Education

Contributed Reports / Culpeper Star Exponent
Published: April 28, 2007

VIRGINIA BEACH - In recognition of his long and tireless efforts on behalf of Virginia's public schools, the students who attend them, and the educators who work in them, State Senator R. Edward "Edd" Houck has been named the 2007 Friend of Education by the Virginia Education Association. It is the association's highest honor.

"Because Senator Houck has had a distinguished career in our public schools himself, he is able to see general assembly issues through the eyes of an educator," said Princess Moss, VEA president. "He's always been willing to speak up for schools and for school employees-he's a man of courage."

Houck, a Democrat who represents the counties of Culpeper, Louisa, Madison, Orange, and parts of Spotsylvania County and the City of Fredericksburg was first elected to the Virginia Senate in 1983. He currently serves on the finance, transportation, rules, general laws, and education and health committees.

Houck began his career in education as a middle school science teacher in Spotsylvania County in 1973, and went on to serve as a guidance counselor and assistant principal there, as well as president of the Spotsylvania Education Association. He is currently the Director of Student Services for Fredericksburg City Public Schools.

Some of the key pieces of education legislation that Houck has been instrumental in during his time in the senate include measures that protect daily planning time for middle and high school teachers, ensure elementary resource teacher and technology positions, and require schools to have a medical emergency response plan in place. He's also fought for improved compensation and benefits for educators and sought ways to make higher education more affordable for more students.
"We salute him for his consistent advocacy for our schools, our children and our future," Moss said.

Houck has been honored for his education-related work before. He's been named the Legislator of the Year by the Virginia Association of Curriculum and Development and has received similar honors from the Virginia School Boards Association, the Virginia Middle School Association, the Virginia Vocational Education Association, and the Virginia Consortium of Governor's Schools.

FTB hosts book fair
Floyd T. Binns Middle School will host a Scholastic Book Fair Monday through May 7, during school hours, to help raise funds for the FTBMS Library.

"This Community Book Fair will feature a wide range of age-appropriate books for pre-teens, young teens and adults, including mystery and adventure novels, fantasy trilogies, sports guides, cookbooks, and the latest bestsellers," said FTBMS Librarian, Mrs. Garton.

"This Scholastic Book Fair is a vital medium to help promote literacy and reading, while at the same time raising money for much-needed school resources," said FTBMS Principal,Mrs. Harkness.

Book fair attendees can also help build classroom libraries by purchasing books for teachers through the Classroom Wish List program.

"Classroom libraries reinforce positive learning environments and provide all students with greater access to books," Harkness said.

The book fair will be open as follows: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.; on Monday, May 7, 8 a.m. to noon. Parents, students, teachers, families, the community, and businesses are invited. For more information call 829-6894.

Culpeper Christian School honor roll students 
First grade: all A's, Jonathan Barbee, Emma Butler, Gabe Frye, Bekah Smith, Kaeli Somerville, Hannah Vernon; A-B's: Olicia Clarke, Jordan Dickerson, Justin Dowell, Adam Gregg, Dylan Harrison, Trey Jenkins, Faith Lockwood, Matthew Myers.
Second grade: all A's, Brooke Bailey, Sarah Barlow, Jordan Barrett; A-B's: Anika Brown, Kaitlyn Dickerson, Ericka Estes, DJ Taylor, Tyler Foster.
Third grade: all A's, Rachel Smith; A-B's: Daisy Dinkens, Hunter Dowell, Luther Gibbs, Jonathan Hoffman, Connor Lee, Matthew Lockwood, Jenna Lutero, Will Owings, Robert Pierson.
Fourth grade: all A's, Brynna Bailey, Danae Barbee, Lydia Hales; A-B's: Alex James, Jordon Mueller.
Fifth grade: all A's, Katie Lutero; A-B's: Daniel Belisle, Preston Boxley, Chance Marshall.
Sixth grade: A-B's, Brandon Putnam, Zach Shultz.
Seventh grade: all A's, Jake Malony; A-B's: Taylor Dickerson, Emily Estes, Brandon Peters, Taylor Smith.