The Star News
A Monthly Newsletter for RCPS Families: February 2022
Happy spring! We are excited to have warmer weather and longer days upon us once again.
The start of spring also means the third nine weeks is coming to an end. The fourth and final quarter of the 2021-2022 School Year begins on Monday, March 28. We are so proud of all our students and staff have accomplished this year, and we know we'll continue to see them shine from now until June.
Thank you for your continued support of Roanoke City Public Schools. As always, we welcome your thoughts, questions, or suggestions by emailing info@rcps.info.
Medicaid Recipients Asked to Update Contact Information
Virginia Medicaid enrollment will soon return to the normal renewal process, which means members will need to complete renewal paperwork to keep their coverage. The Virginia Department of Education is collaborating with the Department of Medical Assistance Services to provide updates about the 2022 Return to Normal Enrollment initiative to families with students in Virginia public schools. Click here to read the full story.
Superintendent's Corner
RCPS Family,
Last month, I wrote about our new 2022-2028 Strategic Plan and how it will guide our path forward. This month, we are putting that plan into action as we prepare for construction to commence on the new ROTEC at William Ruffner.
The new ROTEC at Ruffner is part of our broader Equity in Action – Destination 2030 project, which provides:
- a roadmap for equitable access to Career and Technical Education for students at both of our high schools,
- the centralization of our district administration into one location, and
- the creation of a Center for Community Empowerment and Education.
We are excited to begin work to ensure we complete these projects on time. The new ROTEC near William Fleming High School is scheduled to open at William Ruffner in time for the 2023-2024 school year, which is only 17 months away. Because our students always come first, staff and departments located at Ruffner are in the process of moving to the new Administration Building. These moves will allow renovations at Ruffner to begin and finish on time by August 2023.
Following the completion of the new ROTEC, Central Office will move to the new Administration Building, and Booker T. Washington will open as the new Center for Community Empowerment and Education. The full Equity in Action project is expected to be completed by early 2024.
I invite you to read more about these exciting plans in detail. Click here to download a copy of Equity in Action – Destination 2030.
Thank you for your continued support of Roanoke City Public Schools and this important project. We Are One! #RCPSProud
Sincerely,
Verletta B. White
Superintendent
Save the Date
Dance Español
Join Highland Park, Hurt Park, Lincoln Terrace, and Morningside 4th graders for their end-of-year Dance Español performance, along with dance performances from the RCPS Middle School Ballet Program and Southwest Virginia Ballet. This free performance will be held Thursday, March 31 at 7 p.m. at the Berglund Center Performing Arts Theatre.
Welcome to the Light!
“Welcome the Light!” presented by the Alma Ensemble, will feature our Patrick Henry and William Fleming Orchestras. A new commission by renowned composer Deborah Baker Monday will have its world premiere during this special event. The concert is Monday, April 4, at 6:30 p.m. at the Taubman Museum of Art. Galleries will remain open after the concert until 8 p.m. for students and families, including the Ruth E. Carter Afrofuturism in Costume Design exhibit.
Spring Break
School Highlights
Fairview
Fallon Park
The LIFT (Local Impact for Tomorrow) Center at Fallon Park Elementary has been open for almost a month now! Through a partnership with Carilion Clinic, Delta Dental of Virginia, and Freedom First Credit Union, the center provides health and wellness services to Fallon Park students and their families. The center held its grand opening on Thursday, March 24.
Parent & Community Engagement
All Pro Dad Hosts First Meeting
This week, Roanoke Academy for Math and Science hosted the district’s very first “All Pro Dad” activity! Thanks to Principal Belton and Ms. Rhodes for providing an opportunity for families to engage in dad-daughter time that lends to a nourishing relationship. Eight Roanoke City Schools are sponsoring the program this school year: Fallon Park, Fairview, Hurt Park, Lincoln Terrace, Round Hill, Roanoke Academy, Woodrow Wilson, and Patrick Henry.
The “All Pro Dad” program is a monthly gathering at school where dads and students engage in meaningful conversations and activities centered around a character-based curriculum. The program is open to all interested families. Contact your school to join today!
For more information, contact:
Anthony Frazier, Coordinator of Family & Community Engagement:
P: (540) 853.1359 | E: CommunityEngagement@rcps.info
Twitter: @AnthonyFrazier
New & Noteworthy
Registration for RCPS+ is now open. This year's theme is "See the Possibilities." Click here for more information and to register. May 20 is the deadline to register.
- Patrick Henry and William Fleming athletic tickets are available for purchase. Patrick Henry also has season passes available. Visit events.ticketspicket.com and search your school.
Reminders
Preschool applications and kindergarten registration for the 2022-2023 school year are open! Click here to apply or register.
Visit the RCPS Newsroom for photos and news stories about RCPS students, schools, employees, and the Roanoke School Board. Visit rcps.info/news to access the RCPS Newsroom.
- If your child experiences COVID-19 symptoms, please stay home and call the school nurse for a return to school date. If you are an employee, call employee health.
- 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
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.