HUBBARD ELEMENTARY PRINICPAL NAMED

Darsheka "Tiffany" Hopkins will be the new principal at Hubbard Elementary School.

WORKING ON THE RAILROAD...MURAL

NCHS Students Paint Mural for Rocky Mount Railroad Museum.

UNITED WAY JOB FOR A DAY

Dr. Jackson and members of senior staff, like Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Mr. Thomas Crabtree, serve in various positions at schools throughout the district as part of United Way Job For A Day.

QUIZZING TO A SEMI-FINAL WIN

Rocky Mount Middle School wins its first Quiz Bowl semi-final.

DISTRICT SEEKS INPUT VIA CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN SURVEY

Survey seeks parent and community views on how NRMPS can maintain safe 21st century learning environments for all students.

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

NRMPS CELEBRATES HIGHEST GRADUATION RATE ON RECORD

Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools celebrates the highest four-year cohort graduation rate on record, of 79.4 percent, which was released August 8, as part of North Carolina’s 2012-13 Cohort Graduation Rate Report.
The NRMPS graduation rate jumped nearly 10 percentage points, from 70.8 percent in 2010 to 79.4 percent in 2013. The increase represents nearly a 3 point jump from 2012, when the rate was 76.7 percent. The cohort of students represented in this year’s data started high school in the 2009-10 school-year and completed high school in four years or less. Dr. Anthony Jackson, Superintendent of Schools, attributes the increased graduation rates to what he called the deliberate actions of educators and administrators at all levels across the district to prepare students for a changing world. “We are proud to share this year’s graduation rate and trend data with everyone in our community.” said Jackson. “As educators, we are committed to preparing the students of Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools for a competitive and global economy. Our graduation trend data demonstrates that students recognize the investment and the rewards of completing their K-12 education, by earning their high school diplomas.” Jackson cited several factors for the increase including innovative school programs such as Nash-Rocky Mount Early College High School and Tar River Academy. He also acknowledged the impact of increased relevance of academic subjects through the Common Core and the Essential Standards curriculum. Jackson also cited the changes in the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program such as the increase the number of high school CTE academies and course offerings. He also accounted for the impact of student support services, increased use of instructional technology, and stronger communication between students, families and educators.
“We are consistently building our capacity to make critical connections with our students in the world they live in,” Jackson said. “Regardless of background or various abilities, our top priority is to empower all students with the opportunity to experience success.” In nearly every subgroup, the graduation rate increased from 2012 to 2013. One of the largest increases among subgroups was for students with disabilities, which jumped from 45.7 percent in 2012, to 61 percent in 2013. The percentage of students classified as economically disadvantaged who graduated on time also increased from 73.1 percent in 2012, to 76.1 in 2013. 
“We are impressed with the gains we see from this year.” Jackson said. “The Class of 2013 had 117 North Carolina Scholars, and earned more than $11.3 million in scholarships funds, the highest amount ever. Our 2013 graduates will travel to more than 13 states to continue their education, jump start careers or join the armed forces. But, we recognize that we still have a long way to go. As we have outlined in our strategic plan, our goal is have 100 percent of our students graduating from our schools by 2018. We believe that our efforts will make this vision a reality for our schools and our community.”
For more detailed cohort graduation data, and the full state report, please visit the NRMPS website, www.nrms.k12.nc.us.

DR. ANTHONY JACKSON NAMED REGIONAL SUPERINTENDENT OF THE YEAR

Members of the Nash-Rocky Mount Board of Education gathered with school administrators and community supporters July 29 at Rocky Mount High School to learn that Dr. Anthony Jackson, Superintendent of Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools, had been named the Central Carolina Regional Education Service Alliance (CCRESA) 2013-14 Superintendent of the Year.
Nash-Rocky Mount Board of Education Chairwoman Evelyn Bulluck said school board members were excited to nominate Dr. Jackson for the Regional Superintendent of the Year honor. "In our letter to the selection committee, we shared the numerous ways Dr. Jackson has been a champion for public education in our school system," said Bulluck. "He always emphasizes the critical importance of rigorous content, relevant experiences and meaningful relationships in preparing the students of Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools. Dr. Jackson is firm in his commitment to excellence, and he believes in the power of public education to uplift our community."
Dr. Neil Pedersen, Executive Director of the CCRESA came to the school to present Dr. Jackson with the award during a special ceremony held as part of the school district’s administrative retreat. “We congratulate Dr. Jackson on receiving this honor,” said Pedersen. “We are fortunate to have him serve as chair of our region’s superintendent council, and we have seen the tremendous impact of his leadership in the Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools system.”
Dr. Jackson’s family, close friends, school administrators, along with community supporters from the Rocky Mount Chamber of Commerce, United Way Tar River Region, and Nash Community College attended the ceremony and reception.
Jackson became Superintendent of Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools in 2011. Prior to joining NRMPS, he was the Superintendent of Henry County Schools in Collinsville, VA. His career in public education spans over 25 years, serving several districts in VA and NC as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, central office administrator, and superintendent. Jackson holds a bachelor’s degree in Education from East Carolina University, a master’s degree in Education from North Carolina Central University, as well as a doctorate in Education from Walden University.
During his time with NRMPS, he has led the way for the implementation of a 1:1 digital learning initiative for students in grades 4-12; as well as assisted the school board with prioritizing school facility needs through the development of a comprehensive 10-year capital improvement facility master plan. He has also implemented several two-way communication strategies, while navigating the educators, administrators, students and families of NRMPS through a new curriculum, new assessments, and a new accountability model.
Jackson said he appreciates the support of the school board and their decision to nominate him for the honor. “I’m truly humbled and honored to have received this award,” said Jackson, “My work as superintendent would not be possible without the support of our school board and without the wonderful students, parents, educators, staff members, and administrators who make up our school system. I am so proud to be the leader of Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools. We have a great team, great schools and a great community.”

NRMPS CUSTODIAL STAFF RECOGNIZED DURING ANNUAL AWARDS CEREMONY AND TRAINING

Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools custodial staff recently spent a day at Rocky Mount High School completing their annual federally mandated training and receiving some well-deserved awards.
The Clean School Awards were presented to NRMPS staff by Daniel Rich, Frontline Manager for Aramark Facility Services. “Custodians are the backbone that keeps things flowing in the school system,” said Rich. “There is nothing a custodian doesn’t do, from unloading a truck to cleaning floors and everything in between. They do it with humility and dedication to our students, staff and district.”
The awards are determined by a point system, with first and second place honors being separated by only one one-hundredth of a point in some cases.
During the awards presentation, Dr. Anthony Jackson, Superintendent of Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools, discussed the important impact that custodians have on student learning. “If our schools aren’t clean, if our classrooms aren’t clean, learning cannot take place,” said Jackson. “You are the grease that keeps this engine running, and your efforts do not go unnoticed. Thank you for all you do, everyday.”
Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools employs 114 full and part-time custodians across the school district. Dr. Eric Cunningham, Associate Superintendent of Facilities and Operations, also saluted the custodians for their diligent efforts. “Our custodians provide a clean environment for the more than 16,000 students that attend our schools daily,” said Cunningham. “Their work is second to none.” The training included seminars on blood-born pathogens, handling asbestos and cleaning for health.

CLEAN SCHOOL AWARDS
Elementary School with fewer than 500 students
1st Place – Baskerville Elementary: Fred Cherry, Michael Smith and

Sylvia Jones

2nd place (tie) – Pope Elementary: Della Perry and Fred Silver
                            Fairview Early Childhood Center: Alesandro Abrahams and Linda Warren

Elementary School with greater than 500 students
1st Place – Bailey Elementary: Carolyn Burgess, Bettie Mercer, Hattie Orozco and Jeremiah Strayhorn


2nd Place (tie) – Spring Hope Elementary: Dorothy Battle, Larry Dew, Leo Jones and Deborah Perry 
                          Williford Elementary: Isaac Campbell, Johnnie Lyons,

Raymond Pittman and Terry Sessoms
3rd Place – Englewood Elementary: Charletta Kelly, Robert Nicholson and Garriet Richardson

Middle School
1st Place – Red Oak Middle School: Vincent Cyrus, Norma Harrison, Jerome Harrison and Donald Howell 


2nd Place – Parker Middle School: Bobby Lucas, William Washington and David Rogers

High School
1st Place – Rocky Mount High: Anthony Baker, Felicia Boddie, Carl Carey, Michael Debreaux, Williams Grimes, Jr., Sonya Jones, Quinton Lee, Bertha Myrick and Stanley Thornton


2nd Place – Northern Nash High: Carolyn Avent, Linda Bryant, Herman Jones, Jr., Ronnie Joyner, Carolyn Pittman and Keith Roberson

Miscellaneous/Alternative Schools
1st Place – Tar River Academy: William Jones and Linwood Warren

Office/Administrative Facilities 

1st Place – W.L. Greene Campus: Helen Richardson and Dorothy Baker

2nd Place – Teacher Resource Center: Angela Arrington
3rd Place – Family Resource Center: Terry Sessoms

MOST IMPROVED AWARDS (The certificates were presented to School Principals)

Elementary School with fewer than 500 students
Red Oak Elementary – Principal Eric Mitchell

Elementary School with greater than 500 students
Nashville Elementary – Principal Sharon Huneycutt

Middle School
Red Oak Middle – Principal Margaret Sharpe

High School
Northern Nash High – Principal Chad Thompson

Miscellaneous/Alternative Facility
Early College High – Principal Christine Catalano

Office/Administrative Facility
Oak Level Annex – Janice Arrington, custodian

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

NEW DISTRICT OFFICE ADMINISTRATORS

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

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

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

Robin May, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction

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

Michael Hodges, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services

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

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

Therman Flowers, Executive Director of Secondary Instruction


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

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

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

Victor Ward was named the Director of Parent Involvement & At-Risk Services. Ward has been employed with the Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools district in several capacities, starting first as a social studies teacher, then serving as an assistant principal, and elementary school principal before becoming the Director of Human Resources. Ward has 19 years of experience in public education. He earned his bachelor’s degree, master’s degree in school administration and an advanced degree at East Carolina University.
“I am certainly excited for the opportunity to broaden my horizons in this new assignment,” said Ward. “I look forward to working with the schools, families, community, and various other agencies to prepare students for bright and prosperous futures, as stated in our district’s vision statement.”

Ella Batts, Director of Licensed Personnel, Human Resources

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

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


Monday, June 3, 2013

GOVERNOR'S SCHOOL STUDENTS SELECTED


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

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

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

Members of the Nash-Rocky Mount Public Schools Class of 2013 will attend in the following: Andrew Beal, Nash Central High School, Theater
Ashtyn Coates, Rocky Mount High School, French
Haley Coppedge, Rocky Mount High School, Math
Jeffrey Currin, Nash Central High School, Instrumental Music/Saxophone
Amanda Davis, Northern Nash High School, English
Alaya Reynolds, Nash Central High School, Math
Morgan Winstead, Southern Nash High School, Spanish

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


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

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

Students representing Nash Central High School for Governor's School are Andrew Beal, attending for theater; Alaya Reynolds, attending for math; and Jeffrey Currin, attending for instrumental music.
The student representing Southern Nash High School for Governor's School is Morgan Winstead, attending for Spanish.


STRIKING UP THE BAND - RMHS DIRECTOR RECEIVES AWARD


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

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

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

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

Competitions that the band has participated in this year, and received accolades for include the Jewel of Millennium Competition in which the band netted Superior and Excellent ratings; the Eastern District Music Performance Adjustication, in which the band scored a superior rating; and the annual North Carolina Showstyle Band Directors Association Festival, among others. Local appearances for the band include performances at the Down East Classic, Rocky Mount, Sharpsburg and Statonsburg holiday parades, as well as the Rocky Mount Senior Citizen games, and the USA South Conference spring tournament opening ceremony.
Smith said the success achieved by the band program over the course of school year has been. “I attribute this year’s success to my music mentor Erik Harris at Northern Nash High School, my friends and colleagues at Nash Central High School and Southern Nash High School, my supportive administration here at Rocky Mount High School, my fellow teachers, the dedicated parents but most importantly, to the talented young professional musicians that are my students.”

ALUMNUS RETURNS TO SPEAK AT SNMS



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

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