🎙️ 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
RCPS will operate on a two-hour delay, Monday, February 2. 12-month employees, report on time. As we return, we’re also asking everyone in our community to stay focused on the road. Snow, ice, and visibility concerns mean we all need to take extra care during school commute times.
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.
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.
Rockingham County Public Schools will be closed Friday, January 30.
Twelve-month employees report on time.
Twelve-month employees report on time.
Rockingham County Public Schools will be closed Thursday, January 29.
Twelve-month employees report on time.
Twelve-month employees report on time.
Rockingham County Public Schools will be closed Wednesday, January 28. Twelve-month employees do not report to work. Snow removal personnel should report as directed by their immediate supervisor.
Rockingham County Public Schools will be closed Monday, January 26 and Tuesday, January 27.
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.
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.
Due to extremely cold temperatures, Rockingham County Public Schools will have a two-hour delay on Monday, December 15.
All 12-month employees should report on time.
All 12-month employees should report on time.
Rockingham County Public Schools will be closed on Tuesday, December 9.
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.
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.
School Closure for Monday, December 8
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.
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 are aware of the winter weather in the forecast for the morning of Monday, December 8, and are closely monitoring conditions. No decisions have been made at this time. Updates will be posted here, and any official schedule changes will be shared through our district’s official notification system.
Families of students participating in any activities scheduled for the afternoon or evening of December, 5, 2025 will receive updates directly through ParentSquare, Rooms or email. We encourage everyone to check their notifications and stay informed as conditions may change. Please use caution and be safe.
Rockingham County Public Schools will be closed today, Friday, December 5, due to unsafe road conditions. After assessing conditions early this morning, we determined that travel is not safe for buses or other vehicles. Twelve-month employees report at 10:00 AM.
Rockingham County Public Schools is closely monitoring the weather forecast for the morning of Friday, December 5. Our team will assess road conditions and overall safety early in the day.
We will make a decision about any schedule changes as soon as we can and will share updates through our regular communication channels.
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.
🎙️ 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
🎓 Big news! The 2026-27 FAFSA® form is now live!
Apply now at FAFSA.gov to access grants, loans, and work-study that can help you pay for college or career training. The earlier you apply, the more opportunities you may unlock.
Apply now at FAFSA.gov to access grants, loans, and work-study that can help you pay for college or career training. The earlier you apply, the more opportunities you may unlock.
Is your child meeting developmental milestones?
Rockingham County Public Schools is hosting Child Find Information Sessions for families with concerns about their child’s development (ages 2+).
🧩 Meet with a special education teacher
💬 Get personalized guidance on next steps
🗓 Multiple sessions offered throughout the year
🌐 Interpreters available by phone
✅ Open to all Rockingham County residents!
📍 Check the flyer for dates and locations
🔗 bit.ly/rcpschildfindinfo
Rockingham County Public Schools is hosting Child Find Information Sessions for families with concerns about their child’s development (ages 2+).
🧩 Meet with a special education teacher
💬 Get personalized guidance on next steps
🗓 Multiple sessions offered throughout the year
🌐 Interpreters available by phone
✅ Open to all Rockingham County residents!
📍 Check the flyer for dates and locations
🔗 bit.ly/rcpschildfindinfo
