The state requires public school divisions to plan an instructional year of 180 days or 990 hours of instructional time.  

 How bank time is calculated:

These 84 hours of bank time allow the school division the flexibility to schedule 2-hour early release days and compensate for times when a 1- or 2-hour early release, 1- or 2-hour delay, or school closure is needed, such as for inclement weather.  Days 1–10 will be made up using banked time.  Additional days may be made up on:

• February 9
• April 3
• May 21
• May 22

The Code of Virginia (§ 22.1-98) also allows school divisions to use unscheduled remote learning days:

“When severe weather conditions or other emergency situations have resulted in the closing of any school in a school division for in-person instruction, the school division may declare an unscheduled remote learning day whereby the school provides instruction and student services that are consistent with guidelines established by the Department of Education to ensure the equitable provision of such services. No school division shall claim more than 10 unscheduled remote learning days in a school year unless the Superintendent of Public Instruction grants an extension.”

Botetourt County Public Schools will communicate information about early releases, delays, and school closures using the following methods:

School Division Resources:

1. SchoolMessenger Broadcast (phone call, email, and SMS text)
2. Division Website: www.bcps.k12.va.us
3. Social Media (Facebook and Instagram)

Local News/Media Resources:

1. WDBJ 7
2. WSLS 10
3. WFXR-FOX
4. Wheeler Media (radio stations)

Learn more:

Virtual Learning: Considerations for Unscheduled Remote Learning Days (VDOE)

§ 22.1-98. Reduction of state aid when length of school term below 180 days or 990 hours. (VA Code)