July 19, 2011
Dear Friends of The Commonwealth Governor’s School,
Welcome to The Commonwealth Governor’s School! As Director of The Commonwealth Governor’s School (CGS), I am honored to lead an academically, student centered high school program. The CGS faculty and I hope your high school experience will be enriching, challenging, and successful.
The 2011-2012 school year will be CGS’ thirteenth year of providing academic excellence, pioneering technology and memorable learning experiences to gifted and highly motivated high school students from King George, Stafford and Spotsylvania counties. We are pleased to welcome Caroline County School District as a partner to our regional learning community. The Caroline County school division will be participating in several CGS academic events during the 2011-2012 school year as well as becoming members of The Commonwealth Governor’s School Governing Board. Caroline County high school students will be able to attend CGS as 9th graders beginning in the Fall of 2012.
The Commonwealth Governor’s School students representing the region are very fortunate to be able to participate in such an academically rigorous and interest based learning community. I want to assure you that students who attend CGS are appropriately challenged, exposed to interdisciplinary curriculum, and collaborate on a variety of academically enriching opportunities.
Many of the students already participating in CGS are the leaders in their high schools. They are athletes, members of the debate team, robotics team, and student government. They play in the school band and even become class valedictorians. In and outside of the classroom, students are encouraged and guided to become independent thinkers, appliers of knowledge, and 21st century learners.
The Commonwealth Governor’s School teachers work tirelessly to consider the learning styles, interests, and academic strengths of the students when they develop and present curriculum to the students. Many of the CGS faculty members lead content-based enrichment workshops, tutoring sessions, and service learning opportunities for the CGS students to pursue outside of the school day.
One of the assets that the CGS program has is the ability to expose its students to a variety of field experiences outside of the school setting. Such field experiences include visiting diplomats in the Nation’s Capital, going to a Shakespearian play and exploring one of Virginia’s untapped caves.
Another CGS asset is its strong parental involvement. I am amazed by the enthusiastic dedication, support and love CGS families and the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) gives to CGS students! Without their guidance to our young people and their advocacy as gifted education stakeholders, CGS would not have such an incredible program. The CGS program is always looking for resources, guest speakers, mentors and field experiences that take education out of the traditional classroom. If you or someone you know would like to donate their talents or time to this learning community, please do not hesitate to contact the CGS office.
If you have any questions or comments about the CGS program, feel free to contact me at 540-548-1278. Thank you and I look forward to meeting you this school year.
Most Sincerely,
Merri Kae VanderPloeg
Director