As we step into another exciting week in our Roanoke Rapids Graded School District, I am reminded once again of the energy, enthusiasm, and community spirit that make our schools such special places.
From celebrating healthy habits in our cafeterias to honoring alumni athletes and strengthening connections to our local history, this week’s highlights showcase the wide range of opportunities and traditions that define who we are.
Celebrating Healthy Beginnings: Breakfast Patron of the Week
We know that breakfast sets the tone for the day, fueling both the body and the mind for success in the classroom. That is why we are thrilled to launch our brand-new Breakfast Patron of the Week program! Each week, one student who participates in our school breakfast program will be randomly selected to receive a special prize and recognition for starting their day the healthy way.
This week, we extend congratulations to Belmont Elementary’s James Goble, our very first Breakfast Patron of the Week! James was recognized with a certificate and a coupon for a free snack item from the cafeteria. His bright smile was the perfect kickoff to what we know will be a much-loved tradition across our schools. We cannot wait to see who will be chosen next week. Thank you to our wonderful School Nutrition staff and all of our students who begin their mornings with us—you make our school community stronger and healthier every single day.
Planning for the Future: CFNC Financial Aid Night
For our high school families, the journey toward college can feel both exciting and overwhelming.
That is why we are so grateful to host College for North Carolina (CFNC) Financial Aid Night at Roanoke Rapids High School and Roanoke Rapids Early College. This free event provides valuable information about how to pay for college, including guidance on completing the FAFSA, exploring scholarships and grants, and understanding student loans. Experts will also share important tips on planning ahead and determining North Carolina residency for in-state tuition purposes.
We encourage all students and families — whether you are just beginning to think about higher education or already filling out applications — to take advantage of this opportunity. Knowledge is power, and this event ensures that our students are equipped to take the next step toward their dreams.
Learning by Doing: Chaloner Middle School 8th Grade Explores North Carolina Maps
At Chaloner Middle School, our eighth graders are diving into the geography and history of our great state.
This week, they have been rolling out maps of North Carolina to identify historic sites, geographic regions, and key landmarks.
Working in teams, students are not only improving their map-reading skills but also making meaningful connections between the places they see and the lessons they have studied in class. Our eighth grade social studies teachers, Jamie Rook and Steve Pittman, are partnering with our Halifax 250th Commission to engage students with lessons about our important local Halifax County history this year.
It has been inspiring to see the teamwork, collaboration, and curiosity that fill our classrooms. These kinds of hands-on projects help students discover that history and geography are not just words in a textbook - they are living, breathing parts of our world. Well done, 8th grade!
Honoring Local History: Halifax 250th Commission Partnership
Our district is proud to partner with the Halifax 250th Commission to bring valuable resources into the hands of our teachers and students. This week, we received 130 copies of two Revolutionary War-era booklets published by the Museum of History in Raleigh:
Tar Heel Junior Historian Magazine: It’s Revolutionary!
Prelude to War and Choices in Conflict.
These publications include fascinating articles, engaging activities, and even a feature on the Halifax Resolves, written by a staff member at the state historic site.
Too often, local history is left out of textbooks, but Halifax County’s role in the founding of the United States is too important to overlook.
This generous gift, provided by the Friends of Historic Halifax and funded by the Society of Cincinnati, will help our teachers bring these lessons to life for students during this special 250th anniversary year of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Homecoming 2025: Once a Jacket, Always a Jacket
One of our most cherished traditions is fast approaching — RRHS Homecoming 2025! This year, we will celebrate with a week full of events, spirit, and community pride. A special highlight will be our recognition of all former Yellow Jacket baseball and softball players. From the earliest days of our athletic programs to the present, these athletes have left a lasting legacy.
Here is a quick look at the schedule:
Powder Puff Football Game – Wednesday, Sept. 17 at 7:30 PM, $5 admission
Homecoming Parade – Thursday, Sept. 18 at 2:55 PM down Hamilton Street
Baseball and Softball Alumni Reception – Friday, Sept. 19 at 5:30 PM in the RRHS Media Center
Homecoming Football Game vs. Hertford County – Friday, Sept. 19 at 7:00 PM - Gates will open at 5:30 PM. There will be two lines for security checks. The visitor gate will be used for people with no bags, purses, or stadium chairs. The home gate will be used for all guests including those with small bags, purses, and stadium chairs. Admission will be $10 cash only at the ticket booth. No large bags or bookbags will be allowed in the game. Guests will have to pay to re-enter if they leave the gates. Thank you for your cooperation in making our Homecoming football game a special event.
Commemorative Homecoming t-shirts are available for order through Wrenn Sports Graphics. Let’s pack the stands, reconnect with old friends, and celebrate our beloved tradition. Remember: Once a Jacket, Always a Jacket!
More Upcoming Events
We invite you to join us for our Board of Trustees meeting tonight, September 16, in Building B at the Central Office. Your presence, voice, and support are what help guide our district forward. State Superintendent Mo Green will be visiting our region soon. On September 24, State Superintendent Mo Green and State Board of Education members Dr. J. Wendell Hall and Jimm Camnitz will be at Halifax Community College for "Bringing the Capital to the Constituents" at 6 p.m. at the Dr. Ervin V. Griffin Sr. Centre. On September 25 at 5:30