On Tuesday, January 8, East Rockingham Elementary named their Inspiring Excellence recipients at the Richmond County Board of Education meeting.

These three individuals go above and beyond for East Rockingham Elementary, while exemplifying what “Better Together” means to #TeamRCS.  

Briana Coan is a first grade teacher at ERES. Her colleagues describe her as a team player, one who always does what is best for children and the school, and willing to help in any needed role. She is a wonderful asset to the first grade team and always goes the extra mile to assist fellow staff members. From afternoon car duty in the pouring rain to collecting Daily Mile tracking sheets, she always pitches in to help.

Tammy Deese is a bookkeeper but that doesn't even begin to cover all the different things she handles for the students and staff. She works diligently each day to make sure students and staff are taken care of and ensure they have what they need. Mrs. Deese welcomes you when you enter the doors at East Rockingham, she makes sure staff members have needed supplies for their classrooms, and ensures money is spent efficiently. Every school needs a person like Mrs. Deese, who goes above and beyond her call of duty each day. 

Public Information Officer for RCS, Briana Goins also recognized bus driver Tamara Martin. Ms. Martin has been a bus driver for Richmond County Schools for eleven years. She begins and ends her day driving buses, but wears various hats throughout the day. She has taken on the music teacher-substitute role this school year, planning lessons and a Christmas concert while tutoring students in reading. She is willing to take on any role that is asked of her and is very knowledgeable about the students at East Rockingham. She is an asset to our school, assisting both our staff and students. Ms. Martin is loved by all.

Congratulations Inspiring Excellence recipients!

Media Specialist for West Rockingham Elementary School, Jill Buck, recently fulfilled a grant worth $5,000 to completely renovate the school's library. 

Buck was awarded the Lowes Toolbox for Education Grant in May of 2018 and was also the recipient of $4,865 from Lowes in 2016. Both grants played a part in giving the Leopards library a brand new look. With the latest grant, Buck was able to purchase tables and chairs for the upgraded space.  Buck says that she received help from members of the parent/teacher organization (PTO), various community members, and the Richmond County Schools Maintenance Department, who helped perform upgrades such on carpet, countertops, paint, and even installed a Lego wall. 

The project titled "Lowes Knows Libraries" has helped create an inviting learning environment for students, making the library and exciting place to be.

More information about the grant can be found at https://toolboxforeducation.com/

You can also search for winners here https://toolboxforeducation.com/winners 

Dr. Jeffrey Maples was sworn in as Richmond County Schools’ interim superintendent on the morning of Wednesday, January 2, 2019. Richmond County Clerk of Superior Court Vickie Daniel administered the oath.

The ceremony took place in the central office boardroom at 8:30 a.m., marking the official beginning of Dr. Maples’ term. Dr. Maples’ wife, Deborah Maples, held a Bible for her husband as he placed his left hand on it, raising his right hand to recite the oath. Dr. Maples then thanked those in attendance for their support and members of the board of education for giving him the opportunity to serve Richmond County Schools. 

Dr. Maples has previously held various leadership positions within RCS, including Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Associate Superintendent of Curriculum.   

On becoming Interim Superintendent, Dr. Maples stated that he looks forward to a continued partnership with the hardworking school administrators, teachers, and staff that provide wonderful learning experiences for our students everyday. 

Parent and Guardians,

An important letter was sent home with your child on Friday, November 30, in regards to House Bill 670, Protect Educational Property. This law takes effect on Saturday, December 1, and we wanted to ensure that parents and students understand what this new law means for your child. Please read this letter and check below for more information on House Bill 670

Beta Inductees from Rockingham Middle 

1. Alley Baldwin 

2. Tess Bryant 

3. Evan Butler 

4. Karlee Butler 

5. Elijah Callahan 

6. Abigail Chavis 

7. Dasia Collins 

8. Trace Davis 

9. Joseph Davis 

10. Caroline DeAguilar 

11. Maiya Ferguson 

12. Gavin Fowler 

13. Kimberly Gibson 

14. Jack Hawkins 

15. Sharonda Henderson 

16. C’Nedra Hinson 

17. Cayden Hood 

18. Kylie Hood 

19. Drew Hudson 

20. Rad Kennedy 

21. Cate Kinsey 

22. Jamyia Lindsey 

23. Cooper McDonald 

24. Sophia McElduff 

25. Gracie McRae 

26. Jacey McRae 

27. Cash Monroe 

28. Layla Morman 

29. Sarah Nessell 

30. Jordan Odom 

31. Andrew Parker 

32. Joseph Parsons 

33. Rachel Pattan 

34. William Phifer 

35. Kiara Reale 

36. Khamani Robinson 

37. Sury Santos 

38. Karley Simmons 

39. Chance Singletary 

40. Hanna Smith 

41. Lincoln Smith 

42. Landon Summerlin 

43. Raygan Talbert 

44. Landon Taylor 

45. Sanajia TIllman 

46. Lily Wilson

Dr. Jeffrey Maples will take his Oath of Office on Wednesday, January 2, 2019 at 8:30 am in the RCS Board Room. The Honorable Vickie B. Daniel, Richmond County Clerk of Superior Court, will administer the Oath of Office.

Only 400 schools across the nation have been recognized as a “School to Watch.” Among the 400, the students and staff of Hamlet Middle School can proudly say that they have been re-designated. The designation is based on academic excellence, developmental responsiveness, social equity, and organizational structures/supports. Hamlet Middle was originally designated a “School to Watch” in 2013. The Rams received re-designation in 2016 and now again in 2019. 

NCMLE Schools to Watch Co-Director, Jennifer L.H. Hall states “Hamlet Middle School demonstrates academic excellence, developmental responsiveness, social equity, and organizational structures that support the success of your students. Based on Hamlet’s re-designation application and site visit, many strengths were noted, including a positive school culture that endeavors to continuously improve, a high level of student engagement and professional commitment, and programs and clubs that are responsive to student needs.”

Karen Allen, principal of Hamlet Middle School says “Hamlet Middle School faculty and staff understand the importance of educating the whole child. We are committed to forming positive, nurturing relationships that encourage children to reach their full potential.” The Rams will continue to serve as a model for other schools and repeat the process again in three years during the next re-designation cycle.

Mineral Springs recently named its Honor Roll for the first nine weeks.

A Honor Roll

Third Grade: Talon Benoist, Abigail Hinson, Alexander Perez Zapata, ZyRihanna Robinson, Sierra Sudler and Emery Thompson.

Fourth Grade: Madison Cloninger, Lillian Hill, Cole Lambeth, Cheyenne Reams and Zikhiya Thompson.

Fifth Grade: Colton Brown, Breiry Chaparro Vazquez, Lukas Gilliam, Mackenzie Hill, Alexander Leon Hernandez, Sadora McCauley, Lucero Morales Nava and Alyssa Sellers.

A/B Honor Roll

Third Grade: Kevin Chappell, Ashanti Covington, Ashton Covington, Bryson Gazoo, Jacqueline Gopar, Jaden Ingram, Alanna Johnson-McBride, TeMaya Lockhart, Carley McCormick, Ella McIntyre, Joseph Oxendine, Chazz Smith, Cathy Thao, Brooklyn Tyler and Anthony Williams.

Fourth Grade: Jaiden Abney, Chance Archer, Xaandria Capel, Madeline Carriker, Raelynn Carter, Giovani Chavez, Tanaja Harrison, Dayanis Hernandez Sanchez, Hunter Hogan, Hayden Holmes, Liam Jackson, Jesica Jose-Felipe, Stephanie Julian-Dominguez, Allyson King, Landon Legrand, Mayte MartinezAngel, Jeffrey McAuley, Noah McFayden, Emma Monroe, Sarah Moore, Emilia Morrison, Dafne Reyes, Abby Robinson, Bradley Shaw, Payten Shepheard, Kenley Smith, James Thompson, Yazmin Trujillo-Perez and Adrian Zamora-Sanchez .

Fifth Grade: Yulissa Avalos Mendez, Essence Barringer, Yareli Carmen Bonilla, Brookelynn Chappell, Derek Evans, Carson Hunsucker, Amaya Johnson, Arturo Mendoza Roman, Makenzy Nunn, Kaylee Quick, Addison Raines, Parker Rhyne, Zoey Robson, Tahid Rucker, London Saunders, Shawn Smith, Austin Taylor, Delilah Tyler, Hayllie Valk, Marshall Walker, Camden Williams and Conner Williams.

PHOTO: attached “MSS A Honor Roll 1st 9 Weeks”

Not pictured: Talon Benoist

12th grade distinguished list- Tania Acosta Gonzalez, Alex Anderson, Sarah Auman, Christopher Austin, Mason Bailey, Brice Billingsley, Julia Bornhorst, Sydney Bostick, Kassidy Brown, Kiah Brown, Cameron Carraway, Julianna Chapman, Savannah Chappell, Megan Coble, Jessica Cordova, Destiny Covington, Nyasia Covington, Abbey Coward, Joseph Cox, Nicholas Crow, Jamaya Crump, Daniela Cruz Hernandez, Chasity Davis, Cherrellnea Davis, Janai Davis, Natalie Davis, Tyrone Davis, Alexane Drapeau, Jada Edwards, Kevan Farris, Emily Faw, Tony Fierros, Henry German, Travis Gibson, Ezekiel Gillespie, Gerardo Godinez Castro, Manases Gonzalez Jimenez, Colin Goodwin, Kyle Goodwin, Shawbrea Goodwin, Jessi Graham, Devin Grant, Peyton Harrelson, Morgan Hooks, Kylie Jo Howell, Tatum Hubbard, Evan Hudson, Nathan Hudson, Skylar Hudson, KayLee Jacobs, Tashawna Jamison, Thomas Johnson, James Kennett, Kasey Knight, Jenna Kubiak, Alexis LaCroix , Savannah Lampley, Hunter Ledwell, Abagail Lewis, Faith Martin, Kathryn Massagee, Jessica Matheson, Jazmin Mazoleny, Jessica McCord, Kylie McDonald, Ashley McGuire, Meagan McGuire, Chloe McLaughlin, James Melton, Ashton Moore, Caleb Moore, Logan Moore, Jordyn Morse, Mayden Moss, Will Mossman, Kelsey Murray, Elizabeth Navarrete, Makaylan Nichols, Jayana Nicholson, James Noble, Laterrion Nwolise, Cole Oxley, Gabriella Paone, Hunter Parris, Skylar Parrish, Taylor Parrish, Emily Parsons, Christopher J. Quick, Christopher Gage Quick, Alyssa Ratliff, Khadijah Ratliff, Kevonna Reed, Joshua Richardson, Emma Russell, Kaitlyn Skipper, Austin Smith, Haleigh Smith, Skylar Standridge, Justyce Stevenson, Mason Stewart, Zachary Stewart, Camryn Stutts, Laura Talbert, Adam Tatum, Bobby Terry, Sarah Terry, Aaron Vasquez, Clay Wagers, Caroline Walker, Keith Wall, Madison Walters, Greyson Way, Elizabeth Webb, Hailey Wheeler, Trevor Whittington, Chloe Wiggins, Natalie Williams, Billy Wilson, Shemiya Zinnerman

11th grade distinguished list- Gracie Allen, Derek Allred, Jerry Austin, Cassie Ayers, Joshua Barber, Annie Bartlett, Carlie Bass, Evan Baxley, Beyonka Berry, Comasia Blue, Jolie Bohman, Joseph Bowersock, Tiniqua Brown, Emily Buie, Taylor Casteen, Dylan Currie, Stewart Davis, Coleman Deane, Ananda Dixon, Jamey Eason, Tyrone Easterling, Jasmine Ewing, Justin Farmer, Tyra Frye, Cristian Garcia, Erik Greenan, Caroline Greene, Amiya Griffin, Mykayla Griffis, Kierra Gunter, Blake Hall, Takira Hall, Luke Hawks, Thomas Hayden, Amber Henson, Daonnia Hester, Alexis Hoffman, Zyniyah Holmes, Jessilyn Hubbard, Kayley Hyatt, Imonae Ingram, Kennedy Jarrell, Jadyn Johnson, Dasharia Jones, Madison Jordan, Noah Jordan, Monasia Kearns, Nathan King, Carley Lambeth, Shakira Little, Ashley Martin, Kayla McCollum, Daleesia McDonald, Brandon McFayden, Douglas McFayden, Matthew McMillan, Erika Mendez Cordova, Joseph Miles, Hailey Miller, Chloe O'Neal, Taylor Oldham, Alyssa Pate, Labryonnia Patterson, Mycina Patterson, Mitchell Paul, Brittany Perdew, Gabriela Perez, Huong Kim Pham, Anna Pope, Summer Powers, Brandon Preslar, Evan Qi, Christian Quick, Makenna Radford, Amanda Richardson, Treshawn Robinson, Joshua Rodgers, Tristin Rorie, Makayla Russell, Virginia Saiz, Samuel Sharpe, Kelsey Sheffield, Robi Shoe, Zalayell Short, Kara Riley Simmons, Micaela Smiling, Aerial Spooner, Valery Standridge, Luke Steadman, Hannah Stewart, Whitni Strong, Makaili Sweatt, Austin Talton, Abigail Terry, Jardai Tillman, Landan Turner, Michaela Turner, Laila Wall, Lynsey Williams, Chason Wilson, Shania Womack, Michael Woodley, Analee Wyand, Lydia Young

10th grade distinguished list- Noah Aiken, Georgia Grace Anderson, Olivia Anderson, Jakolbe Baldwin, Timothy Bethea, Tyler Bittle, Armani Bright, Jerry Brigman, Jaizeleygh Brower, Kearston Bruce, Anna Campbell, Payton Chappell, Taylor Chappell, Chloe Chavis, Zac Chavis, Emy Cooley, Evan Cooley, Jakerra Covington, JNiya Covington, Andrew Cross, Alex Crouch, Phoenix Darien, Caleb Davis, Maggie Duncan, Cody Eason, Abigail Ellison, Macy Faw, Kelsey Forester, Ryan Gibson, Chloe Goins, Roberto Gomez, Elena Hall, Hunter Hancock, Savanna Harrelson, Matthew Haywood, Kacee Hoffman, Calleigh Hubbard, Roderick Hudgen, Dillan Hurd, Wilson Jones, Carson Jordan, Eli Kelly, Maggi King, Kevin Lee, Paris Legrand, Angel Llamas Ramirez, Tyler Mabe, John Massey, Lilly Matheson, Za miya McInnis, Ashlynd McKenna, River Meacham, Kaicie Medina, Katelyn Millen, Da'Wysonia Morgan, Ally Murray, Raven Newton, Nicholas Nguyen, Tyler Nguyen, Macy ONeal, Emma Parker, Kaylee Parker, Natalie Pattan, Naomi Perakis, Camila Perez, Emma Perry, Bradford Pittman, Robert Potter, Diana Recinos Gonzalez, Tajan'e Reynolds, Mikala Rhode, Jonathan Rich, Janiya Sellers, Nathan Shaw, Crimson Singletary, Eric Singleton, Lindsay Skipper, Aalyiaha Spencer, Gabriel Stimmel, Carolyn Taylor, Jada Thomas, Summer Thompson, Shendell Tucker, Maliyah Wall, Thomas Watson, Gracelyn Weatherford, Lance Wilson, John Yates