Two schools earn VDOE 'Distinguished' status; board recognizes students and staff
Summary
Superintendent announced two district schools achieved 'Distinguished' status under the Virginia School Performance and Support Framework and the board recognized students and employees across multiple schools at the meeting.
Superintendent Doctor Shannon announced that Southampton High School and Capern Elementary School have been designated as "Distinguished" under the Commonwealth’s School Performance and Support Framework, citing a letter from VDOE superintendent Emily Ann Gullickson congratulating principals and staff on their achievement.
The board paused to recognize departing board members and then accepted a long list of student-of-the-month and employee-of-the-month recognitions across the division. Principals described nominees’ behavior and achievements at Capern, Meherrin, Nottoway, Riverdale, Southampton Middle and Southampton High; examples included Jax Osborne and Kyson Lester at Capern and Janiyah Easter at the high school.
Instructional staff also outlined Virginia Literacy Act implementation updates, upcoming professional development dates, and midyear assessment schedules. Board members praised the recognitions and discussed next steps to support the middle school, which remains below the distinguished designation but has improvement plans in place.
