The week just past saw Caroline students raking in scholarship money, Mary’s Landing resubmitting plans, King George banning phones, Nicole Cole’s jury trial set, and in the least shocking news of the week – Lisa Phelps and April Gillespie still can’t follow simple requests. Also this week, our new occasional feature, Education 540, takes a deep dive into cell phones at school, and Drew Gallagher has a field day with a new series of books about the Orange One.
5. Record Scholarships In Caroline County
Caroline County Public Schools celebrates its 275 graduating seniors, who amassed more than $1.6 million in scholarship offers – a record for the county.
4. Mary’s Landing Developer Submits Revised Site Plans
The developer of Mary’s Landing—a 63-townhome project proposed on several largely-vacant parking lots in the Canal Quarter neighborhood—has submitted a second site plan for City staff to review.
3. Cell Phone Ban Adopted In King George County Schools
King George County Public Schools this week became the first area school division to implement a total ban on cell phones, and similar bans are being considered in Stafford and Caroline county schools.
2. July Trial Date Set For Spotsylvania School Board Vice Chair Nicole Cole
A trial date of July 1 has been set for Spotsylvania School Board Vice Chair Nicole Cole, who is accused of misdemeanor assault and battery by fellow School Board member Lisa Phelps.
1. FOIA Requests Ignored In Spotsylvania
Lisa Phelps and April Gillespie were asked by School Board Chair Lorita Daniels to comply with a FOIA request regarding the Riverbend High School swim team. The two have still not fully complied.
COMMENTARY: Yes. Smartphones Need To Go …
James Monroe High School started the 2023-24 school year with a bang. Administration and teachers were in sync on banning the use of cellphones during class, and in the hallways. The problem, teachers soon realized, was that students still had them on their persons. While many adults who didn’t grow up with smartphones have the discipline necessary to have their phones on them but not use it, many students don’t.
It’s Drew Time! The Kids’ Guide to Humor Columns
Blue bathing suits? Sleepy Joe? Donald Trump as Robert Redford in the Natural? Must be Drew Time!
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