Counselors + Staff

Hi, Wildcat Nation. My name is Janet Buchheit. I grew up in a small town in southeast Missouri. I am the youngest of six children. The older five are all brothers. I am a lover of sports. I played volleyball and basketball in high school and played some softball growing up. After high school, I attended Southeast Missouri State University. There I played volleyball and graduated with a degree in elementary education. My first job was teaching fifth graders and running a high school volleyball program. Great fun!

I never had children of my own. I have always claimed the students in the schools where I have been as my children. When I landed in Virginia, after falling in love with the mountains while working at a summer camp near Blacksburg, I settled in the Waynesboro area. I taught middle school math in Waynesboro for five years. I went on to be an assistant principal at the high school and came back to the middle school to serve as principal for seven years. I have been honored to work with great people and families over the years. In 2018 my heart took me in the direction of school counseling, a long desired role. Fortunately for me, while in the JMU school counseling program, I had the privilege of working as an intern at Rockbridge High School.

My goals are to build connections with others, provide support and enjoy the process along the way. My door is always open. I am always here to listen and support you. I look forward to getting to know each of you and being a more recognized member of the Wildcat Nation! Thank you much for including me in your community.

I am beginning my 18th year as a school counselor. Beginning my 5th year at Rockbridge County High School. I grew up in Augusta County. I graduated from Bluefield College with a Bachelor of Science degree. I have a Masters in Christian Education. I also graduated from Longwood College with a Masters of Education in School Counseling.

I live with my husband, son, 3 dogs, 2 cats, and 2 chinchillas. I also have a daughter and son-in-law who live nearby as well.

After graduating from Northside High School, I moved to Rockbridge County and started work at Crestar Bank. In 2006, I came to RCHS and have been the Registrar since 2011.

My two children graduated from RCHS in 2011 (Blake) and 2013 (Brooke). They both married Rockbridge alumni as well - we are "all in" with Rockbridge County High School.

I have been happily married since 1988 to my high school sweetheart. I now love spending time with my grandsons, Levi (6) and Luke (new in March '20) watching them play sports.

I can help you enroll your student and work primarily with student records. Do not hesitate to reach out!

I was born and raised overseas and came to Rockbridge County 20 years ago, after my parents retired here from the Foreign Service.

I am a graduate of Furman University. I worked at a Washington, DC law firm for many years as a Law Librarian and Paralegal Manager. I was a Branch Assistant Manager for the Rockbridge Regional Library for six years before coming to the RCHS counseling office in 2007. I've enjoyed every minute!

I have two children, Matthew and Katie, both graduates of RCHS.

I work with the senior class, helping with college applications, scholarships, transcripts, military and college recruitment, and employment information. I’m here to help, and I am happy to answer any questions you have.

What is Educational Talent Search? Talent Search is a free educational program funded by the US Department of Education. Our goal is that EVERY identified Talent Search student will graduate from high school and attend a 2 year or 4 year college or technical school to further their education.

Who is Eligible? Students in grades six through twelve whose parents do not have a four-year college degree are eligible for Talent Search. Students with academic potential and low family incomes are given priority.

What Services are Provided?

• Up-to-date college admissions information, including help with the application process

• Career exploration, career counseling, and study skills assistance

• Field trips to visit colleges, universities, and technical schools

• SAT and ACT information, study assistance and fee waivers (eligibility required)

• College application fee waivers (eligibility required)

• Help with the college financial aid process

What is required of a Talent Search Student? Once accepted into the program, students are required to attend meetings held during the school day and/or check in with their TS counselor(s) regularly.

Talent Search applications are available in the School Counseling Office, by contacting your school's Talent Search Counselor, or by obtaining the online form. Completed Talent Search applications can be returned to your school's Counseling Office, the school's Talent Search Counselor, or by mailing to: Educational Talent Search, Dabney S. Lancaster Community College, 1000 Dabney Drive, Clifton Forge, VA 24422.

We look forward to serving you!

Your Talent Search Counselor, Ms. Bodnar, is available at RCHS on Mondays and Fridays during the 2020-2021 academic year and can also be reached by email or phone as listed below.

Ms. Jennifer Bodnar (Room T4)

Email: jbodnar@dslcc.edu

Office: 540-863-2897

Cell: 540-460-7582