The 2026-27 school year may still be weeks away, but Botetourt County Public Schools is already helping families prepare with schedule pick-up dates, open houses and orientation programs at its middle and high schools.
Students and parents are encouraged to attend the upcoming events, which provide opportunities to pick up schedules, complete paperwork, meet teachers and become familiar with their schools before classes begin.
Central Academy Middle School
Central Academy Middle School will hold schedule pick-up days on Wednesday, July 29, from 9 a.m. to noon and Thursday, Aug. 6, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The Aug. 6 event will also serve as an open house, giving students and parents an opportunity to meet teachers before the school year begins.
Incoming sixth grade students are invited to participate in a Transition Day on Monday, Aug. 10, from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Students will meet teachers, walk through their schedules and take part in activities designed to help ease the transition to middle school. Parents are invited to return at 2:45 p.m. for an informational meeting with school administrators and counselors.
Read Mountain Middle School
Read Mountain Middle School will offer schedule pick-up and registration assistance on Thursday, July 30, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Thursday, Aug. 6, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Families will have the opportunity to pay fees and receive assistance with Parent Portal forms.
The Aug. 6 event will also include an open house where students and parents can meet teachers. In addition, the school’s sixth grade and new student orientation is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 11. Students will receive mailed invitations with designated tour times.
James River High School
James River High School’s schedule pick-up and business days will be held Thursday, July 30, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and Thursday, Aug. 6, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
During those events, students and parents can pick up schedules, pay class fees, purchase technology insurance, select parking spaces, purchase Knights Sports Passes and receive assistance with Parent Portal forms. Families will also have opportunities to join the JRHS Parent Teacher Student Organization and Athletics Booster Club.
The Aug. 6 event will include a “Meet Your Teachers” open house. Freshman orientation is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 10, beginning at 9 a.m. Incoming ninth grade students should be dropped off before 9 a.m. and picked up at noon.
Lord Botetourt High School
Lord Botetourt High School will hold business days on Thursday, July 30, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday, Aug. 7, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Students and parents will be able to pick up schedules, pay fees, purchase technology insurance and athletic passes, secure parking permits, receive assistance with Parent Portal registration and connect with school support organizations, including the LBHS PTSO and Cavalier Athletic Foundation.
The school’s Freshman Transition Program will take place Friday, Aug. 7, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Incoming freshmen will exchange their current Chromebooks for new devices and learn more about the upcoming school year. Parents are invited to an informational meeting in the auditorium at 1 p.m. and may remain for the school’s open house and teacher meet-and-greet beginning at 2 p.m.
School officials encourage families to take advantage of these opportunities to complete back-to-school preparations and help students begin the new academic year ready for success.
~ Fincastle Herald staff report
