As the school year winds down, it is easy to focus only on the finish line. But in our Roanoke Rapids Graded School District, we are just as committed to how we finish as we are to how we start, and that means celebrating growth, creativity, and community in every corner of our district.

Let’s start this week with a huge thank you to the Lake Gaston Chapter of the Links, Incorporated, for bringing energy, innovation, and inspiration to Roanoke Rapids Early College! Our scholars had the opportunity to participate in an engaging STEM READY National Signature Program Watch Party via Zoom, facilitated by the incredible members of this organization. The learning did not stop with the screen; rather, it exploded into our classrooms with hands-on, minds-on fun!

Scholars made slime, explored the science behind it, and participated in a clever demonstration of random password creation using wooden cubes, sponge blocks, markers, and index cards. It was all about critical thinking, collaboration, and making STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) come alive in meaningful and memorable ways. We are incredibly grateful for their generous donations—one to the RREC Science Department and one to Science Teacher Courtney Coker for her outstanding leadership in hosting this amazing experience! We are so thankful for our community partners who invest in our students and help prepare them for the future.

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Speaking of future events, please mark your calendars! Chaloner Middle School is getting ready to showcase the incredible talents of its students at this year’s Night of the Arts. Join us on Thursday, May 8, 2025, from 4:30 to 7:00 PM for an evening of celebration and creativity. 

From an inspiring student art show to a musical performance by the band and a school-wide book fair, it is going to be an event you will not want to miss. This is a great way to see how the arts help our students shine.

Earlier this month, we had the opportunity to celebrate Assistant Principals Week, and I want to take a moment to spotlight the amazing individuals who serve in this vital role across our schools. 

From keeping things running behind the scenes to building strong relationships with students and staff, our assistant principals are the backbone of school leadership. 

Please join me in showing appreciation for Heather Karns and Josh Clark (Belmont Elementary), Terkessha Odom (Manning Elementary), Tina Hantz and Ashley Lynch (Chaloner Middle), and Candi Horton and Jen Ott (Roanoke Rapids High School). Their tireless work, unwavering dedication, and care for our students do not go unnoticed. 

They are difference-makers, and we are grateful for each one.

At Belmont Elementary School, students recently rose to a challenge, and their principal rose to the wall! 

In the i-Ready “Stick to It Challenge,” students were tasked with passing six reading and six math lessons at 80% proficiency or higher between March 31 and April 16. 

An impressive 136 students met the challenge and their reward was taping Principal Lindsey Goble to the wall on April 17! Congratulations to our student scholars, and a big shoutout to Mrs. Goble for being such a supportive and spirited leader.

Over at Manning Elementary School, April 17th was full of excitement and opportunity during the second annual Career Fair and Fashion Show. 

Students met community professionals, learned about various careers, explored vehicles used on the job, and even watched as our guests strutted their stuff on the catwalk. 

It was a fun and educational way to spark career curiosity in our elementary learners. You can see more pictures on our Manning Elementary School Facebook page. I was so proud to see many RRHS alumni participating in the event. 

Seeing our students graduate high school and become successful adults is one of the most rewarding parts of being an educator! Hats off to School Counselor Delaney Clark Oliveros for planning such a dynamic and engaging event!

Our youngest Yellow Jackets at Clara Hearne Pre-Kindergarten Center also joined in on the career exploration fun. Little ones dressed up as veterinarians, astronauts, police officers, and more, sparking early dreams and big imaginations.

After a much-deserved Spring Break from April 18 to April 27, our students and staff have returned refreshed and ready to finish strong. As we head into the final weeks of school, we are reminded that each day is a new opportunity to learn, grow, and celebrate the amazing things happening throughout our district. Thank you for your continued support of our schools. Let’s keep the momentum going as we head into the final stretch of the 2024–2025 school year! Together we succeed!