TITAN TALK

Hello from Hidden Valley High School!

The 2026-27 school year is set to begin very soon and we hope you are gearing up for an excellent start to the year. From cleaning the building to developing students' schedules to hiring new staff to professional training and more we have busied ourselves in preparation for students' arrival on Thursday, August 13th.

Students: now is the time for you to set your minds on what you plan to accomplish in the next school year. There is, perhaps, no better fresh start than the beginning of the school year. I hope you establish concrete, measurable goals and commit to the steps required to achieve those goals. There are so many opportunities for you to become involved in academics, athletics, extracurriculars, and more. Take advantage of these opportunities and, to quote new RCPS Superintendent, Dr. Soltis, "LEAVE NO DOUBT" where maximizing your high school experience is concerned!

Families: there is a ton of information found within this newsletter as we want to be sure you have as much valuable information as possible to ensure your Titan's success at HVHS. Thank you for reviewing it carefully. We are here to assist you along the way and look forward to partnering with you in 2026-27!

GO TITANS!

Sincerely,

Josh Whitlow

HVHS Principal

Along with the Classes of 2027, 2028, and 2029, we are excited to have you join the Titan Territory!

Being a successful Titan requires hard work over time.

Like the skilled artisan who carefully forges the shield, helmet, and sword found within our school logo, excellence is never the product of talent alone. It is not determined by luck or circumstance. Instead, it is earned through attention to detail, dedication to one's craft, perseverance through challenges, and the humility to learn from both success and failure.

The same is true of life at Hidden Valley High School. Those Titans who choose to fulfill their potential, positively impact others, and leave a legacy worthy of our school community choose to live THE TITAN WAY. More concretely stated, they are...

FORGED IN EFFORT

Titans who continuously embrace the work required to learn, grow, and improve while traveling a path that is at times difficult stand to achieve goals they might not otherwise accomplish.

TEMPERED BY DISCIPLINE

Titans who show up every day with a mindset to do better, followed by deliberate action, build a capacity for achievement and resilience others are unlikely to experience.

HONED WITH PURPOSE

Titans who regularly challenge themselves sharpen their skills, develop new ones, and open a door to self-reflection that can in turn refine their sense of purpose while also expanding opportunities.

As we begin this school year, we challenge every Titan to commit to giving your very best each day. Following THE TITAN WAY will not always be easy. You will be challenged, stretched, and asked to persevere when the work becomes difficult.

Yet the reward is far greater than any single accomplishment. By living THE TITAN WAY, you can become the best version of yourself while also strengthening our school community and leaving a lasting legacy for those who follow.

Give our Titan Athletics Department a follow on X using @HVTitanSports to stay "in the know" where our athletic programs are concerned. Again, we cannot cover all activities at all times but work hard to give you a good sense of our student-athletes and their exciting athletic accomplishments throughout the year.

NOTE: links to both accounts are found below!

Recently updated Roanoke County School Board Policy 6.42A states, “High School students may possess a personal mobile device on school property, provided that the device must be turned 'off' (or in airplane mode), kept out of sight, and not on one’s person, meaning stored in a personal bag such as a bookbag during the school day from bell to bell. Students enrolled in high school photography or graphic design classes may use the camera feature on a mobile phone during photography class with permission of the teacher.”

This means high school students in Roanoke County are no longer able to use personal mobile devices from the opening bell for first block to the closing bell for last block. Not clear on some of the language? Here are few quick definitions for clarity:

Off: silenced and not disruptive.

Out of sight: not visible at any time or anywhere.

Bell to bell: “[D]efined as the first bell used to start the school day until the final bell of the school day used to dismiss students from school.” Until further notice, that time frame at HVHS is from 8:20am to 3:25pm.

Personal mobile devices: “[I]nclude but not limited to cell phones, smart watches, smart glasses, air pods/earbuds, and headphones…”

Thank you for making the right choice, albeit a difficult one, by keeping your devices off and out of sight. Doing so avoids conflict and consequences. Additionally, enforcement begins DAY ONE and we want all to be well informed!

Click the pic above or the link found HERE to visit our online store. Tons of options--from clothing to bags and more--are available so enjoy perusing a HUGE selection of customizable Titan gear! Plus, the store is running several deals right now worth checking out!

Along with THE TITAN WAY, our TITAN TRAITS offer concrete examples of how we conduct ourselves at HVHS. Do your part by demonstrating our TITAN TRAITS and positively contributing to our school climate every day!

Our 2026-27 Business Days are set for Monday, July 27th through Thursday, July 30th from 8am to 3pm. If able, we encourage families to use the following schedule:

Monday, July 27th - 9th grade Business Day

Tuesday, July 28th - 10th grade Business Day

Wednesday, July 29th - 11th grade Business Day

Thursday, July 30th - 12th grade Business Day

Drop by to pay fees early and gain early access to your child's DRAFT class schedule* before the first day of school!

If stopping by to pay fees early, be sure to complete this School Fees Form. All student drivers who intend to park on school grounds must complete this Parking Application as well as purchase a parking permit. BCAT students have a separate fee for a parking permit.

Checks should be made payable to Hidden Valley High, and online payments are also taken using GIVEBACKS. Information regarding the use of this new program is available HERE.

*Class schedules are subject to change as we continue to balance classes and personnel needs. No schedules will be mailed home. Additionally, draft schedules are not available until materials and equipment from prior years are returned or payment for those items is made. Examples include, but are not limited to: textbooks, library books, and laptop equipment. See Mr. Jablonski, HVHS Assistant Principal, should you have questions.

NOTE: The vendor charges a $0.59 fee per shopping cart, plus a 3.95% processing fee. These fees are assessed by the vendor and are not school division/HVHS fees.

Students who pay online will need to print verification and bring it to HVHS in order to pick up a draft 2026-27 schedule.

Primary fees for the 2026-27 are available HERE and include details on class dues, online courses, advanced courses, and more.

Please note, class dues help to cover expenses such as decorations during Homecoming Spirit Week. As students continue into the next grade level, these funds move with them to the next grade level. For example, Junior funds are used to support Prom and Senior funds are used to cover the expenses of senior activities. Class dues must be paid, any other outstanding fees, and all disciplinary matters resolved in order to attend the Homecoming Dance as well as Prom.

Students who choose to drive to school must submit this Parking Application as well as purchase and display their parking permit. Failure to meet attendance requirements and/or other disciplinary infractions may result in the suspension of driving privileges without the expectation for a parking permit refund. Remember to complete and bring the School Fees Form with you!

Lastly, all students taking physical education courses will be required to wear a gym suit provided by the school at the costs detailed above OR provide comparable clothing that meets the following criteria: gray crew neck t-shirt with no print, navy athletic shorts with at least a 7" inseam or sweats. Avoid clothing with buttons, large zippers, belts, and buckles.

Nutrition Services

Breakfast: $1.85

A la carte options will be available at all schools, as staffing and product availability allow.

RCPS Nutrition Services just announced we will be transitioning to a new online partner, SchoolCafé, for managing student meal accounts.

The below image will soon be mailed to households in postcard format to inform families of this upcoming change. SchoolCafé will replace our previous system and allow parents to add funds, manage accounts, view nutritional information, and apply for Free & Reduced Meals.

While the system is not live yet, we anticipate it launching shortly and a link has been provided HERE. You may also click the picture below to access SchoolCafé.

NOTE: Online payments have a processing fee of $2.25 per transaction. The minimum payment amount is $10.00 and the maximum amount is $100.00.

Strawbridge Studios will be at HVHS on the dates below for your senior portraits. Please make sure you are aware of the dates as this is your way to have your senior portrait in the yearbook.

July 21-22, 2026 (July 21 from 10:00am-3:30pm; July 22 from 8:30am-2:30pm)

Strawbridge Studios will offer multiple stations to have your senior portraits taken. The stations offered will include the Formal station (Tux & Drape) along with a casual indoor station and environmental station. You will receive an email to schedule your appointment. Appointments must be made to schedule your session. No walk-ins will be allowed.

• $39.95 Session Fee includes 30-36 proofs on all the stations listed above. We encourage you to bring props, instruments, jerseys, etc. to make your pictures memorable.
• Link to signup for Full session

• $19.95 Session Fee includes 8-12 poses on the Formal station. This will include the basic poses available to choose from for the yearbook along with extras with different lighting and backgrounds.
• Link to signup for Formal only session

• A yearbook-only session will be offered through appointment only, but the time slots are limited. There is no fee to have the basic 4 poses photographed for the yearbook. You will still receive proofs to order from.
• Link to signup for Yearbook only

October 9, 2026

Strawbridge Studios will offer the Formal station only to have your senior portraits taken. This will be your last chance to have your picture taken for the yearbook! The school will schedule your appointment time.

• A Yearbook only session will be offered throughout the day during school hours. There is no fee to have the basic 4 poses photographed for the yearbook. You will still receive proofs to order from. School will schedule these appointments based on who needs their senior portraits taken.

Strawbridge Studios will provide all garments needed for the Formal portraits. We ask that you bring or wear a white t-shirt to wear under the tux shirt or a camisole to wear under the drape.

If you are unable to attend the scheduled session detailed above at HVHS, please email Morgan Graham at morgan.graham@strawbridge.net for the links to signup at one of the senior sessions listed below at neighboring schools.

• July 20, 2026 & July 29, 2026 – Northside High School
• July 13-15, 2026 – William Byrd High School

Again, the last chance for a senior portrait for the yearbook will be October 9th if you are unable to attend the summer sessions.

Parents of Rising 12th Grade Students,

Students are required to have the meningococcal ACWY vaccine prior to entering 12th grade. If your child had a dose of the meningococcal vaccine around the age of 11, they would still need another dose after they turn 16 years old. A letter with this information was previously sent to parents. Please bring or send a copy of the immunization record indicating these vaccines to your child's school as soon as possible. The school must receive the immunization record prior to the start of school.

You can arrange for your child to receive this vaccine through your child’s healthcare provider or through the health department. In addition, the Health Department will be having vaccine clinics for rising 7th and 12th grade students at our schools later this summer. You may view the schedule below.

Roanoke County Health Department Immunization Clinics

July 28th, 4-6 p.m. Cave Spring Middle School - Cafeteria

July 29th, 4-6 p.m. William Byrd Middle School – Cafeteria

July 30th, 4-6 p.m. Northside Middle School, Pope Gym

You may attend any of these clinics and do not need to register in advance. Please bring your student's vaccine record and your insurance card. If you are attending one of the vaccine clinics at the schools, please print and fill out the attached consent form and bring it with you to the clinic to save time. A parent or guardian must be with the student at the clinics.

The Vinton and Salem Health Departments will also be providing vaccines by appointment throughout the summer. The schedule can be found on the school district webpage under Departments- Heath Services. You can also contact the health department directly.

Salem Health Department: 540-387-5530

Vinton Health Department: 540-857-7800

You may contact Sara Cavicchio, RCPS Coordinator of Health Services, at 540-562-3900 ext. 29801 with any questions you may have.

This is an awesome opportunity for you to meet your teachers, catch up with friends, secure membership as part of our amazing HVHS PTSO, and more!

Beginning July 17th, families can log into their ParentVUE account HERE to complete the Annual Verification of their student’s information. Please complete this verification process by August 8th. Contact our front office at (540) 776-7320 if you cannot access your ParentVUE account or have any questions about the process. Thanks, too, for completing this process by August 7th!

We are excited to welcome these amazing professionals to TEAM TITAN!

New full-time and shared faculty/staff:

Nadia Abbas – Instructional Assistant

Laura Beard – Instructional Assistant

Martin Cafurello – Math (shared)

Mitch Custer - Instructional Assistant

Paul Dickey – Math

Kimberly Emory – Computer Science (shared)

Kayla Gill – Special Education

Chelsea Holley – Instructional Assistant

Jocelyn Hunter – Social Studies

Kiersten Jones - Instructional Assistant

Hunter Lovelace – Health/PE (shared)

Dr. Krystle Lowe -- Theater (shared)

Dr. Paula Newbill – World Languages

Jaime Norris – Special Education

John Phillips – English (shared)

James Rashkovsky – Science

Theresa Reed – Instructional Assistant

Andrea Royer - Instructional Assistant

Dr. Susheela Shanta – CTE

Brooke Smith – English Language Learners (shared)

Haley Snyder - Science (shared)

Josephine Urbaniak - Social Studies

Bob Van Gerven – CTE (shared)

Starting with the 2026-2027 school year, all athletic registration and sports physical turn in will be done digitally through the Arbiter platform (We will no longer be accepting paper copies of physicals). Through Arbiter, we have streamlined the athletic registration process, and all required waivers are now completed digitally. Please follow the steps below to ensure your student is properly registered for athletic participation:

• Create an Arbiter Registration account--you only need one account for your whole family--by visiting HERE first.

• Activate your Arbiter Registration account using the activation link that will be automatically sent to your email. Please note: the activation email may be delivered to your junk or spam folder.

a. If you experience difficulty creating your account, receiving the activation email, or logging in, please contact Arbiter Registration support at 1-800-311-4060.

• After successfully logging into your account, transition to HERE so you can complete your student’s registration.

• Once your registration is complete, you will receive an email confirmation indicating that your submission has been received. Please note that students must be fully registered and cleared by administration in order to be eligible for athletic participation. If your child’s registration is incomplete, you will be contacted through email

The Hidden Valley High School PTSO offer our students and school community an immense amount of support! From hosting faculty/staff events to raising thousands of dollars and hosting After Prom to annual scholarships and much more, our school community enjoys the best PTSO around!

Click the picture above or visit the portal HERE to join the PTSO today!

July 10, 2026

Monday, July 27th through Thursday, July 30th

Business Days @ HVHS from 8am to 3pm

Thursday, July 30th

Meet and Greet with new RCPS Superintendent, Dr. Soltis, and Windsor Hills school board member, Dr. White, in the auditorium from 7pm to 8pm

Monday, August 10th

New Student and 9th Grade Orientation beginning in the auditorium from 4:30pm to 5:30pm

Back-to-School Open House from 4:30pm to 6:30pm

First day of school

Friday, August 21st

Titan Kick Off football scrimmage, benefit game, and Parks & Rec recognition

Friday, August 28th

2025-26 Kick Off Student Pep Rally!

Monday, September 14th through Friday, September 18th

Homecoming Week!

Thursday, September 17th

TENTATIVE date for vision/hearing screenings for 10th graders

Friday, September 18th

Homecoming Pep Rally, Homecoming Parade, and Homecoming Football Game!

Saturday, September 19th

Homecoming Dance at HVHS from 8pm to 11pm

Monday, September 21st and Tuesday, September 22nd

Fall pictures

Friday, October 9th

FINAL SENIOR PORTRAIT DAY (FORMAL ONLY) !*

*Senior portraits must be completed by this day in order to be in the yearbook

Tuesday, October 27th

Fall pictures makeup day

Thursday, December 3rd

Club photos

Monday, April 5th through Friday, April 9th

Prom/Spring Spirit Week!

Saturday, April 10th

Prom at Hunting Hills Country Club followed by After Prom at The Launching Pad

Wednesday, May 26th

2:30pm HVHS Graduation at the Salem Civic Center

Thursday, May 27th

Last day of school

*This calendar does not encompass all activities to include athletics, concerts, competitions, SAT/ACT testing at other schools, and the like. Please also see the RCPS Academic Calendar posted below for division-wide dates.*

Visit HERE to access more information regarding the RCPS 2026-27 Academic Calendar.

Roanoke County Public Schools continues to provide “Let’s Talk,” a telehealth service available for elementary, middle, and high school students and parents. Through this service, students/parents can receive up to six (6) free counseling sessions for a variety of issues including:

• Relationships
• Stress
• Anxiety/depression
• Coping with grief or loss
• and any other difficult life situation

Like so many communities across the country, the Roanoke Valley faces a challenge when it comes to local availability of licensed mental health counselors due to overwhelming demand. Let’s Talk helps bridge that gap and connects students and parents to critical counseling services. The Let’s Talk service, powered by Gaggle Therapy, is possible thanks to a grant from the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services.

This program will support students and parents through direct counseling, prevention, and early intervention services delivered by a contracted mental telehealth provider. The goal is to improve access to care by reducing barriers such as transportation and scheduling challenges, supporting early identification and intervention for mental health concerns, and fostering a more supportive and responsive school environment that promotes wellness and academic success.

To begin counseling, Visit HERE to begin counseling.

Click the picture or title above to take you to the RCPS Counseling webpage. There, you will find numerous resources geared toward supporting our students and families across a wide array of topics.

Website: https://hvhs.rcps.us/
Location: 5000 Titan Trail, Roanoke, VA 24018
Phone: (540) 776-7320