April 16, 2008

High School Information Fair set for April 30

The principals of Culpeper's high schools would like to invite parents and students to a special information fair at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 30 at Eastern View High School, 16322 Cyclone Way. The county's new high school will be open to visitors and light refreshments and entertainment will begin at 6:30 p.m.

At the beginning of the evening, there will be a short welcome and presentation about "Rethinking High School Education in Culpeper" in the auditorium. Academic and guidance departments and special programs from both high schools, clubs, sports booster organizations and much more will be available to parents and students in the media center and gymnasium. Visitors will be able to meet faculty members of the two schools, learn about a restructured high school day, ask questions, take a tour of EVHS and hear about plans to reorganize space at Culpeper County High School for the fall.

For fun and camaraderie everyone is invited to wear their school colors -- blue and gold for the CCHS Blue Devils and light blue, black and silver for the EVHS Cyclones. The schools' new student-designed logos will be displayed for the first time.

For more information, you may contact Public Information Officer Marla McKenna at 825-3677, ext. 3120 or write mckenna@culpeperschools.org.

April 15, 2008

CCHS Horticulture/FFA Spring Plant Sale

It’s that time of year again!  The Culpeper County High School Horticulture program and FFA are selling spring plants from the high school greenhouse. 

The plant science and horticulture classes have worked hard to grow a variety of bedding plants this semester.  They are selling annual flowers, a few perennials, vegetables, herbs and houseplants.  Vegetables include peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers and melons. 

Prices are $1 and up; checks should be made payable to CCHS. 

Beginning Thursday, April 24, you may pick up your spring plants between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Wednesday, and until 5 p..m. on Thursday and Friday. 

For more information, contact Mariellen Withers at 825-8310, ext. 4583.

April 14, 2008

Next School Board meeting, April 28

The Culpeper County School Board will hold its next meeting on Monday, April 28 to discuss the FY09 Operating Budget. There will be a closed meeting at 6 p.m. and a work session to follow. The meeting will be held in the Colin Owens Conference Room at the School Administration Building, 450 Radio Lane. The work session portion of the meeting is open to the public.

April 9, 2008

CCHS hits high note with 3rd Blue Ribbon Award

Culpeper County High School has again in 2008 earned the prestigious "Blue Ribbon School" designation. The Virginia Music Educators Association bestows this honor on schools at which a school’s top musical ensembles earn a "Superior" rating at their respective District Concert Festivals.

The CCHS Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Duane Clore, and the CCHS Troubadours, under the direction of Tiffany Richtarski, earned top ratings at their respective festivals for the third consecutive year. 

CCPS congratulates the CCHS music program for continued excellence!

April 2, 2008

Schools select teachers and classified employees of the year
County winners to be announced on May 1

The 2008-09 Culpeper County Public Schools Teacher of the Year and CCPS Classified Employee of the Year will be named at a special awards banquet at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 1 at the Germanna Community College Daniel Technology Center (18121 Technology Drive).

At this special event, the Culpeper County Education Association will also present its “Golden Apple Awards” to recognize individuals who contribute to children and public schools and the school division will honor this year’s retirees.

All eight public schools in Culpeper County have selected a Teacher of the Year and Classified Employee of the Year. Classified Employees of the Year were also chosen from the maintenance and transportation departments and the central office.

The County Teacher of the Year will represent the school division in the Virginia Teacher of the Year competition. This annual program honors teachers who represent the best in teaching in the Commonwealth.

Selected as Teacher of the Year at each school are the following:

· Culpeper County High School -- Wendy Aber, math
· Culpeper Middle School -- Joe Rutherford, business/career & technical
· Floyd T. Binns Middle School -- Pat Painter, English
· A.G. Richardson Elementary -- Mary DeJarnette, kindergarten
· Emerald Hill Elementary -- Pat Ammons, kindergarten
· Farmington Elementary -- Pattie Rees, 5th grade
· Pearl Sample Elementary -- Sarah Rogers, speech therapist
· Sycamore Park Elementary -- Ben Temple, music

Selected as Classified Employee of the Year from each school and department are the following:

· Culpeper County High School -- Mary Butler, secretary
· Culpeper Middle School -- Pam Dodson, paraeducator
· Floyd T. Binns Middle School -- Karen Brown, paraeducator
· A.G. Richardson Elementary -- Janis Hunt, paraeducator
· Emerald Hill Elementary -- Calvin Wilkins, head custodian
· Farmington Elementary -- Sandra Washington, head custodian
· Pearl Sample Elementary -- Linda Malamas, bookkeeper
· Sycamore Park Elementary -- Vicki Linthicum, paraeducator
· Maintenance -- Greg Corbin, maintenance worker
· Transportation -- Elnora Lightfoot, bus driver
· Central Office -- Kim Burke, secretary

CCPS congratulates all those employees who were selected as Teacher of the Year and Classified Employee of the Year.

A limited number of banquet tickets will be available at $15 per plate. Please contact Pearl Jamison at 825-3677, ext. 3121 to reserve a seat.

March 11, 2008

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION FOR 2008-2009

Kindergarten registration for children attending Culpeper County Public Schools will begin in April. Children entering kindergarten must be 5 years of age on or before Sept.30, 2008. 

Please register your child on the date indicated below at the school he or she will be attending.  If you are unsure which school your child should attend, please call the Public Schools Transportation Office at 825-5446.

While the parent/guardian is completing the paperwork necessary to enroll a student, the child will be taken to a quiet area, free of distractions and given a brief screening by one of the kindergarten teachers.  You may wish to prepare your child for this separation from, as some children are hesitant to leave with someone they are unfamiliar with.

Pearl Sample Elementary School
April 10, 9 a.m .to 1 p.m.; Boys & Girls (Students with last names A-L)

Pearl Sample Elementary School
April 11, :9 a.m .to 1 p.m.; Boys & Girls (Students with last names M-Z)

Sycamore Park Elementary School
April 15, 9 a.m .to 1 p.m.; Boys & Girls  

A.G. Richardson Elementary School
April 16, 9 a.m .to 1 p.m.; Boys & Girls (Students with last names A-L)

A.G. Richardson Elementary School
April 17, 9 a.m .to 1 p.m.; Boys & Girls (Students with last names M-Z)

Farmington Elementary School
April 18; 9 a.m .to 1 p.m.; Boys & Girls

Emerald Hill Elementary School
April 22, 9 a.m .to 1 p.m.; Boys & Girls (Students with last names A-L)

Emerald Hill Elementary School
April 23, 9 a.m .to 1 p.m.;                      
Boys & Girls (Students with last names M-Z)

Parents must bring the following to registration:

• The child who is being registered for kindergarten
• The child’s original birth certificate (If you do not have one, school officials can help you apply.)
• The child’s immunization record that lists all shots the child has received to date.
• The child’s physical by a Virginia physician that is dated after August 24, 2007
• Proof of residency – this may be a current utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage agreement, etc.
• Custody papers – court issued
• Social security number – if child has one

School attendance for 5-year-olds is not compulsory.  If a parent wishes to wait until the child is 6 to register for kindergarten, the Division Superintendent must be notified in writing.  The address is Division Superintendent, Culpeper County Public Schools, 450 Radio Lane, Culpeper, VA  22701.

Health regulations require that all students must receive at least one dose of each of the vaccines required by the State Board of Health for attending school and that the student has a plan for completion of his/her requirements within the next 90 days (conditional enrollment).  Parents must have the immunization record or shot card.  The Health Department does physicals by appointment only; call 829-7350 to make an appointment.  In addition, immunizations are offered at the Health Department on the second and fourth Wednesdays from 8:30 – 11 a.m.  You may contact the Health Department at 829-7350 for more information, if needed.

Registration is being held at facilities believed to be accessible to persons with disabilities.  Anyone who has questions on accessibility or who needs services for the hearing impaired and/or visually impaired must notify the applicable school principal five administrative days prior to registration.

If you have further questions, please contact the Culpeper County School Board office at 825-3677.

Nov. 13, 2007

Three CCPS Teachers Achieve National Board Certification

Three Culpeper teachers who began the rigorous National Board Certification process have achieved that goal in the 2007 school year: Alicia Marsh, a fifth grade teacher at Pearl Sample Elementary School, Melanie Mervis, English teacher at Culpeper County High School, and Catherine Van Pelt, a first grade teacher at Pearl Sample Elementary School.

Certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) is a voluntary assessment program designed to recognize and reward great teachers -- and make them better. Nationally certified teachers meet and exceed the basic requirements for state certification and successfully demonstrate advanced teaching knowledge, skills and practices.

The assessment is performance-based, requiring one to three years to complete. As part of the process, teachers build a portfolio that includes student work samples, assignments, videotapes and a thorough analysis of their classroom teaching. They are also tested on their knowledge of the subjects they teach.

Alicia Marsh

Alicia Marsh began teaching 10 years ago, and has taught fourth and fifth grades at Pearl Sample Elementary School for nine years. She decided to pursue national board certification to evaluate her teaching practices based on the national standards in the category of "Middle Childhood Generalist."

She was one of two Culpeper teachers to attempt NBPTS certification during the 2004-05 school year; however, she did not meet the necessary score for certification that first year. The following year, she fell just a few points shy of the mark and resolved that it was "all or nothing."

"I was disappointed, but determined to do it," she said.

During the third year of her evaluation process, Ms. Marsh selected portions of the assessment to bank and others to redo -- if she couldn't complete the requirements in 2007, the board would require her to start from scratch. She explained that she would try not to think about her results, but that waiting for notice was difficult. She relied on friends and colleagues to get through the interminable wait.

"This year when I pulled up my results and saw the word 'Congratulations' I did not even read the rest," she said. "I was so excited that I left my room and shared the news with my fellow team members and administration. The administrators have been great supporters of mine during this endeavor."

Her tenacity paid off and the experience provided her with an additional lesson she's now able to share with her students.

"I spoke with the students that I work with and explained what this meant. They were happy for me. I asked my students this year to help pass on a big thank you to my former students for helping me reach this goal," she added. "It means a lot to me to have accomplished this certification. It has helped me reflect on my teaching practices."

Melanie Mervis

English teacher Melanie Mervis began teaching in Culpeper in 1991. She taught students at Culpeper Middle School for 10 years and moved to Culpeper County High School in the fall of 2001. She teaches English to juniors, and last year, taught freshmen. She began seeking national certification in the fall of 2005 and was an advanced candidate in the fall of 2006. Ms. Mervis says she decided to pursue National Board Certification to see how her teaching "stacked up against the national standards."

She describes the process as a reflective one in which teachers examine their practices and are able, hopefully, to see areas of strength and weakness.

"I was able to achieve certification because of the wonderful support of my family, colleagues, and students during both years of the process," she said. "My students cheerfully went through videotapings of lessons, rewrites of papers, signing of permission slips and many conversations about this process. Each of my classes was involved in some way and I can't thank them enough!"

Ms. Mervis believes that achieving National Board Certification is a very meaningful step in her career, allowing her to reflect upon her teaching practices and to make changes that help her students to be more effective learners.

"It is like any large task that one completes; there is a huge satisfaction in the finishing of it and the achievement is a real boost," she added. "The process was challenging, sometimes grueling, but ultimately worth the sweat and tears."

Catherine Van Pelt

Catherine Van Pelt began her career as an educator five years ago at Pearl Sample Elementary School where she teaches first grade. She is a 1998 graduate of Culpeper County High School and earned bachelors and masters degrees from Virginia Tech. She first heard about the National Boards when her graduate advisor at Virginia Tech mentioned the certification process during the creation of a required "Reflective Comprehensive Portfolio."

Each certificate area has slightly different requirements; Ms. Van Pelt completed her certification in the "Early Childhood/Generalist" category which means she is nationally certified to teach children aged 3 to 8. She began the process as quickly as she was able (you must have taught for a minimum of three years) and met the standards in her first eligible year.

"I'm thrilled that I passed on my first attempt," she said, noting that many candidates must retake portions of the process and only 40 percent of applicant teachers pass  in the first year.

During the course of her assessment, Ms. Van Pelt completed a four-part portfolio that included discussions of literacy development, instruction, planning, reflections and student writing samples. She provided a videotape of a science, math and social studies lesson with an analysis of each lesson. She wrote about her accomplisments as a learner, leader/collaborator and partner with families. She also sat for six content-based exams.

CCPS currently has several teachers pursuing national board certification and two who began the process this school year. Dr. Eric Conti, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, said that "attempting National Board Certification in itself is an impressive undertaking."

"By their performance, our National Board Certified teachers, and those still in the process, honor all of our teachers. Alicia, Melanie, and Catherine exemplify what is best in their field," Dr. Conti added. The true beneficiaries of their efforts are the children and families of Culpeper.

Fewer than 2 percent of the nation's teachers have acheived this mark of distinction and excellence, according to the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). The organization has been actively assessing and certifying teachers -- as well as impacting teacher performance and student achievement -- since 1987.

For more information about the NBPTS and National Board Certification, please visit www.nbpts.org.

Nov. 13, 2007

High School FFA Poinsettia Sale

The Culpeper County High School FFA chapter is selling poinsettias from the high school greenhouse. The plant science and horticulture science classes have worked hard to grow poinsettias in a variety of colors this semester -- Prestige Red, Freedom White and Enduring Pink -- all available in 6-inch pots.

The FFA is offering a pre-sale now through Friday, Dec. 7. The pre-sale cost is $4 per plant until the first 100 are sold. After December 7 (or first 100 sold), the poinsettias will be available for $5 per plant. Checks should be made payable to CCHS.

You may pick up your poinsettias between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Wednesday, and until 5 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, beginning December 11 until December 21.

Orders may be called in to Mariellen Withers at 825-8310, ext. 4583.

Nov. 12, 2007

Be It Now Known:
That the time is nigh to bring the joy
and cheer of the Yuletide Season

All the regal pageantry and ceremonial pomp
of Merrie Olde England will be splendiferously
brought to life in the

Madrigal Feast

The Procession of Singers through the Hall
The Hosting of a Sparkling Wassail Toast from the Wassail Bowl
The Procession of Litter Bearers with the Boar’s Head
The Serenading of Minstrels and Recorder Consort at Your Table
The Procession of Servants with the Dessert
The Singing Concert by the Royal Court

The Culpeper County High School Choir will create this special event in the dining room at Germanna Community College Center for Advanced Technology promptly at 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 15, 2007.

Menu
Letuse Sallade…………(tossed salad w/dressing)
Tendra Byffe………………….(Roasted Sirloin)
Roasted Red Potatoes
Steng Bene …………..(Green Beans)
Yorkshyre Cake………………(Yellow or Chocolate Cake)
Brouned Rounde Loofe……………..(Assorted Rolls)
Water, Tea, and Soda included

To reserve seats: Tickets are $17 per adult and $14 for children 12 and under. You can access and print an order form here and return your order by mail or in person to Tickets, Attention Tiffany Richtarski, CCHS Choral Department, 14240 Achievement Dr., Culpeper, VA 22701 by Nov. 30. Please enclose your remittance (Checks payable to CCHS Choral Boosters) with a self addressed envelope. Tickets will NOT be sold by phone or at the door.

The doors to the Germanna Center of Advanced Technology will open at approximately at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Guests are requested to be seated before the opening processional which begins promptly at 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. For question, contact Tiffany Richtarski at (540) 825-8310 ext. 3607.

A silent Christmas Wreath Auction will be held at both Madrigal Feasts!!

Nov. 12, 2007

Transportation Task Force to meet

The Transportation Task Force will hold its next meeting at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 5.  The meeting will be held at the School Board office (450 Radio Lane). The meeting is open to the public.

The Task Force will also host a public hearing on Thursday, Jan. 3, 2008 at 7 p.m. to receive feedback on its proposed recommendation(s) to the school board The hearing will be held at the Culpeper Middle School forum. The proposal will be available online at http://www.culpeperschools.org/forparents_transportation.php after Dec. 6.

The Task Force plans to make its presentation to the school board on Monday, Jan. 14 at the board's regular monthly meeting.

Nov. 6, 2007

Blackhawk Players Present "Murder by Indecision," Nov. 14-18
Murder Mystery Dinner Theater at FTBMS

The Blackhawk Players present "Murder by Indecision," a murder mystery dinner theater production at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, Nov. 14-15 in the Floyd T. Binns Middle School cafeteria.

You get double the fun and double the suspense from this murder mystery comedy within a comedy. Age has caught up with Agatha Crispy, the world's best known mystery playwright, as she attempts to crank out her newest and last manuscript. Senility is setting in and the words just don't flow like they used to. Ignoring her pestering agent Ruth Less, Agatha sits down to write, wrestling with her characters and babbling to her imaginary friend, Typy, the typewriter. As she struggles through the first few pages of her play, Miss Maple, Inspector Dryfus and all of her characters come to life on stage, then crumple with every balled-up page tossed into the trash can. When she stops typing, her characters take on a life of their own, lamenting how Agatha is ruining their reputation in the literary world with the last flop of a manuscript. If only they could influence Agatha somehow to help her and themselves.

Any fan of classic Agatha Christie mysteries will love this delightful spoof!

Tickets prices will be $3 for students and $5 for adults. Dinner is provided by reservation ONLY. Tickets must be ordered by this Friday, Nov. 9 in order to reserve a dinner. Performance only tickets will be available at the door for $3. Limited seats are available so order your tickets by Friday. Call (540) 829-6894 Ext 3394 to reserve your ticket. Tickets will also be sold during lunch at the school.

The production is directed by Deborah Edwards, FTBMS drama teacher. For additional information, you may contact Ms. Edwards at (540) 829-6894 or dedwards@culpeperschools.org.

Information on MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus) infection

This following information is related to MRSA, a harmful staph infection that is currently making headlines around Virginia and the nation.

CCPS takes public health issues very seriously and school officials have consulted with specialists from the Virginia Department of Health to determine what actions should be taken to help prevent the spread of harmful organisms.

According to the health department, the first and best line of defense against harmful germs, including MRSA, is hand washing with soap and water. Parents can help prevent infection by encouraging good hygiene habits, including daily showering, frequent hand washing and laundering clothes before they are worn. They should also speak to their children about not sharing objects that could pass the bacteria from one person to another.

Parents are also asked to cover any cuts or scrapes that a child may have with a clean bandage as MRSA often will gain entry to the body through a wound. Parents should watch for symptoms of this infection, which may include boils, redness, pain, wound drainage, discomfort and swelling. If a skin infection is suspected, the school division asks that the student be seen by a doctor. If MRSA is confirmed, parents should notify the school their child attends.

Both staph and MRSA infections are treatable.

CCPS letter to parents, Oct. 19, 2007

State School Superintendent's memo to school divisions

Virginia Department of Health

VDH quick facts sheet

Center for Disease Control

Joint School Board/Supervisors meeting rescheduled

A joint meeting of the Culpeper County School Board and the Culpeper County Board of Supervisors to discuss soft costs related to school construction projects will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 29. The meeting will be in the Culpeper County High School library. This will be an open meeting and public attendance is welcomed and encouraged.

Nov. 5, 2007

CCHS is home to FIDDLER, Nov. 16-18
Classic musical “Fiddler on the Roof” produced by Culpeper County High School for fall production

Culpeper County High School unified arts presents “Fiddler on the Roof,” the classic musical, Friday, Nov. 16, at 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 17 & 18, at 2 p.m. in the CCHS Auditorium.

Tickets prices will be $8 for adults and $4 for students and children. “Fiddler” is not recommended for children under 8 due to the length. The play will run approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes with an intermission.

The musical features more than 30 Culpeper County High School students portraying the lives of the villagers of Anatevka, Russia, circa 1905. As the traditions they know fall down around them, the oncoming Russian Revolution drives them from their humble homes. The story focuses on Tevye, a dairyman, Golde, his wife, and their five daughters. Sophomore John Flemming plays Tevye; senior Ashleigh Thompson is Golde.

CCHS students also make up the bulk of the live pit orchestra, which is augmented by faculty and members of the community. Parents have assisted with set-building, costumes and props - making this production a community effort as well as a school production.

The production is co-directed by Margaret Lawrence (CCHS drama) and Jeff Walker (CMS drama). Musical direction is by Tiffany Richtarski (CCHS chorus), with the orchestra lead by Rebecca Roach (CCPS elementary band teacher). Support for the production is provided by the visual art department, band department and other areas of the school system. This is the first musical production in many years produced at the high school.

“Fiddler on the Roof,” was first presented on Broadway in 1964, with several notable revivals and a popular film version. The book was written by Joseph Stein, with lyrics by Sheldon Harnick and music by Jerry Bock.

For additional information, contact Jeff Walker, (540) 825-4140 or jwalker@culpeperschools.org.

Oct. 29, 2007

Summer Residential Governor’s School Applications Available

Applications for the 2008 Summer Residential Governor’s School Programs are now available. School divisions throughout the state are beginning to select their nominees.

There are three different types of Summer Residential Governor’s Schools: Academic Programs/Mentorships, Foreign Language Academies, and Visual/Performing Arts Programs. All programs have different eligibility criteria and timelines.

Gifted and highly motivated 11th grade students are encouraged to visit the Virginia Department of Education Web site: www.doe.virginia.gov/VDOE/Instruction/Govschools/SRGS

Information and applications may be downloaded from the Web site. Special attention should be paid to requirements and deadlines. Anyone interested in nominating a qualified student or anyone that needs more information should contact the county’s Gifted Program Coordinator, Ladona Gorham, at 825-4140, ext. 4510.

Oct. 8, 2007

Twenty-two CCHS students earn AP Scholar awards

Twenty-two students at Culpeper County High School have earned the designation of AP Scholar by the College Board in recognition of their exceptional achievement on the college-level Advanced Placement Program (AP) Exams.

Students took AP Exams in May 2007 after completing challenging college-level courses at their high schools. The College Board recognizes several levels of achievement based on student’s performance on AP exams.

At Culpeper County High School, four students qualified for the AP Scholar with Distinction Award by earning an average grade of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. These students are: Ellen Craven, Jessica McCauley, Charles Petersen, and Gabriel Werner.

Two students qualified for the AP Scholar with Honor Award by earning an average grade of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. These students are: Daniel Schwab and Zachary Stewart.

Sixteen students qualified for the AP Scholar Award by completing three or more AP Examinations, with grades of 3 or higher. The AP Scholars are: Emily Aquilina, Amber Campos, Kelsey Hottle, Beth Hulvey, Laura Kebede, Kyle Masson, Meredith McDonnell, Curtis Orshoski, Karina Platt, Kelly Roth, Megan Snell, Melissa Steimel, Victoria Steimel, Donna Sutherland, Ashleigh Thompson, and Eric Watkevich.

The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program offers students the opportunity to take challenging college-level courses while still in high school, and to receive college credit, advanced placement, or both for successful performance on the AP exams. About 18 percent of the more than 1.4 million high school students in more than 16,000 secondary schools worldwide who took AP Exams performed at a sufficiently high level to merit the recognition of AP Scholar.

Oct. 1, 2007

State Accreditation Statement
Culpeper schools accredited; seven schools earn ‘fully accredited’ 

The Virginia Department of Education recently reported that Culpeper’s eight schools are accredited by the state for the 2007-08 school year. Seven schools earned full accreditation for the third consecutive year based on student performance on the Standards of Learning (SOL) exams.

A.G. Richardson Elementary, Emerald Hill Elementary, Farmington Elementary, Sycamore Park Elementary, Pearl Sample Elementary, Floyd T. Binns Middle School and Culpeper County High School are again fully accredited.  

Based on Standards of Learning exam scores in math, Culpeper Middle School is considered accredited by the state “with warning” in that content area because its three-year math average passing rate was two points below the state cut-off score. Culpeper Middle School earned a rating of fully accredited in both 2006-07 and 2005-06.  

The two percentage point difference at CMS was the only area in the approximately 75 state testing measures where the school division’s eight schools did not meet or exceed the state benchmarks. 

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Eric Conti said that despite this setback for CMS the division’s testing data indicates student achievement gains across all areas.  

 “As long as our focus remains on quality instruction and the needs of individual children, we are confident that our test scores will continue to improve,” he said. “We’ve set our sights high -- maximizing the potential of every student. At the same time, we also need to remember that potential includes much more than test scores.”

With only 69 percent of the state’s middle schools fully accredited, it appears that many middle schools are experiencing a challenge in adjusting to the new state math tests in grades six and seven. 

While CCPS intends to use the testing data to address boosting math scores at CMS, the division continues to implement and evaluate strategies for improving instruction and outcomes for students at all eight CCPS schools. 

You can access division scores, by school, at  http://www.pen.k12.va.us/VDOE/src/accreditation.shtml

Gifted Advisory meeting set

The Culpeper County Public Schools’ Parent Advisory for Gifted Education will meet at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 16 in The Culpeper Middle School library. While representatives have been chosen, the public is welcome to attend all Gifted Parent Advisory meetings.

For more information, please contact Ladona Gorham, Culpeper County Gifted Coordinator, at 825-4140 ext. 4510 or lgorham@culpeperschools.org

Learn about Home & Community-based Medicaid Waivers

The school division’s Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) and Parent/Teacher Resource Center are pleased to sponsor an informational meeting about Home and Community Based Medicaid Waivers.

Parents of children with disabilities, special education teachers and community agency representatives are invited and encouraged to attend. Debe Fults of the disAbility Resource Center will present the program.

There are several different types of Medicaid Waivers, including those which provide support to individuals with mental retardation and developmental disabilities (this is not through the schools and does not impact special education services provided through schools.) Examples of services that could be provided through Medicaid Waivers are residential services, day support, supported employment, pre-vocational services, personal assistance, respite, and more.

Because slots are limited and the waiting lists are long, parents are encouraged to apply and get on the waiting list while their children are young.

The meeting will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 24 at the CCPS Administration Building, 450 Radio Lane, Culpeper, VA.

For more information, please contact the Parent/Teacher Resource Center at (540) 937-2934 or the office of Special Education at at 825-3677.

College Planning Program

The Culpeper County Library will be hosting two college planning programs this fall. "College Planning for the Gifted" will be Monday, Oct. 15. "College Planning for Everyone" will be Thursday, Oct. 18. Both programs begin at 7 p.m.

These programs are designed for all students and their parents. Topics to be covered include: when to start planning (as early as 7th or 8th grade), how to select your major, the school of your choice and the admissions process and financial aid. Registration is requested so enough informational packets will be available. Call the Library at 825-8691 and ask to register for the College Planning Seminar on October 18 or College Planning for the Gifted on October 15.

Seeking Past Homecoming Royalty

The Culpeper County High School Student Council Association extends a special invitation to all past CCHS Homecoming Kings and Queens to attend this year's Homecoming football game on Friday, Nov. 9. Past royalty will be honored during the halftime presentation as part of a unique celebration of this year's theme -- "A Magic Carpet Ride Through Time" -- to mark the last year that CCHS will stand as Culpeper's sole high school.

If you are a former king or queen and would like to attend, or know the whereabouts of past royalty, please call Andrea Kilby at CCHS, 825-8310.

Mother/Son Fall Festival at Pearl Sample

For the third consecutive year, the Pearl Sample Elementary School PTO will host a special mother/son event. This year's fall festival will be held on Sunday, Oct. 14 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. in front of the school.

Activities will include painting pumpkins, making scarecrows to take home, a hay ride, a mother/son obstacle course, and (hopefully) a moon bounce and face painting. Light refreshments will be offered and Pearl Sample Pride products will be available for sale.

The cost is $5 per person, not to exceed $20 per family. The rain date is Sunday, October 21 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The Culpeper County School Board and the Culpeper County Board of Supervisors will meet jointly at 7 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 29 in the Culpeper County High School library to discuss soft costs related to school construction projects. This is an open meeting and public attendance is welcomed and encouraged.

Sept. 13, 2007

Master/Title I Program Parent Meetings

Parents of children who participate in the Master/Title I Program at the following schools are invited to attend the upcoming annual parent meeting at their child’s school. The parent activities will take place as listed below:

Farmington Elementary, 500 Sunset Lane, will meet on Sept. 17 at 5:30 p.m. in the library

A. G. Richardson Elementary, 18370 Simms Drive, will meet on Sept. 24 at 6 p.m. in the library for K – Grade 2 students and Sept. 25 at 6 p.m. in the library for Grades 3 - 5.

Emerald Hill Elementary, 11245 Rixeyville Road, will meet on Oct. 3 at 5 p.m. in the library

Sycamore Park Elementary, 451 Radio Lane, will meet on Oct. 9 at 5 p.m. in the library

Pearl Sample Elementary, 18480 Simms Drive, will meet on Oct. 10 at 5 p.m. in the library

Parents are encouraged to attend to learn more about this reading program which is jointly funded through our local education agency and a Title I grant. This program is designed to provide children extra support in the areas of reading and writing readiness. The Title I program gathers its strength through parent-teacher partnership.

All meetings are held at facilities believed to be accessible to persons with disabilities. Any person with questions on accessibility or who needs services for the hearing impaired and/or visually impaired must notify the applicable school principal five administrative days prior to the meeting.

If you are unable to reach the principal regarding accessibility or would like to know more about the upcoming parent meetings, please call Barbara White or Carla Finefrock at the School Board office, 825-3677.

Sept. 7, 2007

Transportation Task Force to meet

The School Board in the spring charged the existing Rezoning Task Force with a new challenge -- to examine school transportation issues, identify areas of concern and make recommendations to the school board to improve bus service for CCPS students.

The Transportation Task Force will hold its first meeting at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 27 at the School Board office (450 Radio Lane). The meeting is open to the public. As the group proceeds, public input will be vital. Please address your feedback to the Task Force care of Marla McKenna at 825-3677, ext. 3120 or write mckenna@culpeperschools.org.

Aug. 31, 2007

Vision and hearing screenings set

The Lions Club will assist the Culpeper County Public Schools with vision screening required by Virginia law for students in grades three, seven and 10. All children new in Culpeper will also be tested, as well as any children referred for testing by a parent or teacher.

The vision screening dates are as follows:

Farmington Elementary School: Tuesday, Sept. 4
Emerald Hill Elementary School: Wednesday, Sept. 5
Culpeper County High School: Monday, Sept. 10 & Tuesday, Sept. 11
A.G. Richardson Elementary School: Wednesday, Sept. 12
Pearl Sample Elementary School: Wednesday, Sept. 19
Sycamore Park Elementary School: Monday, Sept. 24
Culpeper Middle School: Wednesday, Sept. 26
Floyd T. Binns Middle School: Monday, Oct. 8

Parents with questions or concerns should contact their child's school nurse.

Aug. 30, 2007

Upcoming Local Advisory Committee for Special Education Meeting

The next meeting of the school division’s Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) will be at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 20.

The committee will meet at the Culpeper County School Adminstration Building, 450 Radio Lane, Culpeper. All parents, teachers and community members interested in the education of students with disabilities are invited to attend. The meeting is open to the public.

For more information, please call Angela Neely, director of special education, at 825-3677.

This meeting is held at a facility believed to be accessible to persons with disabilities. Any person with questions on the accessibility should call 825-3677. Persons needing interpreter services for the hearing impaired must notify CCPS no later than one week prior to the meeting.

Aug. 28, 2007

Parent/Teacher Resource Center moves to GCAT

The Parent/Teacher Resource Center, which operates under CCPS's Office of Special Education, has moved its office from the Galbreath-Marshall Building to the Germanna Center for Advanced Technology (18121 Technology Drive, off Rte. 3) effective immediately.

The Parent/Teacher Resource Center provides a resource for Culpeper County families and others concerned with the care and education of children with disabilities. It provides workshops and training sessions for parents and educators and promotes a working relationship between parents, educators and the community. It also enables parents to make informed decisions by listening, giving information and providing resources regarding disability-related issues.

The Parent/Teacher Resource Center maintains a lending library of current educational resources for parents and educators. Most of these materials are located at the Culpeper County Public Library. In addition, the center publishes a quarterly newsletter for parents of students with disabilities and other interested community members.

The Parent/Teacher Resource Center is staffed by two part-time employees, Mandy Brown, teacher coordinator, and Mollie Musso, parent coordinator.

For hours of operation, or to make an appointment, please call (540) 937-2934.

August 24, 2007

CCPS has a new tool designed to keep parents informed

SchoolMessenger is a rapid notification system that can alert parents by phone and e-mail to school closings, crisis procedures and absenteeism. It can also deliver general information about back-to-school nights, public forums on school-related issues and PTO meetings.

“Culpeper Schools subscribed to SchoolMessenger because consistent school-home communication is crucial to our ability to fulfill our mission of maximizing the potential of all learners,” said Marla McKenna, public information officer for CCPS.

The system has the ability to send out a notice to parents of all CCPS students in just a few minutes. It can also send messages directed to parents by school, by grade, by gender and in custom-designed lists.

CCPS has already begun using the system, alerting parents to visitation day and reminding parents of rising sixth-graders to obtain the mandatory Tdap booster vaccination.

The phone number that will display on CallerID systems is the schools’ main line, 825-3677 or the phone number of the child's school.

To help make the most of School Messenger, please make sure that, in addition to your current home phone number, that your child’s school has your preferred daytime contact number on file. You may also want to consider adding an e-mail address to y our child’s school information.

Prior to subscribing, CCPS surveyed other Virginia school divisions to see if they use a rapid notification system and if so, which one. SchoolMessenger proved popular for the ease, flexibility and cost. The system will cost about $20,000 annually.

“We consider the cost to be very reasonable based on the benefit we expect this service will provide to our parents, students and staff members,” said Superintendent David Cox. “Our students will enjoy greater success the more we are able to encourage and develop powerful school-home bonds.”

So pick up the phone…it could be your school calling!

August 24, 2007

CCPS to Allow Parents to Prepay School Meals Online

The Culpeper County Public School division now offers parents a way to use their Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover Card to pay for school meals through an online service called Café Prepay.

Café Prepay also enables parents to keep track of their child’s account balance.

In addition, the Web site offers Automatic Replenish, an option that deposits a specified amount into the student's account via credit card when the student's account balance drops below another specified amount.

Using "automatic replenish on low balance," the student will never run out of lunch or breakfast money. Conversely, the parent’s credit card will not be charged until the student's balance goes below the specified dollar amount. This is optimal for the student whose meal spending varies greatly from day to day.

Up to now, CCPS has not been able to accept credit card payments due to the various costs involved. Café Prepay was implemented in 2000 to collect credit card payments on behalf of school districts nationwide. There is a small fee associated with the convenience of this service. To get started, parents simply sign up online at cafeprepay.com. From there they can find further information by clicking on the Frequently Asked Questions link.

Many parents who use Café Prepay find it a convenient alternative to sending cash or checks to school with their children.

To learn more about this service, please visit Café Prepay.

August 23, 2007

AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress) results
Pearl Sample Elementary School makes AYP

The Virginia Department of Education has reported that three of Culpeper’s eight schools made Adequate Yearly Progress, or AYP, for the 2007-08 school year. Among the three is Pearl Sample Elementary School, which receives federal Title 1 funds for targeted assistance.

AYP is a measure of school success set by the federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001. AYP uses scores from, but does not replace, Virginia’s accreditation system which is based on Virginia’s Standards of Learning (SOLs). The results were based on tests taken in the 2006-07 school year; however, SOL accreditation results have not yet been announced by the Virginia Department of Education for 2007-08.

Schools that met AYP goals this year are Emerald Hill Elementary School, Farmington Elementary School and Pearl Sample Elementary School.

“Pearl Sample is this year’s big success story,” said Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Eric Conti. "While we are proud of the progress at all of our schools, we are most proud of how the teachers, staff, administration, students and parents responded at Pearl Sample."

Due to federal requirements, Pearl Sample remains in ‘public school choice’ status for the 2007-08 school year. Meeting AYP next year will remove the requirement.

Schools that did not make AYP this year are Culpeper County High School, Culpeper Middle School and Floyd T. Binns Middle School, A.G. Richardson Elementary School and Sycamore Park Elementary School. The two elementary schools missed the benchmark by a small percentage in only one category.

Superintendent David Cox said that AYP is still only one part of the whole picture.

“It provides important data and shows us areas where we need to improve,” he said, “but it doesn’t tell the whole story. We’re making measurable gains and the credit for achievement belongs to the whole school community -- including our parents and students."

AYP is also calculated for the division as a whole. Culpeper’s division status for 2007-08 stands at “Did not make AYP.” In order to make AYP, a school must meet or exceed 29 benchmarks for participation in testing, achievement in English and math, and either attendance or science (elementary and middle school) or graduation (high school). Missing a single benchmark may result in a school or division not making AYP.

The following is a list of the subgroups not meeting the objectives at each of the five schools that did not meet AYP:

•Culpeper County High School – (met 26/29 objectives) English performance: Students with disabilities, disadvantaged students. Math performance: Students with disabilities.
•Culpeper Middle School (met 25/29 objectives) -- English performance: disadvantaged students, Hispanic students; Math performance: disadvantaged students; Science performance: African American students.
•Floyd T. Binns Middle School (met 27/29 objectives) -- English performance: Students with disabilities and African American students.
•A.G. Richardson Elementary School (28/29 objectives) – English performance: disadvantaged students
•Sycamore Park Elementary School: (28/29 objectives) – English performance: disadvantaged students

Overall, Culpeper’s pass rates for English and math performance were as follows*:
Elementary (K-5th)
English: 84.43 percent (AMO** is 73 percent)
Math: 86.35 percent (AMO is 71 percent)
Middle School (6th-8th)
English: 75.96 (AMO is 73 percent)
Math: 64.86 (AMO is 71 percent)
High School (End-of-course)
English: 92.53 (AMO is 73 percent)
Math: 91.02 (AMO is 71 percent)

"We do continue to make progress as the federal standards keep increasing,” Dr. Conti added. “As we keep telling our students, the reward for hard work is more work. We saw growth in many of the numerous categories the federal government measures to define adequate yearly progress.”

* Source: Virginia Department of Education
**AMO stands for “Annual Measurable Objective,” the target pass rate required to meet AYP.

Back-to-School Nights 2007-08

Culpeper County High School
Thursday, Aug. 30, 6:30 p.m., grades 9-12.

Culpeper Middle School
Tuesday, Sept. 25, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., grades 6-8.

Floyd T. Binns Middle School
Tuesday, Sept. 18, 6:30 p.m., grades 6-8.

A.G. Richardson Elementary School
Monday, Sept. 24, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., grades K-2.
Tuesday, Sept. 25, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., grades 3-5.

Emerald Hill Elementary School
Wednesday, Oct. 3, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., grades K-2.
Thursday, Oct. 4, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., grades 3-5.

Farmington Elementary School
Monday, Sept. 17, 6:30 p.m , grades K-5.

Pearl Sample Elementary School
Tuesday, Sept. 4, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., grades K-2.
Wednesday, Sept. 5, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., grades 3-5.

Sycamore Park Elementary School
Thursday, Aug. 30, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Kindergarten only.
Thursday, Sept. 6, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., fifth grade only.
Tuesday, Sept. 11, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., first grade only.
Thursday, Sept. 13, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., fourth grade only.
Tuesday, Sept. 18, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., third grade only.
Thursday, Sept. 20, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., second grade only.

Cell phone policy includes additional discipline measures

This is a reminder to parents and students that the Culpeper County School Board revised its cell phone policy for the 2007-08 school year to include stricter penalties for rules violations.

Students may, with parental consent, possess cell phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs) or other communications devices (except pagers and beepers) on school property, including school buses. These devices must be turned off and out of sight during the academic school day, including while on school buses.

Disciplinary actions for students who violate the policy can be found in the CCPS Code of Conduct, which is distributed to each student annually, and online at www.culpeperschools.org. Repeated offenses may result in indefinite suspension of cell phone privileges, suspension from school and a petition filed with the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court.

CCPS asks that parents review this policy with their children before allowing them to carry a phone, and to support school staff in maintaining learning environments that are free of distraction.

Aug. 3, 2007

CCPS Standards of Dress for the 2007-08 School Year

Please note that the Culpeper County Public Schools dress code and disciplinary actions for violating the dress code have been revised for the 2007-08 school year.

The following standards of dress and discipline are taken from the 2007-08 student Code of Conduct. Please familiarize yourself with the rules and help us create the best possible learning environment for all CCPS students. Dress which distracts others from the learning process or poses a safety concern is unacceptable.

STANDARDS OF DRESS (K-12)

Culpeper Schools seek to maintain an orderly environment for education. To accomplish this, we have set a standard of student dress that we feel is conducive to a proper educational climate. Clothing worn by students shall be neat, clean, and in good repair for the general personal health and safety of the student. Immodest clothing of such type that distracts from the learning process shall not be worn. Student dress and grooming are important issues in creating a safe and orderly educational environment. The responsibility for establishing an environment conducive to teaching and learning falls both on the student in his or her selection of appropriate apparel and on school staff in the communication and enforcement of reasonable standards of dress. The following are examples of the standards that will be enforced at school:

· Sagging pants or jailers are prohibited.
· Clothes will fit within two sizes of the student’s actual size.
· Pants and shorts shall be worn with belts (unless they fit well enough to remain in place without a belt) through the loops and fastened above the hip bone.
· Any items that advertise drugs/alcohol are prohibited.
· Any items with gang or drug symbols are prohibited.
· All clothing shall be free of obscene language or references and free of references supporting use of controlled substances or of gang membership.
· Midriffs/stomachs are to be covered at all times.
· Blouses and shirts worn by students must extend to the shoulder.
· Crop tops, tank tops, muscle shirts, and athletic t-shirts are prohibited.
· Necklines for female students shall be high enough to conceal any cleavage.
· The hem of shorts and skirts shall extend at least beyond the fingers with the arm extended straight toward the ground.
· See through items are prohibited.
· Items pornographic or sexually suggestive in nature are prohibited.
· Items that, in the opinion of school officials, have the potential to disrupt the operation of the school or endanger the wearer or others are prohibited.
· Clothing must be in good repair, having no tears, rips, or holes that undermine the garment’s ability to cover the body.
· No hats, scarves, headbands, kerchiefs, bandannas worn at the head, neck, or displayed from pockets are allowed.
· Only clothing designed as outerwear may be worn as outerwear.
· For safety reasons, roller shoes (“Heelys”® and the like) may not be worn.
· NO UNDERGARMENTS SHOULD BE VISIBLE AT ANY TIME

DRESS CODE DISCIPLINE ACTIONS

Students at the secondary level (Grades 6 -12) who come to school dressed inappropriately will be given the following discipline:
1st offense – Students who come to school dressed inappropriately will be required to change. They will be given a warning and home contact will take place. (Phone call or letter to parent or guardian)
2nd offense – Students who come to school dressed inappropriately for the second time will be required to change, they will be given a lunch detention and home contact will take place (phone call or letter to parent or guardian).
3rd offense – Students who come to school dressed inappropriately for the third time will be required to change, they will be given one day of in-school suspension and the child’s parent or parents shall be required to meet with the principal or his designee to discuss improvement of the student’s compliance with the dress code.
4th offense—Students who come to school dressed inappropriately for the third time will be required to change, they will be given one day of in-school suspension and the child’s parent or parents shall be required to meet with the principal or his designee to discuss improvement of the student’s compliance with the dress code. A petition may be filed with the juvenile and domestic relations district court if deemed necessary for further compliance.

The discipline of students at the elementary level (Grades K – 5) will be at the discretion of the principals.

The school board believes that the CCPS standards of dress are reasonable enough to allow students to be expressive in their clothing selection. Students may wear hats and team clothing; however, hats shall not be worn inside the school. The decision whether or not an item of clothing is appropriate will rest with the principal of the school.

Back to School updates

Culpeper County Public School students will return to school on Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2007. All eight schools will be open for visitation prior to that date to provide an opportunity for parents and students to meet with teachers and obtain information about the school year.

All schools will hold visitation on Monday, Aug. 20 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. with a break from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the secondary level.

Culpeper County High School

The high school will conduct an orientation session for incoming ninth-grade students, new or transfer students on Thursday, Aug. 9 at 6:30 p.m. in the CCHS auditorium. Information on student schedules, course selections, clubs, rules and athletics will be provided. Students will meet Principal Jeffrey Dietz and members of the administrative and guidance staff. Tours of the building will be offered.

Class schedules:

All CCHS students should review their class schedules. Please call 825-8310 to schedule a 10-minute appointment with a guidance counselor to correct a schedule error.

Textbooks:

Culpeper County Public Schools continue to provide textbooks to students free of charge. Before receiving textbooks, the parents or guardians of any new or transfer student must sign a Culpeper County Public Schools Textbook Agreement form. All returning students who have previously lost or damaged textbooks, and who have not paid the school system for damages incurred, will not be issued textbooks for the 2007-08 school year.

Completion of the CCPS Textbook agreement form by a parent or guardian, and, if necessary, payment to the school system will enable a CCHS student to receive textbooks on the first day of school.

General Information

Principals:

Culpeper County High School Jeffrey Dietz, 825-8310
Culpeper Middle School Bill Zierden, 825-4140
Floyd T. Binns Middle School Sherri Harkness, 829-6894
A.G. Richardson Elementary School Sue Bridges, 825-0616
Emerald Hill Elementary School Robert Hauman, 937-7361
Farmington Elementary School Gail Brewer, 825-0713
Pearl Sample Elementary School Karie Lane, 825-5448
Sycamore Park Elementary School Russell Houck, 825-8847

Attendance Zones/bus routes:

If you are unsure of the attendance zone where you reside, please call the transportation office at 825-5446. The director of transportation is Fred Rankin. Bus routes will be published in the newspaper, and made available at www.culpeperschools.org.

School cafeteria prices:
Breakfast: Kindergarten – 12th grade $1
Adult: $1.25
Lunch: Kindergarten – 5th grade $1.75
6th grade – 12th grade $2
Adult: $2.75
A la carte menu prices vary according to selection.

Food service managers: Parents who would like to make requests or ask questions concerning their child’s food choices may contact the cafeteria manager at the school. They are:

Culpeper County High School Reba Miller, 829-2048
Culpeper Middle School Donna Sheads, 829-2135
Floyd T. Binns Middle School Rhonda Poulson, 829-7931
A.G. Richardson Elementary School Charlotte Kelley, 829-2145
Emerald Hill Elementary School Emily Nicholson, 937-8292
Farmington Elementary School Kim Bates, 829-2049
Pearl Sample Elementary School Joy Routt, 829-2175
Sycamore Park Elementary School Yvette Patton, 829-2185

School supplies:

Each school maintains a list of needed school supplies by grade level. Supply lists will be posted at http://www.culpeperschools.org/school_supply/index.html as they become available.

Kindergarten documentation:

Culpeper County children entering kindergarten for the 2007-08 school year must present to the school the original birth certificate and a completed state physical form. Information obtained from the birth certificate and the physical form must be on file before the student may be admitted to school. If there are questions about kindergarten documentation, parents should contact the school that the child is assigned to attend.

Home instruction:

Any parent who elects to provide home instruction in lieu of public school attendance must notify the division superintendent annually by August 15 of intentions to so instruct the child. The parent must provide a description of the curriculum to be followed for the coming year and evidence of having met one of the criteria for home instruction. Application forms are available at the Culpeper County School Board Office.

Specialized programs:
Instruction: Dr. Eric Conti, 825-3677
Special Education: Angela Neely, 825-3677
Gifted program: Ladona Gorham, 825-4140
SOL testing: Jim Allen, 825-3677
Food Service: Greg Beamer, 825-8212
Transportation: Fred Rankin: 825-5446
Home Instruction: Dr. Eric Conti, 825-3677
Human Resources: Starr Rowe, 825-3677

Notice of Nondiscrimination:

Culpeper County School Division does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age or disability in admission to, or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs and activities.