crowned Tyne, and Joy will be crowned by her mother and escorted by her grandmother.
Susan, Joy’s grandmother, is a Virginia native and now resides in Texas. She is the daughter of President Gerald R. Ford and Betty Ford. Susan is the mother of two daughters, Tyne Berlanga and Heather Deavers, five grandchildren, Joy Elizabeth Berlanga, Cruz Vance Berlanga, Elizabeth Blanch Deavers, Jude Deavers, and Sullivan Bales, and three stepsons, Kevin, Matthew, and Andrew Bales.
Susan was raised in Alexandria, Virginia and attended Holton Arms School and the University of Kansas, where she studied photojournalism. She is the recipient of an Honorary Doctorate of Public Service degree, an Honorary Doctorate of Letters degree, and an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters degree. She is the author of two novels set in the Whie House, “Double Exposure: A First Daughter Mystery”, and its sequel, “Sharp Focus.”
Susan is the Ship’s Sponsor for the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), which she officially christened on November 9, 2013. On April 8, 2016, in recognition of her service as the Ship’s Sponsor, she was named an Honorary Naval Aviator by the United States Navy, becoming only the 31st American to receive this distinction. And history was made with her selection – Susan is the first woman to be chosen as an Honorary Naval Aviator.
During her high school years, Susan lived in the White House and served as official White House hostess following her mother’s surgery for breast cancer in 1974. In 1984, she and her mother helped launch National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Susan subsequently served as national spokesperson for breast cancer awareness. Since the founding of the Betty Ford Center in 1982, Susan worked side by side with her mother on projects at the Center and was elected to the Center’s Board of Directors in 1992. She succeeded her mother as Chairman of the Board 2005-2010, and currently serves on the board of directors of Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation.
In addition to her many charitable public service activities, Susan serves as Co-Trustee of the President Gerald R. Ford Historical Legacy, Trustee, Trustee of the Elizabeth B. Ford Charitable Trust, and the Honorary Advisory Committee of the Children’s National Medical Center.
Tyne, mother of Joy, Queen-designate, resides in Frisco, TX with her husband Hector and two children, Joy and Cruz. She serves as a marketing manager for Western Son. With a passion for community involvement, Tyne sits on multiple school booster club boards for all her children’s activities.
On Tyne’s departure as Queen she reflected, “It was easy to be kind, gracious and humble Queen when surrounded by the people of Winchester. My five-day reign as Queen Shenandoah was an occasion that will have a special place in my heart. I have formed friendships and made memories that will hopefully stay with me for a long time to come. On Sunday morning I was doing an exit interview with one of the reporters and he asked me, “If l had a daughter would I let her be Queen?” My answer was immediately “Yes, if she’s lucky enough to be given this opportunity.” Now, Tyne eagerly anticipates returning to Winchester where Joy is set to embark on a remarkable journey, echoing Tyne’s own experiences from 23 years prior. It’s truly heartwarming to be able to share this moment with both her mother and daughter.
The Queen and her family will ride in the Hang 10 Firefighters’ Parade Friday evening at 5:30 and the glo fiber Grand Feature Parade on Saturday, May 4 at 1:30 p.m. Queen-designate Joy and her family will be making appearances at Festival events during the weekend.
Tickets to Festival events are available at www.thebloom.com/events.
Community Events
Valley Chorale Announces Upcoming Spring Concerts in Middletown and Front Royal
The Valley Chorale presents “Wishing On a Song – Music in the Key of Hope”, a spring concert exploring aspirations of love, home, spirituality and compassion that unite and uplift us all. With styles ranging from light classical and sacred to vocal jazz, spirituals and pop, The Valley Chorale strives to capture the hopes that unite us.
The Valley Chorale is known throughout the Shenandoah Valley for innovation and excellence, with piano, cello and percussion accompaniment, and their concerts are often a heart-warming experience for all. They welcome babies and tots, so no need to hire a babysitter.
Tickets can be purchased on their website TheValleyChorale.org — $15 for age 21+ (free under age 21) or at the door for $17.
SATURDAY, MAY 4, 3:00 – 4:15 PM
Belle Grove Plantation (Bank Barn), 336 Belle Grove Road, Middletown, VA
SUNDAY, MAY 5, 3:00 – 4:15 PM
First Baptist Church, 14 W. 1st Street, Front Royal, VA (Community Reception to follow)
For further information, visit the website: TheValleyChorale.org: follow them on Facebook; email them at TheValleyChorale@gmail.com or call at 540-635-4842.
(From a Release by The Valley Chorale)
Local News
Warren Coalition Announces 2024 Video Contest Winners
Just before spring break, the Warren Coalition presented first-place prizes to four students for their submissions in the annual Health Video Contest. Jerry Buhl and Kenny Buhl, brothers who are both students at Warren County Middle School, won in the categories of Eating Healthy and Getting Enough Sleep, respectively. Caleb Rodman, a local homeschool student, was honored for his submission about Drinking Enough Water. Landon Marut of Front Royal Christian Academy took the top prize in the Exercise category. Each of the students received $125 in Amazon gift cards.
The contest was open to all middle school students, ages 11-14, in Warren County. Students could elect to submit a video about getting regular exercise, getting enough sleep, drinking water, or maintaining healthy eating habits. The contest was held as part of the Warren Coalition’s WAHOO (Working to Achieve Healthy Outcomes and Opportunities) program, which is funded by the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth. Their videos will be used as healthy living ads throughout Warren County in the late spring/early summer.
Warren Coalition is a nonprofit agency established in 1994 to help fill the gaps in health care and substance abuse awareness to the community. The Coalition began under the guidance of Warren Memorial Hospital as an outreach project, but it has since grown and was incorporated in 2001. The office is currently located in the Warren County Community Center. Their mission is to make Warren County a safe, healthy, and drug free community through many programs and in collaboration with 15+ member agencies.
Local News
Warren County Habitat for Humanity Receives Major Grant to Support Housing and Community Revitalization
Warren County Habitat for Humanity has been awarded a substantial $235,466 grant from the Susan Dewey Virginia Housing Grant. This funding will enhance their ongoing efforts to revitalize neighborhoods and provide affordable housing, with a focus on the Osage Street project.
The grant, named in honor of Susan Dewey’s 25 years of dedication at Virginia Housing, underscores a commitment to eliminating substandard housing and promoting vibrant, healthy communities. It is part of a larger $1 million initiative aimed at supporting the construction, rehabilitation, and preservation of single-family homes across the state.
Warren County Habitat for Humanity is among five affiliates chosen for this generous grant. The funds are expected to aid in covering construction costs and reducing loan expenses, making homeownership more accessible to families striving for better living conditions.
Debra Siksay, President of the local Habitat chapter, expressed her gratitude, stating, “This grant from Virginia Housing is a monumental support for our Osage Street project and other endeavors. It allows us to push forward with our neighborhood improvement plans and make a lasting impact in the community.”
The organization’s mission, deeply rooted in the values of community and hope, is to ensure that every family in Warren County has a decent, safe place to call home. The Susan Dewey Virginia Housing Grant will play a crucial role in bringing that vision to life by empowering families and fostering community development.
Residents interested in learning more about the Habitat for Humanity projects or wishing to contribute can visit the Warren County Habitat website at www.warrencountyhabitat.org or contact their office at 540-551-3232.
Warren County Habitat for Humanity continues to work tirelessly towards a world where everyone has a decent place to live, supported by community efforts and generous funding such as the Susan Dewey Virginia Housing Grant.
Local News
Blue Ridge Wildlife Center Patient of the Week: Red Fox
A quick turnaround for this lucky fox!
As the only wildlife-dedicated hospital in the Northern Virginia area, we rely on a variety of other organizations to get orphaned, injured, and ill wildlife to us for treatment from various locations.
Big thank you to the Animal Welfare League of Arlington and their skilled officers for responding to a call about a fox in distress with a trap on his neck. Their quick thinking got this fox contained, the trap removed, and the fox transported to us for further evaluation and treatment.
On intake, this fox was relatively quiet but required sedation to be fully examined. While there was initially blood seen on the fox’s paw, the only major injuries found were wounds on the neck caused by the trap. The blood was likely from the fox using his paw to scratch at the trap in an attempt to remove it.
With a long-lasting antibiotic on board as well as pain medications, this fox bounced back quickly and was moved outside to a pre-release shelter for continued healing. He quickly began digging, eating, and acting appropriately towards staff.
A few good days of food and rest, this adult fox was cleared for release by our veterinary team! We are overjoyed we were able to get this beautiful guy back to the wild:
Thank you to ALL involved in this animal’s rescue, care, rehabilitation, and release. It truly takes a village and we’re so thankful to have an amazing community dedicated to the well-being of wildlife.
It’s important to note that trapping within Arlington is illegal – if you have any information on anyone setting illegal traps in Arlington, please contact the AWLA to report information!
Looking for an easy way to help native wildlife? Become a monthly BRWC donor! For as little as $5/month, you can provide year-round, sustainable support that helps us fulfill our mission.