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SUPTS. MEMO. NO. 155
October 23, 1998 |
| TO: | Division Superintendents |
| FROM: | Paul D. Stapleton
Superintendent of Public Instruction |
| SUBJECT: | Month for Children |
The 1997 General Assembly amended the Code of Virginia
designating May officially "The Month for Children" in
Virginia (Section 2.1-27.9. Month for Children in
Virginia. -- The Month of May is designated as the "Month
for Children" in Virginia to focus on children's special
contributions to family, school, and community; to
counter the manifold ills that afflict children in the
Commonwealth, the nation, and the world; and to encourage
the citizens of Virginia to rededicate themselves and to
redouble their efforts to improve the lives and ensure
the futures of children everywhere. {1997, cc. 432,
442.}) The purpose of this memorandum is to call
attention to this designation, and to encourage special
activities and media coverage that focus on the
contributions made by our children and youth.
To support this endeavor, The Children and Youth Task
Force's mission is to:
Provide a yearly forum to recognize and
appreciate children and youth and their
mentors for the good they do, and create an
awareness throughout the State of the
unheralded contributions they make to the
communities in which they live and learn.
On May 7, 1998, fifteen children and nine mentors were
honored at the Second Annual May is the Month for Children
Awards ceremony at the Science Museum of Virginia. The
cost of this event was underwritten by the Capital One
Leadership Grant Program. All honorees received a
certificate of acknowledgment issued by Governor Gilmore's
office.
In May 1999, plans are under way to honor up to sixteen
children and youth and sixteen mentors in a special
celebration at the Science Museum of Virginia in
Richmond. It is a time for all Virginians to give long
overdue recognition to our children and youth and their
mentors. The exact details of date and time for our
celebration will be made known as soon as plans are
finalized.
Enclosed is information suitable for posting and/or
copying regarding student and mentor nominations. Please
note the February 12, 1999, deadline for nominations.
Questions related to this effort should be directed to Ken
Magill at (804) 225-2073 or Sydney Diggs, Task Force
Director, at (804) 725-5319.
PDS/jd
Enclosures: A hard copy of this memo and its attachment
will be sent to the superintendent's
office.