Literacy, Leadership, and Rigor
Posted by Dyteya Lewis on Mar 07, 2017
Dr. Stephen Jones (l) with Dr. Melinda Boone (r)
The Program:
Dr. Steve Jones introduced Norfolk Public School Superintendent Dr. Melinda Boone. A native of Suffolk, Dr. Boone previously served as Norfolk Public Schools chief academic officer before leading Worcester Public Schools in Massachusetts.
Dr. Boone talked about plans to fully accredit Norfolk Public. When she took over leadership of the district less than half of the schools were fully accredited. Today, 51% of the schools are accredited.
The school district experienced significant turnover with four superintendents between 2010 and 2016. Dr. Boone emphasizes the basics of education and the core competencies of literacy, leadership and rigor. She believes focusing on these will result in improved Standards of Learning test scores.
Dr. Boone talked about the decline in student enrollment -- a nationwide trend due to lower birth rates. Additionally impacting Norfolk Public Schools is the relocation of U. S. Navy vessels to other parts of the country.
On a positive note Norfolk Public Schools is building five elementary schools to replace older ones. The Southside STEM School at Campostella and Richard H. Bowling Elementary School opened last fall. Ocean View, Camp Allen, and Larchmont Elementary Schools will open in the fall. Additionally, plans continue to transform Lake Taylor High School into a “comprehensive career and technical high school.”
A book will be presented to the school of the week, Ingleside Elementary, in honor of Dr. Boone’s presentation to the Club.
The Meeting
We had a change of venue to the Town Point Club where members enjoyed a view of the downtown harbor. Accompanied by Frank Whitman at the piano, we opened the meeting with familiar songs -- ”R-O-T-A-R-Y” and “God Bless America.” Joe New gave a thoughtful invocation.
Visitation Report: Fred Walker reported that Bill Burnette is doing well at Harbor’s Edge and welcomes visitors.
Visitors:
Sally Hartman brought Coleen Callahan with the Virginia Port Authority; Cherise Newsome with Portsmouth Public School; and Glenn Sutch, president of the Waterside District
Kelly Stefanko brought Khalilah LeGrand from Norfolk Public Schools. John Padgett introduced prospective member Sharon Harrington.
Announcements and Club Business:
John Padgett honored as a Paul Harris Fellow plus 5 for contributions to The Rotary Foundation
Joe New was honored as a Paul Harris plus 2.
Ben Mason honored Gus Stuhlreyer as a Charles T. Woodard Fellow. This fellowship honors people who have contributed $1,000 to Norfolk Rotary Endowment.
The Rotary Club of Tiel, The Netherlands, has advised us that they do not have participants for the Tiel Exchange this year. We anticipate and hope that this long-time youth exchange will resume next year.
Members signed a condolence card for Marty Raiss whose father passed away.
Sally Hartman spoke about a Wine Pull we will add to Suds & Buds and encouraged members to donate a bottle of wine next week worth at least $15. Chick Robison and George Compo are co-chairing the Wine Pull. Proceeds from the party will benefit the Norfolk Botanical Garden, Project Healing Waters, and Norfolk Rotary Charities.
Jim Kitz announced community outreach opportunity on March 28 for ForKids at Good Mojo Thrift Shop on Granby Street.
Happy Bucks and Fines
- Shep Miller is retired from KITCO; he sold his business to Berkshire Hathaway.
- Jeff Wells’ daughter started a Rotary Club in Florida for millennials.
- Lois Kercher gave in honor of Jennie Sims, ODU Basketball player who was named the C-USA player of the year.
- Lisa Sands announced that The Virginia Opera is holding an event at the Main on April 22.
- Al Carmichael paid a fine for being in the paper.
- Barbara Lipskis promoted Venus in Fur at Virginia Stage Company