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This week in the Roanoke Rapids Graded School District, we have seen numerous examples of how we live our motto: Together We Succeed. 

Through acts of gratitude, perseverance, celebration, and collaboration, our school district community continues to embody the spirit of unity and shared purpose that makes our district so special.

Together We Succeed by Showing Gratitude and Supporting Each Other

One of the most inspiring aspects of our district is how we come together to support one another in times of need. On Tuesday, we wore pink across our schools to honor and support Chaloner Middle School Teacher Lisa Salmon, who began cancer treatments this week. This heartfelt gesture was a reminder that no one in our community faces challenges alone.

We also stood in solidarity with Manning Elementary School Assistant Principal Terkessha Odom and her family as they passed the one-year mark since the tragic loss of her daughter, Amarriah Smith. To honor Amarriah’s memory, Manning staff organized a balloon release on Friday. This touching tribute not only celebrated Amarriah’s life but also showed Mrs. Odom and her family that they remain in our hearts. Please keep both of these amazing women and their families in your thoughts and prayers.

Together We Succeed by Going Above and Beyond

This week, we witnessed an extraordinary example of dedication and teamwork as our district faced the challenges brought by last weekend’s snow and bitterly cold temperatures. The RRGSD Facilities and Operations Department worked tirelessly over the weekend and into early Monday morning to ensure our campuses were safe and ready for students and staff.

Director of Facilities and Operations Robbie Clements, Maintenance Supervisor Cole Griffies, and their exceptional team—Mikey Ott, John Poythress, Stan Edwards, Danny Smith, and Frankie Smith—deserve a huge shoutout for their hard work. From clearing sidewalks and driveways to ensuring safe entrances, their efforts made a significant difference in our campuses being open and our high school students being able to complete the first semester exams on schedule.

We also extend our thanks to the Roanoke Rapids Public Works team, who worked diligently to clear city streets and make travel safer for the entire community. This level of collaboration and commitment is a shining example of what it means to go above and beyond for the greater good.

Together We Succeed by Working Hard and Having Fun

The week has also been filled with moments of joy and celebration across our district. At Roanoke Rapids High School and Roanoke Rapids Early College, students capped off their first semester with a Winter Formal on Saturday night. It was a night to remember, filled with music, dancing, and laughter. Congratulations to our 2024-2025 Snow King, Timothy Harrison, and Snow Queen, Shandi Byrum!

We are also proud to celebrate the achievements of RRHS student Brandi Bedgood. Brandi competed in The American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program Post Level Contest and will advance to the District Level Contest on February 8. This is a tremendous accomplishment, and we cannot wait to see her continue to excel.

Meanwhile, students at Roanoke Rapids Early College took part in the Bed PreBuild event at Discount Tire on Saturday. This volunteer initiative not only allowed our scholars to give back to their community but also taught them valuable lessons about teamwork and service.

At Clara Hearne Pre-Kindergarten Center, our youngest learners made the most of the recent snowfall by playing outside and even creating their own “snow” to build snowmen indoors. These activities sparked creativity, joy, and plenty of smiles among our students and staff alike.

Together We Succeed by Investing in Our Educators

Next week, our focus will turn to professional development as we dedicate two teacher workdays—Tuesday, January 21, and Wednesday, January 22—to helping our educators continue to grow in their craft. These days provide a valuable opportunity for our faculty and staff to engage in lifelong learning, collaborate with colleagues, and refine their teaching practices to better serve our students.

We believe that investing in our educators is one of the most important things we can do as a district. By equipping our teachers with the tools and resources they need to succeed, we are investing in the success of every student who walks through our doors.

Together We Succeed by Partnering with Families

Finally, we are excited to share some upcoming events at Belmont Elementary School that highlight the strong partnership between our schools and families.

On Tuesday, February 11, Belmont will host its annual Sweetheart Dance from 5:30–7 PM. This special event invites parents, grandparents, uncles, and aunts to escort their Belmont Bee sweetheart for an evening of fun and memories. Tickets are $15 per couple, with an additional $5 charge for each extra student. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Belmont front office through February 7. We hope to see you there!

In addition, Belmont Elementary will host a Night of the Arts on Thursday, January 30, from 5:30–7 PM. This event will showcase the incredible talents and creativity of our students through art, music, and other performances. It is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our students’ hard work and connect as a community.

Together We Succeed by Looking Ahead

As we move forward into the rest of the school year, we continue to live out the principles of Together We Succeed. Whether we are supporting one another through difficult times, celebrating achievements, or working together to overcome challenges, our collective strength and dedication make us who we are as a district. Thank you for reading “The Yellow Jacket Report” and being a part of our RRGSD family. Together, we will continue to achieve great things.