The Shadow
LOW MOOR, Va. (VR) — The Alleghany Highlands School Board gathered Monday evening for its regular November meeting, advancing an array of district initiatives and celebrating academic achievement. The night’s agenda highlighted the successes of the Covington Middle School math department, substantial updates to educational policies, and a personal testimony from a distinguished Governor’s School student.
The meeting opened with a detailed presentation from Covington Middle School’s math faculty, led by Terry Shepard, who teaches Math 8 and Algebra I. Shepard introduced her colleagues and described how the team has responded to significant changes announced this fall by the Virginia Department of Education, which recently raised statewide Standards of Learning (SOL) cut scores and introduced a more rigorous curriculum.
“We were suddenly faced with the idea that we were going to have to totally change our way of teaching and our curriculum in order to better prepare students for these new SOL standards,” Shepard reported. The faculty detailed their collaborative planning, from adapting pacing guides for each grade to integrating targeted strategies for struggling learners.
Jennifer Miller, who also teaches at the middle school, credited the state’s phased-in approach for allowing more preparation.
“This is going to give us some time to improve the rigor and to more align our instruction with what they want. We were very excited that they phased in this plan for us,” Miller said.
The pass rates for mathematics across all grades showed significant improvement compared to the prior year, the team reported, even when applying the stricter cut scores.
The presentation spotlighted new instructional methods, such as “turn and talk” and student-centered learning environments, designed to boost confidence and encourage student participation. Teachers have also started utilizing digital platforms like Mathspace and Zearn for adaptive assignments and incorporated differentiation for students at all levels. For Algebra I, the department uses IXL, a comprehensive digital resource, and Virginia Textbooks for test preparation.
“We’re trying to change that attitude, because they can do the math, and they’re always surprised when they are successful in it,” Shepard said, emphasizing a focus on fostering resilience and self-advocacy among students.
Administrators praised the department’s work and thanked district leadership. Co-planning periods enable math teachers to share lessons and coordinate strategies, further aligning instruction across the school.
Another highlight came with the presentation by Jackson River Governor’s School director Eddie Graham and current Alleghany High School senior Emma Skidmore. The Governor’s School, a longtime partnership between local divisions and Mountain Gateway College, enables motivated students to earn up to 21 college credits by the time they graduate.
Skidmore, who plans to become an occupational therapist, told board members that Governor’s School demands considerable effort but offers major benefits.
“I truly believe more students should consider going to the school. It’s a great opportunity to get ahead academically and gain real-life skills like time management, communication, and self-discipline. The rigor isn’t for everyone, but it’s an incredible chance,” Skidmore said.
Graham noted the financial and academic advantages for families, citing graduates who completed their college degrees with minimal debt, thanks in part to credits earned through the Governor’s School. He also outlined the application process, which requires a B or higher in Algebra I, II, and Geometry, as well as a recommendation from high school math and science faculty.
The board took action on several routine items, including approval of the consent agenda, which featured the minutes of prior meetings, billing approvals, and a student field trip for the Covington Middle School choir.
Updates were presented on operational initiatives, including a newly launched bus communication app for families, facility and budget reports, and the comprehensive instructional program, which helps teachers analyze student data and adjust instruction.
The board also discussed upcoming calendar changes, with holidays set for late November and December and the next regular meeting slated for Dec. 15.
Policy discussions included a review of homeschooling policies related to religious exemptions, with administrators acknowledging the financial impact for families who choose to homeschool and vowing to increase outreach to better understand parent concerns.
The meeting concluded with public comments and remarks from board members, who welcomed newly elected board members and commended the staff for their adaptability during ongoing instructional changes.
Board members’ sentiments echoed throughout the evening’s discussion: “It takes a village,” said John Littleton, lauding teachers, coaches, staff, and the broader community for their commitment during challenging times. Others expressed gratitude for the resilience shown by athletic teams and applauded administrators’ efforts to support students and staff.
As American Education Week approaches, the board expressed collective thanks.
“We have a lot to be grateful for, especially given the teamwork and leadership we see throughout our schools,” Chairman Arritt stated.
The meeting adjourned after routine business, setting the stage for further action in a closed session.
