About twenty years ago, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Thomas Friedman published his best-selling book The World Is Flat, in which he attempts to demystify what was then a myriad of fast-paced developments in the global economy fueled by evolutions in technology and the changing geopolitical landscape. One of the salient ideas that the author elevated was what he proposed to be our nation’s “secret sauce” related to global economic competition. He concluded that our ability to innovate and think creatively across disciplines gave us a competitive advantage in a world in which barriers were otherwise being flattened.
As we consider the present and future economic needs in our region here in the Roanoke Valley and how we as a school system should be intentional about preparing our students and graduates to be Opportunity Ready, we are grateful for the interactions and feedback we have from local businesses and industry. These conversations help shape our programs and curriculum and have opened doors for our students through apprenticeships and internships and for our teachers and counselors through industry insight tours of area businesses. Without fail, when I ask a business leader to tell us how we can best prepare students to be future employees, they reply that they need graduates to have durable skills like creative and innovative problem solving, effective communication, collaboratively working with others, and showing up to work on time (a habit we relate to citizenship).
Thanks to the input of businesses, parents, families, and teachers through multiple avenues over the past few years, I remain proud that the commitment of Roanoke County Public Schools is to be intentional about developing these durable skills with students so that they will be Opportunity Ready. That has become our secret sauce. I see such skill development in action when visiting science fairs and project forums in our schools and hearing students enthusiastically talk about their work. I see it in action through student-led conferences at the elementary and middle school level and through the work students do in specialty programs at the Burton Center. I see it in action in culinary classes in our high schools where students create and in social studies and English classes when students formulate ideas and engage in debate. I look forward to seeing it in action this spring when seniors at all five RCPS high schools will, for the first time, have the chance to defend their skills portfolios and earn an Opportunity Ready diploma seal.
We have more work to do, but we are on the right track. Our students continue to amaze, and I appreciate the hard work of our teachers and staff to facilitate meaningful learning and the active support of parents and families as we all work together to help our students become Opportunity Ready.
Dr. Ken Nicely
Proud Superintendent
FEBRUARY 2025
KEY SCHOOL DATES
February 10: Schools Closed for Parent-Teacher Conferences
Kindergarten Registration Begins
February 26: Three (3) Hour Early Dismissal
March 14: Schools Closed for a Teacher Workday
Hundreds of high school students turn out for 2025 Student Registered Apprenticeship Showcase
On January 23, several hundred students and parents from across the Roanoke Valley came out to the Berglund Special Event Center for the 2025 Student Registered Apprenticeship Showcase. Students and parents met with more than 20 partner businesses that are looking to hire student registered apprentices for the 2025-2026 school year.
The Student Registered Apprenticeship program began in the Roanoke Valley in 2017 with a pilot program by Roanoke County Public Schools, Va. Department of Workforce Development and the Western Virginia Water Authority. Salem City Public Schools and Roanoke City Public Schools joined the regional program a few years later. Today, more than two dozen businesses have hosted student apprenticeships, and many students have been hired by their partner business to work full-time after graduation.
If you didn't attend the showcase, some student registered apprenticeship opportunities may still be available. For more information and to see the list of companies looking to hire apprentices, please see www.rcps.us/studentapprentice.
WBMS 7th Grader Returns as Roanoke County Spelling Bee Champion
“Ruching,” a pleated, fluted or gathered strip of fabric, such as lace, net or ribbon, used for trimming, usually in rows, and especially on women’s garments. This was the word William Byrd Middle School seventh grader Rory Grant correctly spelled to win the 2025 Roanoke County Spelling Bee on January 28, 2025. Grant, who was the 2023 Roanoke County Spelling Bee champion, will return to the regional spelling bee later this spring. Grant successfully spelled 20 different words, ultimately defeating Clearbrook Elementary 5th grader Ashvin Pinnamaraju, who will serve as the Roanoke County alternate for the regional spelling bee.
"Preparing for and participating in a spelling bee is hard work," said Joe LeGault, supervisor of English for Roanoke County Public Schools. "These students have to not only study a pre-set list of words, but also be prepared for words they've never seen before. They have to understand how a particular word's language of origin, pronunciation, and overall phonemic structure relates to how the word should be properly spelled. It's also quite nerve-wrecking to be standing in front of everyone trying to spell a word correctly. For a student to be able to win at this level twice in three years is quite an accomplishment," LeGault added.
RCPS teachers win Blue Eagle Credit Union Grant and Education Impact Awards
It takes a community to make learning happen and thanks to the folks at Blue Eagle Credit Union and WSLS, two RCPS teachers recently received awards to help make that happen!
In January, Cave Spring High School English and journalism teacher, Chrystal Shawn, was named as the winner of the Blue Eagle Credit Union Education Impact Award. Shawn told WSLS in January that "I’m going to really try to find a way to make [learning] as enjoyable as possible. If that’s teaching ‘Wuthering Heights’ like it’s a soap opera or making them get up and count out rhythms and do rhyme schemes certain ways—as long as they have a little bit of enjoyment, that’s my goal." Impact Award winners receive $250 personally, and $250 for their school.
“We read through the nominations, and we look at them very closely and we’re looking for the story and she’s a storyteller, right? That was even said about her. She’s teaching the kids how to be storytellers and be able to put it in writing,” Blue Eagle Credit Union Chief Talent Officer Diane Smith said during a WSLS interview in January.
In December, the BCAT Center for Engineering received a $500 classroom grant from Blue Eagle Credit Union. The grant will support the engineering curriculum at the center.
Green Valley Elementary's Cardinal STEM Academy Shines at National Competition
Green Valley Elementary School’s Cardinal STEM Academy made waves at the Robot Drone League’s National Junior Division Competition held at East Tennessee State University. Competing for the first time on a national stage, the students showcased exceptional skill, innovation, and teamwork against teams from Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Out of four participating teams from Green Valley, three advanced to the quarterfinals, with one team earning a coveted spot in the final competition.
Cardinal STEM Academy students were recognized with two prestigious awards: the Rookie Award for best overall new team and the Autonomous Award for best coding. Additionally, the Academy secured an impressive 2nd Place Overall finish in the competition.
The students’ success highlights the innovative opportunities provided by Roanoke County Public Schools (RCPS), which is committed to preparing students to be Opportunity Ready. Through engaging STEM initiatives like the Cardinal STEM Academy, RCPS empowers students to develop critical thinking skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, while fostering creativity, collaboration, citizenship and communication.
“This achievement is a testament to the dedication of our students and staff,” said Principal Shereè J Anderson. “Programs like the Cardinal STEM Academy inspire students to reach their full potential and prepare them for the future.”
RCPS Superintendent Dr. Ken Nicely praised the team’s accomplishments, emphasizing the division’s focus on deeper learning and innovation. “The success of the Cardinal STEM Academy students exemplifies our commitment to equipping students with the skills and experiences they need to take advantage of all the opportunities that may come after graduation.”
BCAT Center for Engineering Team wins two key awards
The BCAT Center for Engineering at the Burton Center for Arts and Technology (BCAT) in Salem has been named the Virginia State Winner in the 15th annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow national STEM competition. BCAT has been awarded a $12,000 Samsung technology prize package to showcase their innovative STEM solution. BCAT students tackled a major public safety issue: the lack of cell reception on nature trails, which can delay emergency response. Their solution—radio-connected first aid call boxes mounted on trailhead posts—ensures reliable emergency communication in remote areas. This achievement builds on BCAT's success in the Altec Innovation Challenge, where three teams—We Mean Bees-ness, Table 5, and Trail Safe—competed with innovative ideas. Table 5 earned 2nd place for a groundbreaking design, while Trail Safe, the team behind the Samsung-winning project, won 1st place and a $10,000 grant to improve safety and accessibility at Carvins Cove Nature Reserve. As Virginia’s State Winner, BCAT now competes for a National Finalist spot, with students creating a video to present their project. Samsung will select 10 finalists in March 2025, and three National Winners will receive $100,000 for their schools. BCAT’s success underscores the strength of its engineering program and Roanoke County Public Schools’ commitment to preparing students for STEM careers, proving young engineers can drive real-world change.
2025-2026 updated school calendar released
Looking for important dates for the 2025-2026 school year? In December, the Roanoke County School Board approved the latest version of the 2025-2026 school calendar, which includes some new features for the coming school year.
The first day of classes for the 2025-2026 school year will begin on August 14 with schools closed for winter break from December 22 - Jan. 5, 2026 (Jan. 5 is a teacher workday). New for the coming school year, high school students only will have virtual learning days on March 17 & 18 to allow time for seniors to deliver their Opportunity Ready presentations to a panel of teachers and administrators. Elementary and middle schools will have regular days on March 17 & 18.
Schools will be closed for spring break March 23-27, 2026 with graduations scheduled for May 26 & 27. The last day of school will be May 28, 2026.
HVHS senior named VA Gatorade Player of the Year for volleyball
Congratulations to Caleigh Ponn, who recently was named the Virginia Gatorade Player of the Year for volleyball. Ponn and her teammates recently won back-to-back VHSL state titles and holds the state record for kills and assists.
Way to go Caleigh!
Middle school students help out officers with Project Sticker Shock
Dozens of Roanoke County Public Schools students participated in Project Sticker Shock, a program aimed at reducing underage drinking through awareness of the consequences of providing alcohol to minors. Officers from Roanoke County Police Department and Virginia ABC officials placed stickers in the beverage aisle of many area grocery stores.
NHS students learn more about real life through the Reality Fair
In December, Northside High School seniors participated in a Reality Fair thanks to RidgeView Bank. Students were tasked with managing their monthly income and expenses based on a simulated career. It was a very eye-opening experience for our students who soon will be heading into the real world. We thank RidgeView Bank for providing this opportunity for our students!
BCAT student Zabian Nelms (Welding) was recently accepted to the prestigious Apprentice School! Located in Norfolk, it is the leading apprenticeship program in the nation. This is an incredible opportunity to gain hands-on experience and earn a world-class education in skilled trades with an acceptance rate of less than five percent!
Congrats and well-deserved, Zabian! We are excited to see what you will accomplish in your very bright future.
Clemons named chair of Roanoke County School Board
Congratulations to Shelley Clemons, Cave Spring District member on the Roanoke County School Board, who was selected as board chair for 2025. This is her first term as a member of the school board and her first term as board chair.
Kindergarten registration for 2025-2026 school year begins Feb. 10
Beginning Feb. 10, parents can begin registering their children for kindergarten. Children who will be age 5 or older by Sept. 30, 2025 are eligible to begin kindergarten. Parents can contact the elementary school their child will attend to schedule an appointment for registration. Parents also can register their children after Feb. 10 by appointment.
Lace up your shoes and support students and teachers in Roanoke County Public Schools at the 2025 Backpack Run - March 22 at Green Hill Park! The Backpack Run is the flattest and fastest 5K and 10K in the Roanoke Valley and a perfect way to prepare for the Blue Ridge Marathon in April.
2025 Career Fair is March 13 at Northside High School
Roanoke County Public Schools and the Greater Roanoke Workforce Board are hosting a career fair on March 13 from 5-7 p.m. at Northside High School. Juniors - come out to learn more about future career pathways! Seniors - businesses will be hiring new employees, so be prepared to submit an application!
March Mathness returns for a second tournament!
Back by popular demand, Roanoke County Public Schools is proud to announce the 2025 March Mathness tournament will return in late February! This event works to encourage students to develop and expand their math proficiencies through a fun and engaging competition featuring teams of different schools, as well as individual school competitions.
Be watching for more on March Mathness from your math teachers in the coming weeks and get ready to play!
About twenty years ago, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Thomas Friedman published his best-selling book The World Is Flat, in which he attempts to demystify what was then a myriad of fast-paced developments in the global economy fueled by evolutions in technology and the changing geopolitical landscape. One of the salient ideas that the author elevated was what he proposed to be our nation’s “secret sauce” related to global economic competition. He concluded that our ability to innovate and think creatively across disciplines gave us a competitive advantage in a world in which barriers were otherwise being flattened.
“Ruching,” a pleated, fluted or gathered strip of fabric, such as lace, net or ribbon, used for trimming, usually in rows, and especially on women’s garments. This was the word William Byrd Middle School seventh grader Rory Grant correctly spelled to win the 2025 Roanoke County Spelling Bee on January 28, 2025. Grant, who was the 2023 Roanoke County Spelling Bee champion, will return to the regional spelling bee later this spring. Grant successfully spelled 20 different words, ultimately defeating Clearbrook Elementary 5th grader Ashvin Pinnamaraju, who will serve as the Roanoke County alternate for the regional spelling bee. 
It takes a community to make learning happen and thanks to the folks at Blue Eagle Credit Union and WSLS, two RCPS teachers recently received awards to help make that happen! 
Green Valley Elementary School’s Cardinal STEM Academy made waves at the Robot Drone League’s National Junior Division Competition held at East Tennessee State University. Competing for the first time on a national stage, the students showcased exceptional skill, innovation, and teamwork against teams from Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Out of four participating teams from Green Valley, three advanced to the quarterfinals, with one team earning a coveted spot in the final competition. 
The BCAT Center for Engineering at the Burton Center for Arts and Technology (BCAT) in Salem has been named the Virginia State Winner in the 15th annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow national STEM competition. BCAT has been awarded a $12,000 Samsung technology prize package to showcase their innovative STEM solution. BCAT students tackled a major public safety issue: the lack of cell reception on nature trails, which can delay emergency response. Their solution—radio-connected first aid call boxes mounted on trailhead posts—ensures reliable emergency communication in remote areas. This achievement builds on BCAT's success in the Altec Innovation Challenge, where three teams—We Mean Bees-ness, Table 5, and Trail Safe—competed with innovative ideas. Table 5 earned 2nd place for a groundbreaking design, while Trail Safe, the team behind the Samsung-winning project, won 1st place and a $10,000 grant to improve safety and accessibility at Carvins Cove Nature Reserve. As Virginia’s State Winner, BCAT now competes for a National Finalist spot, with students creating a video to present their project. Samsung will select 10 finalists in March 2025, and three National Winners will receive $100,000 for their schools. BCAT’s success underscores the strength of its engineering program and Roanoke County Public Schools’ commitment to preparing students for STEM careers, proving young engineers can drive real-world change.
Looking for important dates for the 2025-2026 school year? In December, the Roanoke County School Board approved the latest version of the 2025-2026 school calendar, which includes some new features for the coming school year.
