NCHS STUDENTS PAINT MURAL FOR ROCKY MOUNT RAILROAD MUSEUM

 Nash Central High School (NCHS) Art Club students recently created a mural for the Rocky Mount Railroad Museum that will be on display at Golden East Mall in Rocky Mount throughout the holiday season.
The Rocky Mount Railroad Museum originated as an idea in 2009 and materialized into a non-profit reality in December 2010. The museum defines its Mission as a resolution:
• To preserve the historic and economic impact of the railroad industry on the development of Rocky Mount.
• To provide an entertaining and educational experience of railroading through model railroad layouts. 
• To honor and recognize local citizens who worked in the railroad industry.
The Rocky Mount Railroad Museum president, Joyce Edwards Dantzler, said over the past three years, the museum has endeavored to accomplish these ideals with great zeal.
“The museum members realize that creating a museum from dreams and principles is an undertaking that requires a community of idealistic train enthusiasts, hobbyists, railroad industry workers, financiers, local railroad historians, and visionaries,” said Dantzler.
All of the above reasons compelled the museum to approach John Gay, Art Teacher at NCHS, and his Art Club members, Zach Tyner, Hannah Sasser, Grayson Harris, JeTijah Smith, Dillon Parker, Alyssa Sullivan, Cortney Morley, and Kristen Narron, for a special project.
The museum desired to have a mural painted to accompany The Rocky Mount Railroad Museum Christmas Display. The display is located at The Golden East Mall in Rocky Mount during the month of December.
Dantzler first mentioned the idea of the mural to NCHS Principal, Gail Powers.
“Mrs. Powers also thought that the mural was an excellent idea and suggested that we reach out to Mr. Gay and the art students.” said Dantzler. “Fortunately for the museum, Mr. Gay was immediately receptive to the idea, as were his art club members.”
The beautiful mural that The Rocky Mount Railroad Museum will display during the Christmas Holidays and on other occasions will be commemorated to the fine student artists who donated their time and talents, and most importantly to Tony Howe. Howe is the artist whose print was graciously provided to the museum for inspiration. The mural rendering done by the NCHS student artists depicts the beauty of the Atlantic Coast Line Champion E7 1951 Florida Print along with the renovated Rocky Mount Train Station and platform shelter.
Dantzler said she hopes those who visit the shopping mall during the holiday season will take a moment to stop and appreciate the mural.
“Everyone will enjoy gazing at this magnificent creation and will envision themselves riding away on The Champion in a tranquil state of mind to the exotic places of their dreams,” said Dantzler. All Aboard!”
The Golden East Mall will feature the mural and display through December 31.

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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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SUPERINTENDENT'S CHRISTMAS CARD ART WINNER FROM NNHS

For the past five years, the Superintendent of Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools has invited students to participate in the district’s Christmas Card Art Contest. Students create designs that are then judged and selected for the front and back of the Christmas Card. This year we are pleased to congratulate Randy Hooper, 10th grade student at Northern Nash High School, for his artwork, Snowman. His piece was chosen for the cover of the card.

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NRMPS BOASTS THREE MOREHEAD-CAIN SCHOLARSHIP FINALISTS

Isabel Marrero

Sam Lilly

Three students from NRMPS have been selected as finalists for the Morehead-Cain Scholarship.  Samuel Lilley, a senior at Rocky Mount High School and two seniors from Northern Nash High, Isabel Marrero and Faith Jarvis have advanced to the next round and will interview in January.  Congratulations to all!

Faith Jarvis

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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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RMMS TAKES HOME 1ST QUIZ BOWL SEMI-FINAL WIN!

Approximately 100 NRMPS middle school students filled the Booker T Theatre on December 10 to compete in the district's Semi-Final Quiz Bowl competition. After 15 rounds and more than 500 questions, the results were tabulated. Congratulations to Rocky Mount Middle School who finished with 5 wins and 410 points! RMMS is coached by Angel Pope. Following right behind RMMS with 4 wins and a total of 400 points was Nash Central Middle, coached by Stephen Tobie. Three wins and 315 points was earned by third place Red Oak Middle coached by John Pietryk and Crystal Waters. Congratulations to all of the students and their coaches who competed in the event! We look forward to the final competition in March!

Contributed by Laura Parrot

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COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS HOST ALLIED HEALTH MINI-RETREAT

Seventh graders from around our district attended the Communities in School Allied Health Mini-Retreat in early December. The day-long event allowed students to gain hands-on experience and learn about opportunities available in the healthcare field.

Students learned to take a pulse, give CPR and even gained insight on the difficulties senior citizens face. Particularly insightful for some was the use of a black light for revealing germs on hands. The goal of the mini-retreat is to introduce students to some of the choices they will have available in high school and to get them thinking about what they may want to choose, or not choose, as a career.

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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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NCHS MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR CHRISTMAS

The Make A Difference Organization from Nash Central High School collected over a hundred and fifty toys to help those in need across the Nash-Rocky Mount school district. Under the guidance of Mr. Archer, students from the organization solicited gifts from staff, other students, parents and the Oak level Café. Fifty students throughout the district were able to be assisted for Christmas. The students spent hours wrapping gifts and filling orders for those families in need.
Mr. Archer explained, “This was a tremendous assignment given to a group of students and they did an outstanding job of making sure it was successful."
Several students from NRMPS elementary, middle and high schools reaped the rewards from the toy drive.

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