NEW DISTRICT OFFICE ADMINISTRATORS

Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools recently announced five new administrative assignments during recent board meetings. The Board of Education approved the following recommendations presented by Superintendent Dr. Anthony Jackson, which will take effect July 1.

Robin May was named the new Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction. Michael “Chip” Hodges was named the new Assistant Superintendent for Student Services. Victor Ward was named the new Director of Parental Involvement and At-Risk Services. Ella Batts was named the new Director of Human Resources for Licensed Personnel. Therman Flowers was named the new Executive Director of Secondary Instruction.

These recommendations finalize administrative changes as part of the district’s central office reorganization, and each assignment will begin as part of the new budget cycle, once the hiring freeze has been lifted. Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools reorganized 13 central office positions and shifted the duties to five positions, as part of several strategies to achieve a balanced budget for the 2013-14 school year.

Robin May, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction

Robin May has spent her career in education serving the students of Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools. May taught at Southern Nash Junior High and served as an assistant principal at Nash Central Junior High and Nash Central High for a combined seven years of experience.May also served as principal at M. B. Hubbard Elementary for four years, principal at Red Oak Middle for two years, and most recently, served as the district Executive Director for Secondary Schools since 2011.

Michael Hodges, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services

Michael “Chip” Hodges will serve as the Assistant Superintendent for Student Services. He has been in public education for a total of 18 years. He has served in several roles, starting off as a teacher, later becoming a school counselor, assistant principal and principal. Hodges holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from St. Andrews College, a Master of Arts in Education (School Counseling) from East Carolina University, a Master of School Administration from East Carolina University, and an Educational Specialist Degree from East Carolina University. Hodges said he looks forward to working in the student services division.

“I look forward to serving Nash-Rocky Mount Schools in this new position and to working with our Student Services staff and district leadership team,” said Hodges.  “Through our work in the Student Services Department, we will positively impact teaching and learning by supporting our students, parents, and school personnel.”

Therman Flowers, Executive Director of Secondary Instruction

Therman Flowers was named the Executive Director of Secondary Instruction for Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools. Flowers is currently the principal at Reedy Creek Middle School in Cary. He has been a principal in Durham Public Schools and Wake County Public Schools, as well as an assistant principal in Guilford County Schools. Flowers earned his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from North Carolina A&T State University.

“I am very appreciative to Superintendent Jackson and the Nash Rocky Mount School Board for selecting me as Executive Director for Secondary Education,” said Flowers. “I am extremely excited about this fantastic opportunity and look forward to collaborating and supporting middle and high school principals to ensure that all middle and high school students have access and an opportunity to compete in a global, technological world.” 

Victor Ward, Director of Parent Involvement & At-Risk Services

Victor Ward was named the Director of Parent Involvement & At-Risk Services. Ward has been employed with the Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools district in several capacities, starting first as a social studies teacher, then serving as an assistant principal, and elementary school principal before becoming the Director of Human Resources. Ward has 19 years of experience in public education. He earned his bachelor’s degree, master’s degree in school administration and an advanced degree at East Carolina University.

“I am certainly excited for the opportunity to broaden my horizons in this new assignment,” said Ward. “I look forward to working with the schools, families, community, and various other agencies to prepare students for bright and prosperous futures, as stated in our district’s vision statement.”

Ella Batts, Director of Licensed Personnel, Human Resources

Ella Batts will serve as the Director of Human Resources, Licensed Personnel. Batts has 25 years of experience and has served Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools in numerous capacities starting as a fifth grade teacher as Nashville Elementary School, then moving to become an assistant principal at WL Green, and principal at Cedar Grove Elementary and Nashville Elementary. She also served as Director of Human Resources, and Executive Director of Elementary Education, before returning to schools to serve as principal of Williford Elementary and Winstead Avenue Elementary.

Batts holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in Administration and Supervision from East Carolina University, and is excited to assist the school district in recruiting and retaining 21^st Century professionals. "I look forward to developing avenues of attracting high-quality employees who believe that all children deserve the best education that we can possibly give them and who are committed to working diligently to ensure that our students are readily prepared for the world that awaits them no matter the path they choose," said Batts.

Read More

GOVERNOR'S SCHOOL STUDENTS SELECTED

Seven students will represent Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools as they embark on a unique summer exploration of various subjects during the 2013 Governor's School Session. Andrew Beal, Ashtyn Coates, Haley Coppedge, Jeffrey Currin, Amanda Davis, Alaya Reynolds, and Morgan Winstead were recently recognized by the Nash-Rocky Mount Board of Education for The Governor's School of North Carolina is a five-week summer residential program for intellectually gifted high school students; integrating academic disciplines, the arts, and unique courses. 

The curriculum focuses on the exploration of the most recent ideas and concepts in each discipline, and does not involve credits, tests, or grades. Laura Parrott, AIG Coordinator, said the Governor’s School program has a rich tradition of providing students with the opportunity to learn from experts in an interactive environment. “Faculty and staff are drawn from bright, dedicated teachers and professionals across the country, from public and private schools, colleges and universities, and independent artists and scholars,” said Parrott. “To attend is a high honor and one that we acknowledge with pride.”

The Governor’s School program, which is open predominately to rising seniors, but also rising juniors in some areas, is located on two campuses: Governor's School West at Salem College in Winston-Salem and Governor's School East at Meredith College in Raleigh.

Members of the Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools Class of 2013 will attend in the following: Andrew Beal, Nash Central High School, Theater

Ashtyn Coates, Rocky Mount High School, French

Haley Coppedge, Rocky Mount High School, Math

Jeffrey Currin, Nash Central High School, Instrumental Music/Saxophone

Amanda Davis, Northern Nash High School, English

Alaya Reynolds, Nash Central High School, Math

Morgan Winstead, Southern Nash High School, Spanish

Winstead, a rising senior at Southern Nash High School, said she’s excited about attending Governor’s School and exploring her passion for Spanish. “I’m looking forward to learning more about Spanish culture,” Winstead said, “I want to be a trauma doctor, so learning Spanish would help me to be able to talk to patients from different backgrounds. I've heard a lot about Governor’s school, and I’m excited to experience it.”

Students representing Rocky Mount High School for Governor's School are Ashtyn Coates, attending for French, and Haley Coppedge, attending for math.

The student representing Northern Nash High School for Governor's School is Amanda Davis, attending for English.

Students representing Nash Central High School for Governor's School are Andrew Beal, attending for theater; Alaya Reynolds, attending for math; and Jeffrey Currin, attending for instrumental music.

The student representing Southern Nash High School for Governor's School is Morgan Winstead, attending for Spanish.

Read More

STRIKING UP THE BAND - RMHS DIRECTOR RECEIVES AWARD

For Rocky Mount High School Band Director Tremayne Smith, working with students is more than just a career, it’s his passion. Smith references the motto of the RMHS band program as “Setting the TONE of Excellence,” and his recent recognition as one of the top band directors in North Carolina, is only one of the many evidences that the Rocky Mount High School band program is on the rise.

Smith was recently announced as the recipient of the ENCORE Award, which is given by the American School Band Director’s Association, to a select group of band directors with fewer than seven full years of experience in the profession. According to the organization’s website, those selected for the award have demonstrated “great future potential as music educators and a desire to serve their district and state organizations.”

The North Carolina Chapter of the ASBDA nominated Smith for the award, and he will receive the recognition at the NCBA November business meeting at the 2013 NCMEA Conference "It’s been a remarkable year for the RMHS Band Program. This band program at one point was the best band program in the United States, winning multiple consecutive "Bands Of America" Championships in the 1980's,” said Smith. “With the new direction that this program is heading in, there is no doubt in my mind that we can't get back to that.”

Smith’s students respond positively to his leadership, which senior Branden Sumner said has not only shaped his passion for music, but his approach to other aspects of life. “Mr. Smith has influenced me to always follow my goals no matter where they might lead Smith joined the staff at Rocky Mount High School at the beginning of this year, and has led the school’s band students to a number of competitions, honors, and performances.

Competitions that the band has participated in this year, and received accolades for include the Jewel of Millennium Competition in which the band netted Superior and Excellent ratings; the Eastern District Music Performance Adjustication, in which the band scored a superior rating; and the annual North Carolina Showstyle Band Directors Association Festival, among others. Local appearances for the band include performances at the Down East Classic, Rocky Mount, Sharpsburg and Statonsburg holiday parades, as well as the Rocky Mount Senior Citizen games, and the USA South Conference spring tournament opening ceremony.

Smith said the success achieved by the band program over the course of school year has been. “I attribute this year’s success to my music mentor Erik Harris at Northern Nash High School, my friends and colleagues at Nash Central High School and Southern Nash High School, my supportive administration here at Rocky Mount High School, my fellow teachers, the dedicated parents but most importantly, to the talented young professional musicians that are my students.”

Read More

ALUMNUS RETURNS TO SPEAK AT SNMS

Josh Sessoms

Josh Sessoms, an upcoming sophomore and member of the North Carolina State University football team,  returned to his middle school alma mater, Southern Nash Middle School.  Josh discussed the importance of making good decisions on and off the field and making good grades throughout high school. He told the athletes, "Get your name out there, listen and follow your coaches, and set your mind to do it." 

Josh also shared academic and athletic experiences from high school and his first year in college. The stories gave the athletes a glimpse into the high expectations Josh strives to meet and exceed in the classroom and on the field. Mr. Sessoms said he wants to be able to look back on his life and know what he did was done the right way.

Read More