Quote of the Month: “I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in tune once more.” –John Burroughs

Celebrating the Nature of Spring

Can you believe that Spring Break is already here? Spring has sprung! The daffodils are in full bloom. Science is happening all around us. Nature is offering a great opportunity to make real world connections. Plants are a tool of scientific inquiry. During Spring Break, students can study and review the parts of a germinating seed and investigate the growth of a seed under different conditions. So, go to Maymont Gardens (social distance of course) and celebrate the nature of spring together.

Spring allows us to measure the growth of not only plants, but our students as well. As we move closer to Standards of Learning (SOL’s) indicators, many thoughts come to mind. My thoughts are on our school-wide goals moving all students to high levels of achievement across all content areas. In a real sense, SOL’s mark a new beginning. A time to not only reflect but to continue the practice of moving towards innovative virtual teaching and learning.

Our approach to learning will continue to emphasize a progressive student-centered philosophy which allows students to research, inquiry, discover, ask questions, and probe for deeper meaning. This is a fascinating time in education. It is a time to focus on the innovation and implementation of project-based learning. Pivotal to this time is the enthusiastic change agents called teachers.

We are fortunate to have such teachers at John B. Cary Elementary School. One of which was selected from her peers to represent JBCES as our nominee for Virginia Teacher of the Year. We congratulate and thank Mrs. Ashley Bland who will represent our school community as the 2021-22 John B. Cary Elementary Teacher of the Year. Thank you Ms. Bland for going above and beyond the role of an Instructional Technology Resource Teacher. I can truly say that without Ms. Bland, virtual teaching and learning would look very different in RPS. Thank you for caring and daring to make a difference. Thank you for providing a “nurturing” “loving” virtual environment where children are being prepared for the challenges of the 22nd century.

Last, but certainly not least, please know that this Earth Day in Cougar Nation will be phenomenal. We are in the final stages of preparing for our ground breaking ceremony of The No Child Left Inside Eco-Campus. Our goal is to use outdoor education as the theoretical framework for student learning. Earth Day is April 22nd and we can’t wait!

Happy Spring Break Everyone!

Principal Powell

Dean Singleton