BY JOHN-HENRY DOUCETTE PUNGO — The day before our nation celebrated independence from the Crown, I got an urgent email that seemed to be from the president of a university where I teach. Except maybe I should mention this email came… Continue Reading
BY JOHN-HENRY DOUCETTE CREEDS — Moments before they formed the heart of a parade through the halls at Creeds Elementary School, soon-to-be graduates from Kellam High School gathered in the elementary school’s library on Thursday, June 14. Randall Baber, 18, of… Continue Reading
BY AMBER RACH As the director of the Office of Community Engagement for Virginia Beach City Public Schools, I get to witness firsthand the transformative impact partners and volunteers make in the lives of our students. We are fortunate here… Continue Reading
BY VICTORIA MANNING As a parent, I continue to be actively involved in my sons’ education. I have volunteered in their classrooms, chaperoned field trips, assisted in Scouts and other activities. In my community, I have been active in my… Continue Reading
Ed. note — The Independent News asked announced candidates for the Virginia Beach School Board Princess Anne District seat to answer an initial set of questions about issues. This appeared in print on Friday, May 25, during the edition distributed at this… Continue Reading
BY JOHN-HENRY DOUCETTE VIRGINIA BEACH — A retired city police officer who works as a substitute teacher is running for the Princess Anne District seat on the Virginia Beach School Board. Paul Day, 59, will challenge incumbent Kim Melnyk, a… Continue Reading
BY JOHN-HENRY DOUCETTE VIRGINIA BEACH — Kim Melnyk, a small business owner and former elementary school teacher who lives in Christopher Farms, is seeking a second term representing the Princess Anne District on the Virginia Beach School Board. Melnyk, 51,… Continue Reading
Ed. – The following is adapted from remarks delivered last month at Town Center during a vigil organized by local members of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America following the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School… Continue Reading
Dear Editor: The Dec. 15 edition of The Independent News, you featured essays from several people, and you asked readers to respond about what we can do to build inclusive communities amid a time of polarization. After reading essays from… Continue Reading
What can we do in the New Year to help build inclusive communities amid a time of polarization? BY D. ALEX BERGREN Perhaps this is the kind of thing one would expect to hear from an educator, but the path… Continue Reading