|
Superintendent's Message
It has been quite a week of wintery weather for Virginia, with the potential for even more snow in some parts of the Commonwealth before we begin to thaw out!
Thank you to all our incredible school staff who helped navigate the challenges brought by the winter storm, and to those who are preparing for the possibility of another one. You have provided meals, prepared for and delivered asynchronous learning, cleared school grounds, and wrestled with difficult decisions about the best ways to keep students safe and engaged in their learning. We are deeply appreciative of all your efforts.
We have shared resources to be helpful as you continue to navigate closures and unscheduled remote learning days, but please let us know if you have any questions or need anything else.
I look forward to sunnier and warmer days ahead,
Jenna Conway Superintendent of Public Instruction
|
|
Highlights
News from Across the Commonwealth
Fourth-grade students at Sanville Elementary and Meadow View Elementary in Henry County Public Schools recently rolled up their sleeves and stepped into the world of engineering and coding through hands-on LEGO projects. The students planned, built, tested, and programmed original creations, strengthening critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills along the way. Families, teachers, and loved ones were invited to walk alongside them at the end of the journey, viewing the finished projects and celebrating the growth, perseverance, and learning that unfolded throughout the semester.
|
 |
|
Did you hear the good news?!
Accomack County Public Schools is launching a new à la carte drink option in their high schools! PLAYR1 promotes hydration and a healthy energy boost for students.
The ACPS Nutrition staff is truly dedicated to ensuring students have the healthiest and best-tasting food and drink options!
|
|
|
Recognitions
Virginia Shines on the National Stage with RISE Award Finalist
Article: 2026-03-051 Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Child Care Center Operators, Teachers, Non-teaching staff Contact: Christine Harris, Executive Director Educator Programs, Christine.Harris@doe.virginia.gov
The Virginia Department of Education is proud to celebrate Mrs. Lisa Delp, School Nurse at Galax High School, who has been named one of four national finalists for the 2026 Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award. Being selected as a national finalist places Mrs. Delp among the most outstanding school employees in the nation.
Mrs. Delp was officially announced as a finalist on the national RISE Award website alongside the 2026 National RISE Award Honoree, Donella Wagner of Louisiana, and fellow finalists representing Georgia, Kentucky, and the District of Columbia. This prestigious recognition highlights Mrs. Delp’s exceptional dedication, compassion, and lasting impact on the students, staff, and families of Galax City Public Schools. Her service exemplifies the critical role school employees play in fostering safe, supportive, and thriving learning environments.
The RISE Award, presented by the U.S. Department of Education, honors classified school employees who go above and beyond in service to their school communities and make a lasting difference in the lives of students. Each state may nominate two RISE honorees annually. Earlier this year, Virginia proudly recognized Mrs. Delp and Ms. Lorie Barbour of Bedford County Public Schools as the Commonwealth’s nominees for the 2026 RISE Award.
In recognition of this national achievement, the Virginia Department of Education extends its sincere congratulations to Mrs. Delp and to all national finalists and honorees. The Commonwealth of Virginia proudly acknowledges this well-deserved recognition and the exceptional dedication of our classified school employees, whose service and commitment continue to positively impact students, schools, and communities across the state.
|
|
3E Readiness & Pathways
Article: 2026-03-049 Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers, Non-teaching staff Contact: Brittany Everett, Postsecondary Access and Success Specialist, Brittany.Everett@doe.virginia.gov; Patricia Morgan, Coordinator of Transition & Planning Services, Patricia.Morgan@doe.virginia.gov
HB 1892 (§ 22.1-215.3) requires school divisions to provide written notice to parents/guardians of students with disabilities prior to their 11th- or 12th-grade year if the student is eligible to participate in dual enrollment. This notice must clarify rights under Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and American Disabilities Act (ADA) and provide clear next steps.
VDOE has developed a model notice and optional addendums to support compliance and effective implementation.
Effective immediately, school division should:
-
Begin using the model notice during IEP meetings for rising 11th and 12th graders.
-
Ensure collaboration between IEP teams, school counselors, and dual enrollment advisors.
-
Include Disability Services Offices (DSOs) contact info and course options where applicable.
-
Level Up Virginia Phone Book: Contact information for Disability Services Offices of Virginia colleges and universities.
-
HB 1892 Professional Development Series:
-
Four webinars on disability rights in dual enrollment, universal design learning (UDL) practices, and CCRV alignment to help divisions implement the Model Notice and strengthen cross-sector collaboration.
-
Each 60-minute session will be offered live and recorded for later viewing.
|
|
School Finance
Direct Student Services Grant Funding Opportunity: Grant Funding and Support to Expand Access to Student-Level Services
Article: 2026-03-052 Audience: Superintendents, Directors Contact: Dr. Quentin Ballard, Director, Quentin.Ballard@doe.virginia.gov and Dr. Lisa Drzymala, School Improvement Coordinator, Lisa.Drzymala@doe.virginia.gov
The application for the Direct Student Services Grant is now available on the Office of School Improvement Canvas page. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until the submission deadline 5 p.m. on March 13, 2026.
$10 million in Direct Student Services funding is available to all school divisions through a competitive grant application process to provide student-level services aligned to identified needs through five allowable activities:
-
Career Pathways
-
Credit Recovery and Academic Acceleration
-
Advanced Coursework
-
Personalized Learning
-
Transportation
Through this grant, school divisions may elect to fund a tutor from the state-approved tutoring list to provide this Direct Student Service.
Priority consideration is given to school divisions with the highest percentages of federally identified schools. Second priority is given to schools in Needs Intensive Support and Off Track categories.
A self-paced support session, called Funding for Impact: Part II, will be posted on the Office of School Improvement Canvas page on January 29, 2026. This self-paced session will review the Direct Student Services application process and budget workbook.
Regional meetings will also be facilitated on the dates and times listed below to support any division with understanding and completing the grant application. The point of contact for school improvement in each division will receive the registration link via email.
-
Date: February 12, 2026
-
Region 1: 9-10 am
-
Region 2: 11-12 pm
-
Region 3: 1-2 pm
-
Date: February 13, 2026
-
Region 4: 9-10 am
-
Region 5 and 6: 11-12 pm
-
Region 7 and 8: 1-2 pm
If you would like to designate a division contact to receive further information on this grant, please update the Direct Student Services (DSS) contact information in SSWS.
|
|
ALL In VA
Lexia ALL In Upcoming Professional Learning & Recommended Timeline
Article: 2026-03-050 Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers Contact: Dr. Michelle Wallace, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction, Michelle.Wallace@doe.virginia.gov
By February 2:
-
Leaders analyze fall myLexia data to assess student progress, set minimum usage and progress expectations, and identify team needs to drive next steps.
-
Leaders make necessary updates to students rostered with the VA25 code to enable progress monitoring.
-
Site-based teams reflect with the Blended Learning Guide to build on successes and identify growth opportunities.
-
Educators review best practices and set unit goals with students.
February-April:
Educators implement Lexia’s Adaptive Blended Learning Model with fidelity by:
-
Setting and monitoring minimum weekly usage and unit expectations based on data.
-
Conducting the five-minute check-in weekly to personalize learning and facilitate flagged Lexia Lessons® and Skill Builders®, which are marked as delivered.
-
Strengthening application of myLexia reports to monitor progress, inform groupings, partner with families, make connections to VA Literacy Priorities, and further develop data routines (Core5 | PowerUp).
By May 30:
-
Leaders assess EOY metrics and use findings to inform next steps.
-
Educators, students, and families reflect on progress, celebrate successes, and plan next steps for literacy growth.
|
|
Instruction Implementation, Support & Evaluation
VDOE WIDA Webinar Series for School and Division Leaders Spring 2026
Article: 2026-03-057 Audience: School Leaders, Division Leaders, Coaches Contact: Jo-el Cox, Coordinator of Multilingual Learner Instruction, jo-el.cox@doe.virginia.gov
School and division leaders, as well as English Language instructional coaches, are invited to a semester-long webinar series designed for administrators and leaders who monitor and support the implementation of the WIDA English Language Development (ELD) Standards Framework 2020 edition. The webinar series begins with an introductory webinar on February 11, 2026, where participants will learn about the Administrator Supplement: WIDA English Language Development Standards Framework Implementation Guide. The series will continue with monthly collaborative conversations that explore modules from within the implementation guide, as well as a Canvas course to support leaders as they use the information to develop a local plan for ongoing and sustainable implementation.
Please use the registration link below to sign up for this professional learning opportunity.
WIDA ELD Implementation Collaborative Conversations and Canvas Course for School and Division Leaders – Registation Link
-
February 11, 2026, 10-11 a.m.
-
Introduction and Overview of Canvas Course
-
March 11, 2026, 10-11 a.m.
-
Implementation Focus Area 1: Professional Learning
-
April 8, 2026, 10-11 a.m.
-
Implementation Focus Area 2: Collaboration for Content and Language Integration
-
May 6, 2026, 10-11 a.m.
-
Implementation Focus Area 3: Curriculum and Instruction
-
June 10, 2026, 10-11 a.m.
-
Implementation Focus Area 4: Data and Assessment
VDOE WIDA Webinar Series for Educators Spring 2026
Article: 2026-03-056 Audience: LIEP Teachers, Content Teachers, Curriculum Specialists, Coaches, School Leaders, Division Leaders, Family & Community Liaisons Contact: Jo-el Cox, Coordinator of Multilingual Learner Instruction, jo-el.cox@doe.virginia.gov
The following webinars are a continuation of the fall Virginia Department of Education-WIDA series and are designed to support educators in implementing language integrated content instruction using the WIDA English Language Development (ELD) Standards Framework 2020 edition.
-
Assessing for Growth: Practical Strategies for English Language Development (ELD)- Aligned Rubrics (February 11, 2026, 4-5 p.m.): Participants will explore strategies for developing ELD-aligned rubrics for content-area assessments. Registration Link
-
Structured Literacy Made Simple: Resources for ESL Word Nerds (March 11, 2025, 4-5 p.m.): Participants will explore structured literacy approaches and ready-made tools to support literacy instruction for multilingual learners. Registration Link
-
Supporting Multilingual Families (May 13, 2026, 4-5 p.m.): Participants will explore resources and best practices for supporting multilingual families throughout the year. Registration Link
High-Quality Textbook and Instructional Materials Webinar Series
Article: 2026-03-055 Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Institutes of Higher Education Contact: Dr. Anne Petersen, Director of STEM, anne.petersen@doe.virginia.gov
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) is pleased to announce a webinar series designed to assist divisions with the selection, adoption, and implementation of High-Quality Instructional Materials. This initiative directly supports the mandate set forth by the General Assembly's passage of HB2777 in 2025, which formally defines High-Quality Textbooks and Instructional Materials and specifies its use as the foundational curriculum basis for all elementary and secondary instruction. This legislation requires:
(i) each local school board to adopt and implement textbooks and other high-quality instructional materials in English language arts for grades six through 12 and mathematics, science, and history and social studies for grades kindergarten through 12, and; (ii) each education preparation program offered by a public institution of higher education or private institution of higher education or alternative certification program that provides training for any student seeking initial licensure by the Board of Education with certain endorsements to include a program of coursework and clinical experience and require all such students to demonstrate mastery in identifying and implementing textbooks and other high-quality instructional materials.
To support divisions and educator preparation programs in meeting the legislated mandate, the VDOE is offering a webinar series on High-Quality Instructional Materials. Those schools whose data from the School Performance and Support Framework indicate an identification of Needs Intensive Support, or are Off-Track, along with schools that have a federal designation, are strongly encouraged to attend. Registration is required in advance for all sessions.
February 11, 2026, Introduction to HQIM: The Why of High-Quality Instructional Materials
February 25, 2026, Systemic Support of High-Quality Instructional Materials Implementation
March 11, 2026, VDOE Supports for Curriculum Development Using Adopted High-Quality Instructional Materials
Professional Development: Preparing Systemic and Ongoing Professional Development Using High-Quality Instructional Materials
Engaging Secondary Newcomers in Content Area Literacy Workshop
Article: 2026-03-053 Audience: Secondary Classroom Teachers, Secondary English Language Development Teachers, Instructional Coaches Contact: Jo-el Cox, Coordinator of Multilingual Learner Instruction, jo-el.cox@doe.virginia.gov
In partnership with WIDA, the Virginia Department of Education will offer the Engaging Secondary Newcomers in Content Area Literacy Workshop. This workshop is designed for secondary English language development teachers and content teachers. It will take place at the Community Empowerment Center in Roanoke from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 10, 2026.
In this one-day workshop, educators will explore key factors that influence literacy development in content areas, focusing on how to engage students in content learning. Participants will learn strategies to analyze newcomers’ literacy strengths and identify areas for growth. Through practical application, educators will gain tools for scaffolding instruction to ensure secondary newcomers can engage with grade-level content in reading and writing, promoting their academic success.
Participants will identify ways to create supportive and rigorous literacy learning environments for secondary newcomers in any program model, analyze secondary newcomers’ literacy strengths and areas of growth, and examine approaches to scaffolding secondary newcomers’ engagement in grade-level content area literacy learning.
Interested educators must register in advance. Contact Jo-el Cox, Coordinator of Multilingual Learner Instruction, for details.
George Washington Day Resources for Schools
Article: 2026-03-048 Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Teachers Contact: Christonya Brown, History and Social Science Coordinator, vdoe.hss@doe.virginia.gov
George Washington Day, sometimes called Presidents’ Day, gives Americans the opportunity to honor George Washington and the fascinating history of the American presidency and the contributions of the leaders who have led the country in that role. Resources outlined below provide schools with an opportunity to explore and expand upon content in the History and Social Science Standards of Learning. This day is celebrated on the third Monday of February.
For instructional support and information, please contact the History and Social Science Program at vdoe.hss@doe.virginia.gov.
Top 100 Professions and Top 10 Degree Programs to Support Student Academic and Career Planning
Article: 2026-03-047 Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Counselors Contact: William Hatch, Associate Director, Program Administration and Workforce Development, Office of Career and Technical Education, CTE@doe.virginia.gov
Pursuant to § 22.1-253.13:1.D.e, the top 100 professions in the Commonwealth by median pay and the education, training, and skills required for each such profession, and the top 10 degree programs at institutions of higher education in the Commonwealth by median pay of program graduates have been updated:
-
Top 100 professions in the Commonwealth by median pay and the education, training, and skills required for each such profession (docx)
-
Top 10 degree programs at institutions of higher education in the Commonwealth by median pay of program graduates (docx)
The University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service in collaboration with the VDOE has researched and compiled this data for the 2025-2026 school year. The information is based on occupational employment statistics and educational attainment data produced by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as well as longitudinal wage data produced by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia.
2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans: Key Changes and Considerations for School Leaders
Article: 2026-03-046 Audience: Directors, School Principals, Child Care Center Operators, Teachers, Division Health & Physical Education Supervisors, Division Career and Technical Education Supervisors Contact: Jennifer Vedder, Coordinator, Health, Family Life, Physical, & Driver Education, jennifer.vedder@doe.virginia.gov
In January 2026, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030, representing a significant shift in federal nutrition policy. The guidelines move from “Make Every Bite Count” to “Eat Real Food,” emphasizing whole, nutrient-dense foods while reducing highly processed items.
Divisions may wish to review nutrition-related curriculum materials, expand food label reading activities to include identifying processed foods and additives, and update dairy-related content. Health and physical education teachers, family and consumer science teachers, and health and medical sciences teachers may benefit from professional learning on the key shifts. School nutrition staff and wellness committees may also be helpful partners as schools navigate implementation.
|
|
School Nutrition
Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025 — Expanded Requirements for Milk Offered at Lunch
Article: 2026-03-044 Audience: Superintendents, School Food Authorities Contact: Sara Bennett, MS, RDN, SNS, Director, Office of School & Community Nutrition Programs, Sara.Bennett@doe.virginia.gov
On January 14, 2026, President Donald J. Trump signed into law the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025. This law amends Section 9(a)(2)(A) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 USC 1758(a)(2)(A)), revising requirements for milk offered through NSLP. USDA memo SP 01-2026 provides guidance on the implementation of the updated fluid milk requirements for school lunch as required by the new law.
Changes to NSLP Fluid Milk Requirements
Effective immediately, with the signing of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025, schools may now:
-
Offer whole milk and reduced-fat (2%) milk during lunch
-
Offer lactose-free milk and other nondairy beverages that are nutritionally equivalent to fluid milk and meet the USDA nutritional standards for fluid milk substitutes during lunch to all students
-
If the school does not offer nondairy beverages to all students at lunch, then it must follow the process for requesting a fluid milk substitute for a non-disability reason and report to the State agency (7 CFR 210.10(d)(2))
-
A parent or legal guardian may now provide and sign the written statement to request a fluid milk substitute for disability reasons at school lunch
-
Exclude the saturated fat from milk only when calculating the weekly average saturated fat requirement for lunch
|
|
Student Health
Modules for Medicaid and Schools Program
Article: 2026-03-045 Audience: Superintendents, Directors, Special Education and Student Services Administrators, Mental Health Providers, and Medicaid and Schools Coordinators Contact: Amy Edwards, Medicaid Specialist, Amy.Edwards@doe.virginia.gov
The VDOE, in collaboration with the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services, has developed three Medicaid and Schools Program Overview Modules designed for school division special education and student services administrators, school division Medicaid and schools coordinators, and school division mental health providers. These modules provide school leaders with the information and resources they need to support Medicaid implementation in their school division, ensuring compliance and maximizing reimbursement for schools.
|
|
Student Opportunities
Presidential 1776 Award – National Civics Competition
Article: 2026-03-054 Audience: Directors, School Principals, Teachers, Counselors Contact: Christonya Brown, History and Social Science Coordinator, Christonya.Brown@doe.virginia.gov
The United States Department of Education invites high school students to participate in the Presidential 1776 Award, a national civics competition to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. After two rounds of local and regional finals, the top four students from each region advance to the national final, held in Washington, D.C. in June 2026, where three winners will receive scholarships totaling $250,000.
This nationwide scholarship competition challenges students to demonstrate their knowledge of the Constitution, the American founding, and the principles that define our nation. From February to June 2026, students will compete in three rounds of multiple-choice and short answer verbal examinations, independently developed by the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation.
|
|
Early Childhood
Mid-Year VQB5 Refresher Webinar for Site Leaders on February 5
Article: 2026-03-058 Audience: Superintendents, Directors, School Principals, Child Care Center Operators, Teachers, Non-teaching staff Contact: Lucy Mitzner, Early Childhood Improvement Strategy Lead, Lucy.Mitzner@doe.virginia.gov
On February 5, the VDOE will host a webinar for site administrators who are participating in VQB5. During this webinar, we will provide a summary of fall VQB5 successes. Information and resources to support successful spring observations and improvement activities will also be shared.
-
Webinar: VQB5 Mid-Year Refresher for Program Leaders
-
Date: February 5 at 2:00 pm
-
Register
|
|
|
|
|