This past week Roanoke Rapids Graded School District has been filled with excitement, recognition, and hands-on learning experiences for our students and staff. 

From welcoming a special guest to celebrating student achievements, we have so much to be proud of!

A Special Visit from Representative Rodney Pierce

We were honored to welcome North Carolina House of Representatives member Rodney Pierce to our district. 

Representative Pierce met with me and toured our schools, gaining a firsthand look at the incredible work happening in our classrooms. He was extremely complimentary of our school facilities, our dedicated educators, and — most importantly — our amazing students! 

His support and commitment to education are invaluable, and we are grateful for his visit. Thank you, Representative Pierce, for taking the time to see the impact of education in action in Roanoke Rapids!

Living History Comes to Life at Manning Elementary

At Tuesday’s Board Meeting, we had the privilege of recognizing the Manning Elementary School fifth-grade students and teachers who brought history to life through their Living History Museum. 

Over the course of two weeks, students conducted in-depth research on historical figures, prepared speeches and poster presentations, and delivered their findings from the perspective of these individuals. 

They shared their presentations with kindergarten through fourth-grade students on February 28 and later presented to families and visitors during Manning’s Open House. 

We were fortunate to have Summer Taylor, Carly Vick, and Brody Mayle, along with their teachers Lauren Medlin and Morgan Acree, showcase their hard work for the Board. 

This project helped students develop research, writing, and public speaking skills in an engaging and creative way!

Clara Hearne Pre-K Highlighted by EdNC

Many of you are familiar with EdNC, a leading source of news, data, and analysis on education in North Carolina. 

Recently, EdNC reporter Katie Dukes visited Clara Hearne Pre-Kindergarten Center to interview Director Shelley Williams and me about our approach to early childhood education. 

The article highlights our commitment to Conscious Discipline, a behavioral approach that focuses on emotional regulation and positive reinforcement rather than punishment. 

It also emphasizes our dedication to building strong relationships with parents and ensuring a nurturing learning environment for all students. 

While Clara Hearne continues to thrive, the article also notes the challenges we face, including limited space and the need for additional funding for a new center. 

We encourage everyone to read this insightful article, available on EdNC’s website, and join us in celebrating the fantastic work happening at Clara Hearne!

Welding Students at Roanoke Rapids High School Put Their Skills to the Test

Under the guidance of instructor Brody Griffies, our Roanoke Rapids High School welding students recently took on an exciting project — building Rocket Stoves using 4x4 angle iron. This hands-on experience allowed students to cut, fit, and weld their materials into working stoves, applying real-world skills they will use in the workforce. 

As a special treat, students tested their stoves by cooking breakfast, making for a memorable and rewarding experience. Great job to our future welders!

Roanoke Rapids Early College PTO Basketball Game & Essay Contest Winners

The 2nd Annual RREC PTO Parent vs. Student Basketball Game was a slam dunk! 

With a packed gym full of enthusiastic supporters, the energy was high, and the competition was fierce. 

But once again, the students claimed victory, retaining their championship title! A huge shoutout to our referees, Carter Lynch and Charles Harris, for keeping the game fun and fair.

In addition, we want to congratulate seniors Kaneisha Fleming and Khamauri Wood for their outstanding achievements in the Optimist International Club Essay Contest. 

Their exceptional writing skills earned them top honors and a $250 prize each! A special congratulations to Khamauri Wood, who is advancing to the district level with his essay. 

We are so proud of both students and wish Khamauri the best as he continues in the competition!

Manning Students Learn Spanish from High School Mentors

Manning Elementary School students are expanding their language skills thanks to Spanish teacher Mrs. Ana Cuevas. 

This week, students had a special opportunity to learn from high school students in Ms. Jessica Matte’s Spanish classes at Roanoke Rapids High School. 

The collaboration between older and younger students made for an enriching learning experience and helped foster excitement for bilingual education in our district!

Belmont Elementary’s Math Open House & Playground Ribbon Cutting

Belmont Elementary School recently hosted a Math Open House Night, where students and their families engaged in math activities, explored the spring book fair, and participated in an estimation challenge. This interactive event made learning fun and encouraged families to engage with their children’s education.

Additionally, Belmont celebrated a major milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new ADA-accessible playground. This new play space ensures that all students have the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities in an inclusive environment. We are thrilled to see Belmont Elementary prioritizing accessibility and inclusion for all!

A Week to Remember

This week has been a shining example of the dedication, creativity, and passion that define our Roanoke Rapids Graded School District. From our youngest learners to our high school students, our district continues to grow, inspire, and achieve.

Thank you to our teachers, staff, families, and community members for your continued support.

Together, we are making a difference in the lives of our students and preparing them for bright futures ahead!