This week in the Roanoke Rapids Graded School District has been a testament to our motto of “Together We Succeed.” 

Engagement of students, staff, families, Board of Trustees, and community members was high as we had April’s Board of Trustees Meeting, Duke Energy Family Science Night, Career Fashion Show Day, and we celebrated our outstanding educators who have been named Support Person of the Year, Beginning Teacher of the Year, and Teacher of the Year.

On Thursday night, Belmont Elementary School hosted the Duke Energy Family Science Night. The hallways, multipurpose room, and enhancement classrooms bursted with energy as our students and the families participated in hands-on science experiments. 

• Click to open image! Click to open image!
• Click to open image! Click to open image!
• Click to open image! Click to open image!
•  

Each station was hosted by one of our amazing Belmont teachers or groups of our Roanoke Rapids Early College scholars. 

It makes my heart so happy to see our “big kids” collaborating with our “little ones,” as we build opportunities and foster community across our student population. 

A big thank you goes out to Instructional Coach Marie Smith for her dedicated effort in grant writing, planning, and organizing this exciting night.

On Friday, Manning Elementary School wrapped up an exhilarating Career Spirit Week with a dazzling Career Fashion Show Day! 

The school buzzed with excitement as students showcased their creativity and aspirations through innovative career-themed outfits and learned more about careers in our community watching our special visitors walk the “cat-walk.” 

Visitors dressed in their career attire while a description of their career was read aloud to all of the students. 

Following the fashion show, students had the opportunity to explore various career paths at interactive booths. 

A big thank you goes out to School Counselor Delaney Clark, for her diligent efforts in orchestrating this memorable event. We are so grateful to each of our community members who gave their time to share about their occupations with our students.

One of my favorite days of the year is the one in which we announce our Teacher of the Year, Beginning Teacher of the Year, and Support Person of the Year at each school.

Our Central Office team visits each school to congratulate each honoree and present them with a gift. 

These awards are nominated and voted on by the school staff at each campus. Being selected as the honoree is truly a testament to each staff member’s unwavering dedication and commitment to excellence.

Here are this year's distinguished honorees: Clara Hearne Elementary School:

Teacher of the Year (TOY): Amy Parker

Beginning Teacher of the Year (BTOY): Kelley Pfeil

Support Person of the Year (SPOY): Michelle Ricks Belmont Elementary:

Teacher of the Year (TOY): Alyson Brown

Beginning Teacher of the Year (BTOY): Iesha Boone

Support Person of the Year (SPOY): Tammy Rodwell Manning Elementary School:

Teacher of the Year (TOY): Kristie Short

Beginning Teacher of the Year (BTOY): Cassidy Goff

Support Person of the Year (SPOY): Julie Liverman Chaloner Middle School:

Teacher of the Year (TOY): Terri Jones

Beginning Teacher of the Year (BTOY): Sydney Connell

Support Person of the Year (SPOY): Cindy Boone Roanoke Rapids High School

Teacher of the Year (TOY): Sandy Eisenmenger

Beginning Teacher of the Year (BTOY): Brianna Allen

Support Person of the Year (SPOY): Trina Boyd Roanoke Rapids Early College High School

Teacher of the Year (TOY): Misty Faloretti

Support Person of the Year (SPOY): Keisha Moseley ACES Learning Center

Teacher of the Year (TOY): Heather Dickens

Support Person of the Year (SPOY): Yolanda Devenshire Central Office:

Support Person of the Year (SPOY): Kim White

These exceptional educators exemplify the qualities of passion, innovation, and resilience that are essential for navigating the challenges of modern education. They serve as pillars of inspiration, shaping the future of our communities through their unwavering commitment to student success.

As we celebrate the achievements of these remarkable educators, I also want to extend our gratitude to all of our teachers and school staff who tirelessly work to create nurturing and enriching learning environments for students everywhere. I am so proud of our staff as we work together to provide the best education possible for all of our students.

In addition to celebrating excellence in education, the RRGSD Board of Trustees bid farewell to Tammy Colston, who resigned from her position as a school board member this week. The Board honored her dedication and service with a heartfelt reception on Tuesday and recognized her invaluable contributions to the district. We are also proud of Dr. Mike Williams, Board Chair, who was bestowed with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine this week.

 Lastly, I would also like to take a moment to thank all of the people behind the scenes at each of the schools who work diligently planning and implementing various events across the district. 

From sports competitions to academic competitions, arts performances to Prom, the spring season is a time for students to showcase their talents, creativity, and teamwork. These events are so important to help foster a sense of community and engagement among students, staff, families, and the community. 

I am so proud of the diverse array of opportunities available to students and encourage them to seize these experiences as they continue to grow and excel both inside and outside the classroom.