Superintendent's Newsletter

Students, Staff, & Families,

Congratulations on another successful school year! It never ceases to amaze me how fast time seems to fly. I hope each of you have scheduled special time as individuals and families to make lasting memories this summer. Find time to rest, relax, and read as you enjoy a well-deserved summer vacation.

The start of a new school year will be here before we know it. Thank you to our parents, families, staff, and community that support Botetourt County students as we work together to prepare them for a bright future!

Sincerely,

I can't wait to join you for graduation! Whether you are entering the workforce, enlisting in the military, or are college-bound, I am proud of you and wish you all the best as you embark on a bright and exciting future. I also offer my heartfelt congratulations and thanks to the families, friends, teachers, administrators, and mentors whose efforts helped lead these young people to this point in their lives.

#BotetourtProud

We also wish a fond farewell to this year's group of retiring educators, representing over 600 years of experience! Although we are sad to see them go, we wish them nothing but the best in the next chapter of their lives!

Our county libraries create engaging summer programming opportunities for our community. In addition to the other fun events happening, be sure to check out the Summer Learning Challenge! The link between literacy and student success cannot be understated. Go to the BOCO Libraries website and look for the diver images above. They will link you to all the information you need. Happy Reading!

Each summer, the school division coordinates with the Botetourt County Health Department to plan free clinics to help families take care of required vaccinations for rising 7th and 12th-grade students. Although these clinics are completely free for families, the Botetourt County Health Department collects insurance information for billing purposes. This helps cover the cost to the county. In instances where an insurance company does not cover the cost of vaccination, families will not be billed.

Pre-registration for the immunization clinics is required. Parents should call the Botetourt County Health Department at (540) 666-4275 to register. A parent or guardian must be present with any child under the age of 18 at the time the immunization is given.

Many thanks to our Nurse Coordinator and the local health department for providing this service.

Central Academy Middle School

• Thursday, July 25, 2024 ~ 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
• Friday, August 2, 2024 ~ 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Read Mountain Middle School

• Thursday, July 25, 2024 ~ 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
• Thursday, August 1, 2024 ~ 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Letters to families of rising 7th and 12th-grade students regarding immunizations:

• May 20: Lord Botetourt HS Graduation
• May 21: James River HS Graduation
• May 22: Last day of school; 2-hour early dismissal
• May 24: Report Cards
• May 27: Memorial Day Holiday (BCPS Closed)
• June 6: BCPS Classified Job Fair @ Lord Botetourt HS
  
• June 8: BOCO WILD Event
• June 13: School Board Meeting
• June 16: Father's Day
  
• June 19: Juneteenth Holiday (BCPS Closed)
• July 4: Independence Day Holiday (BCPS Closed)
  
• July 11: School Board Meeting
• July 25: Health Dept. Vaccination Clinics @ CAMS and RMMS
• August 1: Health Dept. Vaccination Clinic @ RMMS
• August 2: Health Dept. Vaccination Clinic @ CAMS

Did you know that ceiling fans can spin clockwise and counterclockwise? As the weather continues to turn hotter, here's a cost-saving reminder:

Look for a switch near the motor housing to set your fan blades to turn counter-clockwise. (Your fan may be different, so look at the instructions for your particular model.) This moves the cooler air near the floor upward where it can be felt, creating the wind chill effect.

Pro Tip: If it has been a while, be sure to clean your fan blades before making this change! The counter-clockwise rotation will dislodge dust buildup, sending it around your room!

Learn more at:

https://www.bobvila.com/articles/ceiling-fan-direction/

Online: Available May 20, 2024

Has your contact information changed recently? Let your child's school know! Keeping your contact information and School Messenger preferences current is essential. In addition, we post information to our division website and social media (Facebook and X/Twitter).

Click the image for a refresher on how to set your School Messenger preferences.