The start of “summer” is just two weeks away. Wednesday, May 23 is the last day of school for Botetourt students— a weather-related makeup day.

They also know when they’ll be back in class in August.

The School Board approved the 2018-19 calendar when it met in April, and again classes begin the Wednesday of the first full week of August— August 8.

Teachers will report as early as August 1 for workdays.

The last day of the next school year is scheduled for Tuesday, May 21, 2019. Of course, that depends on the weather. This school year, the school division had to add a student day, May 23, because of what the weather did to the school schedule.

As this year’s last day approaches, seniors at the two high schools are preparing for graduation.

Lord Botetourt seniors graduate Monday, May 21 at 7 p.m. at the Salem Civic Center. James River’s graduation is Tuesday, May 22 at 7:30 p.m. on the football field (weather permitting).

Leading up to graduation, JRHS seniors will have their awards assembly Tuesday, May 15 at 6:30 p.m. in the school auditorium.

LBHS’s Senior Day is Friday, May 18. The senior awards assembly is at 10 a.m.

Baccalaureate service for JRHS seniors is Sunday, May 20 at 4 p.m. at Mill Creek Baptist Church. Lord Botetourt’s Baccalaureate is Sunday, May 20 at 3 p.m. at Orchard Hills Church.

James River’s seniors have been invited to return to their respective elementary schools— Breckinridge, Buchanan, Eagle Rock and Greenfield Elementary Schools— for a Class of 2018 Senior Walk on the morning of Friday, May 18. They will walk and greet elementary students at 8 a.m.

The 2018-19 school year falls closely in line with the current year. The first semester will end before Christmas. The last student day before the Christmas break is Wednesday, Dec. 19. Students return to school on Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2019. Thanksgiving break is three days, and spring break is Monday, April 15 through Monday, April 22, the day after Easter.

The full calendar is on the Botetourt school division website.