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
Friday, May 1 is a regular school day for all students.
This calendar change was made earlier this year due to the special election held on April 21.
We appreciate you helping us spread the word and keep everyone on schedule! 📚
🎧 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
Families should plan for possible delays, dress students warmly, and use caution around icy areas during drop-off/pick-up.
RCPS drivers will run routes as safely as possible and may travel more slowly due to residual snow and ice. Route changes will be communicated as soon as they are confirmed.
Please continue checking your phone/email and our website for updates.
Twelve-month employees report on time.
Twelve-month employees report on time.
Twelve-month employees do not report to work. Snow removal personnel should report to work on Tuesday at the time directed by their immediate supervisor.
All 12-month employees should report on time.
Snow accumulation varies across the county, and low overnight temperatures are expected to create hazardous travel conditions.
Twelve-month employees should report at 10:00 AM.
We appreciate your understanding as we navigate this winter weather together.
All afternoon and evening activities, including athletics, are canceled today due to weather conditions.
The School Board meeting scheduled for 7:00 PM on Monday, December 8 has been rescheduled for Wednesday, December 10 at 11:30 AM.
Rockingham County Public Schools will be closed on Monday, December 8. Because of the storm’s timing, this was a difficult decision; however, after monitoring the forecast and assessing conditions early this morning, we determined that it is not safe for buses or other vehicles to travel.
Twelve-month employees should report on time.
We will make a decision about any schedule changes as soon as we can and will share updates through our regular communication channels.
RCPS Two-Hour Delay – 12/02/2025
All RCPS schools will operate on a 2-hour delay Tuesday, December 2, 2025.
12-month employees should report at their regular time.
Road conditions vary across the county, so please use caution and allow extra travel time. RCPS will continue to monitor conditions and reevaluate if necessary. Any updates will be shared through official communication channels.
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