Seven Schools Recognized For VA Board of Education Awards  

The WJCC School Board recognized seven WJCC schools at its Feb. 7 meeting for receiving Virginia Board of Education awards for academic excellence. Clara Byrd Baker, James River, Matoaka, Matthew Whaley and Stonehouse elementary schools all received the Board of Education’s Excellence Award. These schools have met all state and federal accountability benchmarks, and have made significant progress toward goals for increased student achievement and expanded educational opportunities set by the Virginia Board of Education.

Jamestown High School and Rawls Byrd Elementary School both received the Board of Education’s Competence to Excellence Award. To earn this award, a school must meet all state and federal benchmarks for at least two consecutive years, and make progress toward the goals of Governor’s and Board of Education’s awards. 

Photo Group: Receiving recognition for earning the Virginia Board of Education’s Excellence Award, from left: Principal Bruce Brelsford, Carmen Snyder and Nathalyn Field of Clara Byrd Baker Elementary School; Principal Kim Pickles of Stonehouse Elementary School; Principal Andy Jacobs, Matoaka Elementary School; Debbie Besnier, Debbie Zanca and Principal Scott Thorpe of Matthew Whaley Elementary School; WJCC School Board Vice Chair Joe Fuentes; Board Chair Ruth Larson; Principal Dr. Stacia Barreau, Mindy Thompson, Nancy Hammond, Janet Parker, Laura Gucwa, Rachel Persinger, and Carol Meier from James River Elementary School.

Photo Redd:  From left: Jamestown High School Interim Principal Theresa Redd, WJCC School Board Vice Chair Joe Fuentes, Board Chair Ruth Larson, and Rawls Byrd Elementary Principal Cathy Vazquez.