BCAT / RCCTC Summer Newsletter 2026

Hopefully your summer has been packed with relaxation, enjoyment, and plenty of sunscreen! While there’s still quite a bit of the season left to savor, we are gearing up to welcome students back on Thursday, August 13 (A day) - the first day of school for Roanoke County.

This newsletter is your go-to guide as we kick off the school year: important dates, orientation info, transportation tips, dual enrollment offerings, paying fees, and more. If you’re looking for even more details, feel free to explore our website: 👉 https://bcat.rcps.us

You can also call the school at 540-857-5000 if you have questions. Our summer office schedule is Monday - Thursday from 7a to 4p. We will resume normal hours of M-F from 7a to 3:30p on Monday, August 3.

Enjoy what’s left of summer. Looking forward to seeing everyone in a few weeks!

Mr. Christian J. Kish
BCAT / RCCTC Principal

We are excited to be moving into a brand-new facility, the Roanoke County Career and Technology Center (RCCTC), in January 2027.

At BCAT, and soon at RCCTC, we are preparing opportunity-ready students through innovative, industry-aligned programs. Our students gain knowledge that is beyond the regular classroom. They develop in-demand skills, earn meaningful credentials, build strong work habits, and apply their learning through authentic, hands-on experiences.

The 2026–27 school year will mark both the end of an era and the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Our theme, “Moving: Onward. Upward. Forward.” reflects not only our physical move from BCAT to RCCTC. It also represents our commitment to honor the legacy of the Burton Center, embrace new opportunities, and continue improving how we prepare students for college, careers, and life.

As our programs adapt alongside changing academic standards and workforce needs, our purpose remains clear. We want to give students the tools, skills, confidence, and experiences they need to succeed in whatever comes next. Whether they are earning industry certifications, developing technical expertise, completing internships, collaborating with community partners, or producing innovative work, our students are doing more than preparing for the future. They are building momentum and helping design it.

The move from BCAT to RCCTC will inevitably bring challenges, including packing, logistics, instructional adjustments, and learning new routines in a new space. We will not pretend that every step will be easy, and we will meet each challenge with patience, flexibility, and a shared commitment to our students. By working together, we will carry forward the best of BCAT and build something even stronger at RCCTC.

• July 27–30 & August 3–7 | 7a to 3p – Business Days (Pay dues/fees, get driver apps)
• August 11 – Orientation from 5p to 7p (more information below)
• August 13 – First Day of School (“A” Day)
• August 17 (A) & 18 (B) – Student Expectation Meetings
• August 31 (A) & September 1 (B) - OSHA 10 Completion Deadline (Building Trades, Welding, Motorsports, Mechatronics / Robotics)
• September 2 (A) – 3 (B) – Add/Drop Deadline for non-center courses

🔰 New Students & Families
Stop by campus anytime between 5:00 and 7:00 PM.

• Meet your teacher and explore your learning space

• Attend a 20-minute orientation session with the principal in the Cafetorium (sessions run in intervals; space limited to 150 people per session)
• You’re welcome to visit classrooms before or after the presentation. Once you've done both, you're all set and can go home!

♻️ Returning Students
Orientation is optional.

• Drop in anytime between 5:00 and 7:00 PM

• Head straight to your class for any updates or info from your teacher

At BCAT / RCCTC, our classes are called “SuperBlocks” because they take the place of two blocks of instructional time at the base school. Yes, we start well before other schools. Part of the privilege of being here is getting a head start ... literally. We kick things off earlier than everyone else because greatness doesn’t sleep in. (It also has to do with school bus transportation logistics.)

(click the upper-right corner of the picture below to enlarge)

🚗 Drop-Off

If dropping off a student for morning or afternoon classes, head to the lower drop-off loop when you get to campus. Staff will be on site to guide traffic. Gates open 30 minutes before class starts.

Important notes:

1. Traffic on Roanoke Boulevard gets tight around 7:15am, so plan accordingly.
2. The traffic officer stationed at the main entrance will only allow right turns out of campus.

🅿️ Student Drivers

Students may park in the lower or upper lots, and may not park in Visitor or Staff spots. Backing into parking spaces is highly encouraged — it’s safer, smoother, and looks cool too (don't worry, you'll get the hang of it). Student drivers must have their parking passes purchased and displayed by Friday, September 11.

🚌 Shuttle Bus Transportation

Roanoke County Public Schools offers shuttle service between BCAT and base high schools for BCAT Superblocks.

Morning SuperBlock Shuttles

• Depart Cave Spring, Glenvar, and William Byrd at 6:55 AM

• Depart Northside and Hidden Valley at 7:00 AM

• Families must get students to their base school on time

• Direct drop-off at BCAT is available starting at 7:00 AM

• After the AM SuperBlock, buses return students to their base schools for lunch and afternoon classes.

• Special Transportation is available for students in designated special education programs only

Afternoon SuperBlock Shuttles

• Students catch the shuttle after lunch at their base school

• Buses return students to base schools after the PM SuperBlock session

• Check with your base school for specific pickup and drop-off times

All students are expected to follow Roanoke County Public Schools Code of Conduct, but some programs at BCAT come with additional work and safety rules. Failure to follow these expectations can result in removal from the class or program.

Most fees can be paid online at:
👉 https://npo.givebacks.com/

(directions on how to set up app / account are included below under "Links to Other Info")

🏫 Burton Activity Dues – $10 per SuperBlock

These cover school-wide events (like The Big Day), student gear, special treats, and assistance for students in need. All students are expected to pay this.

🧤 Equipment & Program-Specific Purchases

Some programs require extra gear like helmets, gloves, shoes, uniforms, etc.
➡️ Your instructor will provide specifics and purchasing options.

💗 Donations Welcome

We don’t do big school-wide fundraising drives, but we gladly accept donations from individuals or organizations. Want to help? Call us at 540-857-5000 and ask for Mrs. Mitchell (Bookkeeper).

🚘 Student Driver Fee – $15 (will be good for both BCAT and RCCTC)

Students who drive to BCAT / RCCTC must:

• Have paid $10 Activity Dues

• Pay the $15 driver fee

• Complete a driver application - available online (link included @ bottom of this newsletter) or by picking one up in the front office

• Submit license and registration (required by state regulations)

• 🗓️ Deadline: Friday, September 11

💵 Estimated cost: $45/credit hour for RCPS students (2026–27)

📅 The DE process happens in August only — so stay alert for info from your teachers and Ms. Long (BCAT / RCCTC School Counselor)!

🔍 How It Works

• DE classes = real college credit + boosted GPA

• Open to eligible students in select programs

• Registration and payment handled in August

• Watch for updates from your instructors and counselors

🛠️ Career & Tech DE Offerings (Subject to change)

• Auto Service I, II, & III

• Computer Information Technology I & II

• Criminal Justice I, II, & III

• Culinary Arts I & II

• Emergency Medical Technician I & II

• Intro to Nursing Careers I

• Mechatronics/Robotics I & II

• Networking

🧠 Specialty Center DE Programs (Subject to change)

• Engineering: Years II, III, IV

• Mass Communication: Years I–IV

📌 Reminder: All DE registration at BCAT is handled in August only!

Click the boxes below for more information.