Superintendent's Newsletter
May 2023
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.
In this newsletter I would like to highlight the following:
- Staff Spotlight
- Alumni in the News: Hannah Harris
- Class of 2023 Graduates
- Summer Vaccination Clinics
- Approved Calendars: 2024-2026
- Mark Your Calendars! Important Summer Dates
- Keep Your Contact Information Current
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! #BetterTogether
Sincerely,
Staff Spotlights:
In an ongoing effort to introduce our community to the remarkable individuals behind the scenes, I am pleased to spotlight two of our central office directors: Brandon Lee, Director of Finance, and Andy Dewease, Director of Operations. I am grateful for their hard work and commitment to our school division.
Meet Brandon Lee, Director of Finance
Meet Andy Dewease, Director of Operations
Alumni in the News: Hannah Harris
Several Botetourt County Public Schools graduates have made regional and national headlines in the past few years. Most recently, Lord Botetourt HS graduate, Hannah Harris, received the Darden Award and was named one of the University of Mary Washington's valedictorians. She graduated with a 4.0 GPA and is headed to The George Washington University School of Medicine. She is the first UMW student to earn Virginia's Collegiate Honors Council Scholar of the Year award.
Hannah may have graduated before I arrived in Botetourt County, but I know I speak for our school division and community when I say congratulations! What a remarkable achievement and testament to her hard work and diligence.
Use the images and links below to learn more:
Find Time to Read:
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; it is out of this world! Go to the BOCO Libraries website and look for the astronaut images above. They will link you to all the information you need. Happy Reading!
Class of 2023 Graduates:
It was wonderful 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
Summer Vaccination Clinics:
Information was recently sent to families about free vaccination clinics for rising Kindergarten, 7th, and 12th-grade students this summer. I wanted to reiterate that 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.
I am grateful to our local health department for providing this service to our students and community. Please remember to register ahead of time by calling (540) 666-4275.
Central Academy Middle School
Thursday, July 27, 2023
11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Read Mountain Middle School
Thursday, July 27, 2023
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Letters to families of rising Kindergarten, 7th, and 12th-grade students regarding immunizations:
Approved 2024 - 2026 School Year Calendars:
The approved calendars for 2024-25 and 2025-26 are available on the BCPS Calendar Page and included below for your convenience. Thank you to all those who took the time to provide feedback.
Mark Your Calendar:
Important Dates: Summer 2023
- May 29: Memorial Day Holiday (BCPS Closed)
- June 8: School Board Meeting
- June 10: BOCO WILD Event
- June 15: BCPS Classified Job Fair
- June 18: Father's Day
- June 19: Juneteenth Holiday (BCPS Closed)
- June 20: Primary Election Day
- July 4: Independence Day Holiday (BCPS Closed)
- July 13: School Board Meeting
- July 27: Health Dept. Vaccination Clinics
A Refreshing Summer Treat:
Fresh Peach Lemonade
Ingredients:
- 4 cups water, divided
- 2 medium peaches, chopped
- 1 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 medium lemon, sliced
- Mint sprigs (optional)
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, bring 2 cups water, peaches and sugar to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 5-7 minutes or until peaches are tender. Remove from the heat. Cool. Strain, discarding peach skins.
- In a large pitcher, combine the peach mixture, lemon juice, and remaining water. Add lemon slices and mint if desired. Serve over ice.
Recipe courtesy of:
Taste of Home
https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/fresh-peach-lemonade/
Online: Available May 23, 2023
Communication:
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 Twitter).
Click the image for a refresher on how to set your School Messenger preferences.