# Virginia Schools Gear Up for New Year | Roanoke News

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/roanoke-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7608890/virginia-schools-gear-up-for-new-year-roanoke-news
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/roanoke-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7608890/virginia-schools-gear-up-for-new-year-roanoke-news.md
Podcast: [Roanoke News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!](https://stenobird.com/podcast/roanoke-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7608890)
Published: 2026-07-20T08:19:19+00:00
Episode link: https://sources.thednn.ai/93ac1e2f433bd3c3
Audio file: https://api.fastcast.ai/audio/67a3ad81-232d-4942-bea9-dcb187806c3e.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/roanoke-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7608890/episodes/virginia-schools-gear-up-for-new-year-roanoke-news
Duration seconds: 111

## Resource

Schools across Virginia are starting early this fall, with some districts kicking off as early as August fifth—breaking from the old Labor Day tradition. Security is tightening too, as Bedford County and others roll out clear bag policies for events. Meanwhile, families in Roanoke can snag free backpacks at Verizon’s School Rocks giveaway on July 26. Higher ed gets a boost with a $300K grant for a new science lab at Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, opening in spring 2027. And Lynchburg University welcomes five new trustees—four alumni—to help steer its academic future. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/93ac1e2f433bd3c3

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