Superintendent Update:

• Please see Dr. Chen's April 10 update, located on the Superintendent's Updates page.

Feeding America Southwest Virginia:

• Please see the Feeding Southwest VA informational flyer presented at last night's school board meeting. Information was also provided on yesterday's What's New Today posting, and can be found on the Resources page of this website as well.

10 With Chen (Ep.2): Community

• Episode 2 of our 10 With Chen video series is now available! This episode discusses community, encourages exercise, and is sure to bring a smile to your face! Find it on YouTube, Social Media, and on the 10 With Chen page of this website. Enjoy!

Mary's Masks:

• Mary Corl, one of our bus drivers made masks for our school nutrition folks. Thank you so much Mary for this generous act of kindness! Check them out below.

Fine Arts Family Resources:

• The resources in this guide from the VDOE can help families support continuity of learning in the arts, as well as use the arts as a means of processing and expressing feelings, moods, thoughts, and emotions. Find it in the Resources for Families section of our Resource page or linked directly here: VDOE Fine Arts Family Resource

UVA Curry School of Education and Human Development: Education Resources:

• Though geared towards educators and school leaders, this may be of help and interest to families as BCPS moves forward with new instruction. Web Link

Important Information from LBHS:

• Please check out the April 10 Important Information update from LBHS.

Feeding America Southwest Virginia:

• Feeding America Southwest Virginia would like to provide our Botetourt families with much needed access to supplemental food packages on Friday April 17. The group will provide, package, and deliver the food to families from 1:00-3:00 in the Lord Botetourt High School parking lot. They place the food in vehicles and maintain all social distancing protocols. There are no signups or registrations required. The group is required to collect the names of the family members. This will be the second "Pop Up" distribution they have held in the Roanoke Valley area.

Sports Workouts:

• Individual sport workout plans for specific schools are posted on the Instructional Resources page.

Recursos en Español:

• Consulte nuestra nueva página de Recursos en Español para obtener información.

Health Department Call Center:

• Do you have any questions? Contact the Health Departments Informational Call Center at 1-855-949-8378 on Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. This information is located on the Resources page under Resources for the Community.

VA TV Classroom:

• Superintendent of Public Instruction James Lane announced today that four Virginia public media stations will broadcast teacher-led classroom instruction aligned with the commonwealth’s academic standards into homes across the state beginning Monday, April 13.

• Blue Ridge PBS, VPM, WETA and WHRO Public Media worked closely with the Virginia Department of Education to create “VA TV Classroom” to provide instruction to students in grades K-10 who are unable to access other distance learning options due to a lack of high-speed internet.

• “VA TV Classroom” will air instructional content from 1-3 p.m., Monday through Friday.

• Please see the VDOE News for more information.

Community:

• Please see Gary Larrowe and Dr. Chen's April 7 letter, located on the Superintendent's Updates page.

• Chris Balthis is working with a group of other CTE teachers to make PPE masks for our doctors at Carillion. In the end, this group will have made over 300 masks for our medical professions in need. This is using our technology to help others. This is community and collaboration at its best. We are so proud of Chris Balthis! Please see the the Face Shield Information on the Resources page for more information.

Superintendent's Update:

• Please see Dr. Chen's April 6 update, located on the Superintendent's Updates page.

DSLCC Grades Update:

• Please see the update from Dabney Lancaster on the DSLCC Emergency Grade System in place for Spring 2020. This can be found on the Instructional Resources page under JRGS.

Dual Enrollment Faculty Update:

• Please see the document that explains the policies and procedures that dual enrollment will be using this semester.

• This following link is the link that dual enrollment faculty will use to give students the option for the P+, P-, W default grading scale or the A-F grading scale. https://tinyurl.com/gradesp20

Superintendent's Update:

• Please see Dr. Chen's April 2 update, located on the Superintendent's Updates page.

Important Update Regarding Meals:

• The Botetourt meal service will be available through Friday, April 10 and resume on Monday, April 20 with PICK-UP service ONLY at the seven elementary schools.

• Meal services will NOT be available through the BCPS during Spring Break. During Spring Break, our principals have contacted and are working with our community organizations. Please contact your child's individual school if you have questions.

• Beginning on Monday, April 20, only pick-up service will be available at any of our seven elementary schools between 10:30am - 11:30am.

• Please remember to pre-register using the COVID-19 website to receive meals.

• For additional information regarding available community services, please dial 211. When you dial 2-1-1, a trained professional will listen to your request and provide you with other resources using one of the largest databases of health and human services in Virginia.

Actualización importante sobre las comidas:

• El servicio de comidas de Botetourt estará disponible hasta el 10 de abril y continuará el lunes 20 de abril SOLO con servicio de comida RECOGIDA. El servicio de comida recogida estará disponible en cualquiera de las siete escuelas primarias entre las 10:30 - 11:30 de la mañana. Como recordatorio, cuando el servicio de comidas continúe el lunes 20 de abril, deberán registrarse previamente utilizando el sitio web COVID-19 para recibir comidas.

• Durante las vacaciones de primavera, nuestros directores han contactado y están trabajando con nuestras organizaciones comunitarias. Comuníquese con la escuela individual de su hijo si tiene alguna pregunta.

• Para obtener información adicional sobre los servicios comunitarios disponibles, marque 211. Cuando marque 2-1-1, un profesional capacitado escuchará su solicitud y le proporcionará otros recursos utilizando una de las bases de datos más grandes de salud y servicios humanos en Virginia.

Instructional Information:

• RMMS has released instructional packets for April 6-April 24 on the Instructional Resource page. They are linked to appropriate grade level.

Superintendent's Update:

• Please see Dr. Chen's April 2 update, located on the Superintendent's Updates page.

• VCCS Spring Semester 2020 Grading Policy can also be found on the Superintendent's Update page.

Botetourt County Chamber of Commerce Scholarship:

• The Botetourt County Chamber of Commerce recognizes both the importance of post‐secondary education and training for the future workforce and the great expense that can be incurred in acquiring the skills necessary for success.

• In support of our workforce of tomorrow, each year the Chamber awards three scholarships to graduating seniors: one each at James River and Lord Botetourt high schools and at the Botetourt Technical Education Center.

• Recipients are recognized for their commitment to further their education, focus on specific career goals and involvement in the community. Each will receive a $750 scholarship (paid directly to postsecondary institution at beginning of school year).

• The scholarship form can also be found on the Resources page under Resources for Families.

VDOE FAQ Update:

• If a student graduating with the 2019-2020 cohort needs a verified credit for graduation, will that requirement be waived?

  • Yes. The Superintendent of Public Instruction has the authority to waive state regulatory requirements according to Executive Order Fifty One (2020) issued by the Governor on March 12, 2020. As verified credits are a requirement provided for in the Board of Education’s Regulations Establishing Standards for the Accreditation of Public Schools (8VAC20-131-50), the Superintendent plans to use this authority to waive requirements that the credit be verified only for students who are both: (1) scheduled to graduate with the 2019-2020 cohort; AND (2) enrolled in school during spring 2020. Please note, this waiver will only effectively impact those students in the 2019-2020 cohort whose ONLY barrier to graduation is a verified credit (or credits). These students will still be required to have earned standard units of credit necessary for graduation using flexibility as provided by the Board of Education’s Emergency Guidelines: Local Alternatives to the Awarding of Standard Units of Credit as adopted on April 2, 2020.

  • This waiver is not limited to those courses in which a student is currently enrolled. For example, a student who is scheduled to graduate with the 2019-2020 cohort that took an Algebra I course in ninth grade and passed the course but had not yet been able to earn a verified credit in math is eligible for this waiver flexibility since the SOL test is not available to them during the school closures.

• Which students will need or be able to use the flexibility provided by the Board of Education with regard to the administration of a locally-awarded verified credit (LAVC)?

  • Students who are not graduating in the 2019-2020 cohort but are currently enrolled in courses that are eligible for a verified credit are able to earn a verified credit using the revised locally-awarded verified credit process under the Board of Education’s Emergency Guidelines: Locally-Awarded Verified Credits, as adopted on April 2, 2020. These students will also be able to earn the verified credit through the existing pathways as well, including passing the corresponding end-of-course SOL assessment or other Board-approved test at a later date. LAVCs earned during the effective dates of the emergency guidelines will not apply to the "cap" on locally awarded verified credits. Please review the Emergency Guidelines for more details.

Early Childhood FAQ:

• Please see the Early Childhood FAQ and the ECSE Transition FAQ , located on the FAQ page.

VHSL Update:

• Please see the VHSL update, located on the Superintendent's Updates page.

Superintendent's Update:

• Please see Dr. Chen's April 1 update, located on the Superintendent's Updates page.

• VCCS Spring Semester 2020 Grading Policy can also be found on the Superintendent's Update page.

VHSL Update:

• Please see the VHSL update, located on the Superintendent's Updates page.

Budget Update:

• The FY21 Operating Budget and the FY21 - FY25 Capital Improvement Plan were approved by the Botetourt County School Board on Thursday, March 26. Both budgets are awaiting approval by the Board of Supervisors and County Administrator. Please see these documents on the Superintendent's Updates page.

College Board Update:

• Please see the latest update about College Board. This can be found on the Resources page under Resources for Families.

Budget Update:

• The FY21 Operating Budget and the FY21 - FY25 Capital Improvement Plan were approved by the Botetourt County School Board on Thursday, March 26. Both budgets are awaiting approval by the Board of Supervisors and County Administrator. Please see these documents on the Superintendent's Updates page.

Superintendent's Update:

• Please see Dr. Chen's March 30 update, located on the Superintendent's Updates page.

College Board Update:

• Please see the latest update about College Board. This can be found on the Resources page under Resources for Families.

Safe Surfin' Foundation:

• Please see the timely reminder from the Safe Surfin' Foundation. This can be found on the Resources page under Resources for Families.

Graduation (Tentative):

• James River’s Graduation is planned tentatively on Saturday, June 13, 2020, at 7:30 p.m. on the football field, weather permitting.

• Lord Botetourt’s Graduation is planned tentatively on Monday, June 15, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. at the Salem Civic Center.

Instructional Information:

• Your child’s principal will contact you directly as to what the pick-up of instruction and the delivery of instruction will look like, and items that are specifically related to your child’s school.

Superintendent's Update:

• Please see Dr. Chen's March 30 update, located on the Superintendent's Updates page.

Governor Northam Update:

• Today, Governor Northam issued a statewide Stay at Home order to protect the health and safety of Virginians and mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The full text of Executive Order Fifty-Five can be found here.

• As it relates to schools, in short, your meal service and instructional packet plans may continue.

• Within #1 from EO55: Individuals may leave their residences for the purpose of: a. Obtaining food, beverages, goods, or services as permitted in Executive Order 53; b. Seeking medical attention, essential social services, governmental services, assistance from law enforcement, or emergency services; d. Traveling required by court order or to facilitate child custody, visitation, or child care; g. Traveling to and from an educational institution;

• EO55 #7. As provided in Executive Order 53, nothing in this Order shall limit: (a) the provision of health care or medical services; (b) access to essential services for low-income residents, such as food banks; (c) the operations of the media; (d) law enforcement agencies; or (e) the operation of government.

Meal Update:

• The Botetourt meal service will be available through April 10th and resume on Monday, April 20th. When this meal service resumes on Monday, April 20, you will need to pre-register using the COVID-19 website to receive meals. Please see the Meals for Students page for more details.

Community Services:

• For additional information regarding available community services, please dial 211. When you dial 2-1-1, a trained professional will listen to your request and provide you with other resources using one of the largest databases of health and human services in Virginia.

Graduation (Tentative):

• James River’s Graduation is planned tentatively on Saturday, June 13, 2020, at 7:30 p.m. on the football field, weather permitting.

• Lord Botetourt’s Graduation is planned tentatively on Monday, June 15, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. at the Salem Civic Center.

Instructional Information:

• Your child’s principal will contact you directly as to what the pick-up of instruction and the delivery of instruction will look like, and items that are specifically related to your child’s school.

• Check out the BTEC Newsletter for the Week of March 30-April 3.

Superintendent's Update:

• Please see Dr. Chen's March 27 update, located on the Superintendent's Updates page.

BTEC Item Pick-up:

Any student needing to pick-up an essential item(s) from BTEC may do so next week, March 30 - April 3. These items include:

• Items needed for state boards and/or certification testing - primarily for Cosmetology or Nurse Aide.

• Items for students who are working

• Please make sure the item is truly essential and needed. We want to limit the amount of people that are having to leave their homes during this time.

• IF not essential, please do not have students/families coming to the school to pick-up items.

• No student/family will be allowed to enter the building.

No other items will be picked up until after Spring Break. If a family does not feel comfortable picking up, we will keep the item at BTEC. Please contact Shaun Sparks, Principal of BTEC, at ssparks@bcps.k12.va.us if you have questions.

Camp Hope:

• The YMCA is calling their child care service for Botetourt, Salem and Roanoke "Camp Hope." This service is for essential personnel only. Essential Personnel is defined in the information linked on the Resources for the Community section of this website.

• Please check the Emergency Childcare Information Sheet and the Childcare Waiver Form COVID-19.

Middle School Instructional Packets:

• CAMS and RMMS released learning activities for students for March 30 - April 3.

LBHS Friday Focus:

• Please see the latest Friday Focus from LBHS.

Roanoke Valley Governor's School:

• See their updated COVID-19 Instructional Plan located on the Instructional Resources page under the RVGS icon.

State Superintendent Revised Memo:

• Please see the State Superintendents Revised memo on March 27 regarding Graduation Requirements, Awarding of Credits, and Continuity of Learning. This can be found on the Resources page under Resources for Families.

Update from Congressman Ben Cline:

• Please see the latest update from Congressman Ben Cline. This can update can also be found on the Resources page.

Superintendent's Update:

• Please see Dr. Chen's March 27 update, located on the Superintendent's Updates page.

BTEC Item Pick-up:

Any student needing to pick-up an essential item(s) from BTEC may do so next week, March 30 - April 3. These items include:

• Items needed for state boards and/or certification testing - primarily for Cosmetology or Nurse Aide.

• Items for students who are working

• Please make sure the item is truly essential and needed. We want to limit the amount of people that are having to leave their homes during this time.

• IF not essential, please do not have students/families coming to the school to pick-up items.

• No student/family will be allowed to enter the building.

No other items will be picked up until after Spring Break. If a family does not feel comfortable picking up, we will keep the item at BTEC. Please contact Shaun Sparks, Principal of BTEC, at ssparks@bcps.k12.va.us if you have questions.

Camp Hope:

• The YMCA is calling their child care service for Botetourt, Salem and Roanoke "Camp Hope." This service is for essential personnel only. Essential Personnel is defined in the information linked on the Resources for the Community section of this website.

• Please check the Emergency Childcare Information Sheet and the Childcare Waiver Form COVID-19.

Middle School Instructional Packets:

• CAMS and RMMS released learning activities for students for March 30 - April 3.

Roanoke Valley Governor's School:

• See their updated COVID-19 Instructional Plan located on the Instructional Resources page under the RVGS icon.

• Please see Dr. Chen's March 26 video update, located on the Superintendent's Updates page.

• VHSL will delay any final decision to provide options on spring sports season until May. Please see the March 24 press release.

• Meals will only be delivered to the designated stops. Due to the restrictions that the Governor has imposed related to COVID-19, drivers are NOT permitted to go to the house. Please remember that meal requests must be made before the portal closes at 11:00am.

• Medications Left at School: If you have not already made arrangements to pick up your child's medications at school, you will be contacted by the School Nurse. You will be given information regarding the procedures to follow and the scheduled days/times for medication pick-up. If you have questions, please contact your child's School Nurse or principal.

• Please see Dr. Chen's March 25 evening update, located on the Superintendent's Updates page.

• The YMCA/BCPS Community Extravaganza which was originally scheduled for April 4th has been canceled.

• The Botetourt County Expo Event scheduled for Thursday, April 9th for seniors has been cancelled.

• Meals will only be delivered to the designated stops. Due to the restrictions that the Governor has imposed related to COVID-19, drivers are NOT permitted to go to the house. Please remember that meal requests must be made before the portal closes at 11:00am.

• Medications Left at School: If you have not already made arrangements to pick up your child's medications at school, you will be contacted by the School Nurse. You will be given information regarding the procedures to follow and the scheduled days/times for medication pick-up. If you have questions, please contact your child's School Nurse or principal.

• Jackson River Governor's School has released additional information regarding instruction following K-12 school closures for the remainder of the academic year. The JRGS icon on the Instructional Resources page has been updated to reflect this new information.

• Roanoke Valley Governor's School has released additional information regarding instruction following K-12 school closures for the remainder of the academic year. The RVGS icon on the Instructional Resources page has been updated to reflect this new information.

• Due to the closure, the retirement banquet on May 5, 2020 is cancelled. We apologize, but please know Human Resources is working on a way to recognize your achievements.

• An update from Dr. Chen was released Monday evening, March 23. This update is located on the Superintendent's Updates page.

• Governor Northam announced that all Virginia K-12 schools will be closed for the remainder of the academic year.

• VHSL has cancelled all spring sports and activities

• Congratulations to our students of BCPS! Take a look at the Western Virginia Regional Science Awards!

• Information about the Operations Budget FY21 and CIP are located on the division website under School Board - Financial Information.

• Please see Dr. Chen's video message (March 22) to the community, located on the Superintendent's Updates page.

• Please see Dr. Chen's video message to the community, located on the Superintendent's Updates page.

• An update from Dr. Chen was released Friday evening, March 20. This update is located on the Superintendent's Updates page.

• Please see the new release from the County located on the Superintendent's Updates page.

• The U.S. Department of Education has also released additional information on their COVID-19 ("Coronavirus") Information and Resources for Schools and School Personnel website.

• The College Board released a special announcement regarding AP courses and testing; they will support remote learning and at-home testing. View the full release here.

• Virtual Virginia released a special announcement regarding requirements, grades, student work and participation. View the full release here.

• Please see the "Community Resource" section on the Resources page for information regarding the Special Meeting and Public Hearing on Thursday, March 26, 2020.

• An update from Dr. Chen was released Thursday evening, March 19. This update is located on the Superintendent's Updates page.

• BCPS is offering a blended approach to continuous learning. Your child will hear from his/her teacher via video, phone, and/or Google classroom. Packets may also be used.

• Remember to sign-up for a student meal using the Meals for Students page. Be sure to fill out a meal request form for each student by 11:00 a.m. daily. Please make sure to sign-up on Friday, March 20 by 11:00 a.m. for Monday, March 23 meals.

• Please see the "Community Resource" section on the Resources page for information regarding the Special Meeting and Public Hearing on Thursday, March 26, 2020.

• An FAQ from the State Superintendent was released Tuesday evening, March 17. This resource is linked on the FAQ page.

• An update from Dr. Chen was released Tuesday evening, March 17. This update is located on the Superintendent's Updates page.

• Please see the "Community Resource" section on the Resources page for information regarding the Special Meeting and Public Hearing on Thursday, March 26, 2020.

• Meal delivery begins tomorrow, Thursday, March 19. Please be sure to fill out a meal request form for each student by 11:00 a.m. daily.

• There have been no changes to our AP test schedule at Lord Botetourt High School and James River High School.

  • As of March 16th, CollegeBoard has been developing resources to help schools support student learning during extended closures, as well as a solution to allow students to test at home if need be.

  • Here is the latest info from CollegeBoard: https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/about-ap/news-changes/coronavirus-update

• The K-8 gifted resource teachers have included assignments in students' two-week instructional packets. Additional gifted ideas and assignments are also posted on the "Instructional Resources" page. For more questions regarding assignments for students in the gifted and talented program, please contact your child's gifted and talented teacher or Keith Pennington at kpennington@bcps.k12.va.us or (540) 473-8298 ext. 214.

• Please see the latest Superintendent Update.

• Please see the Virginia Department of Education FAQ (updated March 17).

School Counseling Notice:

• While school is not in session, our School Counseling Center will be delivering services to students and families. If your child is having difficulty with coping with heightened stress or you (as the parent/guardian) are experiencing challenges talking about the COVID-19 with your child, or if you would like to consult with your child's counselor, he or she is available during Monday-Friday during regular school hours. Counselors will be checking their emails. Information regarding counseling services has been sent to parents/guardians through each school. See additional information on our "Instructional Resources" page.

Preschool Tuition Notice:

• During this mandatory school closing, preschool families involved with the Botetourt County Public School Preschool Program will not be charged tuition for the weeks of closure due to the COVID-19. Payment was received for March. Therefore, when school resumes, your account will be credited. In the event of a more extensive school closure, your payment for March will be reimbursed back to you. For questions, please contact Karen Turner at kturner@bcps.k12.va.us

• REMINDER: Student Assistance Program Conversation Series hosted at Bellacino's on Tuesday, March 17 has been cancelled

Student Meals

• Food will be available for pickup in the lobby of your child's school from 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. starting on Tuesday, March 17. Your child must be present to receive a meal. Breakfast and lunch for that day can be picked up during that time. Please fill out the order form on the "Meals For Students" page.

• Food will be available for delivery starting on Thursday, March 19.

Instructional Packets

• Elementary and middle school instructional packets will be available for pickup on Wednesday, March 18 from 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. at your child's designated school. If you are unable to pick up at these times, instructional packets will be delivered to your child starting on Thursday, March 19. Please allow for extra time.

• High school instructional packets can be found and downloaded on the "Instructional Resource" tab of our COVID-19 website. For our families without internet access, this information will be mailed home with your child's report card. Please allow for a few extra days.

• Xfinity WiFi Free For Everyone: Xfinity WiFi hotspots across the country will be available to anyone who needs them for free – including non-Xfinity Internet subscribers. For a map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots, visit www.xfinity.com/wifi. Once at a hotspot, consumers should select the “xfinitywifi” network name in the list of available hotspots, and then launch a browser.

Cancellations

• BCPS All-County Fine Arts Events (no plans have been made to reschedule at this time)

  • Elementary All-County Chorus and Art Show on March 24 at Bonsack Baptist

  • Secondary All-County Chorus scheduled for March 26 at Bonsack Baptist

• Student Assistance Program Conversation Series hosted at Bellacino's on Tuesday, March 17

Instructional Packets

• Elementary and middle school instructional packets will be available for pickup on Tuesday, March 17 and Wednesday, March 18 from 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. at your child's designated school. If you are unable to pick up at these times, instructional packets will be delivered to your child starting on Thursday, March 19. Please allow for extra time.

• High school instructional packets can be found and downloaded on the "Instructional Resource" tab of our COVID-19 website. For our families without internet access, this information will be mailed home with your child's report card. Please allow for a few extra days.

Student Meals

• Food will be available for pickup in the lobby of your child's school from 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. starting on Tuesday, March 17. Your child must be present to receive a meal. Breakfast and lunch for that day can be picked up during that time. Please fill out the order form on the "Meals For Students" page.

• Food will be available for delivery starting on Thursday, March 19.