BY MILES LAYTON
Here are some important notes about Tangier Combined School happenings – thanks goes to TCS educator Loni Charnock for these notes.
To our readers living away from the Island, these stories capture the essence of a caring community and help paint a picture of life in Tangier, showing why it’s a great place to live and very much worth saving.
As always, if you have any news tips, please send them mileslayton1969@gmail.com
Dr. Rosati, happy birthday!
Happy Birthday Dr. Rosati – Beloved Principal Retiring
Dr. Rosati recently celebrated her birthday and will shortly be celebrating her retirement. Under Rosati’s leadership, TCS has regained its momentum. Her first priority is always the students. She was quick to learn their preferences and dislikes as well as their sports teams. Rosati is firm, but also realizes that these students are kids and that they are still learning. Rosati has high expectations for students and teachers alike. She has allowed us to keep all of our TCS traditions but has also exposed us to new ideas. She will be missed and we hope she has a happy retirement.
TCS Alum Gives Back to Hometown Through Teaching and Public Service
Shortly after graduating from TCS in 1987, Kelly Wheatley married Paul, a self-employed waterman. She has two children, Ashley and Jonathon, and three grandchildren Harlow, Oliver, and Waylon. She is also a dog mom to Nyla and Mae. Kelly started working as a substitute teacher back in 2005 and then later became a student support monitor. She is currently working as an instructional assistant in the 5th grade. Her class is taught via Zoom by teachers from Pungoteague Elementary School.
TCS educator Kelly Wheatley also serves on Tangier Town Council
Kelly says that having class through Zoom can have its challenges, but she feels that the students have adjusted well. She enjoys watching her students learn and grow. Some of Kelly’s favorite pastimes are gathering eggs from her chickens, singing in the choir at her church, and getting her gift shop ready for tourist season. She was also recently elected to the Tangier Town Council and really enjoys serving her community.
“I am thankful to the Lord for my job and all his many blessings,” Kelly said.
Editor’s NOTE – Kelly, others are doing an excellent job serving on the Town Council. Thank you for your service.
TCS Alum Teaches English, Art
Corinne Pruitt graced the world with her presence 31 years ago, and we have not known peace since. She started Kindergarten at TCS in 1999 and was one of only two students that year. She graduated from TCS in 2012. Corinne attended Old Dominion University and graduated in May 2017 with a degree in PreK-12 Art Education. She taught at Franklin High School in Franklin, VA for two years before braving the treacherous journey back home to Tangier to teach English and Art to her babies.
Corine Pruitt (Center) is a beloved educator who is making a difference at TCS.
Student reviews on Miss Corinne:
“Infinity out of 5 stars. She always knows how to make me laugh and helps me with my personal problems.” – Emilee Parks (9th grade)
“100,000,000,000,000 out of 5 stars. She is a very helpful teacher and she is cool and creative. We bond over Hamilton and anime.” – Lacee Evans (9th grade)
“3.8 out of 5 stars because I don’t like writing a lot of notes. She’s alright though.” – Parker Shores (7th grade)
“5 out of 5. She’s chill.” – Tyler Giles (8th grade)
Corinne has a fiance, Adam, and a dog-son named Walter (who is a menace to society, like his mom).
In her free time, Corinne enjoys drawing, painting, making any kind of art in general, reading, taking naps, going for walks on the beach to find cool stuff, and being a whimsical dude. She loves her students and wants to help each one succeed and also find their creative side. Corinne believes that everyone is an artist in some way and encourages anyone who is interested to try a new artistic hobby.
TCS Students Attend Model General Assembly
Duane Crockett had the privilege of taking five great students to the Model General Assembly in Richmond. These girls worked so hard to prepare, write, and debate a bill of their choosing. Ava Marshall presented the bill to the Senate Committee/Floor and Peyton Pruitt to the House Committee/Floor. We’re happy to report that our bill passed! Above all their professionalism, they were so well behaved.
Left to right: Lacee Evans, Ava Marshall, Emilee Parks, Peyton Pruitt, and Lola Parks.
Let’s Take a Trip
Elementary students traveled to the Virginia Beach Aquarium, and middle and high school students explored Washington D.C. Thanks to the community of Tangier for supporting our fundraising events, and thanks to ACPS for allowing us this special opportunity for an authentic learning experience.
Authors and Illustrators in the Making
Move over, Earl Swift, who wrote a famous book about Tangier – TCS second and third graders wrote and illustrated a book about Tangier and recently had it published. Who knows, maybe one of these students will become famous one day!
5th Grade Scientists
Rahab Charnock, Mya Trumble and Jacob Parks participated in Pungateague’s Science Fair. Each student chose a topic to investigate using the scientific method. They traveled to the Eastern Shore to present their project. We appreciate being included in all of these special events.
Mathematics in Action
SOL preparation is in full swing. Pictured below is Mrs. Moore’s 7th grade class working hard on a math test.
April Fool’s Day
April Fools at TCS included nasty lunch options, a treat of brown “e’s, stuffed animal students, a hunt for the loof lirpa, Lukas Thomas as principal for the day, and a college student, Mr. C.
Dinner with Lukas and the Gang
High School students held a fundraiser at Lorraine’s Restaurant to raise money for their field trip and the prom. Some students waited tables and others were busboys. At the end of the night, the students raised $950 in tips. A special thanks to Jamie Parks and the staff at Lorraine’s for allowing us to hold this event here each year.
Breakfast Fundraiser
Middle and high school students held a breakfast fundraiser to help raise money for the prom and their field trip to Washington, D.C. Students arrived at school bright and early and helped prepare a delicious breakfast that consisted of homemade pancakes, bacon, hash browns, and danishes. They served the community in the school cafeteria and also made some deliveries throughout town. They raised over $1,000.
Spring Fest
To help raise money for the Elementary field trip to the Virginia Beach Aquarium, elementary teachers and parents held a bazaar. The community enjoyed an evening of crafts, homemade treats, and even a visit from the Easter bunny. This event pulled in another $1,000.
Tangier Island, Virginia 