NNPS honors 2025–2026 Teachers of the Year
In May, NNPS officially recognized all 42 of its 2025–2026 Teachers of the Year and announced three division-wide honorees.
Jenkins Elementary School reading specialist Michelle Young was chosen Elementary School Teacher of the Year and Divisionwide Teacher of the Year, with Hines Middle School eighth grade science teacher Sarah Watson recognized as Middle School Teacher of the Year and Menchville High School government and law teacher Kylee Davis awarded High School Teacher of the Year.
“You are the champions of your classrooms, the culture-builders of your schools and the role models our students will carry with them long after they leave your care,” said NNPS Superintendent Dr. Michele Mitchell. “You represent innovation, compassion and resilience, and in times when the work of educators has never been more demanding, you continue to show up with excellence and heart.”
Sanford principal honored with Virginia PTA Power Partners award
Sanford Elementary School Principal Dr. Edward Van Dyke was chosen to receive a 2024-2025 Virginia PTA Power Partners award this past spring.
The awards for partnering with the Parent Teacher Association went to two superintendents and three principals from around the state. Van Dyke represented the Newport News Council of PTA/PTSAs as part of the Tidewater Region.
“I feel very humbled and honored to receive this award,” Van Dyke said.
The Power Partner is one of several Local Impact Awards given annually by the Virginia PTA. It recognizes principals at the elementary and secondary levels and school division superintendents who have demonstrated that strong family-school partnerships are the key to student success, according to the Virginia PTA website.
Ella Fitzgerald Middle School celebrates 50th school year on namesake’s birthday
Ella Fitzgerald Middle School celebrated its 50th year as a school on namesake Ella Fitzgerald’s birthday this past spring.
Music, speeches and the reading of a commemorative proclamation issued by Newport News Public Schools were part of the morning celebration in front of the school. A new outdoor seating area was opened and dedicated during the festivities, which were themed in the purple and white colors with the music notes motif that illustrates the school’s jazz mascot.
NNPS Superintendent Dr. Michele Mitchell presented welcoming remarks, Fitzgerald Principal Dr. Jaraun Ransome spoke about honoring the past while embracing the future, and School Board Vice Chair Dr. Terri Best read the official proclamation.
Kahlan Melrose, eighth grade student and Student Council Association president, provided greetings; Derek Perez-Rodriguez, seventh grader and morning announcer, led the Pledge of Allegiance; and Isabella Norman, sixth grader and Student Ambassador, gave a tribute to Ella Fitzgerald. Adina Harris, chorus teacher, and the school’s Echoes of Ella JAZZ Ensemble performed.
