Congratulations to the Burton High School seniors, pictured right, for being selected to the Mountain Empire Community College AIMS Higher Scholarship Program.  Students have to meet the following stringent requirements: (1) Must achieve a grade of at least "C" or better in each of the 17 approved high school courses; (2) Maintain a 95% school attendance throughout high school; (3) Have no out-of-school suspensions, and (4) Complete 20 hours of community service over a 4-year period.

Pictured Standing L-R :  Breanna S., Gabriele C., Joshua R., Patrick B., Jaymil S., Martha L., Jessica A. and Kristina M.  Sitting L-R:  Julia W., Ethan S. and Kristina B.
 

Members of the Norton City School Board, the Superintendent of Schools and the Norton City Manager participated in ground breaking ceremonies recently for the first phase of major renovations to Norton Elementary School.  Construction of the new gymnasium will begin immediately.   The architectural drawings and building plans are viewable at Norton Elementary School.

Pictured here with shovels, (L-R):  Board member Dr. Jeff Begley, Superintendent Dr. Lee Brannon, Norton City Manager Mr. Ernie Ward, Board Chairman Mr. Ron McCall, Board member Mr. Steve McElroy and Board Co-Chair Ms. Billie Anne Harris
 

Congratulations to the Burton High School students who recently participated in the Walk-a-Thon to help raise money for St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.  These students raised a total of $2026.  St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with pediatric cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

Burton math teacher Mrs. Yvonne Wampler is the group's sponsor.
 

Congratulations to Burton senior Jaymil S. who recently signed a Letter of Intent to play football at The University of Virginia's College at Wise.

Pictured Sitting L-R:  Mrs. Vickie S., Jaymil S. and Glenn S. (Jaymil's uncle).  Standing L-R:  Burton Raiders Coach Jim Adams and UVA-Wise Cavalier Coach Bruce Wassem.
 

Wise County Career-Technical Center student, Jeffrey J., was the lucky winner of this car in a school drawing for attendance on Friday, May 16th.  His name was drawn from many who have exhibited good attendance throughout the school year.  The school is promoting good school attendance by giving a pizza party each six weeks to those students who have perfect attendance for the six weeks.  The grand prize was this car which students and instructors prepared. 

Pictured L-R:  Mrs. Melinda Dotson, Assistant principal, Burton student Jeffrey J., and Mr. Larry Hamilton, Principal.  Congratulations Jeffrey!
 

This past Christmas students and staff at Norton Elementary School sent cards to service personnel stationed in the Middle East to show their support.  Joe Hughes of Big Stone Gap received one of those cards while serving in the U.S. Army in Iraq.  After returning home Mr. Hughes visited Norton Elementary and expressed how much it meant to receive mail and cards while being stationed so far away. 

Pictured at right are Joe Hughes and NES students Autumn M., Summer M. and Nelson T.   Centered in the background is the photo of the giant American flag made up of NES students and staff that appeared on the Christmas cards.  Thanks to all who have served and continue to serve!
 

Norton City Public Schools and the Southwest Virginia Public Education Consortium, which includes 15 schools,  recently won a $1 Million Federal Grant to Enhance Teaching of American History.  The Teaching American History grant program offers educators opportunities to work with colleges and universities, nonprofit organizations, libraries or museums to learn more about our country's history, culture and democratic tradition.  More information can be found on www.boucher.house.gov.

Pictured left to right:  Dr. David Prior, Chancellor University of Virginia's College at Wise; Dr. Lee Brannon, Superintendent of Norton City Schools; The Honorable Rick Boucher, Congressman, Ninth District of Virginia; Mrs. Barbara Willis, Director of Southwest Virginia Public Education Consortium.
 

Congratulations and happy retirement to the staff members pictured below.  Thank you for your many years of service and dedication.  You all will be truly missed!    Norton Elementary School:  Beth Thomason (5th Grade), Kate Hibbitts (Title I Director) and Judy Davis (Paraprofessional).  J. I. Burton High School:  Vadis Shupe (Mathematics) and John Kuczko (Physical Education and Coaching).  Transportation Staff:  Christine Shupe and Charlie Blanton

Major construction projects are well underway at both of Norton City Schools' two buildings.  After a increase of almost 100% in the cost estimate, the School Board decided to undertake major structural enhancements to the football stadium instead of a complete replacement.  The project is expected to be completed for the Raiders first home football game on August 22nd.  Ground was broken on May 20th for the first phase in the long-awaited renovation project at Norton Elementary, the construction of a new gymnasium.  The NES  project, which is expected to cost $7.3 million, is the single most expensive project in the City of Norton's history.  The project includes in addition to a new gym, a new administrative section, four new classrooms and upgrading of all mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems.  The project is expected to be completed in two years.

WISE COUNTY AND NORTON CITY SCHOOLS VIRGINIA SCHOOL CENSUS 2008 The Wise County and Norton City School Division will conduct the 2008 SCHOOL CENSUS as required by the Code of Virginia, Sections 22.1-281 through 22.1-286 during March 1 – June 30, 2008.  It is very important that a full, accurate count is completed of all persons age  5 – 19.  The amount of State funds received by the school division is based in part on the census results. All census takers will carry proper identification.  Information Requested will be limited to names of parents and their addresses, names of children age 5 – 19 and their dates of birth.  Your kind assistance in providing this information is greatly appreciated.  Questions may be directed to Mr. Greg Mullins, Wise County School Board Office, (276) 328-8017 and Mrs. Stephanie Adams or Mrs. Linda Wilson, Norton City School Board Office, (276) 679-2330. EVERY CHILD COUNTS!

1.  Persons interested in pursuing state certification for bus driver for Norton City schools, click here. 2.  Norton City Schools is applying for federal funds under P.I. 107-110, the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.  The application will be available for review between June 23 and June 30 during normal business hours at Norton City Schools office.  You may call 679-2330 for further information.

Joshua Davis, J. I. Burton Class of '04, graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Richmond Sunday, May 11th.  Josh was the recipient of the outstanding English student for the graduating class of 2008.  He majored in English and majored in history and art history.  Josh was also inducted into Phi Beta Kappa in March.

Virginia School Report Card -  Information on Student Achievement for Norton City Schools and all other Virginia schools.

Norton City Schools Pupil / Teacher Ratio Report