Suffolk Public Schools

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin declared Jan. 12-18, 2025, as Virginia School Principals Appreciation Week, "an opportunity to recognize the hard work of Virginia school principals and to recognize the importance of school leaders in ensuring that every child has access to a quality education that prepares them for life." This week, we celebrate our Suffolk Public Schools principals, who play an important role in fostering collaboration and helping to ensure a positive learning environment for all students to succeed. We are grateful for your leadership, dedication, and all you do to inspire and empower future generations!

Suffolk Public Schools is thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of the STEM Academy at Booker T. Washington Elementary, set to open for the 2025–2026 school year. This innovative academy will cater to students in Kindergarten through 5th Grade, emphasizing a hands-on, inquiry-based approach to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. To provide families with essential details, SPS is hosting an Information Night on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Booker T. Washington Elementary School, located at 204 Walnut Street, Suffolk, VA 23434. Parents and community members interested in enrolling rising Kindergarten through 5th Grade students are encouraged to attend.

This event will offer an overview of the STEM Academy’s mission, curriculum, and the registration process. It is an excellent opportunity for parents and guardians to learn how the academy will empower young learners with critical STEM skills and prepare them for future success. For more information, visit the Suffolk Public Schools website. To learn more about the STEM Academy at BTWES, visit: https://sabtw.oduceio.org/

We're Hiring! Join the STEM Academy at Booker T. Washington Elementary School, where curiosity meets creativity, and educators shape the future of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Open positions include: Instructional Designers (K-5th grade teachers), Paraprofessionals and special education teachers. APPLY TODAY: https://www.applitrack.com/spsk12/onlineapp/default.aspx?Category=STEM+Academy+at+Booker+T.+Washington

Citizen Advisory Committees are composed of members who have volunteered their time, talents, and knowledge to help strengthen educational programs. Members are appointed by the School Board, who issues a public announcement and determines the process for receiving applications and/or letters of interest from citizens to serve on citizen advisory committees. Members have already been selected for the 2024-2025 school year.

The following Citizen Advisory Committees are established by the Suffolk School Board: the Gifted Education Advisory Committee, School Health Advisory Board, School Safety Audit Committee, Parent Advisory Council, Career and Technical Education Advisory Council, and the Local Advisory Committee for Special Education. To learn more about each committee, visit www.spsk12.net. Suffolk Public Schools will give notice of the date, time and location of Citizen Advisory Committee meetings by:

1. Posting such notice on the Suffolk Public Schools division website page and calendar

2. Placing such notice on the Suffolk Public Schools e-Flyer board (Peach Jar) and official division Facebook page event notices

3. Placing such notice at the office of the School Board Clerk

All information will be posted no later than the 28th day of the month prior. Any changes to meeting dates, times or locations will be made at least three working days prior to the meeting date.

A Star Achiever is an honor given to an SPS staff member who has been recognized by their peers for their exceptional contributions to our school community and for making a significant impact in the lives of others. SPS STAR Achiever nominations for the second quarter will close on Friday, January 17, 2025. Nominations are welcomed by students, staff, parents and community members.

To submit a nominee, please use the link provided: https://forms.gle/1TTtvF8hJWwGiukZ.

What is the SPS Scholarship Hub? The SPS Scholarship Hub, located on our division's website, serves as a platform to inform parents and students of available scholarships in our area. As you begin planning the next steps for your student's future, we encourage you to visit The Hub for scholarship application forms and submission information. Suffolk Public Schools does not endorse any scholarship program listed on the Scholarship Hub. High school guidance counselors will continue distributing scholarships, including those linked to specific colleges, athletic opportunities, and other focused awards not listed on The Hub.

Share Your Scholarship With Us! If your community group has a scholarship offer for Suffolk Public Schools students, please email your information to communityengagement@spsk12.net. Information is updated as it is received.

We are thrilled to announce the following outstanding educators as our 2025 District-Wide Elementary, Middle, and High School Teachers of the Year:

• Rhonda Alexander

  Northern Shores Elementary School
  

  District-Wide Elementary School
  Suffolk City-Wide 2025 Teacher of the Year

• Monica Vaughan
  King's Fork Middle School

  District-Wide Middle School 2025 Teacher of the Year

• Minthia Crawley
  Turlington Woods School
  District-Wide High School 2025 Teacher of the Year

A special shoutout goes to Rhonda Alexander, our 2025 Suffolk Citywide Teacher of the Year. The Teacher of the Year program aims to recognize and celebrate excellence in the classroom and looks for teachers who represent the best in teaching. We are incredibly proud of ALL our nominees for the 2024-2025 school year and the impact they make every day!