Although summer doesn’t officially end until September 22, the summer recess ended for students in Botetourt County Public Schools last week. The 2021-2022 school year officially started last Wednesday, and by most accounts is off to a good start.
Anna Weddle, chair of the School Board, reported during last Thursday’s meeting that she had only heard positive things about the first day of school.
Dr. John Russ, superintendent, said, “We had a very smooth opening on the first day of school. I saw lots of happy kids. Teachers are happy to have students back in the building.” He explained that six administrators traveled to all 12 schools in the division to observe how the first day went.
Despite the relative ease of the opening, he did caution that some transportation issues occurred.
Compared to last year, enrollment is up this year. Last August, there were 4,420 students enrolled in the division on the first day of school. This year, there were 4,523 students enrolled on the first day of school.
Later during the meeting, Russ said that although school has started, the division is still in need of bus drivers, bus aides, school nutrition workers and custodial staff.
“Anyone in attendance, if you are interested, we will welcome you with open arms,” he said.
On July 30, 29 new employees attended the division’s orientation.
Eagle Rock Elementary School Principal Sandy Gould said, “It was a great start and the students are acclimating back into the school routines very well! Students seem very excited to be here!”
“It was wonderful to be back in the building with students. First grade enjoyed a scavenger hunt around the school to look for Pete the Cat,” added Elizabeth Hipes, a first grade teacher at Eagle Rock.
Colonial Elementary fourth grade teacher Sarah Quesenberry said, “The first day at Colonial was amazing. We are in our beautiful new building and we have all of our students. Life is full of challenges, but what a wonderful time to help guide our students on how to deal with these challenges. I am excited to get started with our next group of leaders!”
“We are thrilled to begin another school year at Troutville Elementary! These first three days have been filled with new friendships, new learning, and new adventures!! With such a fantastic start, we know the rest of the year will be amazing!” said Amanda Rowe, a kindergarten teacher at Troutville Elementary.
Elizabeth Mauck, Workk-Based Learning Coordinator at BTEC said, “We have had a wonderful start! Our first year students that are new to BTEC have had a great introduction to their career interests. Students returning to BTEC are already hard at work on their safety tests and projects. We look forward to a successful year!
Last Wednesday, The Herald asked people on Facebook to comment with thoughts on how the first day went.
Danielle Tolley, who has a first grader at Greenfield Elementary School named Maggie, said, “It was a great day!”
Amanda Smith Buyalos, who has a sixth grader at Read Mountain Middle School named Analise, said “She had a great first day!”
Kate McDonald Graff said that the Graff boys were ready to report to James River High School. “Iain is a senior and Nathaniel a freshman. First time these two have been in the same school since elementary,” she said.
