May as the Month for Children

As you may recall, the 1997 General Assembly passed legislation designating May as the Month for Children in Virginia. The legislation was designed to focus on childrens 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 Virginias citizens to help to improve the lives of children everywhere.

The purpose of this memorandum is to call attention to the 2006 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, May the Month for Children Task Force was established to provide a yearly forum to recognize and appreciate students and youth and their mentors and their contributions to their communities.

Up to 16 kindergarten through grade 12 students and 16 mentors will be selected based on nominations received from citizens in their communities. These totals represent two children and two mentors from each of the superintendents regions. Each individual will receive a certificate signed by the Governor and a special gift during an awards ceremony on May 13, 2006, at Short Pump Middle School in Henrico County.

For information and application forms go to the May the Month for Children website at http://www.vrps.com. Nominations must be postmarked by March 1, 2006.

Questions regarding May the Month for Children or the 2006 May the Month for Children Awards should be directed to Melida G. McKee (melida.mckee@roanokeva.gov), Task Force Director, at (540) 853-1269; or Cheryle C. Gardner (cherry.gardner@doe.virginia.gov), principal specialist of fine arts, Office of Middle and High School Instruction, at (804) 225-2881.

PIW/CCG/yba