Students, Staff, & Families,

Another calendar year is coming to a close, and just like that, we are halfway through the school year. The snow in the mountains this past week has many faculty, staff, and students hoping for a few snow days next semester! I wish each of you a joyful holiday season filled with warmth, laughter, and well-deserved moments of relaxation. Enjoy the remainder of 2023 and I look forward to seeing each of you on Thursday, January 4, 2024.

Sincerely,

The Central Academy Middle School chapter of the National Junior Art Honor Society (NJAHS) created this large-scale 40 x 60-inch canvas painting with an incorporated collage entitled, "Freedom." The wood frame was made by BTEC students. The NJAHS chapter is selling this original artwork to raise money for their chapter fund. "Freedom" is even more stunning in person; the pictures don't do it justice!

Bidding began on Monday, November 13 and will end on Friday, January 5. The minimum bid is $800 and the highest bidder wins. For more information, or to place a bid, contact Mrs. Courtney May at cmay@bcps.k12.va.us or by calling (540) 473-8333.

A little over a month ago we conducted a community survey about our division's secondary school facilities. The results of that survey, along with some basic analysis of the data, is included below. Click on the following image to see those results:

In an effort to continue the conversation, we will be holding several town hall meetings in January and February 2024 to hear your ideas and answer your questions. You are welcome to attend whichever meeting works best for your schedule:

Mrs. Jane Wolfe is the 2023-24 Division Teacher of the Year for Botetourt County Schools.

Jane has lived on a farm in Botetourt County for 30 years with her husband Mike. They have two adult children who thrived in Botetourt schools. Jane inspires students with her Socratic approach and fosters their resourcefulness. She serves on the board of the Blue Ridge Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and is the math department chair and National Junior Honor Society advisor at Central Academy. Jane enjoys reading, hiking, kayaking, gardening, cooking, and playing pickle ball in her spare time.

She was recognized at our annual Teacher of the Year banquet held on Thursday, December 7. Join with me in congratulating Mrs. Wolfe on this well-deserved honor!

We would also like to recognize the teachers of the year from each of our schools. Thank you for the positive impact you have on our students, buildings, and community!

Ashley Theimer was recognized as the 2023-24 Kiwanis Educator of the Year at the November school board meeting. Mrs. Theimer is the librarian at Central Academy Middle School and was praised for the creative ways she supports and engages students and staff. Lynne Bolton, a former Lord Botetourt HS teacher, presented the award on behalf of the Kiwanis Club of Botetourt.

Paul Craft, one of the counselors at Lord Botetourt HS, was nominated and chosen for the November Educator Impact Award. This collaborative recognition program by Blue Eagle Credit Union and WSLS 10 recognizes outstanding educators in our region.

Botetourt County Schools has among the finest staff anywhere! I want to take a moment to celebrate our employees of the month since the last newsletter.

October Employees of the Month

November Employees of the Month

The classified employee of the month could not be present and will be recognized at the January school board meeting instead.

Information went out before Thanksgiving about this opportunity coming up in January 2024. All students and siblings 18 months to 18 years old are eligible and most dental insurances, including Medicaid, cover 100% of the services that are provided. No child is left unseen due to the inability to pay.

SERVICES:

• Dentists provide an examination, cleaning, fluoride, x-rays, and sealants.
• Restorative services, such as fillings and other minimally invasive procedures, may be provided.
• Students will be given an oral health report card after the dental visit to bring home to their family.

Click the image below for more information. You can also reach out to your child's school nurse or our division's Nurse Coordinator:

Melinda Foster, RN

mfoster@bcps.k12.va.us

(540) 473-8216

Though our numbers are not as alarming as other school divisions around the country, we have seen an increase in chronic absenteeism. There is a strong correlation between school attendance, literacy, graduation rates, and life readiness. Each month we will share resources to inform and support parents in their effort to promote consistent attendance.

• December 18: Teacher Workday (no school for students)
• December 19-January 1: Winter Holiday (no school for students)
• January 2-3: Teacher Workdays (no school for students)
• January 4: 3rd Quarter Begins
• January 4: School Board Meeting
• January 8: Valley District Town Hall Meeting @ Lord Botetourt HS
• January 11: School Board Budget Work Session
• January 15: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (schools closed)
• January 16: Fincastle District Town Hall Meeting @ Eagle Rock ES
• January 24: Blue Ridge District Town Hall Meeting @ Colonial ES
• January 30: Buchanan District Town Hall Meeting @ Buchanan ES
• February 6: Fincastle District Town Hall Meeting @ Central Academy MS
• February 8: School Board Meeting
• February 12: Parent Teacher Conference Day (no school for students)
• February 13: Amsterdam District Town Hall Meeting @ Lord Botetourt HS
• March 5: Teacher Workday (no school for students)
• March 8: 2-hour Early Dismissal Day
• March 14: School Board Meeting
• March 15: End of 3rd Quarter

This time of year can be difficult for many people in our area. Participating in service activities as individuals, families, and friends not only fosters a sense of community but also teaches children the importance of compassion and giving. Even the smallest and simplest acts of kindness can have a profound impact.

This holiday candy recipe is simple, child-friendly, and delicious!

Ingredients:

• 35 oz. roasted peanuts
• 32 oz. almond bark, vanilla flavored
• 12 oz. semisweet chocolate chips
• 4 oz. German chocolate bar

Directions:

1. Layer the ingredients in the order listed above in a 5-quart slow cooker
2. Cook on Low for 1 hour. Do not stir!
3. After 1 hour, stir mixture and continue to cook, stirring every 15-20 minutes for another hour (a total of 2 hours).
4. Line baking pans or your countertop with parchment paper
5. Use a spoon to scoop similarly-sized portions of the candy mixture onto the parchment paper, leaving a little space between each cluster.
6. Optional: garnish with a topping of your choice while the chocolate is still warm and melty

Substitutions:

• Instead of nuts, use another favorite snacks such as pretzels, dried cranberries, marshmallows, or... ALL of the above! Try a few combinations to find your favorite flavor.
• Ideas for garnishes: crushed candy canes, sprinkles, hot cocoa marshmallows

Photo courtesy: The Slow Roasted Italian

The original recipe is available online at:

https://www.theslowroasteditalian.com/crockpot-candy-recipe/