Superintendent's Newsletter

As autumn settles across Botetourt County, our schools continue to be places of connection, discovery, and growth. The first months of the school year have brought new opportunities for students to build relationships, explore their interests, and develop the knowledge and skills that will serve them well in the future.

We also have much to celebrate as a school division. Botetourt County Public Schools has earned a number four ranking in the Commonwealth of Virginia for academic performance, a distinction that reflects the hard work of our students, the dedication of our teachers and staff, and the strong partnership between our schools, families, and community. This accomplishment is a source of pride and a reminder of what we can achieve when we work together to support every student.

From engaging classroom experiences and hands-on learning to athletic competitions, fine arts performances, and community partnerships, our students and staff are making the most of each day. These experiences reflect our shared commitment to providing meaningful opportunities for every student to learn, grow, and succeed.

As we look ahead to the second quarter, I am grateful for the continued partnership and commitment that make Botetourt County Public Schools such a special place to learn and work. Thank you for being part of our school community and for helping us move forward, better together. I hope you enjoy the fall season and the stories and accomplishments highlighted in this newsletter.

With appreciation,

Janet L. Womack, Ed.D.

Based on 2025–2026 school year data, Botetourt County Public Schools ranked fourth overall among Virginia’s 132 school divisions in overall academic achievement. This ranking reflects student performance on Standards of Learning (SOL) tests in mathematics, science, and reading administered in grades 3–12. This accomplishment reflects the hard work of our students, the dedication of our educators, and the support of our families.

SOL results are an important measure of academic achievement and one part of the broader picture of a thriving school division. That picture also includes students’ individual growth, meaningful relationships, safe and welcoming learning environments, and opportunities to explore interests and prepare for life beyond graduation.

We proudly celebrate this achievement while continuing to build on the many strengths that make Botetourt County Public Schools an excellent choice for families, guided by our commitments to Every Student, Every Employee, and Every Learning Environment.

Botetourt County Public Schools uses the Cook Center for Human Connection as a trusted resource for mental health support, including one of their partners: ParentGuidance.org. Parents and guardians can find real answers, help, and support to better understand and care for their children’s mental health needs, with access to the following no-cost resources:

• On-Demand Courses: over 70 on-demand courses led by licensed therapists.

• Ask a Therapist: a constantly expanding resource where parents can find answers to their immediate questions.

There are several places on our division and school websites to access the Parent Support resources:

1. Hyperlink Icon: Look for the Parent Guidance Resources button on main pages of the division and school websites (pictured above).
2. Division Website: Parents > Resources > Parent Support
3. School Websites: Parents > Parent Support

Botetourt County Public Schools is bringing back and expanding its Pathways to Careers in Health program beginning in the 2027–2028 school year. In partnership with Virginia Western Community College and the Blue Ridge Partnership for Careers in Health, the program will offer three pathways at no cost to students or their families: Health Sciences, Biotechnology, and Pre-Health. Students can explore careers ranging from medicine and patient care to laboratory research while earning college credit and working toward an associate degree or career studies certificate. Coursework will combine learning at BCPS with half-day instruction at Virginia Western during students’ junior and/or senior years, depending on the pathway.

The program is open to rising ninth graders and rising tenth graders who have completed Biology. Early planning is essential, as students will need to complete Algebra I and one year of a world language in eighth grade. Families are invited to learn more at an interest and information meeting on November 5 at 6:30 p.m. at Central Academy Middle School. Interested students should speak with their school counselor during course registration.

Select the images below to hear what BCPS alumni have to say about their experiences in the program:

Vicki Brown, 2nd grade teacher at Troutville ES, is the 2026-2027 recipient of the Kiwanis Educator of the Year award. Mrs. Brown has 35 years in education and was nominated for her ability to meet individual student needs, inspire a love of reading, and continually embrace new teaching approaches. Her innovative “Browntown” classroom community helps students learn government, money management, and problem-solving, while her service as lead teacher and Leadership Team member has made a lasting impact throughout the school.

Botetourt County Public Schools is grateful to the Kiwanis Club for sponsoring this generous, annual recognition, and for their commitment to supporting education and literacy throughout our community.

Since the 2017-2018 school year, Vicki Brown has established a special opportunity for her students to build community, learn responsibility, practice meaningful service, and achieve a high level of instructional and school engagement. Welcome to Browntown!

Students practice soft skills such as eye contact, greetings, and handshakes. They apply for jobs and do job interviews. At the end of the interviews, every student has a job. What jobs might you find in Browntown? Well, there is a mayor, sheriff, recycling supervisor, payroll manager, lunch supervisor, and even a DJ! Students earn Brown Bucks for being on time to school, which encourages attendance while practicing basic principles of economics.

In honor of this wonderful instructional legacy, the Botetourt County School Board presented an official charter of recognition during the September 2026 board meeting.

• October 19: Parent/Teacher Conference Day (11AM - 6PM)
• October 31: Halloween
• November 3: Teacher Workday (no school for students)
• November 11: Veterans Day
• November 12: School Board Meeting
• November 25-27: Thanksgiving Holiday (BCPS Closed)
• December 10: School Board Meeting
• December 18: End of Quarter 2 (2-hour early dismissal)
• December 21-January 1: Winter Holiday (no school for students)
• January 4-5: Teacher Workdays (no school for students)
• January 6: 3rd Quarter Begins