Augusta County Public Schools

08/12/2026

ACPS NEW ADMINISTRATIVE INTERNS!
Dylan Boeckmann - Stuarts Draft Elementary
Stephanie Caricofe - Wilson Elementary
Morgan Rowzie - Riverheads Elementary

Mr. Boeckmann comes to Stuarts Draft Elementary School with strong foundations in both science and educational leadership. A graduate of Orange County High School, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, his Master's in Teaching, and his Educational Leadership Certificate from James Madison University. In his recent roles as science teacher, Department Chair, and Administrative Designate at Buffalo Gap Middle School, Mr. Boeckmann demonstrated exceptional leadership, curriculum expertise, and a commitment to fostering student engagement in STEM instruction.

Mrs. Caricofe joins Wilson Elementary with 17 years of educational experience in special education and diverse learning needs. Originally from Harrisonburg, Virginia, she earned a bachelor's degree in special education from JMU and is completing a master's degree in Administration and Supervision from Averett University. Her career includes serving as a middle school behavior specialist, special education teacher and Intervention Specialist. Mrs. Caricofe was honored as Clymore Elementary's 2024 Teacher of the Year.

Mrs. Rowzie is a proud lifelong member of the Riverheads community and is now raising her own children in the Riverheads schools. Mrs. Rowzie earned her Bachelor's in Social Work and Psychology from Eastern Mennonite University, her Master's in Human Resource Counseling & Executive Leadership from Liberty University, and her certificate in School Administration and Supervision from Liberty University. Her professional experience includes serving with the Department of Social Services , working as a TDT Counselor, and teaching middle school mathematics.

“Mr. Boeckmann, Mrs. Caricofe and Mrs. Rowzie bring an impressive variety of knowledge and leadership experiences to their new roles as Administrative Interns. We are excited to have them leading in their new schools,” says Dr. Kelly Troxell, Division Superintendent.

Congratulations, Mr. Boeckmann, Mrs. Caricofe and Mrs. Rowzie!

08/11/2026

NEW ADMINISTRATOR APPOINTMENT!
Josh Podgorski
Athletic/Activities Director, Stuarts Draft High

A proud Stuarts Draft native, Mr. Podgorski returns home after building an impressive career in education spanning over two decades. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Virginia Tech and a Master's degree in Education Administration from Liberty University. Mr. Podgorski spent 20 years at Stuarts Draft High School, serving 10 years as a Special Education teacher for grades 9-12 and another 10 years teaching World Geography, Sociology, and Government. He most recently served as Assistant Principal at Wilson Middle School. Mr. Podgorski's extensive coaching experience includes leadership roles in both baseball and football. These broad experiences give him a deep understanding of athletic program development and student-centered success.

"We are thrilled that Mr. Podgorski, a former Stuarts Draft student, teacher, and coach, is returning to the Stuarts Draft community. Mr. Podgorski recognizes the importance of developing the whole student and prioritizes a classroom-first approach to both athletics and activities. With his strong roots in the community, educational background, and proven leadership in both academics and athletics, Mr. Podgorski is uniquely positioned to guide Stuarts Draft High School's athletic and activities programs to new heights,” says Dr. Kelly Troxell, Division Superintendent.

Congratulations and “Welcome Home,” Mr. Podgorski!

08/10/2026

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!

08/07/2026

NEW ADMINISTRATOR APPOINTMENT!
Ryne Powell
Athletic/Activities Director, Buffalo Gap High

Originally from Hagerstown, Maryland, Mr. Powell brings extensive experience in education and athletic leadership to his new role as Athletic/Activities Director for Buffalo Gap High School. Mr. Powell earned his Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science from Ridgewater College and his Master of Science in K-12 Administration and Supervision from Radford University. During his career, Mr. Powell has served as a History, Economics, and Personal Finance teacher at multiple schools, including Spotswood High School, Wilbur S. Pence Middle School, Elkton Middle School, Bassett High School, Magna Vista High School, and The Gereau Center. His athletic leadership includes serving as Athletic Director at Page County High School and coaching soccer, basketball, and track. A two-time Virginia State Economic Education Award Winner, Mr. Powell's dual expertise in instruction and program management reflects his commitment to comprehensive student development and excellence in education.

“Mr. Powell’s record of academic and athletic leadership makes him a wonderful addition to the Buffalo Gap community. He is energetic and passionate about student achievement, and he prioritizes mentorship opportunities to advance student development and success. Mr. Powell’s depth of experience, community focus, strong work ethic and devotion to public education are assets to our division, and we are thrilled to have him join the team at Buffalo Gap High School,” says Dr. Kelly Troxell, Division Superintendent.

Congratulations, Mr. Powell!

08/06/2026

Tonight's School Board Meeting may be streamed through our ACPS YouTube channel utilizing the link below:

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

08/06/2026

Back-to-School Open Houses kick off this afternoon! See below for your school attendance area's schedule of events!

AUGUST 6
Cassell Elementary - 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Buffalo Gap High - 4:00 - 6:00 PM
Riverheads High - 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Stuarts Draft High - 7:00 - 8:00 PM

AUGUST 7
Churchville Elementary - 3:00 - 6:00 PM
Stuarts Draft Elementary Kindergarten Orientation (parents only) 5:30 - 7:00 PM

AUGUST 10
North River Elementary - 1:00 - 6:00 PM
Craigsville Elementary - 4:30 - 6:30 PM
Buffalo Gap Middle - 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Clymore Elementary - 2:00 - 6:00 PM
Stewart Middle - 4:00 - 7:00 PM
Fort Defiance High - 5:30 - 7:00 PM
Stuarts Draft Elementary - 3:00 - 6:30 PM
Stump Elementary - 3:00 - 6:00 PM
Stuarts Draft Middle - 4:00 - 6:30 PM
Riverheads Elementary - 3:00 - 5:30 PM
Riverheads Middle - 3:30 - 6:30 PM
Wilson Elementary - 3:00 - 7:00 PM
Wilson Middle - 3:30 - 5:30 PM
Wilson Memorial High - 4:30 - 6:30 PM

SCHOOL STARTS AUGUST 12TH!

08/01/2026

Friday was a fantastic kickoff to the 2026-2027 school year at New Teacher Orientation! We are thrilled to welcome these energetic, passionate and talented new teachers to the ACPS family, and they are excited to meet their new students, families, communities and colleagues. Please join us in saying "Welcome Home" to our newest teachers!

07/28/2026

“Stuff the Bus” School Supply Collection
August 7 – 9 at Walmart Supercenters in Waynesboro & Staunton

Please consider donating school supplies to Stuff the Bus to ensure all our community’s children are prepared and equipped for the upcoming school year.

If you are interested in volunteering to help collect supplies at Walmart on these days, please visit the following link:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044AA4A92EA0FFC52-64191534-2026

07/24/2026

The Augusta County School Board is now accepting applications to fill the vacant seat for the Riverheads District.

To view the posting and timeline, and download the application and directions, please visit:

https://www.augusta.k12.va.us/o/acps/page/school-board-menu

07/21/2026

PRESCHOOL APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN
APPLY TODAY!

The application for the 26-27 school year can be accessed and completed with THIS LINK, or by going to https://go2grow.org/regions/saw/. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

By submitting an application, families are considered for Augusta County Preschool, Head Start, and several community-based preschool programs. Families can indicate their preferences on the application.

To learn more about Augusta County Preschool Programs, go to: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dXKpRRuGKNH9k1UmsdLNd5vmdDb2kF_c2q1azWubnwM/edit?tab=t.0

To learn what to expect after you submit your application, go to: https://www.canva.com/design/DAHAeqtofQ4/A9H8Cfvrrovfr4M370RFxA/edit

We are excited about the opportunity to partner with you!