First Graders held their writing celebration this week. They shared their books with students from other classes and taught one another things like how to Trick or Treat, how to be a friend, and how to ride an elevator. We are proud of our young authors!
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What Artifacts Demonstrate Venable Culture Best?
What is culture? How do we define it for ourselves? What are some of the artifacts of culture that help to describe who we are, what we believe, and how we communicate what we believe? These are some of the questions that third graders have been grappling with. A group working with Mrs. Cartwright collected the ideas of their peers about symbols the represent our school and debated which one most adequately serves as a symbol of our school culture. Here's what they came to consensus about: "The historic marker should be our artifact that best represents Venable. The historic marker is important because it allows anybody to know about Venable's past and that many people helped to get Venable desegregated (so people of all skin colors could come to the school). In 1959, we were the first elementary school in Charlottesville to be integrated because of nine young African-American students. Today, every student of every skin color is allowed to go to Venable. We choose the historic marker because it shows we can learn from mistakes of the past, such as segregation and unequal rights for African-Americans. That shows we are problem solvers. Venable's marker also shows we have kindness, we are welcoming, and inclusive. We believe that Venable's historic sign is an important artifact to Venable's history and culture."
Thank You to Three Notch'd and Venable PTO!
This past Monday evening, many Venable staff participated in a workshop at the Jefferson School City Center on Cultural Humility given by Eboni Bugg. Following the event, we met at Three Notch'd to continue the conversation and reflect on what we had heard as it relates to our roles as educators. Thank you to the Venable PTO and the restaurant for providing the space and footing the bill for our post-workshop refreshments! Nominate an Outstanding Venable Teacher for the Golden Apple Award
The Golden Apple Award program is designed to honor outstanding teachers in public and private schools in Albemarle County and Charlottesville City. One winner is selected from each school, and eight winners also will receive a $1,000 Golden Apple Grant, which can be used for classroom materials or to support the recipient’s professional development. Please consider nominating a teacher at Venable who has made a difference for your child. Nomination forms should be submitted to Mrs. Kershner by February 1 and are available online at http://www2.k12albemarle.org/dept/instruction/Pages/golden-apple-award.aspx. Venable's most recent recipients of the Golden Apple Award are: 2017: Nicole Driggs, Speech 2016: Cindy Cartwright, Quest 2015: Diane Forasté, 1st grade 2014: Karen Minor, Kindergarten 2013: Michael Salvatierra, Music 2012: Traci Martin, PE 2011: Brenda Payne, Kindergarten 2009: Nancy Mimms, 2nd grade |