Emma Laviolette, a student in Angel Robertson’s early childhood education class at Mountain View Elementary School, works with paraprofessional Johnna Waugh on a learning activity. Mountain View is one of four AHPS elementary schools to meet Virginia’s early childhood education quality standards. (AHPS Photo)

AHPS Elementary Schools Shine in Preschool Quality   Low Moor, VA (Oct. 20, 2026) - All four Alleghany Highlands Public Schools elementary schools have met Virginia’s quality standards for early childhood education, highlighting local efforts to help young children build a strong foundation for learning. Callaghan Elementary, Jeter-Watson Elementary, Mountain View Elementary and Sharon Elementary all met expectations through Virginia’s Quality Birth to Five System, known as VQB5. The statewide program measures the quality of early childhood education by looking at how teachers interact with children and whether classroom learning follows Virginia’s early learning standards. Meeting expectations means the schools’ preschool programs meet the state’s benchmarks for providing quality learning experiences for young children. Preschool is about more than learning letters and numbers. Children also develop communication skills, learn to work with others, solve problems and gain confidence as they prepare for kindergarten. “Helping children get a strong start in school is one of the most important things we can do,” said Kim Halterman, superintendent of Alleghany Highlands Public Schools. “We are proud of our teachers and staff who work each day to help children learn, grow and build the skills they need for kindergarten and beyond.”   Halterman began her Virginia teaching career as a kindergarten teacher and emphasizes the importance of early childhood experiences.   Cynthia Morgan, AHPS director of instruction, said the recognition highlights the work educators do to prepare children for future success. “We want every child to have a strong start and the opportunity to succeed,” Morgan said. “We are proud of the work our teachers do each day to help our youngest learners grow, build new skills and get ready for kindergarten. This recognition reflects their hard work and commitment to our children.” Morgan, who served as an elementary school principal before becoming director of instruction in July, said those early learning experiences can make a difference as children move through school. “Having worked in an elementary school, I know how important those early years are,” Morgan said. “When children have positive learning experiences and the support they need, they are better prepared to take the next step in their education. We want every child in the Alleghany Highlands to have that opportunity.” The VQB5 system helps educators find ways to improve teaching and learning for young children. At a September work session, the Alleghany Highlands School Board and The Alleghany Foundation Board received an update on preschool programs and literacy development. For families across the Alleghany Highlands, quality preschool programs provide an important first step in a child’s educational journey. Having all four elementary schools meet the state’s expectations highlights the importance of early learning and the commitment of AHPS educators to preparing children for the years ahead.

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