Message to Virginia Educators
May 9, 2011
Dear Virginia Educator,
OpSail 2012 Virginia®, in partnership with the US Navy, will proudly present an international maritime festival from June 1-12, 2012 in the Hampton Roads and Chesapeake Bay Regions commemorating the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 and the writing of the Star Spangled Banner. OpSail 2012 Virginia® has been endorsed as a signature event by the Virginia Bicentennial of the American War of 1812 Commission and will engage the entire Commonwealth in events and celebrations.
OpSail 2012 Virginia® and the 1812 Commemoration events are planned to promote goodwill among nations, inspire patriotism and foster interest in American history and heritage, while creating unique educational opportunities for young and old alike.
In an effort to encourage awareness of the War of 1812 and the important role the United States Navy played in forging our nation, we are providing here a collection of resources and suggested projects that teachers and schools can incorporate into their 2011-2012 curriculum. These projects offer a fun and educational opportunity to teach about an important, but often forgotten, era in our history.
Included as part of this package is information about OpSail 2012 Virginia's hallmark program, Adopt-a-Ship, which provides Virginia schools the chance to adopt a ship from the visiting fleet and serve as "ambassador" from August 2011 to June 2012. Adopt-a-Ship can augment a school's curriculum throughout the year by integrating history, language studies, geography, art, and more in a creative and exciting way, culminating with the June 2012 event where selected students will have the opportunity to participate in the actual OpSail event. Transportation grants will be available to participating schools.
Please find attached:
- OpSail 2012 Virginia 1812 Bicentennial Resource Collection for your use and distribution
- Adopt-a-Ship program description and details
- OpSail 2012 Virginia Suggested Projects for the home and classroom
We will continue to update resources and provide the latest information about the June 2012 events through our this site and our Facebook page- OpSail 2012 Virginia.
If you are interested in involving your school or wish to receive more information about the OpSail 2012 Virginia Commemoration events and activities, please complete the Virginia Educator Interest Form and return to Joella Adams, OpSail 2012 Virginia Education Programs Manager via email to AdamsJ@festevents.org; by mail to Norfolk Festevents; Attn: Joella Adams; 120 W. Main Street; Norfolk, VA 23510 or fax (757)441-5198 before August 15, 2011.
Thank you for your important work in educating Virginia's youth!
Sincerely,
Joella Adams
OpSail 2012 Virginia Manager of Education Programs
Direct: (757) 441-2345, ext. 3020
Cell: (757) 285-4190
Fax: (757) 441-5198
