Parents
& Students
Parent & Student Resources
On this page you will find a number of resources to help you navigate the RCS school system as well as important forms, enrollment information, and student programs. Click on a thumbnail below for more information. You can also use the scrolling menu on the right side of the page to quickly scroll through the sections and easily navigate from the top and bottom of the page. Rockingham County Schools Parent and Family Engagement Policy.
Quick Links
Section Details
Enrolling Your Child
We welcome you to Rockingham County Schools! Thanks for making the CHOICE that ROCKS!
School secretaries and school Data Managers are a valuable resource in helping you get your child enrolled in school. Please contact the school your child will be attending to complete the necessary paperwork. If you need help determining which school your child will attend, visit our online school locator.
Parent information needed for Registration:
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Certified Birth Certificate
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Immunization Record
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Proof of residence (street address) - examples: utility bill, lease/mortgage paperwork, notarized letter of residency
Kindergarten Registration Information
Children must be age 5 on or before August 31 (of the current school year) to be eligible to attend kindergarten.
For more information, call your neighborhood school or June Nealy, Director of Elementary Programs, at 627.2680 or by email jnealy@rock.k12.nc.us.
Immunization Requirements (Kindergarten, 7th Grade)
All students entering public school in North Carolina are required to submit a current and up to date certificate of immunization within 30 days of school attendance. Students who have NOT provided the immunization record to the school within 30 days will NOT be allowed to attend school until the immunization certificate is received. Neither a transcript nor school data management immunization record is the official immunization certificate. Parents are responsible for obtaining the immunization certificate and providing it to the school. Records from previous schools will be requested as a courtesy to parents; however, the 30 day rule will still apply if records are not received within 30 days of the first day of school attendance.
Kindergarten Immunization Requirements (effective 7/1/2015)
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5 DTP/DTaP doses: 5th dose on or after 4th birthday. If 4th dose is after the 4th birthday, 5th dose is not required.
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4 Polio vaccine doses: 4th dose on or after 4th birthday. If 3rd dose is after 4th birthday, 4th dose is not required.
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1-4 Hib doses: Series is complete if 2nd, 3rd, or 4th doses are given on or after 12 months of age.
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If 1st dose is given at 12-15 months of age, two doses are required.
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If 1st dose is given on or after 15 months of age, only one dose is required.
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3 Hepatitis B vaccine doses: 3rd dose must be given on or after 24 weeks of age.
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2 Measles vaccine doses: 1st dose on/after 12 months of age and 2nd dose before entering school.
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2 Mumps vaccine doses: 1st dose on/after 12 months of age and 2nd dose before entering school.
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1 Rubella vaccine dose: On or after 12 months of age.
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2 Varicella vaccine doses: 1st dose on or after 12 months of age, and 2nd dose is required before entering school.
7th grade immunization requirements (effective 7/1/2015)
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TDaP: 1 dose
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Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine (MCV): 1 dose
12th grade Immunization requirement (effective 7/1/2015; implemented 8/1/2020)
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Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine (MCV): 1 dose
Absences for failure to provide Health Assessment and/or Immunization Certificate
Absences will be marked as unexcused for students who fail to turn in the required information by the 30th day; however, students will be allowed to make up their missed work. The parent or student should contact the student’s teacher(s) to arrange to obtain missed work.
Additional Immunization Information (click to view)
Health Assessment Form - (Kindergarten and new students to NC Public Schools)
Evaluación de la Salud Español
Student Information Form:
PowerSchool Parent Portal
Parent Access to PowerSchool- Click Here or the PowerSchool Icon Above
Parental involvement is critical to a child's education. That's why RCS has provided a user-friendly web application to help parents and families become more involved in education. Parents can check their attendance reports, grades and other items from any computer, any time using PowerSchool. To set this up, you must go to your school for privacy issues! The data manager will help you with your username and password and will provide an instruction guide!
Mobile Learning Initiative
Rockingham County Schools is pleased that students in all high schools will continue to be part of a 1:1 mobile learning initiative during the 2017-2018 school year. Since 2006, RCS has been paving the way to become a 21st Century School System – fiber optics have been installed at all schools, classrooms are equipped with LCD projectors, document cameras and ACTIVBoards, all schools have wireless environments, all certified staff are provided laptops. All high school students are provided a Chromebook for use during the school day and for use at home.
Mobile Learning Student Handbook 2022-2023
Mobile Learning Parent/Student Agreement Form 2022-2023
Mobile Hotspot Student/Parent Agreement 2022-2023
The Rockingham County Mobile Learning Initiative is funded in part by:
School Start & End Times
Below are the start and end times for RCS schools.
RCS Dress Code
We ask our students to dress in an appropriate manner for school. Clean, neat, comfortable clothing, which allows your child to participate in all events of school without undue concern, will be most appropriate. Reasonable consideration will be made for those students who, because of sincerely held religious beliefs, cultural heritage, or medical reasons, request in writing to the school administrator a waiver of a particular guideline for dress or appearance. Decisions of this nature will be made by the school administrator.
School Dress:
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Clothing must be age appropriate, cannot be distracting, revealing, indecent, or vulgar. No short skirts or short shorts are allowed. Skirts and shorts must be mid-thigh.
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No headgear including but not limited to hats, caps, earmuffs, bandanas, hoods, sweatbands, or sunglasses will be worn inside of the school, unless prior approval has been obtained by administration.
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All tops must have a fitted arm opening. No spaghetti stringed tops are allowed. All tops must cover the waistband of the bottom garment. Upper garments must cover the midriff at all times.
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Leggings must be worn with a shirt no shorter than mid-thigh.
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Clothing will not be allowed which promotes alcoholic beverages, tobacco, the use of controlled substances, depicts violence, is of a sexual nature, is racially offensive, gang related, demeaning or degrading to a particular group or individual, or is disruptive in nature.
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Clothing is not to be sheer or of mesh material as to the reveal the body or undergarments.
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Any accessories or attire that has the potential to be used as a weapon is prohibited.
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All pants must be worn and fitted at the waist.
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No rips or tears of any nature above the mid-thigh.
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Sleepwear is not permitted, unless prior approval has been obtained by administration.
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Appropriate footwear should be worn at all times. Flip flops in the elementary school should not be worn for safety purposes.
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Jewelry or body piercings that poses a health risk, safety risk or is disruptive to the learning environment is prohibited. Board Policy Reference: Policy #4300 Regulations # 4300 R-2
The Rockingham County School Board approved at the January 9, 2023 board meeting the revised Regulation Code: 4300 - R Dress Code Regulations for Students (6-12). The new dress code regulation will be enforced as of the second semester beginning on January 25, 2023. This revision went through an extensive vetting process with students in all of the middle schools and high schools through a student survey and then through a series of face-to-face meetings with students and Central Office staff. The revision was then reviewed by the Parent, Teacher and Student Advisory Councils as well. Finally the Board reviewed and approved the revision.
RCS Dress Code Regulations for Students (Grades 6-12 - approved January 9, 2023)
2023-2024 Request for Student Reassignment Process Timeline
Beginning Tuesday, March 21, 2023 the RCS Request for NEW Reassignment Application will be available for students requesting new transfers for the next school year and based on a lottery system for all schools except for Rockingham Early College High School.
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Once enrolled in a particular school, such school and feeder pattern becomes the student’s assigned school unless the parent or guardian requests reassignment to a different school using the transfer process.
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Requests for new transfers are reviewed and appropriate decisions made based on reason(s) provided and capacity in the school. The administration may grant transfer requests only if the requested school has sufficient space meaning; the calculated school membership is under 95%, adequate staff allotments, grade level capacity which can include state required teacher student ratio and appropriate programming.
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New requests for reassignment should be made between March 21 and May 1.
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No more than one reassignment request per student will be granted each year.
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Parents are responsible for transportation to and from school for reassigned students.
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The Superintendent or designee may rescind a reassignment if the student has problems with serious misconduct, exhibits poor academic performance inconsistent with their abilities, or accumulates excessive absences, tardies or dismissals. If the reassignment was granted for specific academic programs, the student must meet the expectations of that program in order to continue participating.
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Further details on student reassignment may be found in the Board Policy 4150.
DATE - ACTIVITY
Monday, March 20, 2023 - New applications will be delivered to Schools and Central Office.
Tuesday, March 21 – Monday, May 1, 2023 - All new applications will be available at the RCS Central Office, at all RCS schools, or online at https://www.rock.k12.nc.us/parents-and-students All new applications should be sent to Jessica Isley at RCS Central Office. To be considered, applications must be received between March 21 – May 1.
Monday, May 1, 2023 - Final Deadline for ALL NEW Student Reassignment Requests.
Wednesday, June 14, 2023 - All K-11th grade students enrolled in Rockingham County Schools will receive notification of school assignment on the final report card.
June 26, 2023 – August 14, 2023 - Roll out of incoming Kindergarten student assignments notification.
Friday, September 1, 2023 - Final approval/denial of new student assignment letters will be sent home for families that have relocated to Rockingham County after May 1.
*Dates are subject to change due to inclement weather and/or make-up days.
2023-2024 Reassignment Application In County (click enable editing)
2023-2024 Reassignment Application In County PDF
Policy: 4120 Domicile or Residence Requirements
4120-R: Domicile or Residence Requirements Policy and Out of County Student Transfer Policy
Policy: 4150 School Assignment
4150-R: Assignment of Students to School
2023-2024 Reassignment Application Out of County (click enable editing)
2023-2024 Reassignment Application Out of County PDF
Policy: 4130 Out of County Student Transfer
4130-R: Domicile or Residence Requirements Policy and Out of County Student Transfer Policy
Policy: 4135 Tuition for Out of County Students
Child Care and Employer Verification Forms
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student educational records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U. S. Department of Education.
The law stipulates that schools may disclose, without parent consent, “directory” information such as a student’s name, address, phone number, date and place of birth, grade level, picture, school activities, honors and awards, and dates of attendance. The law also provides parents with the opportunity to request that the schools not disclose information about their child(ren). Parents may contact the school principal within 15 calendar days of the fall opening of the school if they wish to request that the schools not disclose directory information.
FERPA requires that Rockingham County Schools, with certain exceptions, obtain your written consent prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from your child’s education records. However, Rockingham County Schools may disclose appropriately designated “directory information” without written consent, unless you have advised the District to the contrary in accordance with District procedures. The primary purpose of directory information is to allow the Rockingham County Schools to include this type of information from your child’s education records in certain school publications.
Examples include:
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A playbill, showing your student’s role in a drama production;
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The annual yearbook;
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Honor roll or other recognition lists;
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Graduation programs; and
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Sports activity sheets, such as for wrestling, showing weight and height of team members.
Directory information, which is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released, can also be disclosed to outside organizations without a parent’s prior written consent. Outside organizations include, but are not limited to, companies that manufacture class rings or publish yearbooks. In addition, two federal laws require local educational agencies (LEAs) receiving assistance under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to provide military recruiters, upon request, with three directory information categories – name, addresses, and telephone listings. – unless parents have advised the LEA that they do not want their student’s information disclosed without their prior written consent.
If you do not want Rockingham County Schools to disclose directory information from your child’s education records without your prior written consent, you must notify the District in writing within 15 calendar days of the fall opening of the school. Rockingham County Schools has designated the following information as directory information:
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Student's name;
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Picture;
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Address;
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Telephone number;
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Electronic mail address;
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Date and place of birth;
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Participation in officially recognized activities and sports;
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Weight and height of members of athletic teams;
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Dates of attendance (“from” and “to” dates of enrollment);
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Grade level;
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Diplomas, certification and awards received (including A, A/B Honor Roll);
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Student work for display, without grade, at the discretion of the teacher;
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Date of graduation;
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Most recent previous school or education at institution attended by the student; and
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Photographs or videos taken on buses, school grounds, in school buildings and at school activities unless the picture or video may reveal confidential information about a student or is evidence in a disciplinary matter.
Model Notification of Rights under FERPA for Elementary and Secondary Schools
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age ("eligible students") certain rights with respect to the student's education records. These rights are:
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The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of the day the School receives a request for access. Parents or eligible students should submit to the School principal [or appropriate school official] a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The School official will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.
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The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate. Parents or eligible students may ask the School to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate. They should write the School principal [or appropriate school official], clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate. If the School decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the School will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.
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(The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the School as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the School Board; a person or company with whom the School has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
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The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the School District to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-5901
Before & After School Child Care
Before and After School Programs are available in the Rockingham County Schools.
In the Reidsville zone, the Reidsville YMCA provides this service. In the Eden zone, the Eden YMCA provides this service. If you live in these zones, please call your local YMCA for more information.
For the county and western zones, Rockingham County Schools provides before and after school programs through a program called the Kids’ Companion Program. The Kids Companion Program provides a safe environment for school-age children starting with age 5. Parents interested in having their student in grade 6 travel back to a Kid's Companion Program in one of the schools listed below can do so provided a bus from the middle school returns to the elementary school. The program gives each child the opportunity to participate in enrichment, homework assistance, and recreational activities for the appropriate age level.
Kids Companion Staff
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Site specialists and lead teachers are available on-site to work with families
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Staff/child ratio does not exceed 1:15
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All staff members are certified in CPR and First Aid
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Offers summer themed programs
Kids Companion Site Locations
Kids Companion Hours of Operation
The Kids Companion Program operates from 6:30 am to 6:00 pm each school day. It is also open on teacher workdays and makes every effort to open when school is closed due to inclement weather. The Kids Companion Program also provides a summer camp program.
For More Information
For more information on the Kids Companion Program or for fee schedules, please contact the Before and After School Care Site Director - Leah Ward (336-634-3280). For information in the Eden and Reidsville zones, call your local YMCA for information.
During COVID 19 2020-2021
Another affordable school-aged child care (ages 5-12 years old) option will be made available in the Eden area at Leaksville Spray Elementary School starting Monday, August 31, 2020. The operating hours are from 6:30 am-6:00 pm Monday-Friday. The YMCA Child Care program will follow the RCS safety and health protocols and procedures. Parents interested in knowing more should contact Cassy Velarde with the YMCA at 336-342-3307 or send an email to cassy.velarde@ymcagreensboro.org
Additional Resources
Below are additional resources such as grading scale information and NC Program Standards.
NC K-12 Standards, Curriculum and Instruction
Click here to access additional information about the NC K-12 State Standards, Curriculum and Instruction.
Click here for the RCS Curriculum Page.
Discipline Regulation
Discipline Regulation Guide 2022-23 (Click on the link to view the guidance document.)
Rockingham County Schools is committed to maintaining safe and orderly schools in order to enhance educational opportunities for all students and to maintain schools as a safe haven. RCS is also committed to providing fair and equitable programs, sanctions and actions to all students. In order to maintain a safe school environment, we rely on our student’s sense of citizenship and responsibility. Any student that has knowledge of criminal behavior or behavior that would threaten the safety of students at school should report the information to the school principal. You may also report safety concerns to Crime Stoppers at 349-9683.
Detailed student behavior standards are established in Board policy series 4300. For complete information on behavior standards, students and parents should consult Board policy and related administrative regulations. These documents are available on the Rockingham County Schools website.
Administrators reserve the right to adjust consequences based on history and circumstances in order to maintain safety. In addition, identified students with special needs may have different sanctions or actions based on their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and/or based on special education or disability law. The Code of Conduct provides specific infractions and a recommended consequence for each infraction. If you have specific questions or would like copies of Board discipline policies or administrative regulations, please contact school administration.
Literacy at Home: Digital Children's Reading Initiative
In order to provide continuing support for North Carolina’s youngest readers, The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction Office of Early Learning has developed and released “Literacy at Home.” This digital resource provides literacy activities at each grade level, pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. Families and communities may access this resource for activities that specifically target the literacy skills of phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and oral language. When children grow in each of these foundational areas they are well on their way to becoming proficient readers.
Visit this website to learn more.
Accidental Medical Insurance Information for Students and Parents
For parents and guardians who may be worried about paying for their child’s medical care if an accident should happen, K&K’s student accident insurance can help. For 70 years, K&K Insurance has been recognized as the leading provider of sports, leisure and entertainment insurance products.
K-12 Accident Plans available through your school include:
• At-School Accident Only
• 24-Hour Accident Only
• Extended Dental
• Football
The link below will take people directly to the K&K website to complete enrollment if they are interested in exploring various policy options. If parents/guardians/students have any questions, they should reach out to K&K Insurance at 1-855-742-3135.
Accident Insurance Plans - K&K Insurance
NC Department of Public Instruction
Visit this website for additional state information.
NC End of Grade/Course Tests
Visit this website for additional state testing dates and information.
NC Graduation Requirements
Visit this website for NC Graduation Requirements.
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
Visit this website for information on the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).
College Resources
Visit this website for college resources for parents.
Coronavirus Updates
From March - June 28
Statement from Rockingham County Schools about Coronavirus:
March 3, 2020
Rockingham County Schools is closely monitoring information about the Coronavirus through several healthcare resources. Senior leaders and members of the Crisis and Instruction Student Services Support team met March 2 to discuss the latest updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the State of North Carolina and the Rockingham County Health Department.
What we know at this time is that the Coronavirus has spread throughout China and 60 countries. At this time, there have been no reports of the virus in North Carolina.
RCS staff is working to keep students and employees as safe as possible through prevention measures. This includes encouraging the steps to help stop the spread of germs, sharing the latest medical updates with school nurses and adhering to daily emails from national and local health departments.
Health officials advise the steps you take to prevent the spread of the common cold and flu will also help prevent Coronavirus.
The tips and resources below will help you learn about steps you can take to help stop the spread of germs.
1. Avoid close contact.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
2. Stay home when you are sick.
When experiencing symptoms, stay home from work, school, and errands. This will help prevent spreading your illness to others.
3. Cover your mouth and nose.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Flu and other serious respiratory illnesses, like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), whooping cough, and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), are spread by cough, sneezing, or unclean hands.
4. Clean your hands.
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
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Handwashing: Clean Hands Save Lives
Tips on hand washing and using alcohol-based hand sanitizers -
It’s a SNAP Toolkit: Handwashing
Hand washing resources from the "It’s A SNAP" program, aimed at preventing school absenteeism by promoting clean hands. From the School Network for Absenteeism Prevention, a collaborative project of the CDC, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the American Cleaning Institute.
5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
6. Practice other good health habits.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
The North Carolina Division of Public Health has established a call line at 1-866-462-3821 to address general questions about Coronavirus from the public.
Here are a few additional resources about Coronavirus:
https://epi.dph.ncdhhs.gov/cd/diseases/COVID19.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
March 11, 2020
Rockingham County Schools is closely monitoring developments related to COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Senior leaders are in constant communication with local and state health officials and are receiving updates as the latest information becomes available.
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We understand that North Carolina is currently in a state of emergency regarding the Coronavirus. There are seven confirmed cases of individuals in NC who have been diagnosed with COVID-19.
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Rockingham County Schools is proactive in our planning and prevention for the COVID-19 virus. We are also proactive in planning for precaution and protective steps as well. Our district team is meeting regularly and developing plans for prevention and protection.
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This is a very fluid situation and we are getting information and updates daily. There are some inconsistencies in the information we are receiving and we are working actively with our health department and Department of Health and Human Services Director.
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It has been shared by medical professionals that the virus lasts from hours to days on a surface.
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We will begin sharing weekly updates on Fridays. These will be shared with staff and community.
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At this time, the best preventative steps include hand washing and cleaning surfaces on a regular basis. See handouts, below.
We are meeting again as a district, this week, and will share more information as we have that readily available for you! This is an emerging matter and we want to ensure that our parents, employees and students are informed with accurate information. Thank you for your support and all you do to support our district!
Note: The North Carolina Division of Public Health has established a call line at 1-866-462-3821 to address general questions about Coronavirus from the public.
CDC Fact Sheet About Coronavirus
CDC Fact Sheet About Coronavirus - Spanish
March 12, 2020
Rockingham County Schools Releases Coronavirus Emergency Preparation and Response Plan
COVID-19 Emergency Preparation and Response Plan (click for plan)
Rockingham County Schools wants to make sure parents know there's a plan in place (click for plan) should the coronavirus become an issue within the district. The idea is to be transparent and clear about decision-making. Closures and cancellations should not come as a surprise. We routinely close schools for weather-related events or other threats to our schools’ communities. Therefore, the plan details when this may occur depending on the exposure of the coronavirus to schools.
“We hope the coronavirus doesn’t impact Rockingham County and our schools. However, the Governor has declared North Carolina in a state of emergency and we want to be prepared. Right now, we're in the preparation and prevention phase. However, we have plans for protection should the coronavirus come to Rockingham County” said Dr. Rodney Shotwell, Superintendent.
The plan states all RCS-sponsored field trips, academic competitions, and school-related activities are canceled effective Monday, March 16, 2020. All face-to-face professional development has been suspended for staff. Per the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA), all athletic competitions, practices, and workouts have been suspended effective at midnight on Friday, March 13, 2020.
RCS has worked with a large team of district leaders and educators to further develop contingency planning to continue education here in Rockingham County while minimizing the spread of illness. RCS believes that the thoughtful and thorough approach is to strategically plan to support our classrooms, students, and families as we consider our options. In this case, the current situation, with the rapid expansion of the current communicable disease, creates challenges. We cannot control this virus and we need to be prepared. Therefore, the RCS district team has created an emergency preparation and response plan that includes prevention, preparation, and protection for all students, staff, and community.
Superintendent Shotwell noted that he understands that this is a major disruption to the daily schedule and activities of students, staff, and families. “This plan is intended to minimize the impact of daily instruction and total school operations, while at the same time keeping the health and safety of all stakeholders at the forefront.”
March 14, 2020
Per North Carolina Governor, Roy Cooper’s, recommendation, Rockingham County
Schools is closing for a minimum of two weeks Monday, March 16- March 27, 2020. At this time, Spring Break is as planned. Rockingham County Schools is also making a local decision to close schools the week of March 30-April 3 out of safety for students and staff. Spring Break will remain the same time of April 6-10. Therefore, this means Rockingham County Schools will be out a full month from Monday, March 16 through April 10, 2020.
No staff member or student should enter the buildings at this time until further notice. Reopening procedures will be shared at a later time. Staff and employees will not be penalized for this break and we are in the process of determining what options will be available to you through this process. We are actively working on minimizing disruptions to learning at this time.
We are also working on feeding options for our students at the location sites of Leaksville-Spray Elementary, McMichael High School, and Moss Street Elementary School. As soon as we have this information available we will share this as soon as possible. We believe this proactive response is necessary for the health, safety, and well-being of our students, staff, and community.
Finally, it is important that as a community we continue to support each other and care for one another. This is an unnerving and anxious time for many families and staff. We may not know for certain what challenges lie ahead, but we do know that we are all in this together, and we are stronger when we act as a team. We will continue to reach out with updates as we have them and will post the most up-to-date information at www.rock.k12.nc.us and click the coronavirus icon.
March 15, 2020
Monday, March 16 the schools will be open from 10 am-3:00 p.m. Administrators will be there with staff members. Parents may come in during that time for pick-up of medication and personal belongings. Parents and guardians will need to sign to retrieve medications. After this time of 10 am- 3 pm., all schools will be closed for students and staff. Therefore, please retrieve all necessary items during this time.
Kids Companion Child Care through Rockingham County Schools is currently not available at this time. The food service program for breakfast 7:30 -8:30 am and lunch 11:30 - 1:00 pm for kids 18 and under will begin at Leaksville-Spray Elementary, Moss Street Elementary and McMichael High beginning Monday, March 16.
At this time, instruction is not mandated during the 2 week Governor's school closure, extended learning will begin the week of March 30 – April 3. Spring Break will still be held April 6-10. April 13 will now become a student and no longer a teacher workday. At this time we plan to re-open on April 13, 2020.
The RCS COVID-19 Emergency Preparation and Response Plan- Protection Phase was approved by the RCS Board of Education tonight at our special called board meeting. It may be viewed at www.rock.k12.nc.us click the Coronavirus icon.
Unfortunately, proms are still cancelled however, we do plan to re-evaluate this decision at a later time when we have more information. It is too early to make a call regarding graduations.
Please know this is a fluid situation and we will keep you up to date via Alert Now message, the Rockingham County School website and our Facebook Page. Thank you for your support and all you do to support our district!
Click here for the COVID-19 RCS Emergency Preparation and Response Plan-Phase 3 PROTECTION
March 16, 2020
Per the CDC we are asking you as families to please practice social distancing during this time! This means please discourage children and teens from gathering together in places while school is dismissed to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in the community. Thank you for your continued support!
March 19, 2020
COVID-19 FAQ's click here (will be updated as needed)
Share the Facts about COVID-19 CDC - English
Share the Facts about COVID-19 CDC - Spanish
PARENT RESOURCES and SUPPORT DOCUMENT (will be updated with additional resources daily)
March 20, 2020
COVID-19 Progress Report Video
March 22, 2020
Beginning tomorrow, 3/23, parents of students in kindergarten through eighth grade may pick up supplemental learning packets from 9 a.m until 4 p.m. or by appointment Monday through Friday at the school their student attends.
RCS is providing these materials to assist students in continuing their learning as well as providing additional time for teachers to plan specific distance instruction during this extended absence.
Please practice social distancing during this time and if the school is not doing a drive thru line, only 10 people will be permitted in at a time!
March 23, 2020
COVID-19 Deep Cleaning Training
Breaking News: Governor Cooper just announced schools will remained closed through May 15. More information to come from RCS!
March 24, 2020
The governor on Monday announced that public schools would remain closed to students through May 15. We already miss our students, and this announcement is hard to hear, but we know it is in the best interest for the safety and well-being of the public, including our students and staff.
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Please see Executive Order here: Executive Order 120
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As we receive more guidance, we will provide those updates. However, this document provides additional information that we are able to share at this time. We will share this document with our staff and also link this on our Rockingham County Schools webpage and will update this regularly.
March 25, 2020
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The RCS Need Food Hotline can be reached at 336-627-2723 or rcsfeedline@rock.k12.nc.us. Students 18 and under can get food at no cost and parents can buy the same meal for $3.75. Grab and GO for Breakfast & Lunch is available from 8:30AM-9:30AM and 11:30AM-1:00PM. Participating locations include Moss Street Elementary, Leaksville-Spray Elementary, and Dalton L. McMichael High School.
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If a child needs mental health supports or consultation, they can call the RCS Behavioral Health Hotline at 336-627-2615 from 1PM-3PM Monday-Friday.
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Student Transfers are now posted online at www.rock.k12.nc.us click the Student Assignment Icon or contact your school during school hours to obtain a copy. The forms will be due to your child’s school or the Central Office by May 1st.
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For information directly related to the COVID-19 School Closure, please see the RCS Webpage at www.rock.k12.nc.us and click the Coronavirus icon.
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If you need to hear this message again, you may call the RCS Information line at 336-627-2789.
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Thank you and Stay Safe!
March 26, 2020
RCS Social Distancing Prevention and Safety Document
COVID-19 RCS School Closure Guidance Document
March 31, 2020
9:30 am
We have a new digital resource learning page on our website! Go to www.rock.k12.nc.us and click the digital resource icon!
2:45 pm
We understand that it is very concerning to hear that we have two confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Rockingham County. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and our county at this time. We want to let you know that we are still practicing our social distancing and safety prevention guidance in our district in accordance with the most recent order from the Governor’s Office. RCS encourages as many people to work remotely as possible in agreement with each employee’s supervisor. Working remotely also reduces the spread of COVID-19 by reducing the number of people in our work areas which also keeps our staff that are reporting to work safer as well. Please make sure you engage in increased hygiene practices as outlined in our COVID-19 Safety and Prevention Guidance Document and also practice social distancing in accordance with our Social Distancing Prevention and Safety Document.
In light of the most recent news, RCS has also consulted with our Rockingham County Health Department. The Health Department has assured us to continue to follow our current RCS COVID-19 Emergency Preparation and Response Plan and that our plan is strong. RCS cares first and foremost for the safety and well being of our students, staff, families, and community! We know our school district has worked hard to develop a plan that strives to keep us all safe. It takes us all working together as a team to keep safe! Please continue to stay updated at www.rock.k12.nc.us for updates and resources. Thank you for your support of RCS.
Please also refer to our many guidance documents that we have provided for more support and resources. Please see the resources below:
RCS Documents
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Review Document -School Closure Guidance Document
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Please view the COVID-19 Safety and Prevention Guidance Document.
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Please review the RCS COVID-19 FAQ Document that is updated regularly.
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Click here for Stay At Home Order
Newsletters
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Please review the RCS COVID-19 Newsletter for more resources.
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NEW COVID-19 Newsletter: Managing Fears and Anxiety Around Coronavirus (03-24-2020). Here is the link: https://www.smore.com/m3rvu
Other Helpful Documents
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Please see information on our website: www.rock.k12.nc.us and click the coronavirus icon.
Please take care and BE SAFE.
April 1, 2020
We wanted to make you aware of new guidance from the State Board of Education and North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. In accordance with the Governor’s Stay-At-Home Order, this new information provided guidance for RCS to minimize access to our buildings. The intent of the guidance is help reduce exposure and the amount of people in a given building. Beginning April 6th; in order to minimize exposure; we are asking for you to call your child’s school and make an appointment if you need something specific from your child’s school. We are always here to assist you. However, we are trying to ensure the safety and well-being by minimizing possible exposure for all. If you or someone in your household has been sick, we ask that you please refrain from coming to the buildings until you are symptom free for at least 72 hours. We will still be completing chromebook distribution for this week of March 31- April 3rd and encourage you to follow your child’s school schedule for chromebook pick up. We thank you for your understanding and support and you may find updated information on our website or call your child’s school! Thank you and please stay safe!
April 20, 2020
RCS is diligently working hard to make the most appropriate decisions and get guidance on expectations as we work through this uncharted territory. In an abundance of caution, the RCS Behavioral Health Staff would like to provide teachers and parents with a crisis referral protocol while students are participating in virtual school. We are aware that although students are not in school, distress and anxieties may still be present. As you know we have provided the Behavioral Health Help Line from the beginning of March 16, 2020. However, we wanted to make sure as virtual learning continues that everyone is aware of our resources to support families and staff. We encourage you to reach out to the Behavioral Helpline if you need support for a student. Please see the details below for the protocol and presentation for more details.
Please view the RCS Crisis Intervention and Response Protocol for COVID-19 by clicking here.
We also have two flow charts for staff and parents at that are available as well:
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RCS Crisis Resources for Staff: (See Flow Chart)
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RCS Crisis Resources for Parents: (See Flow Chart)
In addition, you may also view the full presentation by clicking here.
April 24, 2020
Breaking News 2:05 pm: Governor Cooper just announced that schools will remained closed for the 19-20 school year. School districts will continue with remote learning and our school nutrition programs.
*We will still celebrate graduates!
Alert Now Message Going Out at 4:00 pm:
Good afternoon, this is Karen Hyler, your Public Information Officer with an Important Message. We wanted to provide you an update on COVID-19. Governor Roy Cooper announced at a news conference today that our schools in North Carolina will remain closed for the rest of the school year as our state continues to manage the impact of COVID-19. Governor Cooper and his team closed school and encouraged remote learning options for rest of the school year after extending the state’s stay-at-home order until May 8 and unveiling a 3-phase plan to reopen North Carolina. We understand this announcement is hard to hear and we care deeply about the impacts of school closure that this has on our students and families. Rockingham County Schools continues to consider this impact on our Seniors and all of our students and families and we are actively making plans to address these concerns and are planning special celebrations. Rockingham County Schools will continue to work very hard to support students and our families in digital learning. We will continue remote learning and access to instructional packets during our 2019-2020 school year. We also have digital resources and social emotional resources on our website as well. As RCS is reviewing and understanding the Governor's phased plan, RCS has developed a re-entry team and is building a re-entry plan to help provide a smooth transition that incorporates re-entry strategies for the safety and well-being of students and staff. We have an amazing staff here in Rockingham County Schools that have been working so hard to help support students and families. We will continue to support our students and staff through this process. We will continue to share frequent updates about our re-entry planning and resources for families. Thank you for your support of Rockingham County Schools as we all work together to support our students, families, and staff during COVID-19.
June 11, 2020
Back to School 2020! Re-Engage, Re-Connect, Re-Ignite!
RCS is being proactive and we have established a Re-Entry Team to think about all the aspects and anticipate re-engaging and re-entry strategies to re-open the school year. Our Re-Entry team is working diligently on safety protocols, social emotional supports for students and staff, school operations, employee considerations, learning strategies, and parent engagement/stakeholder involvement. Our goal is to think about what the students and staff of RCS need as we close and re-open our new school year. As we think about re-engaging, we want to re-connect and re-ignite by developing a proactive plan to meet the academic and social emotional needs for our students and staff!
Guidance has been released from NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) NC Department of Public Instruction, and NC State Board of Education. Release of these guidelines is appreciated and timely. They offer constructive guidance and suggestions for planning. They also stress that, when all is said and done, it will be up to local school leadership teams and Boards of Education (in consultation with the health department) to make the call on how best to open the 2020-21 school year. They reference an approach from Minimal Spread (Plan A) to Moderate Spread (Plan B) to Significant Spread (Plan C) and require school districts to make draft plans for each scenario. RCS has been working diligently and will continue to do so to create effective plans for reentry in August. We have been working to integrate and adjust a lot of variables and scenarios into the uncertain conditions unique to our community.
The safety and well-being of our students and staff are the highest priorities in our reentry plans. We will not place students and employees in learning environments that pose significant health risks. RCS is relying on the latest, most accurate health indicators and assessments to make the decision on how best to reopen schools and classrooms. Our policies and practices will be guided by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), and county health department recommendations and standards.
We appreciate that there is a delicate balance in meeting all of the needs of our community. Schools play a vital role in getting people back to work. In-class instruction enables that to happen. However, if we are choosing to implement either a fully remote learning or hybrid model (staggered approach) to ensure health and safety, then we will aggressively try to bridge the Digital Divide so that all students and families have access to the tools and Internet networks that enable effective remote learning. Our local plans will offer options so that parents can make educational choices that meet the needs of their children. Those plans will be announced in a few weeks.
We ask that our stakeholders continue to be patient and practice effective social distancing and personal hygiene precautions so we don’t contribute to the spread of Covid-19. RCS has many resources and information below that we want to share with you as we think about Back to School 2020!
Guidance that has just been released for schools to use:
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Guidance is provided and must be followed by NC Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS), NC State Board of Education (NCSBE), NC Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI)- click here for NC Public Health Tool Kit and Interim Guidance to Schools as of 06-08-2020 that has been provided to schools- click here
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NCDPI “Lighting Our Way Forward: NC Guidance on Reopening K-12 Public Schools”
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View our RCS Re-Entry Overview for Board of Education Meeting on June 8, 2020
RCS Re-Entry Planning Newsletter:
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RCS Re-Entry Planning Updates: Re-Engage, Re-Connect, Re-Ignite!
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This explains structure of district re-entry team and overall planning
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Workgroups including: Safety, School Operations, SEL Supports for Students and Staff, Re-Entry Learning Strategies, Re-Entry Employee Considerations Communication, Parent Engagement, Community Stakeholder Athletics/Extra-Curricular
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Goals/Objectives and Re-Entry Strategic Plan are also included
RCS Re-Entry Planning Documents
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RCS Re-Entry Strategic Plan- Click Here
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RCS Work Groups- Click Here
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RCS Re-Entry Introduction- Click Here
RCS Behavioral Health, Crisis/Safety Google Site
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RCS Behavioral Health, COVID-19, and Social Emotional Resource Google Site for families and staff!
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This site has SEL resource guide and other helpful information for staff and families.
RCS Crisis Intervention and Response Protocol During COVID-19:
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This protocol (CLICK HERE) provides our district response during COVID-19 and behavioral health resources and flow charts for Specialized Instructional Support Staff and RCS staff/parents.
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Included is a training ppt and actual protocol steps/flow chart
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See SEL guidance areas below and I have steps for SEL implementation and crisis response there! See that link here for SEL and Crisis steps every district should consider
Posted: June 18, 2020- Important RCS Transportation Survey Due July 1
Rockingham County Schools is in the process of collecting transportation plans from our families so we can prepare how best to serve you as we make plans to return to school for the 2020-2021 school year.
You will be receiving a transportation survey from your school principal. This survey is for ALL students, regardless if bus transportation is needed. It can also be accessed at the following link: RCS Transportation Request Survey
Due to COVID-19 social distancing requirements, Rockingham County Schools is encouraging families to utilize and consider other transportation options before bus transportation is requested. However, if you are in need of bus transportation it will be provided. We ask that one form be completed for each child living in your home that attends a Rockingham County School. Please complete the RCS Transportation Request Survey by Friday, July 1, 2020.
Please contact your child's school if you have any questions.
Child Care Survey: Our Safe Return to Learn!
Rockingham County Schools will start the school year on August 17, 2020 on a remote learning plan (Plan C). We understand that child care for your child or children is of the utmost importance. We have created a survey that we hope you will complete for us in order to better provide you with the resources you need to make informed decisions. The survey is available to you on each school’s website and on the RCS website. We hope you will take the time to complete the survey before July 30, 2020. Please see the School Aged Child Care Infographic here that provides you with information about licensed child care centers in each of our school zones. RCS also provides a Kid’s Companion School Aged Child Care Program at 7 of the school system’s elementary schools.
If you are an RCS Parent Survey, please complete this child care survey here: RCS Parent/Guardian Child Care Survey
If you are a RCS Staff Member, please complete this survey if you need child care here: RCS Staff Child Care Survey.
Back to School Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
If anyone has any questions, you may place your questions here at this survey! We encourage you to place your questions here and we will update the “Frequently Asked Questions” here so that we can keep you up-to-date! Click here for the FAQ document to view answers! Thank you for your support!
July 16, 2020 Our Safe Return to Learn Update!
Our RCS Board of Education met tonight at 5:00 p.m. on July 16, 2020. After reviewing Governor Cooper's Decision
to place all students on Plan B, with careful consideration and thought the Board of Education voted to extend
remote learning (Plan C) for safety for students and staff. This decision to move to Plan C is permitted through the
Governor's Office and this will be extended for five weeks beginning August 17, 2020. This means remote learning
would be in place for all students through September 18, 2020. Dillard Academy is currently on remote learning and
will continue to stay on remote learning through September 18, 2020. In addition, all other schools will be on remote
learning through September 18, 2020. Thank you for your support as we navigate these challenging times. We will
provide more updates as we have them.
Back to School Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Please see the Frequently Asked Questions Document Here! Here is the link: FAQ click here. Thank you!
Breaking News! July 14, 2020
Today Governor Cooper issued a joint statement with the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), the NC State Board of Education (NCSBE) and the NC Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI), announcing, the state is moving forward with recommending the implementation of Plan B for reopening schools. RCS will have more information as soon as possible. Please read our RCS Return to Learn Guidebook by clicking here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1BwIAt4_4h6qTTOt9cTDQaFhOiopTom5c
RCS PLAN B is: AA Wednesday No School for Cleaning BB all siblings will be on the same day - you will know if your child is an AA (Monday/Tuesday or BB Thursday/Friday) at a later date.
Breaking News! July 13, 2020
Governor Cooper's office has reported to news media that he will give an update on COVID-19 in North Carolina and plans for K-12 public schools during his briefing tomorrow (Tuesday; 07-14-20). The update is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.! We will update you as we have more information! Thank you!
Our Safe Return To Learn Update! July 13, 2020
The Rockingham County Schools Board of Education met today, July 13, 2020 and approved “Our Safe Return To Learn Plan” for re-opening RCS schools! RCS Guide for our Safe Return to Learn: Re-Engage! Re-Connect! Re-Ignite! provides our plan to ensure a safe and successful 2020-2021 school year. You may find more details about this plan by visiting this link or “Our Safe Return To Learn” google page here: https://bit.ly/RCS-Safe-Return! RCS is proactive and prepared as we await the Governor’s announcement and decision for re-opening schools in North Carolina. Thank you for your support! Thank you to each of the stakeholders for the input and feedback that you have and will continue to provide! We appreciate your time and effort as we work to plan our school year together!
If anyone has any questions, you may place your questions here at this survey! We encourage you to place your questions here and we will update the “Frequently Asked Questions” here so that we can keep you up-to-date! Click her for the FAQ document. If you want to add questions to this document, please complete this survey and we will answer your question and update this once a week! Thank you for your support!
Athletics Update! July 13, 2020
The Rockingham County Schools Board of Education and RCS Leadership team met today to discuss the re-entry presentation of athletics and high school volunteer summer workouts (Phase I). After review, the RCS Board of Education voted to allow high school volunteer summer workouts for FALL SPORTS only effective July 14th. Phase I guidelines are provided by the NCHSAA (North Carolina High School Athletic Association). We are excited for our students to return and we cannot wait to see them! You may find more details about safety protocols by visiting this link or “Our Safe Return To Learn” google page here: https://bit.ly/RCS-Safe-Return ! Thank you!
Back to School 2020! UPDATE!
Governor Cooper made an announcement today to delay making a decision as to whether NC schools are on Plan A, Plan B, or Plan C. Governor Cooper also shared that any school that is a year around school and starting soon will need to begin the school year working remotely.
The RCS Re-Entry Team has been working very hard in planning for all three options (Plan, A, Plan B, and Plan C). We have obtained feedback from students, teachers, and our community. A vision, action plan, goals, and a task list are certainly important, but the reality is this- we know that the most important thing is what we are doing everyday which is working to keep our children and staff safe and to give our students the most optimal learning experience we can in an environment that keeps them safe physically and emotionally. We are the #TheChoiceThatRocks! Thank you so much for your support as we navigate these uncharted waters.
BREAKING NEWS June 30, 2020:
Governor Roy Cooper was expected to announce Wednesday (July 1st) what schools will look like in North Carolina this fall (Plan A, Plan B, Plan C). However, his office said Tuesday night (06-30-2020) he will not make an announcement on how statewide K-12 public schools would open. We will let you know when we have more information.
June 28, 2020
RCS Back to School 2020! Re-Engage! Re-Connect! Re-Ignite!
Important Information to know before July 1st!
We are excited to provide you information about Back to School 2020! Re-Engage! Re-Connect! Re-Ignite! Our district will provide you updated information on Thursday nights (once a week) on Back to School 2020 beginning July 2, 2020! We have been working hard on getting input from students, staff, parents, and the community about our return to school in Fall 2020! Governor Cooper has provided guidance on three possible plans, one of which NC schools will be required to follow. On July 1st, the Governor will announce the required plan for all NC schools! Please visit www.rock.k12.nc.us for an infographic and link for more information about our safe return to learn.
NC State education and health officials are considering several options for reopening schools in August. They are divided into three categories:
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Plan A would reopen schools with minimal social distancing and would be implemented if COVID-19 metrics continue to stabilize or move in a positive direction.
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Plan B would require moderate social distancing and 50 percent student capacity in school buildings. This plan would require us to find a way to modify our schedule so that no more than half our students are in the school building at any given time. We would need to implement face to face staggered days with some remote learning from home.
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Plan C means there is a significant spread of COVID-19. It would close in-person learning entirely and would require our district to implement remote learning for all students.
RCS wants to provide options for our families no matter what plan is selected by the Governor on July 1st. Therefore, we have a Virtual Learning Option Application (click here) for families that you may complete now if you are interested in registering for a virtual learning option no matter what option the Governor's office announces on July 1st. If you are interested in this option: please visit our website at www.rock.k12.nc.us and Facebook page for the survey!
Thank you for your support as we all work together as a team to make the new school year a safe return to learn so that we can Re-Engage! Re-Connect! Re-Ignite!
Para mas información visite nuestra pagina web: www.rock.k12.nc.us or visite web:
https://venngage.net/ps/6jpoq9RLc/copy-graphic-design-trends-2019
