SERVING ALL HANOVER COUNTY COMMUNITIES Volume 39, No. 37
•
Richmond Suburban News
•
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
Hanover softball rebuilds culture while remaining undefeated PAGE 14
Strawberry Faire Scholarship Committee makes big announcement PAGE A2
Kinser named Beginning Teacher of the Year Coyotes in COMMUNITY REPORT
Hannah Kinser, a third grade teacher at John M. Gandy Elementary School (JGES), has been named the 2022-23 Hanover County Public Schools (HCPS) Beginning Teacher of the Year. “It is such an honor! It truly has shown me that hard work really does pay off. I am not good at talking about myself, but I can recognize that I do much more than teach the Standards of Learning,” said Kinser, a Virginia Commonwealth University alumna. “I try to put 100% into the relationships with my students and their families. This along with making learning fun, engaging, and equitable can be exhausting. Being recognized makes all the hard work feel worth it and like I am making a difference!” Dr. Michael Gill, Superintendent of Schools, made the announcement on Thursday, May 11 at a JGES staff meeting, surprising Kinser, an HCPS alumna, in front of her family, co-workers, and even Amy Williams, a former HCPS principal who taught Kinser when she was in elementary school and helped inspire her to become a teacher. “It has been so rewarding to be able to work in the county I grew
have loved it. Being able to give back to the community in any way makes me happy, but especially being able to do so in my classroom!” John M. Gandy Elementary School principal Leigh Finch said Kinser is a “natural educator.” “She develops relationships with students and all other stakeholders including parents, support staff, instructional coaches, and siblings! Through these relationships she is able to reach every single student she teaches,” Finch said. “Ms. Kinser excels equally at meeting her students’ needs – both academically and emotionally. Ms. Kinser reflects on every lesson she delivers and constantly seeks to improve her teaching. We are grateful to have her as part of the Gandy family!” Each year, HCPS selects one new teacher for this distinguished award who exhibits several qualities, such as: being inspirational, PHOTO COURTESY OF HANOVER COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS poised, articulate, and knowledgeable; exceptionally skilled and dedHanover County Public Schools 2023 Beginning Teacher of the Year Hannah Kinser, right, shares a moment with Amy Williams, a former HCPS icated; respected and admired by teacher and principal. Williams taught Kinser when she was in elementary students, parents, and colleagues; and actively and meaningfully inschool and helped inspire her to become a teacher. volved in their school and comup in. I went to school in Mechan- said. “Getting my job at Gandy has munity. icsville and was always volunteer- allowed me to become familiar with —Submitted by Hanover County Public Schools ing on that side of the county,” she the western side of Hanover and I
Call 804.420.9798 or visit HarmonyatHanover.com to Schedule a Tour.
Hanover? Yes, one study finds
DR. RICHARD GROOVER
Contributing Writer
Have you seen a coyote in Central Virginia? In the last 50 years Virginia has seen a new wildlife resident. The coyote, Canis latrans, is a remarkable case of survival and adaptability, but they are a hated species for some pet and livestock owners. Dealing with them can be difficult. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources reports that a conservative estimate of coyotes in Virginia is 50,000. Some people have seen them for brief moments. Many say they have heard them howling at night. Some citizens report the disappearance of small pets. Farmers are seen small livestock like chicken Please see COYOTES, Page 13
ASSISTED LIVING INDEPENDENT LIVING MEMORY CARE