LOW MOOR — The Alleghany Highlands School Division Board has approved a calendar change that designates Friday, Feb. 23 as a non-student day. The date will be used for teachers and staff to receive professional development and training.
The training will center on equipping AHPS to better support English Language Learners, students experiencing homelessness, and students with disabilities.
“This will help meet various federal requirements and help support our students. AHPS is seeing an increase in the diversity of languages spoken by students and their families. We also know that it is important to recognize and support students experiencing homelessness, which can include supporting students who are ‘doubled up,’ which means they are living temporarily with a friend or relative,” said Kim Halterman and Melinda Snead-Johnson, leaders of AHPS.
“Additionally, AHPS is planning to complete useful training regarding special education to remind all staff of the importance of supporting all of our students. We are pleased by the efforts of our full staff to support learners with special needs and are happy we are also able to continue to support this good work,” said Halterman and Snead-Johnson.
The school board approved the calendar change on Jan. 25. The non-student day on Feb. 23 will allow the school division to more effectively provide the training by minimizing disruptions in schedules.
Parents with questions should contact the school their student attends.
The Alleghany Highlands Public Schools Division serves approximately 2,700 students. The school division was created through the July 2022 merger of Alleghany County Public Schools, Covington City Public Schools, and Jackson River Technical Center. The school division is jointly funded by Alleghany County and the City of Covington.
AHPS news and events are regularly updated on Facebook at AHPublicSchools and on Instagram at ahpublicschools. Information is also available at www.ahps.k12.va.us.