Mountain View Elementary School teacher Sydney Hepler plays the drums during a Nov. 9 presentation by Stan Pearson II. Pearson spoke to AHPS staff about the importance of building positive relationships with students. (AHPS Photo)

High-Energy Speaker Brings Positive Message to AHPS   Covington, VA *Nov. 14, 2023) - Alleghany Highlands Public Schools teachers and staff were given an opportunity on Nov. 9 to hear from a dynamic speaker and receive important training and professional development.  Stan Pearson II, a well-known consultant in the fields of education and business, visited AHPS through generous support from The Alleghany Foundation. After visiting with students at Covington Middle School earlier in the day, he addressed teachers and staff during a convocation at Alleghany High School. His high-energy presentation focused on the need for teachers and students to build positive rapport with each other.   “Building rapport with students will help you build a positive state of being,” he said. “If you’re willing to connect with the kids in your classroom, they will be more willing to hear you teach. Give them an opportunity to see who you are.” Pearson came highly recommended by Covington Middle School staff who are familiar with his work from other events.  A small group of Alleghany High School and Covington Middle School students with diverse educational experiences were also able to enjoy a dinner with Pearson and further discuss the building of relationships. The AHPS Board designated Nov. 9 as an early release day for students to allow teachers and staff the opportunity to hear Pearson’s presentation. Schools were closed on Nov. 10 in observance of Veterans Day.  “We think that Mr. Pearson’s presentation was the perfect way to end the workweek before enjoying a well-deserved three-day break. The School Board designated Friday, Nov. 10 as a school holiday in honor of Veterans Day, and we have been pleased to honor Veterans in the community as well,” said Kim Halterman and Melinda Snead-Johnson, leaders of AHPS. The Alleghany Highlands Public Schools Division was formed on July 1, 2022, when Alleghany County Public Schools, Covington City Public Schools, and Jackson River Technical Center merged. The school division is jointly funded by Alleghany County and the City of Covington. It serves approximately 2,700 students.  AHPS news and events are regularly updated on Facebook at AHPublicSchools and on Instagram at ahpublicschools. Information is also available at www.ahps.k12.va.us. Speaker Stan Pearson II, Jeter-Watson Elementary School teacher Meagan Grimes, and Mountain View Elementary School teacher Giaynna Smith share a light moment during a Nov. 9 presentation at Alleghany High School. Pearson’s presentation was part of professional development and training for AHPS teachers and staff. (AHPS Photo) AHS guidance secretary Susan Broughman, Dianne Garcia, education liaison for The Alleghany Foundation, and Stan Pearson II talk after his Nov. 9 presentation at Alleghany High School. (AHPS Photo)

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