The Bobcat Bulletin

January 2025

A Message from Mrs. Moretz

Happy New Year! I hope this message finds you and your loved ones refreshed and recharged after a wonderful holiday break. As we step into this new year, we are excited to welcome your student(s) back into the building on Monday, ready to continue their journey of learning, growth, and success.

Our team has been preparing for an incredible return, with engaging lessons and activities planned to inspire and challenge our students. We remain committed to fostering a positive and supportive environment where every child can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership in making our school community a place of excellence and connection. Let’s make 2025 a fantastic year together!

Updated Cell Phone Policy

The Botetetourt County School Board recently approved a division cell phone policy (BCPS School Board Policy JFC-BR6, Cell Phones) to prevent distraction during instructional hours, and promote focused, respectful, and safe learning environments across all Botetourt County Public Schools. This policy governs the use of cell phones, smart devices, and any other personal electronic devices and provides clear expectations for the storage, use, and management of these devices within school settings.

All personal devices must be turned off and stored out of sight during instructional time. Device use permitted in special circumstances, such as for students with medical devices, and those with Individualized Education Plans (IEP), 504 Plans, and EL plans.

Parents are encouraged to contact the school office for urgent communications with their child during school hours. In case of an emergency, students may be permitted to use their personal devices with the approval of school personnel.

Meet Our Preschool Teacher

Mrs. Spangler, our new preschool teacher, brings a warm smile and a love of learning to Buchanan Elementary. A proud Buchanan resident, Mrs. Spangler shares her home with her husband, her sons Dominick (20) and Wyatt (8), and a lively crew of furry companions, including her dog and cats.

Mrs. Spangler’s journey to Buchanan Elementary is a full-circle moment. Having attended James River High School for her junior and senior years, she has strong ties to the community. Before moving to Buchanan, she lived in Chesapeake, Virginia, and pursued her B.S. in Business and Marketing at Mary Baldwin College. Later, her passion for teaching led her to complete the Career Switcher Program at Mary Baldwin, earning her PreK-6th grade teaching license. Currently, she’s furthering her education at the University of Virginia.

Her love for Buchanan Elementary is personal and heartfelt—it’s not just close to her home, but it’s also where her eldest son Dominick once walked the halls and where her youngest, Wyatt, is currently a student.

Outside of teaching, Mrs. Spangler loves to read, color, create arts and crafts, hike, and travel with her family. Her favorite color is pink, and she’s a fan of tomato sandwiches.

Mrs. Spangler is excited to nurture the curiosity and creativity of our youngest learners. She shares, “I’ve always loved Buchanan Elementary, and I’m thrilled to be part of the team.”

Welcome, Mrs. Spangler! We’re so glad you’re here!

PTA News

PTA Scheduled Events for the 2024-2025 School Year

*2/11 - “The Marriage of Q and U” @ 6:30 PM

2/25 - Chick Fil A Spirit Night

*3/11 - Maker’s Market @ 6:30 PM

*4/8 - Fine Arts Celebration @ 6:30 PM

* indicates PTA meeting

Kroger Community Rewards

If you are a Kroger customer, please consider signing up for the Kroger Community Rewards Program to help support Buchanan Elementary School. You can even encourage your extended family to participate, regardless of where they live. It's a simple process: just log into your Kroger account, go to your profile, click on Community Rewards, and use our organization number JF994.

Thank you in advance for your support! It truly makes a difference for our students.