Vision

Henry County Public Schools where critical thinking is expected, creativity is nurtured,

technology and innovation are embraced, and learning is celebrated. 

Mission 

Henry County Public Schools, a high-performing school division, provides all students with an exemplary education

in a safe, supportive environment that promotes self-discipline, motivation, and excellence.

 

School Board of Henry County  

Mrs. Kathy H. Rogers, Chairman, Collinsville District 

Dr. Joe DeVault, Vice‐Chairman, Member‐At‐Large 

Mrs. Terri C. Flanagan, Horsepasture District 

Mr. Rudy J. Law, Blackberry District 

Mrs. Betsy S. Mattox, Reed Creek District 

Mr. Curtis Millner, Sr., Iriswood District 

Mr. Francis Zehr, Ridgeway District 

Henry County Public Schools  

Dr. Jared A. Cotton, Superintendent 

Mrs. Linda Dorr, Assistant Superintendent of  Administration and Human Resources 

Mr. DeWitt House, Assistant Superintendent of  Instruction  

Members of the Henry County School Board: (left to right) Dr. Joe DeVault, Mr. Francis Zehr, Mrs. Betsy Mattox, Mrs. Terri Flanagan, Mrs. Kathy Rogers, and Superintendent Dr. Jared Cotton. Not in photo: Mr. Rudy Law and Mr. Curtis Millner.

Information on the National Blue Ribbon Award The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public and non-public elementary, middle, and high

schools where students achieve at very high levels and/or where the achievement gap in narrowing. The Pro-

gram sets a standard of excellence for all schools striving for the highest level of achievement. The National

Blue Ribbon Schools Program is part of a larger U. S. Department of Education effort to identify and dissemi-

nate knowledge about best school leadership and teaching practices. In 2011, only six public schools in Vir-

ginia received the National Blue Ribbon Award.  

Information on Rich Acres Elementary School Rich Acres has consistently been ranked among the state’s highest performing schools. Based on the results of the VA SOL

tests, Rich Acres has exceeded the state requirements and has been Fully Accredited for the past eight years (since the concep-

tion of accreditation by the state). In addition to meeting the state requirements, Rich Acres has far exceeded the state standards

(70% passing). In fact, students’ passing scores in reading and mathematics have consistently increased from the 90th percentile

towards a school goal of 100%.

Adequately Yearly Progress (AYP) benchmarks are based on the VA SOL test results in mathematics and English. Rich Acres

has met all AYP requirements for the past eight years. In addition to meeting and surpassing Federal benchmarks, Rich Acres re-

ceived the 2008, 2009, and 2011 Distinguished Title I School Award for making AYP for two consecutive years. Rich Acres was

also recognized by former Virginia Governor Timothy Kaine and current Governor Bob McDonnell for four consecutive years (2008

through 2011) through the Virginia Index of Performance (VIP) incentive program created by the Virginia Board of Education in

2007 to advance former Governor Kaine’s “competence to excellence” agenda and promoting advanced learning and achieve-

ment. Rich Acres was also recognized with Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell’s highest honor, the Governor’s Award of Educa-

tional Excellence in 2011. Only 6% of schools in Virginia received this distinction.

Fifth grade students, teachers, and Principal Mrs. Elizabeth Hussey share a special moment with five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion Jimmie Johnson as he helps to display the school’s 2011 National Blue Ribbon School banner.

Rich Acres’ Blue Ribbon Cheer Magna Vista High School Cheerleaders

Welcome Mrs. Elizabeth Hussey— Principal, Rich Acres Elementary School

Pledge of Allegiance Led by Max Roupe and Nashaun Dillard — Rich Acres SCA Officers

I Love My Country Rich Acres Students — Directed by Ms. Molly Follweiler

Special Remarks for the Students Mrs. Elizabeth Hussey

Feels Good to be a Buccaneer Rich Acres Students — Directed by Ms. Molly Follweiler

Special Guest Introduction Reagan Griffith — Rich Acres SCA President

Remarks Harvey Taylor — Magna Vista High School senior and former Rich Acres student

and SCA President

Special Presentations Mrs. Sheryl Agee — United Way of Henry County and Martinsville

Mr. Max Hall — Chick-fil-A

Mrs. Tracie Powell — Martinsville Speedway

Mrs. Cathie Carter — Tacoma Inc. (Taco Bell)

Closing Remarks Dr. Jared A. Cotton — Superintendent, Henry County Public Schools

Outdoor Flag Ceremony Michael Gee and Larnell Hampton — Rich Acres’ Students

Classroom Cupcake Celebration

Mrs. Sheryl Agee with the United Way of Henry County and Martinsville presented each student with a free book.

Mr. Max Hall with Chick-fil-A presented each Rich Acres’ student with a free kids meal coupon and each staff member with a free chicken sandwich coupon. Mr. Hall and the Chick-fil-A cow encouraged students to “Read More Books.”

Rich Acres’ students and staff were surprised as they entered the gym and saw the balloon sculptures created by the Magna Vista High School horticulture students, under the leadership of Mrs. Deborah Barker. The students created the sculptures with over 5,000 balloons and completed the project in approximately five hours.

After traveling through a tunnel of pompoms created by the Magna Vista High School cheerleaders and an archway of balloons, students were greeted by the Chick-fil-A cow and Taco Bell’s “Spicy.”

Magna Vista High School senior and varsity football quarterback Harvey Taylor greeted students as he made his way to the front of the gym. Magna Vista cheerleaders began the celebration with “We Break it Down with the Blue, Orange, and White.” Rich Acres’ school colors are blue and orange.

The Rich Acres’ gym was full of celebration in honor of the students and staff who have worked so hard to make Rich Acres a 2011 National Blue Ribbon School.

Henry County School Board members and Dr. Cotton had lunch prior to the celebration with the fifth grade students at Rich Acres.

All Rich Acres’ students, staff, and guests received official 2011 National Blue Ribbon t-shirts.

Mr. Palmer Lowery and Rich Acres’ students Michael Gee and Larnell Hampton raised the 2011 National Blue Ribbon School flag. During this time all students and staff reflected on the hard work that was necessary to achieve this award.

When students returned to their classrooms there was a box full of surprises donated by local businesses and organizations — United Way of Henry County and Martinsville (book), Chick-fil-A (free food coupons for students and staff), Tacoma Inc. (free Taco Bell coupons for students and staff), and Martinsville Speedway (free child’s ticket to the next NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race and a discounted ticket for their parent).

Students and special guests also enjoyed National Blue Ribbon cupcakes. First grade student Cole Treaster enjoyed his cupcake and icing.

In addition to the day celebration, there was also an evening reception for parents and the Rich Acres’ community. All former principals and the current principal received a 2011 National Blue Ribbon pin. (left to right) Former principals — Mr. Bill Bullins, Mrs. Elizabeth Minter, Dr. Joe DeVault, Mr. Ken Ramsey, and current principal Mrs. Elizabeth Hussey.

Approximately four hundred parents, students, staff, and community members attended the evening reception honoring Rich Acres Elementary School’s 2011 National Blue Ribbon Award. Congratulations Rich Acres! We are so proud of you!