January 2024
RCPS Division Newsletter
![January 2024 RCPS Division Newsletter](https://cdn.smore.com/u/thumbs/8fcf/thumb-a46faa9d2ffb2c38777af9181ada12d8.png)
A Look Back at the Month in Pictures
Last month, students were given the opportunity to vote for their favorite new menu item to be featured on the January menu. The winning dish at RCES was scratch-made pizza. Students feasted on the tasty student-choice lunch on January 23rd. The following day, RCHS students enjoyed their student-selected menu item, steak and cheese subs with lots of fixings.
Photo by Holly Jenkins
RCHS seniors participated in mock interviews earlier this month. In this exercise, volunteers from the community acted as interviewers and provided valuable feedback to the students at the conclusion of the interview. Thank you to everyone that volunteered their time to assist with this activity.
Photo by Jenny Kapsa
Kindness matters! Recently, students enjoyed a kindness lesson and craft during a MyFuture workshop.
Photo by Jenny Kapsa
After wrapping up a unit to prepare students for Anglo-Saxon literature, Ms. Goff’s DE English 12 class presented on different events from the period. Two students, Isaac and Caleb, went above and beyond and surprised the class by arriving in regal attire for their presentation on Charlemagne.
Photo by Ms. Jenny Goff
On Monday, January 22nd, Ms. Bostic held a hands-on activity in the STEAM lab to teach students about various adaptations that help arctic animals survive in their freezing cold environments. The students conducted an experiment to better understand how blubber keeps animals like whales and seals warm in the arctic. The students placed both of their hands in ice water. One hand was left bare and the other was inside of a bag of vegetable shortening. Like blubber, the vegetable shortening served as insulation keeping the students' hands warm. The lesson concluded with an online game that reviewed arctic animal structural and behavioral adaptations like blubber, huddling, thick fur, and water repelling oil.
Photos by Bethany Bostic
Students completed work in the C2BF Neuronasium, an alternative seating classroom. This room is available for all high school classes to use and promotes enhanced focus and concentration through purposeful movement and balance. The seating includes wobble chairs, pedal desks, glider desks, balance desks, and more.
Photo by Holly Jenkins
Ms. Deal's first grade class enjoyed a fun sight word review activity on Thursday, January 25th.
Photo by Holly Jenkins
Student and Staff Recognitions
RCHS 2024 Teacher of the Year
Let's make some noise for the RCHS 2024 Teacher of the Year, Mr. Scott Stephens. During a school-wide assembly, students heard remarks from Principal Carlos Seward about the importance of regular school attendance and the benefits of hard work and perseverance. In a surprise twist, he said, "Speaking of hard work and dedication, I am thrilled to shift our focus to someone who embodies these values wholeheartedly." Mr. Seward continued, "In his role as a dedicated educator, coach, and club sponsor, this person consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence, fostering a positive and inclusive environment for students of all backgrounds and abilities."
Students and staff looked curiously around the room as Mr. Seward elaborated. "This person is more than a teacher. They are a mentor, role model, and catalyst for positive change. This person fosters an environment of curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking in their classroom. The love of learning that he instills in his students goes beyond mathematical formulas; it extends to life skills and a genuine enthusiasm for facing challenges head-on."
Students and fellow staff members loudly applauded and cheered as Mr. Stephens was named and recognized as the 2024 Rappahannock County High School Teacher of the Year.
Photo by Holly Jenkins
Spelling Bee
On Thursday, January 11th, RCES students from grades 3rd- 7th competed in the annual Scripps Spelling Bee. One by one, each participant took center stage and carefully spelled their word aloud in front of the panel of judges and an audience of encouraging peers and proud parents. While this was their first time on the stage, this was not their first experience competing in a spelling bee. In December, classroom spelling bees took place during reading classes. Those who placed in the top two were invited to participate in the big event. If a student opted out, the third-place finisher was given the opportunity to compete in the final round. Ultimately, twenty-one students participated in Thursday's event. Following multiple rounds, three finalists remained. In the end, Colin Gries (5th grade) came in first place. Second place went to Liliah Choi (6th grade), and Brayden Compton (7th grade) secured the third place spot. While winners received a certificate of achievement for placing in the top three, every student received a certificate for participating and representing their grade level. Students included Liliah Choi, Malcolm Christian, Brayden Compton, Aubree Cubbage, Kyle Deal, Myles Doyle, Kyly Gingles, Xander Golder, Colin Gries, Brylee Jenkins, Tyson Jenkins, Jack Larock, Wyatt Lowe, Zoee Lowery, Levi Mack, Garrett Moore, Chloe Newlin, Olivia Reid, Annie Robey, Cameron Seward, and Kyle Walker. This year's spelling bee coordinator, Ms. Allison Suchernick, expressed gratitude to everyone who made this a successful event, including teachers who held classroom spelling bees and Ms. Beth Seeley for her assistance. Following the event, it was evident that Ms. Suchernick was proud of each of the students. "It is wonderful to see many of our students step out of their comfort zones, try something challenging, and have some fun too," said Suchernick.
Photo by Holly Jenkins
Jr. Panthers of the Month
Congratulations to our Jr. Panthers of the Month! This month’s students were selected by their teachers for demonstrating good citizenship and leadership amongst their peers. On January 26th, the students were treated to a special recognition luncheon with Ms. Wissinger and Ms. Lowe-Barton.
January Jr. Panthers of the Month
PreK- Bram Wood and Elias Piper
K- Isabella Rinehart, Charlee Cubbage, Lexy Magee, Gardner Jenkins
1st- Elijah Phillips, Isabel Choi, Braden Sherry
2nd- Lyla Paroff, Luke Mitchell, Liam Compton
3rd- Katie Dietzen, Owen Moon, Adallen Cooper, Jackson Buxton
4th- Kolbe Frelk, Chayton Thiel, Tyson Jenkins
5th- Allison Truitt, Kayce Lucas, Ian Chapman
6th- Leilani Miller, Benjamin King, Addison Jenkins
7th- Bentley Brown, Tyler Jenkins, Kacey Wimer
Photo by Holly Jenkins
Scholastic Bowl Heads to States
Earlier this month, the scholastic bowl team secured the title of Region 1B Runners-up in the district competition, which earned them a spot in super regionals. Ruth Cossette was recognized as 1st Team All District and Najet Rayan was named 2nd Team All District. At the super region tournament, held at Galileo Magnet High School on January 27th, the Panthers earned the runner-up title and will advance to the state championship on February 24th. Congratulations to the scholastic bowl team and coaches!
Contributed photo by Dave Naser
Announcements & Reminders
Behind the Wheel
We are scheduling Behind the Wheel session for RCPS students and non-students. Please click the following link to learn more and to sign-up your student. https://forms.gle/J9WhhcbdTZhbPKer9
Pictured: Our Behind the Wheel Instructors, Ms. Sell and Ms. Fox
Calling All RCHS Alumni
We are starting a new section in our newsletter featuring our graduates. Starting in the February newsletter, we will spotlight alumni happenings. Have a new job, promotion, retirement, or achievement? Want to tell us what you have been up to since graduation? If so, please CLICK HERE to submit a short bio. Additionally, this link can be found on our website at www.rappahannockschools.us/happenings.
Complete this short survey by Friday, February 16th, to be included in the February edition. Later submissions will be included in upcoming newsletters.
Important Upcoming Dates
To view the PDF version of our community events, CLICK HERE. Additionally, this calendar can be found on our district website homepage.
Helpful Information
Mental Health & Wellness Resources
To view the list of helpful mental health and wellness resources for students and families, CLICK HERE.
Connect With Us
Website: www.rappahannockschools.us
Facebook: www.facebook.com/rappahannockcountypublicschools
Instagram: www.instagram.com/_rcps_