February 17, 2012
For coverage information contact Tiffany Woods, Director of Public Relations for Roanoke City Public Schools, at tdwoods@rcps.info or 540.853.2905.
February 18
EVENT: Breckinridge Middle Students Collaborate with Hollins University on Art Project-Unveiling This Saturday at Williamson Road Library
LOCATION: Williamson Road Library
DATE/TIME: February 18, 2012—2:00-3:00 PM
DETAILS: Last month, more than fifty Breckinridge Middle 8th grade art students in Dan Kuehl’s class had a unique opportunity to work alongside Hollins University art students. The middle school students learned the process of printmaking from the college students. The prints created by the middle school students have been installed in the Williamson Road Library, as part of the library’s recent renovations. The college students also created prints which are intermingled among the young artists’ work.
Titled “Our Collective Wishes”, the art work is a project of the City of Roanoke’s Public Art Program. The art installation will have a grand opening with a reception on Saturday, February 18th from 2:00 to 3:00 PM. The reception is part of Roanoke’s Marginal Arts Festival. Come by for the celebration and meet the art teachers and students! Photo available.
EVENT: Four Students Named National Merit Finalists at Patrick Henry High School
SCHOOL: Patrick Henry High School
DETAILS: The following students at Patrick Henry have been named finalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program: Jordan Bazak, Kathleen Kennedy, Cathy Ren, and Jeremy Stelmack. The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarship for high school students. Students enter the National Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®).
In February, about 15,000 semifinalists across the nation were notified they had advanced to finalist standing. All winners of Merit Scholarship® awards are chosen from the finalist group, based on their abilities, skills, and accomplishments, without regard to gender, race, ethnic origin, or religious preference.
February 24-28
EVENT: RCPS Special Events in Honor of Black History Month
SCHOOLS: Lucy Addison Middle School and Noel C. Taylor Academy
DATE/TIME: February 24-28. See Details.
DETAILS: All Roanoke City Schools are engaged in activities and lessons this month that educate students about the history and achievements of African Americans. The following two schools will have special events coming up:
Lucy Addison Middle: Students will participate in the Black History Program, “Parade of Heroes” at 2:30 PM on Friday, February 24th, 2012 in the Addison auditorium.
Noel C. Taylor Academy: On February 28th, 2012, students and staff will participate in the Soul Food Cook-Off Competition. The winning student will be awarded a prize.
Many of Roanoke City schools were able to tie Black History lessons with SOL curriculum.
February 28-29
EVENT: Opera Roanoke Presenting at William Fleming and Patrick Henry High Schools
SCHOOL: William Fleming and Patrick Henry
DATE/TIME: Patrick Henry: Tuesday, February 28, 2012—2:30 to 3:30 and William Fleming: Wednesday, February 29, 2012—12:45 to 1:30 PM
DETAILS: Opera Roanoke Artistic Director Scott Williamson and voice coach Amy Williamson are taking their knowledge of opera, singing, and art to students at Patrick Henry and William Fleming high schools. The Opera Roanoke team will educate students on the history of opera as well as introduce them to the Sempre Libera Program, which allows students to attend any of Opera Roanoke’s productions for free. The second portion of their presentation will focus on coaching students vocally to prepare them for an upcoming district competition. Students and faculty at both high schools will also have the opportunity to sign up to attend backstage tours and dress rehearsals of the upcoming Opera Roanoke production, Carmen, which will be performed April 27-29.
February 28 - March 2
EVENT: RCPS Elementary Schools Invite Community Leaders and Educators to Celebrate Read Across America by Sharing their Favorite Book with Students
SCHOOLS: Monterey Elementary, Morningside Elementary, and Westside Elementary
DATE/TIME: Friday, March 2nd, 2012 8:30 am-throughout the day
DETAILS: Several RCPS elementary schools will have special guests from the community reading to students on Friday, March 2. At Monterey, Morningside and Westside students will participate in a wide range of activities including costumecontests, reading a variety of books by Dr. Seuss, participating in writing and essay exercises, and school assemblies.
National Education Association’s Read Across America is an annual reading, motivation and awareness program that calls for every child in every community to celebrate reading on March 2, the birthday of beloved children's author Dr. Seuss.
March 14-March 15
EVENT: RCPS Elementary Students Showcase Dance Skills in “Minds in Motion” Performance at the Roanoke Civic Center
SCHOOLS: Highland Park Elementary, Lincoln Terrace Elementary, Morningside Elementary, and Wasena Elementary
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, March 14th—7:00 PM and Thursday, March 15th—10:00 AM
DETAILS: Four Roanoke City elementary schools will put their best foot forward in the “Minds in Motion” dance performance at the Roanoke Civic Center. Founded in 1993, “Minds in Motion” is a year-long program that teaches fourth-grade students discipline, dedication, and self-awareness by leading them through a series of choreographic movements. “Minds in Motion” is not a ballet class, but a way to teach students the benefits of applying themselves to a task involving both mental and physical capabilities.
EVENT: William Fleming Student Qualifies for 2012 All-Virginia Chorus
SCHOOLS: William Fleming High School
DETAILS: William Fleming senior DeVonte Saunders is making a name for himself in the music department by accumulating several choir and soloist honors. Saunders recently competed in the District Chorus event at Radford University and made the 2012 All -Virginia Chorus. He is the only known student from William Fleming to have earned recognition in multiple choir competitions at the state and district levels. Saunders has been named into All-District Choir five times, All-Virginia Choir twice and one time to the Senior Honors Choir. Saunders will travel to Lynchburg in April, 2012 with other singers from the All-Virginia Choir to participate in a weekend performance.