• psst … I’m a Realtor! Thanks for stopping by my website. I would love to help you find your dream home and community in the Hampton Roads or Williamsburg area or to sell your existing home. This website is authored by local resident and REALTOR, John Womeldorf. John is known around town as Mr. Williamsburg, for both his extensive knowledge of Hampton Roads and the historic triangle, and his expertise in the local real estate market. His websites, WilliamsburgsRealEstate.com and Mr Williamsburg.com were created as a resource for folks who are exploring a move to Williamsburg, VA , Hampton Roads VA and the surrounding areas of the Virginia Peninsula. On his website you can search homes for sale , foreclosures, 55+ active adult communities, condos and town homes , land and commercial property for sale in Williamsburg, Yorktown, New Kent, Poquoson, and Gloucester, VA as well as surrounding markets of Carrolton, Chesapeake,Gloucester, Hampton, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth Mathews, Newport News Norfolk, Poquoson, Smithfield, , Suffolk, Surry, Va Beach, Yorktown and York County Virginia You can reach John by email John@MrWilliamsburg.com or phone @ 757-254-813

Williamsburg area SAT scores top peers in state & nation

Students in Williamsburg-James City Schools outperformed their peers in the rest of Virginia and the U.S., according to data released this week.

james city county Students in Williamsburg-James City Schools outperformed their peers in the rest of Virginia and the U.S., according to data released this week.

The results were compiled from the scores of 525 students who graduated in 2014, with the division-wide mean scores coming in at 532 in critical reading, 530 in math and 504 in writing. Reading and math scores have mostly held steady over a five year period: In 2010, WJC’s test takers scored 536 in reading and 536 in math. WJC’s students were down in writing from 2010 scores, when they averaged 524 in writing.

The math, reading and writing results topped Virginia students’ mean scores, including 515 in critical reading, 512 in math and 493 in writing, as well as students across the U.S., whose mean scores were 492 in critical reading, 501 in math and 478 in writing.

More of the story here

See results here

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SAT Scores in the Williamsburg-Yorktown Area

One of the ways high school students measure their progress toward being ready for college is their SAT score

SAT tests are standardized tests that are administered by The College Board. The purpose of the SATs is to measure a student’s proficiency and readiness for college.  Most colleges require prospective students to provide their SAT score as part of their admissions package.

Average SAT scores can be used to compare high schools

At the high school level, the average SAT score for the school is one way to compare how well one high school prepares their students for college.  When we review the Average SAT scores by high school, it gives us a parameter to help us compare high schools.

At the high school level, the average SAT score for the school is one way to compare how well one high school prepares their students for college.  When we review the Average SAT scores by high school, it gives us a parameter to help us compare high schools.

What should we read into SAT scores? By and large, SAT scores are less reflective of classroom-level outputs and more a measure of cumulative individual input, aptitude, or initiative. Nonetheless, however, SAT participation and results may indicate the degree to which a school, division, or community promotes or supports college readiness, preparation, and admission.

Below is a table ranking all of the high schools in the Williamsburg/ James City County, York County, Poquoson, Hampton, Isle of Wight, Newport News, New Kent, Gloucester, Suffolk school districts by their average 2011 SAT test results. 

School Rankings – by 2012 Average SAT Scores2012 Sat rankings for Yorktown, Williamsburg VA high schools by mr williamsburg

The scores are derived from the Virginia Department of Education database to show average SAT test scores statewide for 2012. The state provides each public high school’s verbal, math and writing scores. Mr Williamsburg has added up the scores and ranked high schools from the area. 2012 Rankings are provided for schools 1 through 25

SAT scores are only one way to compare high schools

As  mentioned earlier, SAT scores apply specifically to gauge how well the high school has prepared its students for this standardized test. But only a fraction of the students take this test, since not all the students in a high school plan to go to college.

To get a better picture, we can compare using SOLs

Another way to rank Hampton Roads, Williamsburg & Yorktown high schools could be using their Average Standard of Learning (SOL) scores, which is a test mandated by the State of Virginia and is administered to all the students (unlike the SATs which are only administered to those who choose to take it). But then one could wonder if the school is “teaching to the test” or if the school is truly preparing its students for real life.

View SOL, ACT other test results for all Virginia Schools here

Of course, tests only tell you part of the story

Academics are a very important part of education, but there are many other aspects of education that are highly relevant, for example: foreign languages, sports programs, leadership programs, clubs, and, of course, the environment in which everything takes place.  All these (and more) are very important parts of a student’s education.

Search homes for sale in Williamsburg, Yorktown and beyond by School district here

Twelve Standout Schools in Hampton Roads

Congratulations to  Tabb , Jamestown Grafton and Poquoson High Schools for being recognized by Hampton Roads Magazine among the twelve best public high schools in Hampton Roads for the 2012 school year!

imageBased on the statistics compiled by the magazine  in their high school stats chart, and with academics (AP test taking percentages and SOL scores) weighted slightly more heavily than dropout rates and behavioral offences,

Below are their top five best public high schools in the Hampton Roads region for the 2012 school year.

DEAN’S LIST

1. TABB HIGH
4431 Big Bethel Rd., Yorktown
757-867-7400
www.YorkCountySchools.org/THS

District: York County Schools
Awards: Governor’s Award for Educational Excellence (2011); Virginia Board of Education’s Competence to Excellence Award (2010); more than 20 state athletic championships
Standout programs: The York County School of the Arts, a program in the fine arts, provides students with an education comparable to the math and science opportunities offered by the Governor’s School for Science and Technology. Through the Virtual Learning Program, students engage in curriculum that blends online and offline learning experiences.

2. JAMESTOWN HIGH
3751 John Tyler Highway, Williamsburg
757-259-3600
www.WJCC.k12.va.us

District: Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools

Awards: Second-highest ranked high school in the Hampton Roads region in Newsweek’s listing of America’s Best High Schools; 63 percent of 2012 graduates enrolled in four-year colleges or universities.
Standout programs: Students may enroll in concurrent courses at The College of William and Mary, Christopher Newport University and Thomas Nelson Community College. Dual enrollment credit is offered for many technical and academic classes, with some technical courses leading to industry certification.

3. PRINCESS ANNE HIGH
4400 Virginia Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach
757-648-5600
www.PrincessAnneHS.VBSchools.com

District: Virginia Beach City Schools

Awards: Maintains its place as the highest ranked high school in Virginia Beach as well as the Hampton Roads region in Newsweek’s listing of America’s Best High Schools.
Standout programs: Home of Virginia Beach’s International Baccalaureate program, designed to meet the highest standards required of any high school in the world. The prestigious program offers a rigorous, comprehensive approach to learning in the last two years of secondary school. The school also hosts the Virginia Beach center for students with moderate to severe disabilities.

4. GRASSFIELD HIGH
2007 Grizzly Trail, Chesapeake
757-558-4749
www.CPSchools.com/Schools/GFH

District: Chesapeake City Public Schools
Awards: Principal Carolyn Bernard received the prestigious 2013 AdvancED Virginia Excellence in Education Award.
Standout programs: Governor’s STEM Academy operates as a school-within-a-school and features a cutting-edge curriculum especially designed for students with an interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) careers. Students have multiple opportunities for taking advanced courses and sampling special programs such as mentorship and internship.

5. FRANK W. COX HIGH
2425 Shorehaven Dr., Virginia Beach
757-648-5250
www.CoxHS.VBSchools.com

District: Virginia Beach City Schools

Awards: More than $3 million in scholarship money awarded to graduating seniors in June 2011; Virginia High School League Wachovia Cup for outstanding academic and athletic achievement has been awarded to the school more than any other school in the state.
Standout programs: The school has won 40 state athletic titles overall. Blue ribbon awards were also given for the music program, student newspaper and student yearbook.

Other local schools in the honor roll list of Hampton Roads Magazine included:

Maury High,
Norfolk
Salem High,
Virginia Beach
First Colonial High,
Virginia Beach
Hickory High,
Chesapeake
Grafton High,
Yorktown
Poquoson High,
Poquoson
Great Bridge High,
Chesapeake

 

Statistics were gleaned from the Virginia Department of Education website: www.DOE.Virginia.Gov

This article appears in full in the February 2013 issue of Hampton Roads Magazine.

Search homes for sale in the top rated Hampton Roads high school districts below.

 

Search homes for sale in Jamestown High School District  in Williamsburg VA

 

Search homes for sale in Tabb High School District in York County VA

 

Search homes for sale in Grafton High School District in York County VA

 

Search homes for sale in Grassfield High School District in Chesapeake VA

 

Search homes for sale in Great Bridge High School Zone, Chesapeake Virginia

 

Search homes for sale in Poquoson High School District in Poquoson VA

 

Search homes for sale in Princess Anne High School District in Virginia Beach VA

 

Search homes for sale in Cox High School District in Virginia Beach VA

 

Pssst.——I’m a real estate agent.

This post was authored by local resident and REALTOR, John Womeldorf. John is known around town as Mr. Williamsburg, for both his extensive knowledge of the Williamsburg/ Hampton Roads area and his expertise in the local real estate market.

Thanks for stopping by my website. I would love to help you find your dream home and community in the Hampton Roads or Williamsburg area or to sell your existing home.

I can help you access all the information you will need about choosing a neighborhood and buying a home in New Kent, Gloucester, Newport News, Hampton, York County, Smithfield, Williamsburg, Poquoson or the greater Hampton Roads area, including area information on schools, local government, shopping, activities for the children and more! Whether you have made a decision to relocate, retire or are just considering a move to Williamsburg or Hampton Roads VA, let me help make your transition or PCS to the area a smooth and enjoyable one!

Hampton Roads is a transient community due to the large population of military members in the area. I have a unique perspective on relocation and have helped many families move in and out of the area. I understand the kind of support team it takes to make a smooth transition.

Area Orientations

Complete tours can be scheduled to help you familiarize yourself with Williamsburg and Hampton Roads neighborhoods, home prices, shopping centers, military bases, recreational facilities, public & private schools and transportation systems. My orientation will provide you with awareness of aircraft noise & accident potential zones, flood zones, major traffic patterns and commute times to your job.

You can search homes for sale , active adult communities, 55+ communities, condos and townhomes ,foreclosures/ REO, land, building lots, commercial property in Williamsburg , Yorktown, New Kent, Gloucester, Poquoson as well as the surrounding areas of Hampton Roads, Virginia

You can reach text or call me at 757-254-8136 or email John@MrWilliamsburg.com

I look forward to serving your real estate needs!

Best,

John

Kudos to areas schools !

The Virginia Board of Education is honoring 46 schools and one school division for raising the academic achievement of economically disadvantaged students. The awards are based on student achievement on state assessments during the 2011-2012 and 2010-2011 school years.

West Point Public Schools earned the Highly Distinguished Title I School Division designation by exceeding all federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) achievement objectives for two consecutive years and having all schools fully accredited for two consecutive years. .

The schools recognized include four York County Schools, One in James City Co/Williamsburg and one in Portsmouth for raising the academic achievement of economically disadvantaged students. Bethel Manor Elementary Schools is one of just nine schools statewide to earn the recognition as a Title Highly Distinguished School for exceeding all state and federal accountability benchmarks and achieve average scores on Standards of Learning (SOL) tests in English and mathematics at or above the 85th percentile. 37 more schools were named Title I Distinguished schools for meeting all state and federal accountability requirements for and achieving average reading and mathematics SOL scores at 60th percentile or higher, including: D.J. Montague Elementary, Dare Elementary, Seaford Elementary, Waller Mill Elementary and Victory Elementary.. The awards are based upon student achievement on state assessments during the 2011-2012 and 2010-2011 school years. A full listing of schools recognized this year is available on the VDOE website.

“The success of the teachers and students in these schools is particularly noteworthy given the challenging new mathematics SOL tests that were introduced during the 2011-2012 school year,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Patricia I. Wright said.

Each school and division will receive a certificate celebrating its status and achievement.

Title I of ESEA provides funding to school divisions and schools for programs to raise the achievement of students identified as being at risk of academic failure. The federal education law, whose most recent reauthorization is also known as the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, requires schools and school divisions to meet annual objectives for increasing student achievement on statewide assessments in reading/language arts and mathematics.

Williamsburg/ James City County Schools pass SOL tests for 2012

Williamsburg/ James City County schools are fully accredited and meeting all state standards for achievement in English, mathematics, history and science – and graduation, in the case of high schools – the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) announced yesterday.

See Williamsburg test results here

In addition to Williamsburg / James City Schools, Chesapeake, Gloucester County , Isle of Wight County , Mathews County , New Kent County ,Poquoson ,West Point and York County were the other local divisions to earn full accreditation for all their schools

Elsewhere around Hampton Roads 14 of Norfolk’s schools fell short of state targets, four more than last year. Sadly, Norfolk again ranks among the lowest-performing divisions in Virginia. Of the 14 Norfolk schools that missed full accreditation, half fell short only because of math scores..

Every school in York, Poquoson, Williamsburg-James City, Gloucester, Isle of Wight, Mathews and Surry earned full accreditation.

Fourteen schools in Hampton and Newport News failed to receive full accreditation for Standards of Learning pass rates for the 2011-2012 school year.

Newport News

Eight Newport News Schools missed the accreditation goals and were accredited with warning. At the elementary level, Carver, Newsome Park and Sedgefield and missed the math goals, with pass rates of 37 percent, 34 percent and 32 percent respectively. Newsome Park and Sedgefield also missed the 75 percent English pass rate, posting 68 percent and 61 percent. Horace H. Epes Elementary missed the English pass rate, posting 70 percent. Willis A. Jenkins also missed the English target, with a 73 percent pass rate. Newsome Park and Sedgefield were accredited with warning last year based on their reading test pass rates.

Mary Passage Middle School missed the math target, posting a 53 percent pass rate. Crittenden Middle School met the math mark, but missed the history goal, with a 66 percent pass rate, just shy of the 70 percent target. Denbigh High was accredited with warning with a 49 percent pass rate in math. All of the high schools met the 85-point graduation index goal.

Hampton

In Hampton six schools were accredited with warning based on last year’s SOL test results. All the high schools met the graduation index target.

Four Portsmouth schools missed full accreditation, compared with two last year. Suffolk had two schools miss the standard, as it did a year ago. Virginia Beach saw two schools not fully accredited, compared with one last year.

See all Virginia accreditation ratings for 2012-2013 for all schools are available on the VDOE website.

Ninety-six percent of Virginia’s elementary schools and 88 percent of middle schools are fully accredited for the 2012-2013 school year, based on the performance of students on Standards of Learning (SOL) and other state assessments during 2011-2012.

Accreditation, the state’s required measure of how well a school or division performs, is based largely on student achievement on the state’s English, math, science and history Standards of Learning exams. High schools also must earn 85 or more points on the state’s graduation index.

In middle and high schools, at least 70 percent of students must pass the SOL tests.

In elementary school, 75 percent of students must pass reading tests in the third, fourth and fifth grades; 70 percent in math and fifth-grade science and history; and 50 percent in third-grade science and history.

The state uses an average of three consecutive years of pass rates, called a rolling average, when calculating the accreditation pass rates. That is why many schools and divisions with pass rates of less than 70 percent on the 2011-12 SOL math tests, which were new, still hit the accreditation target pass rate.

The graduation index counts students who earn diplomas, general education development or GED certificates, or are enrolled in a fifth year of high school. In 2011-12, 86 percent of the state’s high schools were accredited, down from 99 percent the prior year. The difference was the introduction of the graduation index.

Schools or divisions that miss one or more accreditation pass rate targets are accredited with warning and must develop and implement an improvement plan. If a school misses an accreditation target for three consecutive years, the state denies its accreditation and it must work with the state board of education to improve achievement. New schools are given conditional accreditation for a year, then their SOL results are considered for full accreditation.

The state has updated division and school report cards on the Department of Education website to show the 2012-13 accreditation status.

In Virginia the percentage of fully accredited high schools rose to 90 percent, compared with 86 percent last year when the Board of Education began including a “graduation and completion index” into the accountability formula for high schools, in addition to student achievement on state tests. The graduation and completion index system awards full credit for students who earn a board-recognized diploma and partial credit for students who earn GEDs and local credentials, as well as for students who are still enrolled and expected to return for a fifth year of high school. High schools must have a graduation and completion index of at least 85 for full accreditation.

Got Kids In Williamsburg JCC Schools ?

Then you will want to join the Williamsburg James City County’s PTA Council as they invite  the community to participate in a dialogue with WJCC leaders that will provide an opportunity for the public to hear from WJCC Superintendent Dr. Steven Constantino and several WJCC School Board members.
The dialogue will take place Monday, Feb. 20, at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Middle School  1118 Ironbound Road, in Williamsburg.
The agenda includes an update from Dr. Constantino regarding the WJCC budget and the ongoing strategic planning process. The public will have an opportunity to participate in informal break-out sessions with School Board members. The sessions will provide an opportunity for the community to converse directly with WJCC policymakers.

"My colleagues and I are delighted to be able to meet with members of the community in an informal setting," said School Board Chair Ruth Larson. "This is an important time for our school division, and talking with our constituents will help shape our thinking as we move forward."
Information about the strategic planning process is available on the WJCC Schools website.

Governor McDonnell & Board of Education Honor High-Performing Virginia Schools & School Divisions

2012 Virginia Index of Performance Awards Announced

Governor Bob McDonnell and the Board of Education announced today that 447 schools and two school divisions earned 2012 Virginia Index of Performance (VIP) awards for advanced learning and achievement. The incentive program recognizes schools and divisions that far exceed minimum state and federal accountability standards and achieve excellence goals established by the governor and the board.

“I congratulate the educators in these schools and divisions for their unwavering commitment to academic excellence and to the success of their students,” McDonnell said. “They put students first and maintain high expectations for instruction, learning and student achievement.”

The schools and school divisions earning 2012 VIP awards – which are based on student achievement and other performance indicators during 2010-2011 – include:

  • 86 Virginia schools that earned the Governor’s Award for Educational Excellence;
  • 188 schools and two school divisions that earned the Board of Education Excellence Award;
  • 171 schools earned the Board of Education Competence to Excellence Award; and
  • 2 schools that earned the Board of Education Rising Star Award.

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All Williamsburg/ James City County Schools Achieve Accreditation, Students Exceed VA and National Averages on SAT, ACT Tests

The Virginia Department of Education today announced that all Williamsburg/ James City County schools earned accreditation, joining the 96 percent of Virginia public schools that met all state standards for achievement in English, mathematics, history and science — and graduation, in the case of high schools.

“Whenever standards are raised, there are schools that require time to meet the new expectations,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Patricia I. Wright said. “The fact that 86 percent of high schools already meet or exceed the standard for graduation and completion speaks to the efforts of educators and administrators to raise graduation rates.”

A total of 534 graduating WJCC seniors took the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) in
2010‐11, scoring substantially higher on average than their peers in the Commonwealth and nationwide SAT categories of critical reading, mathematics and writing.
At the same time, there was a slight dip noted from previous years at the three
WJCC high schools, mirroring a trend observed in Virginia and nationwide substantially due to the increase in the number and diversity of test‐takers, as well as a decline in the number of students retaking the SAT and improving on their initial performance, according to data from the College Board.

Continue reading

Williamsburg/James City County Schools Update

Status of WJCC Schools For Tuesday, Aug. 30

The following WJCC buildings that have had power restored will be OPEN Tuesday, Aug. 30:
Berkeley Middle School
Clara Byrd Baker Elementary School
D.J. Montague Elementary School
James River Elementary School
Jamestown High School
Lafayette High School
Matthew Whaley Elementary School
Warhill High School
James Blair Central Office Building
12-month employees who work at these facilities should report to work. All other employees HAVE THE OPTION to report to work.
All other WJCC schools and facilities will remain CLOSED Tuesday, Aug. 30.
High school open houses originally scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 30, are now tentatively rescheduled for Thursday, Sept. 1, from 5-7 pm.  Elementary school open houses will take place the same day, September 1st, as originally scheduled from 4-6 pm.
Middle School open houses scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 31, will take place as scheduled unless otherwise noted.
Freshman orientations scheduled for high schools are CANCELLED.

D.J. MONTAGUE ACHIEVES AYP STATUS FOR 2010-11 SCHOOL YEAR

The Virginia Department of Education today notified the Williamsburg/James City County School Division that it has accepted and corrected in its database an error found in how a single student’s ethnicity was entered into WJCC’s database, thus allowing D.J. Montague Elementary School to achieve Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status in both reading and mathematics for the 2010-11 school year. “We very much appreciate the DOE’s patience in working with us to locate and correct this error, which means everything to the students, faculty and families of D.J. Montague who have worked so hard to reach this milestone it so deserves,” said WJCC Superintendent Dr. Steve Constantino

School Bus Stop, Pickup and Drop-off Information Available Online

Williamsburg/James City County parents and students can now access school bus stop location information electronically on line, thanks to a new web‐based program that will provide specific bus stop locations, pickup and drop-off times. The link to bus stop information can be found under the PARENTS link on the WJCC home page by clicking on “Bus Info.”    “The process is quick and easy, with directions provided at the top of each screen,” said WJCC Transportation Director Earl Tyler. “Just by entering a home’s numerical address and the name of street, families will be able to learn precise bus stop locations, and when the school bus will arrive there. P

Parents also will continue to be able to log on to Twitter to be notified of any buses that are running late.” Since the program is “address driven,” there could be some cases where the program will not recognize an address, especially if it is a brand new home in a new development.  

Families having difficulty accessing information should contact Transportation at 259‐7187 or 259‐7198 for assistance.   

The information available now is only for summer school students; info for the coming school year will be available starting in late August.  Click [HERE] to see how it works

Parents can also obtain  up-to-the-minute information about late buses by following their appropriate bus tier on Twitter.  By becoming “followers” of Tier 1, Tier 2 or Tier 3 bus information, they will be able to find out what buses will be late each day.  Parents can participate by logging into their Twitter accounts and becoming a “follower” of any or all of the following Bus Tier information accounts:  Tier 1 — http://twitter.com/WJCCTier1Buses  Tier 2 — http://twitter.com/WJCCTier2Buses  Tier 3 —http://twitter.com/WJCCTier3Buses

Forbes lists William & Mary as one of nation’s top universities

w&MlogoThe rankings season has officially begun and William & Mary continues to be recognized as one of the nation’s top universities.

In its annual undergraduate listing of “America’s Top Colleges,” Forbes once again listed William & Mary as the second highest state-supported school in the country. W&M was listed as the fifth-best public college overall (including military institutions) and 49th among all public and private universities. Forbes also ranked the best business schools based on return on investment. William & Mary’s full time MBA program was ranked 41st in the country, up from 49th a year ago.

The magazine’s annual list, unveiled Wednesday, is compiled in conjunction with the Center for College Affordability & Productivity. According to Forbes, more than 650 undergraduate institutions were ranked based on the quality of teaching, students’ career prospects, graduation rates and debt levels. Williams College in Massachusetts was ranked in the top spot overall.

The Forbes rankings comes a week after the Princeton Review released their annual college guidebook that listed William & Mary 12th in the category of “Professors Get High Marks.”

Only two state-supported schools in Virginia made Forbes’ top 50 – and both come from Virginia. In addition to William & Mary, the University of Virginia also represented the Commonwealth in 46th place overall. .

Search for homes in Williamsburg / James City County by School Zone

A common thread amongst home searchers in the Williamsburg/ James City County VA area is school zones. In order to simplify things I created some search links for some of the more popular school zones.

The links below are for:

Matoaka Elementary  , Hornsby Middle School  Jamestown High School Zone

Matoaka Elementary School Zone

Blayton Elementary School Zone

Stonehouse Elementary School Zone.

Hornsby Middle School Zone

Note: These lists depend on the list agent entering the proper school zone.  A perfect example of inaccuracy  are the 52 homes listed as attending James Blair Middle School. Although the school has been closed for a over year they are all still marked for those particular homes. SAD, ,just sayin’

If you want to verify the school zone for a home in Williamsburg or James City County simply check the property information website for James City or City of Williamsburg or just ask Mr Williamsburg !

I can create other specific zones if desired. Or you can search for yourself here

 

image Simply scroll to the bottom of the page where you see this
<
And then check the school you are looking for.

Note if you want to search school zones in York County or other cities in Hampton Roads  my current REIN MLS doesn’t offer that feature.Sad smile

It should be added within the next 30 days, In the meantime. If you have specific schools in mind I can setup a search that will send you all the newly listed homes in that zone.

 

bluepsst … I’m a Realtor! Thanks for stopping by my website. I  would love to help you find your dream home and community in the Hampton Roads, Yorktown or the Williamsburg area or to sell your existing home.

This post was authored by local resident and REALTOR, John Womeldorf. John is known around town as Mr. Williamsburg, for both his extensive knowledge of Hampton Roads and the historic triangle, and his expertise in the local real estate market. His websites, WilliamsburgsRealEstate.com and Mr Williamsburg.com were created as a resource for folks who are exploring a move to Williamsburg, VA , Hampton Roads VA and the  surrounding areas of the Virginia Peninsula.

Explore neighborhoods in the Williamsburg VA area here

You can search homes for sale , active adult communities, 55+ communities,  condos and townhomes , land and commercial property for sale in Williamsburg, Yorktown, New Kent,  Poquoson, and Gloucester, VA as well as surrounding markets.

Click here to search (REIN) all homes, town homes, condos and building lots for sale in Va Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth  Suffolk, , Smithfield, Newport News, Hampton , Poquoson, Gloucester or York County Virginia

You can reach John by phone at 757-254-8136 or email him at John@MrWilliamsburg.com

I look forward to serving your real estate needs !

Best

John

Williamsburg/ James City County Parents Can Now Get Up-To-The-Minute Info About Late Buses On Twitter

Parents are now  able to learn up-to-the-minute information about late buses by following their appropriate bus tier on Twitter.  By becoming “followers” of Tier 1, Tier 2 or Tier 3 bus information, they will be able to find out what buses will be late each day.  Parents can participate by logging into their Twitter accounts and becoming a “follower” of any or all of the following Bus Tier information accounts: 

Tier 1 — http://twitter.com/WJCCTier1Buses

Tier 2 — http://twitter.com/WJCCTier2Buses

Tier 3 — http://twitter.com/WJCCTier3Buses

If you don’t have a Twitter account you can signup for one here

 image

DR. DAVID W. GASTON APPOINTED WJCC’S SENIOR DIRECTOR FOR SPECIALIZED EDUCATIONAL SERVICES

Dr. David W. Gaston, who has served as principal of two WJCC schools since joining the Division in 2004 and brings a total of 20 years of administrative and in-classroom experience, has been appointed WJCC’s senior director for specialized educational services, Acting Superintendent Scott Burckbuchler has announced.

GastonEffective Jan. 1, Dr. Gaston replaces Dr. Stephen J. Chantry, who announced his retirement after serving more than six years as the executive director of Student Services. Karen Swann, who served as Berkeley Middle School’s assistant principal for three years, and as a hearing officer in the Student Services Department,
is appointed interim principal at Berkeley, effective Jan. 1.
“Dr. Gaston has demonstrated outstanding leadership in his role as principal of both an elementary school and a middle school during his time with WJCC,” noted Dr. Burckbuchler.
“His breadth of experience with a broad range of students well suits him to serve as the leader of our reorganized and newly-named Specialized Educational Services department.”
As senior director, Dr. Gaston’s key responsibility will be the oversight of the Division’s specialized educational services, including special education programs, discipline hearings, working with community service agencies, social workers and psychologists, and supervising Health Services and the Student Health Initiative Program (SHIP).

Continue reading

2010-11 School Bus Schedules Now Available

 

http://www.wjcc.k12.va.us/content/pressrelease/photo-homepage/bus.jpgClick below to see the school bus schedules for the coming school year for all public elementary, middle and high schools in Williamsburg / James City County VA

 

Hornsby Middle School PTA needs you !

TO: Parents of Hornsby Middle School students, and Community Members

RE: Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Organizational Meeting

We are pleased to announce that an organizational meeting will be held on June 7, 2010, 7:00pm, at James Blair Middle School for the purpose of organizing a Parent Teacher Association (PTA) for Lois S. Hornsby Middle School. Through the PTA, we can help strengthen the quality of life and education in our community. The PTA is a valuable line between home, school, and the community, providing all with important information benefiting our children.

Representatives from the Virginia PTA will be present to explain the benefits, basic policies, and procedures of the association, allowing time for questions and discussion. Through the PTA, we can help strengthen the quality of life and education in our community. The PTA is a valuable line between home, school, and the community, providing all with important information benefiting our children.

After voting to organize, we will adopt bylaws, accept charter memberships, and elect officers(if you would like to nominate someone for an officer position please see nomination form on the back of this memo) so that our PTA can begin operating immediately. In this association, we will join with parents, teachers, administrators, school board members, and other citizens to enhance the educational, health and safety, and cultural opportunities for every child.

Looking forward to seeing you!

We are seeking nominations for President, President-Elect, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary for our new PTA. We are looking for widespread involvement and interest and are committed to an open process as we seek, recruit, and develop new leaders. Advanced nominations are encouraged. To make a nomination (they must be willing to accept the nomination), complete the nomination form and return to Clara Byrd Baker Elementary School by Thursday, June 3, 2010 attention to: Ruth Larson, Nominating Committee, Lois S. Hornsby PTA or email to John@Mr.Williamsburg.com or fax to 757 240 2644

 

 

Position: (check one)

_____President ______ Vice President ______Treasurer _____Secretary

Name: ____________________________________________________________________

PTA Position(s) Held: ____________________________________________________________________

Home Phone: _____________________________ Cell Phone: ___________________________

E-Mail Address: _____________________________ Best time and day to reach: ____________

Signature of nominee (not required): _________________________________

School Maps are Finally Approved for Williamsburg James City County

The redistricting of The Williamsburg-James City County middle and elementary Schools was approved by the School Board on Tuesday

The middle school maps were approved unanimously, but elementary maps received less support. The board voted 5-2, with Berkeley District rep Jim Kelly and Roberts District rep Denise Koch dissenting, to approve an option brought forth by Powhatan District rep Joe Fuentes

The plan approved is the one most recently posted to the school division’s website.
The division is redistricting its elementary and middle schools in preparation for the opening of two new schools, J. Blaine Blayton Elementary and Lois Hornsby Middle. Both schools will be located  on Jolly Pond Road near Centerville Rd

lois hornsby middle school

Mathews hired in Georgia

The Newton County Georgia Board of Education this morning hired Dr. Gary S. Mathews as Superintendent for Newton County Schools, effective July 1, 2010.

The hiring of Dr. Mathews as superintendent for Newton County Schools is effective July 1, 2010.

Dr. Mathews currently serves as the Superintendent of the Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools (W-JCC) in Williamsburg, Virginia, a position he has held for five years. He will replace Dr. Steve Whatley, who announced in November his plans to retire effective, June 30, 2010.

Mathews a finalist for position in Georgia

The Newton County Georgia School System and Board of Education are one step closer to choosing a new superintendent.

 Dr. Gary  Mathews the current superintendent of the Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools  has been named as one of three finalists being considered for the position.

New School Redistricting Maps

The Williamsburg/ James City County  School Board met in special session Tuesday, Jan. 12, to inspect the latest updated set of redistricting maps. The board received six updated maps — which included three options for its elementary schools and three for its middle schools — but board members say the maps are still far from perfect.

Continue reading

Williamsburg/ James City County Schools Redistricting

REDISTRICTING MAPS – FIRST DRAFT

Click Here for MapsRepresentatives of Education Logistics Inc. of Missoula, MT, presented the first drafts of three redistricting possibilities at the School Board’s work session held Tuesday, Nov. 17.  A series of public forums are tentatively scheduled for December and January to receive public input on the maps.  Specific dates and times of these forums will be announced as soon as they are finalized.

This link will take you to a list of each W-JCC elementary and middle school, where there are links to the three proposed maps for each school presented at the meeting, along with a detailed list of which addresses would be served by each proposal.  The color-coded maps included three options for the district’s elementary schools and another three for the middle schools. Each school’s proposals are labeled “Red,” “White,” or “Blue.” 

At this time the maps are a little difficult to read with the omission of  street names and school locations. I am assuming that for the money that was paid to the consultant (Education Logistics ) we will have maps that are more easily deciphered !

Williamsburg/ James City County Schools will hold a public hearing on the redistricting maps Dec. 8 at James River Elementary School, 8901 Pocahontas Trail, and another on Dec. 9 at Rawls Byrd Elementary School, 112 Laurel Lane.  from 6-8 p.m.
The School Board will vote on the redistricting plan next spring.

Click the link below to see the three options currently proposed as of November 2009

Williamsburg/ James City County Schools achieve all time high test scores

Students attending Williamsburg/James City County Public Schools achieved all-time highs on their Standards of Learning (SOL) test results in every subject tested by the Commonwealth of Virginia in 2009, as the following official Virginia Department of Education test results show:

2008-09 SOL RESULTS FOR W-JCC
All Students in English/Reading = 91% (+2 over 2007-08)
All Students in Mathematics = 90% (+5 over 2007-08)
All Students in Science = 91% (Same as 2007-08)
All Students in History = 90% (+3 over 2007-08)
All Students in Writing = 91% (+1 over 2007-08)

"We are most pleased with the overall long-term trends now under way which have resulted in all-time highs in every subject tested by the state," said Supt. Gary Mathews.  "This is especially a tribute to our students and faculty given that the federal pass standard in reading and math has increased by 4 percentage points in each subject for each of the past three school years.  As for the NCLB Graduation Indicator, we still have work to do," concluded Dr. Mathews.

Also of note was the success of D.J. Montague Elementary School, which was in danger of having stringent federal sanctions imposed.  The students’ performance in 2008-09 avoided this possibility by posting significant gains (+6 in Reading; +10 in Math; +6 in Science), thus earning adequate yearly progress or "AYP."  The school also posted an 8-point gain in History.

Williamsburg/ James City County Schools SOL Tests All Time high Score 2008-2009

Students attending Williamsburg/James City County Public Schools achieved all-time highs on their Standards of Learning (SOL) test results in every subject tested by the Commonwealth of Virginia in 2009.

Superintendent Gary Mathews stated “We are most pleased with the overall long-term trends now under way which have resulted in all-time highs in every subject tested by the state, This is especially a tribute to our students and faculty given that the federal pass standard in reading and math has increased by 4 percentage points in each subject for each of the past three school
years. As for the NCLB Graduation Indicator, we still have work to do,” concluded Dr. Mathews. 2009-10 NCLB ratings are based on 2008-09 SOL results, graduation, and attendance.

The annual achievement goals are required by the federal No Child Left Behind Act, which provides funds and support for low income and academically at risk students. Virginia uses pass rates on its Standards of Learning reading and math tests for the AYP goals, which rise each year until 2014, when all students are expected to pass the tests. This year’s target pass rates increased 4 percentage points, from 77 percent to 81 percent in English and from 75 percent to 79 percent in math. Students in grades 3-8 and high school take the state-required multiple choice tests each year.
Schools and districts must report AYP results for all students in a school or grade, as well as subgroups of students the federal law considers considered academically at risk. These include low-income students, minority students, special education students and students learning English for the first time.
Schools that fail to meet the targets two or more years in a row are subject to sanctions ranging from offering students transfers to better performing schools and tutoring paid for by the district to more stringent steps specified in the law, up to reorganizing or closing schools.

This year, public schools throughout the Historic Triangle plugged along and made progress, although in Williamsburg James City County schools it was a handful of students whose failure to achieve meant the division as a whole did not earn AYP.

According to data released by W-JCC schools the division missed making AYP in reading by 13 students, four of whom are black and nine who have limited English proficiency.

The division’s biggest success was at D.J. Montague Elementary, where the staff faced possible sanctions because of failure to progress. Their students’ achievement this year was reflected in much higher, statistically significant scores in four of five subject areas.

W-JCC Superintendent Gary Mathews singled out the students and staff at Montague for praise.

He said the school "avoided possible reconstitution of the faculty and staff. This was certainly a heavy burden before D.J. and they passed with flying colors as we predicted a year ago. I continue to have great confidence in Principal Sammy Fudge and the entire D.J. faculty and staff."

In York County, 15 of the division’s 19 schools made AYP, with middle schools again proving the sticking point. Division-wide, York schools did earn AYP.

"All YCSD schools have earned full accreditation since the 2002-03 school year," said superintendent Eric Williams. "That is quite an accomplishment."

Like in W-JCC schools, specific subgroups of students in the four middle schools were identified as needing improvement to pass.

The school division earlier this year announced it would implement several changes at the middle schools beginning this fall. Among them are a new math program, block scheduling and a revised K-12 writing model.

Fifty-nine of the state’s 132 school divisions made AYP this year. Locally, that includes Poquoson City Schools.

Complete results, viewable by school division, are available here.

A breakdown of Williamsburg- James City County schools’ performance is available at the division’s website.

James City County Schools more AP Exam takers than ever

The largest number ever of Williamsburg‐James City County Public School students recorded the highest number of A.P. exams ever taken by
W‐JCC students in 2008‐09, also delivering the best‐ever results.
You can click here to view the Advanced Placement (AP) results for school years 2005‐06 through 2008‐09.

What isn’t being touted by the county is the reduced pass rate of those taking the AP tests. If you look at 2005-2006 results you will see a much higher pass rate with far fewer takers. A study of 78,000 Texas students found college graduation rates much higher for those who, while in high school, took Advanced Placement exams — but failed them — than those who took no AP exams at all. If that’s the case then we are improving.  You can read about that study here

This post was authored by local resident and REALTOR, John Womeldorf.  John is known around town as Mr. Williamsburg, for both his extensive knowledge of the historic triangle, and his expertise in the local real estate market.  John has two children who attend public school in James City County. His websites, www.WilliamsburgsRealEstate.com and  www.mrwilliamsburg.com   were created as a comprehensive resource about living in Williamsburg, with the hopes of selling a house now and again.  You can reach him at 757.236.8136 or John@MrWilliamsburg.com

Williamsburg VA- Thomas Nelson Community College Opening New Campus

  The new Historic Triangle Campus at Opportunity Way begins a new era in the life of Thomas Nelson Community College and the communities we serve.

 

 In a region steeped in our nation’s history, Thomas Nelson Community College is proud to make its own history. The campus’s 120,000 square foot building is on nearly 74 acres of land at the Warhill site, strategically located next to Williamsburg-James City County’s newest high school.

 

 

The new campus will play a major role in providing quality education, serving the workforce development needs of businesses and industry, and helping individual citizens achieve their goals.

For more information, please call 757-253-4300 or visit us online at www.tncc.edu

 

John Womeldorf is Mr. Williamsburg, sharing his thoughts, real estate expertise, and “all things Williamsburg” in an effort to spread the word that Williamsburg and Hampton Roads, Virginia is the greatest place on earth to live!

Mr Williamsburg.com " Williamsburg VA. Real EstateContact me at John@MrWilliamsburg.com

Research the area at www.WilliamsburgsRealEstate.com

Or ask any questions about homes, neighborhoods, schools, amenities, recreation , shopping or anything else about the area.

Click here to Search all homes, town homes, condos and building lots for sale in Williamsburg, James City, New Kent, York, Gloucester, Charles City Virginia

Click here to search all homes, town homes, condos and building lots for sale in Va Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth,Franklin, Sussex,

Williamsburg VA Real Estate High Street Update

Williamsburg virginia real estate high street Town Homes

Williamsburg virginia real estate high street Town Homes

WILLIAMSBURG VA From an article in the VA Gazette by Steve Vaughn, Dec, 17 2008

  —High Street has a new real estate agent for the residential properties and a new emphasis as well.

 Dan Aston of Roseland Property Co., the developer of High Street, said market demand has spurred construction of the condos sooner than planned, starting in spring.

 

“The demographics that we’re appealing to tell us that’s what we want, so we’ll be starting them sooner than we originally planned,” he said.

Sixteen townhomes are built and another 16 are planned. William E. Wood had been handling sales of the townhomes.

“The contract was up and we chose to go with Prudential McCardle instead,” Aston said. Roseland itself manages rental of the the King’s Manor apartments, which are already open.

Roseland will also manage the more than 200,000 feet of commercial space in High Street, although Aston said the company uses a nationally known commercial leasing agent based in Michigan to help attract clients.

The first of those commercial clients will open soon. Five Guys Burgers & Fries ( my favorite) is opening Jan. 5. There’s also a firm date for the opening of High Street’s anchor attraction, the Movie Tavern theater. It will open March 20.

High Street’s only other announced commercial tenant, Kilwin’s ice cream parlor, should open prior to the theater, according to Aston.

Other possibilities include coffeehouses, more restaurants and possibly a supermarket

Click here to search all New, Resale, Condos and Town Homes in the High Street community/ PUD in the city of Williamsburg Virginia

John Womeldorf is Mr. Williamsburg, sharing his thoughts, real estate expertise, and “all things Williamsburg” in an effort to spread the word that Williamsburg and Hampton Roads, Virginia is the greatest place on earth to live!

Contact me at John@MrWilliamsburg.com

Research the area at www.WilliamsburgsRealEstate.com

Or ask any questions about homes, neighborhoods, schools, amenities, recreation , shopping or anything else about the area.

Search Homes for Sale

Click here to Search all homes, town homes, condos and building lots for sale in Williamsburg, James City, New Kent, York, Gloucester, Charles City Virginia

Click here to search all homes, town homes, condos and building lots for sale in Va Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth,Franklin, Sussex, Southhampton, Emporia, Greenville, Mathews, Suffolk, Surry, Smithfield, Newport News, Hampton , Poquoson, Gloucester or York County VA

Jamestown Cross Country @ Nike National Meet

John Womeldorf is Mr. Williamsburg, sharing his thoughts, real estate expertise, and “all things Williamsburg” in an effort to spread the word that Williamsburg, Virginia is the greatest place on earth to live! 

From Milestat.com

 

VA Team Results
19. Jamestown – 381 pts

The Jamestown boys had a great season, but unfortunately did not have a great finish on Saturday at the Nike Cross Nationals in Portland, Oregon. Nationally ranked for much of the season and the NXN Southeast regional champions, the Eagles finished a disappointing 19th place out of 22 teams as the Southeast region boys continue to struggle at the team nationals. The Eagles had to deal with illness of one of their top five runners in Graham Schlickenmeyer this weekend while in Oregon and had subpar races from most of their top seven runners with the exception of junior Colin Mearns. Mearns was a bright spot for the AA state champions with a 28th place finishing time of 15:50. AA state individual champion Andrew Colley struggled for his second straight post-season race as he placed 46th in the field with a time of 16:01. The two Virginian individual qualifiers Ben Veilleux of Clarke County and Josh Hardin of Potomac Falls held their own against the national caliber field. Veilleux was the top finisher from the Southeast region with a 25th place effort of 15:46, while Hardin also ran under 16 minutes in 38th place at 15:58.

The lone two Virginia girls competing at NXN also did not fair as well on one of the best course conditions and weather days that the national meet has seen its 5 year meet history. Kathleen Lautzenheiser, ran faster than she did as a freshmen at Portland Meadows for Midlothian, but did not place as well as she wanted to in 52nd place for a time of 18:44. Blacksburg senior Allison Homer, a surprise qualifier out of the Southeast region, finished 96th in her first national cross country championship experience with a time of 19:11.

VA Individual Results
25. Ben Veilleux (Clarke County) 15:46.4
29. Colin Mearns (Jamestown) 15:50.9
38. Josh Hardin (Potomac Falls) 15:58.3
46. Andrew Colley (Jamestown) 16:01.6

Girls Championship Race

VA Individual Results
52. Kathleen Lautzenheiser (Midlothian) 18:44
96. Allison Homer (Blacksburg) 19:11

See full results here

Read more about the Nike Cross Country Nationals here

 

 This informational update provided by Mr Williamsburg.com/ John Womeldorf . A local Realtor assisting home buyers and sellers in the Hampton Roads and Williamsburg areas of Virginia.

Contact me at John@MrWilliamsburg.com

Research the area at www.WilliamsburgsRealEstate.com

Or ask any questions about homes, neighborhoods, schools, amenities, recreation , shopping or anything else about the area.

Search Homes for Sale

Hampton Roads School Links Public and Private

If you are thinking of moving or relocating to Hampton Roads Virginia and want to contact any of the private or public schools in the regions the links are provided below.

 

 

I would also recommend visiting www.SchoolMatters.com to compare schools around the area.

Public School Links Hampton Roads Virginia

Private Schools in Hampton Roads Virginia

Colleges/Universities in Hampton Roads Virginia

 Mr Williamsburg.com " Williamsburg VA. Real Estate

 This information provided my Mr Williamsburg.com . A Realtor assisting home buyers and sellers in the Hampton Roads and Williamsburg areas of Virginia.

You can search all homes for sale in the area at www.MrWilliamsburg.com

Research the area at www.WilliamsburgsRealEstate.com

Or ask any questions about homes, neighborhoods, etc  John@MrWilliamsburg.com

 

 

Williamsburg/ James City County Schools ” Quality School District

Williamsburg, James City County , Virginia —An intensive three-day review of WJC Schools earned the division a ranking as a “quality school district.” WJC agreed to the review to gain

accreditation from the AdvancED Southern Association of Colleges &

Schools (SACS)/ Council on Accreditation & School

Improvement, which accredits more than 13,000 school districts

internationally. The process is strictly voluntary since Virginia has its

own accreditation system.

A team of eight educators from school districts across the nation performed the

review. The group interviewed more than 500 people, among them 267 teachers,

parents, community and business representatives, support staff, students administrators

and school board members.

SACS has four accreditation ratings. The ranking earned by WJC is the highest.

The report contains strengths, commendations, challenges and recommendations.

A “committed, collaborative and talented professional staff,” a well-defined

vision for the school division, and open honest communication among stakeholders

as some of WJC’s strengths.

Commendations included implementation of innovative programs to address student

needs and the development of a comprehensive data collection system.

The report recognizes that WJC faces many of the same challenges, like

funding and meeting the standards of No Child Left Behind,

that school divisions across the nation face. It also noted that

WJC has many of its own, including retaining quality teachers, supporting the

needs of transient population and continuing to provide both teachers and students

with up-to-date technological tools.

The review team recommended that WJC begin working on the creation of a

process to secure input from all its stakeholders, including students, and build

working relationships with the retirement comment to tap into that base of knowledge.

Team members also suggested that the division monitor its strategies to close

the achievement gap, but be careful to maintain expectations for all students and

ensure that no subgroup is passed over.