Back to school: What’s new in Lynchburg region

Lynchburg News & Advance
Published: August 25, 2008

Back-to-school starts today for most area public schools. Here’s a quick look at what’s new.

Lynchburg

Two schools have new principals. Former E.C. Glass High School assistant principal Kevin Latham became principal in July after the retirement of longtime leader Susan Morrison. Robert Quel, previously an administrator at Bedford Hills Elementary School, took over as principal in July after the retirement of Bobby Hayth.

Play It Smart also comes to both city high schools this year. The program, aimed at helping at-risk student athletes, is available through a grant from the National Football Federation, community donations and division support.

Bedford County

This year marks the beginning of the Bedford Academy for Virtual Learning, a K-12 online program touted as a homeschooling alternative. About 40 students have signed up so far.

Also, the 2½-year Jefferson Forest High School renovation is almost complete. With only a small list of finishing touches remaining, the $38.5 million project was originally slated for completion in spring 2009.

Bedford also has three new principals. Robert Stump at Staunton River High School takes the place of former principal Michael Kelly. Former Stewartsville Elementary Principal Patty Johnson is at Staunton River Middle School after former principal Linwood Roberts retired. Stewartville’s new principal is Kelly Brown, who previously worked in Bedford schools for more than 15 years.

Campbell County

This year the division will implement a new computerized student information system called Star Student. The system handles attendance and grades.

Yellow Branch Elementary School has a new principal, Mary Lynne Arnold, formerly the school’s assistant principal. She takes over after the retirement of former principal Bennie Arthur.

Amherst County

Parents can now register their students for school online. It’s the first year the division has used online registration.

Amherst, which started school last week, also has a new superintendent. Former assistant superintendent Brian Ratliff is at the division’s helm. Superintendent John Walker announced his decision to step down in April.

Appomattox County

Starting this year, the division will implement the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program, which trains staff on how to deal with bullying and teaches students how to report bullying.

The division also has two new principals. Martha Eagle is now at Appomattox Middle School and Tom Yarber is now at Appomattox Elementary. Yarber fills the place of former principal Annette Bennett, who is now the county’s director of curriculum and instruction.

Also new is Edline, a communication system between schools and parents. The computerized system will allow parents to go online and access student grades and information from schools.

Nelson County

The division, which started school last week, will evaluate its K-12 writing programs this year in an effort to better prepare students for future endeavors.

Tye River Elementary Principal Sandra McKenzie joined the Nelson County administration over the summer. Greg Hill, a former assistant principal from Powhatan County Schools, is now Tye River principal.