The Star News

Be sure to follow Roanoke City Public Schools on social media, visit our website at rcps.info, and scroll to the bottom of the newsletter for important upcoming dates! Your school is also a great resource for any questions.

Thank you for your continued support of Roanoke City Public Schools. As always, we welcome your thoughts, questions, or suggestions by emailing info@rcps.info.

RCPS Family,

This has been an exciting summer for Roanoke City Public Schools! We are so proud of the many students who participated in our summer enrichment programs. From RCPS+ and summer reading to athletic and fine arts camps, our students are engaged and excited to learn!

For the first time, we hosted a Summer Stock Academy for rising 5th through 8th grade students. In just a couple of weeks, students and staff came together to learn lines, blocking, musical numbers, and choreography. Then on June 30, they welcomed the public for an incredible performance of Aladdin Jr.

Throughout July, rising 5th through 8th grade students were also able to participate in weekly athletic camps. This provided students with the opportunity to experience various sports that we offer in our middle and high school athletic programs.

To us, these are essential curricular activities, as they keep our students connected, engaged, and safe. Our high school students also volunteered and served as mentors to our younger students. I want to commend everyone involved for their role in making these camps a success!

Of course, we also have RCPS+ going on as well, with nearly 3,000 students participating. Always a highlight of RCPS+ is the 5-5-5 program, which you read about earlier in the newsletter. This is yet another way that our students are able to gain hands-on learning experience.

We can't wait to welcome all our students and staff back in August! I know that by staying focused, working together, and showing that We Are One, we will make this a great school year!

Thank you for your continued support of Roanoke City Public Schools. #RCPSProud

Sincerely,
Verletta B. White
Superintendent

The annual Load the Bus event will be held Friday, August 5 through Sunday, August 7 during Virginia's Tax-Free Weekend! Come out to any of the Roanoke Valley Walmart stores (Bonsack, Clearbrook, Salem, and Valley View) to donate school supplies. All donations directly support students who need them! You can also donate online by clicking here.

The first day of school is Tuesday, August 23. Please click here to view the full 2022-2023 School Year Calendar!

AVID Increases Number of Participants

Last year, the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program was introduced as an “in-school college readiness program” designed to help students who are underrepresented in college develop the necessary skills to be successful in college. During the upcoming school year, the program will expand to include 9th and 10th grade students at both high schools, in addition to 7th and 8th grades at Lucy Addison and Breckinridge Middle Schools. Contact your school’s counseling office for more information!

Join Your School's PTA!

August is the perfect time to join your school's PTA, which provides an additional way to be involved with your student's education. Please contact your child’s school for more information.

Calling all Dads!

Do you want to visit your student's school once a month and engage in a character-building session? Join All Pro Dad! Stronger father-child relationships are the key to improving your student's grades, creativity, and behavior. Can we count on YOU? Contact your school for more information about joining an existing chapter or starting a new one.

• Are you looking for a job that allows you to be on the same schedule as your child? Apply to become an Instructional Assistant, Bus Driver, Bus Aide, or Food Service Worker! Other part-time and full-time positions are also available. Visit our website to learn more.

• Your child's school is a great source of information. They always welcome you to contact them directly with questions. Visit rcps.info/schools for school contact information.
• Visit our Back to School webpage here for important information about the upcoming school year.
• Missed an edition of The Star News? Access previous issues here!

Roanoke City Public Schools serves approximately 14,000 students in grades pre-K through 12. RCPS provides an inclusive and equitable, student-centered culture that empowers lifelong learning. Through meaningful, relevant, and engaging learning opportunities, RCPS will empower all students to dream, excel, and meet their full potential to benefit our city and its citizens.