Charlie receives an award

Charlie works two days a week at School. Last Friday we had to get up early and attend this event. It was very nice, but it's not why we (Charlie and I) do the things we do. Thursday's is one of his days at school. However he will once again have to stand up and be rewarded. The good news is all his children that read to him will be there!

This came off the website for our County Schools.

School-Business Partnerships Honored

More than 600 people – business partners and educators – attended the Loudoun School-Business Partnership Recognition Breakfast on Friday, March 12th, at the National Conference Center.

Founded in 1990, the Loudoun School-Business Partnership Executive Council has matched the needs of public school students with the talents of more than 200 local businesses.

“There is no community venture that is greater than education,” said School Board Chairman John Stevens. “There is no great venture that is undertaken alone...This is a team sport. We are so grateful to have you as part of our team. It is only with your help that Loudoun County Public Schools achieves the standards this community expects for our children.”

Donna Fortier, the chair of the School-Business Partnership Executive Council, summed up what the interaction between students and the business community means. “These partnerships improve the quality of life for kids...They help us to reach our fullest potential.”

LCPS Superintendent Edgar B. Hatrick III spoke about the importance of business partners to the school system.

“The human capital that you represent and the benefit that you represent for our children simply can't be totaled up on a list of inputs. We can't put a value to it, because we don't know, and you don't know, when you are going to do something that substantially changes the life course of a student. But the fact that you commit yourselves as our business partners to providing the opportunity for our students to have experiences that can't happen within the confines of even the best regular school tells me that you understand the importance of family and students and community and government all working together to provide the very best world-class education possible for Loudoun students today, tomorrow and in the future.”

Harris Teeter Inc. was honored with the School-Business Partnership Executive Council's 2010 Make a Difference Award.

For the past three years, Harris Teeter has donated $25,000 per year, through its “Together in Education” grant, to sponsor a career camp for middle school students at Monroe Technology Center (MTC). This week-long program allows the middle school students to explore MTC's course offerings.

MTC Assistant Principal Kim Thomas said the camp allows younger students to see themselves as potential graphic artists, television producers or crime scene investigators. “It's really a treat to see such young minds start to flourish.”

Regional Operations Manager Bob Smith accepted the award on behalf of Harris Teeter.

Five business partners received the 2010 School-Business Partnership Recognition Award.

"Charlie the Certified Therapy Dog and Books-A-Million were honored for their work with Emerick Elementary.

Charlie, a registered therapy dog, and his owner, Ann Wells, help children learn to read. Charlie sits patiently with students as they master reading. Children love reading to Charlie because he never criticizes them. When children are with him they are able to read in a nonjudgmental atmosphere. It is much easier to practice reading with his supportive and loving presence.

Charlie is not just a good reader. He loves helping children who are upset or sick. He stops by the clinic to see if his visit can encourage students to feel better and to walk with him back to their class. He waits for children who find it hard to come to school.

Teachers have seen attitudes completely change when students get to visit with Charlie.

“Charlie is magic in our school,” said Emerick Principal Debbie Cookus.

This year, Emerick began a dual partnership with Charlie and Books-A-Million of Leesburg. Books-A-Million of Leesburg has provided the school with gift cards to serve as rewards for student work and achievement in the area of reading. "

The picture is of a second grade teacher that was not feeling well and needed some "Charlie Love"!

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