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View this message online
 #2025-17 | Update for May 2, 2025
This Week's To-Dos:
Meeting Workforce Needs:
This Week's Articles:
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Latest Federal Updates
Submission Compliance with FERPA and PPRA
Yesterday, VDOE submitted the agency's official response to the United States Department of Education regarding the Commonwealth’s assurance of compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA). All of the Commonwealth’s 136 Local Education Agencies (LEAs) provided the agency with documentation prior to the deadline.
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Superintendent's Message
Across the Commonwealth of Virginia, a quiet but powerful movement is taking place in our public schools. It’s being led by a new generation of education entrepreneurs - our visionary superintendents and school principals – who are boldly reimagining what learning can and should look like for today’s students.
I enjoyed having the opportunity to meet with many of our superintendents at the Virginia Association of School Superintendents’ conference this week. From mobile learning vehicles and transportation modernization efforts to launching more high value Career and Technical Education programs, thoughtful approaches to the new teacher workforce, and deepening intentional parent-school partnerships, Virginia leadership is thinking outside of the box to better reach the students of 2025.
These forward-thinking leaders deeply understand that education is no longer a one-size-fits-all learning system. They are designing student-centered models that prioritize engagement, relevance, and real-world readiness. They are conducting focus groups with families to design models that parents and guardians want to meet their child’s needs. From competency-based instruction and flexible learning pathways to partnerships with local businesses and universities, Virginia’s superintendents are crafting environments where students are active participants in their education.
Laws passed by the General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Youngkin over the last two years along with more than $7 billion in new direct aid funding have not only made this possible but often accelerated momentum already underway in the post-pandemic era.
What’s most exciting is that these innovations are happening in communities large and small – from urban centers to rural counties. These leaders are listening to students and parents, empowering teachers, and using data to personalize learning in ways that prepare students for a fast-changing world. Moving forward, the Department will begin to capture these best practices in a way that empowers superintendents and school principals to more easily replicate and scale what’s working for students, families, employers, and communities.
Virginia has long been a state that values strong public education. Today, we have an opportunity to celebrate and support these educational entrepreneurs who are lighting the way forward. Their work is not just transforming classrooms – it’s building a brighter future for every learner in the Commonwealth.
I look forward to seeing more of this in action this summer and fall.
Emily Anne
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Highlights
News from Across the Commonwealth
Earlier this week at the Virginia Association of School Superintendents (VASS) Spring Conference, Superintendents of the Year from each region were recognized.
- Region 1: Dr. Dalphine Joppy, Charles City County Public Schools
- Region 2: Dr. Jared Cotton, Chesapeake Public Schools
- Region 3: Dr. Tracy Seitz, Middlesex County Public Schools
- Region 4: Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt, Alexandria Public Schools
- Region 5: Dr. Pete Gretz, Fluvanna County Public Schools
- Region 6: Dr. Ken Nicely, Roanoke County Public Schools
- Region 7: Dr. Mark Burnette, Carroll County Public Schools
- Region 8: Dr. Robbie Mason, Charlotte County Public Schools
At this event, VASS also recognized Dr. Pete Gretz as Virginia's Superintendent of the Year. Congratulations!
The Little Feet Meet, an outcome of Unified Champion Schools which is funded by the U.S. Department of Education, brings together preschool and elementary students with developmental disabilities for a fun, inclusive day of athletic activities. Held at James River and Matoaca High Schools in Chesterfield County Public Schools, this year’s event welcomed 1,800 students from 41 schools, supported by over 500 high school volunteers. It’s a celebration of ability, acceptance, and community. |
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VDOE's Office of Parental Engagement recently visited Montvale Elementary School in Bedford County to support literacy during their book fair and share Standards of Learning and attendance resources for parents. #EverybodyReadsVA |
Teacher Apprentices at Oak Point Elementary in Smyth County Public Schools are all smiles as they continue to complete coursework and pursue their dreams of becoming teachers! #TeacherApprenticeships #ElevateEducatorsVA |
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Cell Phone-Free Education
Montgomery County Cell Phone-Free Policy Improves Student Success, Well-Being and Confidence
Article: 2025-17-214
In June 2024, the Montgomery County School Board passed a policy preventing student cell phone use during the school day. This decision has significantly boosted their students' success and overall well-being. Teachers report better classroom engagement and say students are more focused throughout school.
According to Christiansburg Middle School Principal Danny Knott, “The cell phone policy has had a very positive impact on our students. Students are talking to each other more in the hall and cafeteria. Some students have even reported how much better they feel now that they are not tied to their cell phones so much.”
Staff members have seen noticeable improvements in their students’ attitudes, confidence, and self-esteem. We’re pleased by the success of our cell phone policy. "We’re excited about the success of this program, and we’re encouraged by the response of our students and staff to commit to being cell phone free throughout the day,” said Superintendent Bernard F. Bragen.
Middlesex Schools Reclaim Connection with Cell Phone-Free Policy
Article: 2025-17-213
In the summer of 2024, Middlesex County Public Schools began discussing the need to limit or eliminate cell phone use during the school day. While their initial considerations included allowing phones during transitions and lunch—particularly at the high school level—they ultimately recognized that even limited access would distract from their goal: creating a more focused, engaging, and connected learning environment.
To guide their implementation, they surveyed families, staff, and the community. The feedback was overwhelmingly supportive, with one consistent concern: parents wanted to ensure their children could communicate with them when needed. They listened. With this feedback in hand, they refined both their practice and communication strategy and transparently communicated the rationale behind the change to their stakeholders.
Middlesex leadership addressed communication—especially for student athletes and families managing after-school logistics. They ensured that systems were in place so that families would be informed of schedule changes, and they designated supervised spaces for students to contact their parents when needed.
Middlesex County Public Schools' policy is clear: phones must be off and away, but may be kept in backpacks or purses. They began the year with daily reminders, and the transition was remarkably smooth. Not only are classrooms more engaging, but administrators report fewer disciplinary issues tied to phone misuse. Their lunchrooms, once quiet and screen-filled, are now full of laughter, conversation, and connection. It is a return to authentic social interaction and a powerful reminder of what school is meant to be. The journey to a cell phone-free school day was one of thoughtful planning, collaboration, and commitment to our students’ well-being.
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Meeting Workforce Needs
Virginia Educators Invited to Participate in Virtual Virginia’s Professional Learning Webinars
Article: 2025-17-215
Audience: Directors, Teachers
Contact: Calypso Gilstrap, Associate Director of the Office of Educational Technology and Classroom Innovation, Calypso.Gilstrap@doe.virginia.gov
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) is inviting all education stakeholders to take part in Virtual Virginia’s Statewide Professional Learning Webinars. The free webinars, hosted by Virtual Virginia (VVA), will take place on Tuesdays at 1:00 PM, featuring expert educators discussing key topics in literacy, computer science integration, accessibility, and digital learning environments. For more details and to sign up, visit Virtual Virginia’s official website.
- May 6 – Supporting Comprehension Using Quad Text Sets for Grades 4-12 with Dr. Sarah Lupo, JMU
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May 13 – Introduction to Computer Science Integration with Michelle Pealo, CodeVA
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May 20 – Accessibility in Action: Building Inclusive Digital Learning Environments with Brandy Sidlo, ODU
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May 27 – Building a Winning Playbook: Division Strategies for CS Standards Rollout with Nick Grzeda, Loudoun County Public Schools
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June 3, 10, 17 – ActiVAtED Learning Podcast Series – Season 2 Overview with Tom Landon, Heather Askea, and Tina Coffey. This three-part series will highlight conversations with leading educators who share what excites and inspires them about using technology to enhance student engagement.
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Teaching & Learning
Release of History and Social Science Instructional Guides Status Update – Grade 3 and World History and Geography: 1500 to the Present!
Article: 2025-17-212
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers
Contact: Christonya Brown, History and Social Science Coordinator, vdoe.hss@doe.virginia.gov
The History and Social Science department at VDOE is pleased to announce the release of the history and social science instructional guides. Instructional guides are companion documents to the 2023 History and Social Science Standards of Learning – amplifying each standard by defining the core knowledge and skills in practice, supporting teachers and their instruction, and serving to transition classroom instruction from the 2015 History and Social Science Standards of Learning to the newly adopted standards. The local History and Social Science curriculum should include a variety of information sources, readings, learning experiences, and forms of assessment selected to create a rigorous instructional program.
Instructional guides include five distinct sections, now inclusive of dynamic and interactive components: Changes and Revisions, Understanding the Standard, Supporting Questions, Skills in Practice, and Concepts and Connections aligned to each standard.
Grade 3 and World History and Geography to 1500 will be released this week with the dynamic and interactive components. Next week, the following instructional guides will be released:
Grade Level/Course Grouping
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Grade 10 – World History and Geography: 1500 to the Present
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Educators should continue to monitor the History and Social Science webpage for additional information. Department staff will provide regional professional learning sessions through multiple means to ensure that teachers and those that support them (e.g., principals, central office personnel, directors) will learn about the purpose, intention, structure, content, and context for implementation. Further announcements of such training will be provided in upcoming Virginia Education Update newsletters.
Virginia Schools are Invited to Participate in Classroom Partnerships with Schools in France
Article: 2025-17-211
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers, World Language Supervisors
Contact: Dr. Lisa Harris, Coordinator of World Languages, Lisa.Harris@doe.virginia.gov
Virginia K-12 public and private schools are invited to apply for a classroom partnership through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Académie de Reims in France. This initiative is open to teachers in all disciplines and encourages student collaboration on shared academic topics in English or French.
The Reims region, located in northeastern France, is historically significant and agriculturally notable as the home of Champagne. Through a sister school program supported by both Virginia and North Carolina, schools in Reims—primarily at the middle and high school levels—are interested in forming collaborative partnerships to pursue projects of mutual interest.
One current opportunity comes from Lycée Libergier, located in central Reims near the cathedral. The school is seeking a partner high school for a cultural exchange in English. Other partnership opportunities vary widely and may include project topics on literature, science, history and social science, STEM, CTE, the arts, sports, and more.
Interested schools are encouraged to submit a short profile describing their subject area focus and other areas of interest. This will help in matching schools with a French classroom with similar goals. Matching is subject to partner availability, so early submissions are encouraged. Please note that the submission form is shared through the North Carolina Department of Education as the VDOE partner in this opportunity.
Summer Math Learning: Setting Students Up for Success in the New School Year
Article: 2025-17-221
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers
Contact: Vickie Bohidar, Mathematics Coordinator, Victoria.bohidar@doe.virginia.gov
Summer is a great opportunity to help students get ready to take on rigorous, grade-level math in the upcoming school year. As part of ALL in Tutoring, all divisions have access to Zearn’s Summer 2025 Math Intensive Series — a targeted 4- to 6-week sequence designed to build strong foundations in math for rising 1st–9th graders. Families can also access the Summer Intensive Series from home at no cost, along with free resources like lesson trackers and completion certificates to support and celebrate their student’s progress.
Join the Zearn team for a live webinar on Thursday, May 8 or Wednesday, May 14 to learn more about how school divisions, educators and families can support student success over the summer. Click here to register now.
2024-25 VALLSS Mid-Year Implementation Update
Article: 2025-17-210
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers
Contact: Virginia Literacy Partnerships, literacy@virginia.edu
In partnership with VDOE, Virginia Literacy Partnerships (VLP) has developed, piloted, and is now supporting a new Pre-K through Grade 3 literacy screener, the Virginia Language & Literacy Screening System (VALLSS). VALLSS reflects current science-based reading research, and results from VALLSS provide educators with information to deliver targeted reading instruction to all students who are screened. The VALLSS Mid-Year Statewide report is now available on Data Reports | Virginia Literacy Partnerships. Educators will find data interpretation resources on VAConnects > Resources > Data Interpretation. In this report, information on Bands of Risk and Instructional Indicators are presented and summarized, including information on changes in Bands of Risk from Fall to Mid-Year.
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School Finance
Use of IDEA Part B Funds for Coordinated Early Intervening Services (CEIS) Survey Opens June 2, 2025
Article: 2025-17-217
Audience: Superintendents, Directors
Contact: Karen Puckett, Coordinator of Special Education Data, Karen.Puckett@doe.virginia.gov, Diane Lucas, Financial Services Spec II, Diane.Lucas@doe.virginia.gov
The Code of Federal Regulations (34 CFR §300.226 (d)) requires each local educational agency (LEA) that implements Coordinated Early Intervening Services (CEIS) to report to the state on the number of children who received CEIS and the number of those children who subsequently received special education and related services under Part B during the preceding two-year period (i.e., the two years after the child has received CEIS (71 FR 46540, 46628 Aug. 14, 2006)). States and LEAs must maintain these records for audit and monitoring purposes.
In order for the VDOE to comply with federal reporting requirements, each LEA must complete the Use of IDEA Part B Funds for Coordinated Early Intervening Services Survey, which will be open and accessible through the Single Sign-on for Web Systems (SSWS) portal on Monday, June 2, 2025. The school division superintendent must electronically verify the data through the Superintendent Data Collection Approval (SDCA) application by July 31, 2025.
Title I, Part A Tydings Waiver Reallocation for FY2019, FY2020, FY2021
Article: 2025-17-209
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, Finance Directors, Title I, Part A, Coordinators
Contact: Tiffany Frierson, Title I Coordinator, Tiffany.Frierson@doe.virginia.gov
The Office of ESEA Programs was recently awarded a Tydings Waiver from USED to extend the period of availability of Federal fiscal year (FY) 2019, 2020, and 2021 funds for Title I, Part A of ESEA (Improving Basic Programs). These funds were reallocated based on a risk analysis and a per pupil amount. Each LEA that receives additional funding will only get funding from one award year. The reallocation of (FY) 2019, 2020, and 2021 funds can now be found on the Title I, Part A webpage. Below is the spend down timeline for each award year.
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FY2019 - 100% of reallocated funds must be encumbered by July 31, 2025, and reimbursements must be submitted by August 28, 2025
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FY2020 - 100% of reallocated funds must be encumbered by September 30, 2025, and reimbursements must be submitted by November 15, 2025
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FY2021- 100% of reallocated funds must be encumbered by September 30, 2025, and reimbursements must be submitted by November 15, 2025
Individual Student Alternative Education Plan (ISAEP) Program Application for 2025-2026
Article: 2025-17-216
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers, Division Finance Staff
Contact: Andre´ Davis, Adult Secondary and ISAEP Specialist, Andre.Davis@doe.virginia.gov
VDOE is pleased to announce the availability of Individual Student Alternative Education Plan (ISAEP) grant funds for the 2025-2026 school year to be awarded to school divisions to support the implementation of ISAEP programs, as set forth in the Code of Virginia §22.1-254.E and approved by the American Council on Education as a GED® Options Program. Funds will provide services for students 16 years of age and older who meet program provisions established in the Code of Virginia and in the guidelines of the Virginia Board of Education.
Please refer to the application packet for specific instructions about the submission of application materials. If no program is planned, complete and sign the bottom section of the grant application cover sheet that is included in the Appendix of the application packet and return it to the email address below.
Applications for the ISAEP grant funds must be received by 4 p.m. on Monday, June 2, 2025. The completed application must be emailed to GEDinfo@doe.virginia.gov.
Announcing Division Awards for the National Board Certification Incentive Award (NBCIA)
Article: 2025-17-208
Audience: Superintendents, Directors
Contact: Shawna LeBlond, Director, Office of Apprenticeships, Shawna.LeBlond@doe.virginia.gov
The Virginia Department of Education is pleased to announce the division-level awards for the 2024–2025 National Board Certification Incentive Award (NBCIA). The full list of awards can be found here. The first round of Incentive Award for Classroom Teachers was announced on January 9, 2025 via the VA Education Updated Newsletter.
We thank all school divisions for their continued commitment to advancing teacher excellence and professional growth through National Board Certification.
Carryover Fund Allocations under the Strengthening Career and Technical Education (CTE) for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V) School Year (SY) 2023-2024
Article: 2025-17-207
Audience: Superintendents, Directors
Contact: William Hatch, Associate Director, Program Administration, and Workforce Development, Office of Career and Technical Education, (804) 750-8163 or cte@doe.virginia.gov
The Perkins V 2023-2024 Carryover funds are in addition to the annual Perkins Awards. The Perkins V 2023-2024 Carryover Funds will be reallocated proportionally based on 2024-2025 CTE course enrollment to school divisions that have spent their initial Perkins V 2023-2024 allocation within $999 of unspent Perkins funds from federal fiscal year 2023, according to Superintendent’s Memorandum #102-23.
Each school division is required to prepare an application amendment to their 2023-2024 approved local plan and budget. The amendment should reflect the carryover amount and saved as “Perkins V 2023-2024 Carryover Fund Amendment.”
The priority focus of the carryover funds shall be for industry credential examinations, licensure examinations, occupational competency assessments, Workplace Readiness Skills for the Commonwealth assessments, and science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and health sciences (STEM-H) credentialing resources for students and professional development for instructors. However, if all credential allocations are expended, the carryover funds may be used for all permissible Perkins V expenditures.
Reimbursement requests for the Perkins CTE carryover funds must be submitted through the Single Sign-on for Web Systems (SSWS) portal using the Online Management of Education Grant Awards (OMEGA) application. As with other grant funds, a budget transfer is required to allocate the funds to appropriate object codes before submitting a reimbursement request. All expenditures to be reimbursed with the reallocated funds must be consistent with the approved local plan and budget and cover expenditures that were made during the July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024, school year. Carryover fund expenditures must be encumbered by June 30, 2025, and reimbursement requests must be submitted by September 30, 2025.
Documentation of any reimbursement claims must be retained in the school division and must be available for audit in accordance with state regulations governing the retention of financial records.
STEM-TRRI FY 2025
Article: 2025-17-218
Audience: Superintendents, Directors
Contact: Ahmad Saidi, Grant Manager, Office of Human Capital, Ahmad.Saidi@doe.virginia.gov
The VDOE is pleased to announce the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Teacher Recruitment and Retention Incentive (STEM-TRRI) - FY 2025 Division Awards.
The STEM-TRRI Grant’s purpose is to provide grants to attract, recruit, and retain high-quality individuals to teach science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) subjects in Virginia middle and high schools experiencing difficulty in recruiting qualified teachers. School divisions who receive funding must verify teacher eligibility by May 14, 2025 via the Single Sign-One for Web Services (SSWS) system.
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School Performance & Support
LAST CALL: Application for Standard Setting Committees for Reading and Mathematics Standards of Learning Tests – Educators Only
Article: 2025-17-223
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers, Division Directors of Testing, Supervisors of English, Supervisors of Math
Contact: Office of Assessment, student_assessment@doe.virginia.gov
As stated in the Virginia Education Update # 2025-15, the Office of Assessment is accepting applications for educators to serve on standard setting committees for the Reading and Mathematics Standards of Learning (SOL) tests. The article is linked here.
Educators interested in participating on a standard setting committee must complete an online application. Embedded in the application is an expert task that all educators must complete to be considered for a committee. Applications and expert tasks deadline has been extended to today, May 2, 2025, at 5:00 P.M. Applications received after this deadline will not be considered for inclusion in the standard setting committees.
If you have questions, please contact the assessment staff at Student_Assessment@doe.virginia.gov or (804) 225-2102.
LAST CALL: Application for Standard Setting Committees for the Reading and Mathematics Standards of Learning Tests – Community Members Only
Article: 2025-17-222
Audience: Higher Education Partners, College Faculty, Small Business Owners, Parents/Guardians
Contact: Office of Assessment, student_assessment@doe.virginia.gov
As stated in the Virginia Education Update # 2025-15, the Office of Assessment is accepting applications for community members to serve on standard setting committees for the Reading and Mathematics Standards of Learning (SOL) tests. The article is linked here.
Community members interested in participating on a standard setting committee must complete an online application. The applications deadline has been extended to today May 2, 2025, at 5:00 P.M. Applications received after this deadline will not be considered for inclusion in the standard setting committees.
If you have questions, please contact the assessment staff at Student_Assessment@doe.virginia.gov or (804) 225-2102.
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Student Health & Safety
al and Behavioral Health Services Survey
Article: 2025-17-220
Audience: Superintendents, Directors
Contact: Sarah Bazemore, Behavioral Health & Instructional Supports Coordinator, Sarah.Bazemore@doe.virginia.gov
SB768 and HB1947 require VDOE to survey local education agencies and report on the status of school-based mental and behavioral health services. The purpose of the survey will be to measure a school division's implementation efforts surrounding school-based mental health (SBMH) across the Commonwealth. This information will ultimately guide VDOE and policymakers in refining programs, allocating resources, increasing SBMH services, and strengthening partnerships between schools and community mental health providers.
Prior to sending the survey, VDOE would like to request that each superintendent, or a designated representative, complete the SBMH Representative Form, which will indicate who in your division will be completing the survey. The person selected should be familiar with standard practices and local policies related to SBMH. We ask that the form be completed before or by May 9, 2025. We anticipate that the survey will be emailed to the designated representative by May 10, 2025.
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School Nutrition
Registration for the 2025 Culinary Training Workshops is Open – Response Due May 9 at 5 p.m.
Article: 2025-17-219
Audience:School Nutrition Directors of School Divisions, RCCIs, Private Schools Operating NSLP
Contact: Kelly Shomo, SCNP Training, Program Improvement, and Grants Supervisor, Kelly.Shomo@doe.virginia.gov
The VDOE-SCNP is hosting a series of culinary training workshops throughout the Commonwealth from June to September 2025 and encourages school nutrition directors to register their staff for these workshops by May 9, 2025, at 5 p.m. These trainings are designed to advance staff's knowledge and skills in preparing scratch-made, student-inspired meals using locally sourced ingredients. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Please reference SCNP Memo No. 2024-2025-78 for complete details.
2025 SUN Bucks (Summer EBT Program) Information
Article: 2025-17-206
Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Child Care Center Operators, Teachers, Non-teaching staff
Contact: Lynne Fellin, SNP Technical Advisor to the State Director, Lynne.Fellin@doe.virginia.gov
The VDOE Office of School and Community Nutrition Programs encourages schools to promote Summer EBT, known as SUN Bucks, to families. SUN Bucks is a USDA-funded program that provides households $120 per school-aged eligible child to purchase groceries like fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grains, dairy, and meat at grocery stores, farmers' markets, and other places that accept SNAP. Virginia SUN Bucks will issue benefits to qualifying children again this summer.
Students are automatically eligible for SUN Bucks if the local education agency (LEA) has determined they are eligible for free or reduced-price meals by:
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direct certification (participation in SNAP, TANF, Medicaid income-eligible free and reduced-price, or foster care),
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categorical eligibility (status of homeless, migrant, runaway, foster care placement, and certain enrolled Head Start students), or
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an NSLP meal application.
Families unsure if their child is eligible may review the eligibility guidelines and find the Virginia SUN Bucks application, with instructions on how to complete and submit it to the Virginia Department of Social Services, on the Virginia SUN Bucks website.
LEAs are responsible for providing student eligibility data for SUN Bucks. If SNP directors or LEA staff were unable to attend the webinar last Thursday, they may access the Summer EBT 2025 Webinar recording in the VDOE-SCNP Training Hub to learn more about the required data and how to submit it to VDSS via the Management File Transfer portal.
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