Last Thursday, the Henrico School Board unanimously adopted Pairing 3 as the new school attendance boundaries that will take effect fall 2010.
This option moves Oldhouse Run and the entire Pemberton Corridor to Freeman HS. OHR will stay at Jackson Davis ES and Byrd MS.
Thanks to all that wrote letters and emails, made calls, submitted feedback online, walked the neighborhood and attended meetings. Though we are being pulled out of Godwin our effort was strong and remained positive until the end.
Freeman is a good school - and the students and parents along Pemberton will only make it better!
Godwin's loss will be Freeman's gain.
Go Rebels!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009
New Pairing 3 and Online Questionnaire
The Henrico Co School Board has revised Pairing 3 following feedback received during public hearings 2 weeks ago.
Shocker... Pairing 3 still moves us to Freeman.
You can view the revised map here.
The County is also seeking public comment on all maps through tomorrow, May 26.
Click here to complete the questionnaire.
For reference, the only map that keeps us at Godwin is Pairing 2.
The School Board will vote on a final set of boundaries this coming Thursday, May 28. Meeting starts at 7:00pm at the County School Board office located on Nine Mile Road in the East End.
Shocker... Pairing 3 still moves us to Freeman.
You can view the revised map here.
The County is also seeking public comment on all maps through tomorrow, May 26.
Click here to complete the questionnaire.
For reference, the only map that keeps us at Godwin is Pairing 2.
The School Board will vote on a final set of boundaries this coming Thursday, May 28. Meeting starts at 7:00pm at the County School Board office located on Nine Mile Road in the East End.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Online Forum - Last Chance to Voice Your Opinion!
Henrico County is currently seeking public comment on the 3 redistricting pairings.
Pairing #2 is the ONLY option that keeps OHR at Godwin. Pairings #1 and #3 re-zone the entire Pemberton Corridor to Freeman.
An online questionnaire is available NOW through noon on Monday, May 18 - please fill it out!
Information and maps for the three pairings as well as information about the redistricting public hearings can be found here or by clicking the pairing information to the right.
Voice your opinion! Please take a moment and consider how a changing our High School could impact our neighborhood, families, K-12 feeder patterns and our current middle/high school students transitioning.
Pairing #2 is the ONLY option that keeps OHR at Godwin. Pairings #1 and #3 re-zone the entire Pemberton Corridor to Freeman.
An online questionnaire is available NOW through noon on Monday, May 18 - please fill it out!
Information and maps for the three pairings as well as information about the redistricting public hearings can be found here or by clicking the pairing information to the right.
Voice your opinion! Please take a moment and consider how a changing our High School could impact our neighborhood, families, K-12 feeder patterns and our current middle/high school students transitioning.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
School Board Public Hearing @ Godwin on May 13
The School Board will host a series of public hearings next week to discuss the 3 redistricting pairings currently under consideration.
There is a real chance that OHR and the rest of the Pemberton Corridor could be re-zoned to Freeman. If you want to STAY AT GODWIN, please plan to attend the May 13 public hearing.
Wednesday, May 13
6:00-8:00pm
Godwin High School Gymnasium
2101 Pump Road
Henrico, VA 23238
We need a BIG showing at the May 13 hearing. Email Laura Hennig if you plan to attend.
If you can’t make it on May 13, click here for information on two other hearings scheduled.
We can see the finish line, but it’s NOT OVER YET! The Henrico County School Board will cast their final vote on the new attendance boundaries during their scheduled meeting on Thursday, May 28, 2009.
There is a real chance that OHR and the rest of the Pemberton Corridor could be re-zoned to Freeman. If you want to STAY AT GODWIN, please plan to attend the May 13 public hearing.
Wednesday, May 13
6:00-8:00pm
Godwin High School Gymnasium
2101 Pump Road
Henrico, VA 23238
We need a BIG showing at the May 13 hearing. Email Laura Hennig if you plan to attend.
If you can’t make it on May 13, click here for information on two other hearings scheduled.
We can see the finish line, but it’s NOT OVER YET! The Henrico County School Board will cast their final vote on the new attendance boundaries during their scheduled meeting on Thursday, May 28, 2009.
Friday, May 1, 2009
The New Pairing #3 - OHR goes to Freeman
Yesterday, the School Board was presented with a third redistricting pairing prepared by HCPS planning staff. Pairing #3 moves the Pemberton Corridor from Godwin HS to Freeman. Our Elementary and Middle Schools remain the same - Davis and Byrd.
A public comment period is set to begin today where citizens can leave feedback online for the now 3 pairings. If you want to STAY AT GODWIN... where this neighborhood has attended for 28 years... show your support for Pairing #2!
Click here to go to the HCPS website for more info.
Click here for news coverage from the April 30 School Board meeting.
Stay tuned for more information.
A public comment period is set to begin today where citizens can leave feedback online for the now 3 pairings. If you want to STAY AT GODWIN... where this neighborhood has attended for 28 years... show your support for Pairing #2!
Click here to go to the HCPS website for more info.
Click here for news coverage from the April 30 School Board meeting.
Stay tuned for more information.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Foreshadowing..?
Click here to watch a brief piece NBC12 ran on the impacts of school redistricting on parents and kids.
Take note of the mention at the very beginning about moving students from Godwin to Freeman.
Call it foreshadowing, because yesterday the School Board was presented with the 2 redistricting pairings. There was lengthy discussion among the School Board members of certain "issues" they are aware of with the current maps. In particular, the neighborhoods along Pemberton Road came up to be MOVED from Godwin to help raise low enrollment numbers at Freeman.
In fact, Lisa Marshall (our School Board member) raised the point to move us!
Moving OHR and the neighborhoods along Pemberton Road to Freeman is a REAL THREAT!!!!
If this bothers you, MAKE SOME NOISE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It ain't over folks. Contact the School Board TODAY and ask them to keep us at Godwin!
Here are email addresses for the School Board:
lamarshall@henrico.k12.va.us
jwmontgomery@henrico.k12.va.us
lbagby@henrico.k12.va.us
linda.mcbride@henrico.k12.va.us
ddwinston@henrico.k12.va.us
Do something today, because tomorrow may be too late.
Take note of the mention at the very beginning about moving students from Godwin to Freeman.
Call it foreshadowing, because yesterday the School Board was presented with the 2 redistricting pairings. There was lengthy discussion among the School Board members of certain "issues" they are aware of with the current maps. In particular, the neighborhoods along Pemberton Road came up to be MOVED from Godwin to help raise low enrollment numbers at Freeman.
In fact, Lisa Marshall (our School Board member) raised the point to move us!
Moving OHR and the neighborhoods along Pemberton Road to Freeman is a REAL THREAT!!!!
If this bothers you, MAKE SOME NOISE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It ain't over folks. Contact the School Board TODAY and ask them to keep us at Godwin!
Here are email addresses for the School Board:
lamarshall@henrico.k12.va.us
jwmontgomery@henrico.k12.va.us
lbagby@henrico.k12.va.us
linda.mcbride@henrico.k12.va.us
ddwinston@henrico.k12.va.us
Do something today, because tomorrow may be too late.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Friday, April 3, 2009
Recent HCPS Redistricting Media Coverage
Here are a few news items related to the final actions of the HCPS Redistricting Committee on April 2.
RTD: Panel backs plan for Henrico schools redistricting
Henrico Citizen: Pairing 2 Wins Support of Redistricting Committee
WRIC TV8: Henrico Officials Finalize Recommended School Boundaries
RTD: Panel backs plan for Henrico schools redistricting
Henrico Citizen: Pairing 2 Wins Support of Redistricting Committee
WRIC TV8: Henrico Officials Finalize Recommended School Boundaries
New District Pairings Heads to School Board
The redistricting subcommittee work has concluded. However, our efforts need to continue as we focus on the School Board.
Adjustments were made this week by the High School committee and the position of Pemberton corridor changed since the Community Forums early in March. Please note:
Pairing 1 - Pemberton Corridor is Davis-Byrd - FREEMAN
Pairing 2 - Pemberton Corridor is Davis - Byrd - GODWIN
BOTH pairings will go to the School Board for their review. A vote took place last evening by the entire redistricting committee consisting of Elementary, Middle and High School representatives. The official vote to endorse Pairing 2 was favored only by a narrow margin. Current maps and pairing information can be viewed here.
We need to remain active on this issue! Looking ahead, another online feedback process will take April 25 - May 7, recommendations will be heard by the School Board for the first time on April 23 and Public Hearings will take place May 13 and 14. The final School board vote will be May 28.
Stay tuned for more information.
Adjustments were made this week by the High School committee and the position of Pemberton corridor changed since the Community Forums early in March. Please note:
Pairing 1 - Pemberton Corridor is Davis-Byrd - FREEMAN
Pairing 2 - Pemberton Corridor is Davis - Byrd - GODWIN
BOTH pairings will go to the School Board for their review. A vote took place last evening by the entire redistricting committee consisting of Elementary, Middle and High School representatives. The official vote to endorse Pairing 2 was favored only by a narrow margin. Current maps and pairing information can be viewed here.
We need to remain active on this issue! Looking ahead, another online feedback process will take April 25 - May 7, recommendations will be heard by the School Board for the first time on April 23 and Public Hearings will take place May 13 and 14. The final School board vote will be May 28.
Stay tuned for more information.
Monday, March 30, 2009
And so it goes...
As expected, last week the HS redistricting subcommittee revised the 2 pairings they had been considering opting to move the entire Pemberton Corridor to Freeman HS in Pairing #1.
OHR and the Pemberton Corridor remain at Godwin in Pairing #2... at least, for now.
This is all the more reason for us to continue communicating with County decision makers in SUPPORT of Pairing #2! If you have a few minutes, please drop an email to Lisa Marshall and copy the following people:
trich@henrico.k12.va.us
mnhedrick1@henrico.k12.va.us
jfranz@henrico.k12.va.us
jlhigginbotham@henrico.k12.va.us
hmcdonough@henrico.k12.va.us
dbseargent@henrico.k12.va.us
hrfisher@henrico.k12.va.us
mcropper@croppergis.com
mgblumen@henrico.k12.va.us
redistricting@henrico.k12.va.us
Keep the message simple. Suggested points to mention include:
1. Our history and work to build community at Godwin HS
2. Continuity of academic and athletic programs between Byrd MS and Godwin HS
3. Godwin's projected student capacity drops in 2013, following "grandfathering" of students beginning in 2010
4. Support for Pairing #2!
We are planning a new round of community activities for OHR to get involved - more info to come.
In the meantime, here are a few important dates to mark on your calendar!
April 23: Redistricting Subcommittee to deliver recommendations to School Board
May 13-14: School Board Public Hearings (VERY IMPORTANT!!!!)
May 28: FINAL School Board Vote
Stay tuned for more information and updates.
OHR and the Pemberton Corridor remain at Godwin in Pairing #2... at least, for now.
This is all the more reason for us to continue communicating with County decision makers in SUPPORT of Pairing #2! If you have a few minutes, please drop an email to Lisa Marshall and copy the following people:
trich@henrico.k12.va.us
mnhedrick1@henrico.k12.va.us
jfranz@henrico.k12.va.us
jlhigginbotham@henrico.k12.va.us
hmcdonough@henrico.k12.va.us
dbseargent@henrico.k12.va.us
hrfisher@henrico.k12.va.us
mcropper@croppergis.com
mgblumen@henrico.k12.va.us
redistricting@henrico.k12.va.us
Keep the message simple. Suggested points to mention include:
1. Our history and work to build community at Godwin HS
2. Continuity of academic and athletic programs between Byrd MS and Godwin HS
3. Godwin's projected student capacity drops in 2013, following "grandfathering" of students beginning in 2010
4. Support for Pairing #2!
We are planning a new round of community activities for OHR to get involved - more info to come.
In the meantime, here are a few important dates to mark on your calendar!
April 23: Redistricting Subcommittee to deliver recommendations to School Board
May 13-14: School Board Public Hearings (VERY IMPORTANT!!!!)
May 28: FINAL School Board Vote
Stay tuned for more information and updates.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Thanks for Coming Out!
Thanks to all OHR residents that attended the HCPS Community Forums last week, and particularly those that submitted feedback on the 2 proposed pairings.
We had solid representation from OHR and Pemberton Corridor residents, and hope our continued participation in the redistricting process will ensure we STAY at Godwin!
As promised, all OHR residents that notified Kim Kerr that they submitted online feedback were entered into a drawing for a Southern Living Deck Party. Congratulations to Gene and Susan Dix of 9529 Oldhouse Drive for winning the drawing.
Stay tuned to this blog for updates, and more information on neighborhood happenings as the redistricting process moves forward.
We had solid representation from OHR and Pemberton Corridor residents, and hope our continued participation in the redistricting process will ensure we STAY at Godwin!
As promised, all OHR residents that notified Kim Kerr that they submitted online feedback were entered into a drawing for a Southern Living Deck Party. Congratulations to Gene and Susan Dix of 9529 Oldhouse Drive for winning the drawing.
Stay tuned to this blog for updates, and more information on neighborhood happenings as the redistricting process moves forward.
Monday, March 16, 2009
RTD: Hundreds turn out for Henrico redistricting meetings
Today's Times-Dispatch covers the HCPS Community Forums held last week. OHR resident, Laura Hennig, is quoted. Click here to read the story.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
NBC12 Coverage of Community Forums
NBC12 covered the Redistricting Community Forum held March 9 at Godwin HS. The Pemberton Corridor was represented, and OHR got a shout out on TV. This story ran on both the local Fox news and Channel 12.
There is no video available, but you can read the story here.
There is no video available, but you can read the story here.
Monday, March 9, 2009
HCPS Online Feedback Form
Current maps keep Oldhouse Run at Davis Elementary, Byrd Middle and Godwin High School – however, these maps are NOT final! You can view the two "pairings" on the right of this page.
Henrico County has posted an online form for the public to leave comment on the proposed ES, MS and HS district pairings. Be sure to click here and leave your POSITIVE feedback on the proposed maps.
The form asks users which pairing they prefer (again, both pairings have OHR in the same feeder pattern), and ask for comment on each pairing. A few points to keep in mind with these maps include:
1. Preserving the community we have helped establish at Godwin.
2. Maintaining the continuity of extra-curricular and athletic programs b/w Byrd and Godwin.
3. Limiting disruption of current Godwin neighborhoods because projected student capacity will be available starting in 2010.
It only takes a minute - please complete the online form, and make sure your neighbor does the same!
Henrico County has posted an online form for the public to leave comment on the proposed ES, MS and HS district pairings. Be sure to click here and leave your POSITIVE feedback on the proposed maps.
The form asks users which pairing they prefer (again, both pairings have OHR in the same feeder pattern), and ask for comment on each pairing. A few points to keep in mind with these maps include:
1. Preserving the community we have helped establish at Godwin.
2. Maintaining the continuity of extra-curricular and athletic programs b/w Byrd and Godwin.
3. Limiting disruption of current Godwin neighborhoods because projected student capacity will be available starting in 2010.
It only takes a minute - please complete the online form, and make sure your neighbor does the same!
Friday, March 6, 2009
Redistricting Community Forums March 9-11!
The County will host three Community Forums this coming week seeking citizen comment on proposed school boundaries that will take effect in 2010.
Current maps keep Oldhouse Run at Davis Elementary, Byrd Middle and Godwin High School – however, these maps are NOT final!
We need full neighborhood participation at the Forums to provide POSITIVE feedback on these maps. Without your input, the maps could easily change.
The Community Forums start at 6pm and will take place at the following locations:
Monday, March 9 - Godwin High School
Tuesday, March 10 - Elko Middle School
Wednesday, March 11 - Deep Run High School
Please plan to attend at least one of these forums!
Current maps keep Oldhouse Run at Davis Elementary, Byrd Middle and Godwin High School – however, these maps are NOT final!
We need full neighborhood participation at the Forums to provide POSITIVE feedback on these maps. Without your input, the maps could easily change.
The Community Forums start at 6pm and will take place at the following locations:
Monday, March 9 - Godwin High School
Tuesday, March 10 - Elko Middle School
Wednesday, March 11 - Deep Run High School
Please plan to attend at least one of these forums!
Sunday, March 1, 2009
OHR Community Meeting this Wednesday, March 4
We will be hosting an OHR neighborhood meeting on Wednesday, March 4 to discuss the current redistricting pairings for our community, as well as next steps. Please make plans to attend.
Wednesday, March 4
7:15-8:30 p.m.
Tuckahoe Library Meeting Room
Contact Laura Hennig for more information.
Wednesday, March 4
7:15-8:30 p.m.
Tuckahoe Library Meeting Room
Contact Laura Hennig for more information.
Redistricting Update and New HCPS Community Forums!
Late last week the HCPS Redistricting Subcommittee approved allowing neighborhoods along the west side of Pemberton Road (including OHR) to remain in the Godwin High School District. This is great news, as up until this point the Pemberton Corridor didn’t even have an option to STAY at Godwin.
The Subcommittee passed two “pairings” that take into account Elementary, Middle and High School feeder patterns. As it stands, both pairings keep OHR at Davis, Byrd and Godwin.
It is important to note that these pairings are in pencil and can be altered or changed at any point. While we can celebrate this milestone, our work will not be done until the School Board votes on a final map in May!
The next step in the process is another series of Community Forums seeking public comment and feedback on the latest pairings.
We need a strong showing at the Forums taking place March 9-11 to support keeping the current OHR feeder pattern – in particular, keeping us at Godwin!
Here are the dates, times and locations of the Forums:
Monday, March 9
6:00-7:30 p.m.
Godwin High School
Tuesday, March 10
6:00-7:30 p.m.
Elko Middle School
Wednesday, March 11
6:00-7:30 p.m.
Deep Run High School
There will be new Maps to review and a questionnaire to complete. Please mark your calendar and make plans to attend one or more of these meetings!
The Subcommittee passed two “pairings” that take into account Elementary, Middle and High School feeder patterns. As it stands, both pairings keep OHR at Davis, Byrd and Godwin.
It is important to note that these pairings are in pencil and can be altered or changed at any point. While we can celebrate this milestone, our work will not be done until the School Board votes on a final map in May!
The next step in the process is another series of Community Forums seeking public comment and feedback on the latest pairings.
We need a strong showing at the Forums taking place March 9-11 to support keeping the current OHR feeder pattern – in particular, keeping us at Godwin!
Here are the dates, times and locations of the Forums:
Monday, March 9
6:00-7:30 p.m.
Godwin High School
Tuesday, March 10
6:00-7:30 p.m.
Elko Middle School
Wednesday, March 11
6:00-7:30 p.m.
Deep Run High School
There will be new Maps to review and a questionnaire to complete. Please mark your calendar and make plans to attend one or more of these meetings!
Monday, February 16, 2009
Latest HCPS District Maps
The HCPS Redistricting Subcommittees met last week to further adjust the draft boundary maps and consider recommended changes offered by the County's consultant, Cropper GIS.
Per Cropper, feeder patterns from ES and MS maps and community feedback were taken into consideration when developing two HS scenarios - both of which put OHR at Freeman - not Godwin. Again, we don't even have a Godwin option on the table.
Click here to view the two newest map "pairings" that overlay proposed ES, MS and HS boundaries.
The maps aren't easy to decifer, but read as follows:
Pairing #1: OHR at Davis ES, Byrd MS and Freeman HS
Pairing #2: OHR at Pemberton ES, Byrd MS and Freeman HS
The entire Pemberton Corridor (westside) would be at Byrd MS and Freeman HS under these scenarios.
OHR is the only neighborhood to flip between Davis ES and Pemberton ES in these scenarios - otherwise, the rest of the neighborhoods along the Pemberton Corridor stay at their current Elementary School.
If you haven't written to Lisa Marshall in a while, NOW is the time to drop her a line. Our communications have dropped off and it shows!
Squeaky wheel - remember. So let's start squeaking LOUDLY again.
Keep the Pemberton Corridor Together - Keep us at Godwin!
Per Cropper, feeder patterns from ES and MS maps and community feedback were taken into consideration when developing two HS scenarios - both of which put OHR at Freeman - not Godwin. Again, we don't even have a Godwin option on the table.
Click here to view the two newest map "pairings" that overlay proposed ES, MS and HS boundaries.
The maps aren't easy to decifer, but read as follows:
Pairing #1: OHR at Davis ES, Byrd MS and Freeman HS
Pairing #2: OHR at Pemberton ES, Byrd MS and Freeman HS
The entire Pemberton Corridor (westside) would be at Byrd MS and Freeman HS under these scenarios.
OHR is the only neighborhood to flip between Davis ES and Pemberton ES in these scenarios - otherwise, the rest of the neighborhoods along the Pemberton Corridor stay at their current Elementary School.
If you haven't written to Lisa Marshall in a while, NOW is the time to drop her a line. Our communications have dropped off and it shows!
Squeaky wheel - remember. So let's start squeaking LOUDLY again.
Keep the Pemberton Corridor Together - Keep us at Godwin!
Letter from Scott Kerr (Feb. 13)
Dear Mrs. Marshall,
My wife, Kim, attended both the High School Sub-committee and Combined Committee meetings this week. From the contact you have had with myself, my wife and my friends and neighbors, I think you must agree, that we have participated in this process in a very logical, vigorous, and respectful manner. I would dare say that many of us have spent as much time researching and gathering thoughtful solutions as many of the committee members.
Yet, after all of our work, The Pemberton Corridor, with over 25 years of attendance at Godwin, was not given the courtesy or consideration of at least an examination of the possibility of staying at Godwin High School. It is inconceivable to me that not a single map was ever considered with the option of the entire Pemberton Corridor remaining at Godwin. In fact other areas, with absolutely zero history at Godwin have been considered and in fact recommended by the committee to attend Godwin.
I feel as though we have been ignored and marginalized in this process. I can assure you that we will keep engaged in the process in respectful and passionate manner, but with a great since of frustration and sense of futility.
It is my hope that you will consider our arguments thoughtfully and in the end, at least give us the consideration that I believe we merit. Any advice or council would be greatly appreciated. My wife and I are open to any help you are able to offer. If you desire we would be happy to organize a meeting with the Pemberton Corridor so that we can meet.
I want conclude by saying thank you for your vote on the “Grandfathering” clause that will allow our son to graduate from Godwin. This news was greeted with much celebration in our house. It is my hope that his sister will be able to follow in his footsteps.
Regards,
Scott Kerr
9514 Oldhouse Run
Henrico, VA 23238
My wife, Kim, attended both the High School Sub-committee and Combined Committee meetings this week. From the contact you have had with myself, my wife and my friends and neighbors, I think you must agree, that we have participated in this process in a very logical, vigorous, and respectful manner. I would dare say that many of us have spent as much time researching and gathering thoughtful solutions as many of the committee members.
Yet, after all of our work, The Pemberton Corridor, with over 25 years of attendance at Godwin, was not given the courtesy or consideration of at least an examination of the possibility of staying at Godwin High School. It is inconceivable to me that not a single map was ever considered with the option of the entire Pemberton Corridor remaining at Godwin. In fact other areas, with absolutely zero history at Godwin have been considered and in fact recommended by the committee to attend Godwin.
I feel as though we have been ignored and marginalized in this process. I can assure you that we will keep engaged in the process in respectful and passionate manner, but with a great since of frustration and sense of futility.
It is my hope that you will consider our arguments thoughtfully and in the end, at least give us the consideration that I believe we merit. Any advice or council would be greatly appreciated. My wife and I are open to any help you are able to offer. If you desire we would be happy to organize a meeting with the Pemberton Corridor so that we can meet.
I want conclude by saying thank you for your vote on the “Grandfathering” clause that will allow our son to graduate from Godwin. This news was greeted with much celebration in our house. It is my hope that his sister will be able to follow in his footsteps.
Regards,
Scott Kerr
9514 Oldhouse Run
Henrico, VA 23238
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
