DONORSCHOOSE BENEFITS STUDENTS, TEACHERS IN NRMPS

Three hundred and fifty funded grants, Sixty-seven motivated teachers, and Twenty-two schools. Thousands of students in the Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools district have benefited from materials and opportunities from grants funded through Donorschoose.org.
Donorschoose.org is an on-line charity founded by a public school teacher to support public school students. Public school teachers can write grant proposals and submit them to the website. Once posted, citizens choose which grant(s) that they want to support, and then make donations to fund the grant(s). By combining the efforts of many people through the website, teachers have a better chance of receiving the materials they need for special projects. 
In Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools, twenty-two schools have received funding. Teachers have requested a wide variety of items for all grade levels, subjects and activities; Books, field trip expenses, computers, iPads, art supplies, musical instruments, lab equipment, classroom furniture, athletic equipment, printers, and cameras are examples of materials that teachers have obtained through the Donorschoose grants.
Joan Vick, music teacher at Baskerville Elementary and OR Pope Elementary had her first grant funded this fall.
“Because of the Donorschoose program, three Tubano drums have been purchased for the students at Baskerville and Pope,” said Vick. “Two of them were funded by the grant and one was a gift from a friend that wanted to purchase one after being made aware of the need. There is a new level of enthusiasm in my music classes and the students are really enjoying learning to play the drum. Students are now saying things like "Are we playing the drums today?" when they come to music class. When I answer with "Yes!" they give me a hug. I would encourage teachers to write grants for items they may need in their classrooms.” 
All grants have a structured process of completion, accountability and documentation. Teachers never handle the funding; all materials and services are purchased and delivered directly to the classroom by Donorschoose. Teachers must document how they used the materials with their students by posting pictures to the Donorschoose website. Students and teachers write Thank You notes to the donors in a specified time frame. Donors get feedback in a visual and written format about how their donations contributed to student learning.
Rocky Mount High School has nine teachers who have received over a hundred funded grants and Winstead Avenue Elementary has thirteen teachers actively writing grants, leading the way in Nash County.
Lindsey Murray, teacher at Winstead Elementary School is also supportive of the Donorschoose program. “I love Donorschoose and I think it's amazing, said Murray. She used her grant funds to purchase books for a special reading area in her classroom. Grants have been funded for Bailey Elementary, Hubbard Elementary, Cedar Grove Elementary, Red Oak Elementary, Middlesex Elementary, O R Pope Elementary, Fairview Elementary, Benvenue Elementary, Tar River Academy, Spring Hope Elementary, Williford Elementary, Coopers Elementary, Baskerville Elementary, Nashville Elementary, Parker Middle School, Nash Central Middle School, Edwards Middle School, Southern Nash Middle School, Nash Central High School and Northern Nash High School.
Paisley Cloyd, art teacher at Rocky Mount High said Donorchoose has played a major role in several experiences for her students over the past several years.
“The success opportunities provided by Donorschoose grants have enhanced my classroom possibilities for ten years,” said Cloyd. “My latest grant will take our Art Club to the Museum of Art in Raleigh again this year. My Donorschoose homepage documents that my grants have reached over six thousand students.”
Parents and community members are encouraged to the visit Donorchoose website at www.donorschoose.org to learn more about how they can support classroom projects in NRMPS.

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HOPKINS NAMED NEW PRINCIPAL OF HUBBARD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools recently announced that Darsheka (Tiffany) Hopkins will be the new principal of Hubbard Elementary School. Sheila Wallace, formerly the principal at Hubbard, was named the new Director of Federal Programs for the school district in November.
Tiffany Hopkins has eleven years of experience in public education. She started her career as an elementary school teacher in various grades ranging from kindergarten to fourth grade. She has worked in Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools for the past ten years. In her time with NRMPS, she has served as a teacher at Pope Elementary school, Assistant Principal at Benvenue Elementary and Assistant Principal at Englewood Elementary.
She said she is enthusiastic about the opportunity to work with students, staff and families in the Hubbard Elementary School community.
“I am excited to have the opportunity to serve Hubbard school as it continues to provide a nurturing, rigorous learning environment,” said Hopkins. “I look forward to building relationships with the staff, students, parents, and community while working together to promote high expectations, good character, and academic success for all learners.”
Hopkins holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Winston Salem State University, a Master of Arts degree in Curriculum & Instruction and a Master of Arts degree in Administration & Supervision from the University of Phoenix.

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PRE-K PARENT AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION SEESIONS

Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools is gearing up to host a series of Parent and Community Information Sessions on the school district’s Pre-Kindergarten Application Process for the 2014-15 school year.
The Pre-Kindergarten information sessions are scheduled for January 6 at the Rock Springs Free Will Baptist Church located at the intersection of Old Highway 264 and Camp Charles Rd. in Bailey; and January 7 at the Nash County Agricultural Center, located at 1006 Eastern Ave. in Nashville.
“It is important for parents who are interested in the Pre-K program to attend the information sessions so they may understand all the components required for their child to be considered for placement,” said Bethany Mayo, Early Childhood Educational Specialist.
During the meetings, Pre-Kindergarten staff will discuss important topics including step-by-step instructions on how to apply for Pre-Kindergarten, the eligibility process and Pre-Kindergarten requirements.
Parents and community members will also have the opportunity to ask questions during a Q&A session. Light refreshments will be provided at each of the meetings.
For more information on the NRMPS Pre-Kindergarten program, parents are encouraged to visit the Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools website, www.nrms.k12.nc.us, and click on ‘2014-2015 Pre-K Application Process’ on the announcements area of the district homepage.

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UNITED WAY JOB FOR A DAY

From secretary to music teacher,  receptionist to counselor, Dr. Anthony Jackson and members of the NRMPS senior staff took over various duties in schools as part of United Way Job For A Day. Schools that reached 100% participation during the district's United Way campaign in September were eligible for a drawing.  The United Way campaign coordinator at each selected school had a senior staff member takeover their job duties for a day.

December 4th proved to be a busy day as Superintendent Dr. Anthony Jackson served as secretary at Winstead Avenue Elementary for the day and found himself answering the phones, greeting students and even pulling supplies for teachers. Meanwhile, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources, Mr. Thomas Crabtree got "schooled" by kindergartners at Hubbard Elementary as their teacher's assistant.
Mrs. Robin May, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, and Ms. Jane Finch, Chief Technology Officer, both became receptionists, the former at Swift Creek Elementary and the latter at Pope Elementary.  

Assistant Superintendent for Student Services, Mr. Michael "Chip" Hodges, returned to the classroom, this time at Tar River Academy teaching Social Studies. On December 11th, Dr. Eric Cunningham, Associate Superintendent for Facilities and Operations, Mrs. Susan Blackwell, Chief Financial Officer, and Ms. Ashley Simmons, Chief Public Information Officer, all took their turns out in the schools.  Dr. Cunningham as counselor at Rocky Mount Middle, Mrs. Blackwell as 1st grade teacher at Spring Hope Elementary and Ms. Simmons as music teacher at Middlesex Elementary.  The experience gave some of the participants a greater appreciation for the jobs of others.
Thank you to all who gave to United Way.

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NRMPS SEEKS COMMUNITY FEEDBACK VIA CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN SURVEY

December 11 marked the launch of the latest outreach by Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools to the local community through the district’s Capital Improvement Plan survey. This brief survey seeks parent and community views on how NRMPS can maintain safe 21st century learning environments for all students. 
Administered by technology and communications firm K12 Insight, the Capital Improvement Plan survey is one of many collaborative efforts to assess school facilities. Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools recently completed a long-range facilities needs assessment to outline the major needs of each school facility across the district. In addition to the needs assessment, the school district hosted a preliminary group of parent meetings, toured sites and shared information with county commissioners about improvement opportunities. Engaging the broader community in the Nash-Rocky Mount region will help determine next steps.
“Our needs assessment identified several facility and mechanical needs, which we examined closely as we developed this 10-year Capital Improvement Plan,” said Dr. Anthony Jackson, NRMPS Superintendent. “The CIP lists each potential improvement project, and establishes an order of priorities, based on the level of need. Just as with student reassignment, community input will be essential as our school board seeks to make informed decisions.”
Parents and residents with email addresses on file will receive invitations to participate in the survey. It will also be accessible via the Your Voice Counts link on the district website homepage (http://www.nrms.k12.nc.us). All responses are anonymous and confidential. Paper copies are also available upon request. 
Following the survey closing on December 31, the district will engage the community by sharing results.
“A healthy infrastructure is the foundation for student success,” said Jackson. “By engaging in ongoing, two-way dialogue, we can begin to examine how significant improvements will help prepare NRMPS and all our students for a bright and prosperous future.”
For more information on the NRMPS Capital Improvement Survey, parents and community members are encouraged to visit the Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools Your Voice Counts page at  www.nrms.k12.nc.us/your-voice, and take the survey.

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READ TO ACHIEVE PARENT MEETINGS - THIRD GRADE PARENTS ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND

Following the Thanksgiving holiday, Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools will host a series of four parent meetings for parents of third grade students regarding the potential impact of the Read to Achieve legislation on student promotion and retention.
The meetings are scheduled for December 2 at Nashville Elementary, December 3 at Bailey Elementary, December 10 at Benvenue Elementary and December 12 at OR Pope Elementary. Parents of students in kindergarten, first and second grades are also invited to attend the meetings.
“Read to Achieve is part of the Excellent Public Schools Act, which became law in 2012 and took effect this school year,” said Melissa-Dancy Smith, Executive Director of Elementary Instruction. “We want all parents to be informed of how this impacts promotion and retention for third grade students.”
The goal of the legislation is to ensure that every student reads at or above grade level by the end of third grade. If a student is not performing on grade level, he or she can enroll in a Summer Reading Academy that will be offered by the school district. Parents have the option to decline enrolling the student in the Summer Academy, but students who do not attend will be retained in a third grade classroom next school year.
Each of the parent meetings will be hosted in a town hall format. A moderator will pose questions to a group of panelists including school administrators, instructional coaches, directors and other staff. Parents will also have the opportunity to ask additional questions, as needed.
For more information on Read to Achieve, parents are encouraged to visit the Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools website, www.nrms.k12.nc.us, and click ‘Read to Achieve’ on the district homepage.

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SPRING HOPE ELEMENTARY STUDENTS SEND CHRISTMAS IN SHOE BOXES

Most people have heard the saying, "It is better to give, than to receive," and fifth grade students in the Spring Hope Elementary Spirit Club recently put these words into action.  The students packed four shoe boxes that will be sent to children in other countries as part of Operation Christmas Child, a division of the Billy Graham Evangelism Association.

Students packed the shoe boxes  with everything from crayons, coloring books and small toys to soap, washcloths and toothbrushes. Wrapped in purple, yellow, green and red, the boxes were coded with a tracking number that will allow the students to track their gifts to the countries where they are distributed. Knowing they were helping those less fortunate than they, brought smiles to the faces of the fifth graders at Spring Hope Elementary.

Submitted by Kimberly House

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PARENTS TURN OUT FOR NATIONAL PARENT INVOLVEMENT DAY

Information and appreciation, that is National Parent Involvement Day in NRMPS. From a college and CTE information session with high school parents at Rocky Mount High School to a special lunch with parents and students at Englewood Elementary, parents were the focus in the district November 21, 2013.

"Parents are the primary educators.  It is in the home where children start learning.  We can't do the work we do without parents," said Leondus Farrow, Principal of Rocky Mount High School.  Parents at RMHS were treated to a light buffet reception followed by informative talks from Tim Tucker and Bebe Wall of Nash Community College.
"We know the connection between parent involvement and student achievement.

Having them here for lunch just seemed like a natural fit for us," said Englewood Elementary School Principal, Crystal Whitley. Englewood Elementary tied their annual Thanksgiving lunch in with their parent's day festivities.  Parents had the option of buying lunch in the cafeteria, or bringing in a special lunch from home.  Whitley added, "We wanted to create a culture where they [parents] feel welcome and involved and know that they are a crucial part of their child's education."

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NRMPS GOES ORANGE FOR ANTI-BULLY DAY

"Orange, orange everywhere, and not a bully anywhere."
Bullying prevention took center stage at NRMPS schools in October with a month-long focus on anti-bullying. October 9 was the official Bullying Prevention Unity Day with students and employees from school and offices throughout the district showing their resolve to end bullying by wearing orange. Whether showing their unity via t-shirts, wrist-bands or hair color, NRMPS works to end bullying throughout our district.

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NEW ACCOUNTABILITY STANDARDS - SEVEN SCHOOLS MAKE GROWTH

2012-13 Test scores for Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools and other school districts across the state were approved by the State Board of Education November 7. Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools had 32.5 percent of students make proficiency on the assessments administered last year, tests that were modified in all subject areas to match the higher levels of rigor in the Common Core and NC Essential Standards Curriculum. Seven of the district’s schools met growth and one exceeded expected growth under the new accountability standards.
Bailey Elementary, Baskerville Elementary, Englewood Elementary, Middlesex Elementary, OR Pope Elementary, Red Oak Middle, and Williford Elementary all met expected growth. Williford Elementary exceeded expected growth. 
Superintendent Dr. Anthony Jackson said he was pleased to see the number of schools that made growth, despite the tougher standards.
“We continue to emphasize the importance of our growth data, during this critical transition year for our students and educators,” said Jackson. “Historical data clearly shows that when assessments are changed, proficiency scores dip as students and teachers adjust to the higher levels of rigor. Growth data, however, shows that our schools and students are moving forward. This year’s scores provide baseline data for us to improve upon as we continue to implement the new Common Core and NC Essential Standards in our classrooms. It is clear that we have much work to do. We embrace the new levels rigor and higher accountability expectations. I am confident that with the structures we have already put in place to support our students and teachers that our performance will improve as we continue this journey.”
The school district met several of its Annual Measurable Objective targets, under the state and federal accountability models. For reading in grades 3-8, 77.3 percent of state targets were met; in math for grades 3-8, 63.6 percent of state targets were met. At the high school level, 62.5 percent of the state targets were met in grade 10 for reading, and 87.5 percent of state targets were met in math.
At the federal level, NRMPS met 75 percent of the targets for grades 3-8 reading, and 60.0 percent of the targets in grades 3-8 math. For high schools, NRMPS met 57.1 percent of federal targets in reading, and 85.7 percent of federal targets in math.
NRMPS met 100 percent of the state and federal targets for attendance and cohort graduation rate, which this year was at an all-time high of 79.4 percent.

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BENVENUE ELEMENTARY STAFF ARTIST AND MURAL

Benvenue Elementary School has a new mural to greet visitors as they walk into the building, thanks to a staff member who has shared her artist talent with school through several projects over the years.
Lavina Becilla, a first grade teacher assistant at Benvenue Elementary School, has presented the school with several works of art over her 20 years of service. Her latest piece is a mural that welcomes students, parents and all visitors as they enter the school.
Becilla shared her vision for the mural. “I wanted to do something that was universal and would appeal to everyone, which is why I chose to do a woodland theme”.
Becilla painted the wall mural during the summer of 2009 and added the pond mural during the summer of 2013.
“I decided on a Koi pond because of its attention to detail and color,” she said.
The murals were given the name “Copelands’ Pond,” and dedicated in honor of James Copeland who was a former staff and family member to staff and students attending Bailey Elementary School. A close look at the artwork reveals a little gray mouse hiding on the tree looking over the pond. This mouse is representative of Copeland looking over his Benvenue Elementary School family.

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PROPANE BUS RIDES INTO NRMPS

With fuel prices on the rise and clean energy more than a buzz-word, NRMPS recently received a propane powered school bus as part of a pilot program in the state of North Carolina.

“Being selected as a (pilot) site is evidence that our transportation department is operating effectively and efficiently,” said Dr. Eric Cunningham, Associate Superintendent of Facilities and Operations. “Learning about green energy and the benefits is definitely a plus as we continue to learn better ways to implement cost saving measures and share them with our colleagues in the state.”
Echoing Cunningham’s sentiment, Binford Sloan, Director of Transportation, stated, “To be chosen for this pilot program is tremendous because it puts our school district at the forefront in North Carolina for exploring alternative fuel sources,” said Sloan. “With funding resources declining propane is attractive in the respect the cost per gallon is about half of diesel.”

Not only is the lower fuel cost attractive, but other benefits include noise reduction inside the bus and lower environmental emissions. One visible benefit is the absence of the signature black diesel smoke that is typical from the current buses. 
“With less particulate matter being emitted into the air than conventional diesel engines, students and staff will breathe easier when around the propane bus,” said Sloan.
The purpose of the pilot program is to determine the viability of the propane buses and NRMPS has the honor of participating and helping determine if they provide a more efficient use of resources compared to diesel buses.

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COOPERS ELEMENTARY KICKS OFF PBIS

Positive Behavior, Intervention, and Support (PBIS) was in full swing at Coopers Elementary during October. Students who displayed positive behavior during the first six weeks were treated to 40 minutes of fun in the school’s gym. The school’s PBIS Team provided two inflatables (a bounce house and obstacle course), basketball shooting, and other activities that promoted physical activity.

To be eligible to attend the celebration, students could not have any office/bus referrals with fewer than three PBIS notes home. Students not attending the celebration completed missed/unfinished work or read books in the school’s media center. The next celebration will be in early December when the next grading period ends. Coopers wants all students to attend the next celebration and staff will be encouraging students to do their best to follow the Coopers’ PBIS behavior expectations of be respectful, be responsible, be prepared, and be a learner.

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BAILEY ELEMENTARY FALL FESTIVAL

Bailey Elementary recently hosted their annual fall festival. Excitement filled the air as students, parents, grandparents, and teachers joined the festivities. Activities abounded, from a cake walk to bouncy houses, to a train for students to enjoy.
The Bailey Singers, lead by Penny Gardner, serenaded the crowd. The young and the young at heart enjoyed face painting and a rock climbing tower in between eating the delicious food that was served. 
Students who sold at least ten items for their Candy Man fundraiser were awarded an arm band that allowed them to participate in limitless activities.
School officials said the fall festival is a time for past students to return and see old teachers and friends; as well as to bring future hornets to see what they have to look forward to. They consider it a great opportunity for the community to be involved with the school and show their support for Bailey Elementary.

Submitted by Kristin Register

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BASKERVILLE ELEMENTARY CELEBRATES CONSTITUTION DAY IN GRAND OLE STYLE

You're A Grand Ole Flag, America The Beautiful, This Flag We Fly, songs of freedom and patriotism, rang out recently as Baskerville Elementary celebrated Constitution Day. 
Students from every grade level participated and paid tribute to America through singing, waving of red, white and blue plates, or dancing in a "hoe down" that included cartwheels, front flips and splits.
Parents and community members attended the celebration and at the conclusion, Principal Elizabeth Jenkins challenged every student to take advantage of the rights and responsibilities the Constitution provides them and become the best possible citizen and learner.

Submitted by Kathryn Ulmstead

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A WELCOME BACK FROM OUR SUPERINTENDENT

Click on the video to view a message from Dr. Anthony Jackson, Superintendent of Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools. 

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A NEW SCHOOL YEAR BEGINS

Classrooms all across the Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools district buzzed with excitement, as students returned August 26.
Superintendent Dr. Anthony Jackson visited several schools on the first day, and said he was pleased overall with the first day of school, especially given the many new initiatives that impacted this year’s opening. "I must thank our parents and family members for the role they played in making our opening of school a successful one." Jackson said. "We have a number of new initiatives that we are in the process of implementing: PowerSchool, our new school security access control, and the reassignment of over 2000 students. Our families continue to be patient as we work through these processes and we appreciate their support." 
Jackson also expressed his appreciation for school staff members who went above and beyond to make sure students were able to jump right into learning. “While we experienced the normal 'first day' transitions, our administrators, educators and other staff took deliberate care to ensure that we were ready to start the year off with excellence.” Jackson said. “Our students arrived eager to start a great year, and our staff members welcomed them with enthusiasm and compassion. Our theme for the year is 'No Limits...Possibilities 2.0,' and the learning I saw as I visited classrooms throughout the first day was only a glimpse of great things to come." 
Some students and parents experienced bus delays during morning and afternoon routes, but all students arrived to and from their destinations safely. Over 10,000 students were transported on 153 buses, with a high percentage of the buses providing routes for more than one school.
Transportation director Binford Sloan said bus drivers and other staff at the schools took great care to ensure that all students were on the correct bus, and dropped off at the correct bus stop during the afternoon routes. “We had some bus delays, but the transportation team and school staff worked together to address them.” Sloan said. “It will take a few days for our bus routes to be complete, but they are being constantly monitored and changed as new students are enrolled or existing students are registering for bus service.”
Parents can go to www.nrms.k12.nc.us, where they can access the school system’s online transportation portal.

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THE EXCITEMENT BEGINS...STUDENTS RETURN

After a summer away, the students of NRMPS came back to school on August 26th. Click on the video below to get a quick view of what the first day of school was like for students from elementary to high school. At NRMPS the first day of school is the first day of new learning.

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STUDENT ENJOYS SPECIAL FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL BUS RIDE

When Winstead Avenue Elementary kindergarten student Bria Hines prepared to board bus 144 for the first time Monday, she was excited to see a special guest come off the bus to greet her. “Good Morning!” was the chorus of words she heard, spoken by none other than Dr. Anthony Jackson, Superintendent of Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools. As Jackson talked with her and other students about the new school year, Hines shared that she was excited to go to school. "I’m going to learn to read this year!” she said.  Hines’ mother, Pamela Ward, was equally enthused about the special bus visit from the Superintendent. After helping Bria get on the bus with Dr. Jackson and the other students, she and Bria’s grandmother, Janie, drove to the school to also walk Bria to her classroom.

"Entering kindergarten is a very important and memorable moment in a parent and child's life,” said Ward. “Along with shedding a few tears, I am very excited and happy that Bria will continue to learn and grow at Winstead Avenue Elementary School."

The first day bus ride is a tradition for Dr. Jackson, a perfect way to celebrate the opening of school and the efforts of the NRMPS transportation department to safely transport students to and from school. Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools operates 153 buses every day, serving over 10,000 students each morning and afternoon of the school year.

Tracy Cooper, who drives bus 144, provided Jackson with an overview of her morning and afternoon bus routes, which serve Rocky Mount High School, Winstead Avenue Elementary and Englewood Elementary. Cooper has served as a bus driver for nearly 17 years. “My day starts at 4:30 in the morning,” said Cooper.  Jackson says he appreciates all of the time spent by the transportation staff to prepare safe and efficient routes for students. “I am so proud of our transportation department, all of our bus drivers, technicians and other staff who work tirelessly to ensure that our students arrive safely to school,” said Jackson. “These men and women make an intentional, daily commitment to the education of students in this school system, and we cannot thank them enough for the service they provide.”

NRMPS Transportation Director Binford Sloan says the bus drivers and transportation staff recognize the magnitude of maintaining safe bus routes every day. “For each student that rides a school bus, his or her learning day starts and ends with that ride, every day,” Sloan said. “We view ourselves as a child-centered department, with a major role in the cycle of learning.”

Parents are encouraged to access bus routing information online, by visiting the Nash-Rocky Mount Public schools website: www.nrms.k12.nc.us. The Transportation department can also be reached by phone at 252.462.2481 or 252.462.2482

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NRMPS NAMES 2013-14 TEACHER OF THE YEAR, PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR

Each year, the Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools Teacher of the Year and Principal of the Year celebration is marked by special moments. Tuesday night proved no exception, as nearly 130 individuals gathered at the Rose Hill Conference Center at Nathan Hall to learn the names of the newest honorees. Dana Williamson, of Southern Nash Middle School was the named the 2013-14 NRMPS Teacher of the Year, and Gary Mayor, Principal of Parker Middle School, was named the 2013-14 Principal of the Year. Williamson walked away from the ceremony with a one-year lease on a brand new, fully loaded 2014 Honda CR-V LX vehicle, courtesy of Davenport Honda and NRMPS. The 2014 Honda CR-V LX, came fully-equipped with plenty of high-tech features, such as Bluetooth, Pandora, a back-up camera, a 160 watt sound system, text messaging, and audio streaming. The economical crossover vehicle gets 31 MPG highway.
Highlights from the evening included performances by the jazz band from Nash Central High School, remarks from former Teacher of the Year Kristen Tedford, and remarks from former Principal of the Year Leon Farrow. Community partners Hospira, Wells Fargo Bank, and Davenport Autopark also made presentations during the ceremony.

Williamson has 27 years of teaching experience and received her Bachelor’s degree in middle school education from the Barton College. She’s a member of several organizations including the NC Association for the Gifted and Talented, the NC Middle School Association, and the NC Science Teachers Association. During her career she’s taught a variety of grade levels across the elementary and middle levels. She currently serves as an AIG facilitator at Southern Nash Middle School.
“It’s a true honor to represent educators throughout the district because I know that each one of us goes in every day to help every child reach their full potential and explore all the possibilities,” said Williamson.
2013-14 Principal of the Year Gary Major was equally excited to have received his award.
“I am truly humbled to be named principal of the year for Nash Rocky Public Schools,” said Major. My fellow principals and I are part of an equation that is responsible for the growth and success of our students, and we do so with a tireless commitment to achieve excellence for our schools.”
The other two finalists for 2013-14 Teacher of the Year were Tremayne Smith, the high school Teacher of the Year for NRMPS, and Theresa Whitley, the elementary school Teacher of the Year for NRMPS.
Smith has two teachings years of teaching experience. He received his Bachelor’s degree in music, and in Political Science with a concentration in Pre-Law Studies. He is a member of the North Carolina Bandmasters Association, Eastern District, North Carolina Showstyle Band Directors Association, North Carolina Association of Music Educators, National Association for Music Educators, among others. Smith is the band director at Rocky Mount High School.
Whitley has over 10 years of teaching experience. She received her Bachelor’s degree from North Carolina Central University in psychology and earned her teaching certification from East Carolina University. She just recently completed her Master’s degree in School Administration from Gardner Webb University. Whitley is a member of several organizations including Eastern Star, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Volunteer Frederick Douglass Alumni Association and the Psi Chi National Honor Society. She currently teaches English Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies for students in grades 3-5 at D.S. Johnson Elementary.
Each of the ‘Teacher of the Year’ finalists received the prestigious Ben Craig Award from Tem Meyers, Market President of Wells Fargo Bank. This includes a hand-carved crystal apple and a $1,000 award from Wells Fargo for use in their classrooms. The finalists also received a personal laptop courtesy of Hospira Corporation, presented by Bob Jenkins, IT manager and school board member.
As Principal of the Year, Major received a $500 gift, along with a personal laptop from Hospira. The other two finalists for the Principal of the Year title were Dr. Mark Cockrell, principal of Southern Nash High School, and Carina Bryant, principal of Southern Nash Middle School.
Superintendent Dr. Anthony Jackson thanked the educators for their daily sacrifices for students. “We set the golden standard, as schools who embrace ALL students, regardless of how they come to us, and we seek to lead by example, as we model the skills that they need to be successful as adults,” said Jackson. “I want to thank you for the diligent work you do every day in our schools. Over the course of your career, you have continued to touch the lives of countless students.” Names and photographs of the NRMPS Principal and Teacher of the Year will be added to the NRMPS Teacher of the Year and Principal of the Year plaques located at the school system’s administrative offices. These individuals will also be recognized on a billboard located on Hwy 301, courtesy of Lamar Advertising.
Congratulations to the 2013-14 Teachers of the Year for NRMPS:
Bailey Elementary - Emily Wood
S.C. Baskerville Elementary - Corine McCann-Moody
Benvenue Elementary - Courtney Bissette
Cedar Grove Elementary - Rachel Shell
Coopers Elementary - Chanda Underwood
Englewood Elementary - Amy Quigley
Fairview Elementary - Robin Silver
M. B. Hubbard Elementary - Hernan Daza
D. S. Johnson Elementary- Theresa Whitley
Middlesex Elementary - Meri Jolin
Nashville Elementary - Tressa Bissette
O.R. Pope Elementary - Letha Pearce
Red Oak Elementary - Connie Mitchell
Spring Hope Elementary - Wende Woodard
Swift Creek Elementary - Russell Howald
Williford Elementary - Dollie Borum
Winstead Avenue Elementary - Teresa Pilgreen
Edwards Middle - Percell Kelley
Nash Central Middle - Edwin Suitter II
Parker Middle - Charlene Outland
Red Oak Middle - Bettie Lewis
Southern Nash Middle - Dana Williamson
Nash Central High - Catherine Melle
NRM Early College High - Edward Lyons
Northern Nash High - Thomas Barkalow
Rocky Mount High - Tremayne Smith
Southern Nash High - Ann-Marie Brown
Tar River Academy - Ernest Postell

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