December 2024 Cville Schools News and Highlights

Thanks for your continued engagement as we continue to plan for the rezoning of our elementary schools. 

At the 12/5 School Board meeting, the Board received the four school committees’ recommendations, all of which were endorsed by Dr. Gurley. The recommendations are that Burnley-Moran be renamed Sunrise Elementary School; that Johnson be renamed Tall Oaks Elementary School; and that Greenbrier and Jackson-Via retain their current names. If approved in January, the two new names would go into effect in August 2025. Watch the presentation here.

At the 12/5 School Board meeting, the 2025-26 and 2026-27 academic calendars were approved. These dates will be added shortly to the Cville Schools Google Academic Calendar (no need to re-subscribe).

Congratulations to Walker instructional coach Chris Chamberlin and CHS ESL teacher Tina Vasquez, who were recently named National Board Certified Teachers after a rigorous process of peer-reviewed assessments!

If you loved seeing Olga Salama's story at the top of this newsletter, you'll want to learn more about her and the other three winners of the Elizabeth and Greg Allen Opportunity Scholarship: Antony Arostegui, Ciaijah Ragland, and Kevohn Rush. This competitive scholarship at CHS supports prospective first-generation college students by awarding them each $10,000 a year for four years of college.

Senior Elle Polifka was selected for the prestigious Virginia Senior Honors Choir, and junior Jack Wielar earned a very rare spot in the American Choral Directors' Association National Honors Choir in Dallas. Additionally, a record-breaking 21 CHS students will participate in the All-District Choir. Find full list of honorees here. The choir has been busy singing for UVA Hospital's annual Lights of Love event and the Grand Illumination of Charlottesville. You can also hear these talented singers at the winter concert on Thursday, December 12 at 7pm in the MLK PAC.

Senior Saadia Hamilton was recently featured in the “Profile of a CATEC Student” series. A nurse assistant student, she works at ACAC Kid Zone and plans to be a pediatric nurse (with 5 college acceptances so far). 

Speaking of educating future medical professionals, did you know that in the draft Program of Study for next year, CHS is planning to offer Health & Medical Sciences? And in 2026-27, CATEC is planning to add Practical Nursing? This class would bolster students’ skills and certifications and also create a pathway for students to waive RN program prerequisites at community colleges.

The Boys and Girls Club of Cherry Avenue recognized Charlottesville City Schools as its community partner of the year! As Dr. Gurley noted, "Thank you, Kate Lambert, and the Boys and Girls Club of Cherry Avenue... We appreciate all you do for the students of Charlottesville City Schools."

As we head into the season of winter weather, please tune in for updates. We will announce any schedule changes via ParentSquare. You can also check our website, social media channels, and local media. (If you’re not getting text or email updates via ParentSquare, contact your school.)

Know someone outside our division who would like to receive weather notifications or other updates from CCS? Tell them to sign up here.

At the 12/5 Board meeting, topics ranged from calendars to school name reviews (see blurbs in this newsletter) to budget priorities to music education and various school construction projects. Find slides, links, and more in the December 5 Mini-Minutes. As mentioned above, the Board received an update on the rezoning process at their December 7 work session. Watch video | Review slides.

Interested in future meetings? Community members can sign up to receive notices of School Board meetings. Staff and Cville Schools families will automatically receive notices.