Posts Sorted by Author

From the office of Governor Bob McDonnell – Governor McDonnell Proclaims 2013…

From the office of Governor Bob McDonnell -

Governor McDonnell Proclaims 2013 “The Year of the Teacher”
Governor: “Everyone knows a teacher who's stayed after school to support students; who's buying their own supplies; who's grading homework until 10, 11, or 12 at night then getting up early to put together the next day’s lesson plan. This is amazing dedication. We must do more to recognize and appreciate these professionals.”

RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell today proclaimed 2013 The Year of the Teacher in Virginia. The Year of the Teacher is part of Governor McDonnell’s ALL STUDENTS initiative. The Year will feature programs and special recognition of teachers in Virginia. Information will be updated regularly at www.ALLSTUDENTS.Virginia.Gov.

“Virginia’s teachers demonstrate selfless leadership day after day in classrooms across the Commonwealth,” said Governor McDonnell. “Everyone knows a teacher who's stayed after school to support students; who's buying their own supplies; who's grading homework until 10, 11, or 12 at night then getting up early to put together the next day’s lesson plan. This is amazing dedication. We must do more to recognize and appreciate these professionals. Teachers are charged with the responsibility of passing on traditions, knowledge and character to the next generation. They instill a love for learning, a respect for fellow mankind and a belief that the American dream is achievable by all, regardless of ZIP code or station in life. Today, I am pleased to announce that we will recognize teachers throughout the year for their commitment to excellence in education.”

In 2010, Virginia’s “Opportunity to Learn” legislation passed with broad bi-partisan support, further enhanced in 2011 and 2012, to offer options and innovation for all Virginia schoolchildren, especially those in at-risk or in underperforming school systems. The package focused on improving public charter school applications, developing criteria for virtual school programs, and establishing college partnership laboratory schools, and included a proposal to implement a groundbreaking pilot program to provide performance pay incentives of up to $5,000 to teachers in school divisions identified as hard-to-staff. The governor also advanced legislation to establish a tax credit for companies donating to nonprofit organizations that provide scholarships to help lower income students attend nonpublic schools.

Last month, Governor McDonnell announced proposals to advance professional development and continue Virginia’s focus on excellent teaching, calling for a 2 percent pay increase for all teachers – the first in 5 years; incentives for teachers in STEM-H subjects, strategic compensation grants for teachers and other measures to recruit, retain and reward excellent teachers.

“An effective teacher at the front of the classroom is critical to the development and learning of our young people,” said Secretary of Education Laura Fornash. “The Governor’s Year of the Teacher declaration shows his continuing commitment to highlighting the significant contributions our teachers make every day. We must recognize their daily dedication to learning and mentoring our children and look for ways to continue to honor their efforts.”

As part of “The Year of the Teacher,” Governor McDonnell invited citizens to share stories about an excellent teacher who inspires them to learn. Applicants are encouraged to send an up to 100 word essay to K12Education@governor.virginia.gov on why their favorite teacher should be recognized. The “My Favorite Teacher” contest will run through January 30th at 5:00pm. Submissions submitted by email will be shared throughout the month at http://www.facebook.com/AllStudentsVirginia.

“I remember my third grade teacher, Mrs. Gikas,” said Governor McDonnell. “She was a stickler for making sure that work was done on time without excuses, but she did it in a way that was encouraging and uplifting. She truly believed that her students could do anything if they put their mind to it. Mrs. Gikas was a teacher and mentor who both inspired and demanded excellence.”

Former Secretary of Education Jim Dyke said, “I have personally been able to see an excellent teacher up close. My mother was a public school teacher for more than 30 years, and she imbued me with a love for learning, as well as showing me first-hand that an excellent teacher can make all the difference in the world in a student’s success.”

In addition to the “My Favorite Teacher” contest, further events and proposals will be announced in the weeks and months ahead.

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

THE YEAR OF THE TEACHER

WHEREAS, Virginia teachers are entrusted with the education of the Commonwealth's children; and

WHEREAS, Virginia teachers strive to instill a love of learning in and out of the classroom; and

WHEREAS, Virginia teachers seek to open students' minds to new knowledge and ideas while laying a foundation for life-long learning; and

WHEREAS, Virginia teachers model good citizenship by making positive and lasting contributions to society; and

WHEREAS, Virginia teachers fill many roles as motivators, explorers, mentors and listeners; and

WHEREAS, Virginia teachers, through academics, athletics, extra-curricular activities and social interaction, lead students to develop independence, discipline and character; and

WHEREAS, Virginia teachers work tirelessly to increase learning and achievement and to help each student meet the Commonwealth's high academic standards; and

WHEREAS, Virginia teachers help students to develop and reach their goals while recognizing that each student is an individual with different needs for growth and success; and

WHEREAS, Virginia teachers' commitment to academic excellence is reflected in increasing student learning and achievement and in the numerous national recognitions earned by the Commonwealth's public schools; and

WHEREAS, it is crucial that our citizens actively inspire young leadership and provide students with the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to be competitive leaders in the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, Virginia teachers are an essential pillar to developing a world class education system in the Commonwealth;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert F. McDonnell, do hereby recognize the year two thousand and thirteen as THE YEAR OF THE TEACHER in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.

ABOUT ALL STUDENTS: ALL STUDENTS is an initiative launched by Governor Bob McDonnell to bring attention to the critical role K-12 education plays in our communities and our economy. We must be willing to consider strategies and structures that have been proven to address the achievement gap that continues to exist in the Commonwealth. We have a responsibility to ensure graduation rates rise and the rigor of our classroom challenges ALL STUDENTS. We have a responsibility to measure results and attainment and embed innovation in our education system. We have a responsibility to ensure ALL STUDENTS have the opportunity to learn.

Website: www.ALLSTUDENTS.Virginia.Gov
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AllStudentsVirginia
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ALL_STUDENTS
Email: K12Education@Governor.Virginia.Gov

Centra earns Cancer Care Accreditation Centra Cancer Care Services has earned…

Centra earns Cancer Care Accreditation

Centra Cancer Care Services has earned a three-year full accreditation with commendation as a comprehensive community cancer program from the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons. Only 25 percent of cancer care programs in the United States receive this recognition.

The Commission on Cancer accreditation recognizes the quality of comprehensive cancer care available at a facility and means that patients have access to the full scope of services required to diagnose, treat, rehabilitate and support patients with cancer and their families.

“Accreditation by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer validates the hard work that so many dedicated people do every day,” said Matthew Foster, M.D., associate medical director, Cancer Care Services. “It is always nice to be recognized as a top comprehensive community cancer center by an organization that counts 1,500 cancer centers in their membership across the United States. We believe true validation of our efforts is in the experience we can bring to the bedside or examination room when we care for the patients we serve every day.”

Only facilities that have voluntarily committed to provide the best in diagnosis and treatment of cancers receive approval from the Commission on Cancer. A rigorous evaluation process and performance review by the commission is necessary every three years to achieve and maintain accreditation.

For cancer patients and their families, Centra's approved cancer program means:
• Quality care close to home
• Comprehensive care offering a range of state-of-the-art services and equipment
• A multidisciplinary, team approach to coordinate the best treatment options available to cancer patients
• Access to cancer-related information, education and support
• A cancer registry that collects data on type and stage of cancers and treatment results and offers lifelong patient follow-up
• Ongoing monitoring and improvement of care
• Information about ongoing clinical trials and new treatment options

“When a member of our community receives a diagnosis of cancer, they want to know that the procedures and treatments they will undergo will offer them the best possible outcome,” said Curt Baker, R.N., M.B.A., vice president, Cancer Care Services. “The American College of Surgeons, Commission on Cancer has developed comprehensive quality standards that ensure cancer programs are adhering to up-to-date protocols from diagnosis through survivorship. The process of achieving accreditation requires rigorous attention to detail in every aspect of the patient’s cancer journey and a commitment to the continuous quality improvement of the program. We are pleased to announce that Centra’s cancer program has received a three-year full accreditation with commendation.”

From the latest cancer-fighting technology to new state-of-the-art facilities and services, Centra offers cancer care for patients and their families throughout central Virginia. Centra's comprehensive cancer services and treatments range from the newest da Vinci Surgical System and Trilogy linear accelerator to chemotherapy, biological and targeted drug therapies to genetic testing and clinical trials. Centra treats a broad range of cancers, including lung, prostate, breast, brain, kidney, bladder, ovarian, lymphoma, leukemia, colon, uterine and rectal cancers as well as many others. In 2008, Centra opened the Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center, which brought radiation and medical oncology into one facility for patient convenience. Centra is one of approximately 1,500 Commission on Cancer approved cancer programs in the United States and Puerto Rico, representing close to one-quarter of all hospitals.

“By coming to an approved cancer treatment program,” stated the Commission on Cancer, “you can be sure that you will receive the best in diagnosis and treatment of cancer and that full consultative services will be available from all medical disciplines involved in diagnosing and treating cancer. And you can be sure that your condition will be watched carefully through a lifelong program of follow-up care.”

Centra also is the first healthcare system in the country to earn national STAR Program Certification for offering rehabilitation care for cancer survivors. In addition, Centra's comprehensive breast cancer program has recently earned a top national accreditation by The National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers.

AREVA Employees Exceed North American Charitable Giving Goal and Show Tremendous…

AREVA Employees Exceed North American Charitable Giving Goal and Show Tremendous Support in Region 2000

AREVA’s employees pledged nearly $500,000 as part of the recently completed annual North America Directed Giving Campaign. Recognizing the giving spirit and community support shown during the 2012 charitable giving drive, AREVA prioritizes social responsibility and corporate citizenship. Employee charitable giving is supported and encouraged by AREVA in order to foster the well-being of the communities in which AREVA employees live and work.

“AREVA takes pride in being a good neighbor. The generosity of our employees in addition to our corporate giving program demonstrate the commitment we have to our local communities throughout North America,” said Mike Rencheck, AREVA Inc. chief executive officer and president.

AREVA in Lynchburg, Va. signed up to be a Pacesetter business to help kick off the United Way of Central VA 2012-2013 fundraising campaign. Close to half of the almost 2,000 employees in Lynchburg pledged over a quarter of a million dollars during the two week campaign held in August, achieving 110% of their goal.

Lynchburg employees designated their donations for their favorite charities including Big Brother Big Sister of Central VA, Lynchburg Humane Society, Girls On the Run as well as the United Way general fund.

More than half of the 600 employees in AREVA’s Richland, Wash. operations pledged $83,000 during the two week campaign, designating their donations for their favorite charities including Habitat for Humanity, Second Harvest as well as the United Way general fund.

AREVA holds an annual campaign at each of its North American sites, providing employees the opportunity and means to support the charitable organizations of their choosing. The theme of this year’s campaign was “Energy That Makes a Difference,” and almost half of the North American workforce pledged to do just that – make a difference. Employees’ donations, along with their many hours of volunteer efforts each year, reflect the sustainable development commitments of AREVA.

Lung Cancer Screenings Cancer screenings are so important to health outcomes….

Lung Cancer Screenings

Cancer screenings are so important to health outcomes. A screening program aimed at early detection of lung cancer in current or former heavy smokers is being offered through Central Virginia Imaging, part of Radiology Consultants of Lynchburg. Eligible candidates include 1) men and women between 55 and 74 years of age; 2) no prior history of lung cancer; 3) no current signs or symptoms of lung cancer; 4) and at least a 30 pack year history of smoking (one pack per day for 30 years or two packs per day for 15 years). For more information about the screening or to schedule an appointment, call Central Virginia Imaging, 434.237.4091.

Lynchburg on the rise….

Lynchburg on the rise....


Lynchburg named fourth fastest-growing city compared to suburbs in small metros
www.newsadvance.com
Lynchburg is the fourth fastest-growing city compared to its suburbs in a small metropolitan area in the country, according to a new report from national community development advocacy organization Smart Growth America.

We invite all K-12 students in Lynchburg and surrounding counties to submit scie…

We invite all K-12 students in Lynchburg and surrounding counties to submit science-based poems to our competition. The top 39 poems will be published in a book, and the top three poems in each grade category and their teachers (if applicable) will win a prize. 2012’s electronic edition of the book can be found at

http://web.randolphcollege.edu/multimedia/emags/science_poetry/

Qualified participants: All K-12 students are invited to submit a poem to the Randolph College Science Fest Poetry Competition. Students or teachers may submit the poem. We encourage teachers to have their entire class write poems and submit them to the competition.

Requirements: The poem must have theme focused on a science or math topic. Any poetry genre may be used, e.g. Haiku, limerick, free form, etc. Poems may be illustrated but only the text will be judged. Poems may be hand written or typed. All poems must be the original work of the student. Only one poem per student.

Submission: Submissions (with student's name and grade, and teacher's name if applicable) may be made any time (the contest is open as of November 1, 2012). Please include a poem title, the student’s name, grade, and school. Submissions by mail must be postmarked by Friday, February 15, 2013. If submitted by mail, we ask that you please e-mail us to let us know how many students’ poems were mailed. Typed or scanned and e-mailed submissions are due by this date also. Submissions should be sent to psheldon@randolphcollege.edu, or Peter Sheldon, Randolph College, 2500 Rivermont Avenue, Lynchburg, VA 24503.

Be sure to include contact information: e-mail address, telephone number, and mailing address (for confirmation of receipt, notification of finalists, and printed book of finalists if applicable). If done in class, be sure to include the teacher and school principal names. If we do not have a valid e-mail, logistics may be such that we will not be able to notify you of receipt or finalists.

Judging: A panel of college judges from the English, Education, and Science departments will select 39 finalists. Certificates will be awarded to each finalist. From the 39 finalists, three top prizes will be awarded in three grade level categories: elementary, middle school, and high school.

Award Ceremony: Finalists will be invited to read their poems at the Science Festival catered reception, and will be published in a book available free to all finalists. Parents and teachers will receive an invitation to this event, and the event is free and open to the public. Three top prizes ($100, $50, and $25 gift cards) will be awarded to the three top poems in each grade group. If the winning poem is completed in class and submitted by the classroom teacher, the teacher will receive the same prize as the student.

The Poetry Reading and Awards will occur at a reception held
Friday, March 22, 6:30-7:30 pm
Wimberly Recital Hall, Presser Building, Randolph College

For more information about additional Science Festival Events:

http://www.randolphscience.org/

XLR8 – Lynchburg Regional Governor’s STEM Academy Hires Susan Cash as Director…

XLR8 – Lynchburg Regional Governor’s STEM Academy
Hires Susan Cash as Director

XLR8, the new Governor’s STEM Academy launching next fall in Region 2000, has a new director. Susan Cash will begin her tenure in early January.

Cash has spent the last twenty years in various educational positions, most recently with Lynchburg City Schools. She has served as the division-wide career counselor and as a school counselor at Heritage High School. She holds an undergraduate degree in psychology with a minor in special education from James Madison University. Cash graduated from Lynchburg College in 2001 with a master’s of education degree in school counseling and earned a master’s of education in education leadership from Lynchburg College in 2012. She received the 2006 “Creating Excellence Award” from the Virginia Department of Education.

“My vision for the STEM Academy is to offer the students in Region 2000 who are interested in careers in the health science or the mechatronics fields an opportunity beyond the scope of normal high school curriculum to help prepare them for careers in the Region 2000 workforce,” says Cash. “I envision the STEM Academy as a way to raise student aspirations and attract more students to postsecondary education to help provide well-trained workers to meet the workforce needs of existing businesses and aid in the recruitment of new businesses and industries to Region 2000.”

XLR8 has been a joint effort by the Region 2000 Technology Council, Future Focus Foundation and Workforce Investment Board; Central Virginia Community College; the school divisions of Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, Campbell and Lynchburg; and area business partners, including AMTI, AREVA, The Babcock and Wilcox Company, Centra and Delta Star. XLR8 dovetails with current regional K-12 STEM activities and workforce development initiatives. The goal of this institution will be to help close the gap between education and industry, furthering the economic vitality of this region. More information can be found at http://www.futurefocusfoundation.us/

This type of STEM Academy differs from the Regional Governor’s School for Science and Technology in the type of curriculum and courses offered. STEM Academy courses will have a career and technical education focus with the curriculum driven by the needs and projected growth of regional industry. Currently the two identified student pathways to be offered at the academy include healthcare technologies and mechatronics; the latter being the blending of mechanical and electrical engineering disciplines.

XLR8 – Lynchburg Regional Governor’s STEM Academy will be located at Central Virginia Community College in the AREVA Technology Center, which includes access to lab equipment and classroom space.

The curriculum will have a dual enrollment element offering students the opportunity to earn college credits. This will allow students the option to work toward a college degree. Industry certifications may be developed, allowing for job readiness upon completion of the program. Transfer possibilities for students wishing to continue their education will also be established.

Virginia Improves to Top Regulatory Environment in the Nation for Business in An…

Virginia Improves to Top Regulatory Environment in the Nation for Business in Annual Forbes Survey

Virginia has improved to the top rank in regulatory environment for business in the annual Forbes “Best States for Business” survey released yesterday. The survey cited Virginia’s “strong incentive offerings” and “business friendly government policies.” Virginia’s overall rank among “Best States for Business” was #2, coming in among the top 5 states in half of the categories considered in the annual study and in the top half of states in all categories.

Speaking about the top ranking, Governor Bob McDonnell said, “This study reaffirms what those working and doing business in Virginia already know. My administration has been aggressive in making sure that Virginia has the best possible environment for private sector businesses to start up, grow and create jobs. Our focus on economic development and jobs has yielded results, with the unemployment rate dropping from 7.3 percent when I took office to 5.7 percent in October. Our work is not done, and to continue to be a national leader in business climate, I launched a regulatory reform initiative in October to serve as one-stop portal for citizens to submit ideas. Smart regulatory reform will produce a freer and better environment for citizens and businesses, and allow the private sector to continue creating jobs and opportunity in the Commonwealth.”

The Forbes study can be found at http://www.forbes.com/places/va/.


Virginia - Forbes
www.forbes.com
Virginia - #2 Best States for Business

Region 2000 Services Authority a great investment for member jurisdictions – ht…

Region 2000 Services Authority a great investment for member jurisdictions - http://www.newsadvance.com/opinion/editorials/article_84884b86-4313-11e2-9fed-001a4bcf6878.html


Big Yield by Regional Government
www.newsadvance.com
Areport released last week should remove any doubts by skeptics of the improved efficiency of regional government. In terms of providing services at less cost to taxpayers and residents, it works.

Virginia University of Lynchburg will partner with Centra Health to host the 1st…

Virginia University of Lynchburg will partner with Centra Health to host the 1st Annual Hill City Classic. If you enjoy fast paced, college basketball, mark your calendar now for December 14 through December 16, 2012. Fans, players and coaches from across Central Virginia will flock to the Lynchburg City Armory and experience college play at its finest.

Additionally, an exciting opportunity for youth in grades 3 thru 9 will highlight the tournament. Virginia University of Lynchburg’s women coaching staff will sponsor a basketball clinic. Randy Dunton, Head Coach for the VUL Lady Dragons will be present to share valuable knowledge spanning his 28 year coaching career. The youth will get to meet and interact with both the VUL men’s and woman’s teams. The event is designed to teach youth about sportsmanship, team work, self esteem, communication, dedication, work ethic, and positive attitude.

Six premier college teams will be represented: Virginia University of Lynchburg (men and women), Bluefield College (men and women), Newport New Apprentice School (women), and UC Cincinnati Clermont (women).

The Rams of Bluefield College will represent the Mid-South Conference, of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). The Cougars of UC Cincinnati Clermont hail from the Ohio Collegiate Athletic Conference, associated with the United States Collegiate Athletic Association Conference (USCAA). The Builders of Newport New Apprentice School and Virginia University of Lynchburg Dragons also represent the USCAA.

Special recognition and appreciation to our primary sponsor, Centra Health for bringing this enhancing event to our community. Use www.centrahealth.com to access their informational website.

Tournament Schedule:
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Registration Youth Basketball Clinic 8:30-9:30
Youth Clinic 9:30-11:00
(Women) Newport News Apprentice School vs. Bluefield College @ 2:00 p.m.
(Men) Bluefield College vs. Virginia Univ. of Lynchburg @ 4:00 p.m.
(Women) UC Cincinnati Clermont vs. Virginia Univ. of Lynchburg @ 6:00 p.m.

Sunday, December 16, 2012
(Women) UC Cincinnati Clermont vs. Newport News Apprentice School @2:00 p.m.
(Women) Bluefield College vs. Virginia Univ. of Lynchburg @4:00 p.m.