COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

P.O. BOX 2120

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

SUPTS. MEMO NO. 177

December 14, 2001

INFORMATIONAL

TO:	Division Superintendents
FROM:	Jo Lynne DeMary Superintendent of Public Instruction
SUBJECT:	Month for Children

As you may recall, the 1999 General Assembly passed legislation designating May as the Month for Children in Virginia. The legislation was designed to focus on children’s special contributions to families, schools, and communities; to call attention to problems affecting children in the commonwealth, the nation, and the world; and to encourage Virginia’s citizens to help to improve the lives of children everywhere.

The purpose of this memorandum is to call attention to the 2002 May the Month for Children and the related awards program and to encourage planning for special activities recognizing the contributions of children and youth. To support this initiative, the Children and Youth Task Force was established to provide a yearly forum to recognize and appreciate children and youth and their mentors and their contributions to their communities.

Up to 16 children and youth and 16 mentors—two children and two mentors from each of the superintendents’ regions—will be selected, based on nominations received from citizens in their communities. Each individual will receive a certificate signed by the Governor and a special gift during an awards ceremony in May at Hermitage High School in Henrico County.

Enclosed is information prepared by the Children and Youth Task Force regarding student and mentor nominations. Please note the February 8, 2002, deadline for nominations. A separate mailing from the task force is being sent to all principals.

Questions regarding May the Month for Children or the 2002 May the Month for Children Awards should be directed to Sydney Diggs, task force co-director, at 804-725-5319; or Kenneth Magill, deputy superintendent, Virginia Department of Education, at 804-225-2073.

JLD/jd

Attachments (will be mailed)