We know families have questions about RCPS’ updated grading practices, so we brought a parent into the conversation to ask some of those questions directly.
In the latest episode of the RCPS Community Partner Café, RCPS parent Charlie Parrish sits down with Mountain View Elementary instructional coach Michele Hillbert and principal Drew Miller to talk about what grading looks like in elementary school and what families can expect.
They discuss:
• How different types of assignments contribute to a student’s grade
• What families should look for in PowerSchool
• What the new grading language in kindergarten through second grade means
• When a grade may signal that it’s time to check in with your child’s teacher
• Why a single grade doesn’t always tell the whole story of a student’s learning
Our goal is to give families a clearer picture of "what students know, what they’re still learning, and where they may need additional support."
🎧 We encourage families to listen to the conversation, explore the resources available from RCPS, and, most importantly, reach out to your child’s teacher or school when you have questions about your student’s progress.
Listen to the episode here: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-44fgm-1b67f2e
In the latest episode of the RCPS Community Partner Café, RCPS parent Charlie Parrish sits down with Mountain View Elementary instructional coach Michele Hillbert and principal Drew Miller to talk about what grading looks like in elementary school and what families can expect.
They discuss:
• How different types of assignments contribute to a student’s grade
• What families should look for in PowerSchool
• What the new grading language in kindergarten through second grade means
• When a grade may signal that it’s time to check in with your child’s teacher
• Why a single grade doesn’t always tell the whole story of a student’s learning
Our goal is to give families a clearer picture of "what students know, what they’re still learning, and where they may need additional support."
🎧 We encourage families to listen to the conversation, explore the resources available from RCPS, and, most importantly, reach out to your child’s teacher or school when you have questions about your student’s progress.
Listen to the episode here: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-44fgm-1b67f2e
Looking for ways to keep your child reading this summer? ☀️📚
In the latest episode of our podcast, host Katie LaPira is joined by RCPS librarians Margaret Alger, Mary Sonifrank, and Tim Mumbauer to share practical tips for encouraging summer reading at every grade level.
From audiobooks and graphic novels to manga, books in verse, and student choice, they discuss how families can help children stay connected to reading in ways that are fun, engaging, and manageable throughout the summer.
You'll also learn about resources available to RCPS students and simple strategies for building a lifelong love of reading.
🎧 Listen now and discover how a little reading can go a long way this summer!
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-xdhnm-1ae63d7
In the latest episode of our podcast, host Katie LaPira is joined by RCPS librarians Margaret Alger, Mary Sonifrank, and Tim Mumbauer to share practical tips for encouraging summer reading at every grade level.
From audiobooks and graphic novels to manga, books in verse, and student choice, they discuss how families can help children stay connected to reading in ways that are fun, engaging, and manageable throughout the summer.
You'll also learn about resources available to RCPS students and simple strategies for building a lifelong love of reading.
🎧 Listen now and discover how a little reading can go a long way this summer!
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-xdhnm-1ae63d7
What does it really mean to build a culture of service in our schools?
In the latest episode of the RCPS Community Partner Cafe, Katie LaPira sits down with Kim Davidson and Misty Newman from James Madison University’s Community Engagement and Volunteer Center to discuss how service can become more than just a one-time activity, and instead become part of a student’s mindset and purpose.
The conversation explores:
🎓 How service learning shapes academic and career interests
🤝 Why students should be viewed as collaborators and contributors
🏫 Ways schools can embed meaningful engagement into everyday learning
🌎 How small, intentional experiences can create lasting impact
Whether you’re a parent, educator, or community partner, this episode offers thoughtful ideas for helping students connect with their communities and see themselves as part of something bigger.
🎧 Listen now: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-28hkr-1ab0593
In the latest episode of the RCPS Community Partner Cafe, Katie LaPira sits down with Kim Davidson and Misty Newman from James Madison University’s Community Engagement and Volunteer Center to discuss how service can become more than just a one-time activity, and instead become part of a student’s mindset and purpose.
The conversation explores:
🎓 How service learning shapes academic and career interests
🤝 Why students should be viewed as collaborators and contributors
🏫 Ways schools can embed meaningful engagement into everyday learning
🌎 How small, intentional experiences can create lasting impact
Whether you’re a parent, educator, or community partner, this episode offers thoughtful ideas for helping students connect with their communities and see themselves as part of something bigger.
🎧 Listen now: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-28hkr-1ab0593
🎧 New Podcast Episode: Expanding Communication in Our Classrooms
What does it look like when students learn to communicate in more than one way?
In our latest episode, host Katie LaPira sits down with Lacey Spring Elementary principal Tammy May and JMU professor Melissa Nguyen to explore how American Sign Language (ASL) is being introduced in elementary classrooms, and the impact is inspiring.
From building confidence and supporting reading development to fostering inclusion and meaningful connections, ASL is helping students communicate in powerful new ways. Even our youngest learners are discovering how movement, expression, and visual language can open doors.
✨ You’ll also hear:
• How ASL supports students of all abilities
• Simple ways families can practice at home
• What the future of this initiative could look like in our schools
This conversation highlights how communication can bring us closer together across classrooms and across our community.
🔗 Listen here: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-73xa9-1a914b9
🎙️ New Episode: RCPS Community Partner Café
What should families know about RCPS Pre-K? In our latest episode, host Katie LaPira talks with Michele Judd, Director of Federal Programs, and Blair Harper, principal at River Bend Elementary, about who is eligible, how families can apply, and how RCPS Pre-K helps young learners build early literacy, confidence, and friendships.
🎧 Listen to learn how these early school experiences help set the stage for long-term success.
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-p7hjd-1a606c4
What happens when a school division and a university come together to rethink high school? 🎓✨
In the latest episode of the RCPS Community Partner Café, host Katie LaPira sits down with Dr. Donica Hadley, Executive Director of the JMU Lab School, to explore an innovative partnership between Rockingham County Public Schools and James Madison University.
Dr. Hadley shares how the Lab School model centers on interdisciplinary, project-based learning, student voice, and real-world problem solving, all while meeting graduation requirements. The conversation dives into how courses work at each grade level, the role of community partners, and how families can decide if the Lab School is the right fit for their student.
🎧 If you’re curious about what learning beyond the traditional high school model can look like, this episode is a must-listen.
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-w4gcf-1a30e96
📌 Application info:
RCPS students can apply by submitting their name and address.
🗓️ Application window: March 30 – April 30
🎙️ New Episode Alert: RCPS Community Partner Café
What does it really look like to support new teachers in their first year? In this episode, host Katie LaPira sits down with supervisor Stephanie Failes and a panel of RCPS mentor teachers to walk us through the New Teacher Mentor Program, including who it serves, why it matters, and how it helps year zero teachers feel confident and connected from day one.
You’ll hear how teacher mentors offer non-evaluative, just-in-time support: classroom set-up tips, tech tools, lesson planning, co-teaching, and practical guidance for milestones like grades and conferences.
RCPS families and community partners will also hear how this program builds relationships that last through on-campus visits, collaboration with mentor teachers/ ITRTs, and community meet-ups (yes, even ice cream socials!).
If you’re curious about how RCPS invests in great teaching, and why so many educators choose to build their careers here, this conversation shows the care behind the classroom. Learn more at RCPS.net.
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-shvcs-19bf312
What does it really look like to support new teachers in their first year? In this episode, host Katie LaPira sits down with supervisor Stephanie Failes and a panel of RCPS mentor teachers to walk us through the New Teacher Mentor Program, including who it serves, why it matters, and how it helps year zero teachers feel confident and connected from day one.
You’ll hear how teacher mentors offer non-evaluative, just-in-time support: classroom set-up tips, tech tools, lesson planning, co-teaching, and practical guidance for milestones like grades and conferences.
RCPS families and community partners will also hear how this program builds relationships that last through on-campus visits, collaboration with mentor teachers/ ITRTs, and community meet-ups (yes, even ice cream socials!).
If you’re curious about how RCPS invests in great teaching, and why so many educators choose to build their careers here, this conversation shows the care behind the classroom. Learn more at RCPS.net.
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-shvcs-19bf312
October is Bullying Prevention Month, and RCPS is joining schools across the nation to shine a light on this important issue.
In this episode, Katie welcomes Dr. Emily Holloway to share what families and community members need to know about recognizing, reporting, and preventing bullying.
Together, Katie and Emily discuss the difference between bullying and everyday conflict, the warning signs adults should look for, and how bystanders can become upstanders who make a positive impact.
Tune in to hear how our schools, families, and community can work hand in hand to ensure every student feels safe, supported, and valued.
🎧 Listen here: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-dx4km-1982c4a
In this episode, Katie welcomes Dr. Emily Holloway to share what families and community members need to know about recognizing, reporting, and preventing bullying.
Together, Katie and Emily discuss the difference between bullying and everyday conflict, the warning signs adults should look for, and how bystanders can become upstanders who make a positive impact.
Tune in to hear how our schools, families, and community can work hand in hand to ensure every student feels safe, supported, and valued.
🎧 Listen here: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-dx4km-1982c4a
🎙️ New Episode Alert: RCPS Community Partner Café
Do you have a student gearing up for fall sports or considering joining a new team or activity? This episode is for you!
Your host, Katie LaPira, sits down with VHSL Supervisor Eric Baylor to share what families need to know about VHSL Activities right now:
✅ The new ninth grade live-in-zone eligibility rule (effective July 1, 2026)
✅ The updated 14-month physical timeline
✅ Enforcement of limits on out-of-zone 8th graders playing JV
Plus, hear what’s happening this fall across RCPS.
And if your student is still on the fence about participating , encourage them to give it a shot this season. You never know where it might lead!
👉 Listen to the full episode here: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-9c7tm-195d173
Do you have a student gearing up for fall sports or considering joining a new team or activity? This episode is for you!
Your host, Katie LaPira, sits down with VHSL Supervisor Eric Baylor to share what families need to know about VHSL Activities right now:
✅ The new ninth grade live-in-zone eligibility rule (effective July 1, 2026)
✅ The updated 14-month physical timeline
✅ Enforcement of limits on out-of-zone 8th graders playing JV
Plus, hear what’s happening this fall across RCPS.
And if your student is still on the fence about participating , encourage them to give it a shot this season. You never know where it might lead!
👉 Listen to the full episode here: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-9c7tm-195d173
🎧 New episode alert! Ever wondered how public schools are really funded—and where the money actually goes?
On the latest episode of the RCPS Community Partner Café, Katie LaPira sits down with RCPS Chief Financial Officer Justin Moyers to break down the budget: from teacher salaries to fundraising for sports and clubs, and everything in between.
🎙️ Tune in now wherever you get your podcasts! Or click on the link below:
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-38p33-187590c
📢 Motivational Monday: Trustworthiness
"Trust is earned, not given. Being trustworthy means being honest, reliable, and loyal—even when it's hard. This week, let’s focus on keeping our promises and staying true to our word. 🤝✨
💡 Thought for the Day: 'Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.' – C.S. Lewis
🌟 Introducing Motivational Monday: Building Character Together! 🌟
At Rockingham County Public Schools, we believe character matters. That’s why we embrace the Six Pillars of Character—Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship—as the foundation for creating a positive and inclusive school community.
Starting this week, we’re launching Motivational Monday, a weekly campaign to inspire students, staff, and families to live out these core values in their daily lives. Each Monday, we’ll focus on one of the Six Pillars, sharing stories, challenges, and quotes to motivate us all to be our best selves.
Character isn’t just about what we do—it’s about who we are. By committing to these principles, we’re not only shaping our future but also making a lasting difference in our school, community, and beyond.
💡 Join us every Monday for inspiration, encouragement, and the opportunity to reflect on the values that make us stronger together. Let’s show the world what good character looks like!
Rockingham County Public Schools will operate on a 2-hour delay Monday, January 13.
Rockingham County Public Schools will be closed on Friday, January 10. Twelve-month employees report on time.
Rockingham County Public Schools will be closed on Thursday, January 9. Twelve-month employees report on time.
RCPS: Rockingham County Public Schools will be closed on Wednesday, January 8. Twelve-month employees report on time.
Rockingham County Public Schools will be closed on Tuesday, January 7. Twelve-month employees do not report, snow removal personnel should report to work at the time directed by their immediate supervisor.
Rockingham County Public Schools will be closed on Monday, January 6. Twelve-month employees do not report to work.
What does it take to feed over 11,000 students every day?
In this episode, Katie LaPira sits down with Jennifer Williams, Director of Food and Nutrition Services, to discuss the behind-the-scenes work that keeps Rockingham County students well-fed. Jennifer shares how her team of over 100 staff prepares meals across 23 schools, incorporates locally-sourced ingredients, and meets federal nutrition guidelines—all while accommodating dietary needs.
Jennifer also highlights the benefits of connecting students to local farms, explains how the free and reduced lunch program works, and provides tips for how parents and community members can support school nutrition efforts.
Listen in to learn more about the amazing system that keeps 11,600 students fed for breakfast and lunch! This episode is packed with insights into the care and strategy that go into serving nutritious meals every day.
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-8af79-1778c39
🎉 Congratulations to Ella Li and Jackson Graves from Spotswood High School Activities for being recognized as the Brittany Lam—Kelly Coggsdale Character Counts Award winners!
Ella is recognized for her incredible kindness, hard work, and dedication to education! Teachers Jennifer Joyner, Chad Edwards, and Denise Lam recognized her character and leadership. Ella is genuinely making a positive impact in the Spotswood Trailblazer community
Jackson's character, integrity, and positive attitude have earned him the respect of his teachers. He is academically successful, interested in learning, respected, encouraging, and helpful. His positive attitude and hard work have made him a trailblazer leader, guiding others toward success.
#CharacterCounts
