Join

Kiefer: Student achievement is about rigor, innovation, not just tests

Kristen Michelle Kiefer has spent a year and a half on the Manassas City School Board. 
 
The Board appointed her in February 2015 after Ilka Chavez stepped down. She is runing to keep her seat on the Board, and city voters will head to the polls on November 8.
 
We sent a questionnaire to Keifer and call candidates seeking a seat on the Manassas City School Board. Her responses are below: 

Find your polling place 

PL: What are the top three major issues facing Manassas residents?

Kiefer: Envisioning and shaping the future for student achievement, ensuring safe, nurturing learning environments and workplace, and communicating with key stakeholders.

PL: What concrete solutions do you propose to address these issues?
 
Kiefer: Envision & Shape the Future for Student Achievement
• Make every school a strong center of learning for students to reach their full potential
• Fight to make sure achievement is about rigor, innovation & hands-on experiences, not just tests
• Equip students with real world skills and critical thinking needed to thrive ensure safe, nurturing learning

Environment & Workplace
• Continue positive changes in class structure to provide more supervision during class transitions

• Promote Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports (PBIS) to 'course correct' early on
• Ensure re-entry plans are constructive for the student but also demands accountability on their part
 
Communicate with Key Stakeholders
• Connect with parents, teachers & community members through open, courageous conversations
• Increase awareness of the multiple mechanisms to stay informed and become involved in the division
 
PL: From your perspective, what is the job description of the office you’re seeking?

Kiefer
: "At the center of the universe is a loving heart that continues to beat and that wants the best for every person. Anything we can do to help foster the intellect and spirit and emotional growth of our fellow human beings…that is our job. Those of us who have this particular vision must continue against all odds. Life is for service." - Fred Rogers

For me, this quotation resonates as I think about the attributes I feel a School Board member needs to possess: selflessness in thinking about all students, passion for the mission of the improvement of our children holistically, and commitment to be in the service of others. For me, the job description is NOT a politician (even though it's an elected office). Instead, I view it as being a public servant committed to the mission of preparing our children for their futures through good governance, sound stewardship of resources and strong, cascading leadership at all levels of the division.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.

Recent Stories

(The Center Square) – Talk of relocating the FBI National Training Academy from Quantico to Alabama is causing an uproar among some Virginia lawmakers.

If you’re driving through Fredericksburg, Stafford, Spotsylvania, or along I-95 this week, expect delays due to overnight paving, bridge repairs, road closures, and resurfacing projects. Here’s a roundup of major traffic impacts you should know about:

A judge has temporarily halted timbering near Courthouse Road, where a developer plans to build a large data center. The emergency injunction comes after neighbors raised alarms and Stafford County filed a legal complaint alleging zoning violations and broken land-use promises.

John Williams is the soundtrack of my childhood. So when the Kennedy Center invited my wife and me to Notes and Frames, a performance by the National Symphony Orchestra celebrating classic film scores, I jumped at the chance.

Go Ape, America’s leading aerial adventure park provider, is proud to unveil a revitalized experience across its iconic Zipline & Adventure Parks. This refresh goes beyond physical upgrades; it reflects a renewed mission to foster meaningful connections between people, nature, and self.

“Go Ape has always been about thrilling treetop adventures,” says Chrissy Very, Senior Director of Marketing. “Now, we’re redefining what it means to truly connect: through purpose-driven outdoor experiences that inspire courage, reflection, and joy.”

As access to public outdoor spaces becomes more limited, Go Ape steps in to bridge the gap with immersive, inclusive, and wellness-focused adventures for individuals, families, and groups.

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

Alt-rock legends Gin Blossoms are performing a FREE live show TONIGHT, Wednesday, June 11th at The Bullpen – and D.C., you’re invited.

Power to the Patients will be hosting Gin Blossoms for Special Performance at Congressional Baseball Game Pre-Party.

This unforgettable night under the summer sky features the band behind ‘90s classics like “Hey Jealousy,” “Found Out About You,” and “Follow You Down.” Expect a packed crowd, cold drinks, and killer energy.

Submit your own Community Post here.

Your Weight Matters National Convention

Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.

This unique Convention truly has something

Van Metre 5K Run

Participate in the 33rd Annual Van Metre 5K Run—a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, where every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and has

Ă—

Subscribe to our mailing list