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For the sixth time since 2002, the Roanoke County school system has been recognized as among the best at teaching music by a foundation advocating music education.

The NAMM Foundation, connected to the National Association of Music Merchants, selected 124 school districts nationwide based on their music programs, their curriculum and public support for musical education. School administrators were asked to fill out a survey asking them about class time, funding, participation and graduation requirements.

Seven other Virginia school districts, including Montgomery County, also made the list this year.

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With prom season upon us, area high schools are cranking up their safety messages. Guidance counselors at Roanoke's Patrick Henry and William Fleming high schools are planning to show multimedia programs that will tell students about substance abuse and violence prevention. The program will be broadcast in the schools on Friday.

The programs are "really up to date and pertinent to what kids are doing right now," said Chad Cox, student assistance counselor at Patrick Henry.

"We'll try to have different activities going on during the week before prom when students are buying tickets," he said. "Kind of keeping some things in their minds to keep them safe during prom time."

Patrick Henry's prom is May 16.

Also, on Thursday, students from Hidden Valley High School in Roanoke County held a school assembly as part of a campaign to encourage teenagers to wear seat belts. The assembly was sponsored by the Virginia State Police and Youth of Virginia Speak Out, a statewide youth organization intended to promote road safety.

"A lot of the teen fatalities that we see involve, of course, speed, but a lot of them don't have their seat belts on," said Elizabeth Ferguson, the organization's marketing and training coordinator.

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The Roanoke School Board's vote in February to close Raleigh Court Elementary School stunned and disappointed many parents in that neighborhood. Now they will have a chance to address Superintendent Rita Bishop and School Board Chairman David Carson on the school system's plans for the future. The Greater Raleigh Court Civic League will hold its school forum at 7 p.m. May 13. The meeting will be in the fellowship hall of Christ Lutheran Church, 2011 Brandon Ave.