Edmee CR Hasler
Contributing writer
At the recent Salem School Board meeting, three outstanding Salem High School students were recognized for their participation in Virginia Governor’s Schools over the summer, representing the district in highly competitive academic programs.
Iliana Martinez attended the Virginia Governor’s World Language Academy for Spanish at Washington and Lee University from June 22 to July 13. The program, hosted at the university since 2011, immerses students in Spanish language and culture. Participants are selected through a rigorous application process and are required to speak, read, write, and listen exclusively in Spanish throughout the three-week program. Iliana was one of the students chosen from across Virginia, and she spent her time developing her linguistic skills through intensive study and cultural activities.
Josephine Eaton was selected to attend the Summer Residential Governor’s School for Mathematics, Science, and Technology at the University of Lynchburg from June 30 to July 27. The program offers high school juniors and seniors an advanced curriculum focused on exploring STEM fields through innovative, hands-on approaches. Josephine, after passing a demanding application process, was able to delve into cutting-edge scientific topics and collaborate on real-world problem-solving projects during her four-week stay at the university.
Hall Blackwood participated in the Summer Residential Governor’s School for Agriculture at Virginia Tech from June 23 to July 20. This program provides students with the opportunity to engage in academic research and hands-on experiences in agriculture, while focusing on sustainability and other pressing agricultural issues. Selected for his interest in agricultural sciences, Hall spent four weeks learning from top researchers and educators in the field.
The Salem School Board praised the hard work and dedication of these students, who were chosen to represent Salem in these selective state programs. Each program’s emphasis on excellence and innovation highlights the talent and determination of the students selected.
The School Board also approved a Special Education Advisory Committee. Members are: Teresa Sizemore-Hernandez, School Board representative, Macel Janoschka, School Board representative, Sandra Elliott Bryant, parent, Debra Schmitt, parent, Jacqueline Rickmond, Parent, Candice Zimmerman, teacher, Sullivan Hutson, Goodwill Industries of the Valley, Mary Worthington, Blue Ridge Independent Living Center, Ashleigh Judd, secretary, and Randy Jennings, consultant director of student services.
School board members reviewed proposed additions to the list of approved hearing officers under Policy GBMA: Support Staff Grievances. The policy allows support staff to request a hearing in grievance cases, with the Superintendent selecting a hearing officer from a School Board-approved list.
The proposed candidates for the hearing officer list are: David Blevins, Joe Hafey, Caleb L. Hall Jr., Kimble Reynolds, H. Alan Seibert, and Rhonda Stegall. This review ensures compliance with policy guidelines for handling staff grievances.
