google.com, pub-6370463716499017, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0 AlfaBloggers Best Bloggers Team Of Asia : Aviation Academy parents and students are upset that Newport News Public Schools may move the magnet program from its Airport location to the Denbigh Professional Park.
Showing posts with label Aviation Academy parents and students are upset that Newport News Public Schools may move the magnet program from its Airport location to the Denbigh Professional Park.. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Aviation Academy parents and students are upset that Newport News Public Schools may move the magnet program from its Airport location to the Denbigh Professional Park.. Show all posts

Wednesday 2 January 2013

Aviation Academy parents and students are upset that Newport News Public Schools may move the magnet program from its Airport location to the Denbigh Professional Park.




 Aviation Academy parents and students are upset that Newport News Public Schools may move the magnet program from its Airport location to the Denbigh Professional Park.

The School Board first heard the proposal at its business meeting Dec. 18. Students were notified earlier that afternoon at an assembly, and letters were mailed to parents that week. Among other things, parents said they're upset they weren't told sooner, a delay that they said damaged their trust.

"We feel we were in the dark," said Barbara Bahr, parent and co-president of the Aviation Parents Advisory Committee.




While the move won't happen unless the School Board approves, parents said they believe administrators are misleading its members, and they're afraid their pleas won't be considered.

Daily Press Eyewitness: Submit photos and videos from your mobile device. You might find your picture featured on Page 2 of the Daily Press.

"There's so many questions, and I feel they've made up their minds already," Bahr said.

In a presentation to the board, the district's executive director of secondary school leadership cited opportunities for expanding both the Aviation Academy and the Point Option alternative education program, which is currently housed at the business park.

Under the proposal, Point Option would move to the former Strayer University property on Diligence Drive. Space would be added to the current lease at Denbigh Professional Park to accommodate Aviation Academy students.

School officials said the change would provide better facilities — the current building at the airport needs major repairs — and allow both programs to add more students in the coming years.

While the exact cost is unclear – parents have requested an itemized list – school officials said it would be a wash after factoring in expected savings for future utilities. The lease at Denbigh Professional Park would have to be changed and upgrades are planned in addition to adding space. The airport facility is currently on a month-to-month lease.

But students said they would rather have the dated airport building that allows them to be immersed in the aviation experience than move to the new location among medical offices on a busy road.

"Fix our roof. Don't give us a new building," junior Samantha Hetrick said.

Hetrick, 17, said the Aviation Academy is unique because students can watch planes take off while they eat in the cafeteria, walk over to the airport to discuss with experts what they learn in the classroom, and watch the president board Air Force One.

"That's a huge deal...when are you going to see that?" she said. "We're losing what makes Aviation, Aviation."

The specialized four-year program focuses on careers in engineering with an emphasis on aviation and computers. Courses prepare students for flying lessons and private pilot licensure.

Parents and students said they don't think the expansion will recruit new students as the location is what pulled them in.

"It was the wow factor," parent Robert Miller said.

Miller, like other parents, said one of his main concerns about the new building is security. The business park has several entrances where people come and go all day. The current location is not only secluded, but also has the advantage of airport security nearby.

Newport News Public Schools spokeswoman Michelle Price said she expects a security guard would be assigned to the Denbigh Professional Park. She said parents are welcome to tour the new facility at 1 p.m. Thursday.

Parents will have an opportunity to express their concerns to administrators at the Aviation Parents Advisory Committee meeting, which is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday at the airport location. Price said administrators plan to talk to students Jan. 7 and 8, with a parent information meeting planned for 7 p.m. Jan. 9.

Price said the most important thing to note is that "it's not a done deal."

Following the meetings, and after reviewing the suggestions, ideas and input, the superintendent will make a recommendation to the School Board, she said.

The board is scheduled to vote at its next business meeting at 7 p.m. Jan. 15, in the auditorium at the Newport News Public Schools Administration Building, 12465 Warwick Blvd.











Kingfisher has to convince DGCA on revival plan: Ajit Singh
Hindustan Times
Civil aviation minister Ajit Singh on Wednesday said Kingfisher Airlines (KFA) will have to convince the aviation regulator with a revival plan for renewal of its flying permit. “If Kingfisher wants to fly again, they have to satisfy the DGCA,” Ajit ...
See all stories on this topic »
Kingfisher Airlines should revive for its employees, passengers: Ajit Singh
Economic Times
NEW DELHI: With uncertainty over the revival of Kingfisher airlines, Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh today said the airline should present a satisfactory operating plan to the DGCA and work on its rescue plans for the sake of its employees ...
See all stories on this topic »

Economic Times
Kingfisher Airlines to pay Rs 14K to flier for loss of luggage
Times of India
"Failure to trace out the missing bag of the complainant admittedly reported on July 27, 2007 constitute deficiency in service on the part of opposite party (Kingfisher Airlines)," said the bench presided by Narendra Kumar. The forum, however, refused ...
See all stories on this topic »
Etihad may decide on deal with Jet Airways or Kingfisher Airlines in 10 days
Economic Times
The ministry source went on to add that Etihad has not yet decided whether it will invest in Jet Airways or the debt-laden Kingfisher Airlines that has not taken to the skies since October last year and also has an expired air operating permit. "Etihad ...
See all stories on this topic »

Economic Times
Kingfisher Airlines loses operating license
ArabianBusiness.com
Kingfisher is permitted to renew the license within two years, according to DGCA regulations, and the airline claims it is “confident of securing approval from the DGCA on the restart plan, license approval and reinstatement of its operating permit...
See all stories on this topic »

ArabianBusiness.com
India needs more, not less Kingfishers
Livemint
While Mallya has been accused of trying to use his political clout to influence aviation policy in his favour, the aviation business in India hasn't been a model of perfect competition. Photo: Ramesh Pathania/Mint ...
See all stories on this topic »

Livemint
Kingfisher loses flying permit
Breaking Travel News
Kingfisher Airlines has taken one more step toward the edge, with the Indian airline losing its flying permit after a deadline to renew its suspended license expired. The debt-ridden carrier has been grounded since October after repeated strikes by ...
See all stories on this topic »

Breaking Travel News
Kingfisher trouble: Employees threaten to quit
Daily Bhaskar
New Delhi: Vijay Mallya owned troubled airline, Kingfisher Airlines troubles just got bigger. As per latest reports, the employees have threaten to quit the cash strapped company, if their dues are not cleared at the earliest. Now that the airline has ...
See all stories on this topic »