Email: rkahila@mail.mcps.org
Shawsville Middle School
Principal's Page
SMS Principal 2000-Present: Ms. Rebecca Counts
Email: rkahila@mail.mcps.org
Ms. Counts is a native of
Southwestern Virginia. She grew up at Janey, Virginia and attended Garden
Elementary and Garden High Schools. Her mother, Marie Counts, was an
elementary school teacher for 30 years and her father, Harry Counts, was a hard
rock miner. She is the middle child of 5 boys and 3 girls. Upon
graduation from Virginia Tech in 1977, Ms. Counts began teaching English at
Franklin County High School in Rocky Mount, Virginia. When she completed
her Master's Degree in Educational Administration at Virginia Tech in
1995, Roanoke City Schools offered her a position as Assistant Principal at
Woodrow Wilson Middle School. She served there under the leadership of Kay
Duffy for 2 years until Woodrow Wilson closed for renovation. At that time
Ms. Counts was appointed Assistant Principal at Breckinridge Middle
School. After three years in that position, Ms. Counts began her tenure as
the principal of Shawsville Middle School.
"I hope to be here for a long
time," Ms. Counts said. "It feels like home to me."
School Climate
Bullying Prevention:
Shawsville Middle School
received a Governor's Safe and Drug-Free Schools Grant in partnership with New
River Valley Community services to implement Olweus' research-based Bullying
Prevention Program. This program utilizes a comprehensive, multi-level
approach to reduce bullying/victim problems, improve peer relations, and improve
the overall school climate. Activities include the training of faculty and
staff, establishment of school/class rules against bullying with appropriate
consequences that are consistently enforced, class discussions on bullying, and
serious talks with bullies, victims, and their parents. For more
information, contact the SMS Guidance Counselor or Bullying Prevention
Coordinator, Bonnie Smith. Check out this web site for more information
about bullying.
http://www.colorado.edu/cspv/safeschools/bullying/overview.html
Opportunities for Parent and Community Member Involvement:
1. Fun Shops: This award-winning program gives parents and community members the opportunity to share with students their hobbies, crafts, and careers. Students participate in workshops provided by volunteers once a month. Some of the most popular topics have included ballroom dancing, archery, cooking, crafting, and pets. If you have a talent or hobby to share, contact Ms. Counts to connect with a teacher sponsor.
2. PTA: The PTA Board meets once a month. All members are welcome to attend.
3. Boys and Girls Club: SMS welcomes the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. Our newly founded club is funded by a federal 21st Century Learning grant. The funding will support an after school program and a summer camp for the next three years, giving us the time to build local support to continue the club. Contact the school office personnel for information about the SMS B&G Club.
In every community, boys and girls are left to find their own recreation and companionship in the streets. An increasing number of children are at home with no adult care or supervision. Young people need to know that someone cares about them.
Boys & Girls Clubs offer that and more. Club programs and services promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence.
Boys & Girls Clubs are a safe place to learn and grow – all while having fun. They are truly The Positive Place For Kids.
Your Support Matters! Today's young people face life-threatening challenges on a daily basis -- substance abuse, neglect, AIDS, poverty -- the list is far too long. If our youth are to grow up and become productive citizens of society -- often if they are to grow up at all -- they need a place where they can be just kids. They need caring adults to help them develop the skills and self-confidence to say "no" to dangerous pastimes. Boys & Girls Clubs offer that -- and much more.
As the nation's fastest-growing youth service organization, Boys & Girls Clubs of America serves millions of young people ages 6-18. Our legacy of positive youth development dates back to 1860 when the first Club was founded for young people in need of a place to call their own. The story of Boys & Girls Clubs is the story of America -- filled with challenge, opportunity and hope.
Throughout our history, we have always held a special concern for children from disadvantaged circumstances. Our comprehensive youth development programs and services provide young people with the skills to overcome their challenges and become responsible citizens and leaders.
Your investment in Boys & Girls Clubs of America helps guarantee a strong future for our young people and our nation. We invite you to invest in America's future. The choice is yours, but everyone shares the rewards -- especially the children who represent America's future. If you would like to make a donation to support the Boys and Girls Clubs of Southwestern Virginia, please contact Ms. Counts.
Teachers at Shawsville Middle post all homework assignments on this web site. Click on the link above and type in the Shawsville zip code, 24162. The next screen will display teachers’ names and classes. Find your child’s teacher, click, and you should be able to view the week’s assignments. If the pages have not been updated, please notify Ms. Counts.
