Youth Development at NNPS
Student Involvement
We believe that it is our responsibility to develop our youth by nurturing a strong, positive, sense of who they are and what they can do. This is not only done in the classroom, but also during extracurricular activities that include clubs, organizations, athletics, and activities.
In Newport News, each school offers a variety of these opportunities, often designed and directed by students themselves, to discover and develop new talents and highlight student strengths. Our goal is that every child is connected to school beyond the classroom by continually promoting student involvement, making experiences meaningful, and offering activities that students think are interesting and relevant. Research shows that students who are involved in extra-curricular activities have better grades, attendance, and behavior!
How can students get involved?
In our NNPS high schools, the Student Activities Director works with the school's Youth Development Team to ensure that every student participates in at least one club, athletic team, organization or activity.
Lisa McAlister
Denbigh High School Patriots
Tiffanie Smith
Heritage High School Hurricanes
Cheryl Chappell
Menchville High School Monarchs
Jasmine Powell
Warwick High School Raiders
Brian Deprinzio
Woodside High School Wolverines
Youth Development Leads
Each school, including Enterprise Academy and Juvenile Detention, have a Youth Development Lead, a dedicated staff member who coordinates the implementation of positive youth development initiatives, practices, and policies. In addition to Student Activities Directors and Youth Development Leads, additional dedicated staff members, including Mentoring Coordinators, Live Well Student Wellness Coaches, Empowerment Coaches, and hundreds of extracurricular advisors and athletic coaches make up the infrastructure that connects students to their school community. For more information about opportunities at your school, contact your school's Youth Development Lead.
What types of clubs and organizations are available?
There are several ways in which students can get involved, including academic clubs, community based activities, fitness, honor societies, language clubs, leadership, mentoring, athletic teams, music, service, special interests and hobbies, technology and more!