JMU’s Gus Bus expands literacy program to Shenandoah County

JMU James Madison University

The Gus Bus has arrived in Shenandoah County and will make its first stops this Monday, September 14th.

The Gus Bus is an early literacy program serving elementary school age students with engaging and fun lessons through a mobile classroom.

The program focuses on reading and writing skills, provides free food bags through a partnership with the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, and serves as a library on wheels.

From September 14th through December 11th, the bus schedule follows:

  • W.W. Robinson communities on Mondays
    • Lakeview Drive: 4 pm – 5 pm
    • Valley Vista Drive: 5 pm – 6 pm
    • Rose Bud Court: 6 pm – 7 pm
  • Ashby-Lee communities on Tuesdays
    • Massanutten Park: 4 pm – 5pm
    • 9091 N. Congress Street: 5 pm – 6 pm
    • 9880 Shenandoah Drive: 6 pm – 7-pm
  • Sandy Hook Communities on Wednesdays
    • Oxbow Drive: 4 pm – 5 pm
    • Breckenridge Court: 5 pm – 6pm

The program is entirely free and supported by James Madison University’s Institute for Innovation in Health in Human Services.

This is the program’s first expansion outside of Harrisonburg/Rockingham County.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

SCPS announces two new administrators

ryan lingle

Shenandoah County Public Schools appointed two new administrators earlier this month including Sabrina Showe as Coordinator of Special Education and Matthew Wygal as Director of Human Resources.

Mrs. Showe is joining Shenandoah County from Maryland and she has experience as a paraprofessional, ELA teacher and team lead, Special Education Case Manager, Special Education Department Leader, and most recently served as a Special Education Specialist for Washington County Public Schools.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education/Middle School Language Arts from Bluefiled State University and a master’s in Education from Wilson College.

Dr. Wygal has began his new role earlier this week and previously worked in Frederick County Public Schools as a teacher, Winchester Public Schools as a principal, and most recently as the Employee Relations Supervisor for Prince William County Public Schools.

He earned his doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Virginia Tech. 

For more information on:

  • Showe’s appointment, click here
  • Wygal’s appointment, click here

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

SCPS announces Melissa Foltz as Interim Superintendent

ryan lingle

Last week, the Shenandoah County School Board announced the appointment of Melissa Foltz as the Interim Superintendent, effective August 1st.

Foltz has served SCPS for the past 35 years as an elementary teacher, reading specialist, assistant principal and principal.

She has held the role of principal at Sandy Hook and W.W. Robinson Elementary Schools and since 2017 at Strasburg High School.

Foltz holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and an endorsement in Administration and Supervision PreK-12 from James Madison University and at Shenandoah University she earned a masters of Education in Reading and completed the Reading Recovery Certified Teacher Training.

In the announcement, School Board Chairman Larry Vance said, “A number of names were suggested, but Ms. Foltz brought the best range of experience and knowledge of the Shenandoah County School System.”

“I am truly honored to serve as Interim Superintendent of Shenandoah County Public Schools,” said Foltz. “I look forward to working alongside our
exceptional leadership team, whose dedication and expertise will help ensure a smooth”
transition.

Previous Shenandoah County Superintendent Dr. Melody Sheppard submitted her letter of resignation earlier this summer and was announced as the new Superintendent of Amherst County Public Schools on June 17th.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Brian Kibler named AD at Central

The Shenandoah County School Board announced the appointment of Brian Kibler as the new Athletic Director at Central High School, effective July 1st.

Kibler joins Central after working in Frederick County Public Schools since 2007.

He brings with him experience as a Physical and Health Education Teacher, wrestling coach, and football coach and most recently served as the Assistant Coordinator of Student Activities at Sherando High School.

Before his time in Frederick County, Kibler worked for SCPS as an Alternative Education Teacher and earned his bachelors and masters degrees in kinesiology from James Madison University.

In the announcement, Kibler said, “I am truly honored and excited to have been appointed as the Central High School Athletic Director… I hope to enhance the overall student-athlete experience by promoting championship-level performance where success is driven by focusing on the day-to-day process both on and off the field.”

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

SCPS Superintendent Melody Sheppard announces departure

ryan lingle

Shenandoah County Public Schools Superintendent Melody Sheppard announced via email to SCPS staff on Friday that she was resigning from her role in the school district to accept another opportunity.

In the email, Dr. Sheppard stated she planned to continue her work throughout the summer to ensure a smooth transition and strong start to the 2026-2027 school year.

She concluded with, ” This was a very difficult decision because I have truly enjoyed being part of this school community. I will always appreciate the experiences, relationships, and memories I’ve gained here.”

She was originally appointed to her role in July of 2021.

Sheppard previously served as an assistant superintendent and interim superintendent for Warren County Public Schools and has over 25 years of experience as a school administrator.

She earned her doctoral degree in educational leadership from the University of Virginia, masters from George Mason University and undergraduate from West Virginia Institute of Technology.

Shenandoah County Public Schools will now begin their search for a new superintendent with more information on that search coming soon.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

SCPS appoints new Assistant Principal of WWRES

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Shenandoah County Public Schools announced the appointment of Chandler Hatfield to the role of Assistant Principal at W.W. Robinson Elementary School.

The Shenandoah County School Board approved the appointment during the May 13th meeting and will be effective on July 1st.

Hatfield has served as an 8th grade teacher at Peter Muhlenberg Middle School since 2023 and has prior experience teaching and coaching in Augusta County and Waynesboro.

He recently completed the SCPS Administrative Leadership Academy before accepting the new position and earned a masters in teaching and certificate in educational leadership from James Madison.

SCPS Superintendent Melody Sheppard said, “He has done an outstanding job during his time at SCPS, demonstrating a strong commitment to student success and relationship building. We look forward to the leadership and support he will bring to W.W. Robinson Elementary School.”

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Pre-K enrollment underway in VA

Enrollment for Pre-Kindergarten is underway for many of our local schools for the 2026-2027 school year.

Preliminary Pre-K applications are now being accepted for our local public schools and families can now apply for school at the nearest eligible zone.

Some eligibility requirements include that:

  • the student must be 4 years old by September 30th
  • the family’s income must be at or below 200 percent of the federal income guidelines
  • the child has a disability
  • the family is homeless
  • the parent did not graduate from high school

Local criteria may vary by school district.

For more information on the following school districts, click the link below:

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here. 

Elizabeth Hopkins named Director of CTE, Principal of Triplett Tech

The Shenandoah County School Board approved Elizabeth Hopkins as Director of Career and Technical Education and Principal of Triplett Tech.

Hopkins is the current Acting Principal of Triplett Tech after the tragic passing of former CTE Director and Triplett Tech Principal Todd Lynn.

Previously, she served as Assistant Principal and Acting Principal at W.W. Robinson Elementary School and she holds a masters degree in teaching from James Madison University.

In the announcement from Shenandoah County Public Schools, Hopkins said, “I am honored to serve as the Director of Career and Technical Education and Principal of Triplett Tech and to continue building opportunities that prepare our students for meaningful careers and lifelong success.”

Superintendent Dr. Melody Sheppard said, “Mrs. Hopkins stepped into this role during an incredibly difficult time for the Triplett Tech
community and has provided a steady hand and unwavering support for our students and staff. We are grateful for the care and dedication she has
shown, and we are confident she will continue to lead Career and Technical Education in Shenandoah County with the same commitment and strength.”

Her appointment will take effect on July 1st, 2026.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here. 

SCPS announces $200,000 in grants from Moore Educational Trust

Shenandoah County Public Schools announced the recipients of six grants totaling nearly $200,000 through the Moore Educational Trust.

The largest grant of over $74,000 was distributed to Sandy Hook Elementary to revitalize the school’s courtyard into a fully functional, nature based learning environment including garden beds, outdoor seating, and inviting space for instructional activities.

Strasburg and Stonewall Jackson High School’s received about $50,000 to modernize their welding programs.

Approximately $41,000 was granted to Triplett Tech to improve their Electrical Essentials Lab allowing students to move beyond basic circuits and positively impact the automotive technology program.

Other grants included $20,000 to continue Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Shenandoah County, $17,40 for Peter Muhlenberg’s collaborative learning classroom upgrades, just over $10,000 for Sphero robots for Ashby Lee Elementary School which will provide coding and creative opportunities for students, and $4,500 to Signal Knob for Flexible seating options.

For additional information on each of the grants, click here. 

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here. 

Skyline’s Follett honored with Outstanding Theatre Educator Award

Skyline High School Theatre Coach Richard Follett was selected as the recipient for Section 2 of the 2025-2026 NFHS Outstanding Theatre Educator Award.

Follett received the award for all of Section 2 which includes Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Kentucky.

He was first nominated by Virginia for exemplifying the highest standards of ethical conduct and carrying the endorsement of the VHSL. Follett has dedicated over 25 years of his life to theatre education between Powhatan School, Peter Muhlenberg Middle, and Skyline.

Students under his guidance have earned district and state titles in forensics and theatre while outside the classroom he serves as the VHSL Theatre Rules Interpreter, contributes to various advisory committees, provides leadership to state festivals, and mentors other educators.

The announcement from the VHSL concluded, “Through his passion for theatre and advocacy for student success, Follett exemplifies excellence and innovation in arts education.”

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.