TESTING THE HANGOUT

In May, teachers and administrators from four area high schools, Nash Central, Northern Nash, Rocky Mount, and Southern Nash, came together via Google Hangouts to improve grading accuracy and ensure objectivity district-wide of the Measures of Student Learning, MSL, test.  Each subject area, Math, Science, Language Arts, and Social Studies, had a separate hangout, giving the teachers an opportunity to discuss issues directly related to their subject and agree on the point value of answers.  According to Dr. Jennifer Curtis, Education Specialist for Mathematics, the hangouts are an “instructional initiative to promote collaboration across the district and ensure consistency in the grading of the MSL test.”

Unlike on standardized tests, some question on the MSL are "constructed response questions," and are scored on a sliding scale, thereby leaving room for subjective grading; using the hangout allowed teachers to come to a consensus on how many, if any, points an answer should receive. When asked why use the hangout, Dr. Curtis said, “We are in a 21^st Century learning environment and we all need to model it.”

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CELEBRATING HIGH STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT WITH EVENING OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

On May, 29th, our district celebrated high student achievement by bringing together the highest achieving graduates from Nash Central High, NRM Early College High, Northern Nash High, Rocky Mount High, and Southern Nash High for Evening of Academic Excellence. The Rocky Mount High School Orchestra, Rocky Mount High School Vocal Ensemble and Northern Nash High School High School Band provided the entertainment.

After dinner, Mrs. Felicia Mayo, Senior Director of Authenticity and Inclusion Global University Talent Programs for Juniper Networks, delivered the keynote address. Mrs. Mayo encouraged and challenged the graduates, saying, "Your future begins now. Allow yourself room for change along your journey. It is how you fare during your challenges that build your character, rather than your successes."

Each high school principal announced the names of students and their most influential teacher. Students were presented with an award and certificate by Dr. Jackson and Board of Education Chairwoman, Evelyn Bulluck.

Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools also thanked the evening's generous sponsors, including Cummins Rocky Mount Engine Plant, STEP: Strategic Twin Counties Educational Partnership, Dr. Anthony Jackson, Greater Joy Baptist Church, and the Rocky Mount Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta.

Nash Central High School

NRM Early College High School

Northern Nash High School

Rocky Mount High School

Southern Nash High School

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JUNIOR FOREMEN TOUR THEIR SOON-TO-BE SCHOOL

Elementary school students from Benvenue Elementary, D.S. Johnson Elementary and Williford Elementary recently toured the middle school they will attend once the former Rocky Mount High School campus is fully converted into a new middle school. According to Dr. Eric Cunningham, Associate Superintendent for Facilities and Operations and creator of the Junior Foreman program, "Their visit was part of the Junior Foreman program, an initiative designed to help students connect district with core instructional values by focusing on science, technology, engineering and math." The students learned that renovations of the school will cost Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools $1,032,005. 

The Rocky Mount Middle School project is part of the district’s student reassignment plan, which called for the conversion of the old high school into a middle school to ease overcrowding at some of the other middle schools in the district, beginning in fall 2013. 

Site Superintendent Steve Richards explained the importance of math in the construction process to the group of third, fourth and fifth graders. “Math is the

most important subject to our work,” said Richards. “It helps with laying out the ceiling grid, cabinetry, flooring—every aspect of construction is somehow related to math. The demolition notes tell us what needs to be done, and mistakes can happen if the notes aren’t correct.” Fifth grade student Christopher Hunt said he enjoyed learning about how construction staff members are working together to complete the renovations. “There’s one thing that’s really important and that’s communication,” said Hunt. 

Facilities personnel discussed some of the specific renovations, including new ceiling and floor tiles in the hallways, as well as new lights, and a re-designed media center with new paint and new carpeting.  All classrooms will be painted and some rooms will receive additional upgrades such as new carpet, floor tile and science casework for labs. The school’s telephone system will also be upgraded to a Voiceover Internet Protocol (VOIP) network. 

The school district shifted $700,000 from its current expense fund to capital outlay budget to cover part of the expense of the project. The Nash County Board of Commissioners also approved the use of $500,000 in lottery funding to cover expenses of the remodel. Renovation plans took into account specific changes that were necessary to transform the old high school campus into an environment suited for the instructional needs of middle school students.The Rocky Mount Middle School project is expected to be complete by the end of June.

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NEW HUBBARD STEM LAB

Students at M.B. Hubbard Elementary School are discovering new ways to take on science, technology, engineering and math through a new STEM lab housed at the school.  Students and staff recently came together to celebrate the unveiling of the STEM lab during a special exhibition for parents. Experiments conducted in the STEM lab included a weather demonstration and using math to construct a ramp for model race cars.  Shelia Wallace, principal at Hubbard Elementary, said that she was excited about the STEM lab, and the learning opportunities it creates for students of all ages.  “STEM is designed to provide an interdisciplinary learning approach for each child in grades K through 5,” said Wallace. “We want to spark their interest and we know that when they take this knowledge into the real world, there will be no challenge they cannot conquer.”

Teachers shared in her sentiments, stating that they recognize that the importance of shaping the next generation of future leaders, scientists, engineers, and inventors. Amy Berry, 4th grade science teacher said that through the STEM labs, students are gaining the skills they need to be successful, regardless of what they pursue later in life. "We don’t know what the future holds for them. But these types of activities are preparing them for jobs that don't exist yet,” Berry said. “A prime example is that iPad. When I was growing up we didn't have iPads, and we never would have imagined that they would be here.” 


For the students, the STEM lab provides a modern twist on science education. Fourth grader Paige Ward said she really enjoys the hands-on learning experiences.  “We have a lot of fun now trying the different experiments,” said Ward. “Sometimes doing experiences can be really boring, but in our room it's really fun, because we can use a lot of different objects.” Quentin Stample, another 4th grader, said he’s been sharing news about the STEM lab with other students at school. “The experiments are fun to do,” said Stample, “I've told the other kids they need to come to the STEM lab to see what it is all about, and how it will help them learn better.”

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CHILD NUTRITION TAKES CENTER STAGE

The NRMPS Child Nutrition Department and School Nutrition Association celebrated staff during its annual Awards and Recognition Banquet held at the Nash County Agricultural Center in May. Employees and retirees from each of the schools in the district were recognized for their dedication to providing healthy meals for students. Board members and Superintendent Dr. Anthony Jackson thanked the child nutrition employees for their service. 

During the banquet, the NRMPS chapter of the School Nutrition Association installed new officers for the next two years. Shirley Harrison was installed as president. Larene Smith was installed as president-elect. Elaine Thorne was installed as secretary, and Phyllis Carpenter was installed as treasurer. 

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CTE STARS WALK THE RED CARPET

High school students from Nash Central High, Northern Nash High, Rocky Mount High and Southern Nash High walked the red carpet during the annual NRMPS Career and Technical Education Academy Awards ceremony.

Highlights of the evening included the selection and naming of Cummins as the Business Partner of the Year, the announcement of Quadeshia Batts, of Northern Nash High School as the student volunteer of the year, and recognition of retiree Debra Allen, former CTE Academy Coordinator.

Students with the highest GPA in their grade level were also recognized during the ceremony:

Victoria Edwards of Nash Central High was recognized among 9th grade students. TaKeyia Hinton, of Northern Nash High was recognized among 10th grade students. Alaya Reynolds, of Nash Central High was recognized among 11th grade students. Hannah Davis, of Nash Central High was recognized among 12th grade students. 


Alaya Reynolds was also recognized with the Overall GPA Award for maintain the highest overall GPA. Students from each high school were also presented with the Academy Extra Effort Award for each of their schools: Joshua Jones for Nash Central High School, Brandon Hunt for Northern Nash High School, Brandi Cordell for Rocky Mount High School, and Taylor Joyner for Southern Nash High School.

Meredith Glover and Whitley Wilson, both of Southern Nash High School each received scholarships for Nash Community College.

Nash Central High School

Northern Nash High School

Rocky Mount High School

Southern Nash High School

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SCHOOL CONSOLIDATION MEETINGS BEGIN

Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Anthony Jackson recently met with parents from Parker Middle, Red Oak Elementary, Swift Creek Elementary, D.S. Johnson Elementary, and O.R. Pope Elementary for what he called a preliminary conversation on the potential for school consolidation. “We want parents to be aware, informed and engaged as we work through this process. A year ago, we began a full review of our facility conditions,” Jackson said. “We learned that our buildings ranged in age from one year to nearly 80 years of age.”

Red Oak Elementary, Swift Creek Elementary, D.S Johnson Elementary and O.R. Pope Elementary have the highest facility need indexes of any of the elementary schools in the district. Jackson shared that the schools are well past their life span, and that the cost to renovate the buildings would be nearly the same as the cost to consolidate schools, into two brand new facilities. “These schools simply do not meet the needs or the expectations of our community when it comes to providing a safe and orderly environment for our students.” Jackson said.

Jackson showed pictures of the aging infrastructure in the schools, and described how the mechanical systems fall short of the expectations for 21^st Century school buildings. He also emphasized that the consolidation timeline would not come to realization for at least another two or three school years, as the school system must first begin discussions, finalize priorities, and secure funding. Jackson also said the school system would host school tours for parents so that they could be well-informed, advocate for new schools and stay involved throughout the process.

The Consolidation Plan for high priority projects includes:  

Consolidate four elementary school sites into two school sites.

·        Red Oak Elementary School/Swift Creek Elementary School  - one new facility.

·        Pope Elementary School/Johnson Elementary School – one new facility using Fairview Elementary School as the core facility for a new facility to serve 600 students.

·        Consolidate two middle school sites into one.

·        Parker Middle School/Rocky Mount Middle School at current RMMS site.

·        Move and consolidate all district Non-traditional programs to one site.

·       Tar River Academy at the current Parker Middle School site after renovation.

·        Construct a permanent facility for the Nash-Rocky Mount Early College High School.

·   Currently the entire program is operating out of mobile units on the NCC campus.

For more information about school consolidation and the school board’s capital improvement plan, visit the NRMPS website, www.nrms.k12.nc.us, and select Capital Improvement Plan.

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SCHOOL BOARD RE-EXAMINES FACILITY NEEDS

Red Oak Elementary

The Nash-Rocky Mount Board of Education stands united in adopting a multi-faceted approach to handling the school district’s most aging facilities.  
Board members recently completed a series of school tours in which they looked at the conditions of the school buildings, safety and security measures, as well as mechanical systems over a two-day period. During a Capital Improvement Plan meeting held April 29, the Board members considered the recommendation of Superintendent Dr. Anthony Jackson to examine the consolidation of some school facilities, renovations to facilities, and the construction of new school buildings. 

“At the end of the day,” said Jackson, “It’s about ensuring that our students have the best possible learning environments.” Dr. Eric Cunningham, Associate Superintendent of Facilities and Operations, walked the board through challenges faced at each school in the district. Four schools were identified as having the greatest needs and highest cost indexes: Red Oak Elementary, Swift Creek Elementary, O.R. Pope Elementary and D.S. Johnson Elementary. 

In the discussion of these schools, Jackson and Cunningham presented the board with a few options for their consideration: 

For Red Oak Elementary and Swift Creek Elementary, the Board can consider option one of renovating the two schools, and continuing to operate as two separate campuses. This would cost the school district nearly $18.4 million. For option two, the board would construct a new facility, consolidating the two schools into one 600-student capacity school, which was estimated to cost the district around $19.3 million. Building the new facility would save the school district anywhere between $100,000 to $200,000 a year in operating costs. 

For D.S. Johnson Elementary, O.R. Pope Elementary and the Fairview Early Childhood Center, the Board was also presented with two options; the first, to renovate all three sites, and continue to operate as three separate campuses, or to again demolish the buildings and construct a new 750- student capacity school to accommodate the student populations from all three sites. The renovations of the first option would cost the school district approximately $14.2 million, while the construction of a brand new school is estimated to cost around $19.4 million.
 
The board was also presented with an efficiency option to consider the consolidation of Parker Middle School with the new Rocky Mount Middle School that will open in fall of 2013. With option one for the two middles schools, the board could opt to renovate Parker Middle, and continue to run the two schools separately, at an estimated cost of $24.9 million, or consolidate the two schools to the campus of Rocky Mount Middle at an estimated price tag of $20.4 million. 

As the Board members carefully studied the options, many expressed their support in consolidating, and replacing the older buildings with new ones that can better support 21st century learning.  “If we build a new facility, we need to make sure that we plan it so that we don’t ever have mobile units in the back of it,” said Board member Doneva Chavis-Battle.  Other board members agreed and discussed the critical next step of gaining community support for the building of new schools. “I don’t think it will be a hard sell for our communities,” said Ann Edge. “Parents want their children to have better than what they had as they were coming along.” 


Dr. Jackson expressed the importance of engaging with the community, and offering parents and others with the opportunity to look at the conditions of the buildings. “We have to build out the necessary support with parents and give them a voice in this process,” he said.  Board chair Evelyn Bulluck also shared her desire to have a snapshot look at the entire scope of the finances needed to consolidate and make the safety and security upgrades to each of the schools.  “We need to move forward, having the financial package together in a way that we can share as we start the discussion to build support.” Bulluck said. “If we have a chart comparing safety and security issues on one side, and consolidation, renovation on the other, we can easily see and share our total challenges and total opportunities.“ Board members received information on April 29, with the intent to approve a prioritized list at their regularly scheduled board meeting on May 9, 2013. Following the May 9 meeting, the Board will embark on a comprehensive community engagement process.

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CERTIFIED NURSES

Being a school nurse is more than a vocation, it is a calling.  Recently, Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools recognized some very special nurses who chose to go beyond the status quo and earn their National Board Certification.  Professional certification in school nursing provides an ongoing, quality credentialing process for eligible school nurses.  Certification represents a national standard of preparation, knowledge and practice.  Thank you to our nurses who stand ready to assist day after day.

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WRANGLING BUSES AT THE ROADEO

Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools recently celebrated bus drivers from across the school system during the annual NRMPS Bus Roadeo event. In addition to having bus drivers contend with their colleagues for the top spots in a driving competition, the NRMPS Transportation department also recognized deserving bus drivers and transportation staff members with special honors.

Binford Sloan, Director of Transportation, said the event is one that he and members of the transportation department look forward to every year. “To safely transport our students, bus drivers have mastered in-depth training to operate the school bus,” said Sloan. “The Bus Roadeo provides the setting where drivers can compete against each other in an obstacle course highlighting different skills. This spirited competition focuses on a driver's ability with braking, maneuvering, perception, steering, and timing to drive the bus without error.”

The 2013 Roadeo winners were Carlton Williams from Englewood Elementary who came in first place; Lakesha Watson from Hubbard Elementary, who placed second, and Denise Hall from Southern Nash Middle, who placed third. These top winners competed in a regional Bus Roadeo with bus drivers from surrounding school districts held May 3.

In addition to the Roadeo competition, bus drivers enjoyed a special luncheon during which the school system honored employees for their hard work and dedication throughout the school year. As the award recipients were announced, comments from their peers and supervisors who nominated them were also shared with the group.

Keith Tharrington was named the 2013 NRMPS Transportation Employee of the Year.  Tasheka Cooper of Benvenue Elementary was named Elementary School Bus Driver of the Year. Donald Barnes of Edwards Middle was named the Middle School Bus Driver of the Year and Meka Cooper of Nash Central High School was named the High School Bus Driver of the Year. Barnes also received the prestigious honor of being named the Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools 2013 overall Bus Driver of the Year. 

NRMPS Superintendent Dr. Anthony Jackson thanked the bus drivers for their efforts to ensure students arrive to and depart from school safely. “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,” Jackson said. “You all make an intentional, daily commitment to the education of students in this school system, and we cannot thank you enough for what you do every day.”

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