Since January 2008, DCE students at St. Brides Correctional Center have been restoring a dilapidated United States Marine Corps “Liberty” bus. The 1934 GMC bus was one of the types that had been used in the 1950s to take Marines from Camp LeJeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina on “liberty” to nearby cities. During working hours the same bus transported civilians to jobs on the military compound.

The bus, when it is completely restored in a few months, will find a permanent home at Jacksonville’s Museum of the Marine.

When the school received the bus, its roof was collapsing. The windows needed replacement. All upholstery had to be re-done. The wooden parts of the bus had to be replaced. New electrical wiring was needed.

The following DCE Career and Technical Education classes contributed: Plumbing (specific metal work), Auto Body Repair, Sheet Metal, Electrical, Woodworking, Upholstery (done by classes at nearby Indian Creek Correctional Center).

Auto Body Teacher Dan Williams, a former Marine, took the lead on the project. He has embraced this project – a “live-work” application of vocational skills – as an excellent way to build students’ working skills and self-esteem. “This has been a great project for our students,” Mr. Williams said. “Students have applied their classroom learning. They have bolstered their self-esteem, and they have something they can show their families when they are released. They can go to the museum and say, ‘I did that.’”

The project began when General Educational Development Instructor Len Clark mentioned to his friend and Director of the Museum of the Marine Colonel Bill Ayres that DCE students could handle the project. Other teachers involved included Plumbing Instructor Roger Nichols, Sheet Metal Instructor Curtis Lawson, Electrical Instructor Alan Copeland, Computer-Aided Drafting Instructor Jeff Kowalski, and Upholstery Instructor Mark Twark of Indian Creek Correctional Center.

A permanent plaque will be displayed on the bus acknowledging the contributions of the DCE students. The Museum of the Marine paid for all materials.

“I always wanted to run my own place. I did not have the resources to run my own place, and I wanted to give back to the community. So I came here, and I am helping a lot of guys who I know enjoy cooking.”

Mr. Franklin teaches a 10-month course in which students learn about the principles of finance, cooking breakfast, lunch and dinner, principles of meat cutting, making stocks and sauces, baking and making pastry, sanitation and food safety, dining room etiquette, and cooking to order.

“He’s very dedicated,” said his Principal Dr. Barna Anyadike. “He is almost a perfectionist. He is a very good teacher,” Principal Anyadike added. The class is very popular at Buckingham Correctional Center. “Students go in there because they know people are always going to eat, and many of them either want to start their own business or work in a restaurant and make good money.”

If Mr. Franklin’s students are enthusiastic, the teacher himself is equally so. “I love it here. I have a chance to really give back and see how these guys react to doing something. It makes them feel good about themselves (to cook), and it brings a level of self pride. I think this is really my calling in life.”

DCE’s Offender Workforce Development programs reflect a multi-faceted approach designed to foster successful transitions from prison to society for incarcerated adults within eighteen months of release. The primary component is program taught in correctional facilities entitled Productive Citizenship (PC). This program teaches functional, life, skills, social, and employability skills. The second component of this program known as “Fast Track” includes offering portions of the PC curriculum to students who are unable to participate in the full program. The third component is community-based and involves recruitment of appropriate program resources, the identification of potential employers, and post-release follow-up with program completers.

Specialized Programs Director Gwynne Cunningham oversees the program, which includes 28 OWD specialist positions designed to deliver services to 29 adult facilities.

The Productive Citizenship Program typically has a 12- to 15-week cycle which will exist within the general trimester calendar. Students receive a minimum of 40 contact hours per class cycle. Students complete a Transition Portfolio. This includes a resume, a written response to the “Big Question,” regarding incarceration, copies of academic and vocational transcripts and certificates, vital documents, completed job application, list of community resources, among other things. Program participants will participate in job interview practice; and employers are invited to perform these interviews and provide students with feedback on their interviewing skills.

The Offender Workforce Development (OWD) Specialist provide limited “Fast Track” services to those offenders who are nearing release and have not been able to participate in the Productive Citizenship core program. These persons include those who are: recent transfers to the institution, serving short sentences or have no access to the core program for other reasons. “Fast Track” services may include: personal interview and needs assessment, assistance in developing transition portfolio, a listing of available local resources.

“Fast Track” services may also be provided to PC graduates who are seeking additional information or services beyond those offered in the PC program.

OWD Specialists will also administer Work Keys Assessments to DCE students and general population inmates who are nearing their release dates. Students can earn Career Readiness Certificates which help potential employers understand the applicant’s work skills and talents. The responsibility of administering these assessments is shared among multiple instructors at each site. Testing frequency is determined by funding availability and the number of students at his/her site who are nearing their release dates. The Work Keys Assessment/Career Readiness Certificate program is an initiative of and is overseen by DCE’s Academic Programs Division.

OWD Specialists are very connected to their local communities and develop those resources by bringing in volunteer speakers, employers and other sources of information that will help students have a successful return to their communities. Among other things they maintain contact with statewide Pre-Release and Post-Incarceration Services (PAPIS), “One-Stops” and local Virginia Employment Commission offices. They also locate potential employers, develop employment leads for program graduates and develop a network of referrals for employment and services. OWD Specialists also foster job interview events, developing and hosting event at facility and making presentations in the community that market students as talented potential workers.

The percentage of time that an OWD Specialist will dedicate to each of these components differs, they spend approximately 60 percent of their time Teaching Productive Citizenship, 20 percent providing "Fast Track"/Work Keys Assessment Services and 20 percent performing Community Outreach/Resource Development.

Submitted by Michelle Daniel
Offender Workforce Development Specialist
Dillwyn and Buckingham Correctional Centers

As an Offender Workforce Development Specialist my primary goal is preparing offenders to return to society and their home environment after a period of incarceration. This is important because it begins the readjustment process. Readjustment breaks institutionalization and therefore is believed to reduce recidivism.

My first priority is to present offenders with as much information and resources that I can to make their “transition” into society less stressful. Students get basic information and basic computer skills. They discuss emotions and how to problem solve. They learn better communication skills and better parenting skills. Students obtain social security and birth certificates with the help of the Department of Corrections staff. Students contact the child support agency with personal questions about cases, obtain Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) compliance summaries, court costs and credit reports. Also, students learn about banking and money management and a representative from Wachovia Bank comes in and makes an attempt to open accounts.

A representative from Offender Aid and Restoration does a workshop on employment and volunteers to do resumes for the offenders. Representatives from Project Past come in to discuss HIV/AIDS and do anonymous testing. Virginia Cares give information on community resources. Probation and parole comes in to discuss expectations and strategies for making it on supervision. A U.S. Army recruiter also comes in to share information about enlistment.

In addition to that, in my classroom we study the current Department of Motor Vehicles manual and take three practice tests. We also have a small library and each student is required to read a book which ranges from motivational to employment topics, and present a book report.

Many volunteers contribute to the class. The classroom is set up with inspirational and informative posters which catch the wandering eyes and lead to positive thoughts. Offenders leave the classroom with enough knowledge and reinforcements to know they can be a productive citizen.

DCE Offender Workforce Development Specialists participated in the National Institute of Corrections Offender Workforce Development Specialist (OWDS) training. Shown is Vicki Mistr, left, of the Virginia Correctional Center for Women and Marion Curry, below right, of the James River/Powhatan Complex.

U.S. Senator Jim Webb, a leading proponent of prison reform in America, believes transition is one of the most important elements of improving America’s prison system. That was the message delivered by Senator Webb’s Spokesman Conway Haskins. Haskins participated in the closing ceremonies of an Offender Workforce Development Training held at Virginia State University in mid-July. DCE’s Director of Specialized Programs Gwynne Cunningham organized the event that included professionals from across the state who impact the transition process.

On May 13, Haynesville Correctional Center held its first-ever job fair, an event designed to help soon-to-be-released inmates build and improve their job interview skills. Approximately 17 vendors and 90 inmates participated in the day-long event. The event was organized by Offender Workforce Development Specialist Debbie C. Howard.

“Most all of these students are leaving within 60 to 120 days, and many have obtained jobs informally in the past so this is good practice. For some this is their first real job interview. For others, this is just a process of polishing their skills.”

Gary Duff, Director of the Richmond Electrician’s Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee, let his interviewees know that the biggest problem for most of his applicants is the driver’s license. “We won’t take their application until they get one, and we do hire ex-offenders. We have quite a few hired. Some of them have been quite successful.

Carolyn LeCroy of The Messenger Project, an ex-offender who was nationally recognized by CNN for her volunteer work in prisons, said communication is the key. “They need to be able to articulate their crime in an appropriate way. I tell them to be honest. Do not minimize the crime. Take responsibility. Talk about accomplishments and goals. I tell them to look at the interviewer while they are talking about the crime. I say to them, ‘I need to know you are sincere.’”

Other vendors included representatives from the Virginia Department of Transportation, the Virginia Employment Commission, Offender Aid and Restoration, Virginia CURE and DCE.

Ms. Howard’s mantra is simple: “You need to be ready,” she said.

During her years of incarceration, Sue Kennon’s greatest punishment was not confinement. Her greatest pain was being separated from her children.

Most of all, she wondered how her incarceration would affect them. From this difficult portion of her life evolved a parenting program that is today known as Moms and Dads Inc. Kennon devised the program while still incarcerated. She and DCE implemented it formally when DCE hired her in February 2004. Today, she serves as the Parenting Education Coordinator & Instructor.

“Everything we do is directly related to the influence of the incarceration on the child,” she explained. Most often the children experience some kind of trauma, especially related to the arrest and separation. The children typically experience a high degree of anger about the situation. Other reactions include feelings of abandonment, guilt, rejection and dislike of authority figures.

“I don’t know of any child that goes unscathed,” Kennon said. Today, she and three Virginia Commonwealth University graduate students run five programs. Jennifer Reid, Shelly Avny, and Ruth Brown are stellar teachers, Kennon added. Students in the parenting program attend eight weekly sessions that are two hours each.

In the Moms and Dads Inc. program parents tackle a variety of incarnation issues, especially how to handle family-related legal issues, visitation, communication, and reunification. Another big question mark for incarcerated parents is what to expect when they return home.

The program exists at three women’s facilities: Virginia Correctional Center for Women, Fluvanna Correctional Center for Women, and Virginia Correctional Unit #13. The program is also up and running at James River and Powhatan correctional centers. In the 15 months following February 2008, Moms and Dads Inc. posted 134 graduates.

The program is expanding and being shared with the Department of Corrections (DOC). Two or three times a year, Kennon leads training at the DOC Training Academy in Goochland. DOC runs a program at Buckingham Correctional Center and is about to start another at Haynesville Correctional Center.

The most important lesson that the mothers and fathers learn in Moms and Dads Inc. is the importance of communication. Consequently, the most important activity in the program involves the creation of audio taped messages that are sent to the child. Parents also send letters and cards to the children and the children’s caregivers.

“Children worry,” Kennon said. “We try to dispel the worry and tell the children that the parents’ biggest punishment is not the incarceration but being away from their children.” She suggests that the parents send a schedule so that the child knows what the parents does with their day.

“The big wild card,” said Kennon, “is the caregiver and the environment the child lives in.” If the child has a sense of safety, and love or at least warmth, they fare far better, she added.

Submitted by Carolyn Ross, Youth Transition Coordinator

The transition specialist at the youth schools is the first person to meet with new intakes and provides orientation to DCE. During the orientation, the transition specialist gets to know the student and will use information collected for staffing team meeting to develop a school schedule.

The transition specialist implements a Career Development Transition Plan (CDTP) for students during the first few weeks at the correctional center. This initiative is an integral part of the educational and work training programs for each student. During the length of stay at a center, students will work on various components of the transition plan which includes career and technical education classes, social skills, as well as planned programs such as career fairs, Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery testing, Career Readiness Certificate (CRC) classes and others. In recent testing, youth school students earned 16 CRCs. One student earned the highest award, gold, while nine earned silver and five earned bronze. Only one student did not receive a certificate.

The youth transition effort recently implemented a new curriculum designed to facilitate the student experience and allow for a smoother transition back into society. The overall goal of the CDTP is to assist the student to gain competence in the areas of education, careers and personal life planning, decision-making and work training to become responsible and productive citizens. The transition specialist will review the CDTP with student and assists with the development of a portfolio prior to release. Follow-up surveys will be collected on all students 30 and 180 days after release to determine school enrollment, employment and other activities while on probation.

As an outreach of youth transition efforts, transition specialists are encouraged to develop community resources. Transition Specialist Elizabeth Jones, left, of P.S. Blandford High School talks with Linda Thurston, Parole Unit Supervisor, Fourteenth District Juvenile Court Service Unit. The pair attended a meeting of the Capital Area Regional Workforce Council in June. The June 18 event in Henrico County included many service providers to at-risk youth and was designed to link support services for at-risk youth including those recently released from juvenile correctional centers. Participants included non-profit entities such as Goodwill of Richmond, Lutheran Family Services – Mentoring Match, the Positive Vibe Café, and The Choice Group. Other participants included the Department of Juvenile Justice, the Department of Corrections, the Virginia Employment Commission, Chesterfield Public Schools, Capital Area Workforce Center, Department of Social Services, 14th District Court Services Unit and 16th District Court Services Unit.

Administrator of the Year

D. WAYNE BENNETT

To borrow a phrase from his nomination form, he “basically works beyond the 100 percent level at all times.” This is very true of Wayne Bennett Deputy Superintendent of Career and Technical Education.

His work ethic ensures that the agency provides the most effective and up-to-date instructional programs. Mr. Bennett promotes professional development, safety, efficient use of resources most of all, by his own example, hard work. He is known for working side-by-side with his staff through a challenging series of program relocations, adjustments and expansions, including the all-but-overwhelming warehouse move. That job often went well beyond normal working hours, and Mr. Bennett performed without complaint. His overall dedication has helped CTE expand and improve. Ultimately, DCE and its students are the beneficiaries. This is the third time he has been honored at the Outstanding Employee luncheon. The Administrator of the Year Award is a new honor. Twice before he has been named as an Outstanding Employee.

DCE Board Vice Chair Lawrence Webb, Bonnie S. Bennett, Wayne Bennett and Walter McFarlane

Master Teachers

NICHOLAS LERECHE

Science Instructor Nicholas LeReche is currently enrolled in a post-Master’s certification program at Virginia Commonwealth University and teaches math and science to students who have been most recently committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice and are being evaluated for placement in a juvenile correctional center. Mr. LeReche’s principal, Annette Andrews, acknowledged that although he is faced with teaching 30 - 40 students in the students’ housing unit, he is able to convey concepts in a manner the students not only understand, but can relate to as well. Additionally, she noted, he is the impetus behind the technology acquired and utilized at Crockford and is a key member of the technology committee. He has been previously honored for his efforts by being named an R.E.B. Award finalist. During his observation period for this honor, Mr. LeReche was observed utilizing technology and paper products to enable students to understand the concept of barometers and manometers. His ability to engage students on various levels, below, at, or above grade level of their age appropriate peers was evident throughout the Master Teacher observation.

DCE Board Vice Chair Lawrence Webb, Nicholas P. LeReche, Corinne LeReche and Walter McFarlane

KATHY L. REED

Kathy Reed is currently employed as a Reading Specialist for the middle school program at John H. Smyth. She has also taught reading at the former Addison-Perkins High School and Mastin High School.

Ms. Reed has acknowledged that each of her DCE school assignments has been a challenge and she has grown as she internalized her responsibilities.

In addition to being a Reading Specialist, Ms. Reed has utilized one of her other talents to teach music to the female students at Mastin and as a result of her time and effort was able to form a school choir that performed at the most recent DCE convocation. Two of Ms. Reed’s Master Teacher reference letters were written by colleagues who both recognized her to be dedicated, sincere, and sensitive.

Ms. Reed has demonstrated her ability to motivate DCE’s most at-risk students, the middle school students. She is able to get through to her students, yet maintain reachable goals for each of them so that they may become successful in their academic careers and in their everyday lives. In her work, Ms. Reed also has emphasized the need to nurture students.

DCE Board Vice Chair Lawrence Webb, Kathy L. Reed, John R. Reed and Walter McFarlane

CAROLINE “BETH” ROHNE

Beth Rohne is employed as an Academic Instructor at Haynesville Correctional Center and is currently enrolled in a Standards of Learning certification program. She has previously received several honors for her work as a correctional educator. Ms. Rohne was selected as the DCE Agency Star in 2006 and was designated as a Teacher of the Year in 2001 for Region II, of the national Correctional Education Association. In 1999, she was honored with DCE’s Outstanding Employee award.

Ms. Rohne’s former principal, Dr. Barna Anyadike, praised her selfless dedication saying that she is a unique individual who goes the extra mile to serve her students and seeks no accolades. She relates to her students very well, uses a wide range of instructional strategies, gives excellent attention to detail, and utilizes her class time to its fullest potential. She is deeply and enthusiastically involved in the agency’s Plaza Comunitarias Program. Ms. Rohne also prepares students for their Career Readiness Certificate test and the General Educational Development Test.

DCE Board Vice Chair Lawrence Webb, Caroline “Beth” Rohne, David Fridley and Walter McFarlane

Outstanding Employees

ROBERT W. ALLEN

Bob Allen makes sure that students who leave his classroom are prepared. As a Master Electrician he understands the importance of professional credentials and strives to help his students obtain Electrical Journeyman Licensure. Additionally, as an Electricity Instructor he has developed a working relationship with Department of Professional and Regulation Board of Contractors. These are only the most prominent of his activities to bring the professional world to his students. He has made numerous professional contacts, conducted interviews, arranged for on-site testing and represented his students to the Board of Contractors in Richmond. As a DCE teacher he has been a leader in Electrical Curriculum development sharing information and mentoring. He serves as the “unofficial” mentor for both veteran and new electrical instructors. He keeps current with electrical codes and recently taught a class to other instructors and Department of Corrections staff on the updated codes. At his request, a representative of the Richmond Electrical Union serves on the Buckingham Vocational Advisory Board. Finally, Mr. Allen leads by example. The copper wiring recycling project he initiated in 2008 resulted a savings of $1,350. The monies are used to offset the cost of operation of his program.

DCE Board Vice Chair Lawrence Webb, Robert W. Allen, Kathy Allen and Walter McFarlane

ANNETTE D. ANDREWS

Annette Andrews has served DCE with dedication for the last 20 years. In that time, she has earned a reputation for hard work, intelligence, kindness, creative thinking, but most of all, for putting people first. Often she works late, most likely because she has spent the day interacting with students, teachers and Department of Juvenile Justice staff. Ms. Andrews is known for her positive approach and encourages students and staff alike. While she might be characterized as exceedingly kind and people-oriented, she is no pushover. Discipline, when necessary, occurs behind closed doors. Her approach fosters a great sense of family at Crockford High School. Extracurricular activities in music and art are commonplace. At her behest, artists of various sorts visit her school, and unique projects, such as a recent chick-hatching effort, enliven learning for all students.

The results of her good work are tangible. Data collected for the Comprehensive School Improvement Plan for the past two years shows significant and measurable student achievement. For all these reasons and many others, she is held in high regard by students, school staff and her other DCE colleagues. Ms. Andrews has the unique ability to foster good relationships with DCE’s sister agency, DJJ, and this keeps the school both safe and effective.

DCE Board Vice Chair Lawrence Webb, Annette D. Andrews and Walter McFarlane

MARION R. CURRY

Marion Curry brings tremendous vision, energy, and professionalism to his task of helping offenders transition back into society. He has brought in employers to tour his facilities’ vocational training programs. He has hosted multiple Job, Career, and Resource Fairs. He brings in numerous guest speakers. He keeps the learning fresh for his students. He recently introduced a “CTE Student of the Quarter” award as a motivator. Among his many current initiatives is the development of a speakers’ club, a “real-life” problem solving program, small business training, and a basic computer literacy program.

Despite an already demanding schedule, last year Mr. Curry accepted the challenge to participate in intensive Offender Workforce Development Specialist (OWDS) training. This out-of-state training included extensive homework and meant sacrificing a great deal of his personal time. Mr. Curry received the hard-earned Global Career Development Specialist (GCDF) credential this year — one of just 80 people in Virginia who have earned this prestigious honor. This past October, Mr. Curry participated in training to certify him as an OWDS Training Instructor. He is currently working with a diverse, multi-agency team that will teach this 180 hour curriculum to 30+ professionals this summer. To quote a co-worker - “Mr. Curry doesn’t just have `a full plate’ - he has full platters”.

DCE Board Vice Chair Lawrence Webb, Marion R. Curry, Thelma Curry and Walter McFarlane

ROBERT D. “BOB” DAVISSON

Bob Davisson is much more than an Assistant Principal at Thunder Ridge High School. In addition to his regular duties, Mr. Davisson can be found teaching, counseling, and motivating students. Mr. Davisson often acts as an emissary for Thunder Ridge with the Department of Juvenile Justice, campus visitors, parents, and public school officials. Mr. Davisson continues in his role as the authority on matters involving special education. Mr. Davisson does a superior job in helping to make the lives of teachers and students better and more productive.

Mr. Davisson is always eager to perform all duties assigned him, and he often volunteers to take on tasks above and beyond his normal duties. He is an effective role model for staff and students by virtue of his work ethic and tenacity. Most importantly, Mr. Davisson keeps his focus on instruction. When he comes to observe a class, it is not unusual for him to roll up his sleeves and assist with teaching. When a teacher or student has a problem, Mr. Davisson has a problem, and he will work until it is solved. He is a person of great optimism and energy, who is well liked and richly deserving of recognition for all his hard work.

DCE Board Vice Chair Lawrence Webb, Robert D. Davisson and Walter McFarlane

ROBERT W. HINKLE

Mr. Hinkle is a transition specialist and guidance counselor for Thunder Ridge High School. He is very open to students whether they have specific problems or merely want to talk. His trademark humor is handy for putting students and others at ease. His jokes work whether he is meeting a new student for the first time or making a keynote speech at the 2008 DCE Youth School Convocation.

He has been known to work doggedly on behalf of his students. Recently, Mr. Hinkle spent more than two weeks trying to make contact with a faraway school district to verify credits for graduation. After a number of answering machines, voice mails and wrong numbers, he succeeded and the student will graduate.

You might hear him described as fun-loving. And that is true, but he has one priority that always out-ranks fun – the student. Students and their welfare are his number one concern. He has said that anyone who is not happy with correctional education should remove themselves. As the person who nominated him for this award said, “It takes a special person to work with DCE students, and Mr. Hinkle is certainly one of those special people.”

DCE Board Vice Chair Lawrence Webb, Robert W. Hinkle, Amy Hinkle and Walter McFarlane

LESTER J. MARCUSSEN

In the wake of facilities closing this past year, a number of Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs have been shut down and either relocated or stored around the state. DCE did not have adequate storage capacity for all the programs being closed. In stepped the CTE team, and at the forefront was Les Marcussen. Using his contacts at the Virginia Department of Transportation, Mr. Marcussen was able to obtain additional warehouse space for free. In addition, he picked up a number of warehouse storage racks at no cost, along with others at a nominal charge. This more than doubled DCE’s storage capacity. That’s a lot of work. These were no easy tasks, and certainly beyond the basic requirements of the job. Mr. Marcussen had a hand in at least six big moves in the past year. These activities required several consecutive days to complete. In all cases, Mr. Marcussen and others had to leave Richmond early, work hard at the designated school location, then roll home late to unload the truck. When helping set up a new program, Mr. Marcussen ensured that each area was safe, comfortable, well-arranged and conducive to instruction. Mr. Marcussen did all this work in addition to his regular assignments. Even though he is a part time employee, he always exhibits more than a full time effort!

DCE Board Vice Chair Lawrence Webb, Lester J. Marcussen and Walter McFarlane

MATTHEW C. SMITH

Although not assigned to the Training Department, Mr. Smith has assisted the Training and Development Coordinator in developing and maintaining the agency’s training records tracking program known as the Knowledge Center.

His involvement has contributed to the overall effectiveness of the agency at a level well above that which would be expected of anyone in his role. In addition to his duties involving policies and procedures, the Continuation of Operations Plan, and his work assisting the agency liaison to the General Assembly, Mr. Smith has been instrumental in making the switch to the DCE Knowledge Center go as smoothly as possible. DCE employees have benefited from Mr. Smith’s achievements by being able to use the DCE Knowledge Center not just for agency-related training but for professional development and license renewal. Mr. Smith has a tenacious work ethic and never leaves a project undone. He is dedicated to the agency and works hard to improve our image when dealing with other agencies. Mr. Smith is sought out by others when there are difficult projects that require computer savvy and is always willing to lend a helping hand to folks outside his directorate.

DCE Board Vice Chair Lawrence Webb, Matthew C. Smith and Walter McFarlane

The adult school support staff met at Longwood University June 8-10 for three days of professional development activities that focused on a wide range of topics. With a conference theme of “Every great organization starts with great support,” the adult school support staff learned about the latest in: special education, finance, purchasing, the personal leave system, the student data system, and administrative professionals certification.

Motivational speaker Marja Lee Freeman delivered an inspirational address on the first full day of the conference. The often humorous Ms. Freeman encouraged her audience to “stake out a significant place in their workplace and polish it to perfection.” On the last day of the event, Superintendent Walter A. McFarlane addressed the group. Presenters included Director of Special Education and Gifted Programs Sharon Trimmer, Assistant Director of Special Education Zenia Burnette, Director of Finance Jeanette Wade, Procurement Manager Barbara Lee, Employee Benefits Manager Patrice Johnson, Database Engineer Lynne Davidson and Webmaster Chris Walsh.

On Thursday, June 4, John Smyth High School honored the class of 2009 with a first of its kind Senior Banquet. The school’s library was transformed in to an elegant banquet hall with table cloths, floral centerpieces, and place settings. Each senior was in formal attire for the highly anticipated event.

The menu, which was provided by Ukrop’s, Sam’s Club, and Kroger’s, included baked chicken, broccoli and cheese casserole, seasoned green beans, and spinach salad with cherry tomatoes. A butter cream sheet cake, decorated with a graduate’s cap and scroll served as the desert. Food Service Manager Lisa White provided the serving equipment for the event.

Nearly a dozen seniors were honored as graduates and for completing their General Educational Development (GED) certificate requirements. All of the guests were served their meals by Smyth’s middle school students, supervised by Transition Specialist Melissa Smith and Speech Pathologist Rashida Butcher. Each honoree extended an invitation to the DCE and/or DJJ staff that had positively impacted their lives during their journey. The invited guests included; Commercial and Residential Cleaning Instructor Eugene Taylor, Juvenile Correctional Officer (JCO) LeQuita Graham, JCO Taj Henley, Business Education Instructor June Pearson, JCO Douglas Sorrell, JCO Eric Wykoff, JCO Michael Sayles, and JCO Horace Flanagan.

English Instructor Michelle Cunningham, the organizer of the event, welcomed all of the guests, which included Principal George Drewry, Assistant Principal Cassandra Sullivan, Hanover Juvenile Correctional Center Superintendent Sharon Havens, and College Bound Coordinator Denwood Barksdale, the event’s keynote speaker. Mr. Barksdale shared inspiring and motivating words for the graduates as he shared his own life story in pursuit of education and excellence.

Ms. Sullivan presented each graduate with a certificate of achievement. In addition, as a tribute to the graduating class and their guests, they were serenaded by Reading Specialist Kathy Reed, as she performed a moving rendition of “If I Could” by Regina Belle, and Special Education Instructor Pamela McMullen, who touched the audience with the words of “I Am Changing” by Jennifer Hudson. Reading Instructor Dr. Barbara Brehon conducted the invocation and Special Education Instructor Kandise Lucas lead the attendees in a Senior Toast, complete with champagne glasses, where she recited the soul-stirring poem, “Mother To Son,” by Langston Hughes.

Art Instructor Suzanne Lloyd and Horticulture Instructor Mike Wallace created the magnificent centerpieces that were presented to the invited guests by each senior at the conclusion of the banquet. Mr. Drewry and Ms. Havens offered their congratulations to the graduates within each of their closing remarks.

The Community Foundation in Richmond has named Latosha Branch, a middle-school teacher at John H. Smyth High School, as a R.E.B. Award finalist. Ms. Branch recently joined DCE. She is being honored for her work in at Perrymont Middle School, the only alternative school in the Chesterfield County Public School System. She joined the Chesterfield system in 2003. Before that she taught in the Greensville County Public School System. She is currently pursuing her Masters in Administration and Supervision.

She said she is motivated by a strong desire to assist at-risk youth. “Great expectation is the basis of my educational philosophy. When students enter my classroom, the first thing that they learn is that I expect ‘Everyday Excellence.’ This is an essential part in reaching the students that I have. Recognizing that each student is an individual with different strengths and weaknesses is another factor that has helped me experience success with my students. “

The JROTC program at John H. Smyth High School, Hanover Juvenile Correctional Center held its 12th annual Camp Cobra on July 10. The three-day event is a leadership development camp, and DCE cadets performed in an array of activities associated with the military-based program. Activities included: map orientation, drown proofing, first aid, a physical training test, athletics, drill competition and marching. Dana Hawes, shown left, a former DCE teacher who now serves as principal of an alternative school in Henrico County delivered the keynote address.

DCE folks were busy during the April Staff Development week. Here, Darryl McCartt, an English Instructor at John H. Smyth High School joins with Paul S. Blandford High School Annex Instructors Ben Cleary, English, and Wanda Jones, Special Education, as they learn best practices for teaching students with disabilities in English and History collaborative classrooms.

Mike Salyer, Training and Development Coordinator, and Dr. Anita Prince, Director of Adult Instruction, met with representatives from most of the DCE schools at the recent Staff Advisory Council (SAC) meeting held at the Library of Virginia.

Cynthia Church, former DCE Library Coordinator and host of the meeting, presented the SAC members with information on “Find It Virginia” - a number of databases that can be accessed remotely by library cardholders from all of Virginia’s public libraries.

She recommended that libraries direct their patrons to www.finditva.com and use their library card to get remote access. These databases can be used to locate and download promotional and training materials for use in classrooms.

Following Ms. Church’s presentation, Mr. Salyer and Dr. Prince talked about the new Adult Basic Education (ABE) programs for certification and license endorsements now available through Virginia Commonwealth University, the Virginia Adult Learning Resource and the Virginia Department of Education.

They explained the programs and asked SAC to take the information back to the schools and encouraged them to promote the programs to their ABE staffs.

Mr. Salyer reminded the SAC that there is now an annual training calendar available to their principals and administrative support staff where training events for the entire Fiscal Year can be viewed.

Participants discussed computer access and difficulties staff members are having accessing the Knowledge Center to enroll in classes and to take online training. Mr. Salyer reminded everyone in attendance that the use of technology is not going to slow down but in fact increase over the next few years as the Commonwealth struggles with budget and environmental issues that will ultimately impact the delivery of face-to-face instruction. He suggested that SAC members incorporate the need for better and faster internet connectivity to their school improvement plans. The attendees broke for lunch and the group reconvened to discuss SAC administrative and agenda items.

DCE has partnered with the Virginia Adult Learning Resource Center (VALRC) and the Virginia Department of Education, Adult Literacy Department to provide DCE teachers with the opportunity to be certified as Adult Educators. Dr. Anita Prince, Director of Adult Instruction and Mike Salyer Training and Development Coordinator together with VALRC representatives developed a program that will offer Level I certification for all DCE Adult Basic Education (ABE) teachers that complete four six-hour workshops being offered in each DCE training region this coming year. Next year they plan to offer Level II certification. “DCE already has some of the best ABE teachers in the country and this certification program will be one of the first in the nation to recognize the unique qualities of adult educators,” Mr. Salyer said. “DCE has the most ABE teachers under one agency and as such it presents the perfect opportunity for a large number of teachers to obtain this distinctive and soon to be sought after certification,” he added.

Submitted by: E. Florence Powers, HR Generalist/Training Specialist

Congratulations to David H. Hunt, Regional Principal for Virginia Correctional Center for Women for completing the Managing Virginia Program (MVP)! Mr. Hunt’s accomplishment has built a baseline of skills and management practices geared toward the uniqueness of state government. These skills have given him the opportunity to establish fairness and equity in managing and supervising, along with learning state policies, procedures, and laws. Mr. Hunt is commended for this impressive accomplishment! The Director of Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM) will recognize him with a letter and Certificate.

The Managing Virginia Program (MVP) is an initiative by the Commonwealth to provide comprehensive, basic management and leadership training to all state supervisors and managers. The program provides a standard curriculum and philosophy that will be consistent throughout state government. The MVP, unlike other programs, is of no direct cost to agencies and is available to all supervisors and managers.

Target Audiences

First-Line Supervisors – An employee who is responsible for the day-to-day operation that includes planning, scheduling, assigning, and reviewing the work of at least one subordinate employee.

Manager – An employee who is responsible for supervising first line supervisors and support staff personnel that includes planning, organizing, and directing staff, methods, and resources.

Other Important Highlights

Virginia is one of the first states to provide a comprehensive management training curriculum to all managers and supervisors. There is no direct cost to DCE or employees taking the courses.

All MVP courses (regardless of delivery method) will require that participants receive a minimum score of 80% on a knowledge base test at the completion of the course.

There are 56 online courses. How do you get started? Answer: DCE Knowledge Center.

Completion

If you have completed all the modules, please contact Florence Powers at florence.powers@dce.virginia.gov or 804-786-6353. Ms. Powers will verify your successful completion and notify DHRM accordingly.

Building Management Instructor Ron Mick, Building Management/Cabinet Making Instructor Jeremiah Brockenbrough, and Cabinet Making Instructor Robert Pringle, of Thunder Ridge High School creatively joined forces to mount a Smart Board to the ceiling of the Building Management classroom. The Smart Board was mounted to the ceiling to protect it from damage, and the projector system is rigged to be easily dismantled from the ceiling. The Smart Board project is part of an experiment in the Career and Technical Education setting. (Reported by Joe Hawes, Principal, Photo by Susan Clair, Director of Instructional Technology).

Nottoway Work Center Horticulture Instructor William Worsham and students recently donated flowers to Blackstone Medical Center. On June 20, the medical center received 15 hanging baskets and three three-gallon containers of flowers. Also in June, inmates from the work center planted nearly 500 perennials, and gave 20 hanging baskets to Twin Lakes State Park in Prince Edward County near the Nottoway Correctional Center. “We do this as a way of saying, ‘Thank you’ for allowing us to use the conference center at Twin Lakes for Nottoway Region staff meetings,” Mr. Worsham said.

A Virginia certified Horticulturalist and John H. Smyth High School Horticulture Instructor Mike Wallace, left, participated in the DJJ/?DCE joint plant sale held in June. Beside him is a Hyacinth Bean annual vine with purple pods. The show is a way of making the public aware of DCE’s educational efforts. Proceeds offset the cost of materials.

From May 18 to May 20, the Mexican Instituto Nacional de Educacion para Adultos (INEA), which provides community-based adult education programs called Plazas Comunitarias both in Mexico and abroad, provided training for the teachers in the DCE Plazas Comunitarias programs. These programs have been highly successful to date in DCE and provided much needed educational services to a population who would otherwise go unserved. The participants are able to acquire literacy skills in their native language which improves their chances of successful reintegration when they are deported to their native countries. The INEA staff demonstrated how to utilize both internet and print materials to maximize the benefits of the program. Since the initiation of these programs in two correctional facilities in 2005, DCE has expanded the program to a total of 11 sites. Both teachers and students are enthusiastic about the program. Staff from the Richmond City jail joined DCE for the training.

Halifax Correctional Center Academic Instructor Billy L. Clarke was selected to attend the 2009 Governor’s Award ceremony at the Virginia Capitol on May 6. The event was a part of the recognition activities held during Virginia’s Public Service Week. As an Ambassador, Mr. Clarke represented the state workforce at the ceremony.

July 2009
George W. Todd Jr. (Virginia Correctional Center for Women)
Adult Education Teacher
VRS Service: 41 years, 4 months

August 2009
Jackie G. Price (Buckingham Correctional Center)
Sheet Metal Instructor
VRS Service: 25 years, 11 months