DISTRICT NEWS
We will be providing updates as that information becomes available through direct communication to families on our BCPS website, YouTube channel, and social media (Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter).
2022-2023 SECONDARY BELL SCHEDULE CHANGE
All middle and high schools in Bedford County Public Schools will move to a seven-period day starting in the 2022-23 school year. The start of the school day will be 8:45 a.m., with dismissal at 3:45 p.m. This will allow for 50-minute instruction periods throughout the day with appropriate transition and lunchtimes. The new schedule can be viewed by clicking on this link.
A common schedule will ensure students will work with their teachers every day, ability to offer more electives, and provide a consistent schedule for students who attend Early College, Central Virginia Governor’s School, Roanoke Valley Governor’s School, the STEM Academy, and Susie G. Gibson Science & Technology Center. Elementary start and end times will not change.
GRADUATION INFORMATION
2022 Graduation Ceremony
Date: Saturday, May 28, 2022
Location: Liberty University Vines Center
Times:
Jefferson Forest High School - 9:30 a.m.
Liberty High School - 1:30 p.m.
Staunton River High School - 5:00 p.m.
Streaming services will be provided on our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCvIyLnQJ8uBXH9Y36C9uvw.
VDOE PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS - 2016 MATH SOLS
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) will host six public engagement sessions to allow parents, families, and community members to participate in the review and revision of the 2016 Mathematics Standards of Learning. The five regional face-to-face sessions and one virtual session will begin with presentations by VDOE staff about the Standards of Learning revision process, followed by an opportunity for participants to share feedback about the Commonwealth’s current mathematics standards and suggest revisions. Click here for more information about the face-to-face meeting locations, dates, and times, as well as the link to register for the Virtual Parent Session on June 13, 2022.
BCPS TEACHER OF THE YEAR
The votes are in.....and it’s time to announce this year’s Bedford County Teacher of the Year.
Huge congratulations to New London Academy’s Katrina Grooms!
Click the link below to watch the announcement.
https://youtu.be/nCPtMkSoohw
2022-2023 VIRTUAL LEARNING APPLICATION
The virtual learning application for the 2022-2023 school year can be accessed by clicking the link below. It must be completed by July 8, 2022, to be considered for our virtual school.
Click here for the virtual learning application.
BCPS HEALTH AND SAFETY MITIGATION PLAN UPDATE
The Bedford County School Board has voted to make masks optional for students (as of January 20th) and employees (as of March 3rd). Per changes to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), effective (as of February 28th), face masks will be optional by parental and/or student choice at all times including while riding school buses and other school division vehicles.
The BCPS Health and Safety Mitigation Plan has been updated and is posted below.
BCPS Updated Health and Mitigation Plan - Updated 3/3/22
BCPS Health and Mitigation Plan FAQs
BEDFORD'S BEST STAFF NOMINATIONS
We want to showcase our amazing staff, so we’ve created a program to do just that! Bedford’s Best will bring recognition to and showcase those in our school division who go above and beyond to make a difference in people’s lives every day. Nominations can be made by anyone with first-hand knowledge of the work that our staff member is doing. To nominate someone, please click the picture linked below. Submissions may be featured on the Bedford County Public Schools' website and social media platforms.
DR. BERGIN'S POST ENTRY REFLECTIONS TO THE COMMUNITY
Dr. Bergin would like to share his reflections about what he has learned regarding the strengths and opportunities for growth for the school division.
Click here to access his post entry report.
BUDGET & CIP INFORMATION FOR SCHOOL YEAR 2022-2023
School Board Approved Budget for SY 22-23
School Board Approved Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for SY 22-23
SCHOOL NUTRITION UPDATES
PRODUCT SHORTAGES & SUBSTITUTIONS - 12/7/21
The School Nutrition Program is beginning to experience a larger volume of product shortages and substitutions from food and supply vendors. All school cafeterias strive to offer the food items that are listed on school menus. However, food shortages and substitutions are beginning to make this more challenging. We apologize for any inconvenience that necessary menu changes may cause for students and staff. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through this issue. Any questions or concerns may be directed to Karen Arthur, School Nutrition Supervisor at [email protected] or 540-586-1045 Ext. 10224.
FREE MEALS TO ALL STUDENTS
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved a nationwide waiver to allow school divisions to provide free meals to all students regardless of income through school year 2021-2022. All students in Bedford County Public Schools will continue to receive free breakfast and lunch for the 2021-2022 school year.
Although school meals will be provided free to all children, it is still very important for families to fill out a meal application for the 2021-2022 school year. Approved free and reduced meal applications also help families qualify for certain division fee reductions and for the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) benefits paid through the Virginia Department of Social Services.
The preferred way for families to apply is through the My School Apps online meal application process. Only one meal application is needed for each household. Click here for informational flyer.
If you have children that are not attending school in person and would like more information about pick up times and locations. Click here for further information.
ONLINE MEAL APPLICATION
Free and Reduced Price Meals are available to families who believe they may qualify. You will be notified by mail of your child's status. Only complete one application per family. To submit an application online, click the button below.
ANGEL FUND DONATIONS
Would you like to help support the feeding needs of students in Bedford County Public Schools? Click the button below to donate to the Angel Fund Account at a school of your choice. Thank you in advance for making a difference in a child’s life!
SCHOOL CASH ONLINE
School Cash Online is a safe, simple and secure way for parents to pay for field trips, yearbooks, spirit wear, athletic fees and more. No need to take out cash or write checks, now you can shop online from the comfort of your own home. Click here and choose Register.
Parent Registration Resource Flyer
Click here for School Cash Online - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) in PDF format
EMERGENCY BROADBAND BENEFIT
The Emergency Broadband Benefit is a temporary program to help families struggling to afford Internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. Having a broadband connection is essential for households to gain access to jobs, healthcare services, virtual classrooms, and so much more. Click the following links to learn more.
Emergency Broadband Benefit Consumer Information
www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit
Questions about what providers may serve your area. Email [email protected] for assistance.
SCHOOL BOARD INFORMATION
The Bedford County School Board will conduct its regular monthly meeting on May 12, 2022, in the Susie G. Gibson Science & Technology Center auditorium located at 600 Edmund Street, Bedford, VA 24523.
The agenda for the 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. portion of the meeting includes a closed session to discuss personnel and legal matters, a dinner break, and, as time permits, staff reports, and Informational items.
The Board will reconvene for the formal meeting at 7:00 p.m. for Information, Action, and Consent items.
All Board meetings are open to the public and are broadcast via live stream on the school division’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCvIyLnQJ8uBXH9Y36C9uvw
The complete agenda can be accessed on BoardDocs:
https://bedford.sharpschool.net/school_board/board_docs_-_school_board_meetings__policies
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