Superintendent's Newsletter

Students, Staff, & Families,

Happy New Year, and welcome back to the second semester of the 2024-25 school year! Recent weather extended our winter holiday more than anticipated. While I’m sure students enjoyed the extra time off, I know many parents (myself included!) are ready to settle back into routines. With Botetourt County spanning over 545 square miles, weather conditions can vary greatly. Decisions to close or delay school are not made lightly, and result from the combined effort of division staff and VDOT, county emergency management, and local weather professionals when needed. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we prioritized the safety of our students and staff during weather-related closures and delays.

The final months of the year bring special opportunities to recognize several educators, so a good portion of this newsletter is dedicated to these individuals. I have also included information about the school division's cell phone policy as well as some important transportation and health reminders.

It never ceases to amaze me how fast the time flies and how much has happened throughout our school division since my last newsletter. I am proud of the learning, teaching, and engagement that happens in all our schools and express my sincerest gratitude to everyone for the role they play in making Botetourt County Public Schools a premier Virginia school division.

I look forward to the coming year and wish you all the very best!

Sincerely,

Each year I look forward to the beautiful and creative ornaments that our elementary art students send to central office to decorate our Christmas tree. Thank you for sharing your talents with us and for bringing added cheer to the season. I can't wait to see what you all create next year!

I've heard that several of the middle and high school art students recently participated in an art contest for the upcoming Botetourt County State of the County event. I look forward to sharing their artwork and the results of the contest in my next newsletter!

The Botetourt County School Board recently approved a division cell phone policy 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; however, devices may be used before the official start of the school day and after dismissal. During lunch, device use may be allowed in designated areas as determined by an administrator. Device use is also 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.

You can view the policy by selecting this hyperlink: BCPS School Board Policy JFC-BR6 ~ Cell Phones, or by downloading the attached document below.

Talented and dedicated staff make this school division remarkable. This next section highlight's several of these individuals:

It was a privilege to join all of our teachers of the year (pictured below) and their guests at our annual Teacher of the Year banquet. The Hotel Roanoke is a beautiful venue, especially during the holiday season. Congratulations to Mr. Chris Caldwell, Instrumental Music teacher at Lord Botetourt High School, for being named the 2025 Botetourt County Public Schools division teacher of the year! His commitment and impact on the students at Lord Botetourt and in our community cannot be understated! Many thanks to those who made the evening such a beautiful and memorable event.

Mr. Caldwell was selected from among the teachers of the year from each school, each of whom is represented below. Congratulations to each of you, and thank you for the positive impact you have on your students, schools, and our community.

Blue Eagle Credit Union and WSLS 10 News partner each month to recognize a regional educator who has a positive impact on their students and in their school. Congratulations to Courtney May, art teacher at Central Academy Middle School, for being nominated and selected as a recent recipient of the Education Impact award! Laurissa Thompson, representing Blue Eagle Credit Union, commented that Mrs. May received an overwhelming number of nominations, more so than they typically receive.

If you are interested in nominating a deserving teacher, visit the WSLS Education Impact Award Nomination Page 2024-2025. Thank you to WSLS 10 and Blue Eagle Credit Union for sponsoring and showcasing the efforts of educators across our region!

This is the time of year when illness seems to be more prevalent. Here's a friendly reminder about when to keep your child home:

Our division's Health Services website offers other helpful information and resources for families as well.

• January 9: School Board Meeting
• January 16: School Board Work Session
• January 20: Martin Luther King Jr. Day (BCPS Closed)
• February 10: Parent/Teacher Conference Day (no school for students)
• February 13: School Board Meeting
• February 18: School Board Work Session
• March 4: School Board Work Session (if needed)
• March 7: End of Quarter 3

Yes, you read that right! There is something memorable about building a fort out of chairs, boxes, blankets, or whatever is around. Encourage your child to get creative and build a fort (or a special area) where they can read. They can decorate their space like a location in a favorite book, or just make a comfortable place to read and a take a break from screens. Whether it's a snow day, a quiet weekend afternoon, or you just want to change up the nighttime reading routine, a fort is a fun idea!