Essex County Public Schools
Pathways to Excellence
Dream Team Meetup Q&A Sign-up
Please complete this form if you would like to sign up to ask a question, share a comment, offer a suggestion, or express a feeling (positive or negative) during the Q&A portion of the Meetup.
Signing up in advance is optional—you will still have the opportunity to ask questions and participate during the session even if you do not complete this form beforehand.
https://forms.gle/oWdiYga2RdGgSNHk8
Please complete this form if you would like to sign up to ask a question, share a comment, offer a suggestion, or express a feeling (positive or negative) during the Q&A portion of the Meetup.
Signing up in advance is optional—you will still have the opportunity to ask questions and participate during the session even if you do not complete this form beforehand.
https://forms.gle/oWdiYga2RdGgSNHk8
The Dream Team Meetup
Session 1 - June 30th @ 6 pm Essex High School Auditorium - ECPS Faculty & Staff
Session 2 - July 1st @ 6 pm Essex High School Auditorium - Students, Families, & Community Partners
The Essex County School Board will hold a Special Called Meeting on Monday, June 15, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at the Essex County School Board Office.
Superintendent's Performance Survey - The purpose of this survey is to provide you with an opportunity to offer feedback on the superintendent’s performance based on your knowledge and experience to date. While we recognize that significant work remains, the information gathered will be valuable and used to support ongoing improvement efforts, especially in light of the unique circumstances surrounding this school year.
https://forms.gle/TrvhYa5AzLAP4eYHA
Smile Virginia Mobile Dentists Coming to ECPS Mar. 20!
Mark your calendars for March 20! The Smile Virginia Mobile Dentists will be on-site at Essex High School, providing services for ECPS scholars who are pre-registered.
ESSENTIALS TO KNOW:
What: Dental services for ECPS scholars
• Scholars covered by Medicaid or Virginia FAMIS will receive dental services at no cost.
• Private insurance and self-pay options will also be available.
When: Mar. 20, during school hours. Pre-registration is required.
Where: Essex High School, 833 High School Circle, Tappahannock
IMPORTANT EXTRAS (Please Read!):
• Park in the visitor parking lot near the commons entrance.
• Enter through the main office. Check-in is required.
• A photo ID is required for entry into the school.
• Parent/guardian must remain on-site the entire time. No drop-offs.
• Pre-registration is MANDATORY to receive services. No exceptions. Register before Mar. 20; registration on the "day of" will NOT be available. Only pre-registered students will be eligible for services.
Families unable to register online can complete a paper registration form in the main office of Essex High School before Mar. 20.
• Transportation for TES and JCIS scholars to and from the high school will need to be provided by families
Smile Virginia Registration Link: https://www.myschooldentist.com/37229_sch
More event/registration details, along with dental health resources, are available in the included flyers.
EARLY COLLEGE ACADEMY INTEREST MEETINGS
UPDATE TO THE FEB. 26 MEETING
The Early College Academy Interest Meeting for 10th Grade Scholars & Families has been changed to a virtual-only event. A new meeting link has been created and is available below.
Thursday, Feb. 26 · 6–7 p.m.
Time zone: America/New_York
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/miy-vubn-myt
Or dial: (US) +1 706-810-6524 PIN: 117 398 914#
More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/miy-vubn-myt?pin=9421260368475
Scholars and their families interested in the Early College Academy are invited to attend one of our upcoming interest meetings. For more information, contact Ms. Vicky Boone, Specialized Programs Coordinator, by email at vboone@essex.k12.va.us.
Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026, Virtual ONLY:
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/79344627483...
RESCHEDULED DATE:
Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, In‑Person Meeting (with a virtual option available), Virtual access:
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/75930529422...
Due to inclement weather, the Chesapeake Bay Governor’s School Open House scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 9, has been postponed; however, the Parent Information Session for parents of prospective 9th-grade students (interested in attending CBGS) will still be held tomorrow, Dec. 9, virtually via Google Meet. Please see the flyer for the meeting link.
The Application Window for Chesapeake Bay Governor’s School is Now Open! Don't miss out - apply today! See the flyer for more details, and click the link to apply - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScM0uPrYB-AHcasv9JUcZGb9tnzBze0kD50yIrANmiAYSBufg/viewform.
Parent-Teacher Conference Day is Nov. 4! It is not too late to schedule a conference.
EHS & JCIS Parents: Please click on the appropriate link to schedule your conference time.
TES Parents: Please complete and return the conference registration form that was sent home with your child.
If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact your child’s school.
Mr. Williams Named Director of Special Education
Michael B. Williams, a proud native of East Orange, New Jersey, began his career in exceptional education in 2011 as a teacher at Lucille M. Brown Middle School in Richmond, Virginia. Since then, he has dedicated himself to supporting students of all ages, from first graders just beginning their educational journey to post-graduate learners preparing for the next chapter of their lives. His experience spans both public schools and private day school settings, where he has consistently worked to create learning environments that are inclusive, supportive, and student-centered.
After serving as a private day school administrator, Michael transitioned into district leadership, assuming the role of Exceptional Education Coordinator for Caroline County Public Schools. In this role, he built strong relationships with families, staff, and the community while ensuring that students with exceptional needs had the resources and opportunities they deserved. He now brings that same energy, commitment, and vision to the role of Director of Special Education for Essex County Public Schools, where he will continue to advocate for equity, access, and high expectations for all learners.
Michael holds a B.A. from Seton Hall University, an M.Ed. from Virginia State University, and a K–12 Administration and Supervision endorsement from George Mason University. Beyond his credentials, what drives his work is a deep belief in the potential of every student and the importance of preparing them not only for academic success but also for life beyond the classroom.
Michael B. Williams, a proud native of East Orange, New Jersey, began his career in exceptional education in 2011 as a teacher at Lucille M. Brown Middle School in Richmond, Virginia. Since then, he has dedicated himself to supporting students of all ages, from first graders just beginning their educational journey to post-graduate learners preparing for the next chapter of their lives. His experience spans both public schools and private day school settings, where he has consistently worked to create learning environments that are inclusive, supportive, and student-centered.
After serving as a private day school administrator, Michael transitioned into district leadership, assuming the role of Exceptional Education Coordinator for Caroline County Public Schools. In this role, he built strong relationships with families, staff, and the community while ensuring that students with exceptional needs had the resources and opportunities they deserved. He now brings that same energy, commitment, and vision to the role of Director of Special Education for Essex County Public Schools, where he will continue to advocate for equity, access, and high expectations for all learners.
Michael holds a B.A. from Seton Hall University, an M.Ed. from Virginia State University, and a K–12 Administration and Supervision endorsement from George Mason University. Beyond his credentials, what drives his work is a deep belief in the potential of every student and the importance of preparing them not only for academic success but also for life beyond the classroom.
School Bus Drivers Needed!
Essex County Public Schools is seeking dedicated school bus drivers. Apply today and be a hero tomorrow.
Reminder for Families!
Schools will be closed on Friday, Aug. 29, and Monday, Sept. 1, in observance of Labor Day.
Welcome Back Staff!
Join us to learn more about the Teach Forward Program!
An informational meeting will be held on August 8 from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Essex County School Board Office, located at 109 Cross Street, Tappahannock, VA 22560. Explore how you can gain hands-on experience as a substitute teacher while earning your Associate’s degree in Elementary Education (PreK–6) at Rappahannock Community College!
The Essex County School Board is seeking a candidate from the Central
Voting District to serve on the School Board. If interested, please submit
a letter of interest and resume to:
Sharon Saunders, Clerk
Essex County School Board
P.O. Box 756
Tappahannock, VA 22560
or
Email to ssaunders@essex.k12.va.us.
Deadline to submit is June 27, 2025.
Rashaad Pitt joins Essex County Public Schools as the 2025-2026 EHS Principal. A native of New York, Mr. Pitt began his journey in education in 2006 as a passionate history teacher with Petersburg City Public Schools. Over the past 19 years, he has brought his deep commitment to student growth and equity to a variety of educational settings, including Chesterfield County Public Schools, the Department of Juvenile Justice, Hampton City Schools, Charlottesville City Schools, and Richmond Public Schools. His educational experience includes
roles such as teacher, middle school success coordinator, high school dean of students, and career academy principal. Most recently, Mr. Pitt served as an assistant principal with Richmond Public Schools, where he focused on cultivating a strong school culture, implementing restorative practices, and
supporting educator development. Prior to that, he served as principal of Charlottesville High School, leading school-wide efforts in instruction, equity, and community engagement.
Mr. Pitt is a seasoned instructional leader whose areas of expertise include restorative justice, professional development, and community outreach. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Virginia State University, a Master of Science in Education with a concentration in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership.
Outside of his school leadership roles, Mr. Pitt is the co-author of Next in Line to Lead: Voices of Assistant Principals and is preparing to release his forthcoming book, Leading Through the Fire: Lessons from a New Administrator’s Journey: A Candid And Practical Guide For Aspiring School Leaders.
While proud of his professional accomplishments, Mr. Pitt finds his greatest joy in the growth of his own children. He is the father of three amazing children—Talia (17), Jayla (15), and Elijah (14)—and, most importantly, the proud husband of fellow educator and life partner, Charmaine.
Dana Hawes joins Essex County Public Schools as the 2025-2026 JCIS Principal with over 25 years of distinguished service as an award-winning educator and instructional leader, dedicated to improving outcomes for marginalized youth across public and private schools in the Greater Richmond Metro Area.
His career includes teaching English and Pre-GED courses for the Department of Correctional Education and serving in various school leadership roles, including principalships in Richmond and Henrico County, a regional juvenile detention center in Northern Virginia, and most recently, Greensville County High School, where he led the school to full accreditation. He also served as the inaugural principal of The Refocus Center in Greensville County.
Dr. Hawes holds a BA in English and Mass Communications and an Ed.D. from Virginia State University, as well as a Master’s from Walden University and a Post-Master’s in Educational Leadership from George Washington University. He is also a proud combat veteran of the United States Army.
Dr. Marvin Jones has been appointed as the Superintendent of Schools for Essex County, bringing with him more than 33 years of distinguished service and leadership in public education. A dedicated educator and administrator, Dr. Jones holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Delaware State University, a Master’s degree in School Administration and Supervision from Bowie State University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
Dr. Jones began his career as an elementary school teacher in
Prince George’s County, Maryland, where he served for eight years before advancing to Vice Principal in Charles County. Over the next 13 years, he held key leadership positions, including serving as Principal at multiple schools and later Executive Director of Schools, where he played a pivotal role in opening Charles County’s newest high school and successfully guiding a middle school through uniquely significant challenges. His exceptional leadership earned him the prestigious James E. Richmond Leadership in Excellence Award in 2019.
Prior to his appointment in Essex County Public Schools, Dr. Jones served as Chief of Schools for Charles County Public Schools, overseeing the daily operations of 43 schools, county-wide extracurricular programs, and critical departments such as School Safety and Security, Student Engagement and Conduct, and Community Engagement and Equity.
Recognized for his motivational speaking and commitment to equity, he was featured in African American Pride Magazine (2019) for his contributions to education. As Superintendent, Dr. Jones is committed to advancing Essex County’s “Pathways to Excellence” vision, ensuring the district reaches new heights in academic achievement and operational quality. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he is an active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, and a devoted husband and father of three.
🚍 Happy Bus Driver Appreciation Day! 🚍
Thank you to our amazing bus drivers for keeping our students safe and smiling every day. We appreciate all you do! 💛
EHS Newsletter April 2025
