Lexington City Schools

Dr. Daniel E. Lyons, Superintendent

School Board Office: 540-463-7146; www.lexedu.org
 

A SACS DESIGNATED SUPER DISTRICT FOR QUALITY SCHOOLS
 

School Budget Includes 5% Raise for Teachers, 10% for Support Staff

Dr. Daniel E. Lyons
Superintendent

See Message - page 2

School Division Mission and Vision Statements - page 2

SOL Results - page 2

Special points of interest:
  Both Lexington schools have been fully accredited by     Virginia since 1995.

· 17 to 1 student to teacher ratio at Waddell and LDMS

· 48 % of Lexington’s teachers have Master’s degrees

· 100 % pass rate for Algebra I SOL test for 9 straight years (91% “pass advanced” in ‘08)

· 90 % and above pass rates for all SOL tests in all subjects for Waddell Elementary in 2008

· Waddell Elementary.: Title I Distinguished School, 2006-2008.

 

 

Details on SOL Test Results
"Tech Time" for 3rd Graders
Boxerwood: A Community Partner in Education
W&L and VMI Mentors
After-school Science Clubs: The Expertise of Volunteers
Waddell's Musical, Annie Jr., Plays to Sold-Out Crowds

   The Lexington City School Board and City Council approved a budget that will increase teacher salaries by 5% to remain competitive with salaries of nearby school divisions.  Support staff salaries were increased to meet those offered to individuals in similar positions in the private sector. 

   The budget includes the addition of a part-time teaching position at the middle school that allows Ernie Almanza to teach math full-time, including all 6th grade math classes.  Frances Grist will teach the three LDMS Spanish classes.

   School Board Chair Leslie Straughan said, “We are happy to reward our teachers who do such an outstanding job with our students each year. We also recognize the importance of all our staff members who support the overall mission of our schools.”

   The budget for technology will continue to support the latest in instructional technology.  Laptop computers for students are updated on a regular basis.  Professional development   efforts provide teachers with new ways to integrate technology into their classes.

   Copies of the budget are available in the school board office.

LDMS Renovation Will Create State-of-the-Art Facility

New Geothermal Heating System Will Improve Energy Efficiency

 The planned renovations for the Lylburn Downing Middle School will put an emphasis on “building green.”  The plans include a geothermal heating system that will not only provide more consistent heating and cooling, but will be energy efficient.  The projected payback period on the new system is 5 years.
See LDMS Renovation page 3

 

 

Page 2

Superintendent’s Message

  

On behalf of the students, the staff, and the School Board, I present this report on the    Lexington City School Division.

With pride, this report points to the programs, activities, and accomplishments of the students and staff of Lexington City Schools.  Our goals and daily efforts will continue a tradition of excellence.

I welcome your comments and suggestions regarding this report and our school division.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact our office.

 Daniel E. Lyons, Ed. D.
 Division Superintendent
delyons@lexedu.org

 

Lexington School Board Office      540-463-7146

300 Diamond Street, Lexington, VA 24450

Shelby Cash, School Board Clerk     Pat Knick, Deputy Clerk

Julie Nicely, Title I Coordinator, 463-7146

Debi Woody-Maschal, Special Education Director, 463-7146

Kevin Kendall, Gifted Education Coordinator 463-5353 ext 3129

School Principals

Lisa Clark Rich Dowd
Waddell Elementary School Lylburn Downing Middle School
463-5353, lclark@lexedu.org 463-3532, rdowd@lexedu.org

School Board

Mr. Aaron Bruce
abruce@lexedu.org

Mr. Dean Knick
deanknick@lexedu.org

Mr. Leonard Stewart, Jr.
lstewart@lexedu.org

Mrs. Leslie Straughan, 
lstraughan@lexedu.org

Dr. Michael Tschantz
 mtschantz@lexedu.org

                      

 

LCS Mission Statement

The mission of the Lexington City  Schools is to provide progressive educational opportunities and challenging experiences that are responsive to the needs and talents of all students.

Vision Statement

Lexington City Schools is a community of learners that includes students, teachers, parents, area residents, School Board and administration.  This community is engaged in learning the skills needed to be effective users of ideas and information, as well as those skills that promote sensitive human relations, self-understanding  and the integration of total life experiences.

2008 RECOGNITION BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

Harrington Waddell Elementary School was recognized with an “Excellence Award” for its academic performance.

Lylburn Downing Middle School was recognized with a “ Competence to Excellence  Award” for its performance.*

  

2007-08 SOL Results  (percent of students with passing scores)

  

Grade

Math

Reading

Writing

Science

History and Social Science

3rd

94

90

N/A

94

96

4th

96

94

N/A

N/A

94 (Virginia Studies)

5th

100

90

92

90

90 (U.S. History to 1877)

6th

70

94

N/A

N/A

90 (U.S. History 1877 to present)

7th

81

88

N/A

N/A

76 (Civics & Economics)

8th

95

91

91

93

85 (World Geography)

Algebra I (8th)

100

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A
           

N/A = not applicable (test not administered to that grade level or in that subject area)            
* = The Virginia Index of Performance criteria includes both exceeding Virginia’s accreditation requirements and No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) minimum requirements for at least 2 years.

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION

Bring a copy of your child’s birth certificate and immunization record to Waddell Elementary School.  Your child must turn five on or before September 30  to register. Call 463-5353 if you have questions.

NON-RESIDENT STUDENTS

Non-resident students must file an application at the school board office.  Students are admitted on a space available basis and are required to pay tuition.  Call 463-7146.

Page 3

Boxerwood: A Community Partner in Education

The staff at Boxerwood has worked extensively with teachers at both Waddell Elementary and Lylburn Downing Middle School to create hands-on learning opportunities in the life sciences.  Students from kindergarten through 6th grade visit Boxerwood annually and the sixth graders have been involved in a special Woods Creek clean-up project that involves other local schools. 

   The LDMS students learn how to take water samples and monitor pollution levels over time. Students learn about rain gardens and other ways to minimize the impact of development on local watersheds.

   The elementary students are always excited about applying what they have learned for Virginia’s Standards of Learning to their local environment.

 
 

 

                      

COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Local Professors, Community Members serve as Guest Speakers and Volunteers in Lexington City Schools

Throughout the school year Lexington’s students benefit from the expertise of professors from Washington and Lee and the Virginia Military Institute, as well as other community members.  They serve as LDMS Science Fair judges and guest speakers for the science clubs at both schools. The clubs also routinely take field trips to labs on both campuses.  LDMS students have participated in VMI’s Engineering Day and other special events on post.  Other community members help Waddell Elementary students with the “Roots and Shoots” garden program or assist students with reading and other subjects.  Please call Waddell (463-5353) or LDMS (463-3532) to volunteer.

 

“Tech Time” for Third Graders

      

    Every Friday afternoon each third grader in Waddell Elementary School receives instruction in various programs including PowerPoint, Photo Story 3, and Microsoft Word.   Student projects are tied into SOL content in social studies and science, with an emphasis on writing and editing skills as well.

   “If all students have this training in computer skills it provides us with great opportunities for enrichment for students

of all ability levels in future grades,” said Kevin Kendall, gifted education coordinator, who team teaches the program with Brian Balkey, Instructional Technology Resource Teacher , and the third grade teachers.  “Best of all, the kids love it , and their parents are very impressed with what they can do.”

  

Local College Students Help Waddell and LDMS Students

 

Local college students from Washington and Lee University and the Virginia Military Institute volunteer regularly at Waddell Elementary and LDMS, assisting with after-school homework help as well as assisting with reading instruction.  The volunteers provide one-on-one learning opportunities that help students progress.

“Our volunteers allow more one-on-one attention for each of our students and we really appreciate their dedication to our school.” - Lisa Clark, Principal

 

    
               

LDMS Renovation (continued from page 1)

  

The renovation will make several upgrades to improve energy efficiency and fulfill numerous other components for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.  Part of the LDMS LEED certification plan will include education components regarding school history, green building techniques, and recycling.

  When completed, LDMS will have five new classrooms, including a new band room, and improved facilities for art and the media center.  The media center will include a separate computer classroom so that two classes can use

the facility without interfering with each other.

    Athletic facilities will also be improved with new locker room and restroom facilities. The gym floor, originally installed in 1959, will be replaced, and new shatter-proof windows will be installed that will be more energy-efficient and reduce glare.  Storm water run-off will be collected into a storage tank and be used to provide irrigation to the athletic fields behind LDMS.  

  The new school entrance will be on the side of the school facing Richardson Park.  In the new design, visitors must come directly through the office to gain access to the building.  The new layout will also allow for community use of the gym, an enlarged stage area, and a relocated cafeteria, while keeping the rest of the building secure.  Several community groups already use the building and the renovation should create more opportunities for the building to serve community needs.




IMPACTING THE FUTURE OF OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Tax-deductible donations can be made to support public schools

Lexington City School Foundation welcomes your tax-deductible contributions through your tax returns.  This public/private partnership supports public school improvement projects approved by the local school board.  The Foundation allows for giving donations to specific programs from individuals or businesses.  The lacrosse program at LDMS, for example, is supported by a donor through this program. 

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!  For more information about the Foundation and how you can help support its efforts with a donation, please contact the school board office 540-463-7146.

 

 

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EXTRACURRICULAR UPDATE:
Waddell Elementary Musical Plays to Packed Houses, LDMS Offers Wide Range of Activities

LDMS ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS

MATH COUNTS team places third and 8th grader Aaron Rachels is Lexington’s first overall individual winner.

LATIN II TEAM wins the Mountain Valley Certamen tournament, competing against high school teams.  The 7th grade Latin I team placed third.  8th Grader Peter Lauck had a perfect score on an annual national Latin exam.

REGIONAL SCIENCE FAIR: Eighth graders Ethan Rhoades and Meredith McAllister won bronze medals.

LDMS ALL-DISTRICT BAND selections: Maya DeHart, Katy Brown, Ben Christensen, Peter Lauck, and Ethan Rhoades.

Waddell Elementary School's production of Annie, Jr. played to packed houses for three consecutive nights in January.  Audiences included parents and community members.  Approximately 50 students were involved in the show as cast and chorus members. 

   Previous Waddell productions have included Schoolhouse Rock, Peter Pan, and Treasure Island.  Erin Allen, Waddell’s art teacher, directs the acting and Angie Rader, Waddell’s music teacher and 5th grade band director, is the musical director for Drama Club.

   The Drama Club is a major component of Waddell’s after-school enrichment program, which also includes chorus, art, music, science, journalism, and knitting, serving students in grades K-5.

Lylburn Downing Middle School has an award-winning band program, regularly receiving top ratings from judges.  LDMS students are consistently selected to audition-only area and district bands.  Band director Karen Doyle offers “early bird” classes that meet before school, including chorus, jazz band, and “beginning band” for students who did not begin studying an instrument in 5th grade or want to learn a second instrument.  LDMS offers interscholastic tennis, basketball, and lacrosse for boys and girls.  Various language clubs, Science Club, and Math Counts meet after school.

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