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.

Read More

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

Read More

BOARD MEMBERS EARN HONORS AT NCSBA CONFERENCE

Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools received numerous honors during the North Carolina School Board Associations annual conference held at the Joseph S. Koury Convention Center in Greensboro November 18-20.

The Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools Honors Band & Dance Ensemble performed during one of the conference’s general sessions. Students from Nash Central High, Northern Nash High, Rocky Mount High and Southern Nash High participated in the performance. The students performed three works in a medley of music from Africa, Ireland, and Latin America.
Members of the Nash-Rocky Mount Board of Education were recognized November 19 during the conference’s annual awards ceremony.

Evelyn Bulluck, Board Chair was named to the All-State School Board. Those recognized received nomination from their school board as a candidate for the Raleigh Dingman or School Board Member Leadership Award. Bulluck will serve on the association’s Board Development committee.
Other Board members receiving recognition included: Ann Edge and William Sharpe, for Certificates of Merit; Jon Hardy and Reginald Silver, each for Certificates of Achievement; Robert Jenkins for a Certificate of Advanced Achievement, and Evelyn Bulluck and Robert Bynum each for Diplomas of Honor. These individual level recognitions are given to Board members based on the number of hours of training completed during the 2012-13 academy year.
As a group, the Nash-Rocky Mount Board of Education was recognized for achieving Level II Master Board Training.
The NCSBA Master Board program emphasizes team building, conflict resolution, goal setting, communication, change management, ethics, problem-solving, decision-making and evaluation. The program, which represents a joint project of the NCSBA and the School of Government at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, responds to the desire of the school district’s leadership team to train as a unit and address the board issues that pertain to the individual school system.
School board members Evelyn Bulluck, Brenda Brown, Robert Bynum, Doneva Chavis-Battle, Anne Edge, William Sharpe, Franklin Lamm, Reginald Silver, and Jon Hardy, were on hand to accept the award, along with Dr. Anthony Jackson, Superintendent.
Dr. Jackson was also honored as one of eight finalists for the State Superintendent of the Year Title during the awards ceremony. Administrators from Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools also gave two presentations at the conference, “Putting the Public Back in School Public Relations,” and “iConnect: Preparing Students to be Globally Competitive through 21st Century Tools.”

Read More

THREE RMHS ATHLETES SIGN LETTERS OF INTENT WITH NC UNIVERSITIES

Chowan University in Murfreesboro and Queens University in Charlotte will be upping their games in 2014 when three Rocky Mount High School (RMHS) athletes arrive on their respective campuses.

Cody Smith and Will Edwards have both received scholarships to play baseball at Chowan. When asked why they chose Chowan, Smith replied, "Chowan just seemed like the best fit for me. I feel like I will get a better education there," and Edwards responded, "Their classes are smaller and seem more personal."

Carmen Richardson will be on scholarship shooting hoops for Queens.  "It felt like a home away from home. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to play college basketball."
All three players are excited about their decisions and plan to make the most of their college time.

Read More

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."

Read More

SCHOOL DISTRICT RECEIVES AWARD FOR FINANCIAL REPORTING

The Nash-Rocky Mount Board of Education recently received the Association of School Business Officials International’s (ASBO) Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting award for having met or exceeded the program’s high standards for financial reporting and accountability.
Dr. Anthony Jackson, Superintendent of Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools, said he appreciates the work of district staff to ensure that reporting is clear and accurate.
“We made a commitment to be transparent and efficient stewards of the funds provided to us.” Jackson said. “Our staff has worked diligently to improve our financial reporting and should be commended for this accomplishment.”
The district was recognized for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year ending 2012. Board members were presented with a plaque for the honor during the school board meeting held October 7.
This is the first time Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools has participated in the Financial Reporting Award recognition. Sponsored by VALIC, the Certificate of Excellence (COE) award confirms the school business office’s commitment to financial accountability and transparency. Recognition through the COE program can help strengthen a district’s presentation for bond issuance statements and promotes a high level of financial reporting.
For more information on the COE award, visit ASBO’s Website: www.asbointl.org/COE.

Read More

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.

Read More

MANY ATTEND CTE SHOWCASE AND STATE OF OUR SCHOOLS ADDRESS

October 22 was a big night for students, staff and parents, as Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools held its annual Career and Technical Education Showcase event at the Nash Community College Brown Auditorium, in conjunction with the ‘State of Our Schools’ Address, given by Dr. Anthony Jackson, Superintendent. 
Students in grades 6-12 and their families had the opportunity to see all of the Career and Technical Education opportunities offered in the school district, and how those opportunities translate into programs offered by Nash Community College. In addition, families heard Dr. Jackson speak about the accomplishments, challenges and goals of the school system, and saw exemplars from each of district’s six strategic priorities as presented by Central Office staff. 
“This event was designed to share important information about our schools with the community,” said Jackson. “We wanted to give our families and community supporters an opportunity to hear and discuss our successes, our challenges, and our goals to improve.”
Dr. Jackson’s full ‘State of Our Schools’ presentation and a video of the event is posted on the school district’s website for those who were unable to attend. 
Following the presentation, school administrators, educators, students, parents, staff, community members, elected officials and business leaders were among those who participated in the annual CTE Showcase event, which draws roughly 1000 participants each year.
Nearly 100 tables and demonstrations representing Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools’ classes, Nash Community College programs of study gave attendees a preview of what they can expect in CTE class and program offerings. Representatives from several local businesses and industries were also on hand to share information with students and parents about their organizations and reinforce the importance of a skilled and educated workforce.
Pam Lewis, Director of Career and Technical Education, (CTE) said she was pleased with the number of parents and students who attended the event.
“We were very pleased with level of participation and the energy of parents and students,” said Lewis. “Parents were very interested and many asked questions regarding how our programs can meet student's needs.”
Culinary students and staff from Nash Central High School provided refreshments for special guests attending the event. Donna Cady, CTE Coordinator for Nash Central High School, said teachers go the extra mile to make the event successful.
“The CTE Showcase was a collaborative effort between staff from NRMPS and NCC.” Cady said. “The teachers went above and beyond to ‘showcase’ all that CTE has to offer our students. It was a night full of fun and excitement for everyone that participated.”

The CTE program touches nearly 10,000 students in a total of eight program areas. NRMPS offers eight CTE Academies, in addition to a host of other CTE course offerings. The newest two academies, Industrial and Advanced Manufacturing and the Fire Training Academy started at the beginning of this school year. The Industrial and Advanced Manufacturing Academy represents a unique partnership between Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools, Nash Community College and the Cummins Rocky Mount Engine Plant, via the Career and College Promise Initiative. Students take courses through Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools and Nash Community College, and then have the opportunity to continue their education at East Carolina University. Scholarships and potential job prospects are additional benefits of the IAM Academy.
For more information about Career and Technical Education, students can contact the CTE Coordinator assigned to their school or Pam Lewis, CTE Director, 252-462-2536.

Read More

NCHS HOLDS CLERGYMAN BRUNCH FOR LOCAL PASTORS

On October 21, 2013, Nash Central High School held a “Clergymen Brunch” for local pastors and preachers throughout the school district. Eighteen clergymen and women attended and shared their ideas about what the community can do to educate the “whole child.” These stakeholders are truly excited to help NRMPS and make sure our students are successful in life. Many of them talked about tutoring sessions that their churches offer, and others discussed ways they would like to integrate their mentoring programs into the schools. Through the round table discussion, it was apparent that the spiritual leaders understand some of the challenges that students, staff and other stakeholders are facing in the public schools today. Nash Central High School officials said they were pleased to hear that they are committed and very supportive of meeting once a month to come up with a strategic plan for helping NCHS students become globally competitive.

Submitted by Claude Archer

Read More

NRMPS NAMES FOUR NEW ADMINSTRATORS

Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools recently announced three new administrative assignments during the NRMPS Board of Education meeting held November 4. Sheila Wallace was named the new Director of Federal Programs. Andrea Smith was named the new Director of Testing. Michael Jones was named the new 6-12 Math Educational Specialist.

Sheila Wallace began her career in education as a second and third grade teacher for six years. She then served as an assistant principal for two years at DS Johnson Elementary. She was principal at OR Pope Elementary for four years and is currently serving in her fourth year as principal at MB Hubbard Elementary. Wallace will now serve the school district as the Director of Federal Programs and Title I.
“My hope is to first be a positive informant to the district about the Title I trends and guidelines ensuring that the federal funding is used wisely to maximize academic achievement,” said Wallace. “As an instructional leader, I hope to build trusting relationships with the Title I Principals and assist them in bridging the achievement gaps within our district. My goal is to pursue resourceful means to meet the diverse needs of this community by developing lasting partnerships.”
Wallace graduated from Shaw University with a BS in Elementary Education. She also holds a MA in School Administration from Cambridge College and is currently pursuing her doctorate in Educational Leadership at Walden University.

Andrea Smith has 24 years of experience in public education. She spent 15 years as a classroom teacher, and nine years as an administrator. Smith is a Nash County native and former graduate of Southern Nash High School. She will now serve NRMPS as the Director of Testing.
“I look forward to assisting and working with educators from all of the schools in Nash-Rocky Mount Schools as we collaboratively strive to prepare our students for post-secondary education and careers in the 21st Century,” said Smith. Smith received her undergraduate degree from North Carolina Wesleyan College and her Master's Degree in School Administration and Curriculum from East Carolina University.

Michael Jones has 20 years of experience in public education. He spent 12.5 years as a classroom teacher at the high school level in Edgecombe County Schools and Pitt County Schools. Jones taught every math subject from Pre-Algebra to AP Calculus. He spent more than five years as an Instructional Math Coach in Edgecombe County, before joining NRMPS last year as the 6-12 Instructional Math Coach. He will now serve NRMPS as the 6-12 Math Educational Specialist. Jones received his bachelor’s degree in Math and Math Education from NC State University. 

“During my career as a successful classroom teacher and instructional coach I have been engaged in helping students and teachers in Eastern North Carolina,” said Jones. “I have worked with teachers on enacting numerous curriculum changes, integrating technology into effective classroom instruction and implementing research-based best instructional practices. I look forward to continuing this work as the 6-12 Math Educational Specialist for NRMPS.”

Read More

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.

Read More

RMHS JROTC COLOR GUARD AT DOWN EAST VIKING FOOTBALL CLASSIC

The Rocky Mount High School Air Force JROTC Color Guard Team participated in the Down East Viking Football Classic on Saturday, September 28th.  Cadets Barrett, Harrison, Bateman, Richardson, and McDonald presented the American, North Carolina State, and Air Force flags in formation on the field.  Cadets Sheridan, Battle, Silver, Coburn and Condery raised the stadium flag simultaneously during the national anthem.  Under the command of Cadet Colonel Tiaysha Thomas, Detachment 933's Corp Commander, these cadets, representing all four grade levels, ensured that honor was properly provided to the symbol of America's freedom. 

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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

Read More

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

Read More