The Star News
A Monthly Newsletter for RCPS Families: February 2022
This is also the time of year when our students and staff participate in seasonal activities and end-of-year celebrations, such as the Little Feet Meet, Teacher of the Year banquet, and prom. We look forward to keeping you informed of these exciting happenings and encourage you to follow you school and the division on social media for photos of many of these events.
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.
Westside Teacher Named RCPS Teacher of the Year
Kristi Martin, a 4th grade teacher at Westside Elementary, has been named the 2022 RCPS Teacher of the Year. The selection committee noted Ms. Martin's "joy, enthusiasm, and absolute dedication" to her students and Roanoke City Public Schools. Click here to read the full story.
Elementary Students Participate in Little Feet Meet
RCPS elementary schoolers were among the 450 young athletes from 31 schools who participated in the April 27 "Little Feet Meet," hosted by the Southwest Region of Special Olympics Virginia. We are proud of all our athletes who competed and of our high schoolers who volunteered. Click here to watch a video of the event!
Fishburn Park Elementary Applications Now Open
Fishburn Park is now accepting STEAM applications for the 2022-2023 School Year. Fishburn Park Elementary’s focus on STEAM offers a unique program for K-5 students interested in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. To be eligible, students must be a Roanoke City resident and complete the STEAM application by May 13. Click here to learn more and to apply.
Superintendent's Corner
RCPS Family,
Just last week, we had the opportunity to honor 28 incredible teachers at our annual Teacher of the Year celebration. These teachers — and all our teachers — are making a difference for our students and our city every day, and we thank them for all they do.
Teachers do more than teach lessons. Teachers advocate, mentor, coach, encourage, motivate, and inspire. Every day, I see the heart, passion, and selfless service our teachers bring to the classroom, and we thank you for all you do.
Fittingly, May 2 to May 6 is Teacher Appreciation Week. Please join me in thanking our teachers for their work to empower our students to dream, excel, and meet their full potential. They are a shining example that when We Are One, we can do inspiring and amazing things in support of our students.
Thank you for your continued support of Roanoke City Public Schools. #RCPSProud
Sincerely,
Verletta B. White
Superintendent
Save the Date
Memorial Day
Schools and offices will be closed on Monday, May 30 for Memorial Day. Students and staff will return on Tuesday, May 31.
Last Day of School
Graduation
Our high schools will hold graduation in June at the Berglund Center. Patrick Henry will graduate at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 9 and William Fleming will graduate at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 10.
RCPS+: Our Fifth Quarter
School Highlights
Patrick Henry & William Fleming
Roanoke Valley Governor's School
Congratulations to Eleanor Little for placing second in the Biochemistry, Cellular & Molecular Biology category and to Emma Batty for placing third in Environmental Engineering at the Virginia State Science and Engineering Fair! Both students attend Patrick Henry High and Roanoke Valley Governor's School.
New & Noteworthy
Registration for RCPS+ closes this month on May 20. Register today! This year's theme is "See the Possibilities." Click here for more information.
The 2022 Roanoke Pedestrian Safety Campaign is happening now through May 27. Help the City of Roanoke reduce speeding and improve pedestrian safety near school zones. Order a No Need to Speed Keep Students Safe yard sign for your front yard using this form, or test your knowledge of traffic safety by taking the campaign quiz.
- 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.