Roanoke City Schools and local legislators are teaming up to reduce violence among Virginiaโs youth
Gun violence has been a major concern for city leaders in Roanoke and now the school system is stepping in to help reduce youth involvement in behaviors that lead to gun violence and gang involvement.
Roanoke City School Board presents new safety measures to City Council
25 safety recommendations were adopted by the school board at their last meeting, including a new safety tip line, new, more secure classroom door locks, and an additional 15 school resource officers on top of the 11 already on staff.
Roanoke City School Board presents new safety measures to City Council
25 safety recommendations were adopted by the school board at their last meeting, including a new safety tip line, new, more secure classroom door locks, and an additional 15 school resource officers on top of the 11 already on staff.
![Gov. Ralph Northam pushes to increase COVID-19 vaccinations in Virginia](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/3-9bXmx3Plnx5hAkkmREj3YlrOQ=/800x450/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/09-27-2021/t_be97eed1096d4329accd3e91226224b7_name_image.jpg)
Gov. Ralph Northam pushes to increase COVID-19 vaccinations in Virginia
In Virginia, some early summer days yielded only a โhandfulโ of cases, according to the Virginia Department of Health and Governor Ralph Northam, but eventually soared to upwards of 4,000 daily infections just a few weeks ago.
![Black superintendents in southwest Virginia make strides in and out of the classroom](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/x8KU-GRFUcjSnMjp1UCzmH4dOAE=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/02-20-2021/t_670e52be87a649af9ff3e85c88879994_name_BHM___Southwest_VA_Superintendents_Edit.png)
Black superintendents in southwest Virginia make strides in and out of the classroom
ROANOKE, Va โ During Black History Month, 10 News continues to recognize the contributions and accomplishments of African-American leaders across southwest Virginia. As time went on and she continued her path in educational leadership, Edwards became the first Black female superintendent at Lynchburg City schools. โI grew up in poverty with, with two parents, neither who finished school,โ Martinsville City Schools Superintendent Zeb Talley said. Verletta White will soon wrap up her first year as superintendent with Roanoke City Schools. โRepresentation matters because perspective matters,โ Roanoke City School Superintendent Verletta White said.
![Roanoke City Schools work on reopening plans](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/h697PEhosOBY_HByqmyvUqOqqq0=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/02-16-2021/t_edaf697f46014b8bb12b575a19d6a393_name_image.jpg)
Roanoke City Schools work on reopening plans
ROANOKE, Va โ With less than a month until students are set to return to the classroom for in-person learning, school divisions across southwest Virginia are working around the clock to prepare their plans. Newly released guidelines from the CDC show that students can return to the classroom safely. โJust inching our way forward very carefully, but weโre proud to have kids in-person according to the CDC recommendations that were just published this past weekend we are in alignment with those CDC recommendations,โ Roanoke City Superintendent Verletta White said. Most Roanoke City School students havenโt had a full week of in-person learning in almost a year, theyโve been doing a mix of in-person and virtual learning. The Superintendent says the school division is working very closely with the Roanoke City and Alleghany Health Districts to welcome students back safely.
![Roanoke City School Board votes to decrease number of in-person learning days in 2021 plan](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/jb7VH7DeQnxSfOJaWmspENdyirg=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/12-16-2020/t_8e1337ab91a14dd0b16b48383e460b24_name_image.jpg)
Roanoke City School Board votes to decrease number of in-person learning days in 2021 plan
ROANOKE, Va. โ School leaders in Roanoke revised their reopening plan for 2021 on Tuesday night. In a 4-3 vote, the Roanoke City School Board voted to amend the plan and decrease the number of in-person learning days per week for students. Starting January 25, students will have in-person learning two days per week. The plan previously included four in-person learning days per week at that time. The division has the space and PPE to make the four day a week plan work, but with teachers under quarantine and medical leave, thereโs not enough staff to cover.
![Roanoke City schools pushing for a more equitable future](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/9PJfZce53cSMvb3cxSs23moihmY=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/12-09-2020/t_dcaf7be587c5473db37cc0af88bc5d2f_name_image.jpg)
Roanoke City schools pushing for a more equitable future
ROANOKE, VA. โ Roanoke City Public Schools is launching a new way of measuring student success, Equity 2.0. Superintendent Verletta White said transitioning to this new measurement system is the future. โMaking sure that students are reflected in our curriculum, making sure that we have diversity in our teaching ranks and making sure that we have transparency in that process as well,โ explained White. Equity 2.0 builds upon years of previous work and means a more comprehensive equality dashboard in the future, rather than a scorecard. The dashboard will go live this summer, be publically available and help shape the upcoming strategic plan too.
![Roanoke City school leaders postpone middle school athletics due to COVID-19 concerns](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/k6Mr81mjk0rGd2QUFvM8ZHIjuVk=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/12-09-2020/t_6b65a30a642840c381986b2ccf96fd7f_name_image.jpg)
Roanoke City school leaders postpone middle school athletics due to COVID-19 concerns
ROANOKE, Va. โ All middle school athletic programs for students in Roanoke City Public Schools have been postponed, school leaders announced Tuesday night. In a letter to families, superintendent Dr. Verletta White said school leaders made the decision โout of an abundance of cautionโ due to the number of COVID-19 cases in the Roanoke area. She also said the district canโt support an athletic schedule with a limitation on spectators at just 25 people. The school district plans to hold school-based athletic programs for each sport starting in February, pending decreases of COVID-19 cases in the Roanoke area. White said school leaders have not made a decision on the football program yet, but the proposed schedule for the middle school football program, from February 4 through April 1, allows middle school football to be played under the umbrella of the high school football program at each high school.
![Thousands of Roanoke elementary students head back to the classroom](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/75nyT-eL_2xGu0o6L2SlOY9fzjI=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/11-05-2020/t_dc510367aeee42d3b94eff75016e948a_name_image.jpg)
Thousands of Roanoke elementary students head back to the classroom
ROANOE, Va. โ More than 4,600 elementary students returned to school this week with their pencils, crayons and masks. Due to the pandemic, the Roanoke City School Board approved a two-days a week hybrid schedule to start this month. "We are better positioned now they we were even this past summer.โHowever, 2400 elementary students still remain at home, along with other middle and high school. But we are looking at ways to bring more students back in sooner.โIn the meantime, students are spread out. โMany of those prevention strategies that we are using for COVID-19 will also be prevention strategies for the flu.
![Roanoke City School Board says no to changing COVID-19 plan for now](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/9Qtnq_PAeM156JmunlHYN23-378=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/10-14-2020/t_30aa4724dc29427798c3440eb11743af_name_image.jpg)
Roanoke City School Board says no to changing COVID-19 plan for now
ROANOKE, Va. โ On Tuesday night, the Roanoke City School Board met for more than three hours to determine its next steps for getting students back to the classroom. And after a 4-3 vote, theyโve decided to stay the course, which brings elementary students back just two days a week. The board considered bumping the two days to four days for students in Pre-K through first grade, although decided against it based on current COVID19 cases in the community. โAs a school board I ask you are you willing to risk the life of even just one student to send them prematurely back to school for just 18 days of instruction," Poff said. Both the board and superintendent are concerned about student performance.
![Roanoke school leaders say theyโre on track for students to return to classrooms](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/7QSifuIzZUcpdr5Sc6sLOhjN7Cs=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/10-01-2020/t_7dade741eeab424c94765c8a2129f462_name_image.jpg)
Roanoke school leaders say theyโre on track for students to return to classrooms
ROANOKE, VA. โ Roanoke school leaders said the beginning of the school year is off to a good start and they believe theyโre on track for the return to the classroom plan. On Wednesday night the superintendent hosted a virtual town hall for parents and students to get an update on the progress. โIf you are a parent thank you for hanging in there with us, for our students thank you for your hard work and your diligence," superintendent Verletta White said to open the program. Under the current plan, younger students are set to return to in-person learning in some form on November 2. The plan is to bring older students back to the classroom at the new year once the third quarter begins.
![Roanoke city school leaders pleased with first week back to school](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/nRXXlCZhmCfzDPUnS4PoeqiqXCE=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/09-09-2020/t_38286bc3f37c4db985152275d57f8784_name_image.jpg)
Roanoke city school leaders pleased with first week back to school
Roanoke City leaders said while there are some growing pains, things are going well. But division leaders said it was mostly minor issues and things are working out. There are some students that still need to get computers, but that list is a relatively small and top priority. School leaders said keeping stand and especially students focused on work is no different than it would be online. White keeps in touch with health leaders and is hopeful the plan to return to the classroom can stay on track.
![Roanoke City Schools prepare students for first day of school](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/A2iuQmwlVUdb0c9gCYhlUO2woms=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/2GP6MRBSZZHG7B6YCN4NBELLKE.jpg)
Roanoke City Schools prepare students for first day of school
Roanoke, VA โ Roanoke City School leaders spent the weekend gearing up students and their families for the first day of school Monday. Sunday the division hosted its annual Back to School to Extravaganza a little differently than in years past. Parents could drive through the parking lot at William Fleming High School to get more than 2,000 bags of school supplies. Superintendent Verletta White says she and the rest of her team are excited to kick off the school year. Roanoke City Schools will be doing virtual classes for a majority of its students.
![Roanoke city school leaders optimistic for in-person learning despite virtual start](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/lNb9aLocYbG_NlX2SSkHT_ogjlI=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/08-12-2020/t_e4ad12f72ed345c2b9aa8cdd96b6e04e_name_image.jpg)
Roanoke city school leaders optimistic for in-person learning despite virtual start
ROANOKE, Va. โ Students in Roanoke City Public Schools will start the year with 100% remote learning. โThis isnโt the program we all wanted to provide; this is the best program we can provide now,โ Roanoke City School Board Chair Lutheria Smith said. The school board voted 6-1 on Tuesday night in favor of a plan that features virtual learning for the first nine weeks. According to the Virginia Department of Health, community transmission is on the verge of becoming substantial in Roanoke. School division leaders said they donโt want to take any risks, but theyโre also optimistic that the change is only temporary.
![Most Roanoke City students could spend the first 9 weeks of school at home](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/KmLYelIfdRQSfYc8_87Fcfz9IvQ=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/08-07-2020/t_be7e620399324b0d8b4a3b5b7bf1fd6c_name_image.jpg)
Most Roanoke City students could spend the first 9 weeks of school at home
ROANOKE, Va. โ Roanoke City Public Schools released a 53-page document on Thursday providing a better picture of what the upcoming school year could look like. Under this modified plan, most students will participate in virtual instruction for the first nine weeks beginning August 31. Academically vulnerable students, which would include students with disabilities that participate in the special education setting more than 50% of their school dayLevel 1 English LearnersHigh school students from Forest Park Academy and Noel Taylor Learning Academy who may need additional support to graduate at the end of the school year. When Roanoke City outlined the initial plan, the big question was if enough students choose fully online learning to allow others to return to the classroom. The Roanoke City School Board will discuss this at Tuesdayโs meeting at William Fleming High School.
![Roanoke City school leaders host virtual town hall to answer questions](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/Yvmk8NmbJXdwYX-xUgQB0MOF_Qw=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/07-24-2020/t_749546d885194ad8aa1d49907ae874e8_name_image.jpg)
Roanoke City school leaders host virtual town hall to answer questions
ROANOKE, VA. โ More than 2,600 people tuned in for a virtual town hall with Roanoke City school leaders on Thursday. White and other staff members hosted the parent forum to answer questions and make themselves available to the community. It covered the spectrum of questions, from virtual learning, to mask wearing, to what happens if an outbreak occurs in a city school. Roanoke teachers will teach both formats. The entire plan hinges on at least 30% of the students choosing the fully online Virtual Academy for the in-person option to be viable.
![โWeโre not pleasedโ: Roanoke Education Association responds to RCPS plan](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/AqvmtO4MuxIXLbCt6tNMvw8mJQE=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/07-16-2020/t_39c0acb768864c32910b220d4f047612_name_image.jpg)
โWeโre not pleasedโ: Roanoke Education Association responds to RCPS plan
ROANOKE, Va. โ Roanoke Education Association President Bettye Bell made her position clear on Wednesday about Roanoke City Schoolsโ plan for the upcoming school year. I would like for the parents and the board to consider more of a virtual opening,โ said Bell. As a high school teacher, Bellโs especially concerned because there are so many young people testing positive for COVID-19 right now. White said, overall, feedback on the plan had been positive as of Wednesday afternoon but nothing was official. As of Wednesday, a date to vote on a plan had not been set.
![Roanoke City Schools offer four day, in-person week, only if enough kids opt for fully online](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/bb9P2b_137bTX1qznRQBdhs5JTs=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/07-15-2020/t_b0e5f47ca7004183a3bbd1598bb517e2_name_image.jpg)
Roanoke City Schools offer four day, in-person week, only if enough kids opt for fully online
ROANOKE, VA. On Tuesday night Roanoke City school leaders unveiled the back to school plan and it looks different than most other local divisions. New Roanoke City Public Schools superintendent Verletta White, with just two weeks on the job, presented the plan to the board Tuesday night which was pleased. And those who want in-person learning will go to school four days a week, with Friday classes online. Either way, online learning will be more robust than before. Parents received a robocall with the information Tuesday night and should expect to be able to make their choice for in person or online learning starting Monday.
![New Roanoke schools superintendent says back-to-school plan still a work in progress](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/NWaCERzoAEg6o4X6D9rzh_7tJ_Y=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/07-08-2020/t_989c2f936d9f45b5919f83a433170ebf_name_image.jpg)
New Roanoke schools superintendent says back-to-school plan still a work in progress
ROANOKE, VA. Roanoke City Schools superintendent Verletta White said the citys back to school plan is still a work in progress. On Tuesday night, White rounded out her welcome to Roanoke tour with the families of Garden City Elementary. Earlier in the day, Governor Ralph Northam announced new school guidance that said students can be as close to three feet apart if they wear masks and arent showing symptoms of the virus. White said theyre still working on their plan and hope to present to the school board next week. The division said 7,000 parents have completed the school re-opening survey.
New Roanoke City superintendent meets community for โhonest conversations about how we move forward'
ROANOKE, Va. โ Roanoke City Public Schoolsโ new superintendent, Verletta White, held several meet-and-greets Wednesday to mark her first official day on the job. White talked with community members at Hurt Park Elementary, Roanoke Academy for Mathematics and Science Elementary School, and Lincoln Terrace Elementary. White told 10 News sheโs excited to get to know people and hear from parents, staff and students. โIt means everything to get to walk through the neighborhood, get to know the community, get to know some of the needs of the community and have some honest conversations about how we move forward,โ said White. RCPS is asking community members to practice social distance and masks are strongly encouraged.
![Whats News Today: DMV Select returns, Phase Three begins](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/GTXv3MzkLYRkN0g66GEpSGQVx48=/828x464/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/UJJG4U4ZR5BALEAEZPT356FZNE.png)
Whats News Today: DMV Select returns, Phase Three begins
ROANOKE, Va. DMV Select services return to the Roanoke Municipal Building today. Today is the first day on the job for Roanokes new superintendent of schools. Danville City Council will hold its inaugural meeting today. Salem City Council will hold an organizational meeting today. The YWCA hopes this will help participants discover how racial inequity and social injustice impact our community.
![New Roanoke school superintendent outlines her plans for the year](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/P-nadLZqWB-yZ0niIw09D1GEIi4=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/UGJ3LDZMFNECBGUUJGZ4U5RCQU.jpg)
New Roanoke school superintendent outlines her plans for the year
ROANOKE, Va. โ After more than a decade with the same superintendent, Roanoke City Public Schools is about to have a new leader. The new superintendent comes from outside of Virginia and parents and staff want to know what she has planned. Iโm so excited to be here,โ said Verletta White, who has big plans when she officially takes over as superintendent of Roanoke City Public Schools on July 1. I also want to hear whatโs working well,โ said White, who says she plans to take those ideas and put them into action but also keep the listening going. โWe need to make sure there is no gap in student achievement between black and white students in terms of reading and mathematics.
![Meet the new Roanoke City school superintendent in her first week on the job](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/nm6oqNT7nX-psZPGyKb8d55sATY=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/WW3B3KFAYBCOLCOPNZXTY7KHEE.jpg)
Meet the new Roanoke City school superintendent in her first week on the job
ROANOKE, Va. Verletta White starts as the Roanoke City school superintendent July 1 and she plans to meet many people in her first week on the job. As weve reported, White comes to Roanoke from Baltimore, Maryland, where she worked in the public school system there in a variety of roles. She has planned meet and greets at a number of schools. They will be held outside and youre asked to practice social distance, and face coverings are strongly encouraged. White is replacing Dr. Rita Bishop, who was the superintendent for 13 years.
![Verletta White hired as new Roanoke City Schools superintendent](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/Fj7HUFZN3YaZGl8GnLLkvIHjL80=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/05-27-2020/t_2b06565d48a84470b6ab393e5153716c_name_image.jpg)
Verletta White hired as new Roanoke City Schools superintendent
ROANOKE, Va. โ Roanoke City Public Schools has found its next leader. On Tuesday evening, the school board announced that Verletta White would be the school districtโs next superintendent. โMy husband, my family and I we watched, we listened, we visited, and we got to know what Roanoke City is all about. And I can tell the heart of this city is where my heart wants to be," White said. White comes to Roanoke from Baltimore, Maryland, where she worked in the public school system there in a variety of roles.