First Lady Pamela Northam visits Featherstone Elem. to see Va. Preschool Initiative Plus in action

Virginia’s First Lady, Pamela Northam, knows the importance of early childhood education, and she experienced a first-hand look during her visit to Featherstone Elementary School.

The First Lady visited two classrooms Wednesday to observe kids and teachers in action, later stopping to hear community input.

In the Virginia Preschool Initiative Plus classroom of Emily Sasz, Northam chatted with students while they ate lunch. She also visited the kindergarten classroom of Genifer Harris, where students were using pretzels in a hands-on lesson about sorting.

Northam said she was impressed with the positive interaction and connections made between the Featherstone teachers and students.

“When you see those amazing educators we have today really focusing on what that specific child’s needs are and how to motivate them, it is so hopeful and so encouraging,” Northam said. “They do incredible work and that is why we are really here today, to celebrate them and the amazing work that they do for the Commonwealth of Virginia.”

After the classroom visits, Northam held a private roundtable discussion to hear feedback on early childhood education in Virginia.

Participants included: Babur Lateef, M.D, Interim School Board Chairman At-Large; Lillie Jessie, School Board Vice Chairman; Dr. Steve Walts, PWCS Superintendent, and other administrators, teachers, parents, business and community leaders, and educational consultants.

All shared a common commitment to the education of our youngest students.