As the first day of the 2024-25 school year grew closer, our Roanoke Rapids Graded School District faculty and staff geared up for a successful return for our students. 

Monday, August 26, marked the official start of the new academic year, and preparations have been in full swing.

Professional Development and Safety Training

Teachers across the district have been diligently preparing for the new school year by completing comprehensive professional development sessions. 

This year’s focus is on the implementation of the new K-12 math curriculum, enVision Math, and implementing the K-12 English instructional frameworks. 

Math and English language arts teachers engaged in hands-on workshops and collaborative training to master this curriculum, which promises to enhance students' math and reading skills through innovative techniques, interactive learning, and alignment across the grade levels. 

A big thank you to Lauren Hinnant, Executive Director of Instructional Services, for her hard work in organizing this professional development in addition to other engaging sessions for our instructional staff across the district.

In addition to the curriculum training, all staff who work directly with students have also undergone critical safety and procedural training. 

In partnership with the Roanoke Rapids Police Department, TEDI BEAR Children’s Advocacy Center, Child Protective Services, NC Conference of District Attorneys, and the District Attorneys’ Office in the Seventh Prosecutorial District, staff have been updated on their responsibilities for reporting child abuse to law enforcement and Child Protective Services, ensuring that they are well-equipped to safeguard the welfare of our students. 

Following informative presentations led by Ann Parsons, TEDI BEAR CAC Nurse Practitioner, and Whitney Belich, Child Abuse Resource Prosecutor for the NC Conference of District Attorneys, there was a panel discussion led by Sara Council, RRGSD Director of Student Services, featuring Shayvonna Woodley (CPS), Michele Braswell (CPS), Lt Morgan Worrell (Roanoke Rapids Police Department), Whitney Belich (Child Abuse Resource Prosecutor, NC Conference of DAs), Caroline Crawford (Assistant District Attorney), Kim Scott (District Attorney) and Ann Parsons (TEDI BEAR CAC Nurse Practitioner). 

A big thank you goes out to all of the panelists as well as a special thank you to RRGSD’s Sara Council, RRPD’s Captain of Investigation Harold Phillips, and TEDI BEAR Community Educator Kia Glosson for organizing this special project.

Furthermore, all RRGSD staff members have completed CPR and first aid certifications this month, reinforcing their readiness to handle emergencies effectively. We are grateful for our Roanoke Rapids Fire Department for their dedication in providing the training and hands-on practice to all of our staff members. RRGSD is proud to continue to be designated a Heart Safe school district through Project ADAM.

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Successful Open Houses

The open houses held at all schools were a resounding success, drawing impressive attendance from both students and their families. These events offered a valuable opportunity for parents and guardians to meet teachers, tour classrooms, and learn about the upcoming academic year. The positive feedback from attendees reflects the strong community spirit and the collaborative efforts of school staff to foster a welcoming environment.

Facility Upgrades

Our facilities and maintenance staff have also been hard at work this summer preparing for our students and staff return as they completed summer projects, some of which include the following: at Manning Elementary School, visitors will notice changes in the front and rear of the school including a new basketball court on the playground. 

Belmont Elementary School has new flooring on the kindergarten hallway and outdoor painting. Chaloner Middle School has a new HVAC system in the eighth grade wing. 

Roanoke Rapids Early College has new flooring. 

Roanoke Rapids High School has major improvements in the senior building stairwells and new slate on the roof. 

A big thank you goes to Robbie Clements, Director of Facilities and Operations, and Cole Griffies, Maintenance Supervisor, as well as our maintenance staff Stan Edwards, Mikey Ott, John Poythress, Danny Smith, and Frankie Smith for their hard work.

Community Support for Students in Need

Community support has been particularly heartwarming to begin this school year, with two local organizations making significant contributions to help students start the school year on the right foot. 

Feed a Family First and Valley Community Church worked tirelessly on their Serve Days to provide essential school supplies. 

Through their generous efforts, they have distributed backpacks and lunchboxes filled with school supplies and food to students in need, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder any child’s educational experience. Backpacks will be distributed by RRGSD’s Community Outreach Liaisons and Student Success Advocates.

Yellow Jackets’ Varsity Football Opener

On Friday night, the RRHS Yellow Jackets' varsity football team thrilled their home crowd with a hard-fought 14-8 victory over Northampton in their season opener. The game showcased the team’s grit and determination, with standout performances on both sides of the ball. 

The Yellow Jackets’ defense made crucial stops, while their offense capitalized on key plays to secure the win. The victory not only gave the team a strong start to the season but also energized our local fans, who cheered passionately from the stands, along with the RRHS cheerleaders and Marching Yellow Jackets band.

Looking Forward

As students and families prepare for the first day of school, there is a palpable sense of excitement and optimism in the air. The combined efforts of educators, community organizations, and supportive families underscore our shared commitment to creating a nurturing and enriching learning environment for all.

With teachers ready and well-prepared, community support in place, and a warm welcome awaiting, the new school year is set to begin with enthusiasm and promise. As we look forward to this school year, the entire district is united in its goal to make this academic year the best one yet because Together We Succeed.