2025 SESSION

INTRODUCED

25100200D

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 556

Offered January 29, 2025

Commending Newport News Public Schools Youth Development.

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Patrons—Green and Price; Senator: Diggs

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WHEREAS, Newport News Public Schools Youth Development promotes student success both in and out of the classroom and works with local stakeholders to build quality programming that enhances the overall well-being of all students in the school division; and

WHEREAS, Newport News Public Schools Youth Development strives to create positive experiences and supportive environments to ensure that every student feels seen, heard, understood, and valued; and

WHEREAS, through its intentional, prosocial approach, Newport News Public Schools Youth Development helps young people engage with their peers, schools, and communities in a constructive way that promotes positive outcomes for all involved; and

WHEREAS, Newport News Public Schools Youth Development emphasizes student empowerment and leadership, inclusivity, positive school culture, and mentoring, while teaching essential social and emotional skills; and

WHEREAS, Newport News Public Schools Youth Development encourages every student in the school division to participate in at least one of the nearly 1,000 student organizations, sports teams, or other enrichment opportunities operating across the school division; and

WHEREAS, by creating positive norms, expectations, and perspectives in physically and emotionally safe environments, Newport News Public Schools Youth Development helps students build healthy relationships and develop a sense of belonging within the wider community; and

WHEREAS, Newport News Public Schools Youth Development has also designed and implemented innovative violence prevention initiatives that emphasize empowerment, service learning, and emotional health; and

WHEREAS, Newport News Public Schools Youth Development has a unique infrastructure of dedicated school-based teams that increase the school division's ability to implement evidence-based programming at every school for nearly 26,000 students in grades pre-K through 12; and

WHEREAS, Newport News Public Schools Youth Development ensures that all students have access to these critical programs regardless of their background; and

WHEREAS, Newport News Public Schools Youth Development was recognized with the 2024 Silver Magna Award by the National School Boards Association, which featured the division's accomplishments in the April 2024 edition of the American School Board Journal; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Newport News Public Schools Youth Development for its work to give students the tools and support they need to succeed in the classroom and become leaders in the community; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Newport News Public Schools Youth Development as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the program's vital mission and contributions to young people in Newport News.