Housing in Blacksburg has been a problem for years — so much so that in the recent mayoral election, both candidates highlighted housing in their campaigns. But today, Community Housing Partners broke ground on a new affordable housing neighborhood.

An Associated Press analysis finds that the number of Black students enrolling at many elite colleges has dropped in the two years since the Supreme Court banned affirmative action in admissions.

The Virginia Department of Education has awarded $12 million in School Security Equipment Grants to 433 schools in 99 school divisions to enhance safety across the Commonwealth.

Lynchburg City Schools is moving forward with plans to place metal detectors in its buildings.

Critzer Elementary students were dismissed early today, at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, following a major water break between the school and the former Food City building, Pulaski County Public Schools confirmed.

Lynchburg's One Community One Voice partnership launches the BIKE program at Bedford Hills Elementary, rewarding students with a bikes based on academics, attendance, and behavior.

Lynchburg City Schools is cooking up a new approach to hands-on learning with the launch of its first student-designed and operated food truck, equipped with a commercial-grade kitchen donated by Intuit and in partnership with Lynchburg Beacon of Hope.

Franklin County Public Schools will be hosting a Town Hall today at 6:00 P.M. regarding the need for a new Career and Technical Education center in the county.

Students at Roanoke College are teaming up again with Habitat Humanity for the 20th “R House” project, a key part of the college’s summer orientation.

Ten Washington County High School students were injured while touring Virginia Tech after falling through a grate, Virginia Tech said.

A federal judge has granted a preliminary injunction blocking the Trump administration’s efforts to keep Harvard University from hosting international students.

Colleges and universities are encouraging international students to return to campus early this summer — or to not leave the U.S. at all.

A federal judge has blocked a Trump administration decision to revoke Harvard University’s ability to enroll international students.

Students in the Carpentry Program at Susie G. Gibson Science and Technology Center are making a significant impact in their community. In collaboration with the Bedford Domestic Violence Coalition, these aspiring tradespeople have constructed animal kennels to help individuals seeking safety from domestic violence. This initiative ensures that survivors do not have to choose between their well-being and the safety of their beloved pets.

Students at Virginia Tech are gearing up for Struttin’ for Paws—an adoption fashion show happening May 8.

Henry County School Nutrition will be sponsoring the USDA Summer Food Service Program to help supply local students and children with free meals and snacks.

Today, students are gathering at Burruss Hall to support diversity, equity and inclusion at Virginia Tech.

Superintendent Rob Graham warns that loss of federal support could jeopardize Title I and Title II programs for low-income students.

On Friday, Franklin County High School students will be rolling into school with style for its annual FFA Tractor Day.

Roanoke County is gearing up for the annual Backpack Run, organized by the Roanoke County Public Schools Education Foundation.

Alleghany Highlands Public Schools is celebrating National School Breakfast Week, and making sure kids know why it’s so important to start every day with a nutritious breakfast.

As winter weather approaches, schools in our region are taking steps to ensure the safety of students and staff.

Move-in started earlier this week, but students and families continue trickling into their residence halls.

A school bus transporting high school students in Salem was involved in a traffic accident after school on Wednesday.

Students in Rockbridge are getting better access to healthcare right at their schools.

The Virginia Department of Education has until August 15th to draft up a guiding policy for a cell phone-free education

Two Lynchburg elementary schools are off of the chopping block for closure, at least at the moment

If you have a child considering college, several changes are coming to the SAT.

A Michigan jury convicted a school shooter’s mother of involuntary manslaughter Tuesday in a first-of-its-kind trial to determine whether she had any responsibility in the deaths of four students in 2021.

The bill is similar to legislation called 'Alyssa's Law', named after a student who was killed in the 2018 Stoneman Douglas High School shooting

Students at William Byrd High School have been evacuated as a result of a possible gas leak, according to Roanoke County Public Schools.

Glenvar High School students welcomed a special guest on Thursday.

Students at Washington & Lee University are gearing up for the 2024 Mock Convention with Delegates Day.

Roanoke City Public Schools (RCPS) is making sure students have everything they need to kick the school year off with a bang.

About 7,800 students will be in Campbell County Public Schools this year as the district houses 13 schools and one technical education center.

Danville Public Schools is home to around 5,700 students. Last school year the district spend around $730,000 on security updates.

WSLS is partnering with schools throughout the Roanoke Valley to make sure students are ready for the new school year — with this year’s Load the Bus event.

After leaving Radford City Schools, Pulaski County Superintendent Robert Graham has officially started the new job.

Students at Roanoke College have been getting a very hands-on lesson this week in community and service.

With school letting out for the summer, some families are looking for ways to stretch their grocery budget.

Students were able to talk to more than 80 businesses within the Roanoke Valley.

Students in Southwest Virginia need your vote for Unified Championship Week.

The decision comes less than a week after the district announced a new bell schedule for the 2023-2024 school year.

The annual event is for middle and high school students throughout the area.

Ms. Q continues her work at a school she once rebelled at.

Lynchburg City Schools opens a new Restorative Suspension Center

Students at Dublin Elementary School hosted WSLS 10′s Duke Carter Thursday.

The Registered Apprenticeship program was designed in the 1930’s by the Roosevelt administration.

Students in the Builds and Trade program have recently completed setting up posts for a new structure at the GC Recreational Park Softball Fields.

Amherst County is mourning the loss of two students following a tragedy over winter break.

Christiansburg Middle School students are getting an extra day added onto their winter break due to water line repairs in the facility, according to school officials.

The T.G. Howard Community Center is hosting a coloring contest for students in the Pulaski County Schools.

Students across Southwest Virginia got a taste of what it’s like to have a career in STEAM – science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

Students at a Lynchburg elementary school saw the impacts of Hurricane Ian and decided they wanted to do their part to help shelter pets.

The non-profit said at least 240 backpacks have been donated so far, and some of the donated bags will be given directly to students. The rest will go out to schools as donations.

Pulaski County High School students are building the first net-zero home, which is designed to produce as much energy as it consumes within a year, resulting in net zero energy consumption according to Atmos Energy’s website.

Adam Oakes was a freshman at Virginia Commonwealth University and died from a fraternity incident in 2021. Now, his family is traveling to colleges and universities across Virginia to educate students about hazing.

With the service, students can receive immediate care anytime, anywhere and fast, according to a press release from Virginia Tech.

President Biden visits families affected by the devastation from recent flooding and survey impacts and response efforts and also delivers remarks.

Students in Carroll County will have full stomachs this school year.

The Virginia State University College of Education is offering free tuition to graduate students who commit to a full-time teaching position in Richmond or Petersburg.

A new online service will help Hokies with their mental health.

Roanoke City Public School students are learning more about the food they eat and where it comes from.

Students in Roanoke found out how the skills they are learning in school can be used in a variety of careers.

Virginia Tech students celebrate Earth Day by helping set a world record.

Virginia Tech has announced what this year’s Day of Remembrance will include as it honors the students and faculty members who lost their lives in the 2007 mass shooting.

Leaders with the Pulaski County Public Schools are hoping to add more eyes in the classroom to keep your kids safe.

School leaders said they are focusing on growth.

Radford University students were shocked Thursday afternoon to see a slew of dead birds on the ground.

Taking the national stage at the midway, a local dance company is gearing up to perform this weekend at the Daytona 500.

There are no reported injuries after two students were found with guns at Halifax County High School Thursday morning, according to school officials.

Sunday’s snowstorm threw a wrench in move-in plans for students and parents at Virginia Tech.

A group of third-grade students watched in anticipation as their teacher prepared to make a basketball shot from across the court.

A new survey finds that international students are returning to U.S. colleges in stronger numbers, but the rebound has yet to make up for last year’s historic declines.

A North Carolina teacher resigned following outrage over alleged comments she made to Black students that they would be her “field slaves” if it wasn’t for the Constitution.

A new social media trend is challenging students to record themselves vandalizing school bathrooms. School leaders say it’s happening in multiple districts in Southwest Virginia.

Grayson Highlands School is closed on Monday due to a water problem.

A four-legged friend will welcome Bluefield College students when they return to campus this fall.

A Pulaski County teacher has been recognized for her efforts in immersing children in the outdoors.

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Va. – Franklin County students are back in class full-time, five days a week. Monday was the first day of in-person learning for all students. Students are required to wear masks, stay socially distant and there are air purifiers in every classroom. Since there are nearly 7,000 students in the district, officials are slightly concerned about having so many students in one place at one time. “It is critical because unless those social and emotional needs can be met, that’s going to impact the academics,” said Muse.

Virginia Tech students and the YMCA are coming together to help kids find success with virtual learning. They’ve launched an online homework help program. Before the pandemic, YMCA at Virginia Tech had a program where volunteers would go into schools to tutor students. After months of planning, the program launched with nearly 40 volunteers who are Virginia Tech students. Martin said this goes along with YMCA at Virginia Tech’s mission to build connections, it just looks different than it did before.

Virginia’s getting nearly $1 million to study how the pandemic has impacted public school students and teachers. Researchers with the Virginia Department of Education and the University of Virginia will use the federal grant to look at pre-pandemic and post-pandemic trends, like grades, absenteeism and teacher retention. The study will last three years and follow students during that time. The goal is to create evidence-based policy reports so schools know how to help students moving forward. Researchers will also examine the effectiveness of school reopening and recovery plans, as well as the impact on higher education.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – A new outdoor classroom is coming to Lynchburg in a space that’s going unused. Cartolaro works with Julia Guca at the Lynchburg school and came up with the courtyard makeover. We want it to be an actual outdoor classroom that has all the supplies that the teachers could ever need. Ad“Not only does having an experience in an outdoor classroom benefits students and staff socially and emotionally, it also has incredible benefits for cognitive ability which leads to greater academic gains. Not only does it benefit students while they’re using this outdoor classroom but it benefits them the whole entire day as well,” said Guca, the library media specialist.

ROANOKE, Va – 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. “Just inching our way forward very carefully, but we’re 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,” Roanoke City Superintendent Verletta White said. Most Roanoke City School students haven’t had a full week of in-person learning in almost a year, they’ve 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.

Students in Pulaski County Public Schools will return to in-person learning today for the second semester. Students will attend in-person four days a week. Individual schools could return to reduced capacity or all-virtual, depending on COVID-19 conditions in the future. Starting at 8 a.m., you can buy a $25 Downtown Roanoke Gift Card and receive a bonus $25 gift certificate. There is a limit of ten gift cards per person.

BLACKSBURG, Va. – Virginia Tech is warning students about gatherings during the coronavirus pandemic after police busted several parties over the weekend. The university is following public health guidelines by not allowing gatherings of more than 10 people. This weekend, a university spokesperson said police responded to 10 parties violating that restriction. “We’re reaching out to students, we’re reminding them of their responsibility, reminding them that they will be held accountable for the decisions that they make and all of this is in the context of trying to teach students, to educate students what their role in our community is,” said Mark Owczarski, a university spokesperson. Violating the student code of conduct can result in penalties ranging from a warning all the way to expulsion.

Starting next week, some Montgomery County students will be back in the classroom. The district will enter Phase 3, Level 2 next Tuesday. There will be no changes for students in grades in grades Pre-K through grade 6, and students in grade 7 through 12 will be able to attend in-person classes for half a day, four days a week. Below is more information:

BLACKSBURG, Va. – The residence halls at Virginia Tech have been empty for nearly a month, but the winter migration of Hokies back to Blacksburg is officially underway. “I feel like I had a pretty good experience for the fall semester, so I think the spring semester is going to be a good, smooth semester,” said Osman. The influx of fresh faces is good news for Blacksburg businesses such as Tea and Jam. The tea house hopes to attract students with their new addition: weatherproof domes right outside of the restaurant. Virginia Tech students will continue moving back until January 24.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – The bubble has begun for Liberty University students. Liberty University also announced Friday it will honor this year’s and last year’s graduates in a virtual celebration on May 15. There will be a big ceremony as well as separate, virtual degree ceremonies. LU may switch it to an in-person event, but that depends on gathering limits at the time. You can register for the event on the university’s website.

Students in Wythe County will be home through the end of their first semester, according to an announcement on the district’s Facebook page. The school board voted on Monday night to stay 100% virtual through Jan. 15, which is the end of the first semester. According to the announcement, the school board will reevaluate the topic at the meeting on Jan. 14. Here is the full post:

Appomattox County students will be home for longer than expected due to “continued concerns of the impact of COVID-19” in the county, according to school officials. In-person learning is suspended through Friday, Jan. 8, according to an announcement on the school district’s website. Officials said students should complete assignments in their emergency learning folder on Tuesday, and will resume regular Google classroom assignments and virtual meetings on Wednesday. Students should expect to hear from teachers with more instruction, according to the announcement. Food pickup will be at Appomatox Elementary School on Wednesday and Friday from 4 to 6 p.m.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Va. – As students from Virginia Tech and Radford University prepare to return home for winter break, the New River Health Director says COVID-19 case numbers among students are steady. Dr. Noelle Bissell says both universities have been conducting exit testing as students prepare to go home. The health district has also been working with students so they can stay safe while traveling. On the flip side, do I think we’re going to see a decline in cases because our college students are leaving? Both universities have testing plans in place for when students return for the start of spring semester.

They’re finishing up their last week classes at Virginia Tech, and university leaders are asking students to enter a 14-day self-quarantine before traveling. Mark Owczarski, a Tech spokesperson, says COVID-19 testing is also available, but not mandatory. Spokesman Michael Jones said once students travel home, they’ll have an extended break through late January. “We determined that to minimize travel to and from, we’d begin our semester early and end at Thanksgiving,” said Jones. While COVID-19 testing is also optional, students are asked to quarantine.

BLACKSBURG, Va – Virginia Tech is becoming stricter in the random COVID-19 testing of its students. Students who have not been signing up for random testing are subject to being suspended by student conduct and may lose the ability to register and attend classes. A university spokesperson says the response aims to keep cases down among students, faculty and staff. “As we put out the call to students and to employees, it’s so important that they respond so we can get a meaningful and accurate representation of our health,” University Spokesperson Mark Owczarski said. Students living on campus next semester will be required to be tested once they return to campus.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Va. – Montgomery County students will be back in the classroom, starting next week. According to a post on the district’s Facebook page, students will go back to half-day in-person instruction for four days a week starting Sept. 28. Students who have not opted for virtual learning will be in school on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. The move comes after Montgomery County Schools moved to online learning for students in grades 4 through 12 because of an increase in coronavirus cases two weeks ago. Students who have opted for an online instruction schedule will not change.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – Officials say students in Lynchburg will start returning to classrooms on a hybrid schedule. According to a post on the Lynchburg City Schools Facebook page, students will be broken up into two groups — Cohort A and Cohort B. Students in Cohort A will be in school on Tuesdays and Wednesdays with remote learning on Thursday and Friday, and Cohort B will be in school on Thursdays and Fridays with remote learning on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Monday will be a remote learning day for all students. Parents will reportedly be told what cohort their child is in as soon as possible.

BLACKSBURG, Va. College students across the country continue voicing opposition to tuition and fees in a semester that looks much different because of COVID-19. Some students at Virginia Tech joined that effort Tuesday. Graduate student Allie Briggs organized a protest on the drillfield for students to drop in on throughout the day. She wants the university to allow students to opt out of certain fees that she calls unfair, potentially saving them hundreds of dollars. Theyre necessary in a normal time if students are using the facility, but if students are being responsible and isolating, things like transportation services, the recreational sports fee and the athletic fee, these arent things that students are really using, Briggs said.

BLACKSBURG, Va. Blacksburg town leaders and police want to implement new COVID-19 restrictions which could limit what businesses, restaurants and residents can do. Proposed Ordinance 1942 was presented to town council on Tuesday night. However, town leaders said they would consider allowing restaurants to stay open later for take-out or delivery. Town leaders hope those restrictions would protect residents and the thousands of college students returning to Virginia Techs campus in just a matter of weeks. Town leaders would also enforce penalties for businesses and people who break the rules, whether they dont wear masks or host or attend parties.