🌱 Staggered Bell Schedule To Begin + New School Admins Introduced

Welcome back, Roanokers. I'm here in your inbox this morning to tell you about what's going on in town. Today's issue includes news about:

• Huddle Up Moms helping over 130 families in the Roanoke Valley.
• Ashanti & Ja Rule set to shine in Star City’s Elmwood Park.
• Roanoke native actress Jen Lilley donates backpacks for foster kids.

Let's motor!

But first, today's weather: Rather cloudy and hot. High: 91 Low: 71.

Here are the top stories in Roanoke today:

1. The nonprofit Huddle Up Moms (HUM) has provided over $7,500 worth of essential baby supplies like formula, diapers, wipes, and clothing to more than 130 families in need across the Roanoke Valley over the past four months. HUM stepped up during the 2022 nationwide baby formula shortage to gather and distribute donated formula to struggling families. Now HUM operates a Support Shop stocked with donations and connects moms to let them know they aren't alone. HUM is always in need of diaper donations and volunteers. People can contact HUM on social media or email to donate supplies, volunteer, or get help. HUM is hosting a Taco Fest charity event on Sept. 9 at Elmwood Park. (WFXR)
2. Evan Noell, a Salem native and former Glenvar High baseball player, is the new principal at William Byrd Middle School, replacing the retiring Dana Stevens. Noell has worked in Roanoke County schools since 2010 as a teacher and administrator. Crystal Bondurant, originally from Emporia, is the new assistant principal at Mount Pleasant and Fort Lewis Elementary Schools. She has 16 years of teaching experience. Heather Everhardt, who is from North Carolina, will serve as assistant principal at W.E. Cundiff Elementary. Abby Barnes, a Salem High graduate, has been named an assistant principal and athletic director at William Byrd Middle School. All are excited to take on their new roles in Roanoke County Schools. (Subscription: Vinton Messenger)
3. Roanoke City Public Schools is implementing a staggered bell schedule this year to solve ongoing bus issues and widespread tardiness. Different schools will start and end at varying times between 7:30-9 a.m. and 2:15-3:45 p.m. The school board approved this new system over the summer to allow bus routes to run more smoothly with fewer overlapping routes. Officials say double routes are no longer needed due to having fewer total routes (95) than available drivers (120). Although some initial difficulties are expected, the school district anticipates long-term improvements once the new routine is established. (WSLS)
4. The Roanoke County Department of Social Services received 50 backpacks stuffed with school supplies as a donation from actress Jen Lilley's partnership with Straight Street. Lilley, a Cave Spring native, teamed up with the local nonprofit Straight Street for the second year through her 'Christmas is Not Canceled' campaign to provide backpacks to foster kids in the community. In total, 30 elementary and 20 middle/high school backpacks filled with notebooks, pencils, and other essentials were donated to help ensure foster students start the school year off right. This year's campaign exceeded last year's numbers by providing close to 3,000 backpacks nationwide. (WSET)
5. Two major R&B stars from the 2000s, Ja Rule and Ashanti, are performing together at Elmwood Park in Roanoke on Sept. 24. Ja Rule, known for hits like "Always on Time" and "Mesmerize," and Ashanti, known for her debut album and songs like "Foolish," both topped the charts in the early 2000s. Now the pair are reuniting to bring their talents to Roanoke. Tickets are available on the Berglund Center website, with VIP options for private seating. The concert starts at 5pm with free admission for children under 12. (WFXR)

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Today in Roanoke:

Saturday, August 12

• Adoption Fair — Roanoke Valley SPCA (10 a.m.)
• Buffalo Soldiers Community Cookout — Roanoke City Special Events (12 p.m.)
• Roaring Twenties Party-Party Like Gatsby — Brandon Oaks Fundraiser (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "Honk honk honk! Ever heard a small hawk make noise — it is not nearly as impressive as the screams you hear in movies! This juvenile Cooper's Hawk with a minor fracture told us off when we got him out to give him his daily medication." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke County Public Schools: "Last week, we brought together teachers from across Roanoke County for our annual convocation featuring guest speaker Kyle Scheele! Our teachers were full of energy and enthusiasm as we prepared for another successful school year!" (Roanoke County Public Schools via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "Zillow just returned to our shelter after being adopted as a youngster in 2012 and she is ready to find her new home! She is a beautiful, friendly 12-year-old kitty who absolutely loves people of all ages once she gets to know them." (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• Botetourt County Sheriff's Office: "Join us for a day of fun and fellowship at the Botetourt County Fair! While you're there, don't forget to swing by the Sheriff's Office tent to get your child's very own ID card. It's a great opportunity to ensure their safety." (Botetourt County Sheriff's Office via Facebook)

You're officially in the loop for today. See you all Tuesday 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