Shenandoah Valley Governor's School

09/04/2026

We are thinking of all those who are navigating a very difficult week.

To our Waynesboro families, please take care of yourselves, and remember that you are not alone. If someone you know needs support, please reach out to a trusted teacher, counselor, administrator, family member, or community resource.

To the educators and staff caring for our young people and helping them feel safe and supported—thank you. Your kindness, compassion, and steady presence mean so much.

To our first responders, thank you for being there when our communities need you most. We are deeply grateful for the courage, compassion, and commitment you provide.
❤️

09/03/2026

No School – Labor Day

A reminder that SVGS will be closed on Monday, September 7, for Labor Day.

We hope our students, families, and staff enjoy a safe and relaxing long weekend! 💜

Enjoy the break, and we’ll see everyone back at school on Tuesday!

09/02/2026

NOTIFICATION: At approximately 9:40 a.m. today, the Augusta County Sheriff's Office (ACSO) directed that all Wilson and Stuarts Draft area schools be placed in a code Secure as a precautionary measure regarding reports of an incident in Waynesboro City Public Schools. In a code Secure students remain inside and the instructional day continues. We want to emphasize that the code Secure was directed out of an abundance of caution.

At approximately 10:35, we were directed to continue with a normal morning dismissal routine. At 11:05 a.m., ACSO determined that all schools in the Wilson and Stuarts Draft areas, including VCTC , could return to normal school activities and the code Secure was lifted.

We appreciate the assistance of ACSO, school personnel and the actions taken by our staff and students.

Please join us in supporting our Waynesboro families, school personnel, and first responders at this time.

08/31/2026

📚💙 Back to school and already hard at work!

Our Governor’s School teachers are jumping right in—teaching, encouraging, helping, and making those first days of school count. We’re so thankful for the time, energy, and care they put into helping our students have a great year!

Here’s to a great start! 🎉🍎

08/27/2026

📚✨ Starting the year strong!

Our Governor’s School students are already hard at work—learning, collaborating, asking questions, and embracing new challenges. We’re excited to see all they’ll accomplish this year! 💙🔬📐

08/24/2026

SAVE THE DATE! SVGS Open House on Monday, November 2, 2026 from 4 PM - 7 PM. Come meet our staff and see what great things are happening here at SVGS!

08/19/2026

💜 A Big Thank You to Our Seniors!

A special thank-you to our SVGS seniors who helped welcome and guide our new students during orientation! Your time, enthusiasm, and willingness to share your experiences helped make our new students feel more comfortable and connected as they begin their SVGS journey.

We’re grateful for the leadership you’re already showing—and we know you’ll continue to make a positive impact throughout your senior year.

🎓 To all seniors, we wish you an amazing year! Make the most of every opportunity, enjoy the journey, and make some great memories along the way.

We’re proud of you and excited to see all you accomplish! 💜

08/18/2026

💜 A Great Start at SVGS!

Last week, we had the opportunity to welcome our students to Shenandoah Valley Governor’s School for orientation!

Students got to meet their peers and staff, learn more about SVGS, explore the building, ask questions, and connect with other students as they begin this exciting school year.

Thank you to everyone who helped make orientation a success—and to our students for bringing such great energy and enthusiasm!

We’re excited for all that’s ahead in 2026–27! 🎉🔬💻

Welcome to SVGS! We’re glad you’re here! 💜

08/11/2026

🚧 VDOT Construction Update – Woodrow Wilson Avenue

If you travel along Woodrow Wilson Avenue (Route 358), here’s a heads-up about upcoming road work that may affect the commute of SVGS students and families to and from the Woodrow Wilson Complex.

VDOT is widening Woodrow Wilson Avenue to:
• Add a second northbound lane
• Add new turn lanes at U.S. 250
• Construct a new roundabout at Hornet Road/Vo Tech Road

📅 What to expect during the 2026–27 school year:
➡️ 24/7 shoulder closures are expected.
➡️ Weekday flagger-controlled traffic is expected from 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

🔄 Roundabout construction: Work is scheduled to begin after the school year ends in May 2027 and is expected to be completed by September 2027.

Please plan ahead, allow a little extra travel time, and use extra caution in the construction area. 🚗

We’ll continue to share updates as the project moves forward.
https://www.vdot.virginia.gov/projects/staunton-district/augusta-county--route-358-woodrow-wilson-avenue/

08/11/2026

Welcome, Mrs. VanDevander!

NEW ADMINISTRATOR APPOINTMENT!
Carla Van Devander
Coordinator, Shenandoah Valley Governor's School

Mrs. Van Devander brings tremendous expertise and experience to her role as Coordinator at the Shenandoah Valley Governor's School. She earned an undergraduate degree from George Mason University, teaching certification from Mary Baldwin College, and M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from Eastern Mennonite University. Her career includes serving as Director of the Program for the Exceptionally Gifted at Mary Baldwin University, university supervisor at James Madison University, Differentiation Specialist for Staunton City Public Schools, and middle school social studies teacher in Augusta County.

“As a nationally recognized voice in gifted education, Mrs. Van Devander is exceptionally well-suited to serve as our new Coordinator of the Shenandoah Valley Governor's School. Her wide-ranging experiences, from K-12 public school to university education, give her extraordinary insight as an instructional leader, and her student-focused approach will be invaluable in mentoring students for bright futures. We are very excited to have Mrs. Van Devander return to public education and Augusta County Public Schools," says Dr. Kelly Troxell, Division Superintendent.

Congratulations, Mrs. Van Devander!