02/14/2025
Superintendent's School Board Meeting Summary
The Gloucester County School Board held its regular meeting, recognizing students, community partners, and staff for their contributions to our schools.
Pledge of Allegiance
The meeting began with Fiona Cupp from Abingdon Elementary leading the Pledge of Allegiance.
Student Recognitions
Gloucester High School honored two Seniors of the Month for their outstanding contributions:
Madilyn Kadel was recognized for her positive impact on school culture. She serves as the voice of the morning announcements, bringing energy and enthusiasm to the school community.
Travis Burke was celebrated for exemplifying the balance between academics and athletics. As the offensive captain of his team, he demonstrates leadership on and off the field and is pursuing an education in business after graduation.
Community Volunteer of the Month
The Board recognized Mr. Eddie Washington as the Community Volunteer of the Month for his dedication to building positive relationships between parents and students through the All Pro Dad program. Gloucester County is the only district in Virginia where every school participates in this initiative. Mr. Washington’s efforts in encouraging fathers and father figures to share a meal with their child before school help create lasting memories and strengthen family connections.
Dr. Vladu also expressed gratitude for Mr. Washington’s service in the United States Army and his ongoing contributions to the Gloucester community. You model the behaviors we aspire to. Thank you for your dedication and service.
Accent on Academics
Abingdon Elementary’ s Historical Experience
Fourth-grade students from Abingdon Elementary participated in an immersive learning experience at Colonial Williamsburg, fully funded by the Community Foundation Grant. Special thanks to the Gloucester Historical Foundation and Director Robert Kelly for making history local and engaging for our students.
Read Across America & Book Presentation
Dr. Amy Stamm and Abingdon Elementary students presented the School Board with books, two of which were written by local authors. The presentation highlighted Read Across America activities. A special thank you to Gwynn Lomax from the Gloucester Retired Teachers Association for her passion for reading and community engagement.
Community Partnership Recognition
BC United Partnership
BC United, a valued community partner, shared how their collaboration with GCPS is making a meaningful impact. Their contributions include scholarships, student mentoring programs, school supplies, and more. In a special initiative to promote literacy, they donated scooters to every school to raise awareness for reading. Thank you for the positive impact on our students and schools!
Student Board Representative
Senior Lauren Landry shared that many students were grateful for the timely inclement weather communications. Additionally, representing the GHS students, she recognized the improvement in lunch schedules, and stated that balancing the times for the 4 lunches would result in additional improvements.
District Updates
3E Accountability & Support Framework
Dr. Diron Ford highlighted progress in the district’s 3E Framework, which focuses on Enrollment, Employment, and Enlistment. With 70 days remaining in the school year, the district is working diligently to support seniors in meeting graduation requirements, passing SOLs, completing ASVAB exams, and earning career credentials. The goal remains 100% graduation for our seniors.
Student Mental Health & Wellness
Ms. Katina Keene (Associate Director of Student Services), Mr. Matt Lord (Director of High School Counseling), and School Psychologist Meagan Cinelli provided an update on the districts comprehensive counseling program and student mental health initiatives.
Superintendent’s Remarks
The Power of Kindness
Dr. Anthony Vladu emphasized the importance of demonstrating kindness, not just during this week but throughout the entire year. He noted that kindness fosters a stronger sense of belonging for both students and staff and can make a lasting impact. It costs nothing to be kind, but its impact lasts a lifetime.
Board & Staff Recognition
School Board Appreciation Month
February is School Board Appreciation Month, and Dr. Vladu thanked the Board for their dedicated leadership, commitment to students, and service to the community.
School Board Clerk Recognition
The Board also recognized School Board Clerk Jennifer Brazil in honor of VASBA Clerk Appreciation Week. A resolution was passed to acknowledge her service, poise, efficiency, and commitment to organizational excellence.
The meeting concluded with continued discussions on district initiatives and a shared commitment to student success.
Sincerely,
Anthony Vladu, Ed.D., Superintendent
Gloucester County School District