Old Donation School September 5, 2019

THE RISING TIDE Finding Inspiration in Our Students and Our School Community

Administration

Kelly A. Hedrick, Ed.D., Principal

Janet Smallwood, Assistant Principal

Susanne Meyerholz, Assistant Principal

J. Denise Schmitter, School Counseling Department Chair

Matthew Voegel, Student Activities Coordinator

C. Eric Bone, School Improvement Specialist

4633 Honeygrove Road Virginia Beach, VA 23455

Phone: 757.648.3240

Student Hours: 8:35 a.m. - 3:39 p.m

Office Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 4:10 p.m.

Old Donation School is supported by the ODS PTA in

countless ways. Please join and

encourage extended family to support us

as well: https://

www.brickellacademypta.com

Old Donation School Home of the Edward E. Brickell Academy for

Advanced Academics and Arts

Thank you for a wonderful opening to the 2019-2020 school year.In these first few days, it has been incredible to witness thecoming together of so many children from across Virginia Beach.Seeing them work together to build conceptual frameworksaround grade level themes, gather for lunch making new andreconnecting with old friends, and enjoying the rush ofexcitement that comes from a new school year full of possibilities.Dr. Hedrick will address students to review expectations for allstudents, adults, and guests at ODS. She will explain that we havethe right to expect the following from one another: kindness,respect, collaboration, honesty, and diligence. She explained tostudents that our Honor Code outlines our commitment to ourselves and one another.

This year, staff and students at ODS will examine our HonorCode and make decisions about our expectations for behaviorthroughout the school. More than the Student Code of Conduct inevery school, our work with the Honor Code will help us refineand articulate what behavior we expect from ourselves and oneanother, especially in the hallway, bathrooms, cafeteria, andgymnasium. To organize our work, we will use the PositiveBehavioral Interventions System (PBIS) and a team of teachersled by Mrs. Smallwood and our school psychologist, Mrs.Herman. Our focus will be on building great goals andexpectations for behavior that enriches the incredible climate atODS. We want to continue to grow and to improve as a schoolcommunity, and PBIS is a structure to help use achieve this goal.

Thank you for the honor of working with your child(ren) andyour family this school year. Everyone at ODS feels a deep senseof responsibility for the academic, social, and emotional well-being of every child. Thank you for partnering with us in supportof your child(ren).

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Old Donation School September 5, 2019

Middle School World Language Program Update One of the program requirements in the middle school academic program at Old Donation School(ODS) is student participation in a world language course in grades 6, 7, and 8. A student who beginsa language in grade 6 with Level 1 and takes each subsequent level can earn three high school creditsand complete the language requirement for the advanced diploma. Many of our students whocomplete three years of a language continue after with the same language, add another language, orremove a world language from their schedule making room for areas of interest.

We have found that our students who enter Level III of a language here at ODS are actually ready formore of a challenge than the division’s program allows. With that in mind, beginning in 2020-2021,ODS will combine Levels III and IV of Latin. Students will have the advantage of a more rigorouslanguage experience here at ODS and may elect to enter Level V or AP Latin in 9th grade.Acceleration of their language program honors the need for a faster pace and more in-depth languageexperience than what is offered in Level II throughout VBCPS. While students will earn one credit forthe combined class, they will be a year ahead in language studies as Levels III and IV are compacted.This will be the only option for a third level of Latin. In truth, students who take the combined coursewill not see a dramatic increase in workload from that of previous students who took Latin III.Instead, the pace will be increased as students cover more topics and concepts with less repetition.

Why Latin? Courses go through a cycle of review and revisions. This year was one for our Latinprogram, so beginning with it made the most sense given time and resources. The ODS Latin teachers worked this summer to incorporate varied strategies to attend to the needs of our Latinstudents mapping out a plan for Levels I and II that will support a combined Level III/IV class. Theprocess takes time and resources that must be phased in over time. We will monitor the success ofthe offering in Latin, the curriculum work that needs to be done, and data from ODS alumni whocurrently take Level IV. With this information, we will determine the appropriateness of combiningLevels III and IV in Spanish and in French. We will provide updated information for current studentsin Latin Levels I and II as registration for 2020-2021 courses become available. In the meantime, ifyou have questions or wish to provide input, email Dr. Hedrick.

Mark Your Calendar: College Funding Parent Event

All parents of Brickell Academy students in art, dance, and our 2-8 academic programs are invited to attend this free workshop. The workshop will be held on October 22, 2019, from 7:00-8:30 p.m. Parents only are invited to learn tips for navigating funding for

college presented by the parent of an ODS alumni. It’s never too early to understand and plan for college funding. This session is co-

sponsored by ODS School Counseling (Career and Academic Planning Goals) and the Brickell Academy PTA.

Registration information is coming soon.

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Old Donation School September 5, 2019

Developing Understanding and Support: Parenting the Twice-exceptional Child We are excited to announce a Special Series: Parenting the Twice-exceptional Child. This will be offered monthly throughout the school year with the goal of providing parents of twice-exceptionalchildren an opportunity to come together and discuss topics relevant to their unique needs. The meetings will be held the third Thursday of each month and all parents are welcome. The first meeting will be Thursday, September 19, 2019, at 1:30 at Old Donation School. Please contact Janet Smallwood at janet.smallwood@vbschools.com to let us know that you will attending.

Dates: • September 19 • October 17 • November 21 • December 19 • January 16 • February 13 • March 19 • April 23 (4th Thursday due to Spring Break) • May 21

Resources for Parents in the ODS Library Parenting Gifted Children 101: An Introduction to Gifted Kids and Their Needs by Tracy Ford Inman, Ed.D., Jana Kirchner, Ph.D.

Letting Go of Perfect by Jill L. Adelson Ph.D., Hope E. Wilson Ph.D.

Stressed Out!: Solutions to Help Your Child Manage and Overcome Stress by James W. Forgan, Ph.D., andMary Anne Richey

Emotional Intensity in Gifted Students: Helping Kids Coping With Explosive Feelings (2nd ed.) by Christine Fonseca

Twice-Exceptional Gifted Children: Understanding, Teaching, andCounseling Gifted Students by Beverly A. Trail Ed.D.

Emotional Intensity in Gifted Students: Helping Kids Coping With Explosive Feelings (2nd ed.) by Christine Fonseca

Parenting Gifted Kids: Tips for Raising Happy and SuccessfulChildren by James R. Delisle Ph.D.

Raising a Gifted Child: A Parenting Success Handbook by Carol Fertig

Parenting Gifted Children: The Authoritative Guide From theNational Association for Gifted Children by Jennifer L. JollyPh.D., Donald J. Treffinger Ph.D., Tracy Ford Inman, Ed.D., JoanFranklin Smutny Ph.D.

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Old Donation School September 5, 2019

Breaking Through!: Helping Girls Succeed in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math by HarrietS. Mosatche, Elizabeth K. Lawner, Susan Matloff-Nieves

Changing the Narrative: Profiles of Young, Black Gifted Scholars Donna Y. Ford, Ph.D., Joy LawsonDavis, Ed.D, and Tarek C. Grantham, Ph.D

Anxiety-Free Kids: An Interactive Guide for Parents and Children (2nd ed.) by Bonnie Zucker Psy.D.

Quiet Kids: Help Your Introverted Child Succeed in an Extroverted World by Christine Fonseca

Visual-Spatial Learners: Understanding the Learning Style Preference ofBright But Disengaged Students (2nd ed.) Alexandra Shires Golon

School Success for Kids With High-Functioning Austism by StephenSilverman Ph.D., Lauren Kenworthy Ph.D., Rich Weinfeld

Raising Girls With ADHD: Secrets for Parenting Health, HappyDaughters by James W Forgan Ph.D., Mary Anne Richey

The Impulsive, Disorganized Child: Solutions for Parenting Kids With Executive Functioning Difficulties by James W Forgan Ph.D., Mary AnneRichey

Smart Kids With Learning Difficulties (2nd ed.) by Rich Weinfeld, LindaBarnes-Robinson, Sue Jeweler, Betty Roffman Shevitz

There are additional titles available so stop by the ODS library. If thereare topics of interest to you and your family, email Dr. Hedrick atkelly.Hedrick@vbschools.com to recommend a topic or resource for theparent resource library at ODS.

What is Matriculation, and How is it Earned? When ODC and KLMS were separate schools, ODS fifth graders retested and applied for a seat at KLMS. While most students who were successful in the elementary program applied and were accepted, the hurdles of testing and application were stressful for parents and students. It was also time-consuming for ODC teachers who completed recommendations for both KLMS and the Middle Years Program of IB at Plaza Middle School. As ODC and KLMS combined into one school, the hurdles of retesting and application were removed. Since that time, students who are successful in the elementary program at ODS may earn matriculation.

Parents of elementary students sometimes stress over a DP on their child’s report card. When you consider that DP or developing proficiency is often natural in a challenging curriculum, it is not problematic if a DP appears on a report card. After all, the decision to enroll a child at ODS is often because parents or guardians are seeking a learning environment where a child will be challenged. A DP can open a conversation with child, parent, and teacher about overcoming challenges through hard work, persistence, and collaboration. So, how is matriculation determined? When a fifth grader is actively engaged in the learning process, performing well across all curricular areas showing growth over time, and producing quality work at the pace and depth commensurate with the challenges of the ODS curriculum, they earn matriculation.

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Old Donation School September 5, 2019

While most of our students earn matriculation, parents need to carefully review the options that exist for middle school and give consideration to the best placement for their child based on needs. After all, it is the high school record that matters most for future goals (i.e., college, career), and middle school success (e.g., courses, grades) determines acceptance to high school academies and advanced academic programs and advanced coursework. In other words, a child who struggles excessively, passing with B’s and C’s at ODS is less likely to earn a spot in a high school program of his or her choice than a student earning A’s in similar coursework at their neighborhood school.

Consider middle school options (e.g., Gifted Visual Arts Program at Virginia Beach Middle School, MYP at Plaza Middle School, resource-cluster program in every neighborhood middle school, and ODS) and consider your child’s individual needs. What program is most likely to lead to your child’s goals for high school and beyond? When you consider your child’s academic, social, and emotional needs, which program will be the best fit? Given your child’s interest and need for extracurricular activities, which program is likely to provide what he or she needs? Which program provides the academic options to match your child’s strengths and learning needs?

Decisions on matriculation are made after progress reports are issued in the 3rd nine weeks by Dr. Hedrick who sends a decision letter to the parents of each 5th grader. All decisions are made in the best interest of a child’s academic success in middle school and parents have the right to appeal the decision. For now, continue to work collaboratively with your child’s 5th grade teacher and investigate all middle school options to find the best fit for your child based on his or her needs and goals.

Meet Officer Errol Diaz

Each secondary school in Virginia Beach works with a school resource officer (SRO)

housed at the school site. Old Donation School works with Officer Errol Diaz of the Virginia Beach Police Department. Officer Diaz assists each morning and afternoon

with arrival and dismissal monitoring traffic, provides support as problems arise,

and provides security for large school events after school and on weekends. He is a member of our school’s safety team and

provides assistance in all emergency situations. Officer Diaz also serves as a

mentor and fierce chess component for our students.

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Old Donation School September 5, 2019

What is the reason for the afternoon routine? At 3:15 p.m., we begin shifting staff members to initiate dismissal procedures. At that time, office staff and guidance staff change work locations to cover phones, and the front desk security folks move to the bus loop. Then, we have to ensure that the daily bus changes which are typically 50-100 changes a day between buses and parent pick-up are communicated to all staff on duty and to the bus drivers. This is not easy since our drivers do not all arrive prior to dismissal. Remember, our buses travel over every high school zone in VA Beach. The pressure to ensure we know where every child is traveling amidst daily changes is a daunting task. We accept the challenge and the parameters we must have in place.

We have a small support staff, so there is a team of teachers and administrators in the front for the almost 200 parent pick-ups and the remaining available staff are in the bus loop. Both areas and throughout the school include duty stations for all teachers who do not have a class at the end of the day. From 3:15 p.m. until the time students are dismissed, all staff in each area are briefed on changes which include sub busses, double-loads, and special situations like cabs for our homeless children and students who ride the special needs bus. The security desk and front office staff listen to all changes via the radio in the event there is an emergency.

All teachers know that we will not call into the classrooms for early release after 3:15 p.m. This means they prepare students for the end of class and the trip home. Teachers often let students use the restroom since some of them have long rides home. As the end of day routines begin to shift and teachers wrap-up classes until the end of the period, our middle school band and orchestra students leave class a few minutes early to get to lockers and pick-up instruments in the performing arts areas. All of these moving parts are happening simultaneously. Calling for a child after 3:15 p.m. means students would be making their way to the front desk amidst the beginning of dismissal.

Why is the early release deadline at 3:15 p.m.? When we first moved to the new school in April 2017, we tried a later time. The size of the building and the challenges of finding students amidst end of day activities meant they were often coming down at the same time our parent pick-up students were coming to the same location. We had as many as 20 parents in the lobby while students were coming down to line-up for parent pick-up. There were many days where parents wanted to avoid the car lane and they parked in the lot and walked up to the front office. Doctors appointments, athletic teams, music lessons, and “I don’t want to sit in that long line” were among the reasons the lobby was so crowded. In many cases, students and parents were walking out at the same time staff members were taking parent pick-up students out.

Staff members on duty in this area were concerned because they could not tell what parents had actually shown identification and checked out a child and whom had not. We even had some parents who took advantage of this confusion and attempted to walk up and take their child from the pick-up area. Given the custody situations of some of our children and the possibility that anyone could walk-up and take a child, we decided this was too much of a risk.

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We backed the time up to 3:15 p.m. and focused on communicating the new time to all parents. Since that time, the only problem is in situations where the time causes difficulty for individuals. No one wants to appear rigid or dismissive of individual needs. In truth, if we were to try and navigate individual situations we would be making exceptions every day creating an unreliable process and putting students at risk. There are those rare situations when an emergency warrants a break in protocols, but these are extraordinary circumstances. Thank you for working with us. Our focus is on keeping every child safe.

Meet Leyla Caralivanos

This is our talented and dedicated Reading Specialist, “Mrs. C” as the

students call her. She teaches middle school courses and works with all

teachers in professional development and planning for literacy development

and enhancement. Mrs. C is also an invaluable resource for our elementary

classrooms working with whole classes, small groups, and individual

students on reading and writing.

Transportation ChangesOur primary goal is to keep everyone safe. So, we set deadlines for changes including notes by 10:00 a.m. and allow no changes in pick-up once dismissal set-up begins at 3:15 p.m. because changes outside of our normal operating procedures put children at risk. Thank you for working with us to ensure every child’s safety. Parents have the option of submitting transportation changes online.

ODS Transportation Changes for Parents: Online Instructions

Parents have the option of sending daily transportation change notices online. Submissions are accepted on the day of the change until 10:00 a.m. Upon submission of the completed form, you will automatically receive a response receipt, letting you know that your submission has been accepted. You can streamline this process by having information such as your child’s student ID number, teacher name, and bus number(s) readily available. Please use the steps in this process:

Step #1 Visit http://bit.ly/ods-parent-note

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Step #2 This is a form-driven notification system; begin by entering the required details (your email address, contact information, and information about your child).

Step #3 The online form will take you through the appropriate prompts as you go along, based on your input on each question. Once you’re done, simply hit Submit and that’s it -- you’ve sent in your transportation note! You will receive an automated receipt via email when your form is correctly submitted.

Staying Informed Keep up to date on what is going on at Old Donation School with the Daily Update Email. This daily emailincludes the morning announcements and is distributed to subscribers by noon each school day. You can signup by going here .

Daily Updates on Twitter:• Dr. Hedrick @Principal4GT• Old Donation School @OldDonationSchool • PTA @brickellpta

School Web site: http://www.brickellacademy.vbschools.com

School Messenger: Do we have your current contact information? Messages are used for a varietyof communications, including emergency situations. Teacher Webpages: http://www.brickellacademy.vbschools.com/pages/aboutus/staff/

PTA Web: www.brickellacademypta.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ BrickellAcademyPTAPTA Email: BrickellAcademyPTA@gmail.com

Breakfast and Lunch at Old Donation School: Scratch-cooking means Great Food and Student Chefs

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