Roanoke County Schools present ‘Opportunity Ready 2023’ State of the Schools report; graduation rate among the highest in the state

The Roanoke County School Board has released “Opportunity Ready 2023,” a video review of the state of Roanoke County Public Schools.

“For 2023, we wanted to provide our community a more comprehensive report on the state of our
schools,” said Roanoke County School Board Chairman Brent Hudson. “This video format
allowed us to share more of our successes both inside the classroom and beyond and share more
about the exciting things to come for our schools.”

Produced by Roanoke Valley Television (RVTV), Opportunity Ready 2023 features updates from
all five members of the Roanoke County School Board (Chair Brent Hudson, Vice Chair Cheryl
Facciani, Tim Greenway, David Linden, and Shelley Clemons), along with key administrators.

“I hope, after viewing this presentation, our community will join us in celebrating all the hard work
of our students, staff and parents this past year,” Hudson said. He noted that the “heart of
everything we do is our C-Change Strategic Framework.”

School Superintendent Dr. Ken Nicely described how the framework has become the roadmap for
the school system.

“At the heart of the C-Change Strategic Framework is deeper learning—learning that is engaging
and purposeful,” Nicely explained.  “Through deeper learning, students utilize content knowledge
to think deeply, engage with what they learn, and become prepared with a variety of opportunity
ready skills–communication, collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and citizenship.

“Surrounding the heart of the C-Change framework are key support factors.  Learning needs to be
engaging and purposeful and it takes a lot of support to make this happen.  From maintaining and
improving our school facilities, to safely transporting our students each day, to providing our
students nutritious school meals, and keeping our schools safe and secure, our support teams work
every day to provide our teachers with the resources and facilities they need to help students learn
and be successful.”

“The C-Change Strategic Framework is our roadmap for success and we’re seeing that success,”
Hudson said. “The class of 2023 had an on-time graduation rate of 95.7 percent–among the highest
in the state and well above the statewide average of 91.9 percent.  We have maintained an on-time
graduation rate of at least 90 percent ever since the state started this measurement back in 2008 and
our on-time graduation rate has always exceeded the state average. Thanks, in part to this high graduation rate, all our schools are, once again, fully accredited by the Virginia Department of
Education.”

Hudson and Dr. Nicely voiced their concerns that these distinctions are becoming more difficult to
earn each year. One reason is chronic absenteeism among students, in addition to lingering effects
of the pandemic.

“We believe strongly that learning is most effective when students are in the classroom working in-
person with a teacher,” Nicely said. “During the pandemic, we were one of only a handful of
school districts across the state that maintained in-person instruction, either daily or on alternating
days, especially for our youngest students.  We are confident that decision has paid off.

“While some of our students still have some learning gaps to address, overall, our students have
mostly recovered from any learning loss that may have occurred due to the pandemic, because
most of our students never experienced huge learning losses to begin with– this was a direct result
of having so much in-person learning during the height of the pandemic.

“To help districts address learning loss and chronic absenteeism, the state has introduced a new
program called ‘All In Virginia’ that includes extra support for students in grades 3-8 and support
for the Virginia Literacy Act, as well as programs to curb absences.  Our plan has been accepted by
the Virginia Department of Education and we’re working now to implement the extra support for
students who need it as a supplement to the robust, effective instructional programs already in
place.

“Long before the state introduced their tutoring program, Roanoke County Public Schools
recognized the need for free tutoring support for our middle and high school students.  Using
pandemic-related funding, we launched ‘Just In Time Tutoring’ in early 2023 to provide 24-7 free
online tutoring access and help with proofreading for writing assignments.  This has become a
game changer for many of our students who need a little help completing assignments, improving
writing skills and preparing for key college assessments. ‘Just In Time Tutoring’ was a hit from the
start and our students continue to use this free service every day.

Nicely reminded viewers to “remember that tutoring, acceleration, and remediation programs are
necessary and useful for helping students who struggle or have unfinished learning. What is most
important and essential to the academic success of ALL students, however, is the effective, high-
quality instruction provided every day by our classroom teachers and staff in our 27 schools.

“Some parents and grandparents may remember the old days when students sat quietly at their
desks listening to a teacher lecture. Those days are long gone. Today, our teachers are like guides,
helping students discover answers to problems and work to discover knowledge– far more than just
telling our students information.

“I wish every parent could sit in our classrooms and see the amazing instruction our teachers
provide every day. After every visit to our classrooms, I’m reinvigorated and energized when I see
engaging and learning taking place. Teachers are working one-on-one with students, and it’s
amazing when you see a student finally comprehend a concept – that “ah-ha” moment when you
see on a student’s face that they understand.”

Next was an update from Clemons and RCPS Director of Career and Technical Education Jason
Suhr on the largest construction program in the history of Roanoke County– the Career and
Technical Education Center now underway.

“This is an exciting time,” Clemons noted. “In a few short years, our students will be able to learn
in an all new, state-of-the-art center for advanced instruction in career and technical education
fields.

“This new center will provide a modern, state-of-the-art facility for our existing programs and offer
the space to add some exciting new programs such as HVAC, collision repair, dental assistant and
more,” Suhr added.

“We are proud to partner with many area businesses and organizations like Carilion Clinic, The
Claude Moore Charitable Foundation, the Blue Ridge Partnership for Health Science Careers,
Radford University, Blue Ridge Color Company, Lawrence Companies and more.  We are actively
seeking additional support from area businesses.

“Career and Technical Education is a critical part of the economic development of Roanoke
County. CTE plays a significant role in developing a skilled workforce, and centers like the one
we’re planning to build go a long way toward expanding a skilled workforce to attract new
businesses and to fill jobs left vacant by those who have retired. The new CTE center will be an
exciting, visual symbol of what it means to prepare students to be Opportunity Ready.

“Earlier this year, we received proposals to construct this new center along with renovations at two
elementary schools,” Suhr explained. “In December, the board selected the Branch Group and
RRMM to complete these projects. Based on our current timeline, we are looking at a possible
completion date of summer or fall of 2026.

“I’d like express the appreciation of the School Board and the school system to the Roanoke
County Board of Supervisors,” Clemons said. “We value our relationship with the board of
supervisors and, together, with a lot of discussion and careful consideration, we found a way to
find funding for this new CTE Center and funding for badly needed renovations at two elementary
schools. We thank the supervisors and the citizens of Roanoke County for making these projects a
top priority.”

Suhr reminded businesses that the school system is eager to partner with them in many work-force
development ways, including student registered apprenticeship positions.

“The student registered apprenticeship program is a partnership between school systems and area
businesses to employ students in their junior and/or senior years on a part-time basis while working
to earn an industry-related credential,” Suhr explained. “After completing the apprenticeship
program, hopefully the company will hire the student full-time and, ultimately, advance to
leadership positions within that company.

“Our regional student registered apprenticeship program is the largest in the state and includes
students from Roanoke City Public Schools and Salem City Public Schools.”

Greenway and RCPS Director of Facilities and Operations Todd Kageals presented an update on
the renovation and expansion project at William Byrd High School and two new projects getting
underway soon at W.E. Cundiff and Glen Cove Elementary schools.

“We’re in the final phases of this project (William Byrd) and we’re on target to have things
wrapped up before the end of the school year,” Kageals noted. “In all, this project involved making
improvements and renovations to more than 100,000 square feet of the existing school and adding
more than 13,500 square feet in new spaces. Renovations included science labs, band room, weight
room, media center, school counseling offices, library, the main gym, and front lobby. Additions
included choir and art rooms, wrestling area, a front entrance portico, and more.”

“This has been a great project, and the end result is fantastic and something the entire William
Byrd community can be proud of,” Greenway said. “But this isn’t the only project we’re working
on. We’re in the initial stages of much-needed renovations at Glen Cove and W.E. Cundiff
Elementary Schools.

“Both were designed more than 50 years ago at a time when open-concept classrooms were a
trend,” Kageals pointed out. There were few walls in the original buildings.

“I’m in the real estate business and open concept is great for houses but terrible for classrooms,”
Greenway noted. “With all this open space, it’s very hard for classrooms to not disrupt one
another. I’m amazed at how the teachers and students there handle this environment every day.”

“The teachers and students do an amazing job at Glen Cove and W.E. Cundiff, but it is definitely
time to correct these obstacles to learning,” Kageals agreed.

“We’re eager to get started on these projects, but it’s important to remember that these aren’t the
only needs our schools have,” Greenway commented. “In our capital improvement plan, we’ve
also identified significant needs at Northside Middle, Glenvar Elementary, Hidden Valley Middle,
Burlington Elementary and Penn Forest Elementary.  All these schools are more than 50 years old
and in need of substantial renovations and improvements.

“Our students have needs that go beyond renovating school buildings. We also have to look out for
the needs of students in many other areas. We’re proud to have developed a plan to upgrade or
replace playgrounds at all our elementary schools over the next 20 years – and we’re also focusing
on playground space for some of our most precious students with special needs.”

Facciani, along with the Mike Riley and Stephanie Hogan, Executive Directors of Secondary
Instruction, shared more on “how we’re taking the idea of being Opportunity Ready to a whole
new level. Not only do our graduates leave school Opportunity Ready– now they get to prove it.”

“It all started with the creation of the Opportunity Ready Profile of a Graduate.,” Hogan said. “This
profile is a visual representation of the skills and traits a student from Roanoke County Public
Schools should have developed by the time that student graduates.

“Using the Profile of a Graduate as a base, we started the Opportunity Ready certification pilot
program last year. Throughout a student’s academic career, they will develop a portfolio to provide
evidence of that mastery, beginning at the elementary school level.

“Students there start with student-led conferences. You may remember going to parent-teacher
conferences where the parent and the teacher discussed the student’s learning.  With student-led
conferences, we flip that entire process. The student meets with the parent and shows them the
learning that has taken place. The teacher is there to help guide the discussion, but the student is
the one who is presenting directly to the parent.

“This approach gives the student the opportunity to practice and develop important communication
skills as well as showcase their work while at school, reviewing strengths and opportunities for
improvement.”

“We carry the student-led conferences through middle school and into the first few years of high
school with students creating a digital portfolio,” said Riley. “By the time a student is a senior, he
or she has collected a significant amount of evidence to then use to prepare a presentation to
demonstrate mastery of the skills and traits of the Profile of a Graduate.  Those students that
successfully defend their portfolio will earn the Opportunity Ready Certification, telling businesses
and colleges that this graduate has demonstrated proficiency in key success skills and should have
extra consideration when it comes to job or college applications.”

“It’s a very exciting and innovative process for our students to showcase their learning and it
makes learning much more engaging and purposeful,” Facciani concluded.

The report went on to detail how the school system is making great strides toward ensuring schools
are as safe and secure as possible, implementing initiatives that other area school divisions are only
now considering.

“Over the past 10 years, we have spent millions of dollars improving the security of our schools,”
Riley explained. “From physical improvements to changing locks on our doors, to updated visitor
screening systems, additional cameras, and advanced notification systems like Raptor, Roanoke
County Public Schools and the School Board have worked hard to make sure our schools are safe
places for students to learn.

“But we can’t rest on our laurels.  We must always be vigilant.  We want to remain as proactive as
we can.  That’s why we constantly remind our students, staff, and parents to report anything that
seems suspicious or concerning.  Even if it seems trivial, it might be a sign of something larger.

“We’re very fortunate that the number of school resource officers has grown considerably over the
past few years.  Today, we have 18 SROs for our schools.  In addition, we have other police
officers and sheriff’s deputies who frequently visit and patrol our schools.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have a very strong relationship with the Roanoke County Police
and Sheriff’s Departments.

“Another key area of safety we continue to expand is our capability to address the mental health of
our students.  Our school counselors seek to establish productive relationships with students,
parents, staff, and community members. In addition, LIFE Counselors provide individual and
group counseling to students as well as education on approved mental health, trauma, and
substance topics to our students, staff, and parents. LIFE counselors and school counselors also
focus on prevention and intervention to promote academic, personal growth, and well-being.”

The report emphasized the important role parents can play in keeping schools safe.

“Parents can report anything concerning or suspicious to the Roanoke County Police Department
or to any school administrator,” said Riley. “If parents or students see something concerning on
social media – please report it, but do not share it.  Sharing social media rumors makes it harder for
us to discover the source of the rumor or post.”

n concluding the Opportunity Ready 2023 report, School Board member David Linden and
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Jessica McClung shared a few of the many successes RCPS has
experienced in 2023, including the PBIS program.

Linden identified McClung as “the driving force behind our positive behavioral interventions and
supports (PBIS) program” which promotes a positive culture in the schools.

“This is an ongoing program that encourages our students to be safe, be respectful and be
responsible,” McClung explained.  “We are using the PBIS program to focus on school safety,
coping with trauma, being fair, for substance abuse prevention, bullying prevention and suicide
prevention.

“PBIS involves explicitly teaching, prompting, modeling, practicing, and encouraging positive
expected social skills across settings and individuals.  The key word is positive.  For many years,
inappropriate student behavior was corrected in a negative way – DON’T do this… DON’T do
that.

“Through PBIS, we want to emphasize and encourage correct, positive behavior.  If a student
demonstrates inappropriate behavior, we help the student correct the behavior by emphasizing
what TO DO.  Students are still held accountable for their actions, but we start by making it clear
what actions and behavior are expected.

The School Board expressed thanks to Mike Wray, who retired from the School Board in 2023
after eight years of service on the School Board and four years on the Board of Supervisors.
The public may watch the “Opportunity Ready 2023” presentation
at www.rcps.us/opportunityready2023.

~Roanoke County Public Schools