This week’s top stories
–State Superintendent of Public Instruction Lisa Coons moderated a discussion regarding cell phone policies in schools, at James Monroe High School. Joey LoMonaco covered the conversation, which highlighted mixed opinions on the complex issue.
-As Spotsylvania County Public Schools Superintendent Clint Mitchell took office last week, the school board showed no signs of simmering down during a heated final meeting before the new school chief came aboard.
-Joey LoMonaco sat down for a thorough interview with Fredericksburg Fire Chief Mike Jones covering the recent CSX train derailment and the city’s response to the incident.
-As high school football practice got underway in the sweltering heat, Devin Payne caught up with a couple of first-time head coaches in Spotsylvania County who have big shoes to fill.
-Fredericksburg hosted Restaurant Week and Kathy Knotts explored some of the city’s eateries that showcased unique flavors during the bi-annual event.
What they’re saying
“It made us aspire to be greater. When you look at Caroline’s Promise from that moment to this moment almost 14 years later, it really just changed the trajectory of how we volunteer to serve the youth in Caroline with the intentional and unapologetic focus on those youth who are underserved and under-considered in county life.”
—Former Caroline’s Promise Executive Director Linda Thomas on a 2011 visit from Alma Powell, the widow of former U.S. Secretary of State Gen. Colin Powell. Thomas reflected on Alma Powell after she died last week at age 86.
Go figures (numbers that made the news)
–1,000, the number of seats the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts is hoping to increase its capacity to, now that it is a nonprofit organization and can apply for grants and other financial assistance, writes contributor Stephen Hu.
For planning purposes
Fredericksburg City Schools open Monday with its transition day for incoming kindergartners, sixth graders and high school freshmen before all other students start the school year on Tuesday. Kathy Knotts explores the recent trend of transition days, and why they are now an integral part of every school system in the region.
