Winter weather made its mark in Roanoke Rapids this past week, and we are grateful that we were able to keep students and staff safe while maintaining instructional time. 

On Monday and Tuesday, we operated on a normal schedule. 

By midweek, the forecast indicated a significant snowfall, so we made the decision to release students and staff early on Wednesday, ensuring that everyone could get home before the heavy snow began that afternoon. 

Because we completed a portion of the school day, Wednesday counted as an instructional day, which allowed us to use Thursday and Friday as true "snow days" — a special treat for students and staff alike, thanks to the two built-in days in our school calendar.

Looking ahead, if we experience additional snow or severe weather, we will transition to remote instruction days. 

In North Carolina, public schools are allowed to use up to five remote instruction days per year due to inclement weather or other emergencies. Families can find detailed information about our remote learning plans on our district website at https://www.rrgsd.org/page/remote-learning-plans

In the meantime, we enjoyed seeing the photos of students, families, and staff making the most of the snow, and we encourage everyone to check out those joyful moments on our district’s Facebook page.

Celebrating Our Students’ Musical Talent

Congratulations to Roanoke Rapids High School students Branyia Rainey, Reese Clary, Lydia Carroll, Camryn King, Courtney King, and Balezka Carbajal for their outstanding participation in the North Carolina Eastern All-District Choir Festival this past weekend in New Bern. 

Under the expert direction of Denise Hackenburg, these students showcased their talent and represented our school district with pride. 

Their beautiful performance was a testament to their dedication and hard work, and we are incredibly proud of them!

• Click to open image! Click to open image!
• Click to open image! Click to open image!
• Click to open image! Click to open image!
•  

MTSS Success Highlighted in National Report

We are thrilled to share that Roanoke Rapids Graded School District was recognized as a success story in the implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, particularly for our literacy improvement efforts. 

The Branching Minds Impact Report 2024 featured our district’s achievements, which were also highlighted in a WCIA Channel 3 news story.

Our success in MTSS implementation is evident in several key areas, including:

100 percent creation and monitoring of individual reading plans for the Read to Achieve program.

Early intervention within the first ten days of school based on existing student data.

A structured, objective system for identifying and supporting students needing interventions.

Strengthened core classroom instruction, reducing the number of students requiring intensive support.

K-3 literacy growth exceeding state averages, as measured by DIBELS-8 data.

This recognition reflects the tireless efforts of our MTSS leadership team, instructional services team, elementary school administrators, teachers, and teacher assistants. 

Their dedication is making a profound difference in the lives of our students, and we are honored to have our work recognized on such a broad platform.

Belmont Elementary Read-a-Thon Kicks Off Soon!

It is time for one of Belmont Elementary School’s most anticipated events of the year — the

Read-a-Thon! 

Beginning Saturday, March 1, this exciting initiative encourages young readers to develop a love of books while tracking their progress. Parents can support their children by activating their Read-a-Thon accounts as soon as possible. 

The process is quick and easy, taking less than five minutes, and it allows families to monitor their child’s reading progress while sharing their enthusiasm with friends and relatives.

We encourage our families to check out the Belmont Elementary Facebook page for updates and details.

This Read-a-Thon promises to be an engaging and rewarding experience, and we look forward to seeing our students embrace the joy of reading!

Honoring School Board Members’ Commitment to Growth

At our February Board Meeting last Tuesday, we recognized three dedicated board members for their achievements in professional development through the North Carolina School Boards Association training program. 

The NCSBA provides valuable training opportunities that allow school board members to stay informed and continuously improve their leadership skills.

This year, the following board members were honored for their dedication:

Board Chair Dr. Michael Williams – Diploma of Honor (501-600 training hours)

Cathy Keeter – Award of Distinction (401-500 training hours)

Michael Salanik – Scholars Circle Level (901+ training hours)

These achievements highlight the commitment of our school board members to furthering their knowledge and making well-informed decisions for the betterment of our district. We appreciate their ongoing efforts to support our schools, students, and staff.

Looking Ahead

As we continue through the winter season, we remain focused on providing high-quality instruction, celebrating student achievements, and keeping our families informed about important events. 

We appreciate the support of our community and encourage everyone to stay engaged with the great things happening in our Roanoke Rapids Graded School District.

Stay warm, stay safe, and as always, Go Jackets! Together We Succeed!