🌱 RCPS Addresses Bus Challenges + Bonsack Elem. Welcomes New Staff

Hello! It's yet another work week and that means it's time for the Roanoke Patch Newsletter — back in your inbox with what's happening in town over the last few days. Today's briefing includes updates on:

• Roanoke Parks & Recreation to host a celebration on National Public Lands Day.
• Hollins president focuses on students amid challenges.
• Roanoke police warns public on scam involving lost pets.

Let's motor!

But first, today's weather: A shower and t-storm; humid. High: 77 Low: 68.

Here are the top stories today in Roanoke:

1. As students in Roanoke City Public Schools return for their second week of classes, Superintendent Dr. Verletta White announced adjustments to bus routes and schedules to address transportation issues that caused delays and frustrations for families in week one. White said overlapping route times, increased enrollment, and traffic were factors, so central office staff are monitoring routes while bus schedules are being tweaked. She thanked families for their patience but said RCPS takes responsibility for getting students to school safely and on time. Parents are encouraged to check the updated bus routes online and to continue providing feedback to hold RCPS accountable. (WSLS)
2. This year, the City of Roanoke surpassed 100 miles of trails and greenways, a milestone made possible by significant volunteer efforts and prioritization of outdoor recreation by the city over the years. To celebrate, Roanoke Parks and Recreation is hosting an event on National Public Lands Day, Sept. 23, which will include volunteer trail work on Mill Mountain and an after-party at Starr Hill Brewery. The event honors the history of Roanoke's trails and greenways with the unveiling of an interactive Story Map detailing the timeline of greenway development and volunteers involved in building the network. Volunteers for the National Public Lands Day project can sign up online and all are invited to the celebration, where there will be giveaways, volunteer recognition, and drinks available for purchase. (WSET)
3. As the fall semester begins at Hollins University, President Mary Dana Hinton is excited to welcome 210 new students, with the focus returning to the heart of higher education — the students. Now in her fourth year, Hinton has led the school through pandemic challenges and initiated a 7-year strategic plan centered on academic excellence, access, and student success. However, she acknowledges higher education faces trying times, with decreased public confidence, proliferating AI technology lacking ethics, and political pressures like the end of affirmative action. Despite these headwinds, Hinton aims to lead Hollins to not just persevere but thrive by putting in place policies, people, and infrastructure needed to maintain the value of higher education. (Roanoke Times)
4. Bonsack Elementary in Roanoke County welcomes several new staff members for the 2023-2024 school year. New staff includes preschool special education teacher Carly Heilman, who has a passion for teaching young learners through play; REAP teacher Lisette Roldan, who connects deeply with the neurodivergent community; school psychologist Lindsay Landis, who loves fostering home-school-community connections; instructional assistant Denise Sutphin, who looks forward to supporting students and staff; and school nurse Trysh Brannan, an RN with nearly 20 years of experience who appreciates building relationships with students and watching them grow. The new educators bring a wealth of experience and dedication to their roles supporting students' growth and fostering a love of learning. (Vinton Messenger)
5. The Roanoke Police Department is warning about a scam where individuals impersonate police officers or animal wardens, claiming they found a lost pet and demanding money for its return. The scam calls come from blocked numbers requesting people meet elsewhere besides the Regional Center for Animal Care and Protection to retrieve their pet. Police remind that real wardens identify themselves, never ask for money, and only meet at RCACP or homes. Anyone receiving such a call should hang up and call dispatch to verify it wasn't wardens. Police encourage reporting scam calls to aid their investigation. (WSET)

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Today in Roanoke:

Tuesday, August 29

• Line Dance Night at Sidewinders Saloon (6 p.m.)
• Stand-up Comedy: The R.E.A.L. Funny at The Spot on Kirk (8 p.m.)
• Eggs with Legs at Martin’s Downtown Bar and Grill (10 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge: "Just outside the Roanoke Region is the stunning Natural Bridge State Park. 😍 Walk under the towering arch (perfect for photos!) and enjoy the sights and sounds of the river that follows alongside the trail to the top." (Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge via Facebook)
• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "The other day was 'Animal Shenanigan Saturday' for a few key people in Roanoke! During a Roanoke Valley SPCA adoption event, staff of the SPCA and Rachel Lucas WSLS 10 News (who was reporting on the event) were alerted to this injured black vulture who had been sitting on the side of the road nearby the adoption event for over a day without moving. After the adoption event finished, the group of animal-loving folks rescued her and brought the vulture to our facility for treatment." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke County Public Schools: "Yesterday we cut the ribbon for the new field at Northside High School. Now every high school in Roanoke County has a top-quality field capable of handling the heavy demands of football, soccer, lacrosse, and more." (Roanoke County Public Schools via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "We've got lots of thanking to do because so many people helped to make yesterday's Clear the Shelter adoption event a PAWmazing success! We had 20 pets find their new homes yesterday thanks to the efforts of WSLS 10!" (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)

You're all caught up for today! See you tomorrow for another update.

— Ian

About me: Ian Graham is a novelist, screenwriter, and freelance contributing writer. He is a firm believer in being yourself… unless you can be Batman. Always be Batman. To connect with Ian, you can visit him on Facebook and Instagram. He doesn't bite. Except on full moons.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Roanoke Patch newsletter? Contact me at roanoke@patch.com