Local News
Warren County Educational Endowment awards $44,411.74 in grants to Warren County Public Schools
The Warren County Educational Endowment awarded 10 grants this week, totaling $44,411.74, to the Warren County Public School System. Grants were awarded for the following projects:
- Breath of Life – Jane Baker/WCHS, SHS, and BRTC – $3,040.00 – The grant will be used to purchase adult manikins with CPR rate monitors for Sports Medicine and Nurse Assistant classes. CPR training and certification testing is now required for Sports Medicine and Nurse Assistant students. Neither high school has the proper equipment, and the adult manikins at the Tech Center no longer meet required specifications. The ability for the schools to provide their own CPR Trainers with equipment will cut costs of outside parties providing these services.
- Guitar Methods Course – Beth Whitney/Warren County High School – $4,933.79 – The goal of this project is to establish a guitar program at Warren County High School. Skyline High School already has a guitar program, so this would extend the opportunity to all high school students in the county. It would also expand on the ukulele and guitar programs at some of the county elementary schools. A guitar program would give students a new opportunity to expand their higher-level creative-thinking skills.
- Interact Streamer: Removing Communication and Learning Barriers– Amiira Lanterman/WCPS Special Services – $3,900.00 – The project will provide real-time access and improved academic success for students with barriers to communication and classroom instruction. Interact-Streamer is a streaming speech to text captioning system; as the teacher speaks, there is an instant “transcript” available for the student to follow along with the lecture in real time. Interact-Streamer provides a voice to students who need it; as the student types, there is an instant text-to-voice “dictation” for the rest of the class to hear. Interact-Streamer is a translator that directly translates conversations to and from a variety of foreign languages. Interact-Streamer requires a website, teacher microphone and USB receiver (all included in annual subscription). The WCPS Chromebooks are compatible with this system.
- Keeping Fit with Chromebooks – Sarah Putnam and Betsey Walker/ Warren County High School – $1,299.95 – This grant will fund a resource for students and faculty to encourage physical well-being while also enriching their minds through reading a book and/or completing work for class on their Chromebooks. This resource will also provide an opportunity for those students who might not participate in extracurricular physical activities to maintain physical well-being.
- Plickers – Jessica Ryan/Ressie Jeffries Elementary School – $1,688.00 – The funding will provide 4th grade teachers the opportunity to implement Plickers effectively in the classroom to enhance learning opportunities and engagement for all. Plickers is an interactive tool that is used within the classroom to collect real time data on formative assessments. The program was created by a teacher and provides students with an interactive approach to assessment. Students use Plicker cards to respond to teacher prepared questions. Plickers is an effective tool in the classroom and provides students with the opportunity to respond in an engaging way.
- The SELf Project (Social Emotional Learning to help the SELF) – JoAnna Martin/Social Services – $4,900.00 – The goal of The SELf Project is to foster a supportive foundation which promotes social and emotional competencies for adults and students. Social emotional skills are essential for students to thrive in school and in the world. The SELf Project provides an innovative approach to promote the five competencies of Social Emotional Learning (self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision-making). Support for delivering SEL content will be provided in two ways. On a larger level, elementary schools will be given Mindfulness Bins which will contain lessons and resources on mindfulness for teachers to easily implement mindfulness-related activities into their classrooms. In addition, there will be a focus on one classroom to pilot a more intensive option. The SELf Project combines an evidence-based curriculum and restorative practices as well as teacher self-care support systems to ensure that teachers are confident and able to successfully deliver a level of high quality SEL instruction. Supporting the teacher and providing encouragement for self-care is the most critical aspect of this project.
- I.G. (Boys Into Gentlemen) H.O.P.E. (Helping Others Pursue Excellence) – Shane Goodwin/ E. Wilson Morrison Elementary School – $5,650.00 – The project will instill leadership and service qualities in fourth and fifth grade students that will positively contribute to the local community and beyond. The goal for the project is to provide at-risk fourth and fifth grade boys and girls with a road map for a successful future in our community and beyond. The program for girls is called Helping Others Pursue Excellence (HOPE) and our boys program is called Boys Into Gentlemen (BIG). The project aim is to introduce students to opportunities that provide leadership development, emotional support systems, career exploration, networking opportunities, and community service opportunities.
- Customized Project Line in a School Store – Richard Gardner/Warren County High School – $6,000 – This project will have students participate in a Work-Based Learning experience through applications in a school-based enterprise (school store). By purchasing a Roland Direct to Garment Printer, the WCHS DECA’s school-based enterprise will be able to custom print school club and team apparel and cloth accessories. This will enable marketing students to explore and learn marketing concepts, such as product development, promotion, distribution, product acquisition, financing, and pricing, through a “hands-on” approach. Further CTE and Workplace Readiness Skills such as: demonstrating creativity and innovation; demonstrating critical thinking and problem solving; demonstrating customer service skills; collaborating with team members; and experiencing aspects of planning, management, financial responsibility, and technical and production skills required of workers within an industry/organization.
- Reducing the Ecological Footprint of Warren County – Kara Lewallen/Skyline High School Green Team– $3,000 – This project will provide every Warren County Kindergarten student with an organic, fair-trade, reusable grocery bag and a true story book about an animal that has suffered due to human plastic waste in our waterways. By providing the organic, fair-trade, reusable bags, we hope to encourage students and their families to make the shift to a more environmentally sustainable way of shopping. Plastics in the ocean and our bloodstreams are problems we can try to help solve by effective communication about the issues and collaboration among our students, school system, and local businesses.
- Patient Care Technician – Jane Baker/BRTC – $10,000 – This project will provide Nurse Assistant students additional training to become Certified Patient Care Technicians, Certified Phlebotomy Technicians, and Certified EKG Technicians. Patient Care Technician will be offered as an occupational course after the completion of Nurse Aide at the 12th-grade level. It emphasizes the study of nursing occupations as related to the healthcare system. Students will study normal growth and development, simple body structure and function, and medical terminology and will be introduced to microbes and disease. Upon completion of the course, students will master skills performing EKGs, basic medical, lab and exam procedures, drawing blood, and providing basic patient care. Students will be eligible to take the National Certification exams to become a Certified Phlebotomy Technician, Certified EKG Technician, and Certified Patient Care Technician.
The Endowment is a catalyst for improving the education and learning environment in Warren County Public Schools. Sometimes it takes private support of public efforts to incubate an idea or a new approach that helps students compete in a global marketplace, instills passion for life-long learning, and sparks a vision to strive for success. Programs funded by the Endowment are sponsored by our school system and are consistent with its mission and direction. They are intended to initiate sustained improvement in the fundamental capability of the school system and enhance the attractiveness of the community through the promotion of educational excellence.
Endowment President Doug Stanley stated, “The Warren County Educational Endowment maintains its commitment to its mission of helping the local school system support high level and creative programs for our children. The Board was again extremely excited to see the cooperation shown by the teachers in developing the grant proposals, many with cross collaboration of disciplines. With these ten grant awards, we feel that we have been able to provide additional tools to our dedicated teachers to continue to push innovation for our students in their Trek-to-Excellence.”
According to Interim School Superintendent Melody Sheppard, “The Warren County Educational Endowment continues to be a great partner of Warren County Public Schools. The funding provided by the Endowment enables our school system to create exciting learning opportunities for our students that otherwise may not have been possible. This year the Endowment is funding projects related to health sciences, performing arts, entrepreneurship, social-emotional learning, environmental stewardship, and accessibility. The Endowment continues to create a positive impact on our school system. We are thankful for their support.”
To date the Endowment has awarded 156 grants totaling $545,290.41. Persons interested in supporting the Endowment can contact the Endowment or make a donation at wceducationalendowment.org.
Local News
Front Royal Rotary ending its year with major student awards
The Rotary Club of Front Royal’s president, Lori Glascock, is using the last weeks of her one-year term of office to distribute scholarship money and other awards to worthy local students. On June 23, Ken Evans will be sworn in as the 2023-24 club president.
In addition to previous student awards and recognition of local outstanding teachers, Glascock, last Friday (June 2), handed out further awards to four students from Skyline and Warren County High Schools who excelled in the arts and in the fields of sport.
Isabella Pittelli, WCHS, received the 2023 Betsy Blauvelt Student Art Award. The late Betsy Blauvelt, a past president of Front Royal Rotary, was a long-time executive director of the old Wayside Theatre in Middletown. Blauvelt’s husband, David, and their daughters attended the presentation.
David Blauvelt and the Blauvelt daughters pose with WCHS Art Award winner Isabella Pittelli. Below, Kym Crump poses with Cody Henderson, Skyline High Art Award winner. – Rotary Photos by Bret Hrbek
Cody Henderson, Skyline, received the Kym Crump Student Art Award. Crump, also a former president of Front Royal Rotary and executive director of the Blue Ridge Arts Council, attended the presentation to Cody.
The John Marlow Male Athlete of the Year Award went to Daniel “DJ” Rizzo Jr., WCHS. The ceremony was watched by Marlow and his daughter, Emily Marlow Beck. Marlow was himself an outstanding high school and college athlete, also a past president of Front Royal Rotary and Mayor of the Town of Front Royal.
David “DJ” Rizzo Jr. and Sara Waller, WCHS male and female Athletes of the Year. Below, John Marlow, daughter Emily, and FR Rotary Club President Lori Glascock pose with male athlete award winner Rizzo.
Sara Waller, WCHS, received one of two 2023 Heidi Moore Female Athletic Awards, along with Ava Bordner, Skyline, who will pick up her award later this month. She was away competing in athletics at the state level. Heidi Moore was an outstanding county athlete who tragically died from cancer shortly after completing her high school years.
Local News
WC EDA’s second ‘Open-Door Business Session’ of year leads to optimism on educational-industry employment networking
On Thursday, June 1, the still legally named, if not actually jointly overseen Front Royal-Warren County Economic Development Authority (FR-WC EDA, aka WC EDA) hosted its second “Open Door Business Session” of four scheduled for this year. This one was hosted at the Villa Avenue Community Center. The first was held at the Virginia Inland Port meeting room in northern Warren County.
As County Director of Economic Development, Joe Petty noted in announcing this Open Door session: “This event is a part of the EDA’s continuous initiative to strengthen Warren County’s workforce development and enhance the economic prosperity of the region. The two-hour session will be packed with presentations, open discussions, and plenty of networking opportunities. Participants will have a chance to engage in meaningful discussions and network with key players influencing Warren County’s economic landscape.”
WC Director of Economic Development Joe Petty gets the County EDA’s second ‘Open Door Business Session’ of the year started with some demographics and overview of the community’s educational partners in workforce development.
Petty introduced participants, including representatives from Warren County Public Schools Blue Ridge Technical Center (Jane Baker, Heidi Rutz, and friend) and Laurel Ridge Community Colleges’ Workforce Solutions (Bill Pence). Following PowerPoint presentations by those educational representatives and a break for some face-to-face networking, the meeting moved to a panel discussion moderated by FR-WC EDA Board of Directors member Marjorie “Jori” Martin.
Royal Examiner later asked Martin for her impressions of this Open Door Business Session. “It was a very productive open-door session both in networking and workforce development,” she began enthusiastically. “Several participants connected for future endeavors. This workforce ‘open door’ built on the first one at the Inland Port, which brought together employers, developers, Port Authority, and government discussing employment and opportunity in the region.
“I, on a personal note, had not really appreciated the depth, dedication, and collaboration between the educational institutions. I look forward to further understanding the partnerships and opportunities to use these valuable resources to grow our workforce to support our existing businesses, and attract new business. The industry participants discussed changes in the workforce and companies adapting to address the needs of the company and the changing workforce. This is the second in a series of four scheduled for this year,” Martin reminded us of the County overseen
EDA’s Open Door Business Sessions. Future sessions will include a focus on small businesses in this area and their needs.
Following presentations by Warren County Public Schools and Laurel Ridge Community College’s Workforce Solutions, networking began during a break before a panel discussion.
Local News
VDOT: Warren County Traffic alert for June 5 – 9, 2023
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
Mile marker 0 to 15, eastbound and westbound – Overnight mobile lane closures for vegetation management, 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. through Thursday night.
*NEW* Mile marker 12 to 9, westbound – Alternating lane closures for paving operations, Monday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
INTERSTATE 81
Mile marker 299 to 300, northbound and southbound – Overnight single lane closures for equipment moving and bridge removal work, 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. through night of July 7.
PRIMARY ROADS
*NEW* Route 522 (Winchester Road/Remount Road) – Northbound and southbound overnight mobile lane closures between Clarke County line and Rappahannock County line for pavement marking operations, June 7 – 11 nights from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
SECONDARY ROADS
*NEW* Route 615 (Stokes Airport Road) – Closed between Route 619 (Rivermont Drive) and Route 618 (Ridgeway Road) for pipe replacement, Monday through Friday. Follow posted detour.
*NEW* Route 638 (Freezeland Road) – Flagger traffic control between FR-283 (Appalachian Lane/Crimson Lane) and Route 55 (John Marshall Highway) for inspection of the I-66 overpass bridge, Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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. Traffic alerts and traveler information also are available at www.511Virginia.org.
Local News
Shenandoah University recognizes outstanding achievements with Spring 2023 Dean’s List
Shenandoah University, a nationally recognized educational institution based in Winchester, Virginia, has recently announced the impressive accomplishments of 943 students who have earned a spot on the Spring 2023 Dean’s List. This distinction reflects the dedication, hard work, and academic excellence of students from various degree programs in Front Royal, Linden, and Lake Frederick. The university takes pride in recognizing these students for their outstanding achievements.
The Spring 2023 Dean’s List at Shenandoah University comprises an impressive group of students who have demonstrated exemplary academic performance. Among them are:
- Caleb Reedy – Front Royal, VA
- Valerie Cameron – Front Royal, VA
- Allison Smoot – Front Royal, VA
- Callista Mayberry – Front Royal, VA
- Aaliyah Chunn – Front Royal, VA
- Jasmine Sharp – Front Royal, VA
- Isabelle Grupac – Linden, VA
- Hannah Frost – Front Royal, VA
- David Kelly – Front Royal, VA
- Asia James – Lake Frederick, VA
- Brennan Komelasky – Front Royal, VA
- Laura Brown – Front Royal, VA
- Erika Gallagher – Front Royal, VA
- Audrey Bratcher – Linden, VA
- Crismeli Sandoval – Front Royal, VA
- Megan Vardiman – Linden, VA
- Mariah Barber – Linden, VA
- Margaret Plosch – Front Royal, VA
- Cody Crawford – Linden, VA
These students have displayed a remarkable commitment to their studies, earning them a place of distinction on the Dean’s List. Their academic achievements are a testament to their dedication and hard work throughout the semester.
To qualify for the Dean’s List, students enrolled in baccalaureate degree programs at Shenandoah University must complete a minimum of 12 semester hours and achieve a remarkable semester GPA of 3.50 or higher. This accomplishment is a reflection of the student’s academic excellence and sets them apart as exemplary scholars within the university community.
Established in 1875, Shenandoah University has become a leading educational institution known for its blend of professional career experiences and comprehensive education. With over 4,000 students enrolled in more than 200 areas of study across six different schools, Shenandoah University fosters a close-knit community that thrives on creative energy and intellectual challenges. The university’s dedicated faculty members provide personalized attention and mentorship, contributing to numerous nationally ranked programs and exceptional learning opportunities for students.
Shenandoah University takes pride in its innovative partnerships and programs at both local and global levels, allowing students to gain valuable real-world experience and expand their horizons beyond the classroom. By empowering students like Caleb Reedy, Valerie Cameron, Allison Smoot, Callista Mayberry, Aaliyah Chunn, Jasmine Sharp, Isabelle Grupac, Hannah Frost, David Kelly, Asia James, Brennan Komelasky, Laura Brown, Erika Gallagher, Audrey Bratcher, Crismeli Sandoval, Megan Vardiman, Mariah Barber, Margaret Plosch, and Cody Crawford, the university prepares them to excel in their chosen fields and make meaningful contributions to society.
Shenandoah University celebrates the remarkable achievements of the 943 students who have earned a place on the Spring 2023 Dean’s List. The university recognizes their dedication, hard work, and academic excellence. Congratulations to all the students for their outstanding accomplishments and for setting a high standard of academic achievement at Shenandoah University.
Local News
A Pledge to Excellence: Warren County Sheriff’s Office earns prestigious state accreditation
The Warren County Sheriff’s Office has proudly announced that they have joined the top 100 law enforcement agencies across the Commonwealth in gaining state accreditation. This achievement is significant, as state accreditation is the best measure of a law enforcement agency’s compliance with professional standards. These standards are determined by the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission, comprised of Virginia sheriffs and police chiefs chosen for their professional expertise and knowledge.
The accreditation process involves a thorough review of every facet of the agency’s organization, management, operations, and administration, thereby ensuring that agency resources are used in alignment with agency goals and objectives and that any internal deficiencies and inefficiencies are promptly addressed before they become public problems.
The Virginia Sheriffs’ Association, the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police, and the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) jointly form the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Commission. Active Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police, who are members of the Commission, set professional standards and oversee the accreditation process. The DCJS manages the daily operations of the Commission.
Accreditation offers a range of benefits, including enhanced community understanding of the law enforcement agency and its role in the community. It also boosts public confidence in the agency’s policies and practices, fosters cooperation with other law enforcement agencies and branches of the criminal justice system, and ensures a uniform and efficient delivery of law enforcement services to the community.
For officers within the agency, accreditation ensures the availability of written policies and procedures at all times, provides objective measures to gauge the effectiveness of the agency’s programs and services, and increases employees’ confidence in the effectiveness and efficiency of their own agency.
In essence, accreditation is a coveted award that symbolizes professionalism, excellence, and competence in law enforcement. The employees of Warren County Sheriff’s Office now take pride in their agency, knowing it represents the very best in law enforcement.
Accredited Agencies in our area include:
- Berryville Police Department
- Clarke County Sheriff’s Office
- Page County Sheriff’s Office
- Winchester City Sheriff’s Office
- Winchester Police Department
- Woodstock Police Department
Local News
Experience the hidden wonder of Middletown’s Ogdens Cave: Exclusive access granted by DCR for one day only
The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is set to provide a unique opportunity to the public during Virginia Cave Week from June 4-10. On Tuesday, June 6, between 2-7 p.m., the public will be allowed to tour Ogdens Cave Natural Area Preserve. Normally sealed off due to the delicate species living inside, this one-off event promises an adventure to remember.
Ogdens Cave Natural Area Preserve
Virginia Natural Heritage Program speleologists and cavers, part of DCR, will guide the tours inside the preserve, which will include a short exploration of the cave. Each tour will last up to one hour, giving visitors a glimpse into a fascinating, often unseen world.
Attendees need to prepare adequately for the trip. The department will provide helmets and headlamps, but visitors are advised to wear sturdy shoes or boots with treads, long pants, a light jacket or rugged shirt with long sleeves, and gloves. This is due to the cave temperature maintaining a steady 54 degrees.
For those interested in taking part in this rare opportunity, RSVP by emailing Meredith Weberg at merecaver@yahoo.com by Monday, June 5. Specific driving directions will be provided to attendees.
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