By Taylor Boyd
The Patrick County School Board celebrated Meadows of Dan Elementary School’s designation as a 2021 National Blue-Ribbon School.
Acting Schools Superintendent Dr. David Martin read a resolution recognizing the achievement of the “gem of a school at the top of the mountain” as an “inspiring example of staff, teachers, administrator, teachers, families, and community leaders all working together.”
Martin said the school is proof that it’s possible for every student to receive an education that prepares them for a rapidly changing world, which is possible when “high expectations, intensive collaborations, and dedication to every student’s academic, social/emotional, and mental health needs come together” in and out of the classroom.
“You demonstrate what is possible when committed staff and educators create vibrant cultures of learning, provide challenging content and supportive classrooms, offer enrichment activities, and support students beyond the classroom to teach the whole child. Whereas your commitment to your children creates possibilities for the next generation no matter their background or circumstance,” he read.
Meadows of Dan Elementary School Principal Amy Nester said her favorite part of “it was that we do support the whole child. We provide meals, a Clothing Closet over the years. If the child needed supplies, they have been provided, and we couldn’t do it without our community and the county as a whole,” she said.
Among her favorite parts of the community section of the application for the award was discussing a local ladies club that makes handmade quilts for every preschooler.
“That’s a lost art and that’s just magical to me. It’s not all about the little ones, but we feel that we support the whole child all the way up, and I feel that all of the schools do that,” he said.
In other matters, the board:
*Approved the monthly personnel report as amended.
*Approved the religious exemptions 2021-2022-10 through 2021-2022-14.
*Heard from Norma Bozenmayer about the transportation need for students attending after school tutoring.
*Heard the superintendent’s report.
*Awarded Friday, Nov. 12 as a holiday to teachers because of the work they have done since the start of the pandemic.
*Approved Assistant Superintendent Andrea Cassell to be given the authorization of signature in absence of division superintendent.
*Approved the consent agenda.
*Approved the sale of surplus technology.
*Approved the Virginia School Board Association’s (VSBA) resolution to declare October as Bullying Prevention Month.
* Presented an award of achievement to Sara Leigh Collins, school board clerk, and Walter Scott, of the Smith River District.
*Presented an award of excellence to Brandon Simmons, of the Dan River District, and Amy Walker, of the Mayo River District.
*Presented award of recognition to Ryan Lawson, of the Peters Creek District.
