Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBSchools) recently used its official Twitter account to share updates on community engagement initiatives and student-led environmental efforts.
On March 17, VBSchools announced that the School Board is seeking new members for its Community Advisory Committees. The tweet stated: “VBCPS School Board is seeking parents, staff, and community members to serve on various Community Advisory Committees. If you are interested in making a difference and sharing your voice, submit an application and letter of interest to the Clerk of the School Board by Friday, https://t.co/efZCzFb9wF”.
Later that day, VBSchools highlighted a student-driven conservation initiative at Seatack Elementary’s An Achievable Dream Academy. According to their post from March 17: “Students at Seatack Elementary’s An Achievable Dream Academy are helping protect wildlife through Virginia’s first balloon recycling bin. Thanks to Clean Virginia Waterways, students and families can recycle used balloons instead of tossing them away. #WeAreVBSchools https://t.co/F2xTEKAZA1”. This project was made possible through collaboration with Clean Virginia Waterways, an organization focused on preventing water pollution by promoting sustainable waste management practices.
On March 18, VBSchools promoted another opportunity for community involvement by inviting participation in choosing a mascot for The Beacon, their Mobile Resource Truck operated by the Office of Family and Community Engagement. The tweet read: “Help us give The Beacon, our Mobile Resource Truck, a face to match its mission! The Office of Family and Community Engagement (@VBFACE1) invites students, staff, and the community to vote for The Beacon’s official mascot. Cast your vote now through April 3: https://t.co/97q2gKYjvD”.
Community advisory committees play an important role in connecting local stakeholders with school policy decisions. Efforts such as these are part of ongoing strategies by public school systems nationwide to increase transparency and responsiveness in education governance.
Environmental programs like the balloon recycling bin at Seatack Elementary reflect broader trends toward sustainability in schools across Virginia. Partnerships with organizations such as Clean Virginia Waterways help advance these goals by providing resources for responsible disposal options and raising awareness about pollution prevention.
The introduction of initiatives like selecting a mascot for The Beacon also underscores efforts to strengthen engagement between schools and their communities while supporting access to family services through mobile outreach programs.
