Warren County Public Schools Launches New Initiatives and Programs to Engage Parents and Support Students

As the new school year kicks off, Warren County Public Schools (WCPS) unveils several initiatives to support student well-being, improve education standards, and foster stronger connections between the district and the community.

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

Superintendent Dr. Chris Ballenger began by highlighting that September is National Suicide Prevention Month, underscoring the importance of mental health awareness. “Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people aged 10 to 14 and the third leading cause for those aged 15 to 24,” Dr. Ballenger shared, adding that in the U.S., it is the 12th leading cause of death overall.

“We want to recognize that mental health is a concern in our community,” he emphasized. Dr. Ballenger encouraged anyone struggling to reach out for support, whether by talking to a parent, teacher, or another trusted adult. He also highlighted the new 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, a free service available to anyone needing help. People can call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.

Parent-Teacher Conferences: Building Stronger Connections

Next week, WCPS will host its annual parent-teacher conferences on Thursday and Friday. These meetings offer a vital opportunity for parents to discuss their child’s progress and build relationships with teachers. Conferences will be held on Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m. for elementary schools and 4 to 7 p.m. for secondary schools. On Friday, they will run from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., with all school buildings closing at noon.

“Building relationships is at the heart of what we do in our schools,” Dr. Ballenger explained. “We’re here to help and support students and families, and these conferences are a great way to maintain open lines of communication.”

Professional Development for Teachers: New Standards and Training

Teachers across the district will soon participate in professional development days, focusing on training related to the Virginia Literacy Act, which mandates a minimum of 30 hours of training. In addition, teachers will undergo training on new math and English standards, aligning their curricula with the updated state requirements.

“Professional development ensures our teachers are prepared to deliver the best education possible to our students,” said Dr. Ballenger, emphasizing the district’s commitment to maintaining high educational standards.

Fireside Chat with Virginia’s First Lady: Addressing Technology’s Impact

A special virtual “Fireside Chat” with Virginia’s First Lady and Dr. Haidt, a researcher, is scheduled for 7 to 9 p.m. at Warren County High School. The discussion will focus on the impact of social media and cell phones on today’s youth and will include a question-and-answer session from 8 to 9 p.m. This initiative aligns with Governor Executive Order 33, which addresses the use of electronic devices in schools.

New Cell Phone Policies Under Review

Dr. Ballenger also discussed changes to the district’s cell phone policies. Students cannot use cell phones or electronic devices during instructional time except during breaks or lunchtime. However, new state guidelines could extend this ban to cover the entire school day.

“From 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., there may be no cell phones allowed if that’s what the final guidance requires,” Dr. Ballenger said. “We’re prepared to implement whatever the Virginia Department of Education mandates.”

WCPS 101 Program: Inviting Parents to Get Involved

One of the most exciting initiatives this year is WCPS 101, a program designed to educate parents about Warren County Public Schools’ operations. Now in its second year, the program includes monthly sessions that cover a wide range of topics, from school board functions to student support services, finance, and transportation.

Mike George, a parent who participated last year, praised the program: “It was an excellent opportunity to learn about how the school system works. I would absolutely recommend it to other parents.”

Dr. Ballenger echoed this sentiment: “We want parents to feel involved and informed about their children’s education. The WCPS 101 program is a great way to foster understanding and build stronger relationships within our community.”

How to Apply for WCPS 101

Parents interested in joining the WCPS 101 program should complete the application form and return it to their child’s school principal by September 18, 2024. A committee of school staff will select up to 20 participants for this year’s program, and applicants will be notified of their acceptance by September 23, 2024.

The first session will occur on October 9, 2024, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Hilda J. Barbour Elementary School, with subsequent sessions scheduled monthly through May 2025. Topics to be covered include:

• October 9, 2024: Overview and Work of the School Board
• November 13, 2024: Instruction/Technology
• December 11, 2024: Student Support Services (Special Education/Pupil Services)
• January 15, 2025: Finance and Transportation
• February 12, 2025: Planning and Development/Facilities
• March 12, 2025: School Accountability/Career and Technical Education
• April 9, 2025: School Nutrition/Human Resources
• May 7, 2025: Graduation and Recognition

Program Details and Expectations

There is no fee to participate in WCPS 101. Still, participants are expected to attend each monthly session, as there will be no opportunities to make up missed sessions. Dr. Ballenger urges parents to consider their ability to commit to the program before applying.

If parents have any questions about WCPS 101, they can contact Ms. Tammi Holloway at tholloway@wcps.k12.va.us or by phone at (540) 635-2171 ext. 34236.

Encouraging Parental Participation

Dr. Ballenger highlighted the importance of parental involvement in the success of students and the school community. “When parents are engaged, students perform better at home and school,” he said. “We value parent involvement and welcome parents to participate in all aspects of their child’s education, whether through attending conferences, volunteering, or joining programs like WCPS 101.”

Warren County Public Schools is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all students and their families. The district hopes that programs like WCPS 101 and ongoing engagement opportunities will foster stronger partnerships and a more connected community.