Letter from Dr. Gurley about the
Federal Executive Institute Building
Dear Cville Schools community –
Our potential acquisition of the Federal Executive Institute campus, which I shared with you yesterday, is a headline-grabbing example of the important work we do every day in public education. School life and leadership require attention to the everyday “basics,” a vision for the future, and the ability to quickly pivot and embrace new possibilities.
You will find all of these things in this newsletter:
- The so-called “basics”: Learning, skill-building, and relationship-growing happen in a classroom, a swimming pool, or in a garden.
- Advancing towards a vision: As we celebrate our “Buford Farewell Fest,” let’s take a moment to celebrate the excellent progress on our new middle school!
Pivoting to new possibilities: Our immigrant and refugee students model this skill every day. The recent Buford International Day event is one way we celebrate and support their resilience and flexibility!
Every week I encounter something new that brings me pride in our staff, students, and community. Thanks as always for your support and partnership!
Dr. G
Collective Bargaining Reaches Milestone of First Contract
We are proud to share that a historic collective bargaining agreement passed the School Board unanimously. The contract includes a 5.5% pay increase for teachers, guaranteed planning time, and structures to elevate staff voice. Here are Dr. Gurley, the Charlottesville City School Board, CEA President Shannon Gillikin, and CCS teachers right after the vote. Learn more here.
Art Connections Opens Downtown: May 2
For a third year, the Cville Schools “Art Connections” exhibition is returning to business windows all along the Downtown Mall.
Opening Reception, Friday, May 2, at Ting Pavilion
Join us at the opening celebration as part of First Fridays on May 2. The CHS Jazz Band performs at 5:30 pm while a slideshow of CCS student artwork will be cast on the big screen. Bring your family to the Mall to see the art anytime before May 22 –or check out the online gallery. Stay tuned for field trip information for when your child’s class tours the exhibition!
Walk, Bike, and Roll to School Day: May 7
Join the City of Charlottesville and Safe Routes to School for all kinds of fun ways to get out and about on bikes this spring. On Walk, Bike, and Roll to School Day, students are invited to grab a friend and plan to get to school on foot or by bike or scooter. Click for all the local resources for Bike Month.
CHS Artists Inspired by UVA Scientists
For a second year, CHS art students have partnered with neuroscience researchers at UVA to learn about the latest research and find inspiration for their art. See their work at the Magnify Spring Art Show — a one-day exhibit in the former Bridge PAI space on May 9, 6-9pm.
Greenbrier 4th-Grader Golfs Masterfully at Augusta
Congratulations to Greenbrier Elementary School 4th-grader Lucas Dunaway, 2nd place winner for ages 7-9 at the Drive, Chip & Putt National Finals at Augusta National Golf Club! Lucas also won 1st place in the chipping competition. On the Golf Channel, sports commentator Mike Tirico described Lucas’ form as a “textbook golf swing.”
CHS Earns 14th Blue Ribbon for Musical Excellence (and a Student Directed the Choir!)
It would be enough to celebrate that CHS earned its 14th Blue Ribbon from the Virginia Music Educators Association, but it’s especially neat that CHS senior Elle Polifka directed the choir! The Blue Ribbon is earned when a school’s top group for band, choir, and orchestra all earn the highest (superior) rating at spring assessments. Congratulations to directors Will Cooke, Jason Hackworth, and Emily Waters. Read the terrific story of Will Cooke selecting Elle as his substitute.
Lots to Love at Buford International Day
With students in our schools from over 40 countries, there was a LOT to learn and celebrate on International Day at Buford Middle School! With leadership from the CHS International Club and support from many wonderful community partners, students tried new foods, learned new sports, got henna tattoos, taught each other games from their home countries, and showed off traditional fashions and dances.
12 CHS Students Earn Governor’s School Honors
A full 12 (!!!) CHS students received invitations or were named alternates for the competitive Governor’s School summer programs. Invitees are Charlotte Abney/Theater; Nyomi Becker-Montambault/Agriculture; Levi Beling/Visual Art; Sarah Colbert/Agriculture; Mira Masri/Humanities; Sadie Sherman/Latin; Nilab Sultan/Japanese; Harper Ullrich/French; and Michelle Wong/STEM. Alternates are: Catherine Crook/Spanish; Julian Mark-Williams/Spanish; and Guy Muguma/Health and Medical Sciences.
Registration for Next Fall Opens May 14
This school year will wrap up soon, but we know you’re looking ahead to the fall. Here’s a registration overview:
- Preschoolers: apply on the Go2Grow website. Learn more about preschool here! Stay tuned for information about Preschool Registration Day on May 20!
- Kindergartners (both new and returning students): Register as a NEW student in SchoolMint.
- New students (grades 1-12) starting in fall 2025: Register as a NEW student in SchoolMint.
- Non-resident students (grades K-12, both new and returning). Returning students apply in SchoolMint by May 7; new students apply by June 1.
- Returning students: Re-registration forms will open in SchoolMint on May 14. This will include your bus request forms.
- Students impacted by possible rezoning: Register (or re-register) using the currently zoned school. The School Board votes on rezoning on May 1. If it passes and you wish to start at your new school in August 2025, complete the out of zone request form (coming May 2) by the priority deadline of May 8.
New School Names Go Into Effect for Fall 2025
Beginning this summer, three schools will begin using new names:
- Buford Middle School will become Charlottesville Middle School
- Johnson Elementary will become Tall Oaks
- Burnley-Moran Elementary will become Sunrise
In addition, Burnley-Moran (we mean, Sunrise) will have new leaders. Earlier this month, Dr. Gurley announced the experienced leaders who will get Sunrise off to a bright beginning – Mr. Brad Handrich (principal) and Ms. Hannah Collins (assistant principal). Learn more about Mr. Handrich and Ms. Collins here! Current principal Dr. Elizabeth Korab will take on the role of planning principal for our new city-wide preschool program (to open in August 2026).
Golden Apple Winners
Congratulations to our 2025 Golden Apple honorees, recognized for excellence in teaching. The award is supported by Better Living Building Supply and Cabinetry, and winners will be recognized at an event on May 14.
- Madison Eure, Buford Middle School
- Jessica Scott, Burnley-Moran Elementary School
- Karen Brown, CATEC
- Emily Waters, Charlottesville High School
- Susan Mahone, Greenbrier Elementary School
- Mary Yowell, Hospital Education
- Derek Hartline, Jackson-Via Elementary School
- Becca Covington, Johnson Elementary School
- Heather Rose, Lugo-McGinness Academy
- Ariel Bruner, Summit Elementary School
- Ladi Smith, Trailblazer Elementary School
- Laura Lindemann, Walker Upper Elementary School