Panther News

Dear RCHS Families and Students,

Welcome to a new school year at Rappahannock County High School! I could not be more excited about the year ahead, and I want to begin by saying thank you. Our first three days together have been outstanding, one of the very best opening weeks I have experienced in my career, and that is a direct reflection of the students, teachers, staff, and families who make up our Rappahannock School Community.

Building Strong Foundations

We dedicated our opening days to what matters most: building strong foundations among our teachers, staff, and students, and setting clear expectations for how we treat one another as members of the Rappahannock School Community. We spent intentional time talking about being mindful in how we speak to and treat each other. Every student and every adult deserves to feel seen, valued, and respected here, and our students have embraced that from day one.

One RAPP, Four Houses

This week we also officially rolled out our RCHS House System! Every student, 8th through 12th grade, now belongs to one of our four houses, and we made sure each student experienced what it means to be connected, not only to RCHS as a whole, but to their own house family within it.

The highlight of the week was our very first RCHS House PEP Rally, and our students had a blast. It was truly heartwarming to watch students across all five grade levels come together, cheer one another on, and celebrate both individual and team wins. Congratulations to Mill House (Bears), who won our first RCHS House PEP Rally convincingly! To our Eagles, Otters, and Foxes: the year is young, and I have no doubt the friendly competition is just getting started.

Breakfast and Lunch Program: Important Changes

Please take a moment to review the changes to our breakfast and lunch program this year. (Information has been included below). With these changes, families should add funds to their student's breakfast and lunch account as soon as possible so students are ready to go each day. If you have questions about your student's account, or if your family would like information about free and reduced price meal applications, please contact Ms. Julie Banks at jbanks@rappahannockschools.us or Dr. Shanna McComb at smccomb@rappahannockschools.us. We are here to help.

New: Weekly Updates from Our Teachers

I am pleased to share a new weekly communication from our RCHS teachers. Each week, teachers will share what your students will be learning in the week ahead, along with any specific assessments scheduled for that week. Our goal is to keep you informed and to make it easier for families to support learning at home. You will find these updates below.

Looking Ahead

I am so proud of every student and every adult in our building. The energy, kindness, and connectedness I have witnessed this week tell me that this is going to be a remarkable year. Thank you for entrusting us with your students. We do not take that responsibility lightly.

It is a great day to be a part of the Rappahannock School Community!

Yours truly,

Dr. B

Monday, August 17, 2026

• RCHS House Lead Mtg - 3:30-4:30 PM

Tuesday, August 18, 2026

• MB Rehearsal - 3:30-6:30 PM

• Boys Varsity Golf vs. Clarke County HS @ 18363 Golf Ln, Jeffersonton, VA 22724

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

• Peer Mentor Interest Mtg - 2:50-3:20 PM (11th & 12th Graders)

• RCHS House Staff Mtg - 3:30-4:30 PM (this is an ALL staff meeting)

Thursday, August 20, 2026

• MB rehearsal - 3:30-6:30 PM

• FFA Chapter Mtg

• Boys Varsity Golf @ Strasburg HS

• Girls JV Volleyball vs. Highland School @ HOME - 4:00-6:00 PM

• Girls Varsity Volleyball vs. Highland School @ HOME - 6:00-8:00 PM

Friday, August 21, 2026

• Boys Varsity Football @ Greenbrier Christian Academy - 7:00-9:00 PM

Tuesday, August 25, 2026

• MB Rehearsal 3:30-6:00 PM

• Boys Varsity Golf vs. Madison High School

• Girls JV Volleyball @ Rappahannock HS, Warsaw, VA

• Girls Varsity Volleyball @ Rappahannock HS, Warsaw, VA

Thursday, August 27, 2026

• MB Rehearsal 3:30-6:00 PM

• Boys Varsity Golf vs. Clarke County HS

Friday, August 28, 2026

• IT Mtg (MTSS) - 8:30-10:00 AM

• Boys Varsity Football @ Blessed Sacrament-Huguenot - 7:00-9:00 PM

Saturday, August 29, 2026

• Boys Varsity Cross Country

• Girls Varsity Cross Country

• Girls JV Volleyball vs. Lancaster HS @ HOME - 12:00-1:15 PM

• Girls Varsity Volleyball vs. Lancaster HS @ HOME - 1:30-2:45 PM

• Girls JV Volleyball vs. Lancaster HS - 3:00-4:15 PM

• Girls Varsity Volleyball vs. Lancaster HS - 4:30-5:45 PM

Tuesday, September 1, 2026

• MB Rehearsal - 3:30-6:00 PM

• Girls JV Volleyball vs. Rappahannock High School @ HOME - 5:00-6:15 PM

• Girls Varsity Volleyball vs. Rappahannock High School @ HOME - 6:30-8:30 PM

Wednesday, September 2, 2026

• Peer Mentor Training Day - 8:30-2:45 PM

• Girls Middle School Volleyball vs. William Monroe HS @ HOME - 4:30-5:30 PM
  
• Gifted Advisory Committee Mtg - 6:00-7:00 PM @ RCES
  

Thursday, September 3, 2026

• MB Rehearsal - 3:30-6:00 PM

• Boys Varsity Golf @ Central High School - 4:00-7:00 PM

Friday, September 4, 2026

NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS & STAFF - HOLIDAY

• Boys Varsity Football @ Life Christian Academy - 7:00-10:00 PM

Monday, September 7, 2026

NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS & STAFF - HOLIDAY

Tuesday, September 8, 2026

• SST Mtg - 8:30-10:00 AM

• VTSS DLT Mtg - 1:00-2:30 PM

• MB Rehearsal - 3:30-6:00 PM

• Girls Middle School Volleyball vs. Strasburg HS @ HOME - 4:30-5:45 PM

• Girls JV Volleyball vs. Strasburg HS @ HOME - 6:00-7:15 PM

• Girls Varsity Volleyball vs. Strasburg HS @ HOME - 7:15-9:15 PM

Wednesday, September 9, 2026

• Boys Varsity Cross Country @ Strasburg HS - 5:30-7:30 PM

• Girls Varsity Cross Country @ Strasburg HS - 5:30-7:30 PM

Thursday, September 10, 2026

• Boys Varsity Golf @ Strasburg HS - 4:00-7:00 PM

• Girls Middle School Volleyball @ Stonewall Jackson HS - 4:30-6:00 PM

• Boys & Girls Varsity Cross Country @ Page County HS - 5:30-7:30 PM

• Girls JV Volleyball @ Stonewall Jackson HS - 6:00-7:15 PM

• Girls Varsity Volleyball @ Stonewall Jackson HS - 7:15-9:15 PM

Friday, September 11, 2026

• Field Trip Deadline for 1st Semester

• NHS Meeting - 2:50-3:20 PM

• HOME FOOTBALL GAME - Boys Varsity Football vs. Chincoteague HS - 7:00-10:00 PM

Saturday, September 12, 2026

• Senior Sunrise - 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Wednesday, September 16, 2026

• RCHS House Staff Team Mtg - 3:30-4:30 PM

Wednesday, September 23, 2026

RCHS HOUSE DAY

Saturday, October 3, 2026

Monster Mash Fun Run Sponsored by Headwaters

Tuesday, October 6, 2026

8th Grade VERDUN Trip - 9:00-2:15 PM (8th Graders & Peer Mentors)

Thursday, October 8, 2026

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS

• RCHS House Leads ONLY - 9:00-10:30 AM

Friday, October 9, 2026

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS

• IXL In-Person Training @ RCES - 8:00-11:00 AM

• RCHS House Leadership Team (HLT) formerly BLT - 10:00-11:30 AM

• Crisis Mgt Training @ Both Schools - 1:00-3:00 PM

Monday, October 12, 2026

TEACHER WORK DAY - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS

• RCHS Faculty PD - 9:00-10:30 AM

Friday, October 16, 2026

• Homecoming PEP Rally - 1:30-3:00 PM - Modified Schedule

• Boys Varsity Football vs. Kenston Forest School @ HOME - 7:00-10:00 PM

Saturday, October 17, 2026

HOMECOMING DANCE - details to be announced soon

Friday, October 30, 2026

RCHS HOUSE DAY

Wednesday, November 11, 2026

VETERANS DAY ASSEMBLY @ 11:00 AM

Thursday, November 19, 2026

RCHS HOUSE DAY w/ PEP RALLY

Monday, November 23-November 27, 2026

THANKSGIVING HOLIDAYS - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS & STAFF

Tuesday, December 8, 2026

Winter Band Concert - RCHS - 6:30 PM

Friday, December 18, 2026

RCHS STUDENT VARIETY SHOW

Early Release @ 12:00 NOON

Monday, December 21, 2026 - Monday, January 4, 2026

WINTER BREAK HOLIDAYS

Tuesday, January 5, 2026

STUDENT 1st DAY OF 2nd SEMESTER

Key: 📝 = assessment this week | ✉️ = teacher contact

English & Language Arts

Ms. Pereira — English 8 & 9 We will be working on the foundations of Language & Literature. We will explore understanding root words, context clues and grammar to help us continue growing in our class guiding principles of "Read, Think, Discuss, Write and Reflect."

📝 We will take a content Pre-test on August 19th.

✉️ mpereira@rappahannockschools.us

Ms. Nutt — English 10, English 11 & Theatre Theatre: We will read plays in order to analyze conflict and structure. English 11: We will begin to read and analyze native and Puritan origin stories. English 10: We will begin to read short stories in order to review elements of plot and characterization.

📝 English 11: A quiz will be given at end of the week on parts of speech and types of sentences. English 10: A quiz will be given at end of the week on sentence fragments and run-ons.

✉️ snutt@rappahannockschools.us

Ms. Montgomery — English 9 We did a couple of ice breakers and had some in-depth conversations. We also began our free writing. We also learned this semester's expectations for English class.

📝 This coming week we'll be doing some diagnostic writing which will allow me to evaluate what areas of English will need specific attention this semester.

✉️ amontgomery@rappahannockschools.us

Ms. Lamb — English 11 & 12 We had a great start to this year in both classes, writing six word memoirs. We will begin with an American Literature timeline (11th) and a British Literature timeline (12th) this week. Each class begins with a "sentence fix," a quick grammar and punctuation bellringer. We review the corrections and students may use their bellringers on the next grammar and punctuation quiz.

📝 Next Thursday 8/20, classes will have an open note quiz on the daily sentences for punctuation.✉️ slamb@rappahannockschools.us

Mathematics

Mrs. Brown — Foundations 8, Math 8 & Algebra 1, Part 1. Foundations 8 – we will review and strengthen our skills with fractions, decimals, and percentages. Math 8 – we will explore the real number system and learn how different types of numbers are related. Algebra 1, Part 1 – we will begin our study of equations and inequalities, including how to solve and represent them.

📝 Summative on Friday for all three blocks.

✉️ dbrown@rappahannockschools.us

Mr. Alther — Algebra 1 & AFDA
Algebra 1: We will be working on Algebraic Expressions along with solving Equations and Inequalities.
AFDA: We will be working on the Data Cycle.
📝 Both classes will have their first quiz on Thursday 8/20.
✉️ kalther@rappahannockschools.us

Science

Ms. Hill — Chemistry Safety is key each day in our Chemistry class. We will review key safety concepts for our room. We will have our pre-test on the 20th, and then we will begin our foundation of the smallest building block, the Atom!

📝 Pre-test

✉️ chill@rappahannockschools.us

Ms. Phillips — Biology & Environmental Science Biology – We will be starting Chapter 1, which will take approximately five school days to complete. This chapter introduces students to the characteristics of life, homeostasis, and the basic principles of the scientific method. Environmental Science – We will be starting Chapter 1, which will take approximately five school days to complete. This chapter introduces students to environmental science, human impacts on the environment, natural resources, and the major types of environmental problems.

📝 No summative assessments for this week.

✉️ aphillips@rappahannockschools.us

Social Studies

Mr. Day — U.S. Government & World Cultures 8 U.S. Government will learn the foundations of our Constitution in Unit 1 of WTP. World Cultures will learn the themes of Geography and how to read maps.

📝 U.S. Gov: WTP 1-2 Quiz, WTP 3-4 Quiz; World Cultures 8: Map Challenge on continents and oceans.

✉️ jday@rappahannockschools.us

Mr. Long — World History I & US/VA History WHI – This week in WHI we will explore the development and contributions of the Fertile Crescent civilizations with the first summative assessment of the semester scheduled for Friday. USH – This week in US & VA History we will explore the development of the British colonies in North America with the first summative assessment of the semester scheduled for Friday.

📝 WHI – Common Assessment One (multiple-choice assessment); USH – Common Assessment One (multiple-choice assessment)

✉️ klong@rappahannockschools.us

Career & Technical Education

Ms. Atkins — Principles of Health Science This week we will work: 1. To locate, evaluate, and interpret health science career options and employment information. 2. To identify academic requirements for professional advancement. 3. To examine the role of professional organizations in credentialing and certification. 4. To recognize the impact of career decisions, including the causes and effects of changing employment situations. 5. To compare careers within different types of services.

📝 2 checks for understanding material (quizzes) and a group project – exploring health careers.

✉️ catkins@rappahannockschools.us

Ms. Whited — Economics & Personal Finance Unit 1 day 1 – Unit 1 day 4.

📝 Unit 1 test Friday the 21st.

✉️ awhited@rappahannockschools.us

Mr. King — Small Engine Repair Basic Hand Tools Introductory.

📝 Quizzes for each section.

✉️ cking@rappahannockschools.us

Ms. Burgiss — Career Explorations & Nutrition and Wellness CE: We will begin covering SMART Goals after a review activity of last week's learning. Reading Comprehension notebooks will be handed out for students to complete. If they do not complete that day's reading in class, it is homework. NW: We will begin covering factors in food choices after a review activity of last week's learning. Reading Comprehension notebooks will be handed out for students to complete. If they do not complete that day's reading in class, it is homework.

📝 Student Choice Challenge and Quiz #1 (for both classes)

✉️ aburgiss@rappahannockschools.us

Ms. Fincham — Veterinary Science I & Small Animal Care Veterinary Science I — Unit 1: Examining the Small Animal Industry (approx. 2 days); Unit 2: Safety and Handling in the Small Animal Industry (approx. 6 days). Small Animal Care — Unit 1: Examining the Small Animal Industry (approx. 2 days); Unit 2: Safety and Handling in the Small Animal Industry (approx. 6 days).

📝 Syllabus and Safety Pledge Quiz; Unit 1 Project: Career Spotlight Infographic

✉️ mfincham@rappahannockschools.us

Mr. Hogan — Welding I & II Safety – Safety – Safety – General shop safety and tool specific safety – with written formative and summative assessments.

📝 Safety and tool specific summative assessments.

✉️ rhogan@rappahannockschools.us

Ms. Segrest — Introduction to Culinary Arts Students will focus on kitchen and workplace safety by identifying physical, chemical, and biological hazards. They will examine how biological hazards can be spread through improper handwashing and demonstrate their understanding through a proper handwashing procedures quiz. Students will also learn about fire, electrical, and knife safety and begin developing workplace safety skills by identifying hazards and unsafe practices through interactive kitchen crime scene investigations.

📝 Students will have a quiz on demonstrating proper hand washing procedures.

✉️ msegrest@rappahannockschools.us

Fine Arts

Ms. Pierce — Art Appreciation 100 Review of syllabus, class expectations, text and supplies. Introduction of three types of art: representational, abstract, non-objective. Begin drawings of three types of art.

📝 Weekly participation; three drawings due next week.

✉️ spierce@rappahannockschools.us

Ms. St. John — Art 1–4, AP 2D Art and Design & Visual Communications Design We are going to work on learning and expanding on the fundamentals of drawing for Art 1–4, AP will continue to brainstorm artwork ideas for their portfolio, and Visual Communications Design will start creating the foundation of the yearbook theme and set-up as well as practice photography.

📝 No assessments for this week.

✉️ lstjohn@rappahannockschools.us

Mr. Fleming — Band We will start sightreading music for our December 8th concert. Look out for next week, I will be sending out a QR code for our communication app.

📝 No planned assessments yet!

✉️ banddirector@rappahannockschools.us

Health & Physical Education

Coach Norman — PE We had a great start to the year in PE! Students were able to get moving through various warm up games while we reviewed school and PE expectations for the year.

📝 Fitness testing will begin soon.

✉️ wnorman@rappahannockschools.us

Student Support Services

Mrs. Bullard — English Language Program (ELP) Preparing for the future starts now. This week, students will review their recent ACCESS data and VDOE/Virginia graduation metrics with Mrs. Bullard. They will use this information to set personalized goals and collaborate on a step-by-step plan to achieve them. Students will continue to work on English Language Acquisition skills and will choose a topic to make a persuasive argument orally and in writing.

📝 There are no scheduled assessments.

✉️ mbullard@rappahannockschools.us

Ms. Feldmeyer — Transitions Math: We will start with the various facets of money values, wages per hour, and review using a calculator. English: We will work on baseline reading skills assessments. Science: We are going to start assessing what we will need to do to get the greenhouse up and going! Social Studies: We completed a Good Day Plan on Friday, and we will start putting together a Goal Plan (I'm Determined) next week. Employ 1: We are starting out with Kitchen Safety next week, just to get off on the right foot!

📝 Baseline reading assessments to be completed individually/in small group in class.

✉️ rfeldmeyer@rappahannockschools.us

Ms. Szupinka — Resource This week in Resource Class, our focus shifts toward establishing baseline data and building individualized systems that help students take ownership of their learning. Students will complete targeted assessments aligned to their IEP goals to determine starting points for SDI and progress monitoring. This data ensures instruction is responsive, intentional, and rooted in accurate information about each learner's current performance.

📝 Weekly Formative Assessments

✉️ lszupinka@rappahannockschools.us

Important Dates

• Senior Sunrise is Saturday, September 12 from 6 AM until 12 PM. This is also when we'll be changing the 211 fence to say "Class of 2027" and when you'll paint your parking spots. REMINDERS: You are responsible for submitting the form found in the front office with a potential spot design and providing supplies to paint your spot prior to this date.
• Headwaters Fun Run Bake Sale is Saturday, October 3 from 8 AM until Sold Out or 12 PM.
• Fall Art Tour Bake Sale is Saturday, November 7 from 10 AM until Sold Out or 5 PM.
• Parents' Night Out is Friday, December 4 from 5-9 PM. More information will come out closer to the date about this fundraiser.

Please remember use the RCPS Communication Plan's chain of command provided in this week's School Board meeting; with initial questions, contact Arianna Whited (awhited@rappahannockschools.us) and me (aburgiss@rappahannockschools.us). Senior class meetings will be held during FLEX on the last Friday of the month. I look forward to a great year!

It is really important for all parents & families to place funds onto their children's meal accounts. Here are the updated prices for breakfast & lunches at the high school:

Breakfast and Lunch Menus

RCHS BREAKFAST PRICES

Student Breakfast- $2.30

Reduced Price Breakfast- $0.30

Adult Breakfast- $2.85

RCHS LUNCH PRICES

Student Lunch- $3.40

Reduced Price Lunch- $0.40

Adult Lunch- $5.00

If your family is in need of assistance please fill out the Free & Reduced Application. In addition, you can reach out to Ms. Julie Banks or Dr. McComb directly. They will provide additional information regarding supports for your students and family.

We are fortunate at RCHS (& RCPS) to have our very own dedicated Profile of a Graduate (POG) team. Mrs. Jenny Kapsa, the POG Coordinator, leads the team. Our POG team includes Erin Dutton, VA Advisor; Dr. Shanna McComb, RCHS Director of School Counseling; Erin Platt, Laurel Ridge College Coach; and Michelle Barrett, Academic Advisory and Interim College Coach

To ensure everyone is aware of notable upcoming events and opportunities, I hope to share as much information as possible so we can all support our POG team as they work tirelessly to help our students.

The pre-arranged absence form is used when a student will be out three or more consecutive days. We ask that form be filled out and handed in to Mrs. Cash with a week or more notice.