Sharing our progress

Making Life Connections Through Non-Fiction Reading

Sometimes the right book selection leads to unexpected connections and opportunities. This is exactly the case for one student enrolled with the Hospital Education Program at UVA. While teachers enjoy learning about the different genres students like to read, they also look for ways to connect students to the world outside the hospital walls. A student’s extreme interest in non-fiction books on WWI and WWII, with a particular passion for anything relating to tanks, gave a sixth grade student the opportunity to learn more about his favorite subject from a live source in addition to a few good books. HEP library media specialist Leigh Branham’s oldest son, U.S. Army 1LT. Robert Branham, lives and breathes tanks as a rifle platoon leader in a mechanized infantry company at Ft. Cavazo, TX. Providing our student the opportunity to connect with Bo was a perfect way to extend what was being read. During a 20 minute Facetime call, these young men discussed tanks, going to college, and army life with many questions being asked and answered by both parties.The call ended with big smiles and a text to world connection made by a hospital student that will last a lifetime.

A Potluck of Paint, People, and Purpose for CHKD

By: Karin DiMaggio

The CHKD Hospital School Program Team created something beautiful. A cohesive, timeless piece of art that shares a message just as enduring. A large canvas covered in swirls, streaks, and swipes of color sits in their meeting area, serving as a reminder to everyone that art fosters connections to students and to each other.

The idea stemmed from the minds of art teachers Leigh Ann Dickinson and Michael Logan. “Art can seem easy, but having complete freedom with it can be challenging,” shares Ms. Dickinson.

For the team activity, teachers were instructed to choose a color from an array of paints provided. Staff were even encouraged to mix and make their own colors. Both Mr. Logan and Ms. Dickinson directed each team member to pour their color on the large canvas, as it sat on the table. They emphasized how there was no right way to add their color to this piece. No lines to stay in, no references. Mr. Logan told the team to keep one thing in mind, “Have fun.” The simple instructions inspired the team, and one after the other, teachers began to pour their paint to add their color. “I questioned whether it would turn out okay,” stated Ivy Smith, the Office Manager, who shared she had never done something like this before. Her color was vital to the painting, just as important as the colors of everyone else. Including, Sarah Kahn and Ravneet Nayyar, two teachers who expressed their enjoyment of the art activity. The piece showcases how integral coming together as a team is for the school program. “Our students can see this and feel inspired,” stated Ms. Dickinson, “And our teachers can feel proud of what they have created together. “

As the final colors mixed across the canvas, a sense of accomplishment filled the room. What initially began with hesitation, changed into a group expression of creativity and harmony. Each person’s paint pour contributed to a piece of art that is both striking and symbolic. Following the project, the CHKD Hospital School Team gathered for a potluck, where conversation and connection continued. In the end, the artwork stood not only as a visual piece, but as a testament to the beauty that can emerge when individuals come together, take creative risks, and trust the process.

Turning Point Academy Student Art Highlights

The word “Inspire” captures both the creativity of our student art and the hope for fresh beginnings and growth in the new year.

As we step into 2025, our creative students are embracing ONE WORD that they believe will shape the year ahead. This simple, yet meaningful exercise allows students to reflect on their hopes, dreams, and goals for the coming year, and it also provides an inspiring glimpse into their personal journeys.

Our TPA Art Students have come up with words ranging from "Achieve" to "Faith" and "Change." These words are not only reflections of individual aspirations as they are also on display to serve as a collective reminder of their positive goals.

For our last day of FLEX Day, students participated in one last Baking Soda science experiment. This time students were able to make a Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe for One. However, there was a catch to this recipe, each student received a slightly different one than their classmates. Did every student follow their recipe? No. But did the cookies come out delicious? YES! The students were able to taste each other's cookies, and were even able to tell the difference between the recipes. Some of the differences that the students remarked on was on who left out the salt (their cookie had a “sweeter” taste than the others), all brown sugar versus all white sugar versus a mixture of both (students noticed color difference and brown sugar tasted the best), and the difference between baking soda and baking powder (the powder provided more of a lift to the cookie). Since the intention behind this cooking activity was to provide students with an opportunity to create a quick sweet treat for themselves that they can make when they leave, quite a few students requested copies of the recipe to take home. But they did not request their recipe they made, they wanted the recipe of their peers, of different cookies, because they liked how they turned out and wanted to experiment themselves.

The Optimist Club of Lynchburg honored our teachers this year with gift bags. Each bag contained a gift card, snacks, and personalized certificate. The senior officers of the club, Ed and Chris presented the bags to TPA members Zhakia and Lauren in May. This gesture was very much appreciated by the staff.

Looking Toward the Future

Merrimac Juvenile Detention Center recently held a Career Day for their residents. A variety of professionals came in to speak to our students. Among the ten speakers were a real estate agent, a pilot, a project manager for Nice Builders, a radiation technician and an AV producer from Colonial Williamsburg. The students were excited and many asked insightful questions, ranging from qualifications to education and of course, salary. One speaker, Ms. Kim, really resonated with our residents. She told them she was once where they are now. She has a felony on her record and upon release, she decided to get clean and plan for her future. She earned her GED and twenty years later, with a lot of hard work and perseverance, she is now a Project Manager for a large nationwide construction business. She stressed the importance of hard work- showing up every day, being on time, and being open to new and challenging roles.

Our residents asked for business cards and contact information from several of the speakers who said they’d be happy to speak with them upon release. Career Day seemed to be a success and will help our students on the path to their future.

PRJDC Welcomes Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary

During summer enrichment, students at PRJDC received a visit from Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary, under the direction of Sarah Cooperman. Mrs. Cooperman shared that wildlife sanctuaries play an integral role in protecting endangered species, preserving ecosystems, and fostering a connection between humans and the natural world. During the visit, students learned about the challenges wildlife face, preserving natural habitats, current conservation efforts, and careers involving wildlife. They were also given practical advice on how to interact with wildlife they may encounter.

Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary also brought along some animal “ambassadors” to introduce to the students. These “ambassadors” were animals that could no longer be released into the wild and were being taken care of by the sanctuary. Students were given the chance to meet Athar the eastern box turtle, Autumn the corn snake, and Fiona the Virginia opossum.

Jason Weaver

Science Teacher

Celebrating Student Success at RJDC

Rappahannock Juvenile Detention Center proudly celebrated two major student achievements this spring, highlighting the power of education, perseverance, and personal growth. On April 28th, a select group of students graduated from the Toastmasters Youth Leadership Program, a structured curriculum focused on enhancing public speaking, communication, and leadership abilities. Throughout the program, students participated in weekly meetings where they practiced delivering prepared speeches, giving constructive feedback, and leading group discussions. Many of the participants began the program hesitant to speak in front of others, but by the end, they displayed remarkable confidence, clarity, and composure. The graduation ceremony featured speeches from several students who reflected on their personal growth and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to develop skills they can use in their future academic, professional, and personal endeavors.

The momentum continued on May 16th with a formal graduation ceremony celebrating six RJDC students who earned significant educational credentials. Three students were awarded their high school diplomas, and three others successfully completed the requirements for their GED. This achievement represents months—and in some cases, years—of focused academic effort, supported by dedicated teachers, educational staff, and security personnel. The ceremony was a moving and inspiring event, with families, staff, and peers in attendance to recognize the students’ hard work and determination. Two student speakers, both of whom had also graduated from the Toastmasters Program, delivered heartfelt and motivational speeches about overcoming adversity, staying committed to personal goals, and looking ahead with hope and ambition. RJDC is immensely proud of these young individuals for demonstrating resilience, courage, and the belief that education can open doors to brighter futures.

The Post-Graduate and Electives classes saw 'growth' in the use of their hydroponics systems throughout this season. Impressive!

Mr. Hitch, post-graduate/transition specialist, partnered with the Virginia Beach Public Library this year to bring additional books into his classroom. The public library donated a bookshelf and books for students to access at their leisure. The public library's outreach program has been implemented throughout the Virginia Beach community to neighborhoods' where accessing books might be challenging.

This year during summer enrichment, Mrs. Passaris, business teacher, sponsored an activity with students choosing to make a No Sew Felt Pillow or a No Sew Felt Hat. Both activities involve measuring the fabric to a certain length and width, cutting out sections and the strips to be tied. Some students learned how to read a ruler for the very first time. They also had fun picking out which printed fabric to use. Below, she is holding a finished No Sew Felt pillow . It was used as an example to the students who were getting ready to make one. It is tied together with fringes on the end and stuffed with pillow stuffing.

For summer enrichment, Mrs. Choi, art teacher, introduced students to watercolor painting. Students were guided step-by-step through the painting process, learning how to apply wet-on-wet and wet-on-dry techniques. Most students were brand new to watercolor, and they were very proud of their paintings featuring sunsets, tropical landscapes, and galaxies.

Mr. Fay (science teacher) and Mr. Barnes (social studies teacher) sponsored Yoga sessions for their summer enrichment. As the sessions continued, students became even more enthusiastic. Facility staff seemed to enjoy themselves as well.