Union County Schools Calendar 24-25

Chalkboard: School divisions propose 24-25 calendars; SAAC youth art show; Staunton Library youth eventsProposed school calendars for 2024-25

STAUNTON — It’s not yet officially spring, but local school divisions are already looking ahead to next school year.

Staunton City Schools released a draft of its 2024-25 calendar at the school board work session Monday. School officials will present the calendar to the board, which is expected to vote on final approval, at the March 11 meeting. Once it’s approved by the board the school division will send the calendar out to families.

The proposed calendar has the first day of school for students as Wednesday, Aug. 7 and the last day as Wednesday, May 21.

The proposed calendar in Staunton includes a full week for students at Thanksgiving, Monday, Nov. 25 through Friday, Nov. 29. Students get a long winter break, Thursday, Dec. 19 through Friday, Jan. 3.

Spring break in Staunton for students is proposed for Friday, March 21 through Friday, March 28. Graduation at Staunton High School is scheduled for Saturday, May 17.

Other holidays and workdays are scattered throughout the calendar. There are 173 instructional days built into the calendar.

“When we surveyed our staff their top two requests were a full two weeks for winter break and keep the full week at Thanksgiving,” Staunton Superintendent Garett Smith said.

Augusta County and Waynesboro have also shown school board members proposed calendars in recent meetings. For the most part the dates for students match with Staunton. Students return Aug. 7 and get out May 21 in all three school divisions.

Waynesboro students also get a full week at Thanksgiving (Nov. 25-29) next school year. Winter break is tentatively scheduled for Dec. 20-Jan. 3 (a day shorter than Staunton) and spring break is proposed for March 24-28 (also a day shorter than Staunton).

Augusta County is sticking with only three days for Thanksgiving, Wednesday, Nov. 27 through Friday, Nov. 29. Augusta County’s proposed winter break is Dec. 19-Jan. 3 and spring break March 24-28.

Again, none of the calendars have been approved yet. If you have comments or questions, contact your school or school board member.

Youth art show

STAUNTON — The Staunton Augusta Art Center announces the opening of its annual Youth Art Show, running from March 1-30 in the galleries featuring the artwork of hundreds of K-12 grade students from public and private schools from Staunton, Waynesboro and Augusta County.

“This remarkable exhibition not only provides students the unique opportunity to display their work in a professional art gallery but it allows the public to experience the multi-media artwork of students in their community,” a press release said. “The Art Center works closely with area art teachers who curate their students’ involvement in this eagerly anticipated art show.”

This exhibition is sponsored by Susan Polly, who annually supports students and their artwork.

The Staunton Augusta Art Center, R. R. Smith Center for History & Art, is located at 20 S. New St., Staunton.

Given the large scale of this exhibition, the openings are spread out throughout the weekend. The openings are open to the students, their friends and families, and the public for free.

OPENINGS:

Augusta County Public Schools, Independent Studios, Private Schools: Saturday, March 2 from 1- 4 p.m.

Staunton Public Schools, Waynesboro Public Schools: Sunday, March 3 from 1-4 p.m.

Teen, children’s events at Staunton Public Library

STAUNTON — The Staunton Public Library released March events scheduled for teens and children.

TEENS

March Manga Madness Giveaway!Starting March 1, pick up a manga tournament bracket in the YA Area to vote for your favorite title! Return your completed bracket by March 31 to be entered to win one of three amazing prize packs filled with Japanese treats and swag. Ages 11 – 18

Manga Readers Meet-Up: Tuesdays, March 5, 12, 19 & 26, 4 – 5 p.m. in the YA Area. Meet with other manga readers on Tuesdays after school to chat, read and draw. Ages 11 – 18

Teen Anime Club: Wednesdays, March 6 & 20 from 4 – 5 p.m. in the 2nd Floor Meeting Room. Watch anime and eat snacks in this laid-back club for students in grades 6 – 12. Sponsored by the Friends of the Staunton Library.

CHILDREN

Children’s programs take place in the Ground Floor Program Room unless noted otherwise.

Homeschool Hour: Thurs., March 7 at 1:30 p.m. For homeschooling students in grades 3 – 5 and their families. Monthly on the 1st Thursdays. This month’s theme is Spies & Detectives.

Books & Barks: Wed., March 13 at 3:30 p.m. Enjoy a short storytime and then visit with local therapy dogs! For ages 2 – 12, families and caregivers.

Pi Day Party! Thurs., March 14, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. 3/14 is Pi Day! Celebrate at the library with math games and puzzles … and pie, of course! Ages 5 – 10

Paper Bag Kite Craft: Tues., March 19, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Make a colorful paper bag kite with your own unique design. Ages 5 – 10

Mary Baldwin names VP of student engagement

STAUNTON — Mary Baldwin University has announced the appointment of Dr. Justin Tyler Owens as its new vice president of student engagement. Owens joins MBU from Delaware County Community College (DCCC) in Media, Penn., where he has served as vice president for student affairs and strategic initiatives.

Before his time at DCCC, Owens served as dean of student affairs/dean of students at the University of Pikeville in Kentucky and assistant dean of student affairs and director of residence life at Wheeling Jesuit University in West Virginia.

“Dr. Owens has all the experience we could ask for in a VP of student engagement and his enthusiasm for improving student life is infectious,” says LaRhonda Johnson Horton, assistant vice president of student engagement. “We can’t wait to have him on campus for our students.”

Owens is scheduled to start his role March 25.

“I’ve always been interested in student affairs, residential environments, and how we impact student growth,” Owens said. “I knew I wanted to experience every rung of the ladder so that, hopefully and eventually, if I made it to the VP role, I would know the experience for everyone I’m overseeing.”

After earning his bachelor’s degree from Susquehanna University, Owens studied at Old Dominion University where he earned a master of science in education. He later earned a PhD in educational leadership for higher education at Clemson University.

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— Patrick Hite is The News Leader’s education reporter. Story ideas and tips always welcome. Contact Patrick (he/him/his) at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @Patrick_Hite. Subscribe to us at newsleader.com.

This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: School divisions propose calendars; SAAC youth art show; Staunton Library youth events