On Thursday, Kyle Pillar, an English teacher at Richmond County Ninth Grade Academy and sports editor for the Richmond Observer, thought he was going to Richmond Senior to cover their new softball facility. 

What he didn’t know was that there was a group of local student-athlete parents and their children waiting to surprise Pillar with a $2250 check to help pay for his hearing aids.

“I’m a man of many words behind a keyboard, but I can’t put into words what this means to me,” Pillar said to the group.

When Pillar moved to Richmond County in 2015, he failed his hearing test on the physical required by Richmond County Schools. 

An audiologist found that Pillar had about 70 percent hearing loss in his right ear and 20 percent hearing loss in his left. He was 22 at the time.

“It’s profound severe hearing loss,” said Pillar. “It’s progressive.”

Pillar said hearing aids weren't in the picture at the time, but after a couple of years, he noticed his hearing got worse. He said it impacted him at school, working with students in the classroom and at the Richmond Observer. He and his wife Jordyn decided it was time for him to look into purchasing hearing aids.

In July, Pillar worked with Dr. Wendy Kelly Jordan, Richmond County Schools’ Director of Student Services, and Dr. Joy Houston, a contracted audiologist through Richmond County Schools, to price his hearing aids. On Monday, Pillar said Dr. Houston visited him at school to fit the hearing aids and help him learn how to work them.

Pillar was shocked at the gift but blessed and thankful to everyone who helped. He and his wife consider Richmond County their home and the people who live in the community his family.

“I have a lot of gratitude towards these people because RCS - whether they’re teachers, parents or student-athlete parents -  they’re our family,” he said.

Rockingham Middle School congratulates the following Rockets for placing in the following categories at the virtual National Junior Beta Convention.

• Gabrielle Lutz: Grade 8 English, Third place
• Tristan Bullard: Grade 6, Science, Tenth place
• Cole Thrower: Grade 6, Social Studies, Tenth place
• Rapid Response Team: Joe Parsons, Lily Wilson, Cash Monroe, Abbie Player, Jack Hawkins, Tenth Place

Students invited to compete at Nationals must first have placed in the top three in their respective categories at the state-level Beta convention; North Carolina’s state convention was held in February. The National Competition was slated for June in Fort Worth, Texas, but was moved to a virtual format to ensure the safety of all participants.

More than 12,000 fourth through eighth-graders across the country competed virtually in the National Junior Beta Convention.

The National Beta Club is the largest independent, non-profit, educational youth organization in America, with more than 500,000 active members and more than 8,750 clubs nationally and internationally. The organization’s goal is to promote the ideals of academic achievement, character, service and leadership among elementary and secondary school students.

Congratulations to these Rockets and all our RMS Beta Club representatives on their achievements! Excelsior!

Richmond County Schools' Summer Meal Service will operate on Mondays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. starting Monday, June 29. The school sites that will be open are Monroe Avenue, Hamlet Middle and L.J. Bell.

From 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., a limited amount of meals can be picked up at the Annex Parking Lot located at 102 Safie Sixth Street in Rockingham and Mineral Springs Elementary.

Students will receive three breakfasts and three lunches on those days - totaling up to six days worth of meals.

Households that signed up for the Emergency Meals-to-You Program will continue to receive their boxes of food through August 17.

Below you will find the full schedule of operation dates. There will be an exception to the first week in July due to the July 4 holiday schedule.  The dates of operation will be as follows:

• June 29 Monday send meals for June 29, June 30 and July 1
• July 1, Wednesday send meals for July 2, 3 and 4 (then off July 6^th for Holiday return)
• July 7 on Tuesday send meals for July 7 and 8
• July 9 on Thursday send meals for July 9, 10 and 11
• July 13 on Monday send meals for July 13, 14 and 15
• July 16 on Thursday send meals for July 16, 17 and 18
• July 20 on Monday send meals for July 20, 21and 22
• July 23, Thursday send meals for July 23, 24 and 25
• July 27, Monday send meals for July 27, 28 and 29
• July 30 Thursday send meals for July 30, 31 and August 1
• August 3 Monday send meals for August 3, 4 and 5
• August 6, Thursday send meals for August 6, 7 and 8
• August 10, Monday send meals for August 10,11 and 12
• August 13, Thursday send meals for August 13, 14 and15

If you have any questions, please contact our Central Office at 910-582-5860 and ask for Child Nutrition. 

Nicole Pait named K-12 Director of ELA, Social Studies, Arts and Gifted Education

Nicole Pait, academic coach at East Rockingham Elementary, has been recently hired as Richmond County Schools’ K-12 Director of ELA, Social Studies, Arts and Gifted Education.

Pait has been in education for 24 years - teaching all grades in K-5 in some capacity. She was also a Reading Recovery teacher and a RCS Literacy Coordinator for several years.

“I am looking forward to continuing to provide quality professional development opportunities for classroom teachers,” said Pait. “It is my belief that the single most important factor in a student’s academic success is the quality of their classroom teacher. Teacher effectiveness is my utmost priority.”

As a former academic coach, Pait brings many years of experience leading and supporting teachers in English Language Arts and best practices for early learning. She enjoys building relationships with colleagues and working collaboratively to make the best decisions for students.

“My greatest motivation for being an educator is doing what is best for our students,” she said. “I am excited about the opportunity to lead our district in order to ensure that all students have access to the highest quality education we can offer.”

NC Department of Public Instruction, Carolina Panthers Player Impact Committee and Lenovo Team Up to Bridge the Digital Divide

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI), the Carolina Panthers Player Impact Committee and Lenovo have teamed up to provide North Carolina students critical access to technology in support of remote learning needs. The Carolina Panthers Player Impact Committee and its technology partner Lenovo, are providing 600 Chromebooks to the Columbus County and Richmond County school systems in the end of June.

State Superintendent Mark Johnson has already indicated that due to COVID-19, when NC public schools reopen for the 2020-21 school year, remote learning will likely continue in some capacity.

“During the last few months, we have seen first-hand the importance of remote learning but also the challenges and struggles that come with it,” said State Superintendent Johnson. “This donation by the Carolina Panthers Player Impact Committee and Lenovo will go a long way in helping these two districts help their students. We are very grateful for the support from our partners.”

The Carolina Panthers Player Impact Committee, led by current Panthers Chris Manhertz, Andre Smith and Stephen Weatherly, as well as Panthers legend Mike Rucker, is a group of players that provides support and assistance to organizations and causes across the Carolinas. Formed in 2018, the committee quickly engaged with NCDPI after the onset of the pandemic to identify school districts where additional technology resources are needed for remote learning.

“Due to COVID-19, the majority of schools have turned to virtual learning. I learned from Tara Galloway at the North Carolina Department of Instruction that many families do not have computers in their homes and can’t afford them,” said Carolina Panthers Linebacker Andre Smith, a member of the Carolina Panthers Player Impact Committee. “Once this was brought to my attention, it was my responsibility to bring this to the Player Impact Committee and initiate this laptop program. I hope everyone gets involved because we can all do something to help others during these challenging times.”

With that need identified, the committee contacted North Carolina-based technology company Lenovo to request support in securing devices for the school districts.

“The sudden transition to distance learning put a spotlight on the digital divide that still exists and is a very real obstacle for too many K-12 students and public school systems,” said Matthew Zielinski, President, Lenovo North America. “Lenovo is committed to providing smarter technology for all and is proud to partner with the Carolina Panthers Player Impact Committee to support Richmond and Columbus County students with technology resources that will help further their education.”

“This support could not have come at a better time,” said Deanne Meadows, Superintendent of Columbus County Schools. “Because so much uncertainty exists about the coming months, we are working towards our goal of having a device for every child so they can continue to learn at school and at home. The Player Impact Committee's generosity and commitment to rural communities demonstrates how important the organization is to North and South Carolina."

“The Carolina Panthers Player Impact Committee continues to create positive change in underserved communities in North and South Carolina,” said Dr. Jeff Maples, Superintendent of Richmond County Schools. “As big Panther fans, these 300 Chromebooks will ensure that our students have access to digital devices during the pandemic and beyond --and that our Raiders will #KeepPounding."

The Chromebooks are scheduled to be delivered to the school systems later this month.

About the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction
The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) is charged with implementing the state's public school laws for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade public schools at the direction of the State Board of Education and the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
The agency provides leadership and service to the 116 local public school districts and 2,500+ district public schools, 180+ charter schools, and the three residential schools for students with hearing and visual impairments. The areas of support include curriculum and instruction, accountability, finance, teacher and administrator preparation and licensing, professional development and school business support and operations.

About the Carolina Panthers Player Impact Committee
Formed in 2018, the Carolina Panthers Player Impact Committee is a group of players seeking to create positive change and address social justice issues impacting underserved communities in North and South Carolina. The 2020 committee is led by Chris Manhertz, Andre Smith and Stephen Weatherly as well as Panthers Legend Mike Rucker. The focus areas for the committee include education, affordable housing, career opportunities for youth, criminal justice reform, police and community relations, violence, and voter participation as well as teen pregnancy prevention and support for teen mothers.

About Lenovo
Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) is a US$50 billion Fortune Global 500 company, with 63,000 employees and operating in 180 markets around the world. Focused on a bold vision to deliver smarter technology for all, we are developing world-changing technologies that create a more inclusive, trustworthy and sustainable digital society. By designing, engineering and building the world’s most complete portfolio of smart devices and infrastructure, we are also leading an Intelligent Transformation – to create better experiences and opportunities for millions of customers around the world.

Media Contacts

NCDPI – Graham Wilson, Communications Director, graham.wilson@dpi.nc.gov 
Carolina Panthers - Bruce Speight, Carolina Panthers, bruce.speight@panthers.nfl.com
Lenovo – David Hamilton, North America PR Lead, dhamilton1@lenovo.com

In the aftermath of the senseless deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, along with many others, we continue to be reminded of the racial disparities, systems of oppression and systemic racism that plague many people of color, especially African Americans.

One of the core beliefs of our school system states #BetterTogether. RCS truly believes that we are better when we work together as one to provide an education and bright future for all our students. The Richmond County Schools Board of Education, superintendent and staff understand and value a diverse school community that is inclusive, supportive, and inviting to all. I want to thank our amazing administrators, teachers, support staff and coaches who work tirelessly in developing positive relationships with our students. Continue to be the light! 

As a public school system and community, we must continue to work together in dismantling racism and social injustice. In this moment, we recommit ourselves to supporting our students and staff who are subjected to racial inequality and the fight against racial injustice. We will continue to work tirelessly with our community to ensure that African American students along with all other students, regardless of race, religion, gender or ability, be provided a high quality education that promotes fairness and opportunity. 

As our board policy states, Richmond County Schools does not tolerate discrimination, harassment, or bullying in any of our activities. We are committed to the dignity and worth of all students and employees and strive to create a safe, orderly, caring, and inviting school environment to facilitate student learning and achievement.

The goal of inspiring excellence in all our students can only be accomplished by removing the barriers created by our society that impede a student’s ability or opportunity to learn and be successful. We ask you to join us in the stand against racial injustice and know that we will do this together, because we are truly #BetterTogether. 

Jeffrey B. Maples, Ed.D.

Superintendent

During the monthly board meeting on June 2, the Richmond County Board of Education approved the high schools moving to a Latin Honor System and eliminating the titles “valedictorian and salutatorian” effective with school year 2019-2020. The COVID-19 crisis made the competitive guidelines for selecting valedictorian/salutatorian even more difficult because of the inequities that arose from the state-wide grading policy.

Under the Latin system, high-performing graduates can earn cum laude, magna cum laude or summa cum laude distinctions, depending on the quality of their GPA. Currently, there are only fractional differences in GPA between the student ranked #1 and the student ranked #30 at Richmond Senior and Richmond Early College. Moving to this honor system will recognize those students maintaining the highest GPA and shifts the focus of students’ course selection from quality points to programs of study that are aligned with their post-secondary goals.

After a thorough review of guidelines provided by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, as well as information from Governor Roy Cooper’s office, Richmond County Schools has worked diligently to build a proposed graduation plan that meets safety requirements while giving students and their families the maximum traditional graduation experience possible.

RCS has collaborated and reached out to DHHS, our school nurses, school representatives and contractors, to build an initial graduation plan and determine their availability in helping make these ceremonies possible. In order to have appropriate time to implement this plan and to build the digital graduation ceremonies, RCS is following the below outlined plan for families and senior students. These celebrations depend on NCDHHS guidelines and restrictions being lifted on mass gatherings.

Graduation for Ashley Chapel Educational Center

Ashley Chapel Educational Center’s virtual graduation was filmed Monday, May 11. The initial plan is to air their graduation on Thursday, June 11 at 6 p.m. Again, we are trying to hold out for as long as we can, in hopes that some type of traditional graduation ceremony is possible and/or other possible options.

Graduation Guidelines for Richmond Early College High School

Who can take part?

Each graduate can bring up to four family members with them when they walk across the stage. Note: Before the graduate or any family member enters the celebration, a RCS nurse will conduct a temperature check using an external device. We are encouraging all students and family members to wear a mask to ensure the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and families. The graduate will take the mask off when it is his/her time to walk across the stage.

Where and when will it take place?

Richmond Early College High School will complete the video portion of the virtual graduation for each student on Tuesday-Thursday, May 19 – 21, at the Cole Auditorium. Each graduate will be given a specific time between 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. to show up on campus and check in. That time will be relayed, and an appointment confirmed by REaCH staff in the coming days. If you do not hear from a school staff member by May 18, please contact REaCH for further information.

How will this ceremony work?

The Cole Auditorium will be set up in stations on the videoing days. These are listed below:

A student will be assigned a time to report to the Cole Auditorium in their cap and gown. That student and up to four family members of their choosing would report to the check-in tent at the time they are given. If they arrive early, the person running the tent will take a phone number and instruct the student and family to return to their vehicles and call them when it is time to begin.

· After the check-in tent, the student and family members will report to Station 2. This will be located at the entrance doors on the right side of the Cole Auditorium. Here a nurse will check everyone in the party’s temperature in line with NCDHHS guidelines.

· A student and the family will advance to Station 3 only once the family ahead of them has moved on. Here they will receive any graduation regalia (cords, sashes, etc.) that has not yet been given.

· After that, the student and family will advance to Station 4 when it becomes available. This is the holding station for entering the auditorium.

· Once the auditorium is cleared, the student and family will go inside. Family members will be advised where to sit in the auditorium. The student will go to the stairs to the right of the stage and wait to be instructed to start the process of walking across the stage.

· The student’s name will be called by Ms. Smart as he or she walks across the stage and takes his/her diploma from the table. The student will then exit the stage on the opposite side. (THIS IS WHAT WILL BE VIDEOED.)

· Once the student has completed the video portion, his/her picture will be taken on the stage in the cap and gown.

· When the video process is complete, the student and his/her family will have an opportunity to take photos of their own from a designated photo op spot. There will be a photographer on site.

· Following that photo, families will be directed to the exits of the building.

The initial plan for our graduation is to air it on Thursday, June 11, at 7 p.m. Again, we are trying to hold out for as long as we can, in hopes that some type of traditional graduation ceremony is possible and/or other possible options.

How can we watch it?

All the photos/videos taken, as well as pre-taped speeches and other traditional graduation ceremony moments will be edited together to form a digital graduation ceremony that will be located for access on our school’s website (www.richmond.k12.nc.us/REaCH).

Will photos be for purchase?

We are currently working on securing a photographer for options on photos of our graduates. More information will be provided to you concerning this very shortly.

Graduation Guidelines for Richmond Senior High School

Who can take part?

Due to the large number of students participating in the video, only one car per graduate can attend the recording of the virtual graduation. We are encouraging all students and family members to wear a mask to ensure the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and families. The graduate will take the mask off when it is his/her time to walk across the stage.

Where and when will it take place?

Richmond Senior High School will complete the video portion of the virtual graduation for each student on Tuesday-Thursday, May 19 – 21, at the high school. Each senior homeroom will be given a specific time between 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. to show up on campus and check in.

Tuesday, May 19

9:30 - 10:30 12-19 Hamilton, Ingram, Steele, Daniel

10:30 - 11:30 12-1 David & 12-2 James

1:00 - 2:00 12-3 Campbell & 12-4 Deese

2:00 - 3:00 12-5 Floyd & 12-6 Gilliam

3:00 - 4:00 12-7 O’Neil & 12-8 A. Larsen

Wednesday, May 20

9:30 - 10:30 12-9 C. Larsen & 12-10 Howard

10:30 - 11:30 12-11 McDougald & 12-12 Eller

11:30 – 12:00 Junior Marshals

1:00 - 2:00 12-13 McDonald & 12-14 Moss

2:00 - 3:00 12-15 Jones & 12-16 Russell

3:00 - 4:00 12-17 Hudson & 12-18 Learn

Thursday, May 21

9:30-11:30 MAKE UP DAY (No photographer on site)

DRESS REQUIREMENTS WITH CAP AND GOWN:

Females: Wear light, solid-colored dress (dress should not hang longer than the gown). Shoes must be solid white, nude or black heels, flats or sandals. No tennis shoes, boots or flip flops will be allowed. If you choose to wear hose/stockings, they must be natural in color.

Males: Wear khaki or black dress pants, white collared button-up dress shirt, dark colored solid tie (no bow ties or string ties). Black or brown dress shoes only. No tennis shoes, boots, or flip flops will be allowed.

STOLES, SASHES, CORDS EARNED:

(NHS, BETA, NTS, Senate, Junior Marshal, Suma, Magna, Laude)

These items will be prepared in a ziplock bag with your name on the bag. Place each item back in the ziplock bag once you have completed your walk across the stage or at the photo station and return it to the marked tote at either station.

VIRTUAL WALK PROCESS:

It is very important to come dressed according to the dress code, including your cap and gown due to the tight schedule prepared.

· Checkpoint 1 - You will be checked in while still in your vehicle at the entrance to the front circle and park when directed to do so.

· Checkpoint 2 - There will be a second check in table to log your video spot.

· Checkpoint 3 - At the stage, the student will walk to the middle of the stage, pick up your diploma cover (no diploma), pose for the photographer with Mr. Butler then exit the stage.

· Checkpoint 4 - Seniors will have the option of a second picture taken by a photographer.

How can we watch it?

The initial plan for our graduation is to air it on Friday, June 12. Again, we are trying to hold out for as long as we can, in hopes that some type of traditional graduation ceremony is possible and/or other possible options.

All the photos/videos taken, as well as pre-taped speeches and other traditional graduation ceremony moments will be edited together to form a digital graduation ceremony that will be located for access on our school’s website (www.richmond.k12.nc.us/RSHS.

Will photos be for purchase?

Proofs from Photo Specialties will be mailed to the parents. Purchases can be made at that time.

Dear Class of 2020 Students and Families,

The purpose of this letter is to make you aware of recent academic changes for the Class of 2020 which are a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a very challenging time for everyone with schools being closed, events being canceled and the other changes to normal everyday life that have taken place.

The intent of the N.C. State Board of Education, the N.C. Department of Public Instruction and Richmond County Schools for the Senior Class of 2020 is to graduate high school seniors who meet the state minimum requirement of 22 credits on their originally scheduled graduation date. Remote learning for seniors will be prioritized to focus on students who were not meeting expectations as of March 13, 2020.

The N.C. State Board recognizes that seniors should earn credit for their learning until the school closure on March 13, 2020. Grading practices for transcript purposes will “hold seniors harmless” for the impact of COVID-19. Seniors’ grades will not be negatively affected for any work submitted after March 13. The grading scale for seniors will be Pass (PC-19) or Withdraw (WC-19) for the Spring 2020 semester. Per N.C. State Board guidance, there are no exceptions.

Specific grading guidelines for the Class of 2020

· Fall Courses – students will receive grades for fall courses as already recorded in PowerSchool; year-long and semester. Fall grades will count toward the GPA.

· Spring Courses – students will receive a pass (PC-19) or withdrawal (WC-19) based on their learning and academic progress as of March 13, 2020.

· Per N.C. State Board of Education, spring grades will not calculate into a senior’s GPA.

If a student has a failing grade as of March 13 in a course required for graduation, Richmond County Schools will provide remote learning opportunities for the student to improve to a passing grade.

Opportunities for seniors to pass a course to meet graduation requirements shall include:

· Remote learning in their current coursework;

· Enrollment in N.C. Virtual Public School (NCVPS) for applicable courses;

· Participation in credit recovery aligned to instructional topics covered through March 13; or

· Passing a final locally developed assessment aligned to instructional topics covered through March 13

In addition, the requirement of CPR training for the Class of 2020 has also been waived by N.C. State Board of Education.

Dual Enrollment Guidance for Seniors

For seniors enrolled in courses through Richmond Community College, it is the goal of the N.C. Department of Public Instruction and the N.C. Community College System for seniors to complete Career and College Promise (CCP) courses within the current term. Like traditional high school courses, seniors can only earn a PC-19 or a WC-19 for college courses in spring semester to ensure equity across N.C.

1) Dually enrolled seniors that are able to complete the course will:

· Earn a PC-19 on their high school transcript and

· Earn the actual college course grade on their college transcript.

· Any student that was not passing the college course prior to March 13 will receive a WC-19 on their high school transcript and their earned grade on the college transcript.

2) Should a dually enrolled senior be unable to complete currently enrolled college courses:

· RCC will withdraw the student from the course.

· If the course is a graduation requirement and the student had a passing grade as of March 13, Richmond County Schools will enroll the senior in the corresponding high school course and give the student a grade of pass (PC-19) for the high school transcript.

· If the student is not passing the college course needed for graduation as of March 13, the students will be enrolled in the equivalent high school course and provided the opportunity to earn a passing credit through remote learning, NCVPS, credit recovery, or be given a locally developed assessment aligned to instructional topics covered through March 13.

· If the community college course is not a graduation requirement, the student will be withdrawn from the course (WC-19) with no negative impact.

Principals and counselors are working now to review grades and transcripts of students. Any student needing to complete additional work to meet graduation requirements will be contacted by the school in the next few days. At this time, no decisions have been made concerning graduation ceremonies as we are awaiting further information from the Governor’s Office. You will be provided with any updates as soon as they are available.

If you have any questions concerning these changes, please contact your school.

_____________________________________________________________

Estimada Clase de Graduación 2020 y Familias,

El propósito de esta carta es hacerle conocer de los cambios académicos recientes para la Graduación de 2020 que son consecuencia de la pandemia COVID-19. Este es un momento muy difícil para todos lidiando con escuelas cerradas, eventos cancelados y otros cambios en la vida cotidiana que han tenido lugar.

La intención de la Junta Estatal de Educación de N.C., el Departamento de Instrucción Pública de N.C. y las Escuelas del Condado de Richmond para los estudiantes de la Clase de 2020 es graduar a los estudiantes de 12vo año que cumplen con el requisito estatal mínimo de 22 créditos a la fecha de graduación originalmente programada. Se priorizará el aprendizaje remoto para los estudiantes que no cumplan con el requerimiento mínimo al 13 de marzo de 2020.

La Junta Estatal de N.C. reconoce que los estudiantes de 12vo año deben ganar crédito por su aprendizaje hasta la fecha de cierre de las escuelas el 13 de marzo de 2020. Las prácticas de Calificación con fines de Récord de Materias “(Transcripts)” no afectarán a los estudiantes de 12vo año debido al impacto de COVID-19. Las calificaciones de estos estudiantes no se verán afectadas negativamente por ningún trabajo presentado después del 13 de marzo. La escala de calificación para estos alumnos será Aprobado (PC-19) o Retirado (WC-19) para el semestre de Primavera 2020, según lineamientos provistos por la Junta Estatal de NC, no hay excepciones.

Directrices de calificación específicas para la Clase de 2020

1. Cursos de Otoño – los estudiantes recibirán calificaciones para cursos de otoño de acuerdo a los registros en PowerSchool; por todo el año o semestre. Las calificaciones de otoño contarán en el promedio de calificación “GPA.”

2. Cursos de Primavera – los estudiantes recibirán designación de Aprobado (PC-19) o retirado (WC-19) acorde a su aprendizaje y progreso académico hasta el 13 de marzo de 2020.

3. Según la Junta Estatal de Educación de N.C., las calificaciones de primavera no se calcularán en el promedio general “GPA” de los estudiantes a graduarse.

Si la calificación en una clase requerida para la graduación no es suficientemente alta para aprobar el curso al 13 de marzo, las Escuelas del Condado de Richmond proporcionarán oportunidades de aprendizaje en línea para que el estudiante mejore su calificación y apruebe la materia.

Las oportunidades para que los estudiantes en 12vo año aprueben los cursos requeridos para su graduación incluyen:

· Aprendizaje en línea de sus clases actuales;

· Inscripción en N.C. Virtual Public School (NCVPS) para cursos que se apliquen;

· Participación en la recuperación de crédito, alineada con temas instructivos cubiertos hasta el 13 de marzo; o

· Pasar una evaluación hecha localmente y alineada con los temas instructivos cubiertos hasta el 13 de marzo

Además, el requisito de capacitación en Respiración Cardio Pulmonar CPR para la Clase de graduados 2020 también ha sido eximida por la Junta Estatal de Educación de N.C.

Guía de inscripción dual para alumnos en 12vo Grado

Los alumnos de 12vo grado inscritos en clases del Richmond Community College, el objetivo del Departamento de Instrucción Pública de N.C. y el Sistema de Colegios Comunitarios N.C. es completar las clases de Promesa de Carrera y Universidad (CCP) dentro del período establecido. Al igual que los cursos tradicionales de secundaria, los alumnos de 12vo año solo pueden ganar un PC-19 o un WC-19 en los cursos universitarios en el semestre de primavera, para garantizar la equidad en Carolina del Norte.

1) Los alumnos de 12vo grado inscritos en ambos programas que puedan completar el curso:

· Obtendrán PC-19 en su expediente académico de la escuela secundaria y

· Obtendrán la calificación del curso universitario en su expediente académico universitario.

· Cualquier estudiante que no tenía un promedio necesario para aprobar el curso universitario antes del 13 de marzo recibirá un WC-19 en su expediente académico de la escuela secundaria y universitario.

2) En caso de que un estudiante del último año doblemente inscrito no pueda completar los cursos universitarios en los que está actualmente inscritos:

· RCC retirará al estudiante del curso.

· Si el curso es un requisito de graduación y el estudiante tenía una calificación de aprobación al 13 de marzo, las Escuelas del Condado de Richmond inscribirán al estudiante de último año en el curso de la escuela secundaria correspondiente y le dará una calificación de aprobado (PC-19) en el expediente académico de la escuela secundaria.

· Si el estudiante no está aprobando el curso universitario necesario para la graduación al 13 de marzo, el estudiante será inscrito en el curso de bachillerato equivalente y se le proporcionaron la oportunidad de obtener un crédito de aprobación a través de aprendizaje en línea, NCVPS, recuperación de crédito, o se le administrará una evaluación hecha localmente y alineada con temas de instrucción cubiertos hasta el 13 de marzo.

· Si el curso de la universidad comunitaria no es un requisito de graduación, el estudiante será retirado del curso (WC-19) sin consecuencias adversas.

Los directores y consejeros están revisando las calificaciones y expediente académico de los estudiantes. Los estudiantes que necesiten completar un trabajo adicional para cumplir con los requisitos de graduación serán contactados por la escuela en los próximos días. En este momento, no se han tomado decisiones con respecto a las ceremonias de graduación, ya que estamos esperando más información de la Oficina del Gobernador. Se le proporcionarán cualquier actualización tan pronto como estén disponibles.

Si tiene alguna pregunta con respecto a estos cambios, comuníquese con su escuela.

UPDATE - July 14, 2020

Today, Governor Roy Cooper announced that North Carolina schools will open for both in-person and remote learning with key safety precautions to protect the health of our students, teachers, staff and families. This is the Plan B schools were asked to prepare. Richmond County Schools' Plan B will be presented to the Board of Education on Thursday, July 16 for approval. We will keep you updated.

UPDATE - July 1, 2020

Based on guidance and requirements issued by Governor Cooper and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), Richmond County Schools is currently creating reopening plans for the 2020 – 2021 school year. Each school district in the state is required to create three different options for reopening.

• Plan A allows school facilities to reopen at full capacity with all students present at the same time with enhanced sanitation measures required.
• Plan B limits school facilities to reopen at a maximum 50 percent capacity with enhanced sanitation and safety measures, increased social distancing, and only one student per seat on buses.
• Plan C keeps school facilities closed for in-person instruction with remote learning structures and accountability in place.

We understand that some families may not feel comfortable in returning to school in Plan A or B; therefore, we will also provide a virtual option for students and parents.

Governor Cooper and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will ultimately determine how our schools can safely reopen in the fall. The opening of our schools will be a community-wide effort to ensure the safety and well-being of our students and staff while providing educational opportunities for all our students.

We ask that all parents complete the survey on the RCS website and staff members complete the survey that was sent via school email. This stakeholder input is essential as RCS formulates the plans for re-entry.

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Basados en la guía y los requisitos emitidos por el gobernador Cooper y el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte, las Escuelas del Condado de Richmond está creando diferentes planes de reapertura para el año escolar 2020-2021. El Gobernador requiere que cada distrito escolar del estado cree tres opciones para la reapertura de las escuelas. 

El Plan A permite que las instalaciones escolares se vuelvan a abrir a plena capacidad con todos los estudiantes presentes al mismo tiempo, pero con mejor medidas de saneamiento. 

El Plan B limita la reapertura de las instalaciones escolares a una capacidad máxima del 50 por ciento con mejor medidas de saneamiento y seguridad, mayor distanciamiento social y solo un estudiante por asiento en los autobuses. 

El Plan C mantiene las instalaciones escolares cerradas para la instrucción en persona con estructuras de aprendizaje remoto y responsabilidad implementadas. 

Entendemos que algunas familias pueden no sentirse cómodas al regresar a la escuela en el Plan A o B; por lo tanto, también proporcionaremos una opción virtual para estudiantes y padres. 

El gobernador Cooper y el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte determinarán en última instancia cómo nuestras escuelas pueden reabrir de manera segura en el otoño. La apertura de nuestras escuelas requerirá el esfuerzo de toda la comunidad para garantizar la seguridad y el bienestar de nuestros estudiantes y personal, al mismo tiempo de brindar oportunidades educativas para todos nuestros estudiantes. 

Pedimos la colaboración de todos los padres completando la encuesta en el sitio web de RCS y la de los miembros del personal llenando la encuesta que se les envió por correo electrónico. Este aporte de los miembros de la comunidad escolar ​​es de mucha importancia para que RCS cree los planes para el regreso a las escuelas.  

UPDATE - June 25, 2020

Richmond County Schools' Summer Meal Service will operate on Mondays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. starting Monday, June 29. The school sites that will be open are Monroe Avenue, Hamlet Middle and L.J. Bell.

From 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., a limited amount of meals can be picked up at the Annex Parking Lot located at 102 Safie Sixth Street in Rockingham and Mineral Springs Elementary.

Students will receive three breakfasts and three lunches on those days - totaling up to six days worth of meals.

Households that signed up for the Emergency Meals-to-You Program will continue to receive their boxes of food through August 17.

Below you will find the full schedule of operation dates. There will be an exception to the first week in July due to the July 4 holiday schedule.  The dates of operation will be as follows:

• June 29 Monday send meals for June 29, June 30 and July 1
• July 1, Wednesday send meals for July 2, 3 and 4 (then off July 6^th for Holiday return)
• July 7 on Tuesday send meals for July 7 and 8
• July 9 on Thursday send meals for July 9, 10 and 11
• July 13 on Monday send meals for July 13, 14 and 15
• July 16 on Thursday send meals for July 16, 17 and 18
• July 20 on Monday send meals for July 20, 21and 22
• July 23, Thursday send meals for July 23, 24 and 25
• July 27, Monday send meals for July 27, 28 and 29
• July 30 Thursday send meals for July 30, 31 and August 1
• August 3 Monday send meals for August 3, 4 and 5
• August 6, Thursday send meals for August 6, 7 and 8
• August 10, Monday send meals for August 10,11 and 12
• August 13, Thursday send meals for August 13, 14 and15

If you have any questions, please contact our Central Office at 910-582-5860 and ask for Child Nutrition. 

UPDATE - May 13, 2020

Richmond County Schools is announcing a new program called Emergency Meals-to-You that will deliver meals for your children to your doorstep for free for the month of June. In order to be included in the program, you must sign up by Monday, May 18 at 5 p.m.

When you sign up for Emergency Meals-to-You, every two weeks you will get a box delivered to your door for each child ages 1 – 18 in your household. Each box will include 10 breakfasts and 10 lunches/suppers. All foods are shelf-stable, which means they will last for a while.

To sign up for the program, go to https://NCmealstoyou.formstack.com/forms/round2.

The deadline to complete the application is Monday, May 18 at 5 p.m. If you do not sign up by the deadline, you will have to pick up meals at the designated school meal sites over the summer as we will not utilize our buses to deliver meals.

If you have any questions about how to fill out the application, please contact the social worker at your child’s school.

UPDATE - May 13, 2020

Richmond County Schools' Child Nutrition Update

Richmond County Schools will begin a new meal preparation and delivery food schedule. Beginning Monday, May 18, Richmond County Schools will prepare and deliver meals at the same time on the following days: Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.

• On Mondays, breakfast and lunch will be provided.
• On Tuesdays, breakfast and lunch will be provided for Tuesday and Wednesday.
• On Wednesday, no delivery or pick-up. SITES CLOSED.
• On Thursday, breakfast and lunch will be provided for Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
• On Friday, no delivery or pick-up. SITES CLOSED.

Bus schedules will remain the same and the following sites are available for meal pick-up from 11 a.m. to noon: Cordova Middle, Hamlet Middle, L.J. Bell, Mineral Springs, Monroe Avenue, Ninth Grade Academy and West Rockingham.

UPDATE - May 10, 2020

PANDEMIC ELECTRONIC BENEFIT TRANSFER PROGRAM (P-EBT)

North Carolina has been approved for the new Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program. This program will help families who have been impacted by school closings due to COVID-19 purchase food for their children.

In mid-May, families of students who normally receive free and reduced lunch at school will begin receiving P-EBT benefits. All families of students that attend Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) schools, regardless of their income, will be eligible for the card. All public schools in Richmond County are CEP schools. Families with children enrolled in Richmond County Schools will qualify for P-EBT benefits. There is no need for these families to complete an application or take any additional action to receive P-EBT benefits.

Qualified families will receive an allotment of $250 in EBT benefits for each enrolled child. Funds will be issued in two installments. The card can be used to purchase food items at EBT authorized retailers, including most major grocery stores. Families who already have EBT cards will have funds added to their existing card. For those who do not, cards will be mailed to the address on file. If families have recently moved, they should contact their child's school as soon as possible to update their address in PowerSchool.

For additional information about the P-EBT card, visit https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/public-health/covid19/assistance/p-ebt.

UPDATE - April 24, 2020

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, N.C. K-12 public schools have been closed for an extended time for face-to-face instruction. Richmond County Schools has continued to engage students through remote learning opportunities to support continued student growth and well-being during this public health crisis.

Today, Governor Roy Cooper announced that schools will remain closed for the 2019-2020 school year. While school buildings are closed, learning will continue through online instruction along with learning packets. We will also continue to distribute meals to our students.

Below, you will also find  the state board guidance for grading practices for the end of year. Please do not hesitate to call your child's school with questions you may have.

New Mental Health Resource

Hope4NC Helpline at 1-855-587-3463. The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services has re-established the Hope4NC Helpline to connect North Carolinians to additional meal health and resilience supports that help them cope and build resilience during times of crisis. This mental health hotline is available to everyone in North Carolina's 100 counties during the COVID-19 crisis. This initiative is in partnership with all seven of the states LME/MCOs and REAL Crisis Intervention Inc. in Greenville. Hope4NC is now available 24 hours per day, seven days a week to speak to a live person.

NCDPI and NCDHHS 877-877 Meal Locator Texting Resource 

Families who need help finding meals for their children ages 18 and younger can text FOODNC to 877-877 to locate nearby free meal sites. The texting service is also available in Spanish by texting COMIDA to 877-877.

After entering their address, families will receive a text with the location and serving times for nearby pick-up and drive-thru meal sites while schools are closed. Sites have been set up across the state with school and community partners.

Las familias que necesitan ayuda para encontrar comidas para sus hijos hasta los 18 años pueden enviar un mensaje de texto a COMIDA al 877-877 para ubicar los sitios de comida gratis cercanos a usted. Después de ingresar su dirección, las familias recibirán un mensaje de texto con la ubicación y las horas de servicio para los lugares de comida cercanos para recoger la comida desde su auto, mientras las escuelas están cerradas. Se han establecido sitios de comida en todo el estado en escuelas y organizaciones de la comunidad.

UPDATE - March 23, 2020

On Monday, March 23, Governor Roy Cooper signed an executive order that closes all K-12 schools for instructional purposes until May 15th.

Richmond County Schools will continue to provide breakfasts and lunches to our students via bus route and at the meal sites located at Monroe Avenue Elementary, Ninth Grade Academy, West Rockingham Elementary,  L.J. Bell Elementary, Cordova Middle School, Ellerbe Middle School and Hamlet Middle School. Please call our Transportation Department at (910) 997 - 9841 for any questions or to be added to a route.

While our school buildings will remain closed, we will continue to have school remotely and provide learning opportunities for our students. If you have any questions in regards to remote learning or instructional packets, please contact your child’s school between 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday - Friday. 

UPDATE - March 19, 2020

In an effort to provide more breakfast and lunches to our students, beginning Friday, March 20th, we will start sending buses on routes to deliver food.

Any Richmond County School child under the age of 18 may pick up a breakfast and lunch at the bus stop closest to their home. If you have a question about which bus stop your child should go to for meals, or would like to be added to the route, please contact the Richmond County Schools’ Transportation Department at (910) 997 - 9841. It is difficult to estimate what time the bus will be at your stop, but buses will begin their delivery routes at approximately 10 a.m. We encourage parents and students to watch for their bus as it comes through and to please be patient as we work on making this process as efficient as possible. Young children should be accompanied by an adult.

In addition to our bus routes, we will continue to provide grab-and-go meals from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the following sites:

Ellerbe Middle, Monroe Avenue Elementary, Ninth Grade Academy, West Rockingham Elementary, Hamlet Middle, L.J. Bell Elementary, and Cordova Middle.

UPDATE - March 16, 2020

Richmond County Schools has added meal sites for students to receive a grab and go breakfast and lunch starting on Tuesday, March 17th from 10:30 a.m. to noon. As of March 16th, we have been updated that children do not have to be present to pick up their bag of food.

The following locations have been added:

Cordova Middle, Cartledge Creek Baptist Church, Philadelphia Community Church, Marston First Baptist Church and Rockingham Skateland.

UPDATE - March 15, 2020

Richmond County Schools has established meal sites for students to receive a grab and go breakfast and lunch starting on Tuesday, March 17th from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Each student is allowed to pick up one bag of food.

The following locations will be used as a drive-through pick-up location:

Ellerbe Middle, Monroe Avenue Elementary, Ninth Grade Academy, West Rockingham Elementary, Hamlet Middle, L.J. Bell Elementary, Hoffman Recreation Center, Mangum Community Center, Norman Community Center, Dobbins Heights Community Center, the Annex on 102 Safie 6th Street and South (Jack) Breeden Park in South Hamlet. 

Instructional packets for elementary and middle school students will be available for pick-up outside your child’s school from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. starting Wednesday, March 18th, to help support your child’s learning while they are away from school. High School students will be contacted by their school’s principal about online opportunities. 

UPDATE - March 14, 2020

Following Governor Roy Cooper's directions, Richmond County Schools will be closed for two weeks starting Monday, March 16 through March 30. This will also include Richmond Early College. Monday will be a workday for all RCS staff to access the schools to retrieve personal items/resources.

Richmond County Schools will provide food stations for students during the closing. Those locations and times will be announced at a later date.

UPDATE - March 12, 2020

With guidance from the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA), Richmond County Schools will suspend interscholastic athletics until further notice. This will include middle and high school athletics.

Click here to read more from the NCHSAA

UPDATE - March 11, 2020

On Tuesday, March 10, Governor Roy Cooper declared a state of emergency to help limit the spread of COVID-19, also known as Coronavirus. This will have several immediate effects on our school district. This action will enable government officials to take extra measures to protect the public.

As always, our top priority is the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and community. Effective immediately and until further notice, Richmond County Schools will adhere to the following guidance:

• All out-of-state field trips and travel by students and staff are cancelled;
• All out-of-district field trips and travel by students and staff are cancelled;
• Travel by students and staff to in-state sports competitions will continue, subject to guidance from the NCHSAA;
• We will continue to monitor and update district level events that may be impacted;
• School events held on campus will continue at the Principal's discretion. 

Our principals are working diligently with travel companies to get refunds for our families. Please contact your child's school as they should have more information within the coming days.

We will continue to remind our school community that the best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are the same preventions that are recommended for the spread of the flu and the common cold. We encourage students, staff and school visitors to follow proper handwashing and sanitation practices to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses.

Here are additional links for more information on COVID-19:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

https://epi.dph.ncdhhs.gov/cd/diseases/COVID19.html

https://www.dpi.nc.gov/news/covid-19-response-resources

We will continue to provide updates as information becomes available via phone call, through our social media channels and our website.

March 5, 2020:

Richmond County Schools is closely monitoring information as it develops about Coronavirus (COVID-19) and will continue to follow the guidance of local, state and federal health officials.

RCS administrators, support staff services, principals, nurses and the Richmond County Health Department will continue to meet to discuss the latest updates from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Richmond County Health Department.

Health officials advise the steps you take to prevent the spread of the common cold and flu will also help prevent Coronavirus (COVID-19). Click here for prevention measures. As with all precautionary measures, students and staff should frequently and thoroughly wash their hands and avoid touching their faces as much as possible. In addition, we encourage parents to keep their child at home if he or she has a fever of 100.4 degrees or higher and to keep them at home until they are fever-free for 24 hours without medication.

The North Carolina Division of Public Health has established a call line at 1-866-462-3821 to address general questions about Coronavirus (COVID-19) from the public.

Additional COVID-19 Resources:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

https://epi.dph.ncdhhs.gov/cd/diseases/COVID19.html

https://www.dpi.nc.gov/news/covid-19-response-resources