Throughout the 2023-2024 school year, D.C. Virgo Preparatory Academy, UNCW’s lab school, has hosted monthly family and community events. The purpose of each of the events was to enhance the communication between school and home. DCVPA’s leadership team understands when families and schools strengthen authentic communication all students succeed.
During the start of the school year with support from DCVPA’s PTA, led by Ms. Camille Sykes who is also an instructional assistant at DCVPA, DCVPA monthly parent meetings shared with attendees instructional strategies relating to literacy, math, and restorative practices that families could use in the home setting. The overall theme this year for DCVPA was “Level Up”. Ms. Sykes and the other staff members within the DCVPA community ensured all home activities were fun and engaging. For example, in December’s Festival of Trees, classrooms created decorative trees to demonstrate their knowledge about the books they were reading. Also, families learned how board and online games could be utilized to enhance reading and math skills.
Ms. Fatimah Islam, DCVPA’s School and Community Resilience Chair, led the effort to ensure specific monthly family nights aligned to the celebration of cultural heritages. In October, families worked together to make pinatas. November’s monthly parent meeting provided insight to families about the connection between restorative practices and Native American tribes. During February, families had the opportunity to take part in DCVPA’s “I AM The JOURNEY,” a school-wide museum exhibit honoring the journey and contributions of African-Americans from the Trans-Atlantic slave trade to the present. Attendees also had the opportunity to learn more about the inspiration behind the “Black Lives Do Matter” art display from the artists who worked to create this masterpiece. Also, Ms. Lindsey Morgan, DCVPA’s literacy coach collaborated with staff members of Randall Library to celebrate Black Voices in books. Students, UNCW staff members, and community members read passages by Black or African-American authors.
In March and April, family events continued! Families had the opportunity to experience college during UNCW Family Day. DCVPA staff members worked with UNCW faculty, staff members, and employees from Watson, Randall Library, CHHS, Marine Quest, and Dr. Eric Moore of UNCW’s Department of Environmental Sciences. The collaboration allowed families to envision the possibilities of post-secondary opportunities! Also, students, staff, and families participated in Duke Energy Science Night. Families were able to explore STEM through various engaging, hands-on activities. Watson faculty member, Dr. Angela Reid-Griffin, and UNCW students, Morgan Gearren and Gwendolyn Amos-Wall, facilitated stations along with various DCVPA staff members.
In May, DCVPA hosted the last of two events, DCVPA Community Day and Open House, where community partners provided information to families about the various services and products offered in the Greater Wilmington community. As the school year winds down, DCVPA staff and PTA members are excited to bring more opportunities next year for all stakeholders to learn, grow, and Level-Up together!
To learn more about the great things happening at D.C. Virgo, visit the Virgo website or follow them on Facebook.
D.C. Virgo Preparatory Academy (DCVPA) is a UNCW school that educates students from kindergarten to 8th grade in the heart of downtown Wilmington. DCVPA supports the academic, social, and emotional growth of all students. Our learning community is personalized, inquiry-based, experiential, and reflective. D.C. Virgo’s goal is to ensure all students will learn, thrive, and soar.
DCVPA provides a family-friendly environment and is committed to educational innovation and stakeholder partnerships. Virgo offers a year-round school uniquely designed to serve students, their families, and the broader community. The school prides itself on being D.C. Virgo, where families come to school together.
Virgo has opened enrollment for the next school year which begins in August. Prospective families are invited to complete an Intent to Apply/Enroll Form for the 2024-25 school year or visit the Virgo website for more information.
This article has the following tags: Watson College of Education Engagement