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 #2025-29 | Update for August 8, 2025
This Week's To-Dos:
Meeting Workforce Needs:
This Week's Articles:
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Latest Federal Updates
Empowering Students and Educators Through the Presidential AI Challenge
Article: 2025-29-396 Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers Contact: Calypso Gilstrap, Associate Director of the Office of Educational Technology and Classroom Innovation, Calypso.Gilstrap@doe.virginia.gov
Launched under federal Executive Order 14277, the Presidential AI Challenge invites K–12 student teams to design and build AI technologies that solve real-world problems. This national initiative calls on students and educators to lead with innovation, creativity, and purpose—no prior AI experience required.
Challenge Focus Areas Include:
- Making schools and communities safer
- Designing healthier, cost-effective meal plans
- Promoting healthy peer engagement and digital safety
- Creating a “skills report card” to complement academic transcripts
- Helping educators personalize learning plans
Students may enter by submitting a proposal, building a working AI solution, or, if you're an educator, creating new ways to teach or apply AI in the classroom.
Key Deadline: All submissions are due January 20, 2026.
Support Available: Weekly virtual office hours, educator resources, and sample projects are available to guide teams every step of the way.
We encourage you to share this opportunity with your schools and help inspire the next generation of American innovators. Learn more and get started at The Presidential AI Challenge website.
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Meet Virginia Board of Education Member Brandon Monk
Mr. Brandon Monk was appointed to the Virginia Board of Education by Governor Glenn Youngkin to a term ending on June 30, 2029. This appointment is part of the Governor’s ongoing larger efforts to ensure that the Board of Education prioritizes educational excellence for every student.
Mr. Monk brings experience as a high school agricultural education and leadership teacher, where he developed a strong appreciation for the power of hands-on learning and student engagement. He later served as Executive Director of Virginia FFA before founding his own small business focused on organizational development, strategic stewardship, and capacity building.
He has a proven record of leadership in education and workforce readiness, having served on the boards of several statewide organizations, including the Virginia Association for Career and Technical Education, the Virginia Association of Agricultural Educators, and the Virginia FFA Foundation. In addition to his statewide involvement, he served as Chairman of the Frederick County School Board (the same division from which he graduated) and on the Board of Laurel Ridge Community College. Nationally, Mr. Monk has contributed to workforce development efforts through roles with the National Center for Construction Education and Research, the Associated Equipment Distributors Foundation, and the National Law and Public Safety Education Network with SkillsUSA.
Mr. Monk holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Agribusiness from Virginia Tech and has earned both a Certificate in Association Management and the Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential.
When asked why he serves on the Virginia Board of Education, Mr. Monk shared, "I believe education is the most powerful tool to change a student’s life and open doors to the future. I am driven by the opportunity to ensure every student is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and support they need to confidently move into their next chapter—whether that’s higher education, career training, or beyond. At the same time, I am committed to supporting parents and teachers, who play an essential role in guiding and empowering students every step of the way."
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Highlights
News from Across the Commonwealth
The Commonwealth Day of Play is a statewide celebration designed to bring classic play back into children’s lives. From sack races to getting muddy and running wild with friends, we’re reviving the joy of field day fun and community spirit.
We’re calling on everyone—parks, schools, businesses, and neighborhoods—to come together and get kids outside, active, and playing the way childhood was meant to be.
Join us at Taylor Farm Park on August 9, 2025 from 10:00 AM–4:00 PM or celebrate in your own community!
Ready to join the movement?
Use the resources below to help spread the word, plan your event, and bring back the joy of unplugged, outdoor fun.
Let’s reclaim childhood—unplug, go outside, and play. #CommonwealthDayOfPlay
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Teachers in King George County Schools recently dived into the future of education at the AI Ready RVA Professional Development Workshop! The immersive, two-day experience was all about equipping educators with tools and knowledge about artificial intelligence. #ElevateEducatorsVA |
VDOE is excited to welcome teachers, students, and staff back to the classroom for a new academic year! We would like to highlight them through our Back-to-School social media initiative!
Please tag us in your school division's Back-to-School photos at:
Facebook: Virginia Department of Education - VDOE
X (formerly known as Twitter): @VDOE_News
Instagram: @vdoe_news
Use hashtag #Back2SchoolVA in your posts!
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Cell Phone-Free Education
Alleghany Highlands Public Schools Implements Bell-to-Bell Cell Phone Policy for New School Year
Article: 2025-29-393
In preparation for the first day of school next week, Alleghany Highlands Public Schools has implemented a new “Bell-to-Bell Cell Phone-Free” policy for students beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. The new policy means students will not be allowed to use their phones during the school day from the time students arrive until the final bell rings. Cell phones must be turned off and put away while in classrooms, hallways, and other areas of the school.
The new policy follows guidance outlined in Executive Order 33, signed by Governor Glenn Youngkin on July 9, requiring all Virginia K-12 public schools to restrict or eliminate phone use and establish protocols that allow parents to contact their children in emergencies. The goal of this requirement aims to increase focus, reduce anxiety, and support the mental health of students in the Commonwealth.
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Meeting Workforce Needs
“Purposeful Planning Meetings” Professional Development for English Leaders and Teachers – August 13
Article: 2025-29-395 Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers, Reading Specialists Contact: Jill Nogueras, Associate Director of English Literacy K-12, Jill.Nogueras@doe.virginia.gov
Join VDOE for ongoing professional learning and support for the implementation of the 2024 English Standards of Learning continuing next week, August 13, 2025, with “Purposeful Planning Meetings.” Registration is required in advance for all sessions. Additional professional learning topics and session dates are provided in the registration form.
This virtual opportunity will provide an interactive chance for literacy coaches and leaders supporting planning to drive deeper and more meaningful conversations during planning meetings, ensuring that the questioning and tasks within each division’s adopted core align with grade-level expectations outlined in the 2024 English Standards of Learning. This session will offer interactive opportunities for coaches and leaders to examine their division-adopted HQIM and prepare planning structures that support alignment with grade-level expectations in the 2024 English Standards of Learning. Purposeful planning meetings support teachers, build educator capacity, and ultimately propel student achievement.
VDOE Fine Arts Program Announces Monthly Office Hours for the 2025-2026 School Year
Article: 2025-29-394 Audience: Directors, School Principals, Teachers Contact: Kelly Bisogno, Coordinator of Fine Arts, Kelly.Bisogno@doe.virginia.gov
The purpose of the monthly fine arts office hours is to provide ongoing support to school division and school administrators, supervisors, curriculum coordinators, and teacher leaders to engage in topics dealing with K-12 fine arts instruction, including but not limited to post-secondary readiness and connections, instructional materials, assessment, technology and innovation, and current trends and pedagogy that may impact student achievement.
After a brief time of sharing relevant updates and resources, the meeting will be open for Q&A with VDOE staff and colleagues. Breakout rooms may be utilized for discussion around varied topics as identified through needs assessments. Registration is required to attend. Click the date to register for each event. All meetings start at 10 a.m. and last one hour.
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October 7, 2025
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January 15, 2026
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February 19, 2026
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April 16, 2026
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July 16, 2026
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August 13, 2026
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VA250
VA250 Reading Revolution – October 13-17
Article: 2025-29-397 Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers Contact: Christonya Brown, Coordinator of History and Social Science, Christonya.Brown@doe.virginia.gov
In partnership with the VA250 Commission, the Virginia Department of Education is proud to announce the Second Annual Reading Revolution. The Reading Revolution encourages reading and also seeks to connect museums, public libraries, and communities to our elementary students.
As we continue to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution, we invite and encourage parents, community members, museum educators, reenactors, students and staff of high schools, and higher education to take part in the Reading Revolution.
Reading Revolution Week in Virginia, October 13-17, 2025, leads up to Yorktown Victory Day for communities to come together in support of learning more about our state and country. This week will be designated for the Reading Revolution to encourage volunteers to read to students about the people, places, and events of the Revolutionary era, freedom and democracy, the Constitution, or civic principles that founded this great nation.
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ALL In VA
2024-2025 VALLSS Spring Implementation Report
Article: 2025-29-392 Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers Contact: Virginia Literacy Partnerships, literacy@virginia.edu
In partnership with VDOE, Virginia Literacy Partnerships has developed, piloted, and completed year one of 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 End of 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 Spring.
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Educational Technology
Adoption of the Revised Model Policy Concerning Internet Safety
Article: 2025-29-391 Audience: Superintendents Contact: Calypso Gilstrap, Associate Director of the Office of Educational Technology and Classroom Innovation, Calypso.Gilstrap@doe.virginia.gov
On July 31, 2025, the Virginia Board of Education adopted revisions to the Model Policy Concerning Internet Safety, reinforcing its commitment to safe, healthy, and forward-thinking learning environments. Superintendents and school boards are encouraged to review the updated policy and consider local adoption. The revised policy reflects input from a wide range of stakeholders, including the ICAC Taskforce, Virginia PTA, VASS, VAESP, VAASL, FIRE, Children and Screens, Virginia Teachers of the Year, and the VDOE AI Advisory Committee.
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AI Safeguards: Guidance on defining authorized AI tools, protecting student data, and integrating AI literacy.
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Professional Development: Training for educators on responsible AI use and phishing prevention.
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Student Training: Foundational instruction before internet access to meet CIPA requirements and promote digital citizenship.
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Collaborative Instruction: Defined roles for teachers, librarians, and ITRTs to ensure consistent delivery.
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Digital Wellness: Screen time guidelines for elementary schools to support balance and well-being.
Recent legislation supports these efforts. SB905 (2025) establishes the Internet Safety Advisory Council for annual policy review and resource development. HB2460 (2025) mandates media literacy and digital citizenship in Virginia’s Standards of Learning. The Department of Education continues to refine the policy through stakeholder engagement. To support local implementation, instructional resources are available on the VDOE Internet Safety webpage and GoOpenVA.
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Data Collection
Homebound Instruction Services Data Reporting – August 18 - September 12
Article: 2025-29-399 Audience: Superintendents, Directors, Homebound Coordinators Contact: Amy Edwards, Medicaid Specialist, Amy.Edwards@doe.virginia.gov
The Homebound Instruction Services Data Reporting for the school year 2024-2025 will be collected through the VDOE Single Sign-on for Web Systems (SSWS) portal. The data requested must include each homebound teacher’s license number, hourly rate of payment, and number of hours worked. In addition, to process any online instruction reimbursements, the license number of the teacher monitoring online homebound instruction is required.
The data must be submitted electronically through SSWS. The window for submission of reports will open on August 18, 2025, and will close on September 12, 2025. Late reports will not be accepted. A printed report mailed to the VDOE is not required. Please note that any data entered before the initiation date will be lost when the system opens. It is critical that school divisions meet the submission deadline to ensure timely reimbursement from fiscal year 2025 state funds.
Individuals who will be entering data but do not have a current homebound password will need to contact the SSWS Account Manager designated for their respective school division. If you have any questions, please contact Amy Edwards, Medicaid Specialist, VDOE Office of Behavioral Health and Student Safety, by telephone at (804) 750-8695 or by email at Amy.Edwards@doe.virginia.gov.
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School Nutrition
Fiscal Year 2025–2026 CACFP Training and Application Renewal
Article: 2025-29-398 Audience: Superintendents, Directors, Child Care Center Operators, School Food Authorities and/or community sponsors Contact: Sara Bennett, Director, VDOE-SCNP, Sara.Bennett@doe.virginia.gov
The VDOE-SCNP is hosting identical training sessions for the At-Risk Afterschool Meals component of the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) on August 26, 2025, and September 11, 2025, from 1–3 p.m. All sponsoring organizations planning to operate CACFP At-Risk Afterschool Care in FY 2025–2026 must attend one of the sessions. The school nutrition program director must attend for SFAs and the executive director or program contact must attend for community organizations. Registration links are in SCNP (Dir.) Memo 2025-26-03.
The FY 2025–2026 CACFP application renewal will be available in SNPWeb on August 25, 2025. Any sponsoring organization that plans to claim CACFP meal or snack reimbursements for October 2025 must have an approved fiscal year 2025–2026 application renewal by October 31, 2025. Applications in the “submitted” status are not considered approved by VDOE-SCNP and claims may not be submitted for reimbursement until the application is in the “approved” status.
As a reminder, the Code of Virginia §22.1-207.4:2 requires eligible schools to participate in the At-Risk portion of CACFP.
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Advanced Learning
Academic Year Governor’s Schools (AYGS) Videos for Division Use
Article: 2025-29-390 Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, School Counselors Contact: Amanda Nevetral, Director, Office of Advanced Learning, Amanda.Nevetral@doe.virginia.gov
This past year, the VDOE Office of Advanced Learning collaborated closely on a two-year project with Blue Ridge PBS to produce a series of engaging videos showcasing each of the Academic Year Governor’s Schools on their Education, Community, Health, and Opportunity (ECHO) TV channel. The first nine videos were designed to highlight the unique programs, student experiences, and academic opportunities offered by these prestigious institutions. The remaining ten videos will follow the same format and will be filmed during the 2025-2026 school year.
The current videos have had almost 2,400 views since publication earlier this summer and include the following AYGS sites:
Published videos are also available on the Academic Year Governor’s School webpage.
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