August 2024

Check out the upcoming events calendar, your one-stop place to view RCPS' community events and more! To view, CLICK HERE or visit our district website and click "Happenings and Highlights," now under the CALENDAR tab.

On Wednesday, August 14th, RCPS welcomed students back to school for another exciting year of learning. Check out a few of the moments that were captured at each school.

Two career paths became even more attainable (and affordable) for RCHS students. This month marks the launch of two brand new academies, the Future Educators Academy and the HVAC Trades Academy. Both aim to provide quality education for students while helping alleviate workforce shortages.

On August 10th, three RCHS Juniors, Ella Campbell, Lotus Gillespie, and Lilly Grimsley were inducted into the new, innovative Future Educators Academy. To learn more about this exciting opportunity and the ribbon-cutting ceremony with Governor Youngkin, CLICK HERE.

Pictured Above: Larry Grove (School Board Vice-Chair), Lilly Grimsley, Dr. Shannon Grimsley (Superintendent), Ella Campbell, Karen Ellis (RCPS Academic Services Coordinator), Dani Pond (RCHS Director of School Counseling), and Lotus Gillespie were in attendance to celebrate the ribbon cutting event. Photo by Holly Jenkins

Pictured Above: Governor Glenn Youngkin shared an authentic smile and handshake with student Lotus Gillespie following her heartfelt speech at the event. Photo by Holly Jenkins

On August 15th, seven RCHS seniors and their proud families attended an orientation for the inaugural HVAC Trades Academy at Laurel Ridge Community College (LRCC) in Warrenton. To read more about this exciting, new academy, CLICK HERE.

Pictured Above: Jeremiah Phillips, Gage Whitt, Jared Loving, Ryan Atkins, Hunter Jenkins, Bradley Settle, and Carter Banks are proudly representing RCHS in the HVAC Trades Academy. Photo by Holly Jenkins

Fifth, sixth, and seventh grade students have been enjoying the new grab-and-go breakfast cart! Purchased with the Healthy Meals Incentive grant, this alternative breakfast model helps to increase breakfast participation by providing even easier access for students. While we have only had the new cart for a week, we have already seen a significant increase in the number of breakfasts served! Photo by Holly Jenkins

Mrs. Fincham's Veterinary Science classes visit Rose Hill Veterinary Practice each Wednesday to observe and apply their classroom knowledge in a real-world veterinary clinic setting. To learn more, about this fantastic learning opportunity, CLICK HERE.

Photo by Holly Jenkins

On August 20th, seventh-grade students enjoyed a cup stacking activity in the STEAM Lab! In this exercise, they were tasked with successfully placing cups using only string and rubber bands. As the challenge progressed, they were instructed to complete it with more difficult scenarios such as with one hand behind their backs or using only non-verbal communication. This fun activity promoted teamwork and communication among the middle school students. Photo by Bethany Cubbage

*This photo and caption was featured in a Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) newsletter!

As a part of the Healthy Meals Incentive grant, Mr. Brian Volmrich, Culinary Liaison & Farm-to-Table teacher, assembled a large hoop house at the high school. Once he installed the end walls, Mr. Dave Naser's Horticulture students joined in to learn about the high tunnel and assist with covering the massive structure with plastic. Soon, the students will be growing the lettuce to serve in the salad bars at the schools. Photo by Brian Volmrich

Young artists in Ms. Grady's kindergarten art class had a blast painting snails drawn using concentric circles. Photo by Holly Jenkins

The RCHS cafeteria debuted a new refrigerated milk dispenser on Aug. 14th. Transitioning from milk cartons not only reduces packaging waste but also saves money. The students report that the milk taste better and they enjoy selecting from the three flavors: regular, strawberry, and chocolate. Photo by Holly Jenkins

PreK students had a great time using their imaginations at different activity stations on August 29th. Even though it was too warm for outdoor recess, the children had a fantastic time playing with their peers. Photo by Holly Jenkins

Recently, Ms. Sheila Lamb's World History I class studied a primary source of Babylonian history, Hammurabi's Code. The students collaborated in small groups to read, analyze, and discuss the ancient code, written in c1754 BCE, to gain insight into the economy and society of the old Babylonian Empire. Photo by Holly Jenkins

Third graders enjoyed learning about the concept of place value up the the hundred thousand in math!

Photo by Bethany Bostic

The color guard completed a freestyle warm-up during band camp at the beginning of August. Photo by Holly Jenkins

RCPS will closed on Monday, September 2nd in observance of the holiday.

Parents/Guardians—Leaving work is not always easy if your child gets sick at school. Telehealth makes it easier. With your consent, the clinic nurse, Ms. Prince, will be able to 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, headache, head lice, pink eye, skin irritations, and more.

The clinic is available to all students in grades PreK-12 with parental consent, as well as available to RCPS staff. The necessary paperwork can be found HERE. To speak with Ms. Prince at the clinic, please call 540-227-0200.

Through a PATH Foundation grant, Commit to Be Fit is thrilled to continue the POP (Power of Produce) Bucks program to provide access to local food and support our local 2024 Farmers Market season. EVERY RCPS student has the opportunity to redeem a POP Bucks Market Bag filled with local produce, protein, and bread. Plus, each bag includes TWO $5 tokens to redeem at participating market vendors. SIGN-UP IS REQUIRED and is limited to 25 students per week (first come, first serve). To sign up, visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc41bZx2QEpJ_6ysM3r8H2FYRZZ7O6J2NIlkzximyGl7NIrIQ/viewform or on our website at https://www.rappc2bf.com/pop-bucks

To sign up for Behind the Wheel, visit

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSccnKHX9tDOU1oY45Az8kkTVnkvWGYTEU4sKqIyz0RG02rxwg/viewform

For more information, please contact Ms. Fox at efox@rappahannockschools.us.

Want to help us further enhance our communications? Join the Communications Committee! We are looking from insight from our families, community, staff, and students to further strengthen our communication processes at RCPS. To learn more, email hjenkins@rappahannockschools.us.

To view the list of helpful mental health and wellness resources for students and families, CLICK HERE.

Website: www.rappahannockschools.us
Facebook: www.facebook.com/rappahannockcountypublicschools
Instagram: www.instagram.com/_rcps_

Email: info@rappahannockschools.us

To view a helpful list of our communications channels, CLICK HERE.