March 2016

From the Desk of Dr. Cotton

I am constantly inspired by the exciting things happening in our schools. This only occurs when we collaborate with others to develop engaging lessons and then reflect on our practice each day. So many of our teachers are doing this so well - thank you for constantly working to learn from and share with your colleagues to ensure that our students are motivated to do their best!



Share Your Expertise

The May 31 Teaching and Learning Conference is fast approaching. Do you have a technique or idea that could benefit your colleagues? Have you been to a conference lately? Click here to submit a proposal to present what works for you/what you've learned lately. Each session will run for 50 minutes. Proposal submission deadline: March 24.



How's Your Motivation?

Do you find yourself doing the snow dance and/or wishing it was still the weekend? The duties of an educator can seem overwhelming at times. Expert Roxanna Elden asserts that there are Five Habits that Hurt Teacher Motivation, leading to a lack of enthusiasm and engagement in the classroom. Take her self-assessment as you reflect on your own practice this spring and consider ways to reignite your excitement for learning - it will be contagious!

Inspired to Learn?

Henry County Public Schools will be offering the following career and technical education courses during the spring semester. Registration began on Monday, February 8 and continue until classes are full. There is a $10 fee for each course, and registration will be taken on a first come, first serve basis.  To learn more or to register for the classes, you may call Deborah Stone at 634-4742 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.   

Introduction to iPads (Daina Campbell)

March 7 – April 5                                   Monday, Tuesday & Thursday                          Fee: $10.00

5:00-8:00 p.m.                                     Bassett High School                                        Room #Media Center

This class will provide students with the basic knowledge on how to use an iPad. Students will learn how to turn on the devise, download apps, adjust settings, connect to the internet, email, take photos, download music, and connect with others using various forms of social media. It is preferred that the student have his/her own iPad but not mandatory.

HVAC EPA Certification (Jerry Byrd)

March 10 – May 19                               Thursday                                                           Fee: $10.00

5:30-8:30 p.m.                                    Bassett High School                                           Room #67

Students will learn the basic use of Refrigeration Recovery equipment and information necessary to pass the EPA Section 609 Certification test that will include Core Type I, II, and III. There will be an additional $25 testing fee.

E-mail Refresher and Introduction to Google Drive (Heather Lankford)

March 7 – April 7                                  Monday, Tuesday & Thursday                          Fee: $10.00

4:30-7:30 p.m.                                    Mt. Olivet Elementary School                          Room #Computer Lab

This class will provide basic e-mail knowledge on navigating, sending, and attaching documents, as well as Google Drive knowledge of office features for beginners to intermediate level.

From the VEA

In response to a recommendation put forth by VEA’s Special Education committee, the Office of Teaching and Learning has developed a Special Education survey. The purpose of the survey is to gather input from educators regarding Special Education issues and concerns. VEA will use the data in discussions with the VDOE, the Virginia Board of Education, and Virginia legislators as well as other stakeholders. To access the survey, visit:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VEASPED2016. It is important that information is gathered from all educators in Virginia including Special Education and General Education teachers as well as Education Support Professionals.  You need not be a member to complete this survey.  The survey will close Wednesday, March 30, 2016. 


Who Was Your Inspiration?

Inspired2Educate is a national recognition program that encourages current K-20 educators to honor the teachers or administrators who inspired them to embrace education as their life’s work. Tell your story in a video or in writing! Each month, PeopleAdmin will award one person with $1,000 for professional development and $1,000 for their educational institution. Submit your story here then follow the stories of educators across the country using #Inspired2Educate.

Food for Thought

For Your Information

Want to share great resources and/or announcements with HCPS colleagues? 

Send your recommendations to mhatchet@henry.k12.va.us by the 28th of each month.