Cumberland County Public Schools held the New Teacher Institute (NTI) on July 29-30, 2024. On Day 1 of the Institute, new teachers were welcomed to the division with an opening breakfast followed by a welcome from the superintendent, Dr. Chip Jones, who introduced the administrative staff and gave an overview of the division goals, priorities, and expectations. Dr. Sheri Almond, the Director of Curriculum and Instruction, and Mrs. Bernice Ford, the Director of Special Education, gave an instructional overview of available resources, an introduction to the Virginia Literacy Act, and an update on changes in the Standards of Learning. Mr. Jeffrey Dingeldein, the Director of Technology, along with the division ITRT’s, gave an overview of the technology resources available. This was followed by a Mentor/Mentee Luncheon, when new staff members were paired with their mentors. Lunch was followed by a tour of Cumberland County by Mr. Alfonso Bell and Dr. Elizabeth Jamerson.
Day 2 of the NTI provided time for new teachers to meet with their principals at their individual schools. Staff members had time to locate their rooms and begin preparing for the opening of school. Lunch was provided by Grand Canyon University.
All staff reported on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, for Convocation. Ms. Ginger Sanderson, chair of the Cumberland School Board, welcomed everyone back to school for the 2024-2025 school year. The Alumni Hall of Fame recipient for 2024 was announced—the inductee was Mrs. Betty Gilliam Scales, who was a graduate of Cumberland and taught in Cumberland schools for 45 years. New staff members were then introduced, and Dr. Jones gave an overview of the year. The motivational speaker for the event was Mr. Caleb Kimbrough, the head men’s basketball coach for Hampden-Sydney. Several activities followed and then Dr. Jones gave the closing.
On Thursday, August 1, 2024, Open House was held. This was a time for parents and students to pick up schedules, meet with teachers, and learn about community resources prior to the first day of school, which was Wednesday, August 7, 2024.
Pictured Above: Cumberland County Public Schools welcomed the new staff to division for the start of the 2024-2025 school year. FRONT ROW: Elizabeth Newman (Middle School Go-Tec teacher), Emily Pierce (High School Economics and Personal Finance teacher), Julie Benkovitz (Elementary School teacher), Ryane Barlow (Elementary School teacher), Jena Mull (Middle School Grade 5 math teacher), Jasmine Jackson (Middle School Grade 6 English/Language Arts teacher), and Shannon Worrell (High School math teacher). MIDDLE ROW: Samiuh Garnes-Brooks (High School special education teacher), Pamela Gilliam (Middle School Grade 5 history and social science teacher), Channi Parker (High School/Middle School nurse), Tabitha Trent (High School cosmetology teacher), Kyle Bouknight (Attendance Clerk), Gail Wilson (Middle School Grade 7 English teacher), Lisa Giarraputo (Division floating nurse), and Ashley Arnold (High School special education teacher). BACK ROW: Evan Pelot (High School physical education teacher), Richard Chumley (JROTC instructor), Maggie McGinley (Middle School Grade 6 science teacher), Linda Nunnally (Elementary School special education teacher), Andrea Adkins (Elementary School library/media specialist), and Lakita Clark (High School art teacher). NOT PICTURED: Casey Fletcher (Division Learning Facilitator).
Cumberland County Public Schools staff members return to school for Convocation to begin the 2024-2025 school year.