Northampton County Public School (NCPS) teachers enjoyed an evening of celebration with their peers and public school supporters from across the community last month.
The Northampton County Education Foundation (NCEF), in partnership with the Northampton County Education Association (NCEA), joined forces to recognize, celebrate and thank the ten retirees, along with four current teachers chosen by their colleagues for the annual awarding of Teacher of the Year, and Division Teacher of the Year. This year’s catered banquet was held at Franktown United Methodist Church. School board members and county supervisors joined in to show their commitment to our county public schools, and give thanks to the retirees who taught our children. Each of these superb and dedicated instructors, librarians, teachers’ aides, and a bus driver has worked to educate future generations of citizens.
First on the evenings agenda was to give recognition and gratitude to this year’s retiring staff. “Almost 300 years of combined teaching experience is retiring from our school system this year.” said school superintendent Mr. Eddie Lawrence. “But, judging by the accomplishments of this year’s students, I am confident that our current core of teachers will be successful in carrying on the mission that these retirees have devoted their careers on.” he stressed. The 2017 retirees from NCPS are Mrs. Deborah Barban, Ms. Connie Doughty, Ms. Linda Floyd, Mrs. Sallie James, Mrs. Ruthanne McConnell, Mr. Ronald Scott, Mrs. Jacquelyn Smith, Mr. John Stewart, Mrs. Delores Wilson, and Mrs. Lynn Young.
The 2017 Division Teacher of the Year, chosen by their peers and administrators, is Ms. Danielle Black of Kiptopeake Elementary School. Over 90% of her sixth grade math class have passed their Standards of Learning (SOL) course work for the previous two years. Building Principal Ms. Sabrina Parker remarked that “Ms. Black is a role model for new teachers coming into our system, which has a ripple effect on the high standard of professionalism in our school.” The fifth year teacher also assists coaching girls’ middle school basketball.
Ms. Renee Beall is this year’s Teacher of the Year from Occohannock Elementary School. The third year pre-kindergarten-through-second grade special education teacher creates a highly effective learning space to launch her students forward in their education. She annually attends professional development conferences focusing on improving the communication skills of her students.
Northampton Middle School Teacher of the Year is Ms. Heather Garvis. This 11th year science teacher applied for and was one of only 42 out of 140 applicants statewide to receive a Virginia Wildlife E-Store Grant. Building Principal Mr. Laural Crenshaw says “Ms. Garvis is always found after school tutoring her students and helping them prepare for future studies.”
The 2017 Teacher of the Year from Northampton High School is Ms. Kelly Driscole. The eighth year history teacher is the “Go-to person for planning and organizing department activities” says high school principle Mr. Mike Meyers. Her involvement with Scholastic Bowl is credited with the schools consistently high performance at the annual competition. Ms. Driscole also serves as the assistant coach of the boys and girls cross country team and assistant coach of girls softball.”She is always available to help students achieve their potential with scholastic and athletic pursuits” says Athletic Director Dr. Rich Wilfong.
Let us remember to thank our teachers for a job well done as we see them over the summer months. They play a critical role, along with good parenting, in developing our future citizens. “The best chance to break the cycle of poverty is through a good education. The best chance to nurture future generations of responsible and productive citizens is through a good education. Members of the teaching community help our public schools deliver the goods!” said outgoing president of the NCEA and fifth grade math instructor Justin Wheeler in his remarks to the audience of NCPS employees, family members and supporters.
Board members of NCEF work to engage with the community and mobilize resources to promote student performance and excellence in teaching in our public schools. Visit their website (ncedufoundation.com) and on Facebook (Northampton County Education Foundation – NCEF) to learn more about the Foundation’s involvement with NCPS and how you can help.
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