This week’s report is filled with moments of pride, progress, and partnership across our schools and community.
From representing our district at an education town hall, to sharing our students’ literacy successes on a national stage, to celebrating local innovation at the Center for Energy Education, our work continues to reflect the strength of collaboration.
We also came together with residents, state officials, and law enforcement to address traffic safety at Belmont Elementary, demonstrating once again how much we can achieve when we listen and act together.
And of course, our Yellow Jackets are hard at work on the field, court, and course, bringing energy and excellence to every competition.
Bringing the Capital to the Constituents: A Statewide Vision for Excellence
On September 24, I had the distinct honor of representing the five traditional school districts in District 27 — Halifax County Schools, Weldon City Schools, Warren County Schools, Northampton County Schools, and my own Roanoke Rapids Graded School District — at Representative Rodney Pierce’s Education Town Hall, part of the Bringing the Capital to the Constituents series.
This event at Halifax Community College brought state leaders directly to our rural communities, ensuring that important policy conversations are heard by the very people they impact most.
It was my privilege to deliver opening remarks on behalf of my colleagues Dr. Eric Cunningham, Dr. Tammy Boone, Dr. Carol Montague-Davis, Dr. Rosa Atkins, and myself.
Together, we emphasized our shared commitment: educating every student and supporting the educators who serve them, even in challenging times.
The highlight of the evening was hearing North Carolina State Superintendent of Public Instruction Maurice “Mo” Green present the new State Board of Education Strategic Plan, Achieve Educational Excellence. Wearing my Chase Excellence T-shirt, I was struck by how seamlessly our local vision aligns with the statewide call to action.
Our collective mission — whether at the state or district level — is simple but profound: achieving excellence for ALL of our students.
National Spotlight: Early Literacy Gains and MTSS
Just days earlier, Director of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support and Exceptional Children Krissy Martin and I were invited to Los Angeles to speak at the RTM West Education Congress.
It was an extraordinary opportunity to share the remarkable progress that our students have made in early literacy (such as outpacing the state in DIBELS growth for every grade level and every subgroup tested) and the critical role that MTSS has played in those gains.
We co-presented with a colleague from Branching Minds, the management system that streamlines our student data and empowers our educators to act quickly when students need support.
Having RRGSD recognized on a national stage is both humbling and energizing. It speaks to the hard work of our teachers, interventionists, administrators, and support staff who dedicate themselves daily to the success of every child.
Celebrating 10 Years of the Center for Energy Education
On October 2, we joined community partners in marking the 10-year anniversary of the Center for Energy Education and their EnergyFEST celebration.
This event brought together industry leaders, elected officials, and local schools to highlight innovation, renewable energy, and education.
It was inspiring to see the role our region plays in shaping a sustainable future, and I am proud that our students are part of these important conversations as well as our JROTC and Marching Yellow Jackets helping in the event.
Belmont Traffic Queue Advisory Group: Progress and Collaboration
Another vital area of focus this past week was school traffic safety.
On September 26, our Belmont Traffic Queue Advisory Group convened to review the NCDOT’s recent study, hear proposals from community members, and align on immediate next steps
The meeting was productive and collaborative.
Robinson Drive residents, including Mr. Tim Brown, presented thoughtful proposals — one suggesting a return to using Bolling Road exclusively for entry and exit.
Representatives from NCDOT, law enforcement, city government, school staff, and board members all contributed to a constructive dialogue.
Our next step will be further discussion at our Board Facilities and Safety Committee meeting on October 14 at 6 PM and the full Board of Trustees on October 21 at 6 PM. Both meetings will be open to the public in our Board Room, and we encourage community participation.
Yellow Jacket Athletics: Upcoming Events
Our Yellow Jacket student-athletes continue to make us proud, both on and off the field. Here’s what’s coming up for the week of October 6:
Tuesday, Oct. 7
Volleyball at Louisburg, 4 PM
Wednesday, Oct. 8
Soccer at Bunn, 4 PM
Cross Country at Nash Central, 4:30 PM
Thursday, Oct. 9
Volleyball at HOME vs. American Leadership Academy, 5 PM
Soccer at South Granville, JV at 5 PM, Varsity to follow
Friday, Oct. 10
Football at HOME vs. Nash Central, 7 PM
Come out and support our student-athletes as they compete with dedication and Yellow Jacket pride!
Closing Reflections
From statewide policy conversations and national recognition, to local community collaboration and athletic excellence, this week reminds me of the many ways our district is both a leader and a learner.
Regardless of our location, we remain steadfast in our mission: to build opportunities, foster community, and chase excellence—together. #TogetherWeSucceed