Accountability & Assessment

The accountability and assessment department works with school administrators, school staff members, teachers, the technology department, and school test coordinators to fully implement the Virginia State Assessment Program and the school division’s local assessment program. Some functions of this office include the development of test implementation protocols and assistance to schools before, during, and after testing. This department also analyzes, interprets, and reports student achievement data while disseminating and adhering to state testing policies and guidelines. The department of accountability and assessment also supports areas of student achievement such as talented and gifted programs, instructional technology, Career & Technical Education, summer school, and new employee programs.

Division Testing Schedule

Division Report Card

Gifted Services

The Poquoson City School system works to meet the special needs of all of its students. To that end a program is provided for students who are identified as talented and gifted. This program has many facets, and its structure varies among grade levels.

Talented and Gifted Program (1-2): Grade 1 identified TAG students attend an enriched writing block. Grade 2, identified TAG students are given an enriched reading curriculum. Both language arts blocks have an emphasis on creative thinking and problem solving.

Math Express (2-12): This program offers a compacted and accelerated math sequence to students who are identified as gifted in the specific subject area of mathematics. Students who complete the sequence satisfactorily are enrolled in pre-algebra in grade 6 and typically take Algebra I in grade 7 and Geometry in grade 8.

Talented and Gifted Program (3-12): In grades 3-5 identified TAG students are grouped together for instruction in at least one curriculum area (English/Reading). The standard curriculum is compacted for these students, allowing time for enrichment and extension. The emphasis is on creative thinking, problem solving, and increasing independent study in areas of interest. Students are engaged in many special projects that are curriculum-based.

Grades 6-12 provide special classes in core subjects based on the identified strengths of the students. Curriculum is more rigorous than the general curriculum and is compacted and/or enriched as appropriate. Seventh graders may also take advantage of the Johns Hopkins Talent Search. High School credit classes in algebra, geometry, and foreign language are offered to qualified middle schoolers.

Advanced classes are offered in all subjects at Poquoson High School, with Advanced Placement (AP) classes in English, American history, European history, psychology, government, journalism, calculus, statistics, French, Spanish, biology, chemistry, and physics. Students may also participate in the Virtual Virginia AP on-line offerings. Well-developed band, chorus, art, and drama programs provide opportunities for students with talents in those fields. Poquoson participates in the New Horizons Governor’s School, which provides an advanced two-year program of work in engineering, biological science, or scientific programming, including research methodology and ethics as well as honors research and mentorship.

In addition to these classes, there are many opportunities for students to engage in extra-curricular enrichment activities. Poquoson regularly fields championship teams in debate, forensics, Model U.N., and academic challenge matches and participates in Odyssey of the Mind, a creative problem-solving competition.

This wide variety of offerings provides basic instruction as well as enrichment and extension for our many talented and gifted youngsters.

Talented and Gifted identification is based on many factors, including ability and academic testing, teacher evaluation, school performance, parent evaluation, and any other factors deemed appropriate. Referral for evaluation usually comes from teachers, but may be initiated by parents or students.

PCPS Gifted Plan 2020-2025

Disciplinary Appeals

Parent/Guardian Right of Appeal of Short-Term and Long-Term Suspensions

A review of a short-term suspension may be requested of the principal in writing within (5) calendar days of the incident. The principal’s decision may be appealed to the superintendent or superintendent designee in writing within 5 calendar days of the principal’s decision. The decision of the superintendent or designee is final.

A written petition requesting a review by the superintendent or superintendent designee of a long-term suspension or placement in an alternative education may be submitted within (5) calendar days of the decision. The decision of the superintendent or designee may be appealed in writing to the School Board within (5) calendar days of receipt of the superintendent’s decision. The School Board shall issue its decision, either approving or altering the decision of the division superintendent or his/her designee, within thirty (30) days thereafter. Note that the School Board may increase the consequence.

English Learners

Academic Partnerships

Summer Academy

Kindergarten-8th Grade Summer Academy Program 2023

Kindergarten through eighth grade students may be recommended for the summer program if they would benefit from:

Additional instruction in reading and/or math over the summer;
Instruction and support related to Social Emotional Learning needs;
Enrichment activities provided by PCPS teachers

The emphasis of the Summer Academy program will be on reinforcing those skills necessary for school success and the transition to the next grade level. There is no tuition charged for the Kindergarten through 8^th grade Summer Academy program.

Dates: July 5 – July 27, 2023 (Mon – Thurs)
Hours:
- 8:00am - 12:00pm (Grades 6-8)
- 8:30am - 12:30pm (Grades K-5)
Location: Poquoson Elementary School
Tuition: No charge
Meals: Breakfast will be served upon arrival. See more information about the Summer Food Services Program HERE.
Bus Routes:
- K-5 AM Bus Routes
  - 7:45 a.m. start time for grades K-5, school starts at 8:30 a.m.
- 6-12 AM Bus Routes
  - 7:20 a.m. start time for grades 6-8, school starts at 8:00 a.m.
- K-5 PM Bus Routes
- 6-12 PM Bus Routes

High School Summer Academy Program 2023

High School General Summer Academy Information 2022[Updated form coming soon]

PE 9/Health and PE10/Drivers Education:

These classes will be taught in a blended setting (on-site followed by online). The classes will run from June 26 – July 27, 2023 on site at Poquoson Elementary School, Monday – Thursday (no classes on Fridays). July 31 – August 10, 2023 will be completed virtually (online) by the students. Students will be required to complete 20 hours per week online from July 31 – August 10, 2023. Students will need to be able to access a computer with internet capabilities in order to participate in this class.

On-Site Dates: June 26 – July 27, 2023 (Mon – Thurs) - July 3rd & 4th are holidays
Virtual Dates (in addition to in-person): July 31 - August 10
On-Site Hours: 8:00am - 1:25pm
On-Site Location: Poquoson Elementary School
Tuition: $450.00 for Poquoson residents

High School PE Registration Form for Summer Academy 202 3

Credit Recovery for English, Mathematics, Science, and History courses:

Credit recovery courses will be offered in English, mathematics, science, and history subject areas. Credit recovery is an option that allows students to participate in targeted remediation in areas that they did not pass in the subject area throughout the school year. If the student successfully completes this remediation through the credit recovery program they will then receive the standard credit for completion of the course.

PHS school counselors and administrators will contact students that are in need of utilizing this program. In order to be eligible for Credit Recovery, students must have earned a final grade of 50% or better in the course.

Dates: July 5 – July 27, 2023 (Mon – Thurs)
Hours & Location: Virtual
Tuition: No charge

Virtual Virginia Courses that offer Original Credit:

Students have the opportunity to participate in new courses for original credit through the online Virtual Virginia Program. Virtual Virginia offers 90 online courses available to all learners in grades 6-12. Students can work from any location in which they have a computer and a reliable internet connection (this does allow students to travel over the summer and still be able to complete course work). However, students are expected to log on every day that summer school is in session (June 20th – July 28th).

Virtual education programs provide additional instruction choices for students in non-traditional settings through distance learning options. These online learning programs offer flexibility to students while providing instruction aligned with the Standards of Learning. VDOE’s Virtual Virginia Program offers a wide variety of classes in order to meet the needs of students who otherwise may be unable to take a course. Eligible students enroll in Virtual Virginia through the student’s home school. To view a list of Virtual Virginia courses please visit: https://www.virtualvirginia.org/summer/

For all summer classes with Virtual Virginia, please contact your child’s School Counselor.

Dates: June 20 – July 28, 2023
Tuition: $375 per course

Kimberly Montalvo
Director of Accountability

kimberly.montalvo@poquoson.k12.va.us
(757) 868-3055