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Goochland CTE Heavy Equipment Program Named VDOE Region 1 Creating Excellence Award Winner

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The Virginia Department of Education recently announced that the Goochland County Public Schools Utility/Heavy Construction I and II program has been selected as the Region 1 winner from among 38 high schools in 16 central Virginia school divisions of the 2018 Creating Excellence Program Award.  The Creating Excellence Awards are presented annually to recognize exemplary programs and partnerships that promote excellence in career and technical education.

The GCPS Heavy Equipment Program, taught by Mr. Michael Verrastro, is unique in the Commonwealth, and has worked collaboratively with community organizations and equipment suppliers from around the state to provide students with the opportunity to gain firsthand experience in the operation of heavy equipment.  Students have used their skills to enhance several projects in the division and the county.

“Our heavy equipment program has been a great source of pride for our school division,” said Mr. Bruce Watson, Director of Career and Technical Education.  “The skill of Mr. Verrastro, the enthusiasm of our students, and the support of our business and community partners have allowed us to engage our students in ways that cannot be found in any other school or division”.

Mr. Verrastro demonstrates Heavy Equipment for GES visitors
Mr. Verrastro demonstrates Heavy Equipment for GES visitors

The GCPS staff will be recognized at an awards luncheon on June 14, hosted by the VDOE Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education.  Heavy Equipment is one of many CTE offerings that have distinguished GCPS in creating a balanced experience that engages all students in deeper learning.  

 

 

 

Goochland County Public Schools Recognizes Top Teachers and Staff at the 2018 Celebration of Excellence

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On Tuesday, May 1, Goochland County Public Schools held its second Celebration of Excellence at the newly renovated Central High School Cultural and Educational Center to recognize 2018 retirees, Teacher of the Year, Employee of the Year, Team of the Year, and for the first time this year, Volunteer and Rookie of the Year.  The Celebration of Excellence featured food prepared and served by Goochland High Culinary Arts students and GCPS Food Service, and plaques were made by our GCPS Career and Technical Education Department.

The Goochland Education Foundation joined Superintendent Dr. Jeremy Raley in presenting awards to the evening’s distinguished recipients:

  • Liz Alford, Goochland High Teacher of the Year
  • Patrick Gordon, Goochland Middle Teacher of the Year
  • Simone Jones, Byrd Elementary Teacher of the Year
  • Jaime Sprouse, Randolph Elementary Teacher of the Year
  • Kelley Taylor, Goochland Elementary Teacher of the Year
Ms. Kelley Taylor, 2018 GCPS Teacher of the Year
Ms. Kelley Taylor, 2018 GCPS Teacher of the Year

Ms. Kelley Taylor, 1st grade teacher at Goochland Elementary School, was selected as the Goochland County Public Schools 2018 Teacher of the Year.  She will be considered with teachers from across the Commonwealth for the honor of being the 2018 Mary Bicouvaris Virginia Teacher of the Year.

Ms. Krystle Demas, Employee of the Year
Ms. Krystle Demas, Employee of the Year

The GCPS Employee of the Year is Instructional Technology Resource Coach Ms. Krystle Demas. 

2018 Team of the Year, GHS Counseling: Dr. Beth Fowler, Ms. Ashton Guza, and Mr. Doug Getter
2018 Team of the Year, GHS Counseling: Dr. Beth Fowler, Ms. Ashton Guza, and Mr. Doug Getter

The GCPS Team of the Year is the GHS Counseling Team, which includes Dr. Beth Fowler, Mr. Doug Getter, and Ms. Ashton Guza.

Ms. Katie Schihl, Rookie of the Year
Ms. Katie Schihl, Rookie of the Year

The inaugural Rookie of the Year is Ms. Katie Schihl, Special Education teacher from Goochland Middle School.

Dr. Richard Carchman, Volunteer of the Year
Dr. Richard Carchman, Volunteer of the Year

GCPS Volunteer of the Year is Dr. Richard Carchman, for his service in all our schools, especially at Byrd Elementary.

Goochland Public Schools retirees Ms. Kim Bachmann, Mrs. Deborah Blackburn, Mrs. Margaret Dickerson, Ms. Linda Drake, Mr. Bryan Gordon, Ms. Deborah Riggan, and Ms. Tina Taylor account for over 140 years of experience in Goochland County Public Schools.