Pickett Schools Approve Calendar Featuring Slight Change
Pickett County Schools has approved a school calendar for the 2026–2027 and 2027–2028 academic years. Pickett County Director of Schools Melissa Robbins said the school system’s calendar committee met last month and presented its proposal. The first day of school will remain the first Monday in August, with the final day scheduled for late May. […]
School Restroom Renovations Slowed, Director Concerned
A slight delay has slowed the completion of renovations to the Pickett County High School restrooms. Pickett County Director of Schools Melissa Robbins told the School Board a contractor had to find a subcontractor to install HVAC wiring, delaying the finish. Shipping delays in tile material also a concern. Robbins said the HVAC wiring has […]
Pickett High Bathroom Renovation Making Progress
The bathroom renovation at Pickett County High School is making progress as the school system contines through Christmas break. Pickett County Director of Schools Melissa Robbins said the water will be shut off over Christmas break to install a water shut-off valve in the gym and then install tile and fixtures. Robbins said the gym […]
Pickett Schools Designated As “In Need Of Improvement”
The Pickett County Schools designated as “In Need of Improvement,” putting the district in the bottom five among school systems statewide. This designation is based on performance indicators such as student achievement and student growth. Director of Schools Melissa Robbins said the designation is not what the school system was hoping for, or what they […]
Pickett Board Conflicted About Reporting Chronic Absenteeism
Pickett County Schools will wait until a student tallies six unexcused absences per semester, instead of three, before moving the student’s case to a higher authority. But who is that authority? School Principals said they were told that the school system should send the cases to the Department of Children’s Services rather than to truancy […]
Pickett Approves K-8 Handbook Changes On Energy Drinks
The Pickett County School Board approved changes to the K-8 handbook during Monday night’s meeting. K-8 Principal Emily Bilbrey said one change focused on forms of student punishments. Bilbrey said the state’s new recess law will not allow the school to take away free time or recess time. “We’ve changed that around a little bit […]
Robbins Settling In As New Pickett County Schools Director
New Pickett County Director of Schools Melissa Robbins said she is starting to settle into her role. Robbins said that in her first few days in the position, she has been reading up on documents and board policies. Robbins said her first order of business is getting the schools ready for the upcoming school year. […]
Pickett Schools Set To Begin High School Bathroom Renovations
Pickett County Schools will begin renovating the bathrooms at Pickett County High School later this summer. Pickett County Director of Schools Diane Elder said preliminary camera work for the plumbing has been completed. Elder said the major portion of the project is set to begin sometime in July. “It’s been something we’ve hoped to be […]
Elder: Comfortable With Pickett School Budget
Pickett County Director of Schools Diane Elder said she is comfortable with the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Elder said the budget features raises for teachers to take another step in reaching the state-mandated $50,000 by the end of next year. Elder said non-teachers will also get a raise. Elder said the raises could […]
Pickett Schools Director Diane Elder Announces Retirement
After serving 18 years as the Pickett County Director of Schools, Diane Elder has announced her retirement. Elder said she will serve as the director until June 30. Elder said her decision came after much consideration. “Well, I’ve always been told for the last five years by other directors who have retired, they look at […]
