As first semester draws to a close, we look forward to all the exciting events that will follow in the remaining months of the school year. Here are some important February highlights for your consideration:
 

• We are very pleased to announce that Shady Grove has received the 2011 Governor's Award for Educational Excellence.  Among other factors, this award is based on the percentage of students achieving advanced pass rates on the Standards of Learning tests.  Congratulations, Cardinals!
   
• We are also pleased to congratulate our 2011 Shady Grove class and grade level spelling champions.  Throughout third, fourth, and fifth grade, the children impressed us with their commitment to become excellent spellers and with their good sportsmanship in the spelling matches.  Our grade level winners this year were Sean from Ms. Taylor's third grade class, Jonathan from Mrs. Gross's fourth grade class, and Cade from Mrs. Wiggins' fifth grade class.  Jonathan was our school champion and represented us admirably in the Henrico County Spelling Bee where he was among the last six students standing from all Henrico County elementary and middle schools.  It was a great night for Shady Grove!
   
• Would you like to recognize an outstanding teacher in a very meaningful way?  The R.E.B. Awards for Teaching Excellence provide professional development grants to teachers who have distinguished themselves in the classroom.  You can obtain nomination forms online at www.tcfrichmond.org and the deadline for nominations is February 24.
   
• The beginning of second semester is a great time for student goal setting.  The report card information that students will bring home on February 10 and the results of our first semester benchmark assessments provide great data for generating "new semester resolutions" that can renew that "September spirit" for the children.  Thank you for all the ways in which you promote academic success through your partnership with us.
   
• Each June we recognize children for excellent attendance and for maintaining honor roll and Cardinal Scholar status throughout the year.  As described in our Parent/Student Handbook, students are eligible to receive the excellent attendance award based on the county criteria of no more than four absences or four tardies for the year.
   
• During these cold winter months, more and more families drive the children to school and use the drop off loop.  To help everyone get to school on time, we need your cooperation in pulling all the way around the loop to the stop sign, remaining in your car and letting the children disembark on the passenger side, and moving your departure schedule five minutes early to allow for additional traffic.  Working together, we can promote safe conditions at this busy traffic time.  Thank you!