Golden

Our PTAs and PTSAs are definitely worth their weight in gold, which is now selling for more than $1,400 an ounce. That’s how valuable PTAs are.

Earlier this week, the Chesterfield County Council of PTAs/PTSAs gathered to share ideas and celebrate this year’s successes. Monacan High was honored as this year’s most welcoming school. Mary Simpson of Cosby High, Beth Hanna of Robious Middle and Ann Ertzner of Wells Elementary were named volunteers of the year.

As I said at the gathering, we do not take our PTAs for granted. Their involvement and support and creativity are appreciated every day. In the lives of Chesterfield students, PTAs are golden.

*((left to right) Superintendent Marcus Newsome, Monacan High Principal Bill Broyles, County Council of PTAs/PTSAs President Stella Edwards and Monacan Assistant Principal Brian Russell)

We believe

Final Four fever is contagious, and there is an epidemic at Jacobs Road Elementary.

Jacobs Road feels a special connection to VCU’s Final Four-bound basketball team because VCU guard Bradford Burgess is Principal Myla Burgess’ son, and the team has spent time at Jacobs Road, encouraging students to achieve.

I was glad to be there yesterday when Jacobs Road surprised their principal with a high-energy pep rally. Students and staff members made clear that they believe VCU can win the national title.

Mrs. Burgess accepted their encouragement, then expressed to her students that they can achieve at high levels. That is an attitude that we can all rally around. Each and every one of us, whether we are students or adults, can work to achieve our goals and reach our own Final Four.

Go, Rams! Go, Jacobs Road!