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School Calendar For ’24-25 OK’d
At its December meeting, the Rockbridge County School Board approved next year’s school calendar, which sets school opening for Wednesday, Aug. 14, and includes three additional twohour early release days for students.
These changes were made due to staff feedback.
“In order to have a thriving and a growing and an evolving school division, we have to have professional development and opportunities to do that,” Dr. Phillip Thompson, district superintendent, explained to the Board.
“By adding three two-hour early release days for students, we would try to entertain some of this professional development over these three days, and lessen a lot of what happens in the fall when teachers come back for that first week,” he said.
The Wednesday opening will, Thompson hopes, make the start of school easier for staff and students.
“It’s something we’re glad we’re able to do. It’s good for the kids, it’s good for the teachers and staff as well to get a little bit of a roll into the school year, as opposed to starting off with a full week.”
RCHS Intercom Nearly Complete
Work on Rockbridge County High School’s intercom system will continue over the winter break, as the project nears completion.
“We’re getting closer and closer to the intercom installation being complete. Pretty much all the wire is run to outside of the classroom door,” said Randy Walters, chief operations officer.
“Running the wire to the inside is of the classrooms to connect to the speakers and the call button is a little more tedious, and is taking some creative planning on Dr. Craft’s part, to move classes so that the folks can get in to hook up the wire,” he said.
“They’ll be working through Christmas break to try to wrap it up so when they return from Christmas break second semester they’ll have a functional intercom.”
Lovell Praised At Last Meeting
The December meeting was the last for Wendy Lovell, the Buffalo District representative on the School Board who did not run for reelection this year.
Lovell was first elected to the School Board in 2016.
“Ms. Lovell’s outstanding leadership and service to Rockbridge County Public Schools has spanned many topics and many issues, but there is probably no better example of her leadership that that as board chair during the Covid pandemic,” said Neil Whitmore, current board chair.
“Her steady hand and wise council was of immeasurable benefit during a most challenging time. The county and our school division owe her a great measure of thanks and admiration,” he said.
Lovell thanked the Board, and spoke of the lessons she had learned while on it.
“I’ve learned so much through this role, and despite the challenges of Covid, I wouldn’t turn it down,” she said. “It’s been an incredible journey.”
Lena Ojure, elected in November, will be the next Buffalo District representative.
