This week across our Roanoke Rapids Graded School District, we experienced a wave of celebration, appreciation, and achievement that reminded us all just how special our school community truly is.

Staff Appreciation Week

First and foremost, we celebrated Staff Appreciation Week. 

While nationally this is often referred to as “Teacher Appreciation Week,” we know it takes far more than classroom teachers to make our schools thrive. 

In the RRGSD, every staff member plays a vital role in supporting and uplifting our students. Whether someone is a teacher assistant guiding a small group, a school nutrition employee preparing nutritious meals, a bus driver greeting students with a smile each morning, or a school counselor offering support during tough times — each one matters deeply. 

Thank you to our teachers, assistants, custodians, school counselors, instructional coaches, office staff, bus drivers, related service providers, community outreach liaisons, administrators, school nutrition staff, maintenance staff, and more.

Throughout the week, our administrative teams found creative and meaningful ways to honor their school-based staff, from special breakfasts and personalized poems to fun surprises and heartfelt moments of gratitude. Thank you to every family and community member who donated to celebrate our teachers and staff this week.

On Tuesday, I personally visited every classroom, office, cafeteria, and workspace across the district to say thank you and deliver a small candy treat as a token of appreciation. 

I was reminded over and over again how dedicated and passionate our employees are. Their work may not always be captured in test scores or data dashboards, but its impact is undeniable. 

They spark curiosity, foster confidence, and, most importantly, make our students feel seen and valued. Thank you to every member of our RRGSD staff family. You make a difference every day.

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Roanoke Rapids Early College

At Roanoke Rapids Early College, the academic year is racing toward the finish line. 

Final exams and End-of-Course (EOC) tests are scheduled for the week of May 19. Specifically, the Biology EOC is on Monday, May 19; English II on Tuesday, May 20; Math 1 on Wednesday, May 21; with remediation and retesting opportunities running through Friday, May 23. 

Students who are close to proficiency in Math 1 or Math 3 may be eligible for retesting with parental permission during the school year, per new North Carolina Department of Public Instruction guidelines. 

In addition, traditional summer school options will be available for remediation and retesting to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.

Roanoke Rapids High School

At Roanoke Rapids High School, we are proud of our Yellow Jacket athletes and performers for finishing the season strong. Congratulations to our softball and baseball teams for making it to the NCHSAA State Playoffs. Our softball team advanced to the second round and showed great heart in their game against North Lenoir. Our baseball team battled hard in the first round against North Johnston. A special shoutout to Jacob Lyles, who qualified for the NCHSAA 2A State Golf Championships after a strong showing at the Mideast Regional. Our girls soccer team made us proud by defeating Northern Nash to win the Big East 2A/3A Conference Tournament Championship. What an accomplishment!

The stage was also alive with energy this week thanks to our talented RRHS musical theater students who performed Grease to a packed audience on Thursday and Friday nights. The show was a joy to watch and highlighted the amazing talent we have in our district. Thank you to Ms. Denise Hackenburg for producing and directing, and for the amazing choreography of Janice Given, who was assisted by Karson Hasty, Alexa Swindells, Lydia Carroll, and Ehlana Pittard, for bringing the story to life.

Halifax Community College Commencement

On Friday, I had the distinct honor of participating in Halifax Community College’s Commencement Ceremony. 

It was an inspiring celebration of our students from both RREC and RRHS who earned college degrees and certificates while still in high school. 

I was proud to stand alongside my fellow superintendents and celebrate these students’ impressive achievements. Their success is a shining example of what is possible when we partner with our community colleges to expand opportunities for our youth.

Chaloner Middle School

Chaloner Middle School added to the week’s festivities with its Night of the Arts on Thursday, May 8. Students shared their talents through music in the band concert led by band teacher Ashley Baucom and visual arts in the art show led by art teacher Shelley Rideout, and families enjoyed a book fair led by media coordinator Chris Skinner as part of the evening. It was a beautiful showcase of creativity and learning.

Clara Hearne Pre-Kindergarten Center, Belmont Elementary School, and Manning Elementary School

For our youngest learners and their families, we are excited to invite families to register their children for kindergarten in the 2025-26 school year as well as announce that registration is still open for our SUMMER Place to Play program at Manning, Belmont, and Clara Hearne. 

This summer program promises a full day of fun, learning, and engaging activities from 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM. If you have not registered yet, please visit https://app.droplet.io/form/K6gwV0 to complete your child’s application. Spots are limited, so do not delay.

Speaking of fun, Belmont Elementary School hosted a successful series of Field Days last week, filled with laughter, games, and community spirit. Manning Elementary’s Field Day is coming up on Friday, May 16, and we look forward to another great day of joy and connection.

Committee and board meetings

This evening at 6 the following committees meet in building A — finance and personnel and policy — and at 7 facilities and safety and curriculum.

The regular board meeting is May 20 at 6 p.m.

Thank you

Thank you, Roanoke Rapids, for continuing to show up for our schools, our students, and our staff. This has been a week full of pride and promise, and I look forward to all that lies ahead. Together, we succeed!