VDOE establishes three regional STEM hubs
Three regional STEM hubs serving the Valley (Region 5), Tidewater (Region 2) and Northern Virginia (Region 4) have been awarded competitive grant funding from the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) to jointly establish the foundation of the Virginia STEM Ecosystem.
This collaborative initiative represents a significant step toward building a cohesive, statewide infrastructure that connects and strengthens STEM — science, technology, engineering and math — education from kindergarten through career. By coordinating efforts across regions, the hubs aim to eliminate fragmentation and create a unified approach to STEM education that supports talent development, innovation and economic growth in Virginia.
Woodside High School named American College Application Campaign School of Excellence
Woodside High School was selected as a School of Excellence by the ACT’s American College Application Campaign.
Woodside was the nominee from the Commonwealth of Virginia and was one of 26 schools in the country to receive the recognition. The award is given for a school’s 2025 Virginia College Application Week event and honors the efforts of Woodside’s professional school counseling team.
“This prestigious honor reflects the team’s dedication to supporting students through the college application process and helping Wolverines prepare for success beyond high school,” Woodside school leaders stated. “Their commitment to creating opportunities and guiding students toward their future goals makes a lasting impact every day.”
Teachers’ and students’ art featured at new Huntington Park Botanical Garden
Newport News Public Schools art teachers and students contributed pieces that feature prominently for visitors to the City of Newport News’ new Huntington Park Botanical Garden unveiled this summer.
They designed and created the map at the garden’s entrance and a pair of decorative butterfly wings that will serve as a colorful photo backdrop for visitors.
Warwick High School art teacher Sheila Scotti, with contributions from Warwick ninth grade students Lila Roby and Leilani Smith, illustrated all of the locations represented on the map. Menchville High School lead art teacher Sara Clapper and teacher Amber Roddey, with the help of several students, created and painted the butterfly artwork.
