Deep Creek Middle School is among the nation’s 250 state finalists in the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Contest – a nationwide competition that challenges students in grades 6-12 to apply STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) skills to find creative solutions to real-world issues impacting their local communities.

Out of thousands of schools that entered the contest, the 250 state finalist classrooms – five from each state – were chosen based on their creative and strategic proposals to solve complicated issues that affect their communities by using STEM learning. Eighth-grade DCMS science teacher, Paula Labbe, submitted the project idea and will be awarded a Samsung tablet for achieving state finalist status.

In the months ahead, Paula Labbe and her students will work on a project with community partners to identify and assist students in need of corrective lenses.

The next two weeks offer a variety of opportunities to see our students perform at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Please consider coming to one of these events and experience the sounds of the season.

Click here to see a full calendar of our December Concerts and Programs. 

Congratulations to Mark Jones from Hickory High School! Mr. Jones was recently recognized as the 2018 Virginia Outstanding Economic Educator of the Year. After 10 years as a banking professional, in 2005 Mr. Jones switched careers and became a teacher with a passion for economics. Among his many accomplishments, he established and taught the first Advanced Placement (AP) Micro and Macroeconomics course in Chesapeake Public Schools and recently chartered the Economics Club at Hickory High School. He was nominated by the Old Dominion University Center for Economic Education.

Congratulations to Nancy Cruz, principal of Butts Road Intermediate School! Cruz has been recognized by the Chesapeake Reading Council as the 2018-2019 Literacy Leader Award Recipient. Cruz has helped make significant strides in closing the literacy gap at her school. She is described by her colleagues as someone with a vision for literacy who provides guidance, resources, and support to achieve that vision. She implemented a very successful school-to-home reading program that encourages parents as partners and provides parents literacy workshops and training so they can confidently assist with literacy goals. Prior to this program, she established a literacy garden at Portlock Primary, a pen pal campaign with celebrities at Southwestern Elementary, and a high-interest novel program at G. W. Carver Intermediate.  She demonstrates a true commitment to literacy in all facets of her life, and the Chesapeake Reading Council is proud to nominate her for the Virginia State Reading Association’s James D. Mullins Award.