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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

• 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.

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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

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​March 11, 2020​

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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. 

• 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.

• 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.

• It has been shared by medical professionals that the virus lasts from hours to days on a surface.

• We will begin sharing weekly updates on Fridays.  These will be shared with staff and community.

• At this time, the best preventative steps include hand washing and cleaning surfaces on a regular basis. See handouts, below.  

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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

Handwashing Sheet 

Handwashing Sheet - Spanish

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March 12, 2020

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Rockingham County Schools Releases Coronavirus Emergency Preparation and Response Plan

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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.

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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.”

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March 14, 2020

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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.

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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!

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Click here for the COVID-19 RCS Emergency Preparation and Response Plan-Phase 3 PROTECTION

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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!

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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)

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March 20, 2020

COVID-19 Progress Report Video

COVID-19 Newsletter

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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!

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March 23, 2020

COVID-19 Deep Cleaning Training

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Breaking News: Governor Cooper just announced schools will remained closed through May 15. More information to come from RCS!

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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. 

 

• Please see Executive Order here: Executive Order 120

•  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.

COVID-19 Newsletter #2

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March 25, 2020

 

• 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.

 

• 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. 

 

• 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. 

 

• 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.

 

• If you need to hear this message again, you may call the RCS Information line at 336-627-2789.  

 

• Thank you and Stay Safe!

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March 26, 2020

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RCS Social Distancing Prevention and Safety Document

COVID-19 RCS School Closure Guidance Document

 

The situation with COVID-19 is evolving daily and this truly is an unprecedented time for us all. Per Governor Cooper’s announcement on March 23, 2020, schools are closed for students through May 15, 2020.  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.

First and foremost, Rockingham County Schools cares for the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and community. Our goal is to ensure that we maintain safety to the greatest extent possible. While we are navigating these uncharted waters, we know there are many questions.  Please visit our website for two new documents that you may view.  The first document is about the COVID-19 RCS School Closure Guidance Document and the second document is RCS Social Distancing Prevention and Safety Guidance.  We want to make sure we share information to keep you informed.  Thank you and please stay safe!

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March 31, 2020

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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!

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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

• Review Document  -School Closure Guidance Document

• Review Social Distancing Prevention and Safety Document

• Please view the COVID-19 Safety and Prevention Guidance Document.

• Please review the RCS COVID-19 FAQ Document that is updated regularly.

• View the COVID-19 Deep Cleaning and Touch Point Documents.

• Click here for Stay At Home Order

 

Newsletters

• Please review the RCS COVID-19 Newsletter for more resources.

• 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

• View the Center for Disease Control and Prevention Website.

• View the COVID-19 Deep Cleaning and Touch Point Documents.

• Please see information on our website:  www.rock.k12.nc.us and click the coronavirus icon.

 

Please take care and BE SAFE.

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April 1, 2020

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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!

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April 20, 2020

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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.

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We also have two flow charts for staff and parents at that are available as well:

• RCS Crisis Resources for Staff:  (See Flow Chart)

• RCS Crisis Resources for Parents: (See Flow Chart)

 

In addition, you may also view the full presentation by clicking here.

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April 24, 2020

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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!

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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.

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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:

• 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

• NCDPI “Lighting Our Way Forward: NC Guidance on Reopening K-12 Public Schools”

• View our RCS Re-Entry Overview for Board of Education Meeting on June 8, 2020

 

RCS Re-Entry Planning Newsletter:

• RCS Re-Entry Planning Updates: Re-Engage, Re-Connect, Re-Ignite!

• This explains structure of district re-entry team and overall planning

• 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

• Goals/Objectives and Re-Entry Strategic Plan are also included

 

RCS Re-Entry Planning Documents

• RCS Re-Entry Strategic Plan- Click Here

• RCS Work Groups- Click Here

• RCS Re-Entry Introduction- Click Here

 

RCS Behavioral Health, Crisis/Safety Google Site

• RCS Behavioral Health, COVID-19, and  Social Emotional Resource Google Site for families and staff!

• Visit: https://bit.ly/RCSBehavioralHealth 

• This site has SEL resource guide and other helpful information for staff and families.

 

RCS Crisis Intervention and Response Protocol During COVID-19:

• 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.

• Included is a training ppt and actual protocol steps/flow chart

• 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

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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.

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Child Care Survey: Our Safe Return to Learn!

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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

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If you are a RCS Staff Member, please complete this survey if you need child care here:   RCS Staff  Child Care Survey.

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Back to School Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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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! 

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July 16, 2020 Our Safe Return to Learn Update!

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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. 

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Back to School Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Please see the Frequently Asked Questions Document Here! Here is the link:  FAQ click here.  Thank you!

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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

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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. 

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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!

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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!

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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.  

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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.

 

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June 28, 2020

RCS Back to School 2020! Re-Engage! Re-Connect! Re-Ignite!

 

VIEW MORE INFORMATION HERE!

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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:

 

• 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. 

 

• 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.

 

• 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! 

 

VIEW MORE INFORMATION HERE!

 

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