COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

P.O. BOX 2120

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

SUPTS. MEMO NO. 205

October 8, 2004

INFORMATIONAL

TO:	Division Superintendents
FROM:	Jo Lynne DeMary Superintendent of Public Instruction
SUBJECT:	Teaching the Values and Ideals of Western Civilization

I would like to call your attention to House Resolution 17 that was passed during the 2004 Virginia General Assembly related to the teaching of Western civilization. This resolution encourages Virginias local school boards to ensure that the values and ideals of Western civilization are taught effectively in the commonwealths classrooms.

The resolution further requests that the Superintendent of Public Instruction disseminate copies of this resolution to local school boards in the commonwealth so that they may be apprised of the sense of the House of Delegates of Virginia in this matter. A copy of this resolution is available at http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?041=ful=HR17ER.

Please join me in ensuring that Virginias young people have an appreciation of Western civilization and knowledge of its role in developing and maintaining a vibrant, united, and enduring United States of America. If you have questions, please contact Dr. Beverly Thurston (bthursto@pen.k12.va.us), coordinator for history and social science and international education, Office of Middle Instructional Service, at (804) 225-2893.

JLD/yba