Students, Staff, & Families,

As another school year draws to a close, I am once again inspired by all that we have accomplished together. One of the greatest privileges of serving as superintendent has been witnessing the daily dedication of students, families, staff, and community members, each committed to shaping the future of Botetourt County Public Schools. Thank you for your efforts, your support, and your heart. What we’ve achieved is truly something to be proud of.

As a fellow member of the retiring“Class of ’25”, I want to personally thank the Botetourt community for an unforgettable five years. This chapter has been the highlight of my career, and I am grateful to have finished my time in public education here with all of you.

I wish each of you a restful summer filled with the people and activities that bring you joy. Though I won't be here, I know our school division looks forward to welcoming you back in August for another outstanding school year.

Kindest regards,

Each year, BTEC holds an annual signing day to celebrate those students whose training, preparation, and certifications have resulted in offers of employment from local industries and businesses. This year's signing day was held on Monday, May 12 in the Central Academy Middle School forum. The event used to be held at BTEC, but the number of students has grown so much each year that BTEC could no longer host the event!

Congratulations, and thank you to all the local employers who support our school division's workforce development efforts!

Use the following link to access a Google Drive folder of the pictures taken at Signing Day: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Z-oiTQJOF8yKj7koZOXjFhNIZsmtcFgt?usp=sharing

I offer special congratulations to the Class of 2025 and to our retiring staff members. It was a privilege to celebrate all of you at this year's graduation ceremonies and retirement banquet. Your accomplishments reflect years of dedication, perseverance, and the encouragement of those who have walked beside you. Whatever the next chapter of your life brings, I wish you only the best.

Another tradition I look forward to hearing about each year is each high school's participation in a day of service. Students partner with elementary schools and local businesses to provide service in ther community. As one of our secondary administrators said,

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. If a family has not completed a Vaccination Consent Form (see linked files below), a parent or guardian must be present with any child under the age of 18 at the time the vaccination is given.

Central Academy Middle School

• Thursday, July 31, 2025 ~ 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Read Mountain Middle School

• Thursday, August 7, 2025 ~ 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

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

This program helps eligible families with the cost of groceries during summer break when most schools are not in session. Each school-aged child that meets the program requirements receives a one-time payment of $120. Benefits will be issued either on a family's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card or a pre-loaded Virginia SUN Bucks card that looks just like a debit card. The SUN Bucks benefit can be used to purchase groceries like fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grains, dairy and meat at grocery stores, farmers markets and other places that accept SNAP EBT benefits.

Please direct all questions about this program to the Virginia Department of Social Services. They are responsible for all aspects of this program. Our schools and nutrition staff are unable to assist with any of the process.

Feeding Southwest Virginia is partnering with Botetourt Resource Center and the Botetourt Libraries to help provide shelf-stable food. Finalized information about locations and schedules will be available after the Memorial Day holiday, so keep an eye out for important updates!

• May 21: Last Day of School (2-hour early dismissal)
• May 26: Memorial Day Holiday (BCPS Closed)
• June 12: School Board Meeting
• June 19: Juneteenth (BCPS Closed)
• July 4: Independence Day Holiday (BCPS Closed)
• July 10: School Board Meeting
• August 11: First Day of School
• August 14: School Board Meeting

Line a tray with parchment paper. Spread an even layer of Greek yogurt. Top the yogurt with your favorite combination of toppings, such as strawberries, blueberries, and granola. Place the tray in a freezer for about 4 hours, or until the bark has become solid. Break or cut the bark into smaller pieces, and store them in the freezer for several months, though I doubt they will last that long!

Pro tips:

- Higher-fat Greek yogurt makes for a smoother frozen result; lower-fat yogurts are more icy

- Consider using flavored yogurts

- Thicker yogurt layers will require more time in the freezer

- Topping ideas: fresh fruits, dried fruits, nuts & seeds, jelly, crumbled cookies, chocolate chips, peanut butter, and SO much more!

These are easy to make, offer endless possibilities, and are a refreshing treat for a hot, summer afternoon! Want more ideas, or examples of how to make this recipe? Search for Frozen Yogurt Bark Recipe using your preferred browser or media provider.