Employees show off their NNPS pride at Convocation
Posted: August 19, 2024
Part reunion after summer break and part pep rally electrified the Hampton Roads Convention Center as Newport News Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Michele Mitchell welcomed employees for the 2024-2025 school year.
All approximately 4,800 NNPS employees gathered on August 16 to celebrate their school division pride together as they prepare to welcome students back to school on August 26.
Tammy Ortery, an administrative assistant at Warwick High School and the Raiders' 2024-25 Support Staff of the Year, introduced Mitchell prior to her remarks.
Mitchell spoke about her own pride in leading the school division and acknowledged the importance of each individual who works daily to serve students. A video featured students talking about staff members who have had the most impact on their lives.
Teachers and support staff members arrived at Convocation on school buses from their work sites to a rousing welcome by cheerleaders from the city's five high schools. Refreshments were served and a DJ provided dance music as each school and work unit convened in their designated seating area.
Groups showed off their spirit decked out in an array of school colors, costumes and accessories as pom poms and thunder sticks waved in the crowd.
Cheerleaders opened the program with a unity cheer and Heritage High School's marching band performed. Chante Lawrence, a specialist in the Office of Special Education and Student Support Services, served as emcee.
Dr. Lisa Coons, superintendent of public instruction at the Virginia Department of Education, gave remarks that included recognizing Chanda Woods, a Crittenden Middle School teacher who was NNPS 2023-2024 Division-Wide Teacher of the Year and 2025 Virginia Region 2 Teacher of the Year. Coons thanked teachers for choosing their profession and contributing to students' educations.
Kiln Creek Elementary School teacher Jessica Reynolds, NNPS 2024-2025 Division-Wide Teacher of the Year, spoke about the importance of knowing your reason why as motivation to do a good job every day.
Schools and departments were recognized individually in a roll call that gave each one an opportunity to rally together, as well as to thank the others for the important roles they serve. An employee dance-off on stage provided friendly competition.
