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 #2025-32 | Update for September 15, 2025
This Week's To-Dos:
This Week's Articles:
- Article 2025-32-456
Patriot Day: Commemorating 9/11
- Article 2025-32-455
Update to the Board of Education Approved Courses to Satisfy Graduation Requirements
- Article 2025-32-454
Advanced Learning Monthly Office Hours for the 2025-2026 School Year
- Article 2025-32-453
VDOE Fine Arts Program Announces Monthly Office Hours for the 2025-2026 School Year
- Article 2025-32-452
Virginia Leads Innovation Network (VaLIN) Cohort 6.0 – High School Redesign
- Article 2025-32-451
ISAEP Grant Funds for School Year 2025-2026
- Article 2025-32-450
2025-2026 Title IV, Part A, Allocations under Provisions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), as Amended
- Article 2025-32-449
2025-2026 Title II, Part A, Allocations under Provisions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), as Amended
- Article 2025-32-448
2025-2026 Title V, Part B, Allocations under Provisions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), as Amended
- Article 2025-32-447
2025-2026 Title I, Part C, Allocations and Title I, Part C, Consortium Incentive Grant Allocations under Provisions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), as Amended
- Article 2025-32-446
2026-2027 Significant Disproportionality and Comprehensive Coordinated Early Intervening Services
- Article 2025-32-445
School Safety Audit Committee Annual Meetings
- Article 2025-32-444
School Entrance Physicals
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Superintendent's Message
A Call for Reflection, Responsibility, and Renewal in Virginia’s Schools
This past week, our nation once again paused to honor the anniversary of September 11, 2001. Twenty-four years later, the memories of that day remain vivid for many of us: the shock of the attacks, the grief of unimaginable loss, and the awe-inspiring courage of first responders and everyday citizens who rushed toward danger to save lives.
September 11 is not just a day of remembrance; it is a moment to reflect on what kind of people and leaders we strive to be. In the immediate aftermath of those attacks, Americans set aside political divisions and came together in shared purpose. There was a sense of unity and resolve that transcended ideology and a reminder that our freedoms and our responsibilities as citizens are deeply intertwined.
As teachers and educators, we play a unique role in passing on these lessons. Our classrooms are where young Virginians learn not only history and science, but also the values of respect, civic responsibility, and the dignity of every human life. That makes it all the more troubling when individual school personnel fall short of these basic expectations.
Upholding Trust and Integrity
Last week, there were disturbing reports of school employees making public statements condoning or even celebrating political violence and the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Such rhetoric is reprehensible and has no place in our schools.
Parents entrust educators with their children every single day. That trust is not just about academic instruction. It’s about modeling the kind of behavior and values we want our young people to carry into adulthood. When an educator crosses the line into promoting heinous murder of a young father with two small children, it damages that trust and undermines the very foundations of public education.
I am thankful to the superintendents of multiple school divisions for acting swiftly to begin investigations in accordance with their school personnel policies for personnel who made such public statements endorsing political violence.
On Friday I issued a statement and the Department stands ready to support superintendents in their response to these reports. We are also evaluating options with the Board of Education for state action for those local school divisions that do not hold their personnel responsible and address such blatant violations of professional conduct. Any suggestion that this assassination can be justified violates the most basic principles of human dignity.
Why This Matters Now
In today’s deeply divided political climate, young people are watching closely how adults behave. They are paying attention to whether disagreements are handled with dignity or hostility. If they see violence being celebrated by those they are supposed to look up to, they may come to believe that political opponents are enemies rather than fellow citizens with differing opinions.
The lesson of September 11 is the opposite. That day taught us about courage, sacrifice, and unity in the face of tragedy. It reminded us that even when we disagree (sometimes passionately!), we must never lose sight of our shared humanity.
Moving Forward Together
Here’s what educators and school leaders across Virginia can do to ensure our classrooms remain places of safe and vibrant learning:
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Reinforce Professional Standards: Review and uphold policies on professional conduct and social media use. Make clear that celebrating violence including political violence is unacceptable and carries serious consequences.
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Teach Civic Virtue: Use recent events and anniversaries like September 11 to teach students how to engage in civil discourse and resolve disagreements without resorting to hate or violence.
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Support Open Dialogue: Create classroom opportunities for students to share different perspectives, while also drawing clear lines against harassment, threats, or discrimination.
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Lead by Example: Remember that students learn as much from our behavior as from our lessons. Model the virtues of respect, responsibility, and courage every day.
A Final Reflection
As we move forward from another September 11 anniversary, let us recommit ourselves to the principles that bind us together as Virginians and as Americans.
We can control how we respond to tragedies that unfold in America and in the world. We can choose to lead with integrity as so many of you do every day. We can choose to create schools in which every child is safe to learn and grow. And we can choose to reject rhetoric and actions that glorify violence and deep division.
Our students deserve nothing less. And our nation, still striving to live up to its highest ideals, needs us to do this work with clarity, courage, and hope.
God bless,
EA
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Highlights
News from Across the Commonwealth
High fives and good vibes! Samuel W. Tucker Elementary kicked off the 2025–26 school year with big smiles and great energy. Students, teachers, and staff are ready for a successful year! #Back2SchoolVA |
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And just like that… Caroline County Public Schools are back in session! Every classroom has been buzzing with energy, smiles, and excitement since the first day. VDOE wishes all CCPS students, teachers, and staff a year full of learning, laughter, and new adventures! #Back2SchoolVA |
ACPS reminds students: “Attendance Counts” as school year begins – The Accomack County Public Schools student services department emphasized that strong attendance is key to academic success and engagement in the classroom, noting that consistent attendance will be a priority focus as the division launches its programs for the 2025–26 school year.
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Patriot Day: Commemorating 9/11
Article: 2025-32-456
Last week marked the 24th anniversary of the tragic terrorist attacks on American soil. Each year, we observe Patriot Day to honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost at the World Trade Center, at the Pentagon in Arlington County, Virginia (located in Arlington County, Virginia (making 9/11 a direct part of Virginia history), and aboard Flight 93. This day also stands as a solemn tribute to the first responders, service members, and civil servants whose courage and sacrifice remain an enduring part of our nation’s history.
Across the Commonwealth, many schools once again honored Patriot Day by displaying the Freedom Flag—the official 9/11 flag of remembrance in Virginia. This year marked the 8th consecutive year Governor Glenn Youngkin displayed the Freedom Flag at the Executive Mansion, alongside other major state institutions such as the Virginia War Memorial, Virginia Museum of History & Culture, and the Virginia State Police who held commemorative events.
The Freedom Flag Foundation invited schools to conduct flag-raising ceremonies that include the reading of the flag’s 10 symbolic elements, keeping alive the memory and meaning of September 11 for new generations. The United States Department of Education and the Library of Congress have resources to support age-appropriate classroom conversations and activities.
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VA250
SAVE THE DATE: VA250 Reading Revolution – October 13-17, 2025
Article: 2025-32-462 Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers Contact: Christonya Brown, History and Social Science Coordinator, 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 through history content.
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.
2026 National Civics Bee® Application Available to Virginia Grade 6-8 Students
Article: 2025-32-457 Audience: School Principals, Directors, Teachers, School Counselors Contact: Christonya Brown, History and Social Science Coordinator, Christonya.Brown@doe.virginia.gov; Amy Ritchie, Community Affairs Manager at Colonial Williamsburg, aritchie@cwf.org; or Andrew Sinclair, Vice President, Public Policy Development and Executive Director of the Virginia Chamber Foundation, a.sinclair@VACHAMBER.COM
In collaboration with the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, Colonial Williamsburg, and VA250 Educational programming, Virginia will participate in the 2026 National Civics Bee®. The National Civics Bee® is an annual competition that inspires young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. This nonpartisan initiative of The Civic Trust® of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation enhances civic literacy, skills, and participation among students in sixth, seventh and eighth grades in participating states across the country.
To compete in the National Civics Bee®, middle school students submit an essay identifying issues within their community and solutions on how to solve them based on civic principles.
We are looking forward to Virginia leading the way. School divisions are encouraged to reach out to sixth, seventh, and eighth graders to apply for this outstanding opportunity. Students will need to complete and submit an essay using the online application portal. The deadline for applications is Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
Visit The National Civics Bee® for the Educator Toolkit, latest news on the application portal, entry deadlines, and resources. The National Civics Bee® is free and open to public division, public charter, private school students, and homeschool students alike.
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Educator & School Division Recognition
Virginia RISE Award Nominations – Due Monday, October 13, 2025
Article: 2025-32-463 Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Child Care Center Operators, Teachers, Non-teaching staff Contact: Christine Harris, Executive Director, Educator Partnerships, Christine.Harris@doe.virginia.gov
The Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award is intended to honor and elevate classified school employees who provide exemplary service to their school, students, and their community. School divisions are invited to nominate one classified candidate for the 2026 RISE Award.
A classified school employee is an individual employed by a state, a political subdivision of a state, or a nonprofit organization who works in any grade from pre-kindergarten through high school in any of the following occupational specialties: paraprofessional, clerical and administrative services, transportation services, food and nutrition services, custodial and maintenance services, security services, health and student services, technical services, and skilled trades.
Submit your school division’s nominee using the SMApply online application found on the VDOE Educator Recognition website by October 13, 2025, by 4 p.m. EST. Virginia will select and celebrate two RISE Award recipients announced in late 2025. These two candidates will then be considered at the national level for the U.S. Department of Education RISE Award. Please send questions to teacheroftheyear@doe.virginia.gov.
2025-2026 National ESEA Distinguished Schools Recognition Program
Article: 2025-32-465 Audience: Superintendents, Directors, Federal Program Coordinators Contact: Sarah Gallagher, Title I Specialist, Sarah.Gallagher@doe.virginia.gov
School divisions are invited to nominate one eligible school for the 2025-2026 National ESEA Distinguished Schools Recognition Program. An eligible school may be nominated to represent one of the following categories:
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Category 1: Exceptional student performance for two consecutive years
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Category 2: Closing the achievement gap between student groups
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Category 3: Excellence in serving special populations of students (e.g., homeless, migrant, English learners)
For a school to qualify for the National ESEA Distinguished School award, the school must have:
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A poverty rate of at least 35 percent for the selected year
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Demonstrated exceptional academic achievement for two or more of the most current consecutive school years
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Met or exceeded state accreditation
- Must be federally funded by one or more ESEA programs:
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Title I: Improving the Academic Achievement of the Disadvantaged
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Title II: Preparing, Training, and Recruiting Principals and Teachers
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Title III: Language Instruction for English Learners
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Title IV: Provide a well-rounded education, improve the use of technology, after school enrichment, and safe and healthy schools
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Title V: Rural Education
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Title IX, Part A: Homeless Education
School divisions wishing to nominate an eligible school must complete the 2025-2026 National Distinguished Schools Participation Form and Application. All information will be submitted via the attached form. The application deadline is the close of business on Thursday, October 9, 2025. Applications will not be accepted after the deadline. Additional information regarding the National ESEA Distinguished Schools Recognition Program can be found on the ESSA website.
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Instruction Implementation, Support & Evaluation
English Professional Learning: Text Dependent Questions for Division Leaders and Teachers
Article: 2025-32-472 Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers, Reading Specialists Contact: Jill Nogueras, Associate Director of English Literacy K-12, Jill.Nogueras@doe.virginia.gov
Join the Virginia Department of Education for ongoing professional learning and support for the implementation of the 2024 English Standards of Learning on September 24, 2025, with “Text Dependent Questions.” Registration is required in advance for all sessions. Additional professional learning topics and session dates are provided in the registration form.
These virtual sessions will provide guidance and supports for developing text-dependent questions aligned with the 2024 English Standards of Learning. This session will focus on integrating the communication and other strands to ensure deep student engagement with the text and make student learning visible in the classroom.
Computer Science Webinar: Instructional Guides and Plans: A Practical Overview
Article: 2025-32-470 Audience: Directors, School Principals, Teachers Contact: Keisha Tennessee, Computer Science Coordinator, Keisha.Tennessee@doe.virginia.gov
The Virginia Department of Education will host a webinar on the newly developed Computer Science Instructional Guides on Tuesday, September 30 from 10 to 11 a.m. These guides were developed to assist school divisions with the implementation of the 2024 Computer Science Standards of Learning and provide comprehensive explanations of each standard, identify core knowledge and skills, and outline instructional strategies to support effective classroom practice.
The session will provide an overview of the instructional guides, highlight opportunities for interdisciplinary integration, and present model examples that illustrate authentic applications of computer science in teaching and learning. Participants will gain practical insight into how the guides can inform instructional planning and strengthen implementation at both the classroom and division level.
Division leaders, administrators, and educators are encouraged to attend this webinar to expand their understanding of these resources and their role in advancing high-quality computer science instruction across the Commonwealth. Registration is required.
Applications for the 2025 Virginia Alternate Assessment Program Item Review Committees
Article: 2025-32-467 Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers, Division Directors of Testing, Directors of Special Education Contact: Office of Assessment, student_assessment@doe.virginia.gov
The Office of Assessment is seeking applications for the 2025 Virginia Alternate Assessment Program Item Review Committees. Committees will be organized by elementary and secondary levels. The committee meetings will convene at the Virginia Crossings Hotel & Conference Center in Glen Allen, Virginia from November 17-21, 2025.
The 2025 Virginia Alternate Assessment Program Item Review Committees will be responsible for reviewing field test items in Mathematics, Reading, and Science for elementary and secondary VAAP test forms for the 2025-2026 test administration. For a list of committees and specific dates, please refer to the 2025 Virginia Alternate Assessment Program Item Review Committee Information for Applicants document available through the Assessment Committees web page.
Committee members will be chosen based on grade-level experience and content area expertise; in-depth knowledge of the Virginia Essentialized Standards of Learning (VESOL); instructional/supervisory experience for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities; and balanced regional representation.
Individuals wishing to serve on this committee, including those who have previously served on other VDOE committees, must submit an online application and expert task found in the Assessment Committee Application Processing System (ACAPS). The expert task is accessed using a link within ACAPS, on the right side of the application under Resources. The link is titled, VAAP Committee Application Expert Task. The application will require a professional reference and school division approval. Applications, including the expert task, are due by Thursday, October 2, 2025. Applicants are responsible for ensuring all required parts of the application are complete by this date.
Save the Date & Register: Annual Civic Summit – November 18, 2025
Article: 2025-32-459 Audience: Directors, School Principals, Teachers Contact: Christonya Brown, History and Social Science Coordinator, Christonya.Brown@doe.virginia.gov
In partnership with the Virginia Commission on Civic Education, the Virginia Department of Education is proud to announce the annual Civic Summit. The purpose of the Commission on Civic Education includes educating students on the importance of citizen involvement in a representative democracy, the promotion of the study of state and local government among the commonwealth's citizenry, and the enhancement of communication and collaboration among organizations in the commonwealth that conduct civics education programs.
Save the date for the Civic Summit on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at the John Marshall Center at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture in Richmond, Virginia, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Lunch will be provided, and parking is free. Interested educators teaching civics and government are encouraged to use this form to register for the event. Space is limited. The deadline to register is Friday, November 7, 2025.
Update to the Board of Education Approved Courses to Satisfy Graduation Requirements
Article: 2025-32-455 Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers, School Counselors Contact: Michelle Wallace, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction, Michelle.Wallace@doe.virginia.gov
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Added a recommendation that students seeking an Advanced Diploma complete Algebra II before taking Data Science;
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Included a SCED code for Health and Physical Education-Grade 9 (not Driver Education) that was missing;
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Added the Code of Virginia citation for the graduation requirement of Economics and Personal Finance (EPF); and
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Updated language to explicitly include International Baccalaureate (IB) Economics and International Baccalaureate (IB) Business Management as courses that can count for the graduation requirement of Economics and Personal Finance provided the Standards are incorporated into the IB course curriculum.
A disclaimer on Seat Time Flexibility alignment was also incorporated. Division leaders are encouraged to review the updated document and collaborate with principals, school counselors, and student information system staff to update SCED codes for courses and plan for any necessary adjustments to the division’s program of studies resulting from these updates.
Advanced Learning Monthly Office Hours for the 2025-2026 School Year
Article: 2025-32-454 Audience: Superintendents, Directors, Principals, Gifted Education Coordinators, Academic Year Governor’s School Directors Contact: Amanda Nevetral, Director, Office of Advanced Learning. Amanda.Nevetral@doe.virginia.gov
The Office of Advanced Learning will host monthly office hours to provide timely support to school division leaders in topics related to gifted education, Academic Year Governor’s Schools, Summer Residential Governor’s Schools, Summer Regional Governor’s Schools, Advanced Placement (AP) programs, International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, Cambridge, and Dual Enrollment. Registration is required. Each meeting will begin at 10:00 a.m. and last for 45 minutes.
After a brief sharing of relevant updates, ideas, newly released resources, and/or presentations aiming to assist divisions in using data to support advanced learning, the meetings will address questions from the field. During registration, all participants can access a form to submit questions so that divisions can receive timely support for advanced learning programs. Please select the date below to register for each meeting.
VDOE Fine Arts Program Announces Monthly Office Hours for the 2025-2026 School Year
Article: 2025-32-453 Audience: School Principals, Teachers of Fine Arts (Music, Theatre, Dance, Visual), Fine Arts Teacher Leaders, Fine Arts Specialists, Fine Arts Supervisors/Directors 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 fine arts supervisors/directors, specialists, school leaders, teacher leaders, and teachers. Participants will engage in topics dealing with K-12 fine arts instruction.
After a brief time of sharing relevant updates and resources based on feedback from the field and data identified within prior need assessments, the meeting will open for questions and answers and breakout sessions with VDOE staff and colleagues. Topics include but are not limited to – post-secondary readiness and connections, instructional materials, assessment, technology and innovation, and current trends and pedagogy that may impact student achievement. Division and school leaders will also receive the latest resources and information supporting fine arts educators and programs to include support for effective observations, data analysis, scheduling, coaching, and implementation of the Fine Arts Standards of Learning and Instructional Guides.
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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December 2, 2025
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January 15, 2026
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February 19, 2026
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March 19, 2026
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April 16, 2026
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May 14, 2026
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June 18, 2026
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July 16, 2026
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August 13, 2026
Virginia Leads Innovation Network (VaLIN) Cohort 6.0 – High School Redesign
Article: 2025-32-452 Audience: Superintendents, Directors, High School Principals, CTE Directors Contact: Dr. Tina Manglicmot, tina@commonwealthlearningpartnership.org; Sofia McDaniel, Sofia.Mcdaniel@doe.virginia.gov
The Commonwealth Learning Partnership, in partnership with Getting Smart (led by Tom Vander Ark), is reopening registration for VaLIN Cohort 6.0 - High School Redesign. VaLIN is a statewide initiative that builds a peer-to-peer network where divisions learn with and from one another, with the goal of driving practical, scalable innovations that boost student engagement, strengthen durable skills, and improve postsecondary readiness. Cohort 6.0 will support school divisions in designing flexible learning pathways to college, career training, and the military, integrating career and technical education (CTE), and advancing competency-based learning (CBL) through redesign of curriculum, instruction, and assessment.
Participating divisions will receive:
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Expert facilitation, coaching, and communities of practice from Getting Smart
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Support to conduct improvement cycles and program evaluation
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Personalized professional learning, design thinking, and peer-to-peer collaboration opportunities
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Alignment with statewide priorities including HB1477 on seat-time flexibility, competency-based education, and Virginia’s 3E Framework (Enrollment, Enlistment, Employment)
This effort is conducted in collaboration with VDOE to ensure full alignment with Virginia’s education priorities.
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School Finance
State Budget Support for Restraint and Seclusion Training
Article: 2025-32-469 Audience: Superintendents, Directors Contact: Roslyn Taylor, Financial Specialist I, Roslyn.Taylor1@doe.virginia.gov
School divisions are required to ensure that all school personnel receive initial training regarding the regulations, policies, and procedures governing the use of physical restraint and seclusion per their division policy. Per the Regulations, two levels of training are required. To fulfill the first-level training, the VDOE, in partnership with the Center for Implementation and Evaluation of Education Systems (CIEES) at Old Dominion University (ODU), developed a series of free, on-demand professional development modules for school personnel, Understanding the Regulations Governing the Use of Restraint and Seclusion in Elementary and Secondary Schools in Virginia.
Appropriated funds for Fiscal Year 2026 will be allocated to Regional Fiscal Agents in support of second-level training for local school divisions through submission of the Request for Funding Application by October 1, 2025. School divisions that received funding in Fiscal Year 2025 for second-level training must complete the Certification Submission for their Regional Fiscal Agent to submit by October 30, 2025.
Assurance of Constitutionally Protected Prayer
Article: 2025-32-468 Audience: Superintendents, Title I, Part A Coordinators Contact: Tiffany Frierson, Title I Coordinator, Tiffany.Frierson@doe.virginia.gov
Section 8524 of ESSA requires that each school division that receives federal ESSA funds certify in writing that it has no policy that prevents, or otherwise denies participation in, constitutionally protected prayer in public schools. Certification must be received by October 1, 2025.
Section 8524 compliance is included in the general assurances for the ESEA program applications.
This is a reminder that a PDF of the signed cover page of the Title I, Part A, application (individual or consolidated) should be emailed when the program application is submitted and no later than October 1, 2025. The names of divisions that do not submit the signed cover page must be included in the certification report submitted to the U.S. Department of Education by November 1, 2025.
Please email the signed cover page of the 2025 Title I, Part A, application to ESSA@doe.virginia.gov before Wednesday, October 1, 2025.
Open Application Period for High School Equivalency Examination Vendors
Article: 2025-32-461 Audience: Superintendents, Directors, Division Finance Staff Contact: Beverly Godwin, Ed.D., High School Equivalency Specialist, Beverly.Godwin@doe.virginia.gov
The 2025 Request for Application (RFA) process is open for vendors of high school equivalency (HSE) examinations to apply to become an approved HSE examination provider in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The submission deadline for the current application cycle is October 16, 2025, 2:00 p.m. ET. Application materials and the High School Equivalency Examination Guidelines for Virginia are posted on the High School Equivalency Credential webpage.
ISAEP Grant Funds for School Year 2025-2026
Article: 2025-32-451 Audience: Superintendents, Division Finance Staff, Teachers Contact: Dr. Heidi Silver-Pacuilla, Adult Education Director, Heidi.Silver-Pacuilla@doe.virginia.gov; Andre’ Davis, Adult Secondary and ISAEP Programs Specialist, Andre.Davis@doe.virginia.gov
The SY2025-2026 Individual Student Alternative Education Plan (ISAEP) state grant funds have been approved. The Supporting Document A, Allocation Chart, contains the final award amounts to school divisions. ISAEP grant funding is provided through Virginia Lottery proceeds which are available in January of each year. In order to receive the funds, school divisions must submit a grant application annually. Final allocations are determined based on the number of school divisions that apply for the funds.
For SY2025-2026, it is anticipated that the first ISAEP grant payments will be processed and delivered by January 31, 2026. Funds will be disbursed in automatic equal payments bimonthly through the Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) payment process. Requests for reimbursement are not required for this grant.
School divisions must maintain all financial support documentation and a record of all equipment purchased with ISAEP grant funds in accordance with the Library of Virginia Records Retention and Disposition Policies. Funds are to be used to augment the ISAEP program’s resources.
2025-2026 Title IV, Part A, Allocations under Provisions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), as Amended
Article: 2025-32-450 Audience: Superintendents, Federal Programs Directors, Title IV Division Coordinators Contact: Marsha Granderson, Title IV Coordinator, Marsha.Granderson@doe.virginia.gov
If a school division submits a substantially approvable application by July 1, 2025, the full allocation amount will be available for reimbursement. For applications submitted after that date, the full allocation will be accessible beginning from the date of submission.
The procedures and forms for submitting an application for Title IV, Part A, were previously provided to school division program coordinators. Applications were due on July 1, 2025.
2025-2026 Title II, Part A, Allocations under Provisions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), as Amended
Article: 2025-32-449 Audience: Superintendents, Directors, Title II Division Coordinators Contact: Dr. Randall Johnson, Title II Coordinator, Randall.Johnson@doe.virginia.gov
The 2025-2026 Title II, Part A, federal allocations (XLSX) for each school division are now available on the VDOE website. Allocations are distributed by a formula that is weighted 20 percent based on overall U.S. Census counts for students ages 5-17 and 80 percent based on students ages 5-17 living in poverty, relative to all other school divisions in the state. The amount of the Title II, Part A, allocations available through the reimbursement process as of July 1, 2025, is 22.42 percent, and the remaining 77.58 percent is available as of October 1, 2025.
2025-2026 Title V, Part B, Allocations under Provisions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), as Amended
Article: 2025-32-448 Audience: Superintendents, Directors, Federal Program Coordinators Contact: Latonia Anderson, Title I Specialist/Title V Coordinator, Latonia.Anderson@doe.virginia.gov
The total amount of the allocation is available to school divisions as of July 1, 2025, through the reimbursement process. The procedures and forms for applying for Title V, Part B, were previously provided to school division program coordinators. Applications were due on July 1, 2025.
2025-2026 Title I, Part C, Allocations and Title I, Part C, Consortium Incentive Grant Allocations under Provisions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA), as Amended
Article: 2025-32-447 Audience: Superintendents, Directors, Title I, Part C, Federal Program Coordinators Contact: Sarah Gallagher, Title I, Part C Specialist, Sarah.Gallagher@doe.virginia.gov
The procedures and forms for submitting an application for Title I, Part C, were previously provided to school division program coordinators. Applications were due on July 1, 2025.
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Virginia Board of Education Updates
Call for Nominations for Vacancies on Board of Education Advisory Committee
Article: 2025-32-466 Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers, Non-teaching staff, Gifted students or advanced learners, Parents of gifted students or advanced learners, Parents Contact: Jim Chapman, Director of Board Relations, Jim.Chapman@doe.virginia.gov
The Virginia Board of Education is seeking nominees for a vacancy on the Virginia Advisory Committee for Advanced Learning. A full list of open seats is available on the VDOE website.
Please note that, by state or federal law or regulation, some of the vacancies on advisory committees require specific categories of expertise, qualifications, or geographic representation (map of the VDOE Superintendent’s Regions).
Members of advisory committees do not receive compensation for their service but may be reimbursed for travel expenses in accordance with state travel guidelines set forth by the Department of Accounts.
Educators, parents, administrators, and other individuals are invited to apply by completing this nomination form by 5 p.m. on Friday, October 3, 2025.
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Special Education
Educational Leadership and Administration in Special Education Conference – October 21-23, 2025
Article: 2025-32-460 Audience: Superintendents, Principals, Assistance Principals, Directors of Special Education Contact: Dr. Samantha Marsh Hollins, Deputy Superintendent of Special Education and Specialized Populations, Samantha.Hollins@doe.virginia.gov; Dr. Zenia Burnett, Director of Special Education Instructional Services, Zenia.Burnett@doe.virginia.gov
The Virginia Council of Administrators of Special Education in collaboration with VDOE, its state-funded partners, and James Madison University, will host a three-day conference for the Commonwealth’s public school principals, assistant principals, directors of special education, and other school-based or central administration leaders responsible for continuous improvement needs in special education. It will be held on October 21-23, 2025, in Williamsburg, Virginia.
The VDOE will roll out tiered supports for local school divisions to assist in the implementation of high-quality instruction for students with disabilities. These supports will align with the School Performance and Support Framework and focus on instructional practices to support specially designed instruction in inclusive settings. Educational leaders have critical roles in developing and supporting inclusive schools to improve outcomes for students with disabilities. Instructional leadership and administration are at the helm of importance in developing effectiveness for optimal teaching and learning provided by general and special education teachers who understand and implement evidence-based practices to increase student achievement. Students with disabilities require specially designed instruction in their least restrictive environment to access the general curriculum and prepare for successful coursework, graduation, and meaningful postsecondary outcomes.
December 1 Child Count Required Data Submission: Report of Children with Disabilities Receiving Special Education
Article: 2025-32-458 Audience: Superintendents, Directors Contact: Karen Puckett, spedprogramdata@doe.virginia.gov
In compliance with the information and reporting requirements of Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004), divisions are required to make an unduplicated count of students with disabilities receiving special education services on December 1 of each year. A properly developed Individualized Education Program (IEP) or an Individual Services Plan (ISP) must be implemented for each student with a disability reported to the VDOE. This data should reflect student records as of December 1, 2025.
The December 1 Child Count window will be accessible through the Single Sign-on for Web Systems (SSWS) portal Monday, December 1, 2025 - Friday, December 12, 2025, for data submissions and the superintendent’s approval/verification. Divisions are responsible for completing the Parentally Placed Private School & Homeschooled Survey within the December 1 Child Count application. The survey must be completed prior to beginning the Child Count approval process. Submissions made after the child count window closes may impact the division’s local determination rubric for accurate and timely data submission.
The December 1 Child Count forms the basis for state funding and federal reporting. The information submitted is subject to audit by the United States Department of Education, VDOE, and the Auditor of Public Accounts. The divisions are responsible for maintaining student records and conducting extensive verification and validation checks, ensuring that data reported to VDOE are accurate.
2026-2027 Significant Disproportionality and Comprehensive Coordinated Early Intervening Services
Article: 2025-32-446 Audience: Superintendents, Directors Contact: Jeff Phenicie, Executive Director of Data, Monitoring, and General Supervision, Jeff.Phenicie@doe.virginia.gov
As required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) identified local school divisions will receive formal notification from the VDOE Department of Special Education and Specialized Populations if it will be required to set-aside IDEA Part B funds for Comprehensive Coordinated Early Intervening Services (CCEIS) for the 2026-2027 school year. The determination is based on the school division’s data submitted in the IDEA Part B Annual Performance Report for the last three years.
Local educational agencies are encouraged to conduct ongoing internal data validation checks to assess areas of possible significant disproportionality in the school division.
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Student Health & Safety
School Safety Audit Committee Annual Meetings
Article: 2025-32-445 Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Resource Officers Contact: Sarah Bazemore, Behavioral Health and Instructional Supports Coordinator, Sarah.Bazemore@doe.virginia.gov
The 2025 General Assembly passed House Bill 2051, which allows each division superintendent or designee and the school safety audit committee to meet annually on school grounds with the locality’s chief law-enforcement officer or agency designee. These meetings are intended to review and discuss the results of the annual school safety audit for that school.
A school safety audit is a written assessment of safety conditions at each public school. The audit is designed to:
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identify and, if necessary, develop solutions for physical safety concerns, including building security issues; and
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identify and evaluate any patterns of student safety concerns occurring on school property or at school-sponsored events. Solutions and responses shall include recommendations for structural adjustments, changes in school safety procedures, and revisions to the school board’s standards for student conduct.
School safety audit components:
Each year, schools are required to review these audit components and are encouraged to collaborate with their local law enforcement agency on findings and recommended next steps.
Resources to support compliance:
For more questions related to the school safety audit program, please contact Nikki Wilcox, School Safety Audit and Climate Survey Coordinator, Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, at nikki.wilcox@dcjs.virginia.gov.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month
Article: 2025-32-474 Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers, Non-teaching staff, School Counselors, School Psychologists, School Social Workers, School Nurses Contact: Sarah Bazemore, Behavioral Health and Instructional Supports Coordinator, Sarah.Bazemore@doe.virginia.gov
Each year, especially in September, we highlight the shared responsibility in preventing suicide. Suicide remains a critical concern for student safety in Virginia. In 2025, the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice’s School Climate and Working Conditions Survey found that 10% of middle school students seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year. According to the Virginia Department of Health, Suicide is also the second leading cause of death among youth ages 9–18 in the state, with firearm-related suicides being the most common.
In response to increasing mental health needs, Governor Youngkin’s "Right Help, Right Now" initiative has transformed Virginia’s behavioral health care system to provide immediate, accessible support during mental health crises. Since December 2022, the initiative has expanded the 988 Hotline, mobile crisis response teams available 24/7 statewide, and crisis receiving centers, ensuring timely access to care and improving mental health outcomes.
While each school division maintains its own suicide prevention policies, all schools are encouraged to follow Virginia’s Suicide Prevention Guidelines (2020) to adopt best practices for prevention, intervention, and postvention.
For resources developed specifically for Virginia schools, visit these webpages:
School Entrance Physicals
Article: 2025-32-444 Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, School Nurse Leaders, School Nurses Contact: Na-Keisha A. White, School Health Coordinator, Na-Keisha.White@doe.virginia.gov
In accordance with the Code of Virginia § 22.1-270, all students entering kindergarten in public schools in the Commonwealth of Virginia must have a physical examination conducted within twelve months prior to the start of school. This requirement applies to students who have previously attended a preschool program within a public school, such as Head Start or the Virginia Preschool Initiative. If a student is enrolled in kindergarten without documentation of a comprehensive physical exam, school divisions are encouraged to collaborate with families to obtain the required documentation.
The Code does not extend a grace period for complying with this requirement. However, several exceptions exist. For more information about exceptions, visit the VDOE Enrollment in Public Schools web page. Additional resources include:
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School Nutrition
Waivers and Guidance for Unanticipated Closures for School and Community Nutrition Programs – Webinar on September 18, 2025
Article: 2025-32-473 Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Food Authorities and/or community sponsors Contact: Maggie Parker, CNP Coordinator, Maggie.Parker@doe.virginia.gov or Sara Bennett, Director, School and Community Nutrition Programs, Sara.Bennett@doe.virginia.gov
The Virginia Department of Education, Office of School and Community Nutrition Programs encourages SFAs and community sponsors to attend the webinar, Unanticipated Closures for School and Community Nutrition Programs in School Year 2025-2026, on September 18, 2025, from 1-2 p.m. The webinar will review:
Refer to SCNP (Dir.) Memo #2025-2026-15 and corresponding attachments A, B, and C, for additional information on information on unanticipated closures waivers available this school year.
ERA Administrator Action Needed for SNPWeb Access by September 26, 2025
Article: 2025-32-471 Audience: School Food Authorities and/or community sponsors Contact: Sara Bennett, Director, School and Community Nutrition Programs, Sara.Bennett@doe.virginia.gov
The Virginia Department of Education uses the Single Sign-on for Web Systems (SSWS) portal that allows users to access multiple web applications by using one set of login credentials. One of the web applications is SNPWeb, that provides school nutrition directors, community sponsors, and the Office of School and Community Nutrition Programs access to applications, claims, and related Child Nutrition Program functions.
Access to SNPWeb is granted by the local ERA Administrator/SSWS Champion at the local education authority level for public schools and by the VDOE-SCNP Systems Analyst for private schools and community sponsors. SNPWeb access must only be granted to individuals who have specific job functions related to Child Nutrition Programs. Access is based on role-based permissions and is limited to a maximum of six users per school division or community organization. Individuals with SNPWeb access are not allowed to share logins and passwords.
To ensure integrity and to protect the sensitive nature of SNPWeb access, VODE-SCNP is requesting Local ERA Administrators/SSWS Champions to complete the action items described in SCNP (Dir.) Memo #2025-2026-14 by September 26, 2025. The VDOE-SCNP Systems Analyst will periodically review each LEA’s user access to ensure that permissions follow the criteria listed in SCNP (Dir.) Memo #2025-2026-14.
Fiscal Year 2025-2026 CACFP Make-Up Training—October 9, 2025
Article: 2025-32-464 Audience: School Food Authorities and/or community sponsors Contact: Maggie Parker, CNP Coordinator, Maggie.Parker@doe.virginia.gov or Sara Bennett, Director, School and Community Nutrition Programs, Sara.Bennett@doe.virginia.gov
Federal regulations require Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) sponsoring organizations to attend annual state agency training. This requirement was outlined in the Virginia Department of Education, Office of School and Community Nutrition Programs Director’s Memo #2025-2026-03, distributed on August 7, 2025.
The VDOE-SCNP is hosting a make-up training for any sponsoring organization that did not attend one of the two previously offered training sessions on October 9, 2025, from 1-3 p.m.
The school nutrition program director must attend for SFAs and the executive director or program contact must attend for community organizations.
The make-up training is also open to any CACFP sponsoring organization wanting additional training.
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