This week, we proudly celebrate National School Counseling Week, recognizing the vital role school counselors play as essential school mental health professionals supporting student success and well-being.
Today’s school counselors are so much more than “guidance counselors.” The profession has evolved into a comprehensive, data-informed practice focused on academic achievement, career readiness, and social-emotional development. Professional school counselors are trained mental health professionals who provide direct support to students while also working to remove systemic barriers to learning.
Here in Virginia, school counselors are deeply committed to helping all students reach their full potential. They collaborate with educators, families, and community partners to foster school environments that promote healthy learning, living, and personal growth. This commitment is reflected in Virginia’s requirement that counselors spend at least 80% of their time providing direct counseling services to students.
National School Counseling Week is a time to say thank you and to celebrate the lasting impact school counselors have on our students, schools, and communities. 💙
🌟 Nominate a Navigator of the Quarter for Q2! 🌟
Middlesex County Public Schools invites our community — families and staff alike — to recognize the outstanding Navigators who go above and beyond every day. 🧭
Each quarter, we’ll celebrate staff who exemplify our key priorities:
✨ Deeper Learning
🌱 Positive Learning Environment
💪 Capacity Building
🤝 Community Engagement
The selected Navigator of the Quarter will be announced at the next School Board meeting!
📋 Submit your nomination today and help us honor those making a difference.
Nomination Form
Twelve month staff, please report at 10:00 a.m.
When routines change, and big feelings show up, parent guidance and one-on-one coaching can help make daily moments feel more manageable. From navigating behavior challenges to building confidence and connection, support makes the winter days feel brighter.
You don’t have to do this alone.
Scan the code or visit cookcenter.info/coaching to get started.
January 26-31, 2026
Shapes, Sizes, and Big Discoveries! 📐✨
Throughout this month, Kindergarten and 1st-grade Colts have conducted a deep dive into geometry and measurement. 📏
Students have been busy mastering essential vocabulary and getting hands-on with various measurement tools! It’s been fun watching them explore different units of measurement to compare:
Length: Using rulers and cubes to determine how long or short objects are. 📏
Mass: Using scales to compare & feel the difference between heavy and light items. ⚖️
Volume: Exploring how much space liquids or solids take up in different containers. 🧪
We’ve enjoyed watching Colts build, sort, and measure their way through these interactive lessons!
🍎✨Continuation of Virginia Principals Week ✨🍎
Middlesex County Public Schools proudly celebrates the dedicated leaders who guide, inspire, and support our schools every day.
Today, we are excited to recognize Ms. Danielle Daniel, Principal of Middlesex Elementary School. Mrs. Daniel’s passion for student success, nurturing school culture, and strong community connections helps create a welcoming environment where young learners feel safe, supported, and inspired to grow. Her leadership lays the foundation for lifelong learning and achievement.
Thank you, Mrs. Daniel, for your commitment to our students, staff, and families. 💙
Join us for Ask a Therapist Live with our renowned family therapist, Dr. Kevin Skinner. Participants anonymously submit questions to receive thoughtful, personalized answers.
Tuesday, January 27; 8pm Eastern
Register here:
https://bit.ly/4sQMikx
So much to celebrate for our students in January!
Our students are showing up and showing OUT across academics, arts, and athletics!
🎶 District Band Honors
👏 Madeline Inge – Clarinet
👏 Ryan Lorenzo-Sprouse – Euphonium
🌟 Wyatt Davis – Oboe (1st chair overall & All-State audition eligible!)
📣 Cheer Team Debut
SCW’s cheer team made their official debut at Wednesday night’s boys’ basketball game against Richmond County — and brought the energy!
🏀 Basketball Wins
Congratulations to our basketball teams for their wins last week!
We are so proud of the dedication, talent, and hard work our students continue to show.
🍎✨ Virginia Principals Week ✨🍎
This week, Middlesex County Public Schools proudly celebrates the dedicated leaders who guide, inspire, and support our schools every day.
Today, we are excited to recognize Mrs. Danielle Daniel, Principal of Middlesex Elementary School. Ms. Daniel’s passion for student success, nurturing school culture, and strong community connections helps create a welcoming environment where young learners feel safe, supported, and inspired to grow. Her leadership lays the foundation for lifelong learning and achievement.
Thank you, Mrs. Daniel, for your commitment to our students, staff, and families. 💙
January 26, 2026
Friday, January 16, 2026
12:15 pm
🍎✨ Virginia Principals Week ✨🍎
This week, Middlesex County Public Schools proudly celebrates the incredible leaders who guide, inspire, and support our schools each day.
Today, we are honored to recognize Dr. Elizabeth Sanders, Principal of St. Clare Walker Middle School. Dr. Sanders’ commitment to student growth, academic excellence, and a positive school culture helps create an environment where students feel supported, challenged, and empowered to succeed. Her leadership makes a meaningful difference in the lives of students, staff, and families throughout the school community.
Thank you, Dr. Sanders, for your dedication and leadership. 💙
🍎✨ Virginia Principals Week ✨🍎
This week, Middlesex County Public Schools proudly celebrates the leaders who guide, inspire, and support our schools every day.
Today, we shine the spotlight on Mrs. Susan Fleet, Principal of Middlesex High School. Her dedication to students, staff, and the entire school community makes a lasting impact far beyond the classroom walls. Through her leadership, commitment, and care, Middlesex High School continues to be a place where students are encouraged to grow, succeed, and believe in themselves.
Thank you, Mrs. Fleet, for all you do to lead with heart and purpose. 💙
