Academy Link

Jaimee Kidwell was selected for Student Spotlight for the month of April. Because of her improved performance in the classroom, Jaimee was nominated and chosen for special recognition by her teachers. She was recognized and awarded a Student Spotlight certificate, had a brag letter sent home, and was treated to lunch of her choosing from a local restaurant.

We hope you will share in congratulating Jaimee for her award!

Our Student Spotlight program is designed to acknowledge students who demonstrate successful behaviors at school. Students who attend school regularly, work to achieve goals, exhibit positive behavior, participate in activities, and show good citizenship make our school a pleasant place to be. We love giving students a chance to be recognized, at school and at home, for the good things they are doing. We also like showcasing examples of success for students who are still improving.

Students and staff at Rockcastle Academy had 100% attendance on Monday, April 28th.

Way to go, RAAA!

According to the Kentucky Department of Education, students who miss 10% of school days (two days per month) are chronically absent and can experience negative impacts on academic and social success. We appreciate every effort made by our students and families toward faithful attendance and communication with Ms. Betty about absences.

Rockcastle Academy joined in the district-wide initiative to wear blue on Wednesday, April 16th for "Wear Blue Day" during Child Abuse Prevention Month. We looked at the most recent Kentucky statistics from the Children's Bureau of US Department of Health and Human Services, which said Kentucky has recently reduced the number of child victims of abuse but still has double the national average of child maltreatment. Our class stood together to raise awareness and show we care about keeping children safe from abuse and neglect.

"New shoes can change your style, your day, or even your outlook." -Unknown

On April 17th, Jessica Renner, Vice President of Lake Cumberland Recovery, visited the Academy with a very special delivery. Lake Cumberland Recovery gifted every student with a brand new pair of Air Jordans! They also provided socks for those in need. Renner said LCR believes "in giving back and lifting up the next generation in every way we can." For more information about LCR, visit: https://www.lcrecovery.com/about-us

Freshman Shalyn Shackleford had an opportunity this month to spend time with Rockcastle County Coroner, Dawn Carpenter. Shalyn's post-secondary goal is to pursue training to become a Coroner or Mortician. As a young female in Rockcastle County, Shalyn was fortunate to have a female elected official like Mrs. Carpenter who was willing to take time to talk with Shalyn about her education, daily work, challenges, and career highlights. Shalyn also got to see official forms and view Mrs. Carpenter's workspace. This career interview was definitely a memorable experience that confirmed Shalyn's desire to pursue this career and also expanded her understanding of the profession.

Six of the RAAA class of 2025 graduates set aside several days in April as work days for their Portrait of a Rocket presentations. Students created individualized presentations outlining their learning experiences with the goal of showing how they have each emerged as a Resilient Learner, Effective Communicator, Active Collaborator, Critical Thinker, Innovative Learner, and Responsible Citizen. Students presented to a panel of adults at the Academy building who were so proud to view the accomplishments of each graduate.

Christopher Melendez was awarded a $10 KFC gift card for perfect attendance as recognition from Rockcastle County Community Schools. Thank you to community partners who support our Rocket Learners!

Academy graduates will be honored with a certificate ceremony on May 16th. Graduates are highly encouraged to participate and invite family & friends to join them for this special milestone.

Do you know where to view meal menus?

🍎 RCMS website: https://rockcastle.nutrislice.com/menu/rockcastle-county-middle-school

🍎 Rockcastle County Schools App

🍎 Printed at request

• Our Kentucky Summative Assessment is scheduled for May 12th - 23rd. RAAA students in 6th, 7th, 8th, 10th, and 11th grades will be assessed. Please make every effort to be committed to healthy routines and school attendance during this window. Communicate with Ms. Betty or Mr. Dusty in advance if you have appointments or other things going on which may interfere with school during this time.
• No school on Monday, May 26th due to the Memorial Day Holiday.
• Our last day of school is set for Thursday, May 29th. We will dismiss at 11am. Ask your student about his or her progress! You can view grades on Edgenuity in real time. Please contact Ms. Betty or Mr. Dusty if you'd like to discuss progress or have a printed progress report sent home.

Is your student struggling with his or her emotional health? Here's how we can help:

• Please communicate concerns with RAAA staff so we can be prepared to best support your student each day. We have trained educators and counselors ready to serve students.
• RAAA staff can refer your student for In-School Mental Health Counseling.
• Your student is participating in Group Counseling Sessions each day Monday-Friday. Somerset Mental Health staff providing these sessions plan according to student needs and are also an additional resource to your student.

Betty Holt

Head Teacher

Rockcastle Academy for Academic Achievement

Email: betty.holt@rockcastle.kyschools.us

RAAA Phone: 606-256-3846

Text: 859-661-2077