Craig County Public Schools is beginning the 2026-27 school year with a focus on growth, improvement and community involvement.
In his latest Rocket Rundown, Superintendent Jason A. Wheeler welcomed students, families, staff and community members back to the new school year and introduced this year’s theme: “Level Up.”
Wheeler said the theme is focused on making small improvements each day rather than striving for perfection.
“For our students, that may mean working a little harder, asking for help when they need it, trying something new, or learning from a mistake,” Wheeler said. “For our staff, it may mean finding a new way to reach a student, strengthening relationships with families, or continuing to improve our craft.”
Wheeler also highlighted the role of families, staff and community members in supporting students and said the division’s success should be measured by progress as well as accomplishments.
At McCleary Elementary School, approximately 20 students participated in summer school, receiving additional academic support and opportunities to strengthen important skills.
The school’s PTA continues to support students through fundraising, special events and field trips. The PTA helps fund programs such as Field Day and One School, One Book and sponsored a STEAM Night last year featuring the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center.
At Craig County High School, approximately 25 students participated in summer school and credit recovery. Wheeler described the program as a success and thanked those who helped make it possible.
The high school library also received a $1,000 Follett Weed & Feed Grant through the Virginia Association of School Librarians. Library collection data showed an improvement in the average age of the collection, from 1988 to 2004. The grant will primarily be used to update the nonfiction collection and expand the selection of graphic novels.
The high school also has released a course registration guide outlining graduation requirements, diploma options, course descriptions and academic policies. The guide also details opportunities including dual enrollment, Advanced Placement, career and technical education, virtual learning, the Roanoke Valley Governor’s School and the Botetourt Technical Education Center.
The Craig County Rocket Booster Club will continue supporting the division’s athletic programs during the 2026-27 school year. Officers are Dina Hutchinson, president; Kelcey Fisher, vice president; Lynn Cregger, treasurer; and Shauna Peters, secretary.
The division also is implementing the Hampton City Public Schools curriculum for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. The Virginia-focused curriculum includes aligned lesson plans, common assessments and instructional activities designed to support consistent instruction across grade levels.
Craig County Public Schools also offers a full-time online homeschool option through EdOptions Academy. Students receive online instruction, academic monitoring and access to a licensed Virginia teacher. Students enrolled in the program also may participate in CCPS extracurricular activities.
Community members also supported the division’s annual “Load the Bus” school supply drives. The first event was held July 25-26 at Food Country, followed by an event July 31-Aug. 2 at the Salem Walmart. The division received numerous school supplies through the events.
As part of its back-to-school preparations, CCPS held its annual Convocation, bringing together new and returning staff. Employees participated in team-building activities, collaboration and professional development focused on areas including explicit instruction, technology, mentoring, curriculum, student safety, the House System and de-escalation strategies.
New teachers also received time to work with mentors, learn about CCPS and prepare their classrooms. Staff preparations concluded with additional classroom work and Open House activities for students and families.
The division also hosted a luncheon for CCPS retirees, providing an opportunity to reconnect and recognize their contributions to the schools and community.
Looking ahead, CCPS is seeking nominations for its 2026-27 Superintendent’s Advisory Council. The council will include two community members, two parents of students in prekindergarten through 12th grade, two students in grades nine through 12 and two teachers or staff members.
Nominations are being accepted through Aug. 28. Individuals may nominate themselves or someone else, and nominations will be kept confidential.
The council will provide feedback and perspectives from its members’ respective groups and contribute to division-wide decision-making and improvement.
Wheeler encouraged the school community to embrace the “Level Up” theme throughout the year.
“We simply need to ask ourselves: What can I do today to be a little better than I was yesterday?” Wheeler said. “If we continue to do that, day after day, I am confident we will have a great school year.”
