Western Rockingham Middle School hosted the 2025-26 Middle School All-County Band Concert on Thursday, March 19. Thank you to our guest conductor Ben Keith from Northern Guilford Middle School in Guilford County.
RCS Kindergarten Registration for the 2026–2027 school year begins March 30, 2026. Seats are available for students who will be 5 years old on or before August 31, 2026. To help ensure a smooth registration experience, families are encouraged to plan early and begin gathering the documents needed to complete the kindergarten boarding process.
https://youtu.be/jZg62A30-78
https://youtu.be/jZg62A30-78
A National Conference features two Rockingham County Schools staff and one of our students. South by Southwest (SXSW) is an annual gathering in Austin, Texas that combines leaders and fans of music, film, tech, and education each spring. From March 9-12, EdNC attended SXSW EDU to listen as North Carolina students, teachers, leaders, policy advisors, and more represented our state by presenting to an engaged education audience from around the nation.
Our Rockingham County Schools Moriah Dollarhite with human resources participated in a panel about hybrid teaching models that boost student outcomes. She spoke about structuring support around beginning teachers with the help of Public Impact.
A sophomore from Rockingham Early College High School, Helena Ortiz, is working with PBS News Student Reporting Labs and sat on a panel with fellow student reporters. She is cohosting the upcoming sixth season of the On Our Minds podcast which talks about teen life in all corners of the nation.
Dr. Emma Humphries is the chief education officer at iCivics, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to advancing civic learning. She began a panel conversation at SXSW by delivering the results of a survey and selected Valencia Abbott, a veteran social studies educator at Rockingham Early College High School, to be on the panel.
Abbott was recently named the 2025 National History Teacher of the Year. Abbott said, “I’ve always taught these principles, these strategies, these topics in my classroom. I’ve never shied away from anything in the classroom. What is different is my preparation for my lessons.” She is checking her own biases and researching her sources more. She is coming to class extra prepared for whatever questions her students may have.
Abbott’s philosophy around teaching hard things is to enable and encourage her students to find themselves in history. If she is presented with a historical event she hasn’t taught, but it is part of her student’s community, she adds to the curriculum.
“If the kids trust that you’re giving them the best information that you have, then you can go forward with your work,” said Abbott.
Great work representing Rockingham County Schools.
Our Rockingham County Schools Moriah Dollarhite with human resources participated in a panel about hybrid teaching models that boost student outcomes. She spoke about structuring support around beginning teachers with the help of Public Impact.
A sophomore from Rockingham Early College High School, Helena Ortiz, is working with PBS News Student Reporting Labs and sat on a panel with fellow student reporters. She is cohosting the upcoming sixth season of the On Our Minds podcast which talks about teen life in all corners of the nation.
Dr. Emma Humphries is the chief education officer at iCivics, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to advancing civic learning. She began a panel conversation at SXSW by delivering the results of a survey and selected Valencia Abbott, a veteran social studies educator at Rockingham Early College High School, to be on the panel.
Abbott was recently named the 2025 National History Teacher of the Year. Abbott said, “I’ve always taught these principles, these strategies, these topics in my classroom. I’ve never shied away from anything in the classroom. What is different is my preparation for my lessons.” She is checking her own biases and researching her sources more. She is coming to class extra prepared for whatever questions her students may have.
Abbott’s philosophy around teaching hard things is to enable and encourage her students to find themselves in history. If she is presented with a historical event she hasn’t taught, but it is part of her student’s community, she adds to the curriculum.
“If the kids trust that you’re giving them the best information that you have, then you can go forward with your work,” said Abbott.
Great work representing Rockingham County Schools.
2026-2027 Reassignment Applications are now available.
The 2026-2027 reassignment school applications are now available in each school's front office, RCS Central Office, or on the RCS website under the Parents and Students section.
https://www.rock.k12.nc.us/page/request-of-reassignment
Only those who are requesting a new school reassignment need to apply. The deadline for submission is set for May 1, 2026. For any further questions, you may call the Student Assignment Office at 336-627-2689.
The 2026-2027 reassignment school applications are now available in each school's front office, RCS Central Office, or on the RCS website under the Parents and Students section.
https://www.rock.k12.nc.us/page/request-of-reassignment
Only those who are requesting a new school reassignment need to apply. The deadline for submission is set for May 1, 2026. For any further questions, you may call the Student Assignment Office at 336-627-2689.
Rockingham County Schools will be holding a public hearing on March 23, 2026 starting at 6pm. This meeting will be held at the Central Administrative Offices located at 511 Harrington Highway Eden, NC 27288. The meeting will be in regards to the 26-27 Budget and the merger of Moss Street/South End elementary schools.
Rockingham County Schools’ Nutrition staff are serving Lucky Charms Yogurt Parfaits to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day!!
Attached are the 2025-2026 Traditional and Early College/CTE Calendars updated to reflect changes from yesterday's weather event. Dillard Academy calendar did not change.
Rockingham County Schools to merge South End and Moss Street Elementary schools meeting has been moved to Tomorrow night March 17th.
Rockingham County Schools Staff and Families: The safety of our staff and families remains our top priority, and we are committed to keeping you informed. Due to the threat of severe weather tomorrow which could affect bus travel in the afternoon, Rockingham County Schools will be closed with an optional teacher workday for Monday March 16th. RCS Kids Companion Child Care Program will open at normal times. All scheduled meetings are canceled and will be rescheduled. The mandatory teacher workday scheduled for Monday March 23rd will be a regular attendance day to make up for this Monday.
Congratulations! The membership of the North Carolina Association for the Gifted and Talented
(NCAGT) has selected Tri-City Automotive Group as the recipient of the 2026 NCAGT Business
Supporting Gifted Education Award. Tri City Automotive was awarded the 2026 NCAGT Business Supporting Gifted Education Award at the annual NC Association of Gifted and Talented annual conference on March 12, 2026. Tri City sponsors our high school Academic Challenge Competition and provides scholarships for our high school ACC team members. Mr. Sam Coates has been a tremendous supporter of RCS for many years.
(NCAGT) has selected Tri-City Automotive Group as the recipient of the 2026 NCAGT Business
Supporting Gifted Education Award. Tri City Automotive was awarded the 2026 NCAGT Business Supporting Gifted Education Award at the annual NC Association of Gifted and Talented annual conference on March 12, 2026. Tri City sponsors our high school Academic Challenge Competition and provides scholarships for our high school ACC team members. Mr. Sam Coates has been a tremendous supporter of RCS for many years.
Rockingham County Schools Board of Education has approved the 2026-2027 Traditional and Early College/CTE Calendars. Visit our website or see the attached calendars for more information.
Ms. Elizabeth Covell announces her retirement as Director of Federal Programs, effective July 1, after 30 years of credited service to Rockingham County Schools. Over the course of her career, she had the opportunity to serve in a variety of roles including classroom teacher, instructional leader, assistant principal, principal, and district leader, most recently serving as Director of Federal Programs. These experiences allowed her to work with schools across the district and in each of its zones, giving her the chance to collaborate with many dedicated educators, students, and families. Along the way, she was grateful to be part of initiatives such as helping launch the SPLASH program and supporting a school that was recognized as a North Carolina State Title I Distinguished School.
Ms. Covell shares that the greatest joy of her career has always been the opportunity to work with students and families and to serve the school community. She credits much of her love for education and service to the example set by her parents—her mother, a teacher who cared deeply for her students, and her father, who encouraged her curiosity and love of learning. As she begins this next chapter, Ms. Covell looks forward to spending more time with family and friends and continuing her creative journey through art. She also plans to stay connected to education by continuing to teach and coach in ways that allow her to support others and share what she has learned. She leaves Rockingham County Schools with gratitude for the colleagues, students, and families. Covell states: “As I retire from RCS I want to thank those who gave me the opportunity to serve this district. It has truly been an honor to work alongside such dedicated colleagues and to support the students and families in our community. I am grateful for the experiences and the many moments that have made this work so meaningful and special.”
Ms. Covell shares that the greatest joy of her career has always been the opportunity to work with students and families and to serve the school community. She credits much of her love for education and service to the example set by her parents—her mother, a teacher who cared deeply for her students, and her father, who encouraged her curiosity and love of learning. As she begins this next chapter, Ms. Covell looks forward to spending more time with family and friends and continuing her creative journey through art. She also plans to stay connected to education by continuing to teach and coach in ways that allow her to support others and share what she has learned. She leaves Rockingham County Schools with gratitude for the colleagues, students, and families. Covell states: “As I retire from RCS I want to thank those who gave me the opportunity to serve this district. It has truly been an honor to work alongside such dedicated colleagues and to support the students and families in our community. I am grateful for the experiences and the many moments that have made this work so meaningful and special.”
Ms. Laura Carter retires from RCS.
Ms. Laura Carter retired as Principal of Rockingham Early College High School and planning and implementation Principal of the CTE Innovative High School, effective March 1, 2026 after 34 years of combined service with Rockingham County Schools and the state of North Carolina. Ms. Carter’s journey began as a classroom teacher at Monroeton Elementary School where she later served as an instructional coach. In addition, her various roles have included assistant principal at WRMS and RCHS and principal at RCHS. Throughout her career she has received recognitions for Teacher of the Year, Assistant Principal of the Year and Principal of the Year. This year, Carter received the Humanitarian award from Rockingham County's local branch of the NAACP. Ms. Carter states: “My greatest accomplishment has been providing students with a voice and making them feel seen. It has been an honor to serve the students of Rockingham County and work for the Rockingham County school system.”
Ms. Erselle Young announces her retirement as Assistant Superintendent of Operations and Logistics, effective July 1, after 25 years of service to Rockingham County Schools.
Rockingham County Schools thanks Ms. Young for her years of service and dedication to students, staff, and the community. Young states: “Spending a career in education has been extremely rewarding. Not only have I worked with some of the best educators, I have had the absolute best students. My journey with Rockingham County Schools began as a Business teacher. Then, I had the honor of becoming an assistant principal at RCMS. My next adventures were being the principal at Williamsburg Elementary School and Reidsville Middle School.
Moving to the Central Offices as the Director of School Nutrition was different because I was not with students every day, but I knew I was still serving students’ basic needs. I had another wonderful opportunity to work in our Human Resources Department as the Director of Classified Staff and as the Director of Career and Technical Education before my final destination as the Assistant Superintendent of Operations & Logistics.
I have had the pleasure of assisting schools to grow academically, assisting departments through financial crises, working with staff and county administration to get a capital budget of over $47 million passed and the approval of a Needs-Based grant application for a new Reidsville Elementary School to be constructed.
With all of the positions I have held, the most important was being with students and I will always be proud when I see former students and get to hear them share the great things happening in their lives.”
Rockingham County Schools thanks Ms. Young for her years of service and dedication to students, staff, and the community. Young states: “Spending a career in education has been extremely rewarding. Not only have I worked with some of the best educators, I have had the absolute best students. My journey with Rockingham County Schools began as a Business teacher. Then, I had the honor of becoming an assistant principal at RCMS. My next adventures were being the principal at Williamsburg Elementary School and Reidsville Middle School.
Moving to the Central Offices as the Director of School Nutrition was different because I was not with students every day, but I knew I was still serving students’ basic needs. I had another wonderful opportunity to work in our Human Resources Department as the Director of Classified Staff and as the Director of Career and Technical Education before my final destination as the Assistant Superintendent of Operations & Logistics.
I have had the pleasure of assisting schools to grow academically, assisting departments through financial crises, working with staff and county administration to get a capital budget of over $47 million passed and the approval of a Needs-Based grant application for a new Reidsville Elementary School to be constructed.
With all of the positions I have held, the most important was being with students and I will always be proud when I see former students and get to hear them share the great things happening in their lives.”
Our district is working to bring two school communities together as we prepare for a new school building in the future. This transition is designed to create stronger opportunities for students by combining resources, staff expertise and programs while we wait for the new facility to be completed.
We are committed to communicating openly with families and working together to make this change as smooth as possible for everyone involved. We understand that families may have questions about how the merger will impact students, staff, transportation and daily school operations. This Q&A document was created to provide clear information and updates as plans continue to develop.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScn1tK4CAVg57_qM0eNRuotuwrpAUUq3Y2OTp35GimWPd-Naw/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=106766912556690754712
We are committed to communicating openly with families and working together to make this change as smooth as possible for everyone involved. We understand that families may have questions about how the merger will impact students, staff, transportation and daily school operations. This Q&A document was created to provide clear information and updates as plans continue to develop.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScn1tK4CAVg57_qM0eNRuotuwrpAUUq3Y2OTp35GimWPd-Naw/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=106766912556690754712
Rockingham County Middle School Students Use Spanish Skills to Address Global Challenges at UNC Greensboro Event.
Middle school students from Rockingham County Middle School recently joined peers from across North Carolina at University of North Carolina at Greensboro to participate in Conexiones para la Acción Diplomática (CAD), a Spanish-language global diplomacy simulation hosted by Participate Learning.
Students acted as international ambassadors, debating global issues like animal wellbeing and biodiversity—entirely in Spanish—while collaborating with peers and bilingual mentors.
Experiences like CAD help students strengthen their language skills while developing communication, problem-solving, and global leadership abilities.
Two Schools - One Future
Rockingham County Schools will share information about the proposed merger of Moss Street Elementary and South End Elementary on Monday March 16, 2026. The information meeting will be 6:00 p.m. at Reidsville High School Media Center. All Moss Street and South End families are encouraged to attend.
Rockingham County Schools will share information about the proposed merger of Moss Street Elementary and South End Elementary on Monday March 16, 2026. The information meeting will be 6:00 p.m. at Reidsville High School Media Center. All Moss Street and South End families are encouraged to attend.
March 9th RCS Board Meeting was held. Great meeting with our Board discussing new Chromebooks, Head Start budget, Calendar approval, and discussing a new elementary school in Reidsville. Next meeting is Monday April 13, 2026 at 6pm. Try to join us.
SPLASH Applications
2026-2027 SPLASH APPLICATIONS - Will Open on March 9, 2026 at 6pm!
For the 2026-2027 school year Bethany Elementary and Stoneville Elementary Schools are accepting applications for kindergarten and first grade students for their Spanish Language Immersion Programs.
https://www.rock.k12.nc.us/page/splash
2026-2027 SPLASH APPLICATIONS - Will Open on March 9, 2026 at 6pm!
For the 2026-2027 school year Bethany Elementary and Stoneville Elementary Schools are accepting applications for kindergarten and first grade students for their Spanish Language Immersion Programs.
https://www.rock.k12.nc.us/page/splash
Cecil Kemp Announces Retirement as Principal of McMichael High School
Rockingham County Schools announces the retirement of Cecil Kemp, Principal of McMichael High School, concluding a distinguished 33-year career in education, all of which was spent serving students and families in the Rockingham County School System.
Kemp has served McMichael High School in various roles for twelve of those years, where he has been known for his commitment to student success, support for teachers, and dedication to the school community.
“I am blessed to have been able to spend my entire thirty-three year career in the Rockingham County School system,” Kemp said. “Throughout my career, I have met and worked with some outstanding individuals. I would especially like to thank the teachers I have worked with for always putting students first. You are what makes Rockingham County Schools what it is.”
Rockingham County Schools has named David Edrington as Interim Principal of McMichael High School.
Edrington brings more than 25 years of experience in education and technology. Prior to entering education, he spent 15 years as Programming and IT Manager at WTWB/WCWG Television. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Middle Grades Education and a Master of Library and Information Studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, as well as a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Arkansas.
For the past three years, Edrington has served McMichael High School as Assistant Principal, Testing Coordinator, and Title I Coordinator. McMichael High School holds special significance for his family—both of his sons are graduates, and his wife, Donna, previously served as Media Coordinator at Huntsville Elementary School, a feeder school for McMichael.
Rockingham County Schools announces the retirement of Cecil Kemp, Principal of McMichael High School, concluding a distinguished 33-year career in education, all of which was spent serving students and families in the Rockingham County School System.
Kemp has served McMichael High School in various roles for twelve of those years, where he has been known for his commitment to student success, support for teachers, and dedication to the school community.
“I am blessed to have been able to spend my entire thirty-three year career in the Rockingham County School system,” Kemp said. “Throughout my career, I have met and worked with some outstanding individuals. I would especially like to thank the teachers I have worked with for always putting students first. You are what makes Rockingham County Schools what it is.”
Rockingham County Schools has named David Edrington as Interim Principal of McMichael High School.
Edrington brings more than 25 years of experience in education and technology. Prior to entering education, he spent 15 years as Programming and IT Manager at WTWB/WCWG Television. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Middle Grades Education and a Master of Library and Information Studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, as well as a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Arkansas.
For the past three years, Edrington has served McMichael High School as Assistant Principal, Testing Coordinator, and Title I Coordinator. McMichael High School holds special significance for his family—both of his sons are graduates, and his wife, Donna, previously served as Media Coordinator at Huntsville Elementary School, a feeder school for McMichael.
