It seems like this time of year, emotions always run from “I can’t believe the school year is already drawing to a close” to “the last day can’t come soon enough; I am so ready for summer!” and those emotions can change from day to day and hour to hour! Regardless of how you are feeling at the moment, I can confidently say everyone has worked very hard this school year, including these last few days. Every school year has its challenges and difficult moments to work through, and this year has been no exception. There have also been many causes for celebration as we lift up the accomplishments of individual students and staff members, as well as teams, performance groups, and whole schools; all of whom collectively make Roanoke County Public Schools the exemplary school division that it is.
We began this school year talking about Soaring to New Heights, launching from the multiple points of pride that we all share from being part of what Niche.com says is the #1 Best School District in the Roanoke area, and the #11 (of 131) Best School District in Virginia. In 2024-2025, we soared into new areas with the science of reading initiative, guaranteeing that every RCPS student starts with a solid foundation in reading instruction and learning, and arrived at new destinations with seniors at all five RCPS high schools able to showcase their skill development and earn the first-ever Opportunity Ready Graduate diploma seal. Students in all 21 RCPS elementary and middle schools also had the opportunity to participate in student-led conferences, which are an important precursor to becoming an Opportunity Ready Graduate. Other news is highlighted in this newsletter, and I invite you to take a moment to read through and celebrate with us.
As you know, this year we broke ground on extensive renovations to Glen Cove and W.E. Cundiff Elementary Schools as well as the new state-of-the-art Roanoke County Career and Technology Center on Peters Creek Rd. If you have not had a chance to drive by and see the progress being made, please take a look, or visit our RCPS website. It is truly exciting to see this investment in students and our schools come to fruition.
We continue to have the best teachers and staff of any district around, and we are pleased this year to have provided the second year of salary increases above 6%, offer new options for health insurance, and launch the first-in-Virginia PTO plan in K-12 schools. These efforts can never match the value of the work our staff does, but we will continue striving to do all we can on those fronts, including anticipation of applying additional state and local funding to a total 4.6% salary increase for next year. We are always looking for great new people to join the RCPS team, and this is a great year to apply!
As we celebrate graduations next week, I want to congratulate our seniors and wish them all the best as they move forward to the opportunities that await. I also want to thank all of the many teachers, staff, coaches, volunteers, and families for coming together to support our students and schools.
We could not do it without you!
Dr. Ken Nicely
Proud Superintendent
May 2025
KEY SCHOOL DATES
May 26: Schools Closed for Memorial Day
May 27: Graduation (HVHS/NHS)
May 28: Graduation (CSHS/WBHS/GHS)
May 29: Last day of School (3 hour early dismissal)
Hidden Valley High School teacher named 2026 Virginia Teacher of the Year
On May 7, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin announced that HVHS journalism teacher, Matt Neale, was selected as the 2026 Virginia Teacher of the Year.
"Thank you for what you do. Thank you for inspiring us - inspiring us is how you do what you do and who you do it with and most importantly to the futures you unlock," said Gov. Youngkin.
Neale was one of eight regional teachers of the year who were finalists for the statewide award. Neale is the first teacher from Roanoke County Public Schools to be named the Virginia Teacher of the Year.
“Teachers shape the future, inspire excellence, and create an environment where students can thrive,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “Congratulations to Matthew Neale! Virginia’s future is brighter because of your commitment and dedication to your students.”
“Matthew Neale is a passionate advocate for students and displays a relentless commitment to excellence in and out of the classroom,” said Virginia Superintendent of Public Instruction Emily Anne Gullickson. “He will continue to be an excellent ambassador for the profession throughout his career.”
Following interviews with each of the eight regional winners, a selection committee chose Matthew Neale the 2026 Region 6 Teacher of the Year. The selection committee included representatives of educational institutions, the business community, and school divisions. The award recognizes exceptional teachers who demonstrate excellence in the classroom and leadership in the education community.
“Teaching is one of the most noble and challenging professions there is. I am incredibly honored to be named Virginia’s Teacher of the Year, but even more proud to stand alongside so many amazing teachers across the State, and most of all, grateful for the amazing students who make this job so rewarding.” said 2026 Virginia Teacher of the Year winner Matthew Neale.
As the 2026 Virginia Teacher of the Year, Neale will be considered for the National Teacher of the Year Award to be announced in 2026.
"What makes Matt Neale stand out isn’t just his innovative teaching—it’s the way he connects with students and inspires them to do their best. He challenges them to think critically, communicate effectively, and push beyond their comfort zones, all while making learning relevant and engaging," said Dr. Ken Nicely, Superintendent of Roanoke County Public Schools.
Cave Spring High School Teacher wins Roanoke County Golden Apple Teacher of the Year
“How are we going to cultivate character today?” This is what Kristen Canipe, a marketing teacher at Cave Spring High School, says is the heartbeat of her classroom. Canipe, the 2025 Golden Apple Teacher of the Year, says “adolescence is a pivotal time, shaping the leaders of tomorrow,” and that she works to model respect, responsibility and safety in everything she does.
The Roanoke County Golden Apple Teacher of the Year Award, presented in partnership with the Roanoke County Public Schools Education Foundation, is the highest honor that can be presented annually to a teacher in Roanoke County Public Schools. As the 2025 Roanoke County Golden Apple Teacher of the Year, Canipe becomes the nominee from Roanoke County Public Schools for the 2027 Virginia Teacher of the Year Award and receives the use of a brand-new Subaru for one year, courtesy of Southern Team Auto. In addition, Roanoke County Public Schools and the RCPS Education Foundation announced the winners of the Red Apple Award – the top teachers at the elementary, middle and high school levels.
The 2025 Red Apple Award winners are:
Wendy Niday – kindergarten teacher at Herman L. Horn Elementary School
Lauren Burgess – English teacher at Northside Middle School
Barbara McGrath – Science teacher at William Byrd High School
RCPS and the Education Foundation also recognizes the outstanding teacher with three years or less experience with the Green Apple Award. The 2025 Green Apple Award Winner is Peyton Hurd from Burlington Elementary School. Thanks to a sponsorship from Southern Team Auto, the Roanoke County Golden Apple Teacher of the Year received a check for $1000. The Red Apple winners received a check for $700 each, and the Green Apple winner received a check for $500. Every finalist also received a check for $75.
“More than 130 teachers were nominated, and we ultimately narrowed the nominees down to 16 finalists,” said Joseph Higginbotham, president of the RCPS Education Foundation. “Several Foundation Board members, including myself, served on the selection committee and watched each video submitted by our finalists. The selection process was very difficult, and the committee had a challenging time selecting our final winner. We are extremely grateful to have so many incredible teachers in our schools,” Higginbotham said.
“We are so grateful for the continued support from the Education Foundation for our students and teachers,” said Dr. Ken Nicely, superintendent of Roanoke County Public Schools. “Every teacher is worthy of this recognition and I’m so appreciative of all the hard work and dedication our teachers bring to their classrooms every day,” Dr. Nicely said.
RCPS joins the Carnegie Foundation Future of High Schools Network
Roanoke County Public Schools (RCPS) is proud to announce its selection as one of just 20 school divisions nationwide invited to join the Carnegie Foundation’s Future of High School (FHS) Network, a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to transforming the high school experience for students across the United States.
The FHS Network, led by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, seeks to embrace a competency-based educational model that prioritizes deeper learning and real-world readiness. The school district’s participation places RCPS at the forefront of national efforts to redefine how student success is measured and achieved. This initiative aligns powerfully with Roanoke County’s Opportunity Ready program and the division’s innovative student-led conferences and senior portfolio defenses (pictured), which challenge students to present evidence of their learning, reflect on their growth, and articulate how their skills will translate into life beyond graduation.
“Joining the FHS Network is a tremendous opportunity to continue advancing our mission to prepare students not just for graduation, but for life,” said Dr. Nicely. “Our Opportunity Ready program demonstrates our belief that students should be able to show and use what they’ve learned in authentic, meaningful ways. That’s exactly the kind of innovation the Carnegie Foundation is championing.”
RCCTC construction project wins first Roanoke County Stormwater Clean Award
Roanoke County’s Department of Development Services is pleased to announce that Roanoke County Public Schools has earned its first Stormwater Clean Award for the outstanding work underway at the site of the upcoming Roanoke County Career and Technology Center (RCCTC), located at 6251 Peters Creek Road, in Roanoke, VA. The dynamic project team includes Branch and Joe Bandy & Sons. The project’s expansive scope of work covering 23 acres includes rock blasting and rock crushing to provide onsite fill material, large-scale grading, and more. Despite extreme weather events like Hurricane Helene’s 50+ mph winds and heavy rains, the team has done a remarkable job in controlling erosion and sedimentation, including the control of dust generated by rock crushing activities and the minimization of sediment-laden stormwater runoff leaving the site, which has helped reduce any impacts to nearby Deer Branch creek.
Salem Red Sox salute educators and dozens of new student registered apprentices
On May 2, hundreds of educators from across the Roanoke Valley came out to the Salem Red Sox game thanks to free admission courtesy of Blue Eagle Credit Union. Before the game, the Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce recognized more than two dozen new student registered apprentices who were introduced with representative from their partner businesses. This is the seventh year of the Roanoke Regional Student Registered Apprenticeship Program and includes students from Botetourt Co., Roanoke City, Roanoke County and Salem City, making this the largest regional student registered apprenticeship program in Virginia.
In addition, the 2025 Roanoke Valley educators of the year were honored by the Chamber and invited to throw out the first pitch. Congratulations to Chris Caldwell (Botetourt Co.), LaKisha Kyle (Roanoke City), Kristen Canipe (Roanoke County) and Amy Peterson (Salem City).
On May 5, we said farewell and good luck to more than 50 great teachers, bus drivers, instructional assistants, counselors, administrative assistants, custodians and more who will be retiring at the end of the school year. In all the combined years of experience of all our retirees for this year totals more than 1000 years, including one retiree with 44 years of experience. That's a lot of expertise!!! We wish our retirees all the best as they begin their next chapter and we'll miss you!!!
RCPS art student earns top national honor at annual Scholastic Art competition
Aliyah Williams (BCAT/NHS) has received the American Visions Medal and National Gold Medal at the 2025 national Scholastic Art competition. Her work, "Missing What Once Was" (shown in the middle piece in the image), was one of several works by Roanoke County Public Schools students that made an extraordinary showing at this year's regional Scholastic Art Competition, capturing two of the region's five prestigious American Visions nominations and taking home a total of 68 awards. In all, 11 RCPS students won Gold Key Awards, 14 students won Silver Key Awards and 24 students were recognized with honorable mentions. >> See the entire list of Scholastic Art Competition Award winners.
In addition, RCPS art students and educators had a wonderful showing at the Roanoke Valley SPCA Best in Show! Vesa Bajrami, a student at Burton's Center for Visual Arts, took top honor as the Best-in-Show. Jayda Baldwin, a student at WBMS, was named Best Middle School Entry and Caroline Bass, a student at Burton CVA, claimed the People's Choice Award. Many other students received a Round of A-Paws and superlative recognitions. Congratulations on a remarkable showing of talent and dedication!
Number Ninjas and Ft. Lewis Elem. win 2025 March MATHness trophies
The Number Ninjas and Fort Lewis Elem. took home the top spots for the 2025 March MATHness tournament. In all, RCPS students completed more than 170,000 proficiencies in preparation for SOL testing in May. Congrats to the Number Ninjas and Fort Lewis Elementary!
HVHS principal Josh Whitlow is first administrator to win Blue Eagle Credit Union Award
Hidden Valley High School prinicpal, Josh Whtilow, became the first ever school administrator to receive the Blue Eagle Credit Union Education Impact Award. Whitlow credits the school community for the success at HVHS. According to WSLS, “His nominee just really just gushed about how much of a of an advocate he is for the students and not just the students, but the faculty, the teachers, the parents, you could just tell that he cares about and he’s passionate about what he does,” Blue Eagle Credit Union Director of Marketing Laurissa Thompson said to WSLS.com
Burlington and WBHS teachers win Blue Eagle Credit Union Award
Congratulations to Burlington Elementary teacher Sara Rhodes and WBHS teacher Debra Williams-Arthur for winning a Blue Eagle Credit Union Education Impact Award!
Rhodes and Williams-Arthur received a $250 check and were featured on WSLS. We thank Blue Eagle Credit Union and WSLS for recognizing these outstanding teachers!
Can't attend graduation in person? Watch online with Graduation LIVE!
Graduation ceremonies are coming up on May 27 & 28! If you, your friends or family can't attend graduation in person, be sure to catch all the cap and gown action with Graduation LIVE!
RCPS will livestream full graduation ceremonies set for May 27 & 28 for all five Roanoke County high schools. For the full graduation schedule and to watch live streams and on-demand playback, please see www.rcps.us/graduation.
Several BCAT students take home awards in statewide SkillsUSA competition
On May 4-7, CTE students from across Virginia descended on Roanoke for the annual SkillsUSA state competition. Several BCAT students were among those competing. Gold medal winners from BCAT are Kyra Artis (GHS), Sara Nguyen (WBHS) and Alyssa Wells (GHS) for Crime Scene Investigation. Lanyah Childress (NHS) in Natural Hair Braiding. and Frank Zarcadoolas (HVHS) in Related Technical Math.
Additionally, four BCAT students took home silver medals and three students took home bronze medals.
Congrats to all our BCAT SkillsUSA competitors!
Dr. Nicely named Region 6 Superintendent of the Year
Congratulations to Superintendent Dr. Ken Nicely who was named the Region 6 Superintendent of the Year! Dr. Nicely also was a finalist for the Virginia Superintendent of the Year Award,
Kim Halterman of Alleghany Highlands Public Schools, 2024 Region VI Superintendent of the Year stated, “Dr. Nicely is extremely deserving of this recognition. His vision and leadership have transformed Roanoke County Public Schools into a model of deeper learning, ensuring that students graduate prepared for future opportunities. As colleagues, we recognize him as a regional leader and appreciate his service.”
Six RCPS seniors have completed coursework through Virginia Western Community College to receive their associate’s degree, their Uniform Certificate of General Studies, and in some cases both. The Uniform Certificate of General Studies is a one-year college program in which all courses are transferable and satisfy lower-division general education requirements at any Virginia public institution of higher education.
Congratulations to these outstanding graduates!
Peterson wins prestigious Cardinal Award
RCPS Director of Finance, Susan Peterson, has been named the recipient of Virginia Association of School Business Official's 2025 Cardinal Award. The Virginia Cardinal Award is VASBO's premier recognition given to one of its members each year for exemplifying professionalism, leadership, and innovation in the field of school business management.
Congratulations to Ms. Peterson!
RCPS named a Best Community for Music Education for 21st year
The NAMM Foundation has again recognized Roanoke County Public Schools for its outstanding commitment to music education with a Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) designation for the 21st year (2002-2004, 2006, 2008-2019, 2021-2025). Now in its 26th year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.
Thanks to all our outstanding music teachers!
RCPS bus drivers compete in 2025 School Bus Road-EO
Over the weekend, bus drivers from around Region 6 came to Hidden Valley Middle School for the annual School Bus Road-EO. Drivers in conventional and special education bus classes competed in a course to navigate their bus through different challenges related to maneuverability, safety and precision. Congratulations to our Roanoke County winners:
May 2nd was the National School Lunch Hero Day! We want to thank all our nutrition associates for all their hard work preparing meals for our students!
BCAT CNA and Rad Tech graduates honored at traditional pinning ceremony
In early May, we recognized nearly two dozen BCAT students who have earned their Certified Nursing Associate, Limited Radiological Technician and/or EKG certifications. Each graduate was presented with their pin - a long-standing tradition in the medical field to honor new health care professionals. Congratulations to these amazing graduates!
Dear RCPS Families, Students, and Staff:
We could not do it without you!
On May 7, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin announced that HVHS journalism teacher, Matt Neale, was selected as the 2026 Virginia Teacher of the Year.
“How are we going to cultivate character today?” This is what Kristen Canipe, a marketing teacher at Cave Spring High School, says is the heartbeat of her classroom. Canipe, the 2025 Golden Apple Teacher of the Year, says “adolescence is a pivotal time, shaping the leaders of tomorrow,” and that she works to model respect, responsibility and safety in everything she does. 
Roanoke County Public Schools (RCPS) is proud to announce its selection as one of just 20 school divisions nationwide invited to join the Carnegie Foundation’s Future of High School (FHS) Network, a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to transforming the high school experience for students across the United States. 
Roanoke County’s Department of Development Services is pleased to announce that Roanoke County Public Schools has earned its first Stormwater Clean Award for the outstanding work underway at the site of the upcoming Roanoke County Career and Technology Center (RCCTC), located at 6251 Peters Creek Road, in Roanoke, VA. The dynamic project team includes Branch and Joe Bandy & Sons. The project’s expansive scope of work covering 23 acres includes rock blasting and rock crushing to provide onsite fill material, large-scale grading, and more. Despite extreme weather events like Hurricane Helene’s 50+ mph winds and heavy rains, the team has done a remarkable job in controlling erosion and sedimentation, including the control of dust generated by rock crushing activities and the minimization of sediment-laden stormwater runoff leaving the site, which has helped reduce any impacts to nearby Deer Branch creek.
On May 2, hundreds of educators from across the Roanoke Valley came out to the Salem Red Sox game thanks to free admission courtesy of Blue Eagle Credit Union. Before the game, the Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce recognized more than two dozen new student registered apprentices who were introduced with representative from their partner businesses. This is the seventh year of the Roanoke Regional Student Registered Apprenticeship Program and includes students from Botetourt Co., Roanoke City, Roanoke County and Salem City, making this the largest regional student registered apprenticeship program in Virginia. 
On May 5, we said farewell and good luck to more than 50 great teachers, bus drivers, instructional assistants, counselors, administrative assistants, custodians and more who will be retiring at the end of the school year. In all the combined years of experience of all our retirees for this year totals more than 1000 years, including one retiree with 44 years of experience. That's a lot of expertise!!! We wish our retirees all the best as they begin their next chapter and we'll miss you!!!
Aliyah Williams (BCAT/NHS) has received the American Visions Medal and National Gold Medal at the 2025 national Scholastic Art competition. Her work, "Missing What Once Was" (shown in the middle piece in the image), was one of several works by Roanoke County Public Schools students that made an extraordinary showing at this year's regional Scholastic Art Competition, capturing two of the region's five prestigious American Visions nominations and taking home a total of 68 awards. In all, 11 RCPS students won Gold Key Awards, 14 students won Silver Key Awards and 24 students were recognized with honorable mentions.
