Roanoke County Public Schools is fortunate to be led by professional principals, teachers, and a host of other leaders and staff members who daily invest in the lives of students, and are dedicated to working hard, partnering with families, and being the best they can be as they grow in their profession.As I have explained on many occasions, educating students effectively and successfully in schools is highly complex work that requires intentional, proactive planning along with the knowledge and skills necessary to simultaneously balance multiple factors and needs to carry out those plans, including reacting to unforeseen challenges.
Our core mission is focused on deeper learning and preparing students to become Opportunity Ready with durable skills; but no one can do it alone. As the principles of the RCPS C-Change Framework describe, outcomes like a healthy school climate and a robust learning culture are interconnected with professional growth and resources. RCPS staff is committed to collaborating, supporting one another, and learning from one another within their school or department, but also across the division and beyond. Many engage with professional networks to continue learning and growing, and leverage the wisdom and experience across Virginia and the country. They model for students the power of reaching out and learning beyond the four walls of classrooms.
Likewise, we also enjoy being part of a community of parents, families, business partners, and community leaders who understand how important it is to have a well-educated, and well-prepared citizenry and workforce to continue contributing and thriving in our community. In recent weeks, for example, five companies in Roanoke County opened their doors to RCPS high school students for Manufacturing Day. CTE students from all five highs schools had the chance to tour and learn about the complex work done at five large manufacturing businesses. These experiences help raise awareness for students about job opportunities here in Roanoke County and open their eyes to a different world of possibilities. See the article below for more on Manufacturing Day 2024.
Another recent example is the Career Quest event at the Berglund Center for which middle and high school students interact with dozens of local businesses and the future job opportunities available. Many businesses in our area also open their doors to teachers and counselors for Industry Insight Tours to allow our staff to become themselves more aware of what is happening in the region in order to better serve students.
All these efforts and many more are part of our efforts to develop students who are Opportunity Ready. Business leaders continue to remind us that they are looking for employees with the kinds of durable skills that promote success across a variety of industries and job functions within individual companies. In Roanoke County Public Schools, we remain committed to this work and appreciate working within a community that is coming together to invest in the current and future needs of the students of Roanoke County.
Dr. Ken Nicely
Proud Superintendent
OCTOBER 2024
KEY SCHOOL DATES
October 30 3-Hour Early Dismissal
November 4 Schools closed for parent-teacher conferences
Students, staff gather to cut ribbon to mark completion of WBHS renovation and expansion
On September 25, staff gathered outside William Byrd High School to cut the ribbon to officially mark the completion of a three year project to expand and renovate William Byrd High School. The $30.7 million dollar project included many updates to the school including a new media center, a new counseling center, an all-new choir room (something the school didn't have until now), expanded science classrooms with built in lab spaces, a renovated auditorium, expanded classrooms and more. In all, the school expanded to more than 100,000 square feet with about 13,500 square feet of new additions. "Our students and staff persevered through several years of construction and I'm glad that we can now enjoy this new school," said Travis Anderson, principal of WBHS. "This means so much for our community. The educational experience it brings to our kids means everything," said Tim Greenway, Vinton District member of the Roanoke County School Board.
High school students from across Roanoke County tour area manufacturing sites as part of National Manufacturing Day
On October 4 dozens of students from all five Roanoke County high schools visited different manufacturing sites across the Roanoke Valley to learn more about each organization and to learn about all the different career opportunities each business provides. This tour was part of National Manufacturing Day, which is held on the first Friday in October to show students, parents, and the public what modern manufacturing is all about.
"Today, we are focusing more on helping our students understand all the different career pathways that are available following graduation from high school," said Jason Suhr, director of Career and Technical Education from Roanoke County Public Schools. "Tours like this help our students understand there are so many good paying careers that don't require a college degree. Then, later on, if they need additional education to advance their career, the company they work for may help pay for that degree, helping avoid crippling college debt," Suhr said.
"Today's advanced manufacturing technologies bring about whole new careers, requiring a skilled workforce interested in pursuing them. From process engineers to data analysts to machine operators, and all of the operations in between, there are so many opportunities for our students in manufacturing," said Dr. Ken Nicely, superintendent of Roanoke County Public Schools.
The 2024 Manufacturing Day event is a partnership with area businesses, Roanoke County Public Schools, the Roanoke County Office of Economic Development and the Workforce Development Board.
Roanoke County Public Schools believes that all students and adults should be safe, be respectful, and be responsible. These are the three main components of our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (or PBIS) framework. As part of this effort, we are helping students to "Expect Respect" and promote kindness. Students have been learning strategies with their counselors about what to do when they see/hear disrespect - give the stop signal, walk away, and get help if needed. Another strategy is for students to be Upstanders who interrupt disrespectful behavior before it rises to the level of bullying. This can be hard to do, especially when there might be only one person standing up for someone else, but it is so important to help each other to make our schools a safe and kind place where everyone can belong. To encourage respect in all schools, RCPS in the process of a district wide contest. At middle and high schools, students may enter a work of art, music, video, poem, or graphic logo design that embodies “Expect Respect” and promotes respectful actions towards others. One of these designs may be selected to represent RCPS Expect Respect bullying prevention program. Elementary students received a Respect bingo board with examples of respectful actions and Expect Respect strategies. When they fill in their bingo board, they can turn it into their school. The schools with the highest percentages of participation will be recognized. If you would like to learn more about the Expect Respect strategies, you can find information on the Roanoke County website at rcps.us. Parents, we hope you have the opportunity to review the Expect Respect information and have a conversation with your children about the importance of kindness and respect to all. Together, we can work to prevent bullying and promote kindness throughout our schools.
Did you see this? Penn Forest Elem. welcomes Navy dad home
On Oct. 3, Penn Forest Elementary School held a welcome home for Lt. Commander Clark, who surprised his daughter, Olivia, after a 10-month deployment with the Navy.
RCPS shared the video online and it went viral with more than 7,000 views!!
Special athletes from across the Roanoke Valley complete at annual Big Feet Meet
More than 500 special athletes from middle and high schools across the Roanoke Valley descended on William Fleming High School on Oct. 2 for the annual Special Olympics Virginia Region Big Feet Meet! Like the Little Feet Meet held each Spring, the Big Feet Meet provides an opportunity for special athletes to compete in track and field events. We're a proud partner along with Roanoke City Public Schools, Salem City Schools, Botetourt County Public Schools, Franklin Co. Schools and more to put on this annual event! Congratulations to all the athletes!!
New vape detectors aim to reduce vaping in schools
Over the summer, RCPS installed vape and audio detectors in all high school bathrooms in an effort to help curb the issue of students vaping in bathrooms. When a detector senses vapors, it sends an alert to administrators to address the issue. We know that vaping is very harmful for teens and doing what we can to protect our students from this significant public health concern.
More than 100 students and their families came out to Burlington Elementary School on Oct. 15 to enjoy a fun night of math-themed games and activities. Students competed to determine who was the best "mathlete" through different games including blowing, hockey shot, mini golf and more. Students and families had a great time and enjoyed a pizza dinner! Thanks to the Title I department for putting on this fun event.
Opole, Poland mayor, city officials visit BCAT and other Roanoke County sites.
Did you know Roanoke County has a sister city? For 30 years, Opole, Poland has been a sister city with Roanoke County. In October, several dignitaries from Opole, including the city's mayor, visited several sites in Roanoke County including BCAT. The group was very impressed with the advanced level of instruction provided and enjoyed some of the talents from BCAT's culinary students!
As many as 200 middle and high school students from across Roanoke County will come together at Cave Spring High School on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. for the 2024 All-County Band performance. Selection for the all-county band is a distinct honor and is the first step toward a possible selection for all-district and even all-state band. All are welcome to attend the performance and support our band students! This performance will be recorded and will be available on our Music and Performing Arts webpage.
ICYMI: Community Conversation about cell phone use in schools
In late September, Virginia First Lady Suzanne Youngkin and Dr. Jonathan Haidt, author of The Anxious Generation, held an online fireside chat to discuss the growing concerns about teen usage of cell phones, especially during school.
The Youth of Virginia Speak Out (YOVASO) has named Cave Spring Middle School prevention club as the 2024 Middle School Club of the Year, and named the William Byrd Middle School prevention club as the 2024 New Middle School Club of the. Year. Also, CSMS School Resource Officer Justin Hubbard was named the 2024 Middle School SRO of the Year.
RCPS high school marching bands participate in Celtic Classic at GHS
Members of each high school marching band from Roanoke County Public Schools competed in the annual Celtic Classic at Glenvar High School in early October. The HVHS and WBHS bands earned superior ratings while the CSHS and NHS marching bands earned excellent ratings. As the host school, the GHS marching band was not eligible for a rating but still put on an outstanding performance!
Congratulations to all our marching bands!
Worn out American flag? Send it to WBHS!
On Veterans Day, the William Byrd High School National Navy Defense Cadet Corps (NNDCC) will hold a flag retirement ceremony. As part of this ceremony, worn out American flags will be respectfully destroyed and burned, in accordance with the U.S. Flag Code. If you have any worn out American flags, please send it to WBHS by November 8. This ceremony will be streamed live by RVTV.
Many schools to hold Veterans Day ceremonies, performances
Roanoke County Public Schools is extremely proud to honor and thank our veterans for their service and sacrifice. Each year, many of our schools hold ceremonies, performances and other events on Veterans Day (Nov. 11) to thank and honor our veterans. RCPS and RVTV will be streaming some of these events live on Veterans Day, so watch the RCPS website and Facebook page for links to live streams and, later, for on-demand playback.
RCPS Combined Marching Band to perform at Virginia's Veterans Day Parade
Members of each high school marching band from Roanoke County Public Schools will combine to form a massed band. This group, which includes over 300 members, is scheduled to march in the Virginia's Veterans Day Parade in downtown Roanoke on Saturday, November 9th at 11 a.m. We encourage parents, students and the community to come out to support and cheer on our Combined Band!
Roanoke County Public Schools is fortunate to be led by professional principals, teachers, and a host of other leaders and staff members who daily invest in the lives of students, and are dedicated to working hard, partnering with families, and being the best they can be as they grow in their profession.As I have explained on many occasions, educating students effectively and successfully in schools is highly complex work that requires intentional, proactive planning along with the knowledge and skills necessary to simultaneously balance multiple factors and needs to carry out those plans, including reacting to unforeseen challenges.
On September 25, staff gathered outside William Byrd High School to cut the ribbon to officially mark the completion of a three year project to expand and renovate William Byrd High School. The $30.7 million dollar project included many updates to the school including a new media center, a new counseling center, an all-new choir room (something the school didn't have until now), expanded science classrooms with built in lab spaces, a renovated auditorium, expanded classrooms and more. In all, the school expanded to more than 100,000 square feet with about 13,500 square feet of new additions. "Our students and staff persevered through several years of construction and I'm glad that we can now enjoy this new school," said Travis Anderson, principal of WBHS. "This means so much for our community. The educational experience it brings to our kids means everything," said Tim Greenway, Vinton District member of the Roanoke County School Board.
On October 4 dozens of students from all five Roanoke County high schools visited different manufacturing sites across the Roanoke Valley to learn more about each organization and to learn about all the different career opportunities each business provides. This tour was part of National Manufacturing Day, which 
Roanoke County Public Schools believes that all students and adults should be safe, be respectful, and be responsible. These are the three main components of our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (or PBIS) framework. As part of this effort, we are helping students to "Expect Respect" and promote kindness. Students have been learning strategies with their counselors about what to do when they see/hear disrespect - give the stop signal, walk away, and get help if needed. Another strategy is for students to be Upstanders who interrupt disrespectful behavior before it rises to the level of bullying. This can be hard to do, especially when there might be only one person standing up for someone else, but it is so important to help each other to make our schools a safe and kind place where everyone can belong. To encourage respect in all schools, RCPS in the process of a district wide contest. At middle and high schools, students may enter a work of art, music, video, poem, or graphic logo design that embodies “Expect Respect” and promotes respectful actions towards others. One of these designs may be selected to represent RCPS Expect Respect bullying prevention program. Elementary students received a Respect bingo board with examples of respectful actions and Expect Respect strategies. When they fill in their bingo board, they can turn it into their school. The schools with the highest percentages of participation will be recognized. If you would like to learn more about the Expect Respect strategies, you can find information on the Roanoke County website at rcps.us. Parents, we hope you have the opportunity to review the Expect Respect information and have a conversation with your children about the importance of kindness and respect to all. Together, we can work to prevent bullying and promote kindness throughout our schools. 
