The Star News

February is packed full of wonderful events, history, and recognition both inside and outside of the classroom. From Black History Month to Career & Technical Education Month, and spelling bees to science fairs, our students are learning and are engaged with their teachers' innovative lessons. They are also enjoying activities in the community and excelling in their extracurricular activities.

Thank you for your continued support of Roanoke City Public Schools!

RCPS Family,

As you can see from this month's edition of The Star News, our students and staff are continuing to gain momentum from the first semester. We are proud of their achievements and look forward to their continued growth throughout the rest of the school year.

One theme you may notice throughout this issue is community. A strong community is vital to our students' success. We are proud of our principals, teachers, and staff for providing students with a close-knit school community where students feel safe, loved, and supported. We must know our students by name and by need, and ensure all students have what they need to succeed.

Our community throughout the city and region is also vital to our success as a school division. We are stronger by working together, and we are so grateful for the organizations, agencies, and people who support Roanoke City Public Schools. #WeAreOne

As February comes to a close, I also want to thank our School Board for their strong support. February is Virginia School Board Appreciation Month, and we are lucky to have seven School Board members and two student School Board members who are dedicated to public education. We also recently celebrated Virginia School Board Clerk Appreciation Week. Thank you to School Board Clerk Rita Huffman and Deputy Clerk Dawn Winter-Ware for all they do!

Sincerely,
Dr. Verletta B. White
Superintendent

Thursday, March 2 is Read Across America Day! Each year this national celebration gives us a special day to share our love of reading and literacy. Some elementary classes have invited guests to read to students, in addition to other special activities. We encourage families to watch RCPS social media pages or visit our YouTube channel on March 2 for virtual story time with community partners.

Friday, March 24 is a non-student day. Students will not attend school on this day. Staff will participate in a professional development day to enhance their skills for the benefit of our students.

Schools and offices will be closed Monday, April 3 through Monday, April 10 for Spring Break. Students and staff will return on Tuesday, April 11.

College-bound seniors, fill out the FAFSA today!

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is open for seniors who plan to attend college next fall. Families are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as some aid is on a first come, first serve basis. Not sure if you qualify? It is a good idea to apply even if you aren’t sure. You do not have to wait for an acceptance letter to apply for financial aid. Students only have to pay back financial aid if it is in the form of a loan. Click here for more information.

Parenting Workshops

Family Wellness Roanoke, which is a part of the Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare system, has a series of free workshops specifically for parents of students who have special needs. To register or learn more, please click here. If you have any questions, please contact Cynthia Levasseur of Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare at clevasseur@brbh.org or call (540) 982-1427 × 5154.

Have a question about PTA or Family & Community Engagement?

Dr. Anthony Frazier, Director of Family Engagement & Special Programs

P: (540) 853-1359 | E: CommunityEngagement@rcps.info

Twitter: @AnthonyFrazier

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In Roanoke City Public Schools, we promote inclusive, safe, and welcoming learning communities for all. From our classrooms to our leadership meetings, we practice ways to increase our well-being and sense of belonging. This supports strong learning environments. We are excited to share in the Star News ways you can practice these skills at home as a family!

Using these practices helps students and adults grow their social and emotional skills. School connectedness is when students feel cared for, supported, and that they belong. Students who feel connected to their school have a greater sense of well-being, mental wellness, and higher academic achievement.

Through support, families are children’s first teachers. Families are experts in their children’s development, interests, cultures, and strengths. What are ways that your family practices connectedness? How do these practices or activities impact your family?

Click here for a simple way to connect with your child. This is something our teachers use in the classroom, too!

Have a question about Mindfulness?

Laurie Seidel, Coordinator of Mindfulness Education
P: (540) 853-1726 | E: lseidel@rcps.info

Visit our website!

• If you aren’t receiving robocalls, your phone number may be deactivated or incorrect in the RCPS mass notification system. Please contact your child’s school to ensure you continue receiving these important messages. In addition, if you have moved, make sure to provide your new address to the school as well.
  

• Need help resolving an issue that impacts student learning, the school-work environment, or understanding how RCPS works and where to go for assistance? The RCPS Constituent Services Office may be able to help! Click here for more information.

• Are you looking for a job that allows you to be on the same schedule as your child? Apply to become an Instructional Assistant, School Security Officer, Bus Driver, Bus Aide, or Food Service Worker! Other part-time and full-time positions are also available. Visit our website to learn more.

• Your child's school is a great source of information. They always welcome you to contact them directly with questions. Visit rcps.info/schools for school contact information.
• Missed an edition of The Star News? Access previous issues here!

Roanoke City Public Schools serves approximately 14,000 students in grades pre-K through 12. RCPS provides an inclusive and equitable, student-centered culture that empowers lifelong learning. Through meaningful, relevant, and engaging learning opportunities, RCPS will empower all students to dream, excel, and meet their full potential to benefit our city and its citizens.