This week in our Roanoke Rapids Graded School District, our schools have been alive with excitement, learning, and celebration as we prepare to close out another strong academic year. From our youngest learners exploring their future schools to our seniors preparing to walk across the graduation stage, the theme of growth is resonating throughout every hallway, classroom, and campus.

Let’s begin at Clara Hearne Pre-Kindergarten Center, where our rising kindergarteners are beginning their transitions to elementary school. This week, students who live in the Belmont zone visited Belmont Elementary for an unforgettable introduction to what kindergarten will be like. The staff at Belmont made sure the day was both educational and magical. Students embarked on a dinosaur-themed scavenger hunt throughout the building, enjoyed a read-aloud of the picture book We Don’t Eat Our Classmates, and were even surprised by a visit from a Tyrannosaurus Rex! These engaging activities helped ease anxieties and build excitement about the next chapter in their learning journey.

Belmont Elementary is eagerly preparing for “Kindergarten Signing Day,” which will be held on Thursday, May 22 from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. We invite all rising kindergarteners and their families to attend. During the event, families can tour the school, meet staff, receive school supply lists, and learn about kindergarten readiness skills. It is a special opportunity to mark this important milestone.

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Students from Clara Hearne who live in the Manning zone also visited Manning Elementary School for a similar transition activity. These students had the chance to explore the school, listen to a story, and meet their future teachers. We are grateful to our elementary school teams for planning welcoming experiences that lay the foundation for a successful start to kindergarten.

Clara Hearne students also participated in a heartwarming community service project alongside the National Honor Society seniors from Roanoke Rapids High School. Together, they planted flowers in raised beds and pots at Pine Forest Rest Home. This intergenerational event brought smiles to residents and students alike. It was a beautiful reminder of the power of kindness, teamwork, and community connection. We extend our sincere thanks to the Down on the Farm Car Show for their generous donation that helped make this collaboration possible.

Meanwhile, our ACES students enjoyed an exciting field trip to Sylvan Heights Bird Park this past Friday. This hands-on learning experience allowed students to explore nature, observe exotic bird species, and deepen their understanding of science and biodiversity. Thank you to the ACES staff for organizing such a meaningful adventure for our students.

At Roanoke Rapids Early College, students are currently taking their End-of-Course (EOC) tests and final exams. The sense of achievement is palpable on campus as our seniors prepare for their graduation ceremony on Friday, May 23 at the RRHS Auditorium. We are incredibly proud of this resilient and dedicated class.

Our Roanoke Rapids High School girls soccer team is continuing on in the state playoffs! In the first round, they crushed South Lenoir 8-0, and they defeated Nash Central in the second round 1-0. They will play Southwest Onslow in the third round. We are so proud of our fighting Yellow Jackets!

Testing season is also approaching for our traditional elementary and middle schools. The End-of-Grade (EOG) testing window begins this Friday, May 23 at Belmont, Manning, and Chaloner. We encourage our families to support students by ensuring they get plenty of rest and arrive at school on time. We are confident our Yellow Jackets will do their best and finish the year strong.

This past week, we celebrated our 2024–2025 Scholars, honoring students who exemplify academic excellence and leadership. Our elementary scholar celebration was held on Monday, May 12, followed by middle school scholars on Tuesday, May 13, and high school scholars on Wednesday, May 14. A special congratulations goes to our 23 Nine-Year Scholars from Roanoke Rapids High School and Roanoke Rapids Early College, who have maintained academic excellence since the fourth grade. Your hard work and dedication are inspiring!

Tonight, Tuesday, May 20, is our May Board of Education meeting. The meeting begins at 6:00 PM, and we welcome all community members to attend with us in the boardroom at 536 Hamilton Street. This evening will also mark the official induction of our newest Board member, Mr. Phil Hux. We look forward to working with Mr. Hux as we continue to serve the students and families of our district.

Finally, we invite parents and guardians to join us for our next Parent and Family Engagement Advisory Committee meeting tomorrow night (on Wednesday, May 21) from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Central Office Conference Room. This is a valuable opportunity to share your feedback and learn more about our Career and Technical Education (CTE), Exceptional Children (EC), Title I, and other federal programs. Your voice matters, and we hope to see you there.

As always, thank you for your continued support of the Roanoke Rapids Graded School District.

Whether your student is preparing for kindergarten, taking EOGs or EOC tests or final exams, or getting ready to graduate, know that we are proud to walk alongside each of you on this educational journey. Together We Succeed!