This past week in Roanoke Rapids Graded School District has been filled with enriching activities, special celebrations, and learning opportunities that highlight our commitment to providing well-rounded experiences for our students.
Here’s a look at some of the exciting things happening across our district:
At Belmont Elementary School, our upper elementary students had a memorable field trip to Halifax Harvest Days.
They had the chance to explore our region’s agricultural heritage through engaging demonstrations, including a sawmill, peanut threshing, and corn shucking.
The students also enjoyed viewing antique tractors and farm exhibits and getting up close with farm animals.
It was a day of hands-on learning that tied in perfectly with our efforts to connect students to local history and the importance of agriculture.
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At both elementary schools, all of our students are eagerly looking forward to other field trips including pumpkin farms.
We celebrated Unity Day across RRGSD on Wednesday, October 16th.
This national day of unity is a powerful reminder of the importance of kindness, inclusion, and standing together against bullying.
Students and staff wore bright orange to show their solidarity, and it was heartwarming to see our entire district come together for such an important cause. We believe that fostering a culture of respect and empathy is essential to a positive learning environment.
Chaloner Middle School Administrative Assistants Teresa Dunlow and Cindy Boone supported “Unity Day” and show “Unity Pumpkins" created by Mrs. Rideout’s Art Club.
Each pumpkin is decorated for fall, includes an anti-bullying slogan, and will be on display in October and November.
Manning Elementary School and Belmont Elementary School had the pleasure of hosting the Roanoke Rapids Police Department and Fire Department for safety presentations that helped further strengthen our already strong relationship with these local partners.
Our students learned important safety tips and participated in Bike and Walk to School Day, where they discovered the value of staying active and being safe on the streets. A highlight of the day was the appearance of the RRPD’s beloved Safety Pup, who brought smiles to many faces.
Carolina Critters also visited, offering an animal interaction experience that allowed students to hold and learn about a variety of animals, including a python that even some brave teachers took a turn holding! It was a fun-filled, educational experience for all.
This week, our district and school administrators were busy conducting quarterly learning walks. These classroom observations allow us to calibrate our feedback as administrators and collaborate for continuous improvements in student achievement and growth.
We also gathered data as part of our Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids initiative, a statewide effort to address lead and asbestos hazards in schools. During these visits, we’re ensuring that our facilities meet safety standards by preparing to test water fountains and faucets used for food preparation.
Consistently visiting our schools also gives us the opportunity to interact with students and teachers, which is always a rewarding experience.
At our October Board Meeting, we were proud to honor Vice-Chair Valencia Davis for her 14 years of dedicated service to the Roanoke Rapids Graded School District.
Mrs. Davis has been an unwavering advocate for our students, staff, and community, guiding our district with strong leadership and a steadfast commitment to education. Her impact has been profound, and we are deeply grateful for her contributions.
Unfortunately, we also received some disappointing news. Our application for the Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund to build a new pre-kindergarten center was not approved this round. While this is a setback, we remain determined to secure funding, and we will reapply as soon as the next opportunity becomes available. Persistence is key, and we are committed to continuing our efforts to support early childhood education for our students in our school district.
On a lighter note, the Roanoke Rapids High School Alumni and Friends group is currently selling bricks as part of their Castle Brick Fundraiser. These personalized bricks will be installed in front of the historic RRHS Senior Building, providing a lasting legacy for those who want to support the school. If you’re interested, each brick is $200 with three lines of personalization. For more details, please contact GW Hux & Company at 252-537-7770.
Our fall sports teams at Roanoke Rapids High School and Chaloner Middle School continue to do well.
Congratulations to the RRHS Girls Tennis and Volleyball teams for qualifying for the NCHSAA 2A State playoffs. When the Tennis brackets were released, we learned that RRHS earned the #4 seed in the East and will get a first round bye. Our Chaloner football team improved to 4-1 on the season this week when they won 36-6 against KIPP.
Lastly, I’d like to invite everyone to two upcoming concerts that showcase the talents of our high school students.
The Roanoke Rapids High School Choir will perform their fall concert tonight, Tuesday, October 22, at 7 PM at Rosemary United Methodist Church.
On Thursday, October 24, the Roanoke Rapids High School Bands will hold their Fall/Halloween Concert at 7 PM in the RRHS Auditorium. These events are open to all, and I encourage you to attend and support our talented students.
Thank you for your continued support of our schools, and I look forward to sharing more exciting news with you next week!