✏️ Hello Families,
I hope this summer brings your family plenty of moments to relax, reset, and make special memories together. As your school social worker, I want to share some helpful updates, community resources, and simple ways to handle stress and get ready for the new school year ahead.
Please remember: you’re not alone. If you ever need support or have questions, I’m just a call or email away. Wishing you and your family a safe and restful summer!
Happy summer! 🌷
🌟 Helpful Resources for Families
📍 Free Summer Meals:
How to Find Locations:
- Text FOOD or COMIDA to 304-304: This will provide you with the three closest summer meal sites.
- Visit SummerMeals4NCKids.org/findmeals: This website allows you to search for meal sites near you.
- Check the Halifax County Schools website: Look for information on the Summer Feeding Program on the School Nutrition Services page.
FREE Summer Meals for Kids in Northampton County!
The 2025 Summer Breakfast & Lunch Program is in full swing — and it’s completely FREE for all children ages 1–18!
Now through August 15, 2025
Meal Pickup Days: Mondays & Thursdays
Meal Pickup Locations & Times:
Conway Village Apartments – 10:00–11:00 AM
Garysburg Housing Authority – 10:00–10:45 AM
Roanoke Housing Authority – 11:00 AM–12:00 PM
Woodland Housing Authority – 11:20 AM–12:20 PM
Conway Middle School – 10:00–11:00 AM
Hybrid at Central Elementary – 10:00–11:00 AM
Kids receive 6 meals to-go for Friday, Saturday & Sunday (Breakfast & Lunch)
Hybrid at Gaston STEM – Closed Enrollment
Meals provided to students enrolled in this particular program only, includes 6 meals to-go for Friday, Saturday & Sunday (Breakfast & Lunch)
Have questions?
Contact the NCS Child Nutrition Department at (252) 534-1371.
🥫 Food Pantries:
Good Samaritan Ministry - Food Distribution Center
Address: E 5th St, Weldon, NC 27890
Big Heart Pantry - Food Distribution Center
Located in: Cedar Grove Baptist Church
Address: 1408 River Rd, Henrico, NC 27842
Mobile Food Pantry - Jackson - Food Distribution Center
Address: 6 Thomas Bragg Dr, Jackson, NC 27845
Phone: (252) 5348711
SUN Bucks Food Assistance Program
Are you wondering if your child automatically qualifies or if you will need to apply for the new SUN Bucks food assistance program?
If you're looking to bring nutritious food to the table this summer, visit https://www.ncdhhs.gov/sunbucks to find out! Families with qualifying children can expect to receive $120 per eligible child in grocery-buying benefits.
Questions about SUN Bucks? Speak with a SUN Bucks customer service representative by dialing 1.866.719.0141 and pressing option 2.
Community Centers and Activities
Local Libraries
Many libraries offer summer reading programs, workshops, and events for children and teens. Check with your local library.
Roanoke Rapids Public Library
Address: 319 Roanoke Ave., Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870
Telephone: 252-533-2847 ext. 4
Email: rrpl@roanokerapidsnc.com
Hours:
Monday 9-6
Tuesday 9-6
Wednesday 9-6
Thursday 9-5
Friday 9-2
Closed Saturday and Sunday
NC 211
NC 211 is an information and referral service provided by United Way of North Carolina. Families and individuals can call 2-1-1 or 1-888-892-1162 to receive free and confidential information on health and human services within their community. https://nc211.org/
Find Help
FindHelp.org provides a comprehensive list of resources for needs in your community.
Find free or reduced-cost resources like food, housing, financial assistance, health care, and more.
Help starts here. https://FindHelp.org
In Crisis
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, chat with them online via their website https://988lifeline.org/talk-to-someone-now/, or text HOME to 741741 (multiple languages available). If this is an emergency, call 911
Summer should feel easier — but it can still bring worries and stress for parents and kids. Here are a few tips to help:
✅ Keep a Light Routine — Try to stick to regular meal and bedtimes to help kids feel secure.
✅ Unplug Together — Play a board game, take a walk, or read a book as a family — simple moments matter.
✅ Try a Calm-Down Strategy — Deep breathing, listening to music, or drawing can help kids (and parents) manage big feelings.
✅ Don’t Forget Parent Self-Care! — A few quiet minutes with your favorite coffee, a walk outside, or a short phone call with a friend can help you recharge, too.
It always sneaks up fast! A few ways to make the transition smoother:
✔️ Practice Routines Early: A couple of weeks before school starts, ease back into bedtime and wake-up times.
✔️ Talk It Out: Ask your child what they’re excited or nervous about — it helps them feel heard and supported.
✔️ Check the Basics: Make sure immunizations and forms are up to date. Look out for back-to-school mail, emails, or the school website for important info.
✔️ Connect: Watch for open house or meet-the-teacher dates — a friendly hello before the first day can ease jitters!
📬 Stay in Touch
If you have questions, need support, or just want to check in, I’m here all summer!
📞 Phone: 252-676-3690
📧 Email: Esingleton@kippnc.org
🌐 School Website: https://kippnc.org/our-schools/kipp-pride/kipp-pride-high/
💙 Take Care
You’re doing your best — and that’s enough. It’s okay to rest, take breaks, and ask for help when you need it. We’re in this together, and I look forward to seeing everyone back for another great year!
Wishing you sunshine, peace, and time to recharge.
Erica Singleton, School Social Worker