Hammonds uses the gift of teaching to change lives
“I am motivated to get out of bed each day because I know I was given the gift of teaching and I get to use that gift to change lives.”
Those are the words of Tanglewood Elementary Media Coordinator Cynthia Hammonds.
SMT Center recognizes Locklear, Miller-Hendrix for leadership in STEM education
The Public Schools of Robeson County’s Indian Education director and Science supervisor were both recognized over the weekend for their leadership during the North Carolina Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education Center (SMT Center) Celebration of Science, Mathematics and Technology Education in Cary.
Dr. Connie Locklear, Director of Indian Education at PSRC, and Mrs. Susan Miller-Hendrix, PSRC Science Supervisor, received accolades during the celebration.
“Each year, the SMT Center offers awards that recognize individuals and organizations whose extraordinary contributions to science, mathematics, and technology (SMT) education in North Carolina are helping to advance the mission of the SMT Center. Nominations are accepted each fall. Recipients of the awards are honored in the spring at the Celebration of Science, Mathematics, and Technology,” according to the SMT website.
Jamie Lowry to step into EC Department director role in July
The Public Schools of Robeson County will welcome a new director for its Exceptional Children’s Department on July 1.
Jamie Lowry will step into the role left vacant by the retirement of former EC Director Latonya Burney. Lowry has served in various capacities within PSRC during her 29-year career with the school district.
Lowry has served most recently as a speech/language pathologist at Pembroke Middle School. During her time with the school district she has also served in the roles of Exceptional Children’s Program Specialist, Exceptional Children’s Assistant Program Director, and Assistant Principal of the Shining Stars Preschool.
PSRC shares Last Day of School Release Schedule
Greetings, PSRC Family,
Please see below the Last Day of School Release Schedule:
Elementary Schools
11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Middle Schools
12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.
High Schools
12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Parents, please be advised that your child's school will communicate the specific time of the school's dismissal to you.
PSRC releases Final Exam Early Release Schedule for High Schools
Greetings, PSRC Family,
Please see below the Final Exam Early Release Schedule for high schools.
PSRC Early College High School
May 10 - 16, 2024 - 1:30 p.m.
All Remaining High Schools
June 3 - 6, 2024 - 1:30 p.m.
June 7, 2024 - 1:00 p.m.
Several PSRC students recognized as Classworks® All-Star Winners
LUMBERTON — Several PSRC students were recognized as Classworks® All-Star Winners recently.
Classworks is used by the school district to assist students in achieving academic success.
“Classworks award-winning MTSS and Special Education platform pinpoints learning gaps, delivers math, reading, and language arts instruction at the right level and delivers real-time insight into student progress,” according to the Classworks website.
Students who were in the top 500 students demonstrating 80%+ mastery were given prizes as Classworks All-Star Winners. The time period when students were monitored for the competition was from December 4, 2023 until March 31, 2024, according to Classworks.
Multiple PSRC students place in top spots at SkillsUSA state competition, 2 students advance to SkillsUSA National Competition
GREENSBORO — Multiple Robeson County Career Center students placed during the SkillsUSA competitions with two students advancing to the championships at the SkillsUSA National Conference this summer.
PSRC May Mental Health Minute: Parental Involvement
Mental Health Minute
May 2024
Mental Health and Wellness
Parental Involvement
Why should parents be involved in their student’s education and what does that look like?
Research has indicated that active participation in your child's education can result in enhanced behavior, social aptitude, academic performance, attendance, and overall mental well-being. The concept of involvement may vary among families, as each has its own unique dynamics. To provide you with some suggestions on how you can engage in your child's education, here are a few ideas to consider:
Read to, and with, your child. According to Child’s Mind Institute, reading can lead to so much more than just learning to read. It gives the child the valuable opportunity to connect with others. Through reading, your child can develop empathy, learn how to handle difficult situations and challenging topics.
Talk with your child about their day at school, encourage them to share what they have learned. By doing so, you convey your genuine interest in their education and create an open line of communication. This proactive approach not only strengthens your bond with your child but also enables you to identify any potential issues before they escalate into significant problems, allowing for timely resolution.
Assisting your child with their school assignments not only aids in their academic success but also fosters a nurturing environment at home. By offering help with homework, you are showing your child that you value their education and are willing to invest time and effort into their learning journey.
Make sure to attend school-sponsored events, such as Open House and sporting events, where your child is involved. By attending Open House, you will have the chance to personally meet your child's teacher, the school's administration, the student support team, and other parents. This will give you valuable insights into the school's expectations for your child and the support they can offer. Additionally, showing up to your child's sporting events will not only make them feel supported and cared for, but it will also contribute to the development of their self-confidence, ultimately leading to better mental health.
Volunteer in your child’s school. This is a great way for you to get to know the school staff (especially your child’s teacher), your child’s friends, as well as other parents. Volunteering is also good for YOUR mental health because it allows you a sense of purpose, could help alleviate stress, and increase your positive thinking.
Maintain communication with your child's teacher through attending Open Houses and utilizing open communication channels such as telephone, texts, and email. Both you and the teacher have the shared objective of ensuring the best possible education for your child. Collaborating together allows the teacher to gain a better understanding of how to effectively help your child learn. Your input regarding your child's personal life can offer valuable insights that may not be apparent in a school setting, enabling the teacher to better support your child. By working in partnership with the teacher, you can develop strategies to assist your child both at home and in the school environment.
Finally, being involved in your child’s education, (as seen above) can help your child have fewer mental health issues. Studies have shown that 4th graders who have parents who are involved in their education have lower risks of suicidal ideation and of being victims of bullying.
Collaborating with your child's educators and school staff is crucial in ensuring your child's overall well-being and academic success. Let us join forces to provide comprehensive support to our students, both in their studies and emotional development.
Happy Mental Health,
Kim McDonald (RSHS Counselor)
Tierney Russell (RSHS Counselor)
Annette Locklear (RSHS Counselor)
Resources:
Annie E Casey Foundation. (2022, December 14). Parental involvement in your child’s education. www.aecf.org. https://www.aecf.org/blog/parental-involvement-is-key-to-student-success-research-shows#:~:text=The%20Key%20to%20Student%20Success%2C%20Research%20Shows&text=Students%20whose%20parents%20stay%20involved,and%20adapt%20better%20to%20school.
“Partnering with Your Child’s Teacher: Why It’s Important.” Understood, 5 August 2019, www.understood.org/en/articles/why-its-important-to-partner-with-your-childs-teacher.
Samoray, Chris. “Parental Involvement a “Protective Factor” for Mental Health. UMD College of Education. “Umd.edu, 10 May 2022, education.umd.edu/news/03-29-129-parental involvement-%E2%809Cprotective -factor%E2%80%9D-mental-health#
Sheldon-Dean, H. (n.d.). Why is it important to read to your child. Child’s Mind Institute. https://childmind.org/article/why-is-it-important-to-read-to-your-child/
High School Seniors, Apply by May 15 for the Battle of the Books Scholarship!
High School Seniors, Don't miss out on a chance to apply for the Battle of the Books Scholarship!
The Public Schools of Robeson County Battle of the Books Scholarship was established in 2023 by Dr. Etta Baldwin.
Dr. Baldwin retired from the Public Schools of Robeson County with over 30 years of dedication to the School Library Media Department.
She has chosen to honor and recognize a graduate from the Public Schools of Robeson County as she/he continues his/her education at a two or four-year institution of higher learning.
This scholarship will be presented in June 2024. The value of the scholarship is $500.00. The recipient will be determined by the scholarship committee.
Eligibility
1. Be accepted at a two or four-year post-secondary educational institution.
2. Submit a completed application for the scholarship.
3. Applicants must have participated and competed in the Public Schools of Robeson County Battle of the Books program at least one school year within their academic career.
*Return application to your school library media coordinator by May 15, 2024.
Parents, please complete the Digital Device Access Survey by June 30!
The purpose of this Digital Learning Dashboard Out-of-School Digital Device Access Survey is to fulfill session law § 115C-102.9 calling for the collection and reporting of data regarding all students' access to digital devices and internet access at home.
This information will be used to help target areas of need and ensure that all NC students have adequate access to devices and the internet to access learning. Please note that the information gathered will be kept private and confidential.
Click here for a Quick Guide to complete the Digital Device Survey.
PSRC high school seniors encouraged to complete the FAFSA
The Public Schools of Robeson County encourages students to take advantage of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid now. Completing this application is the first step towards unlocking free funding and scholarships to assist students in their college journeys.
The district will host a final workshop at the end of May to assist any families that might require assistance so check with your student's high school counselor.
“We encourage our students to embrace the opportunities provided by scholarships and grants by completing the FAFSA,” said PSRC Superintendent Dr. Freddie Williamson.
“By doing so, students can unlock a world of new possibilities and opportunities as they pursue their dream career by attending college,” Williamson added.
In order to complete the FAFSA, students should visit https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. For additional help in completing the form, students should contact their school counselor.
LHS student is a U.S. Presidential Scholars Program semifinalist
A Lumberton High School student is a U.S. Presidential Scholars Program semifinalist.
Chloe Hammonds, a 12th grader at Lumberton High School, is one of 625 semifinalists for the prestigious program. The semifinalists were selected from over 6,000 candidates expected to graduate from U.S. high schools in 2024. Hammonds is the daughter of Adrian and Cynthia Hammonds.
“Chloe is extremely excited and honored to be selected as a semifinalist,” her mother, Cynthia Hammonds, said in a statement.
“Regardless of the outcome, Chloe is a winner. She demonstrates integrity, humility and passion. Chloe has a desire to make a positive impact in the community. We love her and enjoy celebrating her successes,” Cynthia Hammonds added.
Lumberton High School choir earns a top spot in state competition
Two students recognized as All-State Outstanding Performers
SPRING LAKE — Lumberton High School students took top spots during the NC A Cappella Choir and Show Choir Competitions held recently.
The Lumberton Senior A Cappella Choir, Noteworthy, took the fourth-place spot in the state competition held on April 13 at Overhills High School. Each competing choir is judged on 10 objectives of Vocal Production and 5 objectives of Visual Production. The group performed for a prestigious panel of judges including composer/arranger Andy Beck.
In addition, Lumberton High School students Timothy Swindell and Addie Billingsley were among 15 students recognized statewide as All-State Outstanding Performers.
U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division Band performs at Peterson Elementary School
Peterson Elementary School hosted its Month of the Military Child Celebration on April 17, 2024 as the school saluted military members and students.
The sound of music filled Peterson Elementary School's gymnasium as the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division All-American Brass Quintet and Woodwind Ensemble performed and students danced, sang and celebrated the month of the military child.
PSRC ECHS robotics team ends season in top 15 teams across the state
The PSRC Early College RobCoBots team completed an exhilarating season of robotics competitions, earning multiple awards and accolades and ending the season in the top 15 teams across the state.
The team brought home the Judges Award from the FIRST North Carolina FRC State Championship in Greenville, NC.
“So we made it to the Playoffs at the State Championship Competition as Alliance #2 Captains but we didn't make it to finals,” said Deddi West, a Lead Mentor for the RobCoBots.
“We did take home the Judge's Award but it still wasn't enough to push us to Worlds. We were a mere nine points shy of qualifying,” she added.
PSRC Board of Education Meeting Highlights: April 11, 2024
PSRC awarded $200,000 safety grant, district to install additional bus cameras
LUMBERTON — The Public Schools of Robeson County has been awarded a $200,000 school safety grant by the Department of Public Instruction’s Center for Safer Schools to install additional bus cameras.
The district will use the funding to place bus cameras on the remaining yellow buses at elementary schools. Remaining cameras will be placed on high school and activity buses not currently equipped with systems.
“We are grateful for this opportunity to equip more buses with cameras. Our goal is to continue to enhance student safety through grant opportunities like the School Safety Grant,” said Bobby Locklear, Assistant Superintendent of Auxiliary Services at PSRC.
Sixth graders schooled on PSRC CTE career pathways
LUMBERTON — PSRC sixth graders dreamed big as they interacted with several PSRC Career and Technical Education program booths at the inaugural PSRC CTE Showcase for sixth graders on Wednesday and Thursday at the Southeastern Agricultural Events Center.
Parent Survey: Special Education now open until July 1!
What is the Parent Survey?
This is an annual survey of parents of children receiving special education. It is an opportunity to report how well your school system includes you in the IEP process and the education of your child.
Your response matters!
Your response lets the State and your district know how well they are doing or how they can improve.
Your response is anonymous.
Survey Specifics
The survey is open between April 1 and July 1, 2024. If you don’t have a computer or smart phone, you can request a paper copy from your district.
You may complete the survey through the following link: https://go.ncdpi.gov/567nx
Need more information?
Contact:
The Office of Exceptional Children
Johanna Lynch, Parent Liaison
984-236-2570
The Exceptional Children’s Assistance Center
Anastacia Newton, Parent Educator
(704) 990-7273 (English)
Millie Ramos, Lead Bilingual Parent Educator
704-990-7276 (Spanish)
PSRC Migrant Education Program recognized as best in the state
CARY — The Public Schools of Robeson County’s Migrant Education Program received the 2023-2024 Migrant Education Outstanding Program Award from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction during the North Carolina Migrant Education Program Summit held in April in Cary.
The award was given to the school district for its excellence in the Migrant Education Program, setting it apart as the best Migrant Education Program in the state.
“In addition to their incredible non-stop high-quality performance in data accuracy and program implementation, this district MEP stands out for its innovative and effective programming to the needs of all migratory children, and paying special attention to Priority for Service, Pre-K and out-of-school youth students,” said Alex Charles, Consolidated Section Chief, Federal Programs West, NCDPI.
Public Schools of Robeson County Multilingual event partners with UNCP for third annual S.T.E.A.M. Day
On April 27, the School of Education of UNCP opened its doors to welcome local families with previously acquired construction, electricity, and agricultural skills, all of these gained back in their home countries such as Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, and Colombia among others.
During the session, parents and students worked together to understand science vocabulary in English and Spanish, to identify practical applications in real life, and to discover and innovate with simple machines, robots, coding, building, mixing matter and chemical substances, disintegrating parts of a whole, using food coloring, assemble paper flying machines, making balloon race cars in addition to get to know how our Multilingual students are increasingly becoming more competitive in the robotics field.
This year’s event was supported by volunteers of all walks of life: district wide science teachers, PSRC robotics teams, district lego team, church members, high-school teachers, school administrators, ML teachers, school janitors, plus the staff of UNCP who worked hard to ensure this event’s success.
Public Schools of Robeson County
"One Team, One Goal"
We serve more than 21,000 students across 39 schools, including PSRC Early College at RCC and the Robeson County Career Center.
To keep up with PSRC district happenings, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and our district website at robeson.k12.nc.us.
Email: webmaster@robeson.k12.nc.us
Website: robeson.k12.nc.us
Location: 100 Hargrave Street, Lumberton, NC, USA
Phone: 9106716000
Facebook: facebook.com/PublicSchoolsofRobesonCounty
Twitter: @PSRCEDU