November 2023
RCPS Division Newsletter
A Look Back at the Month in Pictures
On November 10th, elementary students honored our veterans with a special Veterans Day Parade throughout the RCES hallways. Participating students carried photos of family members or close family friends who served in the military as a tribute for their service. Additionally, several veterans joined the celebration and were accompanied by their proud students. The event concluded in the cafeteria with a cookie reception for the special guests and their families.
Photo by Holly Jenkins
During the Veterans Day Celebration, RCHS students were treated to remarks from Mr. Darren Stevens, current Emergency Services Coordinator for Rappahannock County. Mr. Stevens has served in public service roles over his 30 plus years in public safety, including his time as a Military Policeman in the United States Army. When speaking to the student body, Mr. Stevens emphasized the importance of service to one's country and community.
Photo by Tim Stockdale
On Saturday, Nov. 4th, the RCHS Panther Band wrapped up the season with an impressive performance at the Powhatan High School 32nd Annual Fall Classic, a competition of Virginia high school marching bands from across the state. The Panthers placed 1st in EVERY category: percussion, guard, general effect, visual, music, and 1st place overall in Class 1A. Way to go, Panther Band!
Contributed photo
RCPS has been celebrating Native American Heritage Month throughout November. Earlier this month, the elementary school students enjoyed polenta, our featured Native American Heritage Month recipe, during lunchtime. Chicken noodle soup, peas, and fruit completed the tasty meal.
Photo by Kayla Midkiff
Kindergarten students had their MyFuture Financial Literacy lessons during their STEAM class on Nov. 8th. They learned about needs and wants and how saving money can help with both. Additionally, they played a fun game of finding a need or a want with flyswatters and then drew their own to share with the class.
Photo by Erin Sherry
Our cross country boys varsity team, along with Emma Brown, who qualified as an individual for the girls' race received a fantastic states send-off. The runners were cheered on by students and staff at both schools, prior to leaving for the state championship race.
Photo by Holly Jenkins
Ms. Waters' EMS and Health Care Professionals class completed the Basic Life Support CPR course on Nov. 9th. Congratulations, students!
Photo by Kathryn Waters
RCPS was recognized for Excellence in Risk Management by VAcorp at the annual convention of the Virginia School Boards Association in Williamsburg! VAcorp provides coverage and risk management services to school divisions across the Commonwealth of Virginia. RCPS was recognized for excelling in risk management with an emphasis on school safety, injury prevention, and overall risk management.
Contributed photo
The 6th grade Theater Arts class learned about the role of the Choreographer in the theater. The students were tasked with creating a group dance, set to a nursery song.
Photo by Beth Seeley
Earlier in the month, the RCHS cafe staff prepared a NEW scratch-based menu item: Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry served over rice! The tasty main dish was made with local honey from Windsong Apiaries in Castleton. Fruit, potato wedges, and cabbage, the Harvest of the Month, completed the meal.
Photo by Holly Jenkins
On Thursday, Nov. 16th, Commit to Be Fit held its highly anticipated Staff Farmers Market. Held twice a year, local farmers set up tents and tables full of local produce, protein, apples, jams, breads, and more! The day began with turkeys being delivered to all employees and ended with them visiting the farmers market to shop for goodies to complement their Thanksgiving meal. Everyone was given a market bag with tickets to shop among the seven participating vendors. This was made possible by the generosity of the PATH Foundation and the granters of a separate staff wellness grant.
Photo by Kayla Midkiff
Earlier in the month, four RCPS students attended the 2023 Girl Power Camp, an all-day field trip to explore careers in the power industry, hosted by Virginia's electric cooperatives and several industry partners. They learned to climb a power line pole, operate a boom truck, fly a professional drone, replace a massive fuse that is 35 feet in the air, and install a securing cable on insulators. Also, they had a lesson on personal finance and were introduced to many other job opportunities in the power industry.
Photo by Kristina Carroll-Farnham
On Nov. 20th, members of the Profile of a Graduate (POG) team worked with the sixth and seventh grade students to discuss the 17 career clusters. Students took career assessments and explored careers that were most interesting to them, reviewing the average salaries and the educational requirements. This classroom activity was the first step in planning and preparing for their Career Fair, which will be held in the spring.
Photo by Jenny Kapsa
RCHS students in the National Honor Society (NHS) volunteered at the Rappahannock Food Pantry by assisting with the Thanksgiving food pickup on Nov. 21st. The students and community volunteers helped distribute turkeys, fresh produce, desserts, and more to provide bountiful meals to local families.
Photo by Laina Moore, NHS Historian
Hours before the buses departed for the holiday break, the RCPS transportation department feasted on a fantastic Thanksgiving dinner in the bus shop. This annual gathering, organized by Al Payne and Chris King, is held to show gratitude for the team. Everyone enjoyed a delicious deep-fried turkey with all the tasty fixings. Yum!
Photo by Holly Jenkins
Check out that big smile in the Action Based Learning Lab! The young students say that the turtle shell station is one of their favorites.
Photo by Holly Jenkins
RCHS students were treated to a performance by the RCHS theater team on Nov. 21st. The theater students performed a one-act play titled "An Experiment" under the direction of Ms. Beth Seeley.
Photo by Tim Stockdale
Announcements & Reminders
Fit Kids Clinic
The Fit Kids Clinic is open for students and staff. If your child gets sick at school, it's not always easy to leave work. Telehealth makes it easier. With your consent, our Tele-Health Presenter will use video telehealth technology to connect your child with a provider at Valley Health. In most cases, your child can be diagnosed without leaving school or you having to leave work. Conditions treated include: asthma, allergies, cough, colds, flu, ear aches, sore throats, fever, headaches, head lice, pink eye, and skin irritations. This clinic saves valuable time (for students and parents) and reduces absenteeism. The clinic is available for all students in grades PreK-12 with parental consent. Parents and Guardians- you can find the necessary paperwork HERE.
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
RCPS Communications Committee
Join the RCPS Communications Committee! This committee will collaborate to identify strengths and areas of improvement to better share our story and relay communications with our families and stakeholders. Our first meeting will be held in January. For more information, please contact Holly Jenkins at hjenkins@rappahannockschools.us.
RCHS Alumni Spotlight
Calling all RCHS Alumni! We would love to hear all about YOU. Each month, we will share recognize different graduating classes. Stay tuned for more information in our January newsletter!
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_