Local News
Warren County superintendent outlines pandemic-related changes for sports, SOLs
Local students, their families, and the community can expect changes regarding state Standards of Learning (SOL) tests and winter athletic activities at Warren County Public Schools (WCPS) this year.
Rather than requiring students to take all regularly scheduled SOLs, elementary and middle school students in the spring of 2021 will have the option of taking local assessments in history, social science, and English under waivers and emergency guidance issued recently by the state education department, said WCPS Superintendent Chris Ballenger during the Warren County School Board’s Wednesday, December 2 meeting.
The waivers and guidance are designed to reduce the need for in-person testing this academic year as schools contend with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Virginia Department of Education.
Under Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam’s Executive Order 51, emergency waivers have been issued allowing school divisions this year to replace the Virginia Studies, Civics and Economics, and Grade-8 Writing SOL tests with local assessments if they follow emergency guidance approved by the state Board of Education and report student performance data to the state. The SOL tests will continue to be available for school divisions that choose to administer them, according to the state education department.
In addition, the state Board of Education approved emergency guidance granting school divisions additional flexibility to award verified credits and to reduce the need for students to return to school buildings to retake end-of-course SOL assessments.
Under the guidance, school divisions may award a verified credit for a course taken in fall 2020 if the student achieves a score of at least 350 on the test and meets local criteria for course achievement.
WCPS staff will be discussing the new waivers and guidance over the next several days “to see in which direction we should move,” Ballenger told School Board members.
Interscholastic athletics
Ballenger also outlined new pandemic-related requirements for WCPS winter sports, which begin on Monday, December 7. The restrictions will meet guidelines set in the recently updated 2020-2021 Guidelines for Return to Participation released by the Virginia High School League (VHSL), as well as Gov. Northam’s amended Executive Order 67, which now limits spectators to 25 persons in response to the rising number of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths locally and statewide.
Even with the restrictions, games still may be played, VHSL said. The governor’s order does not call for reductions in participants, just spectators.
According to a WCPS statement released on December 2, the number of tickets available to parents of student-athletes will be limited due to the definition of “participant” and “spectator.”
Participants are defined as players, coaches, officials, school event staff, and school administration who are critical to the operations of the contest, media, law enforcement, and medical services, according to the statement.
Spectators are defined as people who are not critical to the operation of the contest, including parents, grandparents, community members, cheerleaders, pep bands, etc., and other student support groups.
Ballenger told School Board members that WCPS will allow the parents and guardians of its student-athletes to have the first option to attend home games, and each player will be allowed to invite one person to each home game.
Per VHSL guidance, cheerleaders have now deemed spectators and must be counted as part of the capped 25 spectators at a game. That means while there will be sideline cheer, the number of cheerleaders will be limited to five per game and will have to be rotated between junior varsity and varsity games, Ballenger said.
WCPS and individual schools will release more information on the number of spectators that will be allowed to attend home games, according to the superintendent, who said that this number will be determined as teams are formed and there is a better understanding of the number of tickets that will be needed to allow parents to watch their children participate.
Additionally, both Skyline High School and Warren County High School will live stream the competitions to allow the community to watch games remotely, Ballenger said.
Watch the Warren County School Board meeting on this Royal Examiner video:
Local News
Police and Youth Engagement: Building Bridges for a Stronger Future
Across America, police departments actively engage with young people through various programs designed to foster mutual respect, understanding, and trust between law enforcement officers and their communities. These initiatives not only aim to educate youth about the roles and responsibilities of police officers but also strive to empower the next generation through mentorship and positive interactions. Here are some notable efforts:
Explorer and Cadet Programs
These programs are pivotal in introducing the youth to the intricacies of law enforcement. Young participants engage in hands-on activities under the guidance of experienced officers, gaining a firsthand look at what the life of a police officer entails. More than just learning about the job, these programs are about cultivating leadership skills and understanding the importance of civic responsibility.
Police Athletic Leagues (PALs)
PALs are crucial in bridging the gap between police officers and young people through sports and educational activities. These programs provide a safe and supportive environment where youth can interact with officers outside the traditional law enforcement setting. Activities range from basketball and soccer to tutoring sessions designed to encourage teamwork and personal development.
Summer Job Programs
With an emphasis on professional growth and skill development, summer job programs sponsored by police departments offer young people a chance to earn while they learn. These opportunities are about making money and understanding the value of hard work, commitment, and community service, with police officers often serving as mentors and role models.
School Resource Officers (SROs)
SROs are more than just security personnel in schools; they are counselors and mentors who significantly shape the educational environment. Their presence in schools ensures safety and fosters a nurturing setting where students can focus on learning and growth. By interacting daily with students, SROs help demystify the role of law enforcement and promote a culture of safety and respect within the school community.
National Police Week
National Police Week, observed from May 12 to 18, is an opportune time to engage with these initiatives. Many police departments host open houses, workshops, and meet-and-greets this week, providing families and youth an insider’s view into the positive impact of these community-oriented programs.
The proactive efforts of law enforcement to connect with youth underscore a commitment to positive community relations and the nurturing of the next generation. Participating in these programs gives young people valuable insights and experiences that can profoundly influence their personal and professional development. As these relationships strengthen, communities grow safer and more cohesive, illustrating the profound impact of collaboration and mutual respect between police officers and the youth they serve.
Chamber News
Downtown Front Royal Celebrates Launch of New Farmers Market
Local News
Red Hill Hosts Patriotic Naturalization Ceremony with Descendants of Patrick Henry
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.