Time Capsules, Student Performances mark school dedications
“Every neighbor, every staff member and every child has been part of changing what was simply a newly constructed building only a year ago into a ‘school,’ said Donna Cude, principal of Victory Elementary School. “Every day we focus on the positives, open doors of opportunity, and teach students to see possibilities,” Cude said, summing up the school year at a dedication ceremony on June 15.
Glenkirk Elementary School celebrated its first year on June 13. “The students have made this school what we are today,” said Lisa Gilkerson, principal. “Our students came from three different schools, yet the way that they came together to develop our school culture was wonderful.”
Superintendent of Schools Steve Walts thanked the school leaders for “setting a vis
ion” and congratulated the students, staff, parents, and partners “for having a very, very successful first year.”
On behalf of the School Board, Chairman Lucy S. Beauchamp officially dedicated the schools “to the benefit and welfare of the students of Prince William County ,” and acknowledged the entire Prince William Community – government, businesses, legislators, and the School Division – for “working hard to give our children the best opportunities to grow and learn that we possibly can. It’s truly all about the children,” she said.
Students at both schools were attired in special tee shirts for the dedication ceremonies. Glenkirk students sported personal tie-dyed shirts; Victory students wore shirts donated by business
partner Merrifield Garden Center . The celebrations showcased the musical and vocal talent of students, featured special guest speakers, and included time capsules and other memorabilia.
Glenkirk used the occasion to hold a ribbon cutting for their school garden prior to the dedication ceremony. With six plots, one for each grade level based on the curriculum, the students seemed most taken with the water garden (“Serenity”) for kindergartners, which included dwarf trees and shrubs: an Apple tree, Blueberry bush, and a Cherry tree.
6/21/06
