Teacher of the Year shares his advice for supporting students
John Lovett, a math teacher and volunteer assistant coach at Warwick High School, is the 2026-2027 Newport News Public Schools (NNPS) high school and Division-wide Teacher of the Year. He has 31 years of teaching experience. Lovett offered these tips for teachers, students and families:
For teachers: Keep teaching and learning first. Don’t be afraid to ask your colleagues questions. Develop relationships and make connections with your students.
For students: Get involved in a club, sport or activity. Don’t hesitate to ask your teachers for help. You’re going to get frustrated; just don’t give up.
For families: Keep tabs on how your student’s doing. Encourage your student to get involved in a club, sport or activity. Get involved and support your student when possible.
NNPS welcomes new educators for 2026-2027 school year
NNPS welcomed 208 new educators to the school division for the 2026-2027 school year. New Educator Orientation Week began August 4 with new teachers reporting to their assigned schools in the morning and coming together for an afternoon event.
“We are thankful you accepted our invitation, our invitation to be part of a winning team,” said Maritsa Alger, school board vice chairman.
Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones, Alger, Superintendent Dr. Michele Mitchell and NNPS Division-wide Teacher of the Year John Lovett spoke to the excited group.
NNPS summer graduates proudly receive diplomas
NNPS graduates for summer 2026 were presented with their diplomas at a ceremony on August 4 at Heritage High School. A total of 51 students from the city’s five high schools combined completed their diploma requirements to graduate this summer.
School Board Chairman Dr. Terri Best, Superintendent Dr. Michele Mitchell and Chief Schools Officer Dr. Eleanor Blowe spoke at the ceremony. Principals for each high school presented diplomas to their graduates.
