WVPT Events

Scripps Regional Spelling Bees

The 2007 Winners are:

LUCY PARKS WILBUR PENCE MIDDLE SCHOOL		MARIEL SULLIVAN THE COVENANT SCHOOL

LUCY PARKS FROM WILBUR PENCE MIDDLE SCHOOL AND MARIEL SULLIVAN FROM THE COVENANT SCHOOL WON SCRIPPS REGIONAL SPELLING BEES BROADCAST LIVE ON WVPT—VIRGINIA’S PUBLIC TELEVISION
MARCH 17

HARRISONBURG—Successfully spelling “illusionist,” Lucy Parks from Wilbur Pence Middle School won the Scripps Regional Spelling Bee sponsored by the Daily News-Record and broadcast live on WVPT March 17 at noon.  And by spelling “philanthropy,” Mariel Sullivan from The Covenant School won the Scripps Regional Spelling Bee sponsored by the News Virginian/Daily Progress broadcast at 4:00 p.m.

The winners of these two regional bees received all-expense-paid trips to the 78th Annual Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, DC May 30—31, 2007 from their respective newspapers.  WVPT gave both winners laptop computers.

The bees were sponsored by the newspapers and held in collaboration with local school officials and WVPT—Virginia’s Public Television.  Students spend weeks preparing for the regional bees by surviving school and county-level competitions.

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Environmental Scholarship Award

The ESA is designed to raise awareness of how water is a vital natural resource. The contest includes a $1,000 Scholarship for college-bound seniors (grade 12) and a series of awards for grade groupings K-5, 6-8 and 9-12. First place $250, second place $150 and third place $100 cash prizes will be given to the top three entries in each grade grouping.

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ESA Winners (Left to Right) Congratulations Winners! :Back: Sandy Greene; George Allen Bowers, Jr.; Melissa Jantzi; Richard Parker; Jan Saxman; Allison White; Nicholas Funk Middle: Cole Leonard, Ariana Dellinger Front: Alicia Arneson, Tamara Sherman, Sabrina Sherman Sandy Greene -- Education Specialist, Headwaters Soil and Water Conservation District Jan Saxman -- co-owner of Shenandoah Spring Water Richard Parker -- WVPT Interim General Manager

ESA Winners 2007 Grades K-5 First Place: Alicia Arneson and Cole Leonard from Riverheads Elementary in Augusta County conducted a field study of the water quality of Back Creek.  They also created a poster called “Farmers Helping the Chesapeake Bay: Lower E. Coli Improves Water Quality,” including a graph showing results from the nine locations where water was tested.  Based on their research, the students concluded that farms that participate in the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program are helping to make the water cleaner. Second Place: Sisters Sabrina and Tamara Sherman from Locust Grove Elementary in Orange County created a video about the ocean’s food web, along with a written description and illustration showing how the ocean web directly affects seafood consumers.  The girls filmed at a nearby lake, the Potomac River, the Rappahannock River, the Chesapeake Bay and a beach on the Atlantic Ocean.  The girls explained that the different bodies of water are connected and discussed the damaging effects of pollution. Third Place: Ariana Dellinger from Peak View Elementary in Penn Laird created a living terrarium including fish and crickets.  She also wrote an essay titled “Life Cycles Forever” and hand-drew charts, illustrating and labeling the components of the water cycle, plant life cycle and animal life cycle.  In her essay, Dellinger wrote that people need to take care of the water supply because it is limited and the animals and plants affected by it “can’t come back” if they are destroyed. Grades 6-8 First Place: Melissa Jantzi from Eastern Mennonite High School in Harrisonburg created a video titled “The Power of Water.”  In her video, Jantzi explored three types of water—hydropower, wave power and tidal power.  Jantzi interviewed Hugh Stoll, owner of a small hydroelectric plant, who discussed the relationship between hydroelectric power and the amount of water.  To illustrate this, Jantzi conducted an experiment with water-filled jugs, poking holes at various heights.  She then measured how far water squirted from each hole and concluded that the higher the water pressure, the farther the water traveled and the greater the energy.  Second Place: Allison White from Shelburne Middle School in Staunton wrote an essay describing her sixth grade class field trip to Gum Springs to test the water quality.  Her class tested for fecal chloroform, clearness, pH level, dissolved oxygen, phosphate, nitrate and temperature.  White wrote that she was disappointed by the results, especially the presence of fecal chloroform, which indicates the water was polluted with sewage and other wastes.  She concluded that it is important to keep waterways, such as Gum Springs, clean because drinkable water is essential to life. Grades 9-12 First Place Scholarship: Nicholas Funk from Central High School in Woodstock wrote an essay on water quality and how water pollution will become an increasingly important issue as the population of the Shenandoah Valley continues to rise.  He stressed the need for higher water quality standards and stricter enforcement.  He also proposed tax incentives to encourage businesses and farmers to reduce pollution and decrease their use of pesticides and fossil fuels.  Funk plans to attend Virginia Tech this fall.  He hopes to become an environmental engineer. Second Place Scholarship: George Allen Bowers, Jr., from Central High School in Woodstock wrote an essay proposing the use of hydroponic systems in farming.  He stressed that while large-scale hydroponic systems of the past have been unfeasible, today’s closed hydroponic systems can be profitable and dramatically reduce water use.  He wrote that closed systems can eliminate the need for pesticides, ensure that no nitrogen or phosphorus compounds enter the water supply, significantly increase crop yields, and reduce the amount of space needed for farming.  Bowers plans to attend Virginia Tech this fall and hopes to become an environmental engineer. The first place winner in Grade 9—12 received a $1,000 college scholarship, and the second place winner received a $500 scholarship.  Other winners were awarded a cash prize ($250 for first place, $150 for second place, $100 for third place).   All winners received a plaque or certificate.  WVPT will produce and broadcast a video spot about each winning entry and give each winner a DVD copy of all of the spots. Judges for this year’s contest included: Dr. Gene Bowlen, biochemical and chemical engineer for Merck & Co., Inc.; Jeffrey Campbell, chemist for Merck & Co., Inc.; Dr. Tom DeVore, professor of chemistry at James Madison University (JMU); John Hermsmeier, program director of the Environmental Education Center of Charlottesville; Dr. Cynthia Klevickis, associate professor of biotechnology and science at JMU; and Dr. Holly Pence, assistant professor of early childhood education at JMU. Sandy Greene has been the Education Specialist at Headwaters Soil and Water Conservation District for the last ten years.  Previously, she worked at The Wildlife Center of Virginia and was the proprietor of Good Companions, growing fresh-cut culinary herbs.  She has taught courses and led workshops at state arboretums, Blue Ridge Community College and Massanetta Springs.  Greene models an environmentally positive lifestyle and inspires effective environmental citizenship through her work.

Many thanks to our partners for making this possible.

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The 2007 "Reading Rainbow" Young Writers and Illustrators Contest

The annual contest is designed to encourage a love of writing in young children.  For the contest, students were asked to enter an original story and include original illustrations.  An entry could take the form of a fiction or nonfiction story, prose or poetry, and was to be accompanied by at least five original illustrations.  Three hundred thirty entries were received this year. 

At the awards ceremony, Charlotte Sappington, WVPT’s director of Education Services, and Al Boxley of McDonald’s of Harrisonburg welcomed and greeted the guests; and illustrator Don Bush and author Barbara Edson Bush gave the keynote address.

Full Group:
Adults: Don Bush, Barbara Bush, Charlotte Sappington, Al Boxley
Back: Allison Jefferson, Kirsten Bauer, Blayne Braden, Taylor Bauer, Nathan Weathers, Maggie Chu
Middle: Mia Curtis, Kalie Brooks, Sarah Loomis, John Graham Smith, Reece Stollings
Front: Sofia Chu, Rebecca Vann, Sophie Hevener, Emily DeCicco, Ian Phillips

Reading Rainbow Stories Video Clips
2007 Winners

Click on the images below to see the stories.

Snow Fun Written and Illustrated by Emily DeCicco Read by Ariana Dellinger	The Seashell Apartment Written and Illustrated by Kalie T. Brooks Read by Ivy Lilly
The Day I Took My Snake to School Written and Illustrated by Reece Stollings Read by Dylan Bontrager	The Little Painters Written and Illustrated by Taylor Bauer Read by Ivy Lilly
Montage of WVPT’s 2007 Reading Rainbow Young Writers and Illustrators Contest Winning Stories

The winners:
First Place Winners:
Kindergarten
Emily DeCicco, “Snow Fun”
Home Schooled, Berkeley County, W. Va.
First Grade
Kalie T. Brooks, “The Seashell Apartment”
Frederick Douglass Elementary, Winchester
Second Grade
Reece Stollings, “The Day I Took My Snake to School!”
Agnor-Hurt Elementary, Albemarle County
Third Grade
Taylor Bauer, “The Little Painters”
Verona Elementary, Augusta County

Second Place Winners:
Kindergarten
John Graham Smith, “The Grumpy Pirate”
Agnor-Hurt Elementary, Albemarle County
First Grade
Sarah Loomis, “Around the World in Poetry”
Home Schooled, Waynesboro
Second Grade
Kirsten Bauer, “The Perrrfect Day”
Verona Elementary, Augusta County
Third Grade
Maggie Chu, “The Egyptian Princesses”
Luray Elementary, Page County

Third Place Winners:
Kindergarten
Sophie Hevener, “The Zoo Animals Who Loved Happy Endings”
Highland Elementary, Highland County
First Grade
Rebecca Vann, “My Puppy”
Mountain View Elementary, Rockbridge County
Second Grade
Sofia Chu, “The Animals’ Party!”
Luray Elementary, Page County
Third Grade
Blayne Braden, “The Catapulting Nut Tree”
Highland Elementary, Highland County

Honorable Mentions:
Kindergarten
Ian Phillips, “Ian Bud”
Redeemer Classical School, Rockingham County
Second Grade
Mia Curtis, “Buck and Butter”
Home Schooled, Rockingham County
Allison Jefferson, “Butterflies”
McGaheysville Elementary, Rockingham County
Third Grade
Nathan Weathers, “Alien Take Over”
Burnley-Moran Elementary, Charlottesville

To recognize the first place winners, an animated video was produced by WVPT featuring each first place story.  The animated videos were premiered at the awards ceremony and will be broadcast on WVPT.  In the videos, the first place stories were read by three local children: Dylan Martin Bontrager, Ariana Dellinger and Ivy Lilly. 

Each winner received prizes and recognition from WVPT, including a “Reading Rainbow” backpack with books.  All contest entrants received a participation certificate signed by “Reading Rainbow” series host LeVar Burton. 

Barbara Edson Bush is the author of Read ’Til You Rock!, a chapter book starring Captain Kidzo.  Her passion is to work with Captain Kidzo to inspire kids around the world to reach their highest potential.  Don Bush is the illustrator of Read ’Til You Rock!  He professes to be a cartoonist from birth.  Don loves to read and loves encouraging kids to read also.  It is their goal to encourage children to express themselves and explore their potential through the arts.  The Bushes firmly believe that integrity and accountability are the essential ingredients in everything they set their minds to accomplish.  They are currently working with PBS and independent film producers to create a 13-part TV series for nationwide distribution starring Captain Kidzo.

Two past winners served as judges this year: Forest Thomsen-Diggs of Albemarle County, who received his award in 2003 when he was in the third grade; and Sarah Elizabeth King of Rockingham County, who received her award last year when she was in the third grade.  Additional judges came from the education community.

WVPT’s “Reading Rainbow” Young Writers and Illustrators Contest was underwritten by McDonald’s of Harrisonburg.  The Daily Progress of Charlottesville was the media sponsor for the contest.

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Ready To Learn Initiative

Where Can I Volunteer?
The regular Wednesday Volunteers will continue to
process, count and pack books, prepare materials and
prepare bookbags for this year's distributions. These
volunteers meet the second Wednesday of every month.
We can use your help from 1:00 until 3:30 p.m. Please come.
Contact Cindy Atkins at (540) 437-2430 or catkins@wvpt.net.

Calling all parents and educators of preschool children:
You are invited to attend a public forum about Universal Pre-K!

The Governor has appointed a Start Strong Council to oversee the development of expanded access to quality preschool for four-year-olds. The council is in the early stages of gathering information to guide its recommendations for this program.

There will be a special session to inform the public of the Council's activities so far, and to get ideas and comments from people around Virginia that will help the Council develop its recommendations.

If you are interested in learning more about this initiative and sharing your thoughts, please join us from 4:30-6:00 p.m. on September 28 in Harrisonburg at the Massanutten Regional Library, 174 S. Main Street, Harrisonburg, VA .

If possible, please RSVP to Betsy Hay, betsy.hay@uwhr.org or (540) 434-6639.

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Kid*Vention
Cool kids do science!

Presented by:

Thanks to all of our partners for an exciting event. Saturday, March 31, 2007 Charlottesville High School Gymnasium A free family event! Exhibitors The UVA Automobile Safety Lab Ruth Goldeen (yoga instructor/ Kluge Children's Rehabilitation Center physical therapist) The American Red Cross The Blue Ridge Poison Center Charlottesville-Albemarle Rescue Squad Albemarle County Department of Fire Rescue (will do display on child safety seats) Safe Routes to School Children's Community Dental Center Blue Ridge Mountain Sports Unite for Sight Prax Chiropractic & Holistic Pediatrics For more information, contact the Virginia Discovery Museum at www.vadm.org, Vicky at (434) 977-1025, or WVPT at (540) 437-2466.

Exciting hands-on exhibits celebrate science.

Kid*Vention -- A Free Family Event
Held Each November in Winchester and
Each March in Charlottesville

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National Teacher Training Institute

WVPT is the proud sponsor of the National Teacher Training Institute.

Hundreds of teachers from across the WVPT viewing area have learned how to integrate the latest in technology into their classrooms! Teachers who participate take this knowledge, lots of new techniques, creative new lesson plans
and a tool of technology back to their classrooms.

For more information, click here.

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Adult Literacy Initiatives



This innovative website helps adults build the basic skills they need for lifelong learning by linking underserved and hard-to-reach adults and their teachers to quality adult basic education and GED preparation tools. Using video, the Internet and print materials, LiteracyLink programs are relevant to the needs of the individual learner, adult instructional programs and the workforce. LiteracyLink also provides convenient and cost-effective staff development for adult literacy educators staff development and technology-related teaching resources for the adult literacy professionals who teach this population.

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