Local News
Virginia announces accreditation results for 2017-2018
RICHMOND – The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) released accreditation results for state schools on Wednesday, and as expected, Warren County’s Ressie Jeffries Elementary School had its accreditation denied for the 2017-2018 school year.
While about 70 percent of schools in the Northern Shenandoah Valley (Warren, Shenandoah and Frederick counties) will receive full accreditation for the next school year, it is lower than the 86 percent of schools across the commonwealth that are set to be fully accredited next year.
Across Virginia, English had the lowest pass-rate of any subject, and that was reflected in Warren County schools as well.
The official accreditation ratings the state released Wednesday point to the difficulty Warren County Schools have had in meeting benchmark standards in English.
Moreover, according to official accreditation results released Wednesday by the VDOE, three of the seven schools in Warren County for which the state provided official results failed to meet the English standard.
Warren County’s English scores were in areas in which improvement is desperately needed, as Ressie Jeffries Elementary School, Skyline High School and E. Wilson Morrison Elementary School all failed to meet English standards. Moreover, Ressie Jefferies also failed to meet the state standards in a subject other than English; the school received a 61 in science.
E. Wilson Morrison will maintain its full accreditation status because of scores from previous years.
In 27 divisions statewide, 88 schools were denied state accreditation for 2017-2018 because of low student achievement.
In Richmond, meanwhile, Governor Terry McAuliffe responded to the announcement that 1,573 of Virginia’s 1,823 schools are fully accredited – a record high for his administration. “This is a significant accomplishment for Virginia’s public schools, and one that is the result of tremendous diligence and hard work of our students, teachers, principals and division leaders over many years,” said Governor Terry McAuliffe. “These schools are proving the strong leadership at the state and local level, combined with smart policy and adequate resources can make a real difference how our Commonwealth prepares the next generation to succeed in a new Virginia economy. I am proud of the success we are seeing in schools across the Commonwealth and look forward to building on these results in the months to come.”
For more information on the VDOE’s announcement, click on this link: http://www.doe.virginia.gov/news/news_releases/2017/09_sep13.shtml.
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Local News
Warren County Educational Endowment Seeks Administrative Assistant
Warren County seeks a dedicated Administrative Assistant to join the Warren County Educational Endowment (WCEE). This part-time role is perfect for individuals adept at multitasking and passionate about education and community development. The position boasts flexible hours with a workload that integrates well into a dynamic lifestyle, particularly appealing to those who thrive in managing both clerical and interpersonal tasks.
The Administrative Assistant will support the WCEE by preparing necessary materials for quarterly meetings, including agendas and documents. They will also handle important financial tasks such as check deposits, bank statement reconciliations, and processing annual tax reports. Additionally, the Assistant is tasked with maintaining the donor software program and managing the WCEE’s online presence, which includes updating the organization’s website and social media platforms.
A notable aspect of the role includes active participation in marketing initiatives and direct involvement in fundraising activities, which are vital for the sustainability of the endowment. The Assistant will work closely with the WCEE President and various committee chairpersons to ensure all aspects of the organization’s administration run smoothly.
Job responsibilities include recording minutes at board meetings, handling correspondence with donors—including thank you letters—and supporting the overall grant process in collaboration with the Grant Committee Chairperson. The role demands a proactive approach to office and online management, ensuring that all administrative aspects are current and effective in supporting the WCEE’s objectives.
The position offers a compensation package commensurate with experience, reflecting the significant responsibility and flexibility the role entails. Applicants should be prepared for a workload increase during critical periods such as quarterly meetings, fundraising events, and grant processes.
Interested candidates are encouraged to visit the WCEE website to learn more about the organization’s goals and contributions to educational excellence in Warren County. The deadline for applications is May 31, 2024. This opportunity is ideal for someone looking to significantly impact their community while working in a supportive and enriching environment.
For those ready to step into a role that makes a difference, ensure your application, including a cover letter and resume, is submitted promptly to be considered for this enriching opportunity.
Local News
VDOT: Warren County Traffic Alert for May 13 – 17, 2024
The following is a list of highway work that may affect traffic in Warren County during the coming weeks. Scheduled work is subject to change due to inclement weather and material supplies. Motorists are advised to watch for slow-moving tractors during mowing operations. When traveling through a work zone, be alert to periodic changes in traffic patterns and lane closures.
*NEW* or *UPDATE* indicates a new or revised entry since last week’s report.
INTERSTATE 66
*NEW* Mile marker 0 to 2, eastbound and westbound – Right shoulder closures for litter pickup operations, 12:15 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. Wednesday.
*UPDATE* Mile marker 0 to 7, eastbound – Right shoulder closures for utility work, 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. through May 31.
*NEW* Mile marker 6 to 8, eastbound and westbound – Right shoulder closures for litter pickup operations, 12 noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday.
*NEW* Mile marker 11 to 12, eastbound and westbound – Left lane closures for inspection of bridges over Route 647 (Dismal Hollow Road) and Manassas Run, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
INTERSTATE 81
Mile marker 299 to 300, northbound – Right shoulder closures for utility work, 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. through May 31.
Mile marker 299 to 300, northbound and southbound –Overnight lane closures and traffic-lane shifts as needed, 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. through December 2024. Shoulder closures 24/7. Work zone speed limit 55 miles an hour. Work is related to southbound acceleration ramp extension and bridge widening with estimated completion in late 2024.
PRIMARY ROADS
Route 340 (Stonewall Jackson Highway) – Flagger traffic control between Route 674 (Limeton Church Road) and Route 607 (Rocky Lane) for pipe replacement, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Tuesday.
SECONDARY ROADS
Route 658 (Rockland Road) – Closed to through traffic between Route 340/522 (Winchester Road) and Route 705 (Fishnet Boulevard) for construction of bridge over Norfolk Southern Railway. Estimated completion December 2025.
Vegetation management may take place district-wide on various routes. Motorists are reminded to use extreme caution when traveling through work zones.
Traffic alerts and traveler information can be obtained by dialing 511 or at www.511Virginia.org.
Local News
Valley Chorale’s ‘Wishing on a Song’ Spring Finale in Front Royal Features Emotional Music From Gershwin to McCartney
The “new look” Valley Chorale, founded in 1962, ended its second year under new management and an up-and-coming artistic director, Samantha Isely — she arrived last Sunday afternoon! — with an unexpected toe-tapping post-intermission series of songs, including tunes from Paul McCartney (“Little Willow” written in 1995 as a tribute to Maureen Cox, the first wife of Beatles drummer Ringo Starr, who passed away in December 1994), Carly Simons (“Let the River Run”), and that “where we get our kicks” favorite from the good old days, “Route 66”.
More calming, perhaps, to the surroundings – Front Royal’s commodious First Baptist Church – was the first section of the program dedicated to songs featuring the works of Johann Sebastian Bach, George Gershwin, and others, including “O Love” featuring Sophia Alvini-Moore on cello.
The Front Royal appearance of the black-clad, 30-member choir was the third in this year’s Spring series of concerts conducted by Isely, who holds a B.A. in Choral Music Education from Northern Arizona University and later this month will receive her master’s degree in Vocal Pedagogy from Shenandoah University. Among the 30 choristers was David Freese, the current president of the non-profit Valley Chorale, and assistant choir director Kristina Sheppard, choral director at Gainesville High School.
The full house audience gave the choir and its pianist accompanist, Connie Gallond, standing ovations at the conclusion of the 75-minute concert, after which Isely announced a program of rehearsals beginning in August to prepare for a concert series in 2025.
In a statement to donors, Freese remarked: “All of us at The Valley Chorale are deeply grateful … for their generous support of our work. We salute your commitment to championing the choral arts in our communities.” Doctors Frederick and Daisy Broadhead of Front Royal Dental Care sponsored the Front Royal performance.