This week, Culpeper County Public Schools (CCPS) had the honor of hosting Dr. Lisa Coons, the Virginia Superintendent of Public Instruction, along with Chief of Staff Dr. Jeremy Raley. The visit, organized between the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), CCPS Division Superintendent Dr. Brads and Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Rob Hauman, provided an opportunity for Dr. Coons to engage directly with the educational community at CCPS.
The itinerary included visits to the Culpeper Technical Education Center (CTEC) and the Family Resource Center (FRC). At CTEC, Principal Shaun Summerscales led Dr. Coons on a comprehensive tour, showcasing the vibrant learning environment and the diverse range of educational programs available to students. Career and Technical Education (CTE) Director Randi Richards-Lutz provided additional information about the CTE programs in CCPS.
During the tour, Dr. Coons had the privilege of interacting with CCPS students firsthand, gaining insights into their educational experiences and aspirations for the future. One highlight was an engaging conversation with Culinary Arts student Tyler Hughes, who shared his journey through the culinary arts program and how it led to a valuable high quality work based learning experience at the Marriott Ranch.
In addition, Dr. Coons visited the automotive and cosmetology classes, where students demonstrated their skills and discussed their educational and career goals. In the automotive class, Cody Lewis and Maddux Finstrom talked with the state leaders about their work in the program. Finstrom then showcased a Datsun 240z that he has been restoring, illustrating the hands-on learning opportunities available at CTEC. Across the hall in cosmetology students shared their classroom activities and future career aspirations with Dr. Coons and Dr. Raley. They also had an opportunity to share the program’s successes in recent SkillsUSA competitions.
Following the visit to CTEC, Dr. Coons and Dr. Raley proceeded to the CCPS Family Resource Center, where FRC Director Karie Lane provided a tour and shared information about the wide array of programs and family supports offered by the school division through the FRC. This provided valuable insights into the comprehensive approach to education and community support championed by CCPS. In addition, FRC Interpreters Cariely Morales and Steven Rice shared success stories from the Essential English classes offered to CCPS parents and ESL Specialist Kirsten Bradley highlighted the recent English Learner Externship program.
Culpeper County Public Schools extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Lisa Coons and Dr. Jeremy Raley for taking the time to visit CCPS. Overall, the visit provided an opportunity to showcase the school division’s dedication to providing high-quality education and support services to students and families in Culpeper County. We appreciate the support of our state leaders and look forward to working together as we continue in the pursuit of excellence and innovation in education.