Building Relationships in the Community through Building Trades

Recently I met Mrs. Barbara Wiggins, a county resident who is an advocate for those with housing needs.  She works with the homeless to find them a place to live.  She also helps many Isle of Wight seniors who are facing overwhelming home repair issues. She shared her story with me, including her passion for helping those in need and the obstacles she faces in assisting them.

I immediately knew what we had to do.

Our students in the Building Trades program are learning contracting skills and are looking for situations in the community where they can apply those skills.

Mrs. Wiggins, meet IWCS Building Trades.  Building Trades, meet Mrs. Wiggins.

What a perfect partnership!

With the help of Mrs. Wiggins, we identified a home in Zuni in serious need of attention.  Our students and their instructor, Mr. Rogers, visited the site and met with Ms. Hobbs, the homeowner.  They conducted a Needs Assessment and have generated a list of materials necessary to complete the repairs. Since their class is double blocked, they will be able to spend about 3 hours on site each day, but will need to schedule several full day "field experiences" to get the job done.

This is an incredible opportunity for everyone involved.  The students are using their skills in a real-world situation.  They are also learning the value of giving back to the community and helping those in need.  And this is just the beginning.  After Ms. Hobbs, the students will identify more people who have homes in need of repair and will begin helping another Isle of Wight County resident.  They are also putting the finishing touches on a "Tiny House" and are working with Mrs. Wiggins to donate it to someone in desperate need of housing.

We put together a short video  that explains the project and introduces you to the students and Ms. Hobbs   We realize there may be people who want to know how they can help support this project.  The materials the students need are listed below.  If you would like to donate any of the items, please contact us through the following link:   Contact Us  We are working on a documentary of the entire process and plan to recognize all of our donors in the video. 

I am extremely proud of the partnership we have developed between IWCS and the community with the help of Mrs. Barbara Wiggins.  This is the expectation we have for all of our students--making real world connections while they are making a difference in the community.  Our Building Trades students and Ms. Hobbs are equally excited for this opportunity.  I have a feeling the lessons learned will stay with the both for the rest of their lives.

Materials List:

Paint supplies                           Fasteners                                      Lumber

Rollers                                      10” Finishing Nails                       Brick Molding 12’ lengths or better

Brushes                                     3” deck screws                              2 x 8 x 12 Pressure treated lumber

Caulk/Silicone                          3” galvanized nails                       2 x 6 x 12 lumber

                                                  Roofing nails                                2 x 4 x 8 lumber

                                                                                                        5/4 Pressure treated Deck umber

                                                                                                        Windows (size 3x4) For back porch

                                                                                                         Shutters (6)

                                                                                                         Vinyl siding (2 square)

                                                                                                         Shingles (2 Square)

                                                                                                         2 x 6 x 12 Pressure Treated

                                                                                                         Back Door (36”)

Celebrating the Grand Opening of the Barn and Classroom Building at the Land Lab

December 5 was a memorable day. Not just because of the snow we saw in Isle of Wight County, but because we hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony at the new barn and classroom building at the Land Lab.  I was unfortunately under the weather and on doctor's orders for bed rest.  It was incredibly difficult to not be there, but I'm extremely proud of everyone involved for putting together an outstanding event.

The ceremony took place inside of the barn, complete with stalls of goats and piglets, and even some boxes of rabbits.  The event included remarks from our School Board Chairman, Vicky Hulick, and the Vice-Chairman for the Board of Supervisors, William McCarty.  Gracie Owney, a senior from Smithfield High and a student in the Agriculture program, also spoke to the guests about what the program means to her. Mike Lombardo, our Assistant Superintendent, shared the following on my behalf:

Three years ago the division embarked on an ambitious journey to redesign the CTE program to better meet the needs of our students.  The Agriculture program has been a part of the IWCS curriculum for decades, but we knew it needed to be updated.  In the 2016-2018 school year, we established a working farm (Land Lab) to expand the existing agricultural program. The land lab was constructed on existing division property behind Windsor Elementary School.   We hired a full-time farm manager for the Land Lab.  The farm manager and agriculture teacher collaborate to provide authentic real-world learning in the areas of agricultural business management and mechanization, along with plant, animal, and soil science.  Since opening in September of 2017, the students have transformed the Land Lab from six acres of uncut grass, to four fenced pastures, a vegetable garden, and housing for chickens, rabbits, goats, and, as of yesterday, pigs. Students receive real world experiences through the Land Lab, such as participation in “farm to table” marketing from the sale of farm products to the public and to the division’s culinary arts program.  The lab has welcomed groups of elementary students as teachers introduce science standards in their classes.  The working farm has made agriculture come to life for students throughout the division.  And now we have these two beautiful buildings to further enhance learning opportunities for our students.

The strides we have made with this program, many of our CTE programs, would not have been possible without the support and involvement of several key people and groups. The Isle of Wight County School Board had the courage and foresight to see the need for a redesign our CTE program. The Board of Supervisors listened to our proposal and publicly supported our vision for our schools with 7.9 million dollar investment.  Our Farm Manager, Daniel Judkins, and Agriculture teacher, Jason Brittle, and the leadership at our two high schools, Principal Laura Sullivan from Windsor High and Zachary Haney from Smithfield High.  We emphasize the importance of collaboration with our students.  The success of our new CTE model would not have been possible without this collaboration and I wanted to acknowledge their contributions this morning.

All of the speakers, along with Jason Brittle, Daniel Judkins, Zachary Haney and Laura Sullivan, joined together to cut the blue ribbon, officially opening the barn and classroom building for use.  As guests toured the facilities, they were able to enjoy refreshments provided by the IWCS Culinary Arts students and instructor Kyle Cousins.

This was really a milestone for our CTE program.  We are redesigning our courses to provide students with authentic learning experiences.  In order to meet that goal, we have to include facilities that realistically simulate those work environments.  These new buildings at the Land Lab do just that and continue to support our vision of ensuring students are college, career and life ready.

I encourage you to click on the link below to watch a video of pictures from the event.

Celebrating Academic Excellence

During the months of October and November,  students throughout the division were honored for academic excellence.  Students who finished the 2017-2018 school year with All As for their final grades were recognized with an academic medal during special evening ceremonies.  Over 500 4th through 12th graders earned a medal for their exceptional achievement.  In addition, seniors who maintained a 3.75 Grade Point Average though their Junior year received an Academic Jacket.  The personalized Varsity Letterman jacket is presented to the student by their parents, who actually get to place the jacket on their child.  This is usually followed by several hugs and lots of pictures.

This was the fourth year of the medal and jacket ceremonies for Isle of Wight County Schools.  It was a tradition I started in my previous divisions and I wanted to make sure the students in Isle of Wight County had this same opportunity.  With the assistance of a great sponsor, SSC, I am pleased that IWCS was able to present an academic jacket to over 120 extraordinary seniors. 

The history of wearing a varsity jacket originated over 100 years ago. This time honored tradition is an outward symbol of hard work, determination and perseverance. Often the letter, pins and stars recognize athleticism and great accomplishments in a sport. The Superintendent’s Academic Jacket honors our students who have demonstrated great achievement in the classroom.

Honoring accomplishments in academics lets students know that we appreciate the many hours of studying, note taking, reading, writing papers, listening to lectures, working in groups, and staying up after everyone is asleep to finish a project. The jacket not only honors the students, but also their parents and loved ones, as well as the educators, that have supported them throughout their academic journey.  

Here is a video of the jacket ceremonies from Windsor High and Smithfield High.  It is a special moment for the students and their families and one that is well deserved.   

Showcasing Our Schools: The Windsor Way at Windsor High

I've been highlighting a school each week in my blog, and this week it is Windsor High's turn.  On my recent visit to WHS, I spoke to teachers, students and administrators and heard about the Windsor Way. What is the Windsor Way?  See for yourself by watching the video below.  Go Dukes!

The Windsor Way  (video)

Showcasing Our Schools: A Family Atmosphere at Windsor Elementary School

For this week's blog, I visited Windsor Elementary School, home of the Hornets.  I had an awesome time talking to the students and teachers and hearing from them what makes Windsor Elementary such a great school.

I also got to witness an amazing event.  Students from Georgie Tyler Middle School built a Reading Cottage for WES.  They held a special ceremony where they unveiled their final project.  The elementary students were excited to see their incredible new reading place and eager to start using it. Just see for yourself in the video and hear the reaction from the students.

A Family Atmosphere at Windsor Elementary School (Video)

It's not about Winning, It's about having Fun

Earlier this month I had a chance to watch a Tri-Rivers basketball game hosted at Smithfield High School during their Packer Block.  What a great game!  The players were tenacious as they battled their opponent, playing tough on defense and taking advantage of shot opportunities on offense.  While the competition on the court was intense, the most important part of the game was not the score.  The game was a chance for students to demonstrate all the qualities of being a great citizen. Whether they were on the court in a uniform, or a fan in the bleachers, everyone at the game demonstrated respect and kindness, and the importance of lifting up each other.  This is not unique to SHS.  The same is true at Windsor High when they host a Tri-Rivers game.  When a player makes a basket, the gym erupts with cheers, regardless of which team the player is on.  It is incredible to watch.  I wanted you to experience that same joy, so I have a video from the game at Smithfield High and pictures below from a recent game at Windsor High (thanks to Mr. Jon Smith of WHS for the photos).  And as the student says at the beginning of the video, "It's not about winning, it's about having fun." 

Tri-Rivers Basketball Game (video)